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You know who thinks they can beat Nebraska? Why? I discussed this at length in the "Bo's Blowouts" thread back in April. Long story short, we have a history of getting blown out, and of allowing opponents who should be lesser-quality hang around late in the game. Wyoming and SDSU were two examples last year, but there are many, many more in the Bo Pelini Era. The point that nobody is scared of Nebraska was driven home in the aftermath of Nebraska's win over the FAU Owls. FAU cornerback D'Joun Smith, in comments published just yesterday, highlighted the problem: Why? Because Nebraska hasn't shown a killer instinct in years. We haven't shown that we'll knock our opponent down, and when he's down put our heel on his throat. The problem isn't that teams like FAU don't respect the Cornhuskers, the problem is that the Cornhuskers have given teams like FAU no reason to do so. FAU certainly did come in and punch Nebraska in the mouth. The first drive, FAU efficiently marched 75 yards in 11 plays and scored a TD, tying the game at 7-7. They did it again two drives later, another 11-play drive capped by a missed field goal. The Owls weren't intimidated by Nebraska. Smith was clear about that: It doesn't matter whether Smith is right or wrong about this, or whether FAU overall is faster than Nebraska. The mindset is what matters, on both benches. Our opponents don't think we're going to crush them (and have evidence to back that up). Our own team doesn't appear to have the mindset to make these teams fear playing Nebraska. We've looked lost far too often - as recently as the first drive against FAU last weekend. Comments like this, from what should have been a well-overmatched opponent, should burn our team to the core. Smith's comments should be posted on every locker, in every meeting room, every hallway. McNeese State comes to Lincoln this Saturday. I'll guarantee you they are not intimidated to play Nebraska. They reside in the midst of one of college football's richest recruiting hotbeds. They have as much speed as Nebraska, they have strength, they have some pretty good coaches. They're a top-ten team in the FCS, and there is no way they are coming here for a paycheck and a pat on the back. They're coming here to beat Nebraska. They believe they can. That's why it's imperative that we crush this team. Grind them down. Eclipse last week's offensive output. Shut them out, if possible. Our defense needs to be ravening beasts, in full-on Quarterback Crushing mode from the first snap. Our coaches need to be ready to be the aggressor. Let the defense hunt, let the offense roll. Enough of this. Put your heel down and grind them into the ground.