Arizona a Scary Opponent
13 comments so far
December 16, 2009 by
Husker fans don't want to see history repeat itself in the Holiday Bowl rematch with the Arizona Wildcats. In 1998, a tough defensive but weak offensive Nebraska team limped into a matchup against a tough Arizona team that played good defense. They lost a close game 23-20 in which neither team gained even 300 yards. A similar outcome doesn't seem all that unlikely.
When it comes to defense, the Wildcats have been good at limiting yards, not as good at limiting points. They yielded 32 points or more in four games and 24 or more in half their games. In the other half of their games it was 17 points or less. They've scored 33 points or more in half their games, so they can light up the scoreboard as well. Only one of the Wildcats four losses was by more than one score.
But they did lose four games, which is one of the most frightening things about them. That's because you won't get much credit for beating them and won't get much forgiveness to losing to them. True, the same could be said about Nebraska, but as NU fans that's not our problem.
Most concerning might be that Arizona is a point and a half favorite. That's fairly close to a pick 'em game, but it means the betting public likes the Wildcats just a bit more than they like Nebraska. And if you look at NU's history as an underdog - that's really scary.
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A.V.O. Dec 16 09
If the Husker's defense can handle Texas the way they did, I don't think Arizona is going to be much more of a challenge. My only concern is... What kind of offensive plan is Watson going to be bringing to the game? He has to bring more than what he did against Texas. At least one can hope anyway. The biggest disappointment I have for this year though is Suh having to leave, after the season he and the defense had, only to have the offense fall flat the way they did.
kw Dec 16 09
It's kind of a lose, lose for Nebraksa. Like you said, we beat them and it's not saying much. But if we lose, it looks really bad. We have a lot more to lose than gain from this game. However, a win puts us at 10 wins (one better than last year, plus outright Big 12 North Champs and nearly pulling it off...that marks improvement, which is what Husker Nation needs.
A.V.O. I'm with you. We've waited all season for the offense to show up. Even a mediocre showing could give us some positive momentum into 2010. Man I'm alread looking onto next year...I hate when college football season is over!
Big Ron Dec 16 09
If it is the same as every week, we do know what offense will show up. The "none" offense. 3 downs and punt or try a long field goal. Very embarrassing at best.
Suh and the boys will have to carry the load once again. The really scary thing is what do we do next year? Hopefully the offense will figure it out over spring and summer. I have my doubts.
Bill in Iowa Dec 16 09
I should hope 3 weeks of game preparation is enough to have this offense scoring 21 points. Is that too much to hope for? Really 21 points of mistake free offense and the game is in the bag. Just think, a very healthy Helu and Burkhead and an offensive line that is rested and healed up. That should be enough. I am feeling confident enough to lay down some cash!
Ilovesteak Dec 17 09
From 1998 on, it seems that Nebraska has had tradeoffs between the Offense and Defense...If the Offense is hot, the Defense is cold, vice versa....I just wish we could find some harmony between both....That, or the Offense finally realizing that it needs to step up to level the Defense is playing.....
pgawish Dec 17 09
If Arizona wins it not a real big win for them either in beating Nebraska. So what is the point this articale is trying to make? Its not like Nebraska is the great program it used to be. They have been average or worse since 1998 as well.
Filthy Cats Dec 17 09
Kw...lose lose for Nebraska? This isn't the first time I've seen such disrespect toward Arizona from Big Red. How is Nebraska not going to get credit for beating one of the best teams in the Pac-10, a top 20 team, from a conference that is arguably one of the best in the nation? We have four losses, but they are all by a TD or less and all to bowl teams except UW, which was a freak loss. We were 1 play away from the Rose Bowl. Since when is Nebraska so high and mighty that any game against Arizona is a lose lose? Nebraska is nothing close to what they used to be. I really hope the players are also thinking the same thing, because if they are, it's 1998 all over again. BEAR DOWN. (Arizona...Bigger Red...Wildcat for Life)
kw Dec 17 09
Filthy Cats...I never said AZ wasn't a good team. But they don't have the national respect or clout that a team like USC does. If...that's IF we beat you guys...we're not going to jump huge in the polls. And yes, that's largely because of how far we have fallen as a program. If we lose...no one is shocked. If we win...no one is shocked. That's what I meant by lose, lose and what I believe the writer meant by the article. Let's wait until after the bowls are played to see about how tough a conference the PAC 10 is. Just because this is the first year it hasn't been USC and the other 9 doesn't mean you're automatically one of the toughest conferences. The Bigger Red? Really? Because of your vast history and tradition rich program? Isn't blue your main color?
kw Dec 17 09
pgawish...Average or worse since '98? I realize I'm getting nit-picky here but we had top ten finishes in 99, 00, and 01; including ranking 3rd (AP) and 2nd (Coaches) in 99. That's hardly average. If you had said since 02, I would have agreed. But you can't discount 3 very good years. And an average season for us, is a very good season for AZ. A win for AZ means a lot more for their program. But a loss is bad for both teams.
Filthy Cats Dec 17 09
KW...fair enough. I can see how Nebraska would rather play USC. But you still have plenty to gain by beating a Top 20 Arizona team. It's not like you have nothing to gain by winning a bowl game! The "Bigger Red" was in reference to some really cool T-shirts that our alumni are selling..a play on words to the sea of red that everyone is expecting from Nebraska...but we wear red too, although you wouldnt think with all the blue we wear. Recently we added all-red unis to match the crowd. BEAR DOWN
Scott Dec 17 09
This game doesn't mean squat for next year. I'm just looking forward to another great bowl game to watch and I think this one won't disappoint.
"Bigger Red".....that's laughable.
NEra Dec 17 09
Ha ha, you're all crazy but I've watch this AZ team a few times and they are beatable but are also very explosive. This will be a friendly environment for them...hate to say it but...ZONA by 10+
Asten Dec 30 09
Well, as good a team as they were, they were absolutely dominated tonight. Congrats Huskers!