Draconian

None of the bashing matters - after all, the game is played on the field. If the bashers are right - and Nebraska gets blown out - congratulations, here is a cookie... If Nebraska plays well and at least keeps it close or, hopefully, wins - they have some crow to eat. Heaven forbid Nebraska blows out USC. I just love to see the "experts" hem and haw with egg on their faces. (Although they may be getting some practice soon as Michigan is killing ND currently).

I gotta be reading this wrong - but CFN is predicting one loss for USC this year - at Washington State? If that's the case, better think two losses - cause...Wash State is not the Huskers. Again, I say....

No, don't tell me - are the sports honks congratulating USC for playing Arkansas? Ummmm...there is a challenge! Arkansas is about the same as LA Tech. Okay, simple - Nebraska - beats USC and we get to tell all the sports honks to STFU!

Yeah, Trojan :asshat Vic - great prediction. May be suffering from a BIT of over confidence. I'll guarantee - Nebraska is MUCH better than Arkansas - and, you didn't have a 67 point spread against them. Go ahead - take Nebraska lite - we like that. I am sure USC has a lot of pride in their football team (as they should) - but, so does Nebraska. If USC wins, Trojan Vic, I will congratulate you - however, when Nebraska wins - you need to come back to the board and congratulate us - the Nebraska faithful fans. Deal?

Sure, maybe it's bulletin board material - but, what was he supposed to say - that we are going to lose? A player has to "believe" - and, part of that may be saying things that are taken to the bulletin board. Sure, maybe he should have kept his mouth shut - but, failing that, I would rather have a player that believes in a win - than one that believes in a loss. No big betting line moves yet - still watching. So far, we are about 18.5 point dogs. And, not that anyone cares - but, the over is too low. Way I look at this game is a matter of respect. I think we could win - it will take a hell of an effort - but it CAN happen. Failing that - put in a GREAT show - better than the spread (make it a GAME) and they STILL get respect. Beating the point spread is good - it means you do better than was expected. I just think - Nebraska will do...better than that. I honestly think that USC may be in trouble here.

All we can do about the polls is WIN. I think Nebraska is pretty underrated right now - and if we beat USC - and I think we will - well, maybe we will START getting the respect - top 10. Agreed - do not overlook Troy. No, they are not a top tier team - however, if a team goes in against them looking for an easy week - surprise!

NU 38 USC 35 NU Passing 260 NU Rushing 180

Oops..I'll put it where it belongs...sorry. :asshat

I was at an NU-Cal game years ago - and it was a sea of red. California locals - rooting for Nebraska. Now, I know that USC - especially with their success, is going to have a great fan base - however - I'm thinking there will be AT LEAST 1/4 Nebraska fans - so, looking 25 to 30k. The rest of them - can watch their team....lose.

Totally agreed - this was a sign of respect. Sounds like a very smart man looking to prove himself - and that is what football is all about for these guys. Now...do I want to see him on his ass...a lot? Uhhh...yes. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate his attitude! Man...I just can't wait until Saturday. USC WILL be prepared - but, there is just SOMETHING in me that thinks they are overrated - and I am confident that Nebraska is underrated. If you've never seen a dog fight - your first many be Saturday. Nebraska by...6 or 7 - and, oh yes, take the over!

Hard to remember a Nebraska game that I was looking forward to - and, apprehensive about, so much. If we don't play zone - we are dead. Disguised coverage is fine - but if we try to go man-to-man - we are toast. We HAVE to avoid the big plays, especially early. Pressure on Booty's booty is key - let's see how he handles it. USC's defense is...not much to worry about. Doubt they could stop the vanilla offense we have shown (which, even with a good D is hard to stop) and doubtful they will be able to handle an all out Husker attack. Yes, I AM biased - however, I'm trying to also be very realistic. If Nebraska can find a way to avoid getting killed with the USC passing game - Nebraska WILL win. Why? Hmmm.. 4 talented running backs, 4 talented tight ends. An experienced high pressure QB. Frankly, as the year went on last year, and Zac got comfy - he didn't make a lot of mistakes. Booty...played...one game..against Arkansas. All Nebraska has to do is find a way to get GOOD consistent pressure on Booty (put him on his booty!) while being able to play zone - and, the game is ours to lose. USC is great - they have a great coach and some very good players. I do think, however, that they are overrated. I also feel that Nebraska is very underrated. Guess we find out more...Saturday I can't wait!!!!

Nobody REALLY knows how good either team is at this point - after all, neither team has been challenged. I'll take Nebraska's offense over USC's defense - and USC's offense is a WASH against Nebraska's defense. So, advantage, Nebraska. Okay - we play away - advantage USC (although we got a hell of a lot of fans in Cali) Zac has played in big games - Booty...uhhh..no, advantage Nebraska. Coaching - Wash. Pete is a DYNAMITE coach - however, Coach C HAS this team LOVING him - wash. We will know OHHH so much more after the game is played, obviously. However - yes, Nebraska can EASILY win this game - they have more experience in the clutch (I was at the Alamo Bowl - what a fantastic game!) - and - we are supposed to get killed (ask CU from last year what we think about that!) Nebraska WILL win - long as they play THEIR game. USC will not have an answer - oh, and...bet the over!

I think this game will hinge on who can establish, and continue, the run game. Force either team into a MUST PASS situation - and it's trouble. YES - Nebraska CAN beat USC - no question. It'll take an effort - however, we REALLY don't know how good EITHER team really is. Nebraska looks terrific - very efficient - and basically unstoppable when they execute (and, even against a good D - their attack, when done correctly, will be VERY hard to defend). USC played one game against an overmatched Arkansas squad - about as talented as our game against LA Tech. So, who REALLY knows about Booty? <no wisecracks - cause, in the other sense - I am sure we all know quite a bit about "booty"> Playing 2 games against nobody is better than playing one game against nobody - and Nebraska has played EXTREMELY vanilla so for - we haven't given much away at all. Heck, even what we HAVE shown is REALLY hard to defend against - even with a good D. USC doesn't have a good D - it's okay. Nebraska has a good D - however, we're kinda hurting at corner. USC has 2 weeks to prepare - against the vanilla offense that they have seen. As far as USC's offense - they are going to try to exploit our corners. I am expecting Nebraska to be in a lot of zone D - we will give up completions - but we have to try to prevent the big plays, especially early. Who stops who? That's what it comes down to. If Nebraska can put Booty on his...ummm...dare I say, booty - in a consistent manner - it will be a key to the game. Just remember how all the "great" QB's have folded against Nebraska - Kordell Stewart (damn..was he scared), Danny Awful, Peyton Manning... Pressure IS key. If we leave :asshat ..errr, Booty untouched - they will pick us apart. The first quarter is key in this game - and I'll take Nebraska for adjustments at the half (yes, I think Coach C is THAT good with the team). If Nebraska is within, say 7 at the half - I think we are golden. There is LITTLE question as to who will wear down who as the game goes on. Nebraska 38 USC 31

I am loving this line - and so far, it is moving up (Nebraska getting more points!) - one has Nebraska at -19. 55 for an over so far - that sounds like a lock. I know the blackshirts are pretty good - but, we're pretty banged up at corner - so, won't be able to lock them down as if we were healthy. I see NO way they can stop us - I honestly believe our "issues" will come from execution and the pressure of the game. A 55 point over winner is a 28-28 tie. Can we hold USC to 28? Can they hold us to 28? Expect the line to move - Nebraska -15 or so, and I think the over HAS to go up. As far as Nebraska beating the spread - heck, I think we can still win outright - however, if we get down BIG early - that would be the downfall. Long as we can play our game (run and throw) - we WILL at a minimum beat the spread. USC is getting too much respect, and Nebraska isn't getting enough. If I were to set my OWN spread - it would have been USC by about 10. No matter the competition - Nebraska has played TWO games - and USC one. The west coast attack that Nebraska has been playing is VERY hard to defend against - even in the current "vanilla" form. Zac has more experience - it doesn't impress me that much that USC's QB has been holding a cipboard for 3 years. Sure - he looked great against Arkansas - but, Nebraska has ALREADY won a game (easily mind you) when they were 17 point dogs (can you say NU 30 CU 3)? Watch the spread as the week goes on - it'll show you what people REALLY think. Right now, the money is on a USC blowout - but understand, fanatics bet first. People that know the teams playing wait for the spread - and then bet. If Nebraska is "supposed" to lose by so much - I'm looking for a great payoff - cause I'm taking them to win OUTRIGHT. GO HUSKERS!

Some :asshat over on MSNBC had this to say: "If you take away the TD that the officials allowed on the pitch from Vince Young when his knee was already down ... who wins 3 national championships in a row? USC. I do not to this day know how that was allowed. Everyone nationwide saw it, Dan Fouts and Keith Jackson saw it, everyone at the Rose Bowl saw it except the Zebras. In my eyes, SoCal was and still is the national champs. Something should be done about that injustice and make the correct decision." — Posted by Mychael Let's just hope all the players and everyone else are still living in the past and thinking they are the best. Yes, Mychael - I am sure they will reverse the call that irks you soo much - after all, the clock on that game only expired, ummm about 9 months ago. Bad calls (if this was one) happen in most games - the officials CAN'T see everything. Usually, the bad call is minor - a missed holding call - while sometimes it's major - as in, ohh huge pass interference or what Mychael describes above. No matter what - the time to take care of that "bad call" is while you are on the field - find a way to win the game - regardless of the "bad call". When the clock expires - look at the scoreboard - did you win or lose? We all hate bad calls - but...they happen. Oh, and Mychael - if your whole D couldn't stop one player (Vince Young) from shredding it - how can you think you are #1? Your "D" allowed him to have one of his best games EVER in his highest pressure game EVER. There is only one word - scoreboard!

Agreed - heck, we won't know until it's played. Fact is though, I don't think any team can look at Nebraska as a cakewalk - and that includes USC. Now, USC is very well coached - and they will be ready - but, we are very well coached (in my opinion) and...God loves the underdog. Who knows what will happen - however - I have no doubt here - Nebraska is NO rollover. Yes...we can win - it will take a hell of an effort - but, it CAN be done. Now - if I were to say...my real feelings of USC? Hmmmm...they lost an awful lot....it's early in the season - and, of the 2 teams - who got better? Nebraska! Nebraska showed nothing in the win - and looked very effiecient. Slugfest - that's this game. No matter how good our D is - they are going to score. However - I have to question their D as well - if we play our game - we'll score as well. This has all the markings of a high point shootout. Bet...the over

It could be this year - or next - but, I think all of our Nebraska faithful will agree that the program is on the right track. A friend of mine own Husker Heaven in Omaha and attends all the breakfasts and suc (and my Mom - yep - she's a friend, works there too!). Fact is - all the word I get out of Lincoln is great - the players are HAPPY - and MOTIVATED. They've bought into the system. Now, I'll admit - we have a difficult one to chew this year. After all, what other team can say they play BOTH teams from last years championship (I'll give you a clue - we are the ONE). So yes, thinking undefeated MAY be stupid - sure. However, the team is better - and happy and motivated - so, who knows? After all - our game against La Tech and USCs game against Arkansas - well...how do you judge that? Our team - is better now - in the first game - than it was against Michigan last year (and I was at the game - I live in San Antonio). That is what I see - progress. USC? Are they better than when they lost to Texas? Really - ask yourself. Nebraska has the potential (I hate the word) - to be REALLY good. Keep up the faith, Husker fans. Sure...we may not beat USC (although...I'm thinking it's quite possible) - but...think of next year too. Who is making larger strides at getting better? It may not happen this year - but stick with it - the improvement is there. It is GOING to happen. Or...........we COULD go back to...Solich...

Hard to tell how this game is going to turn out - and some very good posts so far. They are my Huskers (even though I live in San Antonio, I was born and raised in Omaha - MY Huskers!). Our largest issues are in the secondary and pass rush. I am confident that coach knows this - and will, at least, get the pass rush - I have little doubt. That will help against some...freakishly talented WR's that USC has (what tree you are growing these from...we want one!). However - Nebraska has played...vanilla - period - USC hasn't. How more vanilla can you get than a 4 tight end set (and it was devestating, by the way). This...is a game for pride. My firm belief is that coach (who..I happen to think is terrific) has got the team - GOT them - not like...uhhh...Solich (sorry..he was always going to lose 1 or 2 games a year - period). Coach Bill has these players MOTIVATED and BELIEVING. A friend of mine in Omaha own Husker Heaven - and she goes to all the breakfasts and such - and she'll tell you - this team is PUMPED. Now...PUMPED...well, alone against USC may not do it. USC is talented - VERY - and very well coached, no doubt. They'll have 2 weeks to concentrate on Nebraska - but, what has Nebraska shown them? Ask - can USC stop a 4 tight end set? Can they stop 4 fresh running backs? (Remember - this was VERY vanilla in itself - and still devestating). Hopefully, the time spent between now and USC is used in teaching our secondary how to jump routes. USC is going to get passes off (hopefully we will tackle well!) - but we need to be able to jump routes to get those great interceptions and knockdowns. Plus - I am hoping that Nebraska realizes that Booty can't pass when he is on his %ss. Fact is - to me- this is a barn burner. If they set the over less than 60 - bet the over. Neither team was really challenged in their opener - and, well..I'm hoping that Nebraska won't be challenged by Nichols State (let's hope not). So, it's a wash - and a new year. Both teams are well coached - and talented. I do feel that people are overlooking Nebraska - after all - we moved down in one poll (what - ya want us to NOT kneel down at the end of the game - after all - we shut them out in the second half!). No respect. That's okay. Let's earn it on the field - and I can't wait until we play USC! Bet...the OVER!!!!!

Difficult game to call - as a Husker fan, I am biased. Will be looking forward to the opening betting line - and especially how it moves - because those are the real experts (big money talks). Believe me - the LARGE betters have more knowledge than you would believe - it's their life. My feelings - dog fight. I don't see how USC can defend against - what...4 running backs and 4 tight ends - let alone what we haven't shown (which is a LOT). We have played VERY vanilla so far (and...USC SHOWED stuff). It's to our benefit. My concern, like most of you, is our secondary. Without pressure on Booty - damn...bet the over - no doubt! I am pretty sure that coach is well aware of the need to get some serious pressure on Booty - so....I think we will be okay there. Honestly - if Nebraska plays loose (knowing that they are expected to lose the game!) - and just HAS FUN - well....call me crazy - but Nebraska CAN beat USC. Only real problem is - like us - they have a great coach - but he has 2 weeks to study. Actually, when you think about it - so do we - even without preparation - ummmm...Nichols State? Sorry - but what happened to CU (growing pains) ain't happening here! Regardless - if you like to bet football - depending on what it is - take the over. This one is going 60+

Just wanted to thank you for the mini review - very well done - period. Can't say that I disagree with anything (except I think...really...call me nuts....a Nebraska victory). This is going to be a hard fought game - and you are correct - believe me - they are studying Nebraska like CRAZY now - and they should - we are dangerous. Our advantage, I think, is even with 4 tight ends and 4 running backs - we are playing VERY vanilla - we really haven't given anything away. I beleive they have given away MORE. And yes...a win at USC would make me...go nuts...of course.

All we need to do is play USC HARD - and I know we will do that. Everyone expects us to lose - after all - they ARE ranked ahead of us. Also - we are playing on THEIR field - makes it even more difficult. If we put in a QUALITY showing against USC (in other words - beat the point spread - folks, the people that set the spread ARE the experts) - we don't suffer. Of course, if we win (which...wouldn't shock me) - then - who knows. I do think that Nebraska is capable (now, there is a tricky word!) of giving USC ALL it can handle. Good luck, USC, on defending 4 tight end sets. How about 4 running backs - fresh - coming at you. All I am concerned about is our defensive backfield - corners and such. I would say I am concerned that we need to get more pressure on the QB - but I have no doubt that that will be resolved. Frankly - I'll be watching the point spread - regardless if a person bets or not - a large change in the spread DOES mean something. Watch the opening line - and see how it moves. People that spend LARGE money betting - usually know something more than a VERY knowledgable football fan. Regardless - my feelings - will Nebraska beat the spread? YES - Why? Because, honestly - at this point - if they play it loose which I think they will - this is a game they CAN win. USC doesn't have a defense for this - and - we have shown VERY little so far. You may, of course, agree to disagree.

Hard to believe...makes me feel sorry for the kid. What's next? Usually, it's bad enough to see yourself naked on a bearskin rug as a baby...but...not for them! Look honey...here's your first brown trout! Very sad - and disturbing. I understand that Cruise is...touched - but what makes them think that anyone cares about their kids first chunky?

I'd say we played very vanilla against Tech. Expect extreme vanilla against Nichols State. Why show anything when you are able to execute vanilla? Very efficient performance - no reason to really show anything at all. I'm thinking, in some ways, that the D held back - maybe just to get some passes off against them. Maybe doesn't make sense - but there was a let down after the first quarter. USC better have their game face on - Nebraska is NO cake walk - and, let's just see how their D holds up. Nebraska CAN win this game folks.

Pretty typical post from a jealous poster. I went to the NU-Cal game (away game at Cal) a few years ago - and there were more NU fans (from California, mind you) than Cal fans. It was a sea of red (we won 19-0). I am proud that Nebraska fans are RENOWNED as having CLASS. It means something. We applaud teams that play us - win or lose. We don't slash your tires (uhh..hello CU). We've been there - we know how to win - and lose - with DIGNITY. If you haven't BEEN THERE - how can you talk smack? NO team is going to win the championship every year - cause that would make it BORING. But..if you have never really sniffed a championship - STFU. What's the highest pressure game YOUR program has ever played in? Or..your most satisfying victory? Was it against Nebraska? Enough said. If you gauge your program over an occasional win over NU - what do I need to say? We gauge our program by titles - something...you aren't familiar with.

NU 73-3 Passing yards - 330 Rushing yards - 310