Lingering Labor Day Thoughts

As I write this, I know that Nebraska played two days ago. Maybe it is the holiday weekend or the unique weekend football schedule (ISU played Thursday, CU on Sunday). But for some reason, I still feel the need to offer a few of my lingering thoughts on Week 1 for 2008. Some are related to NU, others the Big 12 and some to the national picture. To stay on top of the current NU discussion, consider Steve's take on expectations, Brandon's Gladiator theme and especially Steve's uncanny ability to turn the page and move to the next week. For my part, here's some random caffeine-fueled input for my fellow over-thinkers.

More Highs than Lows for NU
Like a lot of fans, I came out of the NU game against Western Michigan with a few mixed emotions. But, know this - there is a LOT to be optimistic about from Saturday. And remember this football truism; a team never improves more than they do in between their first game and their second game. As Bo said, you "never know what you have until the real bullets start flying". The players now have experience at game speed, with can't be replicated. And, the coaches have game film with which to coach to. The thing that NU needs to work on WILL be addressed, that's for sure.

Other NU Thoughts:
Joe Ganz ability with his feet is incredibly valuable in this offense. We didn't see everything he can do as a downfield runner yet. But the ability to side step pass rushers or make plays outside the pocket is a big factor, and will give defensive coordinators some pause before "sending the house" at Ganz.

One week in to the season, I'm ready to declare that NU has a great kicking game. They have a consistent punter (who doubles as an excellent holder), a boomer of a kick-off specialist, and (perhaps most importantly) a place kicker they feel confident in. Pelini didn't hesitate to send Alex Henery out there four times for 40+ yard attempts. The kid converted them and showed that he is a real weapon. He's a skinny assassin. Special teams are the "hidden third" of football, and often decide ball games.

We have not seen the best of the Husker defense, not by a long shot. The secondary was missing some of their best players. That alone makes a difference. I was pleased with the effort of the front four. Steinkuhler in particular made a lot of plays. At linebacker, I love the Cody Glenn story as much or more than anybody. But, in the 4-3 defense the weak side linebacker is supposed to make plays. They have to be the best athlete and playmaker on the field (Williams, Farley, etc). Also, Glenn was around the ball a lot because - in part - they were trying to pick on him. Hey, it was his first game. I'd say he passed the test with flying colors. But, I still know we are razor thin at linebacker.

Finally, give some respect to Western Michigan. They showed a lot of fight, especially in the second half. Hiller kept slinging, even when there was pressure. Ledbetter is one of the best tight ends that Nebraska will face all year. Yeah, I see you over there Chase Coffman. And, most importantly, the Bronco defense tackled well. NU rushing for just 138 yards has a lot to do with the Broncos being sure tacklers. That's the sign of a solid and well coached team that returns a lot of starters. It should serve them well as the season rolls along.

Around the Big 12
Here are my brief takes on how the rest of the conference foes faired in the opening weekend of the season.

- How much does it suck to be a Texas A&M fan right now? Not as much as it sucks to be Athletic Director Bill Byrne. Losing to a Sun Belt school (at home!) to open the season doesn't inspire confidence.

- Iowa State handled an inferior opponent as they are supposed to. I'm not going to get carried away. But the Cyclones are my "sneaky" pick in the Big 12 North. They could go bowling. Seriously.

- Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas beat up inferior opponents. Their tests will be coming later in non-conference.

- Missouri beat a quality Illinois team in another shootout. That's a nice win, but it hardly answers questions about the Tiger defense.

- Colorado vanquished Colorado State by a margin that is not in line with this typically close series. Is that a bellwether of good things to come for the Buffs? Hawkins looked good, and the new freshman back is the real deal. But, I didn't see a lot of playmakers on the outside, and the defense is far from frightening.

- Oklahoma State picked up a quality opening win. Traveling to another BCS conference school out of your time zone and getting a win is always a good way to start. Washington State isn't a world beater, but they are better than most of the opponents faced by Big 12 competition this week.

- Texas Tech and Baylor were their usual selves. Tech put up big numbers but gave up 24 points to Eastern Washington. Baylor played hard for another new coach, but ran in to a buzz saw against Wake Forest. At this point, are the Demon Deacons the favorite in the ACC? I think so.

Elsewhere In America
Speaking of the ACC, they really took it on the chin with supposed standard bearers Clemson and Virginia Tech losing to start the year. Side note - I love my wife. Why? Because she is the only person in our pick 'em contest who called Alabama's win over Clemson. When ask her reason, she said "Tell me the last time Clemson won a big game." Duly noted, dear. This is what happens when you marry a woman who listens to sports talk radio all day.

The Virginia Tech loss to East Carolina concerns me. With quarterback Sean Glennon playing poorly, you almost know that the Hokies will pull Tyrod Taylor's redshirt off of him and insert him in to the lineup. Otherwise, they don't have any playmakers. The Huskers ability to defend Virginia Tech may have just gotten much, much more difficult.

Also, Michigan lost to Utah in Ann Arbor. Enjoying the transition, folks? And, Pitt lost to Bowling Green out of the MAC. While part of me still thinks Pitt is a contender in the Big East, Nebraska fans can all smirk at the outcome for Steve Pederson and his former NFL head coach.