A Test of Character
8 comments so far
November 23, 2009 by
This past weekend was a test of mettle, to see which team would have what it took to clinch the Big 12 North. There was a lot at stake for each team and we saw hard-hitting battle where ultimately Nebraska prevailed. On Friday, the stakes won't be nearly so high for either team. Yes, the Colorado seniors will want to go out winners in their final game, but there's no other reward available to them. Sure, Nebraska can fall out of the coaches' poll with a loss, but they can still become conference champions and play in a BCS bowl with a win against Texas in the Big 12 title game. Instead, this week we'll witness a test of character for both squads.
On Thursday night, Chris Fowler made it known that he believed the money would be available to replace Dan Hawkins as head coach at Colorado. If that's true, then even a win over hated Nebraska likely wouldn't keep him as head coach in Boulder. The players could try to show some heart for their coach (and their senior class), but how often does that kind of emotion fade before halftime. If the Buffaloes want a win, it will take a mental toughness that they haven't shown for most of the season.
Nebraska will have to pick themselves up after a short week to face a more rested squad, knowing that they are eight days from the game they really care about. It's easy to think they could fall into the trap of giving a half-hearted effort. After the letdown against Iowa State, you think this team wouldn't let that happen. Bo Pelini was talking about Colorado within moments of beginning his post-victory press conference against Kansas State. He wants that ninth regular season win.
You can talk about progress for Nebraska this year. They won in Columbia, beat Oklahoma, won at Kansas, and won the Big 12 North all for the first time in years. But a loss at Colorado would leave NU 8-4, which is exactly the record they had last year. If this team wants to prove they are better than they were a year ago, Friday is the day to do it. Yes, a win at Texas would erase any doubt, but when we're comparing regular seasons, then this Friday is the last chance to improve on 2008. It would also be the first win for the Huskers in Boulder since the "Restore the Order" game of 2005.
It may not be a win that the fans cherish for years to come. But it is meaningful. Because character is who you are when no one is looking (or when the score doesn't matter). We'll see that character this week. For both teams.
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WyHuskerFan Nov 23 09
Great article. No doubt the game will be hardfought as it usually is in Boulder. I hope it doesn't decay to the level of that RTO 30-3 game that saw security forces brought in to clear out the student section. CU is a quality program that has fallen on hard times and Nebraska fans know all too well what that's like. We need CU to be a quality program again for the sake of the conference and division. GBR!
Glenn Baker Nov 23 09
I hope NU goes out and kills the Buffs. I for one can not stand anything about CU to include their rude and obnoxious fans. I say kick while they are down and maybe knock a few of their QB's out of the game. Bo will have them ready to win in Boulder. No Mercy! I want to see Hawkins start to almost tear up from the a## kicking he is receiving. Just my thoughts
kw Nov 23 09
I've been saying for a couple weeks now, that I'm concerned about the CU game. The game means nothing except for pride. We still seem to be a little hungover after the Oklahoma game. I know it's late in the season, and guys are getting tired. I just hope we don't get caught looking forward to Dec. 5th. I don't want to lose to CU. We need to finish strong and carry that momentum into the Big 12 Championship.
ChicagoHuskerFan Nov 23 09
The Huskers need to do two things on Friday - 1. Continue to work on the passing game, 2. Stay healthy. I'll take a rested, sharp 8-4 squad against Texas over a 9-3 team that went all-out just to beat Colorado.
James Moore Nov 23 09
Glenn Baker,
Amen brother. . .
Dwayne Nov 23 09
I'll take a sharp 9-3 team. The only teams well rested are those without post-season play.
WyHuskerFan Nov 23 09
Dittos Dwayne, NU absolutely must win the games it should and be competitive in the rest. Getting to the Championship on a winning note is paramount to keeping our momentum regardless of the outcome in Dallas.
As for CU, I don't believe we'll have to go all out to beat them. If NU can get up early and with our D, inevitibility will take the heart out of the Buffs. GBR!
Huskerdeck Nov 23 09
Food for thought, Texas is playing Texas A&M on Thursday one day sooner than us and they are expected to win, so why shouldn't we win with one more days rest. Texas also has a lot more riding on that game than we do.