HUSKER UP: Kansas
Well, the Huskers are officially below .500 now. If there ever was a time to gird for battle, it's now. NU has to go on the road against an undefeated foe to try an salvage the season. For this edition of HUSKER UP, we call on inspiration from a walk on linebacker, pine for a return to normalcy, and sneak a peek at NU's new starter at quarterback.
Sound Bite: Tyler Wortman
With injuries affecting the NU linebacking corps, walk on player Tyler Wortman will get the start this week. The 6-3, 230 pound junior out of Grand Island Central Catholic (yeah…representing the 308!) had this to say when he realized he would start against KU.
"It's an absolute dream come true," Wortman said. "To have a chance to start for the Nebraska Cornhuskers . . . it's unbelievable."
Wow, it is refreshing to hear that kind of love for the game and team. Now, go out there and tackle, young man. Make the state proud.
Longing for “Normalcy�
In a series where the record history is 88-22-3 favoring NU, this week is a total role reversal.
NU is 4-5. KU is 8-0. The Jayhawks are a 19-point favorite over the Huskers. KU has conference title aspirations. NU is looking to play the spoiler. To quote Ghostbusters: “Dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria!�
I'd give just about anything to see some return to normalcy in this crazy 2007 season. That means NU over KU, and we turn the page.
Of course that is long gone. Because if NU wins this game, it will be big news nationally. Previous wins over KU meant little in the big scheme. Sigh…
AV Club Presents: Joe Ganz
Not since the days of the late Brook Berringer and the legend of Matt Turman has there been this much discussion concerning NU's backup quarterback getting the start. So, we present “Broadway� Joe Ganz, running the option against Nevada earlier this year.
Wasn't that a great? Blowing out a hapless opponent, Ganz coming in to run the option and people giving it polite applause…what in the world happened to this season?
Anyway, reports out of practice have said that Ganz has been really focused this week. I hope that he is leading his teammates by example. Maybe the Huskers can get above .500 with at win over Kansas this week.
Wow. Did I really just write that last sentence? Jeez…
Alright, cue the band!
11/2/2007
I will be laughing hard if Big Red pulls off the ‘upset’. I think it’s possible mainly because they don’t run a full spread O, although they do some read option I guess.
I think we’ll see some of our own Joey Ganz running some read option—woohoo!
Reality says Ganz will be fairly green and throw a few picks, miss open guys, not sustain drives, etc. KU has the clear QB and defensive advantage, and that spells a ‘w’ under normal conditions:
KU 31
NE 20
11/2/2007
You know what KU’s fans remind me of right now? How I was acting about the Huskers at the beginning of the season. If Nebraska plays 4 quarters this week like we played the first 3 quarters last week, I have no worries about this game. If we play like we have played the rest of the season, well then 4-6 here we come.
11/2/2007
KU-34…NU-6
11/2/2007
Sorry Darren, our beloved Huskers can only return to .500 with a win, unless this win is worth more statistically.
N 28
KU27