Tech Turning Point?
4 comments so far
October 16, 2009 by
Local fans and national media types are both looking at last Thursday's win over Missouri as a turning point for the Nebraska football program under Bo Pelini. It makes good sense, since the Tigers were ranked and NU was playing on the road. And, yes, beating MU did vanquish some recent demons for NU. But, when you step back and think about Saturday's game against Texas Tech, there just as many reasons (and demons!) to consider it just as big of turning point for the Huskers.
First, Focus
With the local media focused on NU's situation at backup running back, the national types very busy slurping up any information about Ndamukong Suh, and fans basking in the glow of beating Missouri, it could be entirely easy for Nebraska to lose focus. You think those players don't know they are ranked #15 in the country (#5 in some ballots!). Right...don't kid yourself. So, the turning point for the program on Saturday will be seeing how well they can live with their own success.
If Bo Pelini has anything to say on the matter (and, uh, he does), the NU will be focused on the task at hand. Says Coach:
"It's all about having that consistent approach and that's something that we always do. Our guys understand that. We're not talking about Missouri. Missouri is over. We put that to rest a long time ago and it's time to get into the next thing."
Okay, I'd say that clears up the matter of focus.
No Lack of Motivation
So, you think Missouri had Nebraska's number recently? Yeah, some of those losses to MU stung. But, I think the damage inflicted by Mike Leach's Tech program has been worse in recent years. The Raiders have really knifed Nebraska recently. Just in case you need a refresher course...
Of course, there is the 70-10 mess from 2004. No, in the glorious wisdom that comes from hidesight, that mess really was the beginning of the end. I am 100% sure you readers could tell me where you were when you watched that game or heard that score.
2005 brought the utter heartbreak of having the game literally in your hands (at least, LeKevin Smith's) only to have it fumbled away. And, worse, to see Tech score on fourth down with only seconds left to win 34-31.
A few years and a coaching change later, Bo Pelini brought a very plucky NU squad in to Lubbock and stared down the highly-ranked Red Raiders. Nebraska hung around and surged in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Then, they lose on their first possession of that overtime on a game-ending interception. The loss signaled a new and more competitive era for NU, but it was still a loss. It stung. It also basically cost NU the North Division.
So NU has plenty of demons to exercise, plenty or reasons to play angry. Beating them would be another turning point for Husker players and followers, psychologically.
What a Win Means
Ah, I mention the North Division. Anyone remember that? Didn't beating Missouri put NU in the drivers seat for the division title? No, not if the Huskers lose Saturday. All conference games count the same in the standings. To win the North, you still have to beat teams from the South.
Beating Texas Tech is particularly important. My amigo Steve went all Cliff Claven and dropped this important but obscure fact a while ago - no team who has ever won the North Division in a season where they lost to Texas Tech. Consider that. Consider Nebraska's stated goals - winning the division, winning the conference.
Now, doesn't Saturday feel like an even bigger opportunity for NU to turn the corner than even last Thursday did?
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WyHuskerFan Oct 16 09
The Smith fumble in 05 hurt to be sure, but what I remember most was Titus Adams being held on that last second TD play. I still have the photo which shows his jersey stretched as he drags the lineman while reaching for the QB and the ref looking right at the play. (I think that ref's son worked a couple of Penn State/NU games back in the day.) Surfing other blogs I get a the distinct impression some fans are very nervous about TT. Sure, they'll get their yards, and yes they'll score, but not enough to take this bunch at home. Look for our stable of RBs to have a big game. O line is going to be bulldozing and pancaking all day long. Blackshirts will get multiple picks and in the end those fans will be wondering what in the heck they were so worried about. I'll take a win in whatever form it comes in, however I would prefer a close win to keep this team grounded less thay start to believe their won press clipping. On the other hand, Bo is sure to keep a firm hand on the self indulgence as well. GBR!
James Moore Oct 16 09
Not nervous but a little, well, ancy. This is a game where things will flow a little different. It'll be interesting because win or lose Air Raider will get yards. The secondary will give up some plays. I'm just curious to see how we do. This isn't last year's Texas Tech team but the names change and the numbers don't. This will be another game that comes down to the D-line. My rule of thumb is last year's Oklahoma defensive line. If we believe that ours is comparable then we should be able to send four and get pressure. Do that, and we win. I really want to see this group go into the Oklahoma game 7-1. This bunch (Coaches & Players) have come so far and I want to see them get everything they deserve for all the hard work that's been done since December 2007. . .
Greg Morrow Oct 16 09
Quickly looking at their stats and game results, I thought I'd see their Conference Defensive rankings down to where their rush rankings are. But, they're pretty much in the middle, right around where Missouri is.
So, defensively, it's about like playing Missouri over again.
Offensively, of course, they're a whole 'nuther can of tamales.
One of the more statistically successful offenses of all time, even more unbalanced than Nebraska was, when grinding it out for 400+. (I know, they can run when they want to).
This is the type of deadly offense Osborne had to have considered, when he chose Pelini over a guy who's practically a son. He couldn't anymore allow the two to three times a year thrashings that've been served up since...2000?
This is why Bo's back along with Sanders and Carl.
So far, the two games I've seen, I'm impressed with how our guys are vertically in front of the ball carriers, in position and how well they tackle. Good wrapup, with help arriving quickly.
Nebraska now has depth and experience that backup their top tier defensive rankings.
That's what it comes down to, with T-Tech. T-Tech doesn't do that great against the better defenses. No shame in that, most teams struggle with top defenses. But, those are the teams they lose to, each year. Good, balanced teams that matchup "off the hoof."
Nebraska now features a balanced physical team with improved team speed, with new names emerging, to go with Suh and Helu. Tomorrow gives a big indicator of how good, against a team that can embarrass peeps.
37-24 for the team whom you usually associate with "Big Red."
duecers Oct 18 09
The defense may have let a few things slip through in this game, but lets face it the defense is not out there to score with the ball. Our offense is limited in it's play calling and preparation. The line isn't firing off the ball, and the quarterback doesn't have the protection needed. The tempo of the offense has actually slowed through the six games and isn't on par with those teams we face in the coming weeks. Obviously the offensive coaching needs a change. Preparation and play calling are just not where they need to be and that ALL falls on the offensive coaches. We need a new offensive coordinator, one with confindence in the team, the ability to prepare the players and make the tough calls to change up a game that isn't going your way!