Senior Night Goes Right
15 comments so far
November 21, 2009 by
It was by no means a sure thing. When Kansas State opened with a field goal drive you were concerned. When Zac Lee missed a wide open Mike McNeil in the end zone, you were aggravated. When Lee threw an interception with NU in easy field goal distance and up just one score, you were downright rattled. Then the Huskers got tough and turned it around. NU senior safety Larry Asante picked off a pass and KSU's Josh Cherry missed a 51-yard field goal attempt to preserve Nebraska's 10-3 halftime lead. Then Nebraska really turned it on.
Roy Helu scored a 14-yard touchdown to finish seventy-yard drive for the Huskers. Niles Paul did most of the damage on that drive as he hauled in a 47-yard pass to set up Helu. KSU seemed on their way to a touchdown of their own when Asante forced a Keithen Valentine fumble in the red zone which Prince Amukamara recovered to keep NU on top 17-3. The Huskers were forced to punt but the Wildcats could not convert a short field goal attempt. From that point on, a Husker victory seemed all but a certainty.
You had to feel good for Asante. He came in with such high expectations and for much of his career was considered an underacheiver. But tonight he played like a four-star recruit. His performance brought to mind players like Mike Brown. Suh went out like he needed to. Helu was Helu. Burkhead showed his injury was not a career-ender.
Next week will be a tough game against a rested opponent. But there's enough to enjoy for tonight. Your 2009 Big 12 North Champions are the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
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tr Nov 21 09
I am at the point where I can't watch the games anymore. this offense is offensive to say the least. glad we win but...
I hope we find an OC bt next year.
Robert Nov 21 09
People seem to forget the past 5 years when they complain about the offensive problems. I'd gladly watch a 10-3, or 17-3 defensive beat down than a 70 point ass kicking at the hands of our big 12 brothers. Great win no matter how you slice it, and we need to finish strong with a victory over the buffs on friday!
GBR!
The Count Nov 21 09
Amen Robert. Me thinks somebody was dumb enough to lay money on 16. How can you not be happy if you are a Nebraska fan tonight?
Bill in Iowa Nov 22 09
Props to the o-line for playing penalty free football. I thought the offense played within the game plan. They limited mistakes, penalties, and turnovers. I think once we went up by two touchdowns at the beginning of the 2nd half, Wats decided to keep the ball on the ground and play it safe in the passing game. It's not an entertaining offensive show, but it gets the job done and plays to our strengths. Ultimately it's about getting a win and winning the North. Can't say enough about this coaching staff to get this team back on track by year two year into the Pelini era.
Robert Nov 22 09
Oh and at least we aren't Notre Dame fans right? They'd love to be in our shoes right now.
Dwayne Nov 22 09
I'm curious as to who will make first team all conference. Suh and Henery are locks. They single handedly turned that game into a win. I don't see how Helu wouldn't be on that list either. Making a 1000 yards this season and being injured to boot is quite an accomplishment.
Good point Bill. One of the better games as far as pre-snap mistakes that NU's line has had.
I still can't believe some of the junk people post and think on here. tr, go crawl in a hole, I'll come get you when we're winning again.
Clarence Nov 22 09
Texas fans shouldn't assume the Longhorns are going to cruise into the BCS championship. The way Mr. Suh and the Blackshirts are playing, I'll give the Huskers a chance to beat anyone right now, even with the problems on offense.
And Henery is just ridiculous. Two textbook kicks inside the 5 yard line? Phenomenal!
Dwayne Nov 22 09
One other thing, these are the same people that would be complaining about a 13-7 win over Texas.
James Moore Nov 22 09
I'll just say it, and perhaps a lot of people will disagree but I thought that Coach Watson called a pretty darn good game. He got these guys into situations where they could carry out their assignments. Simple and overlooked, but necessary in the game of football. Mr. Bill is right about the penalties too. It was refreshing to see a game without a hurricane of flags. . .
Chew clock, play the game by quarters. This defense is just too much for other teams to get 7 on. October 24 was the last time The Blackshirts gave up a touchdown. Hard to fathom that the last time we went to Lawrence we gave up 11 touchdowns. To date this year we've given up 10 for the season. . .
No I don't think we'll lose to Colorado but that's going to be a tough game. Short week, emotionally charged atmosphere, rude people, altitude and they've got nothing to lose. Gotta be ready to play. They would like nothing better than to beat us. Someone with nothing to lose can be a dangerous opponent. And of course they think that we're their rival. The short week and the altitude worry me a little. I just fear that this game could be more work than it should be. Can anyone find those "The Real Blackshirts" T-Shirts from 2007. . .
As for Texas to run a no-huddle, 10 spread your G-C-G HAVE to be able to handle their blocks one-on-one. If you can't then you can't run that attack. We can send 4 and drop 7 if we have to. If we don't turn the ball over then we have a chance, a really good one. If you start seeing a bunch of flags early in the 1st then you know that House of Spears and Mr. Crick are already beating their guys up front. . .
tom Nov 22 09
Shawn Watson has wanted to open the offensive playbook multiple times, and he has said so himself. He even said that his game plan against OU was the hardest he had ever called, but it's what Bo wanted him to do to get the win. Should we get rid of Bo because it's his idea to be conservative? No, he's playing conservative because not making mistakes is what has been winning the games. I think Bo knows we don't have the type of personnel to run the offense Watson drew up in the off season, and has forced adjustments throughout the year.
Cnief's Son Nov 22 09
I believe the fact that the Huskers played a very conservative game last night. Coupled with the fact that the Huskers made many mistakes again, bodes well for the future. They will learn from and correct those errors. Phillip Dillard seemed to be out of position the whole night. I think we need to realize too that the team is back in the position as leaders in the Big 12, and that teams are gunning for us again, and are going to play all out and throw in everything but the kitchen sink when they play them.
scott Nov 22 09
My advice to TR in the first post is don't watch anymore games. I don't think anyone cares if you do or not. You're probably one of the ones that wants Green in there instead of Lee. How did that work out? The fact of the matter is that this offense is lacking major talent at the receiver position with the exception of Paul. No one is getting separation and making plays except for Paul and kudos to him for stepping up finally.
This offense is missing some talent and the offensive line needs to get better. I'm fine with Watson as the coordinator because we've seen what this offense can do. I think that Green can be a factor next year but he's a true freshman and plays like one. It's not his time yet.
This is a fun defense to watch. They make it interesting but lately they've made plays and they've FORCED turnovers that have made a big difference.
Is it me or does 2007 feel like decades ago????
AustinHusker Nov 22 09
Why does everyone keep talking about Watson. It isnt like he forgot how to coach, what was in his play book, or how to call plays. Just a different year with different players. He is fine, we will be fine. 8-3, Big 12 Championship, not all bad and two of those were really close.
Jordy Nov 23 09
I moved to Omaha to run a website, and now I'm becoming more and more of Husker fan (second to my BC Eagles, of course).
Went down to Lincoln for the first time for the KSU game. Was really impressed by the atmosphere, not so much by the game -- a win's a win, but KSU didn't put up much of a fight (bad penalties, porous O-line, forcing the ball to #83, their 4 foot tall receiver).
I agree with @Dwayne, Suh and Henery were VERY impressive and will surely make 1st team. It's not often you notice d-lineman and kickers unless they really doing something.
As a side note, I really enjoyed the Sidetrack Tavern. It was corny but funny. I wrote up a piece about my whole gameday experience, and I think the video of the Sidetrack band playing "The Blow Job" song right after "A Boy Named Suh" will give anyone a laugh. As I'm an "outsider," I'd like to know what you guys think of my opinions, so here's the link:
http://omaha.net/articles/cornhuskers-did-battle-i-won-war
WyHuskerFan Nov 23 09
Those who call for Watson's head like cutesy and style points. Is it frustrating to go 3 and out most of the second half? Darn right it is, but that will be fixed when the offensive line gets better. Most of those 3rd down rushes were one block from being a first down. With better line play, this style of offense will be a first down producing machine that chews up defenses. GBR!