CRIIIIIIIICK
5 comments so far
November 1, 2009 by
The most positive news coming out of Nebraska's win over Baylor (other than the actual win itself) has to be Jared Crick's performance. Here's his official line - 13 tackles (10 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Those are ridiculous numbers for any defensive player, especially a defensive tackle. It considering the merits of such performance, it is easy to see both the positives and slight drawbacks of Crick's playing beside a spectacular and noteworthy player in Ndamukong Suh.
The "Suh Effect" in Action
There is no taking those tackles or sacks away from Jared Crick. He made those plays. It was a spectacular performance. It is also fair to recognize that Crick was provided many one-on-one opportunities because he plays alongside a man named Suh. This is the effect a great player has on a team and a game. It creates opportunities and motivates the people around him.
On Saturday, as with every Husker game this week, the Nebraska defensive line set the tone for the action. That starts with Suh, his energy, and what the opponent does to try and stop him. But Suh, Crick and the rest of their line mates dictated play, as they have all season. Crick may have been a major recipient statistically this week, but this level of domination has come from the Husker front four all year.
Credit Where Credit is Due
Suh may be the catalyst for making the defensive perform the way it does. But, you still have to take your hat off to Crick. Throughout the game, he was an unblockable menace for whomever Baylor put in front of him. He used quickness and power, got off of blocks, and stuck with plays. He earned those gaudy stats.
Don't get me wrong, I'm stil at the front of the Suh bandwagon. But, Crick's success might be as compelling or more compelling for Husker fans. He's a small town Nebraska kid, representing the "308" from Cozad. He wasn't as highly regarded as some when recruited. He played tight end in highschool. His growth and development is a testament to the NU strength program and the coaching these kids get from Pelini and the staff.
Here are two undeniable facts that sum things up and provide reason for optimism. Jared Crick is the Nebraska school record holder for sacks in one game. He is a sophomore.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Defense
Post a comment
DJ Nov 01 09
Good for Crick! Go mini-Sasquatch go! Can Crick get the job done without Mr. Suh next week?
James Moore Nov 01 09
That kind of production one-on-one inside is incredible. Only a sophomore. Mr. Crick has gotten better week-by-week. You MUST tip your hat to Coach Pelini and Coach Pelini. What they've done with defensive linemen has been a pleasure to watch. They've just made these guys blossom. These young men have just grown into excellent individual talents and a formidable presence as a group. Let's not be too quick to forget the job they did building up Potter, Steinkuhler, Suh and Allen last year after the psychological beating they took in 2007. They made tremendous progress as the year went on. You've got to like what's coming back next year. Yes we will miss House of Spears but Meredith, Crick, Steinkuhler, Allen might not be as good inside but could be better outside. Martin, Compton & Fisher should be solid group. Dennard and Amukamara will be good anchor corners. Replace Asante and you've got a unit possibly as good as this unit. . .
It seems that Ricky Stanzi caught the N1T1 this weekend (Nebraska Turnover flu) for three quarters but recovered. Hopefully this bug will make it to other opponents left on our schedule. . .
OU7times Nov 01 09
N1T1
That's funny!
Chief's Son Nov 01 09
I really laughed when, after one of his many unassisted tackles, Crick was getting up off his Baylor tacklee, and looked up at Suh and Suh was just lifting his arms from his side as if he was saying, "Dude...what the heck? I'm the one being put up for Heisman...where's the love?" It was a classic moment.
AustinHusker Nov 01 09
It also looked like 10 of his closest friends and family where in the crowd in Waco. They were all dressed in black with Crick on the back. Great way to play with friends and family looking on. I think we should pay for their tickets to Lincoln next weekend.