Nebraska Takes Another Step Forward
8 comments so far
October 9, 2009 by
When a football program bottoms out, as Nebraska's did in 2007 (or if you prefer, from 2002-2007) there are certain milestones for improvement that have to happen on the field. We nearly saw one at Virginia Tech three weeks ago, we did see one last night. Beating a ranked team on the road for the first time in forever was one. Ending an eight year drought in Columbia was the other.
The Huskers beat the two-time defending Big 12 North champion in their building and served notice that they are now the team to beat in the division. NU now holds "scoreboard" on every North opponent for the first time since they won the division in 2006. Like that team, this one is lead by a defensive front four that gives opposing teams fits.
Another milestone is just eight days away, as the Huskers will be likely be favored to beat Texas Tech for the first time in eight years (see a pattern?). A win over the Red Raiders all but locks in the showdown in Lawrence as the decisive game for division supremacy. You can ink in Nebraska wins over Iowa State and Kansas State at home and Baylor in Waco. OU may be a pick 'em game, but it becomes somewhat irrelevant to the division standings if the Huskers take out Tech.
A win in Lawrence could also make the Colorado game to end the season sort of irrelevant. That may be important, as the Buffs always seem to play their best game of the season against Nebraska, and it could be their bowl game out in Boulder. There's still a lot of big games to be played, and the Texas Tech game is certainly one of them, but last night undoubtedly put the Huskers in position to have a very good season.
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James Moore Oct 09 09
So many people last night said so many fitting things. Mr. Bill in Iowa mentioned the comparison to Beamerball, another with a Suh for Heisman. What was so impressive was that this defense really believed in the guy next to them and knew that they had what it took to win if for us. If the game had ended at the 3rd quarter boy would we have had some critical things to say so let's get the bad out first. Coach Watson, sometimes you're too smart for your own good and I never want to see a Special Teams performance like that again, ever. I would really like to see a little less shotgun and a little more balance formation wise. I think that this team can run under center. We should be willing to show and use that more. . .
My defensive line can get to anyone who run this spread attack. If the interior lineman can't handle their one-on-one assignments then you can forget about trying to run anything out of it. Texas Tech & Kansas are going to have some problems with House of Spears, Mr. Crick, PA & Mr. Turner. The secondary played GREAT last night. Man did they play well. We've got a top flight unit for sure. Coach Pelini, give them The Blackshirts. They earned it last night. They won the game for us. Suh for Heisman. Best player in The United States, regardless of position, period. . .
This was our 'signature' win. We found ourselves. Anyone see the look on the faces of the players and fans in Columbia? Sure did smack of "My God, they're back! They did it again. We HAD this game and they got us!" Suddendly we are, undeniably, the best team in the North, and by a good bit too. . .
WyHuskerFan Oct 09 09
It was great watching MU fans leaving after NU went up 20-12. Old mo had shifted and they knew in their hearts there was no come back left for Gabbert and the Tigers. The mass exodus came with NU second 1st down of the last series. For the life of me I don't know why GP never called a time out unless he knew in his own heart this one was a lost cause. The winds of change are blowing in the Big XII, and not just the North.
GBR!
kw Oct 09 09
James...I couldn't agree with you more on pretty much everything you said. We need to go under center more. We need to be more balanced, and Watson does outsmart himself sometimes. Give them the Blackshirts, and Suh for Heisman. Helu could be a Heisman candidate if Watson would give hime a chance. We need to get the ball in our playmakers hands more. Lee made up for a miserable 3 quarters with his 4th quarter performance. But another appearance like that and we'll see the Cody Green era begin before we expected. We have to start coming out of the gates firing, especially against good teams like Tech, OU, and Kansas. Huge win! GBR!!!
kw Oct 09 09
I forgot...Tickets to the game $50. Rain Pancho $5. Stunned faces on Misery fans, mass exodus at Faurot Field, and Mizzou players crying on the sidelines...priceless.
James Moore Oct 09 09
kw,
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!
Alex Oct 09 09
There is so much to enjoy about this win I don't think it's even sunk in yet.
It couldn't have come at a better time. Missouri fans and "journalists" have been barking non-stop for two years about the "shift in power" that only "drunkards intoxicated by the red brew that flows from Nebraska" can deny. After yesterday-- argument null and void.
It definitely wasn't pretty, and much remains to be worked on before Texas Tech. But the fact remains that the sleeping giant awoke yesterday-- and the belligerent, boisterous masses at Faurot were left silenced and dumbfounded.
Payback's a b****, ain't it?
huskerdj Oct 09 09
I loved it and agree. However, it was one game, and I agree with coach BO, Respect and Excellance comes overtime so now we need to keep it going. The title above "Nebraska Takes Another Step Forward" is quit right so now let's keep on walking. looking at the stats, "Dominate" is still a ways ahead of this team.
Keep the faith baby and GBR.
Greg Morrow Oct 09 09
The impression I'm keeping of the team, at least until a week from Saturday, is of it's conditioning, speed, hitting and depth. They were in better shape, in the 4th. Part of being in better shape is maintaining alertness. The players reacted decisively. They beat Missouri to the punch, then delivered a harder punch. The Corn flailed about all game long, then the second the rain lets up for a sec, the flails start to connect.
Another impression, is the play of Dejon Gomes. Finally a corner who can nab it and he had a nice square up tackle, too. Really good that he was in for spring practice. He's right on time as a possible play making corner.
Missouri gave, I'd suppose, it's best effort.
They played the disrespected card and you could see the chippy hits. They were very intense, until the 4th quarter blowout.
Big Suh bouncing on Gabbert's wheel had to have made a difference, but I clearly noticed tight coverage on their receivers.
Gabbert will get better, but, so will Nebraska.