HuskerfaninOkieland Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Fearless Prediction Big 12 Game of the Week Nebraska (2-0) at USC (1-0) 8 pm EST ABC Saturday, September 16th Why to watch: Don't laugh. Don't snicker, don't sneer, don't guffaw. Ready? ... This might turn out to be the game for the national title. Fine, so there are about a bazillion other teams out there that would happily challenge that notion, but it's hard to ignore how Nebraska has become a balanced, championship-caliber team on both sides of the ball with a running game to help the ever improving passing attack. The defense has a defensive line on the verge of breaking out and a secondary that, well, more on that in a moment. Yeah, the two wins have come against Louisiana Tech and Nicholls State, but this still looks like a Husker team on the verge of huge things. With Texas looking vulnerable, check out the remaining Husker schedule and find the one, sure-thing loss: Troy, Kansas, at Iowa State, at Kansas State, Texas, at Oklahoma State, Missouri, at Texas A&M , Colorado. Sold yet? If Nebraska is good enough to be USC at USC, it's good enough to blow through the rest of its schedule on the way to a likely rematch with Texas in the Big 12 title game. Of course, there's that little matter of getting past the nation's best team. No, it's not Ohio State, it's not Notre Dame, and it's not someone in the SEC. At the immediate moment, the most talented team in the land is in L.A. with an offense that'll be every bit as effective as previous versions and a defense that should be better than last year's. In other words, this game is a must watch in a weekend of must watch game. Why Nebraska might win: It'll all be about tapping the Booty. Nebraska's defense led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss and has all the parts back, While the group hasn't been up-to-2005-snuff so far with only two sacks and ten tackles for loss, there have been some suggestions that the coaching staff didn't exactly turn the dogs loose over the first two weeks in order to keep things under wraps a little bit. USC QB John David Booty has been around for years, but he hasn't faced the pressure he'll see on Saturday outside of a few intense practices. If he's getting popped, the Huskers have a great shot at pulling off the upset. However, if Booty gets a wee bit of time to go through all his reads and let his receivers work deep ... Why USC might win: ... the Trojans should be able to call their shot and score at will. Don't let the numbers fool you; Nebraska doesn't have the nation's 11th best pass defense. Nicholls State is a pure running team that failed to complete a pass last week in the 56-7 loss. Louisiana Tech wasn't exactly sharp in its passing game, but it came up with 238 yards. The Huskers might have blinding speed in the secondary, but they don't have a lot of experience and are still trying to make all the parts fit after injuries struck early. That's not a plus when facing the nation's best receiving corps. Who to watch: Does USC have the defense to slow down the Nebraska offense? The overall talent is there, and the linebacking corps is out of this world, but top players are getting picked off by injuries. Starting DT Sedrick Ellis will be out for a while after undergoing knee surgery after suffering an injury in practice. That means Chris Barrett and Fili Moala, who have a little bit of experience, have to play like grizzled veterans. In the secondary, Taylor Mays will try to replace Josh Pinkard after the senior got knocked out for the year with a knee injury. Mays is an NFL talent waiting to blossom, but he's only a freshman and will be picked on right off the bat. What will happen: This will be Nebraska's coming out party. The offense will put up big numbers and the defense will come up with a gem ... for three quarters. USC will make a few adjustments and will hit just enough home runs in the fourth quarter to get by with a tough, tough win. CFN Prediction: USC 38 ... Nebraska 28 ... Line: USC -18 Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Dancing with the Stars) ... 5 Quote Link to comment
shuckem Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 While I would prefer a win, I think I could live with the game if it turns out like described above. Quote Link to comment
FriscoTXHusker Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 If NU makes the Trojans glad to get out alive I'll be happy. If they win ..... I'll freak. Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 I would be disappointed, but that is a very good read above and I would be happy if we kept it really close if we can't win!!!! I would be devistated with a blowout!!!! Quote Link to comment
bennychico11 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 good read. I like his positive outlook of Nebraska...he's basically saying we're ready to play at the national level. although I love the blowouts we've been doing lately, I'm dying to see some real close college football that puts you on the edge of your seat the entire game. I think this Saturday we'll get just that. I'm so excited for the game, that I just can't stand it!!!!! Quote Link to comment
ttheKid1*18 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Championship caliber? I agree completely. I think we have the talent, and our schedule is just right this season. Can't wait for Saturday. Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Dammit it's only Thursday and I'm going crazy!!!!! Quote Link to comment
rawhide Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 GBR only one more day of work. Quote Link to comment
cmb23 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 One more day of work?!?! How about one more day of reading the latest expert opinions, practice and injury reports, blogs and thread posts. Mix that in with listening to Rome, D.P. and everyone else giving the game to USC. Work....that cracks me up. Quote Link to comment
darveaux Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 :wootx2 haha yeah...Im in the military and I'm blowing your hard earned tax dollars reading about football! ROFLMAO Quote Link to comment
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