Finally, let’s get on to USC

[HuskerWeekly.com]

Finally, let’s get on to USC

September 12th, 2006

 

By Josh Peterson (ttheKid1*18)

HuskerWeekly Sports Analyst

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http://www.huskerweekly.com/?p=12

 

We can finally start to talk about the USC game. The game that Husker Nation has been waiting for since it was put on the schedule. The game that will show the nation that either Nebraska is back, or will be just o.k. The game that could give Bill Callahan all the support he needs, or bring more people against him. And it is now less than a week away.

 

Nebraska dominated Nicholls State 56-7 in front of 84,076, and showed that with every passing week, they are understanding the West Coast offense more and more. The team was 7-12 on third downs. Zac Taylor was 19-23. The running game was again a four-headed monster amassing 261 total yards rushing. And the receiving corps are proving that on any given Saturday anybody can catch a pass. Overall this team is proving that they are coming together. Still though, there are some looming questions going into USC.

 

How will the secondary fare against USC? This will decide who wins the game. USC has All-American Dwayne Jarrett, who is 6’5. They have potential All-American with 6’2 Steve Smith. And they have another big body with underrated 6’4 Patrick Turner. Those are some big receivers, going against a very thin and secondary. Cortney Grixby will have to step up and use his brain more than his brawn in this game. Andre Jones needs to show that he has picked up the “learning curve” of Division 1-A football. But I think the most important part of the group will be the safeties. They will have to make sure to always be back, so they don’t get burned by one of the receivers. If not, it could be a long game in L.A.

 

How will the offensive line hold up? It is no secret that this was the one area that Nebraska worked on the most over the off-season. In the first two games, it looks like they have gotten better. But they haven’t gone against a line as athletically talented as SC’s. The Trojans have big, fast, and strong lineman who will do anything to put Zac Taylor on his back - and Mann and Co. must protect Taylor. If he goes down, the season will be soon to follow. This goes right into the next question…

 

Will the running game continue to keep the running backs fresh?In the first two games, all four of the running backs have gotten their fair share of carries. Each has shown flashes of brilliance, and each has scored at least one touchdown. Will this gameplan that has worked against lesser competition, work against USC? I think it can, but there will be one back to emerge out of the pack in this game. Marlon Lucky has been the best runner so far. He can run, he can catch, and he has improved his blocking. I think he has a big game in his return to California, and really sets himself apart from the pack. The rest of the guys will still get carries, but I think Lucky will go into fans’ minds as “the guy”, and will continue to start.

 

This game will be the biggest of the season for the Huskers. If they win, it sets them up for a potentially great run this season, and the start of something special. If they lose, it could be “just a loss”, or it could be a roundhouse punch to the stomach, that leaves the program shell-shocked for the rest of the season. But whatever happens in the game, it should make for an interesting time in L.A.

 

Up Next: Do I even have to say it? We’re going to Hollywood baby!