HuskerfaninOkieland Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Last one...I promise NE Statepaper Husker Monday Review: Texas Tech Game Offense grows up in Lubbock, but the defense still needs work by Samuel McKewon Losses never feel “great” for a fan. But NU’s 37-31 heartbreaker to No. 7 Texas Tech feels better than most. It provided direction to head coach Bo Pelini and his team, and hope for the Big Red faithful. Folks who dreaded even turning on the TV Saturday probably wanted to shatter it by game’s end, but at least there was significant entertainment – and real competition – in between those emotions. The Huskers pushed the Red Raiders to the limit, and even exposed some weaknesses for future Tech opponents to exploit. As Tech quarterback Graham Harrell said, Nebraska executed the “keep away” game plan better than any other team has; NU just couldn’t make enough breaks to win. Five Players We Loved Senior quarterback Joe Ganz: Dog him if you want for his costly overtime interception. We’d rather thank him for a magnificent performance. You’d take 36-of-44 for 349 yards and two touchdowns any day of the week. Senior running back Marlon Lucky: “Luck” still doesn’t stick it up in there on some inside runs, but he made several nice plays on receptions, the most crucial coming on a 26-yard catch-n-run during the game-tying two-minute drive. Senior wide receiver Todd Peterson: OK, the Grand Island native doesn’t necessarily look the part of Big 12 receiver. But he plays the part pretty darn good. Peterson doesn’t drop passes, he runs committed routes, and he’s willing to go over the middle. Sophomore returner/receiver Niles Paul: Paul had a big kickoff return, a couple key catches – including one on third down – and some solid blocks. Paul has a little old-school NU wingback in him – and that’s a complement. Freshman linebacker Matt Holt: Holt could’ve played better, yes, but considering the circumstances – and considering that Nebraska desperately doesn’t want to burn any redshirts at that position – Holt’s eight tackles are pretty amazing. Three Concerns We Have Untimely blitzes: Nebraska ran another against Texas Tech when Pelini dialed up heat on a third-down play at NU’s 34-yard line. The Red Raiders had an inside screen called, and Harrell comfortably threw the ball to Michael Crabtree, who ran untouched to the end zone. It was a surprising call considering that Tech still hadn’t entered the red zone. Penalties, penalties, penalties: Nebraska killed one drive, and arguably two, with accumulated hankies. Mike Smith’s holding calls were borderline, but when they happen on consecutive plays? Smith deserved to be benched after that. Mental meltdowns in the secondary: Through six games, it seems like basic coverages are still being dropped by NU’s nickel and dime packages. Is it coaching? Players? Talent? Reviewing the Five Keys The Madness (and Method) of Mike Leach: Well, the madness (a bizarre fourth down play) prevailed. Leach’s method did not; his defense got hung out to dry because Texas Tech couldn’t establish a consistent running game. Leach got lucky in the second half, no bones about it. Golden Graham: As in Graham Harrell, who was rarely harassed and only once threw a pass that could have been intercepted (Larry Asante nearly did, but dropped it on the way to the ground). It was a missed opportunity. Harrell was a nice quarterback, but nothing spectacular. He had a lot of wide open looks. Downhill: Nebraska’s running game got going well enough to open up passing lanes. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson wisely returned to shotgun zone read plays and simplified the power stuff. Then he beautifully crafted passing plays off of that play action. Giants: Texas Tech’s offensive line probably won the overall war in the trenches, but NU’s defensive line won a couple battles in the second half. The line never sufficiently harassed Harrell, though. Cody Glenn: Didn’t play, and, yeah, it mattered. Pelini won’t make excuses, but Glenn probably makes that play in overtime on Tech’s 24-yard screen pass. There were probably two or three plays, in fact, he would have made that Nebraska’s defense couldn’t because he, and Phillip Dillard, weren’t in there. Three Questions We Still Have Does Nebraska have a “reputation” when it comes to penalties? If so, how do the Huskers shake it? Referees are human, too, and some of the flags against NU seemed…touchy on the zebras’ part. Pelini gets after the refs pretty good, so surely he’s lobbying for his guys. The question is: Will it help or hurt his team? How many more chances does Quentin Castille get? The sophomore running back got an earful from Pelini after getting stoned on a fourth down play. Castille delivers the goods at times, but he’s still making the kind of errors that hurt the Huskers’ running game. Can Nebraska’s defense really survive in this state? If Glenn, Dillard, and Rickey Thenarse are going to be hurt for multiple weeks, can Pelini and his defensive staff really afford to keep the redshirts on all those talented freshmen and linebacker LaTravis Washington? If so, how many points will NU’s offense have to score each week? A magnificent performance by Watson, Ganz and the rest of the “O” shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Nebraska rarely slowed Texas Tech. Quote Link to comment
melscott62 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Last one...I promise NE Statepaper Husker Monday Review: Texas Tech Game Offense grows up in Lubbock, but the defense still needs work by Samuel McKewon Losses never feel “great” for a fan. But NU’s 37-31 heartbreaker to No. 7 Texas Tech feels better than most. It provided direction to head coach Bo Pelini and his team, and hope for the Big Red faithful. Folks who dreaded even turning on the TV Saturday probably wanted to shatter it by game’s end, but at least there was significant entertainment – and real competition – in between those emotions. The Huskers pushed the Red Raiders to the limit, and even exposed some weaknesses for future Tech opponents to exploit. As Tech quarterback Graham Harrell said, Nebraska executed the “keep away” game plan better than any other team has; NU just couldn’t make enough breaks to win. Five Players We Loved Senior quarterback Joe Ganz: Dog him if you want for his costly overtime interception. We’d rather thank him for a magnificent performance. You’d take 36-of-44 for 349 yards and two touchdowns any day of the week. Senior running back Marlon Lucky: “Luck” still doesn’t stick it up in there on some inside runs, but he made several nice plays on receptions, the most crucial coming on a 26-yard catch-n-run during the game-tying two-minute drive. Senior wide receiver Todd Peterson: OK, the Grand Island native doesn’t necessarily look the part of Big 12 receiver. But he plays the part pretty darn good. Peterson doesn’t drop passes, he runs committed routes, and he’s willing to go over the middle. Sophomore returner/receiver Niles Paul: Paul had a big kickoff return, a couple key catches – including one on third down – and some solid blocks. Paul has a little old-school NU wingback in him – and that’s a complement. Freshman linebacker Matt Holt: Holt could’ve played better, yes, but considering the circumstances – and considering that Nebraska desperately doesn’t want to burn any redshirts at that position – Holt’s eight tackles are pretty amazing. Three Concerns We Have Untimely blitzes: Nebraska ran another against Texas Tech when Pelini dialed up heat on a third-down play at NU’s 34-yard line. The Red Raiders had an inside screen called, and Harrell comfortably threw the ball to Michael Crabtree, who ran untouched to the end zone. It was a surprising call considering that Tech still hadn’t entered the red zone. Penalties, penalties, penalties: Nebraska killed one drive, and arguably two, with accumulated hankies. Mike Smith’s holding calls were borderline, but when they happen on consecutive plays? Smith deserved to be benched after that. Mental meltdowns in the secondary: Through six games, it seems like basic coverages are still being dropped by NU’s nickel and dime packages. Is it coaching? Players? Talent? Reviewing the Five Keys The Madness (and Method) of Mike Leach: Well, the madness (a bizarre fourth down play) prevailed. Leach’s method did not; his defense got hung out to dry because Texas Tech couldn’t establish a consistent running game. Leach got lucky in the second half, no bones about it. Golden Graham: As in Graham Harrell, who was rarely harassed and only once threw a pass that could have been intercepted (Larry Asante nearly did, but dropped it on the way to the ground). It was a missed opportunity. Harrell was a nice quarterback, but nothing spectacular. He had a lot of wide open looks. Downhill: Nebraska’s running game got going well enough to open up passing lanes. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson wisely returned to shotgun zone read plays and simplified the power stuff. Then he beautifully crafted passing plays off of that play action. Giants: Texas Tech’s offensive line probably won the overall war in the trenches, but NU’s defensive line won a couple battles in the second half. The line never sufficiently harassed Harrell, though. Cody Glenn: Didn’t play, and, yeah, it mattered. Pelini won’t make excuses, but Glenn probably makes that play in overtime on Tech’s 24-yard screen pass. There were probably two or three plays, in fact, he would have made that Nebraska’s defense couldn’t because he, and Phillip Dillard, weren’t in there. Three Questions We Still Have Does Nebraska have a “reputation” when it comes to penalties? If so, how do the Huskers shake it? Referees are human, too, and some of the flags against NU seemed…touchy on the zebras’ part. Pelini gets after the refs pretty good, so surely he’s lobbying for his guys. The question is: Will it help or hurt his team? How many more chances does Quentin Castille get? The sophomore running back got an earful from Pelini after getting stoned on a fourth down play. Castille delivers the goods at times, but he’s still making the kind of errors that hurt the Huskers’ running game. Can Nebraska’s defense really survive in this state? If Glenn, Dillard, and Rickey Thenarse are going to be hurt for multiple weeks, can Pelini and his defensive staff really afford to keep the redshirts on all those talented freshmen and linebacker LaTravis Washington? If so, how many points will NU’s offense have to score each week? A magnificent performance by Watson, Ganz and the rest of the “O” shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Nebraska rarely slowed Texas Tech. so latravis washington is redshirting? I had not heard that... good news though Quote Link to comment
huskerjack23 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 How many more chances does Quentin Castille get? The sophomore running back got an earful from Pelini after getting stoned on a fourth down play. Castille delivers the goods at times, but he’s still making the kind of errors that hurt the Huskers’ running game. That's a really good point. As much as everyone seems to love last year's version of Castille, it seems he gets keyed on when he comes in on those short yardage situations and he can't do much because of it. Fumbilitis and a predictable running style won't get you far. Quote Link to comment
melscott62 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 How many more chances does Quentin Castille get? The sophomore running back got an earful from Pelini after getting stoned on a fourth down play. Castille delivers the goods at times, but he’s still making the kind of errors that hurt the Huskers’ running game. That's a really good point. As much as everyone seems to love last year's version of Castille, it seems he gets keyed on when he comes in on those short yardage situations and he can't do much because of it. Fumbilitis and a predictable running style won't get you far. cody glenn him. his fumbling issues alone make him a liability. but the kid is a freak of an athlete that would be great on D. if he moved now he would be set by next year and would still have 2 years left. plus we have depth at RB and not LB. it would leave us lacking a bruising short yardage back, but surely one of our FB could fill in for that. you dont need to be that fast if you just need a yard. the macovicka kid (who actuall has ok speed)comes to mind Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Man when they brought up Smith's penalties I wanted to smash my computer. I yelled so damn loud when he got two back to back. I was like, "bench his a$$ and sit him for the game!" That's totally ridiculous and the reason we got taken out of field goal range. We make that field goal we may of won the game................ Quote Link to comment
huskerswrkhavoc Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 cody glenn him. his fumbling issues alone make him a liability. but the kid is a freak of an athlete that would be great on D. if he moved now he would be set by next year and would still have 2 years left. plus we have depth at RB and not LB. it would leave us lacking a bruising short yardage back, but surely one of our FB could fill in for that. you dont need to be that fast if you just need a yard. the macovicka kid (who actuall has ok speed)comes to mind i have a feeling that is what is going to happen in the offseason... but its too late in the year to do it at this point.... Quote Link to comment
melscott62 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 cody glenn him. his fumbling issues alone make him a liability. but the kid is a freak of an athlete that would be great on D. if he moved now he would be set by next year and would still have 2 years left. plus we have depth at RB and not LB. it would leave us lacking a bruising short yardage back, but surely one of our FB could fill in for that. you dont need to be that fast if you just need a yard. the macovicka kid (who actuall has ok speed)comes to mind i have a feeling that is what is going to happen in the offseason... but its too late in the year to do it at this point.... i'd do it now... he's hardly playing as is anyway. he wouldnt be any help now, but he would be ready by the spring instead of the fall... maybe even the bowl game if we make it. what little experince he might get would be huge. its just like getting your backup QB in the game Quote Link to comment
caveman99 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 cody glenn him. his fumbling issues alone make him a liability. but the kid is a freak of an athlete that would be great on D. if he moved now he would be set by next year and would still have 2 years left. plus we have depth at RB and not LB. it would leave us lacking a bruising short yardage back, but surely one of our FB could fill in for that. you dont need to be that fast if you just need a yard. the macovicka kid (who actuall has ok speed)comes to mind i have a feeling that is what is going to happen in the offseason... but its too late in the year to do it at this point.... i'd do it now... he's hardly playing as is anyway. he wouldnt be any help now, but he would be ready by the spring instead of the fall... maybe even the bowl game if we make it. what little experince he might get would be huge. its just like getting your backup QB in the game How much would you expect him to play? How many reps in practice? Not sure they are going to take away too many snaps from the contributers just get experience for a guy who has no shot to contribute this fall. Maybe the scout team? Quote Link to comment
melscott62 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 cody glenn him. his fumbling issues alone make him a liability. but the kid is a freak of an athlete that would be great on D. if he moved now he would be set by next year and would still have 2 years left. plus we have depth at RB and not LB. it would leave us lacking a bruising short yardage back, but surely one of our FB could fill in for that. you dont need to be that fast if you just need a yard. the macovicka kid (who actuall has ok speed)comes to mind i have a feeling that is what is going to happen in the offseason... but its too late in the year to do it at this point.... i'd do it now... he's hardly playing as is anyway. he wouldnt be any help now, but he would be ready by the spring instead of the fall... maybe even the bowl game if we make it. what little experince he might get would be huge. its just like getting your backup QB in the game How much would you expect him to play? How many reps in practice? Not sure they are going to take away too many snaps from the contributers just get experience for a guy who has no shot to contribute this fall. Maybe the scout team? again any time he gets helps.. and yes I would get him snaps for experience not a lot, not when the game is on the line... MU is doing it with their young kids... most teams do. but even if it is scout team he is getting used to the new position. getting a handful of snaps is about all he is getting now anyway Quote Link to comment
SkullandBones Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I t hink it's a helluvan idea Mel. Castille isn't going to be a top notch rusher, but I think would make an outstanding LB or CB. Quote Link to comment
melscott62 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I t hink it's a helluvan idea Mel. Castille isn't going to be a top notch rusher, but I think would make an outstanding LB or CB. I hate to see an athlete like that not on the field esp when we are so deep in one position and so desperate in the other. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.