Be Yourself, But Don’t
7 comments so far
October 28, 2008 by
Fans of the medical drama “House� on Fox saw this season kickoff with a diagnostic puzzle that had Dr. House stumped. What’s cancer, but not cancer? This week the Huskers have a similar paradox. In order to beat Oklahoma they have to be themselves but at the same time not be themselves.
In recent weeks, the Huskers have found a formula that’s perfect for winning in the Big 12. Dominate time of possession with ball control passing. Pound the defensive secondary of opposing teams with blocking outside and downfield, and run the ball just well enough to make play action passes work. This is exactly what Nebraska needs to continue against Oklahoma.
Here’s what Nebraska has done that they can’t continue to do. They can’t continue to net only 29 yards per punt (unless they’re kicking from Oklahoma’s 30-yard line). The Huskers can’t keep netting out at one more turnover than the opposition. In fact, they really can’t afford to turn the ball over at all. NU needs to force turnovers, which they also haven’t done with any regularity this season. They need to keep from committing a half-dozen or so penalties. And they need to stop missing tackles and blowing coverages. Joe Ganz can't hold the football too long, and Quentin Castille needs to stop carrying the football like he's a waiter and its a serving tray. That’s a lot to fix in one week’s time.
Toward the end of the season premiere, Dr. House found what was cancer but not cancer and saved his patient’s life. Similarly, Nebraska needs to find a way to be themselves, but not be themselves. Otherwise, they’ll get housed.
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OU7times Oct 28 08
Can you imagine either team commiting first half turnovers?
IF this happens, it should be very detrimental to that team. OU, not being the second half eam CANNOT afford one TO in the first half, especially. Build a lead and sit on it is the way they do biz.
Should NU commit first half TO's, then it will be a long day for them and they MAY not be able to catch up.
Oklahoma has a rugged group that thrives on causing turnovers and actually rely on them each game. More turnovers means more rest time for the defense.
I'm really thankful that this game is in Norman.
bnahusker Oct 28 08
If the first half isn't interesting, the second half will require more Scotch and ice. I'm oddly optimistic, which scares me a lot! The focus needs to be on ball security and tackling. Wrap them up.
Forever & Always,
GBR!
Bob
lights out for the blackshirts Oct 28 08
You're going to get killed by the Sooners and won't even make it to a bowl game after CU knocks you out on 11/28, just like last year. So sorry, losers.
Dwayne Oct 28 08
Lights...
I usually refrain from responding to posts like yours however I must respond to yours. Losers? And who is CU? At this point in time, I'm unimpressed. Your difficulty has been fielding a qb1. Go tend to your rocky mountain high Colorado.
lights out for the blackshirts Oct 28 08
Let's be realistic - Baylor is just 12-88 in the Big 12, and the Huskers needed to come back at home to beat them. Not exactly an awe inspiring performance. The Sooners are going to hang half a hundred on you, at least.
Dwayne Oct 29 08
Ok Barry.
I'm optimistic about what NU's offense has shown to be able to do, not what they've shown they've been unable to do. Basing this week's prediction against last week's performance isn't always the best thing to do either because in that case, NU may not have as many titles that they have obtained. I've stated this whole week, I like our chances.
Scott Oct 29 08
Hey lights out,
I figured you'd be a little happier that since you didn't score a point against Mizzou that NU no longer is the last team to shut the Buffs out. Also, thank you again for proving to us Husker fans that you are "one-game fans", which in my opinion is far worse than fair weather fans.
I'm also thinking Baylor is also a little more talented than Montana Tech...or Montana State...whoever.