Andy Nov 07 09

I would say Matt O'Hanlon redeemed himself and then some for his blown coverage against Va Tech. Our defense is incredible.

RuggerHusker Nov 07 09

What a defensive squad we have this year. It was our defense against the Sooners and the won! If it wasn't for them, we would hav lost this game again.
Could you only imagine what this team would be like if we had an offense that could play as hard as Helu did tonight, or catch as well as O'hanlon?

Chris Nov 07 09

@Andy: Yeah, I'd take a win over OU rather than at VT.

Can someone, anyone, explain Landry Jones last throw? I just don't get it. It makes me feel just a little dirty...

Robert Nov 07 09

I really really am having a hard time understanding this offense, and the people making the decisions behind it. At this point in the season you should have a QB in place, even if you are just asking them to manage the game.....and not try and win it. With around 6 minutes left in the game we got the ball back, and instead of using Helu to try and run time off the clock you throw 3 incomplete passes and punt? Really who is running this circus?

The defense looked great as usual, and I think the secondary is really starting to come around. Maybe we should even think about running O'Hanlon out on offense as a TE. =D

Matt Nov 07 09

Let's give Landry Jones a break--he's a freshman that was thrown into playing before he should, and that last throw was probably Landry trying to be a Superhero on his own and forgetting he has playmakers to utilize.

I suppose, if anything, that was the difference this night--Landry forgot this was a team effort and played as such, and Green/Lee/Suh remembered it was a team effort and the coaches played to that team strength.

BTW, for OU being so good against the run, I was shocked to see Helu rip off those runs. Don't know if that's OU not being as good as billed, Helu being close to 100% again, or an amalgam thereof.

DAN Nov 08 09

WHAT'S TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS OFFENSE. CAN'T RUN THE BALL, DON'T HAVE TIME TO PASS THE BALL. DOESN'T TAKE A REAL FOOTBALL HEAD TO SAY, I THINK THE OFFENSIVE LINE IS LACKING. IS IT TALENT OR COACHING. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SUSPECT OF THE LATER CONSIDERING HIS TIME HERE WITH FRANK AND HIS TIME AT IOWA STATE. LOVE THE MAN AND HIS HISTORY WITH THE HUSKERS - HOWEVER THAT DOESN'T MAKE HIM GOOD AT HIS JOB.

Mark Nov 08 09

If I'm calculating correctly, isn't next week's Husker game next to meaningless in determining the north division championship? If the Huskers win the K-State and Colorado games, they win the division by virtue of head-to-head tiebreakers, no matter what happens against KU.

If they lose to KU and win the last two, they end up with 3 losses and would have the head-to-head tiebreaker over K-State, the only other team who could also have 3 losses in that scenario.

So the Huskers control their own destiny in those last two games. Win them, and they're in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Bill Kerr Nov 08 09

I hate to say it... but I am starting to agree with Dan.

Ultimately, most of NU's issues start up front on the offensive side. Isn't Barney accountable for those guys not having performed up to the standards of the program?

Anthony Nov 08 09

I would like to give a BIG "Great Job" to the defense tonight. Man did they perform. They are the ones that not only kept OU's offense out of the endzone but put our's in the postion to score. You can't ask for much more than that.

Yes there are issues with the offense, however, it doesn't matter how good the offense is, if Watson can't call better plays than he has lately nothing will be gained. It just seems lately his play calling has been lacking to say the least. There are times it seems Bo even gets upset at some of the plays he calls.

Greg Morrow Nov 08 09

Ultimately, that's why Osborne chose a defensive guy.
Stout D keeps you in it, as long as the offense doesn't just up and give away the store.
Stoop's bewilderment after the game sorta makes Nebraska look like Okie's Iowa State. 'Cept Okie didn't quite fall all over itself, giving the game away like the Corn did, a couple of weeks ago. Almost, just not as much.
Right at the moment, Green's not ready to pass the ball and in this offense you have to pass the ball. It's simply built in.
After the season, they've got time to reconfigure things to suit his immense physical skill set and scare teams like only dual threats can do.
But them putting in Lee when they did and keeping him in to finish up- tells you all you need to know. This week, anyway.

The team's wildly unpredictable. The effort's unquestioned, they're just subject to confusion at a couple of spots. With this roller coaster, all you can do is hold on.
I don't think you can project much offensively, based on this game. Oklahoma is a top defensive program.
Cody was too predictable for them, running an offense that's subject to getting overwhelmed. The dynamic of field position and it's opportunities wouldn't have played out the same, had he stayed in.
In this game, Watson couldn't trust his protection on passes, or especially, his receivers to catch. There's a confidence issue that may not get settled totally, this year. But in this game, Oklahoma had a lot to do with that.
The offense will be more fuctional against at home Kansas, the resurgent Snydercats (who seem to validate Phil Steele, not that he needs it) and wild eyed Buffy. They simply don't have Okie's shut down talent, in coverage.
At least the defense will still bring the wood, once Asante's CAT scan checks out.

Ack Nov 08 09

BCS quality defense, with a high school offense...ugh. What could be.....

Para 2: its lost not lossed (i had too :) )

Dwayne Nov 08 09

NU's defense is really good. If you look at the first half alone, OU's starting field position, NU's penalties, and to hold OU to only three points. Simply amazing. If Suh isn't the best player in the country, I don't know who is. He changes the way an offense has to assign itself and then even that doesn't stop him. Speaking of offense, I'm really beginning to dislike this WCO. I understand the youth movement, but come on. The referees in this game were sub-par at best, for both teams so I guess that's a push. It's great to win against a team filled with blue chippers. If NU doesn't win the North after this, I'm going to puke purple.

Sweet D Nov 08 09

Yeah, Morrow you was never big on #17. So you're very happy, elephant. Don't which QB is better. Zac Lee needs to be the guy. Hopefully, he'll be a little more decisive with the ball. I rather have both of them than none.
The only thing I expect the quarterback play for the rest of the year to be conservative. Against a defense front 4 (OU)you have to play very conservative hoping for a long play or two. I really did not know how banged up the offensive line was until last night. Husker offense will look decent in the next couple of weeks. We don't need to choke!!!
This game reminded me of the 2003 against Oklahoma State.
R O Y is back!!!

AustinHusker Nov 08 09

Great win, great defensive struggle, great OU-NU game. No they weren't ranked #1 and #2 but it was a great win. OU has lost 3 games to ranked opponents by less than 3pts.

Stop bitching about the offense we have done that for 7 weeks. Sit back and bask in the glory of one of the best defensive units to ever don the black shirts, and that is saying a lot.

This team has turned me into a defensive aficionado, truly amazing to watch.

I live for wins over OU and anyone who cant sit back and enjoy that...well I would just have to wonder.

Great game HUSKERs you played us proud.

Greg Morrow Nov 08 09

"Sweetie,"

I'm for whomever represents Nebraska. On the field, on the sidelines, up in the coaches booth in the press box and calling the shots, administratively. (I go with what we've got).

If you're a "ho'ing" for attention (I'm not really the guy).

WyHuskerFan Nov 08 09

You guys that rag on the coaches didn't have this problem with them last year when they were a top twenty offense. It's the players guys. It's been obvious all year that this offense is a downgrade from last year. Where the defense took a giant leap forward, the offense moved even further back. I do agree the play calling is a mystery. With Helu showing effective running why pass the ball when you're trying to run out the clock? But the greatest mystery is why the offense shows no apparent progression from week to week. With 9 games behind them they are still struggling mightily for any kind of identity. Give the coaches credit, this team doesn't quit. Let's hope with a signature win under their belt as ugly as it was, the offense will finally give the defense a break and finish strong. GBR!

OU7times Nov 08 09

Did not see that one at all. I was amazed! It was a good win for Nebraska and revealed or exposed Oklahoma in that they are very predictable and just plain vanilla.

Changes have to be made. The fact that OU did not go for the field goal earlier (4th quarter) was a true statement that Coach Stoops is stubborn and not thinking correctly. He would have needed that field goal to win outright especially when it was obvious that OU would have the ball last.

A hail mary with adequate time and downs was just plain BS. No excuse and I'd like someone to explain that one.

Good win for you guys. Good luck in the B-12 game.

PSW Nov 08 09

The Blackshirts are back. This defense is phenomenal. Dobson deserves huge kudos for his strength and conditioning program. This defense was on the field for 87 plays. Incredible. Our offense is clearly a problem and in particular it is our O-line that has regressed this year. This O-line is the most seasoned in the Big XII North. By inserting Lee in the game at the goal line with Green as a running QB it was evident that Wats & Pelini did not think we could run the ball........for 1 yard. Out of power set with Legate. Even with either Green or Helu as a run threat. Lee gave us the best chance to throw for a TD and he got it done. Cotton has some serious explaining to do in my opinion.
Stryker had a great piece on this the other day.
http://www.huskerpedia.com/stryker/ts2009_11_04.html

Gonna be a tough stretch with one of the best defenses in college football and the 84th ranked total offense. Let's hope we keep finding a way.

James Moore Nov 08 09

Well it seems that the model for this team will be something akin to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, great defense and just crab points whenever you can. Problem is that this team is just, well dumb at times along the offensive line. The penalties offensively are drive killers with the proficiency, or the lack thereof, that we show offensively. It just goes to show how much heart, and the competitive desire that The Blackshirts have. First the good:

1) Mr. Matt O'Hanlon, you've come quite a long ways. You really deserve last night and good for you. From a rather tough Big 12 debut last year (remember the missed tackle on Maclin jailbreak screen on Missouri's opening possession) to the blown coverage against Virginia Tech to last night is revealing of a young man with boatloads of heart. You could've put your head down and quit but you showed up everyday and worked your tail off. You deserve last night because it is the result of EVERYTHING you've given to your dream to play football for Nebraska. Congratulations and job well done. . .

2) Phil Dillard -- Coaches asked you to be responsible for quite a lot. You rose to the challenge each and every time. Being one-on-one like that with Murray and Brown (uh NOT easy) and being asked to clean up everything that got past the wall in front of you is revealing of quite a bit of heart on your end too. You fought your way out of the doghouse when many thought that you would permanently stay there. Congratulations on being your homestate team and your half-brother too. . .

3) Mr. Helu is back and if he can stay healthy then we have a run game, and frankly our offensive anchor. He makes plays and makes them with a subpar offensive line too. Against two fairly good defenses this year (Virginia Tech and Oklahoma) he's showed that he can make plays. His health will determine if we make the Big 12 Championship Game, pure and simple. . .

The bad. . .

Gosh this offensive line has a hard time remembering the plays and snap count, on a rather consistent basis. It's just a fatal considering the play we get on the perimeter and at QB. If they continue this then we still have the very real possibility of losing every game left on our schedule. Not that we SHOULD lose, but those kind of mental mistakes are just killing us. . .

Let's be honest Oklahoma left points on the field (missed FG & blocked FG) and they could've taken points onthe 4th & 1 on our 20. Oklahoma had plenty of opportunities to get points and didn't finish. It's hard to make a REALLY compelling case that if you play that same again, exactly as it transpired that Oklahoma doesn't eek out enough points to either win in OT or pick up 13 in regulation. The Blackshirts can shut down ANYONE, anyone including Texas. But Oklahoma DID leave points on the field. I will give our guys credit because we beat them up front. Coach Pelini called a defensive game from a position of STRENGTH (aka my front 4 WILL beat your guys up front) and our secondary was better than Oklahoma on the perimeter. . .

It's just a confusing picture moving forward. It all comes down to Helu staying healthy. If he does then we have a chance at scoring enough points to win games. We need Burkhead to return and Robinson to keep developing. We can't afford any more injuries. I just don't want to see this magnificent defense go to waste. There's a lot to play for and a lot left on the table. We don't need the offense to do a lot, just enough. . .

Great to play Oklahoma again and I hope that we can find a way to have them on our schedule. It's just awesome to see an Nebraska/Oklahoma game, those two historic helmets and uniforms do battle out there. What an atmosphere. For the moment I will enjoy out first win against Oklahoma since 2001 & more importantly our first win against one of the big boys from the Big 12 South in just year two of Coach Pelini's tenure here. Only thing missing was the cold turkey sandwiches, pie with excessive Cool Whip (half tub for two slices), and the oranges coming out on the field after the game. . .

NOW, on to Kansas. . .

Sweet D Nov 08 09

Dude to another dude: I don't swing like that either. Anyway, after re-reading your first statement...your viewpoint makes a little more sense.

Bill in Iowa Nov 08 09

Every position on defense was playing like a future pro. Asante, Denard, Dillard, O'Hanlon, and the d-line. When Asante left the game, PJ Smith filled in nicely and showed this defense might be just as good next year.

I thought the game plan for the offense looked like Osborne ball. Very conservative, 80-90% run, lots of option plays. Not a bad plan, I just wish Frazier or Frost could suit up. The penalties and mistakes were not Osborne ball, but par for the course with this year's offense. The game plan was simple, don't get beat by our own offense by giving the ball up, work the clock and let the defense win it for us. And it worked.

Jack of all trades, master of none, I think best reflects the identity of our offense. We look very pedestrian running option or passing, but then again we were playing a very very good defense. And playing very conservative.

Against K-State, I am hoping we open the passing game up a little. We really need the offensive line to step it up, both in pass pro and run blocking. If they can give Lee time and create a crease or two for Helu and play mistake free, I like our chances at K-State.

James Moore Nov 08 09

OU7,

If I had to take a shot at what Landry was thinking, pressure and frustration. No confidence in his line to keep protection, a pressing desire to make some play after a 4 INT's, seeing things that weren't there due to the pressure all game long, and HOPING that something good would come about after a tough, tough day. He's going to be plenty good. That environment was a tough one for him to have to perform in. He's earned his battle scars this year (albeit all losses) but he had the season opener, at Miami, Texas and a trip to Nebraska in year one alone. The problem you really have is a converted TE at G. That's a lot to ask for when you have to go up against House of Spears and Mr. Crick. . .

OU7times Nov 08 09

That was an amazing game and a good win for NU.

I really did not see that coming. OU had better get their offensive woes taken care of or my $5.00 (yes $5) check to the university will not be happening any more.

Guess I got what I paid for.

Congratulations

cvldfg Nov 08 09

I completely agree that A) Coach Watson didn't get dumber from last year, and B) The players on offense are young and are still learning.

BUT, what I can't agree with is the fact that after 9 weeks coach Watson should have a better understanding of what works and what doesn't work.

I don't mind trying to keep it simple on offense, but the play calling is terrible.

That's a coaching problem.

Wayne C Nov 08 09

Another painful game to watch!! Great Defense and Kicker, but, as someone mentioned in an earlier post - a High School offense!! I don't dislike our Head Coach, but he may be better suited as an assistant!! If this continues we will not attract the top young men to our program, and by looking at the amount of top 100 players we have enrolled in the last 6 or 7 years is poor at best!! Several schools in our conference as well as the SEC and USC get more in (1) year than we have had in that time. If things continue, it will be hard to tell anyone I'm a fan and whats really bad, I live 45 miles from the University of Florida!!
Have a great week everyone!!!

Robert Nov 09 09

Judging a second year head coaches recruiting class is just crazy. Most of the kids on the field this year and most of next year are still kids that were recruited under Bill Callahan.

Wayne C Nov 09 09

You are correct - judging a recruiting class that soon is crazy,so lets look at the recruiting since Tom Osbourne retired as well as the overall program since he retired!! Big - Big Difference!! All I am saying is - we have the history/tradition as well as better facilities - we have far more to offer the best young men than a lot of the other big named schools, but the top talent do not want to play for an average program - and since Tom Osbourne retired, we have been just that, anverage!!!
I really hope things get better - I am a big fan, although I am 1300 miles away!!