NU vs ISU and how it effects the Tech game

[formerfan]

First, I would like to say that it was nice to see O make a nice step forward during the ISU game, let’s just hope that they can keep it up. Both the O and the D made plays when it mattered most. Even though I think that the play calling was suspect, and the O should have tried to run more, the passing game was working well, and they got a lot of yards, made nice progress, and I feel that this was the first game under this regime that they have actually formulated a good game plan and got it to work. It was a good win for NU, and could really help lead them to bigger and better things. :thumbs

That being said, there are quite a few areas where there is improvement to be made:

1) First and foremost, the red zone O is still not getting the job done. 400 yds (regulation) but only 13 points, that needs a lot of work. Part of the WCO that I don’t like.

2) The special teams, even though better than last year, are not upper echelon.

3) Another special teams situation-why is not Nunn the PR all the time?? I know that he holds the ball away from his body, (scares the hell outta me) but he seems to have much more big play potential than does Grixby.

4) It scares me that the D gave up 340 yds (regulation) to a team whose offense is rated right around 90th in the nation. The DBs had some problems stopping ISUs WRs, and with Tech coming up, it looks like NU may be in for it.

5) Even though the O made progress, how many games are you gonna win against top level competition when you pass for 430 yds, yet only get 30 yds on the ground?? Not very many, I’m afraid. Another part of the WCO I don’t like.

6) Also, did this staff really need 2 weeks to prepare for this game?? If so, that is not a good sign, either, as they will only get that chance a couple of times a year.

7) For the 3rd time this year, NU lost the time of possession. Not a good sign, as it takes a huge toll on your defense, and I think it showed vs ISU.

That being said, how is that gonna transfer to the game against Tech?? This game is very winnable for NU, it would not surprise me to see them pull this game out. :thumbs Unfortunately, I’m not sold on the offense, as this was just one game. Was it progress, absolutely! Can they sustain it….I guess we will see. IMO, I don’t think that they will duplicate that success this week. I’m assuming that NU will try to run the ball at least a little more, but I’m afraid that billy c will go back to what worked well vs. ISU, even if it does not generate the same success.

I think that ISU exposed some weaknesses in the secondary that Tech will surely try to exploit, and I’m sure that they will get quite a few yards. NUs DL will be able to put pressure on Techs QB, and will get their share of sacks. The running game will be almost non-existent for Tech (maybe a few nice sneaky-pete plays). I’m afraid that Techs passing game will make some plays against NUs DB/LBs, especially if coz plays that 3 man line like he did last year. I think that they will have a lot of confidence, as the look back on that game.

IM predicting a nice win for Tech. NU could very conceivably win this game(it wouldnt shock me at all :clap ), but I think that Tech has too much. I may be way off base, but thats my opinion, and Im sticking to it.

Tech 37

NU 19

 

[IndyHusker]

i was actually pretty shocked by the O in the ISU game, im going with the 50/50 chance on this one, and i think that is fairly positive considering last year, yes that is fear you sense....... if the O can produce points well be in it, but i agree about the T.O.P. the defense will get tired chasing all day if they dont get a break.

 

[pigsonthewing]

with our WR/DB positions so thin i cant believe grixby and nunn are returning kicks/punts. i can understand if they dont feel confident in a freshman running back with fumbles, i just dont know what to think about that. i still agree that nunn is a good returner and if i had to pick between nunn and grix, i'd have to go with nunn

 

[Red Snow Sword: Husker Sentinel]

:woo GBR :woo

I concur with mostly what everyone says here.....

 

[Spartness]

On offense, we will obviously need to run the ball better in order to have success in the red zone. You just don't have as much room to pass inside the 20 -- even worse inside the 10.

On defense: Don't give up the big play and stop them inside the red zone by stopping the run. If we can succeed in that, we can give up 350-400 yards passing and still win.

 

[Foppa]

Even though I think that the play calling was suspect, and the O should have tried to run more, the passing game was working well, and they got a lot of yards, made nice progress, and I feel that this was the first game under this regime that they have actually formulated a good game plan and got it to work.

Although I can't find a link, I physically read out of the OWH that McCarney was quoted as saying, and I'll paraphrase, 'We practiced all week against the run, and it wasn't what we saw.'

Well, ok...not what I wanted, but this is from ISU's website...

Going against the Big 12's worst rushing defense, the thought was that Callahan would keep the ball on the ground.

He did just the opposite. The Huskers' 25 rushing attempts - which gained only 36 yards - tied the school record for fewest in a game.

"Bill Callahan knows what's doing," McCarney said, "so we weren't surprised when they came out throwing the ball all over the place."

Just playing devil's advocate. Not sure if this made a difference, but I'm with you Former, I thought we were screwed if we relied on passing.

It will be interesting to see the gameplan vs. TT. They are also regarded as a good pass defense team.

 

[Foppa]

with our WR/DB positions so thin i cant believe grixby and nunn are returning kicks/punts. i can understand if they dont feel confident in a freshman running back with fumbles, i just dont know what to think about that. i still agree that nunn is a good returner and if i had to pick between nunn and grix, i'd have to go with nunn

Definitely Nunn.

That is, if he can constantly return punts 30+ yards and NOT have the ball removed while it's about 2 miles away from his body

 

[IrishAZ]

I'm not all that worried about the big numbers passing and low numbers rushing. I think we can be pretty confident in Ross's ability to run when it's there. If you get a D that stacks the line, though, you have to make them pay through the air which is precisely what we did.

I also think we should all applaud FF for his even-handed commentary here...

IRISH!

GBR!

 

[Armistead]

First, I would like to say that it was nice to see O make a nice step forward during the ISU game, let’s just hope that they can keep it up. Both the O and the D made plays when it mattered most. Even though I think that the play calling was suspect, and the O should have tried to run more, the passing game was working well, and they got a lot of yards, made nice progress, and I feel that this was the first game under this regime that they have actually formulated a good game plan and got it to work. It was a good win for NU, and could really help lead them to bigger and better things. :thumbs
That being said, there are quite a few areas where there is improvement to be made:

1) First and foremost, the red zone O is still not getting the job done. 400 yds (regulation) but only 13 points, that needs a lot of work. Part of the WCO that I don’t like.

2) The special teams, even though better than last year, are not upper echelon.

3) Another special teams situation-why is not Nunn the PR all the time?? I know that he holds the ball away from his body, (scares the hell outta me) but he seems to have much more big play potential than does Grixby.

4) It scares me that the D gave up 340 yds (regulation) to a team whose offense is rated right around 90th in the nation. The DBs had some problems stopping ISUs WRs, and with Tech coming up, it looks like NU may be in for it.

5) Even though the O made progress, how many games are you gonna win against top level competition when you pass for 430 yds, yet only get 30 yds on the ground?? Not very many, I’m afraid. Another part of the WCO I don’t like.

6) Also, did this staff really need 2 weeks to prepare for this game?? If so, that is not a good sign, either, as they will only get that chance a couple of times a year.

7) For the 3rd time this year, NU lost the time of possession. Not a good sign, as it takes a huge toll on your defense, and I think it showed vs ISU.

That being said, how is that gonna transfer to the game against Tech?? This game is very winnable for NU, it would not surprise me to see them pull this game out. :thumbs Unfortunately, I’m not sold on the offense, as this was just one game. Was it progress, absolutely! Can they sustain it….I guess we will see. IMO, I don’t think that they will duplicate that success this week. I’m assuming that NU will try to run the ball at least a little more, but I’m afraid that billy c will go back to what worked well vs. ISU, even if it does not generate the same success.

I think that ISU exposed some weaknesses in the secondary that Tech will surely try to exploit, and I’m sure that they will get quite a few yards. NUs DL will be able to put pressure on Techs QB, and will get their share of sacks. The running game will be almost non-existent for Tech (maybe a few nice sneaky-pete plays). I’m afraid that Techs passing game will make some plays against NUs DB/LBs, especially if coz plays that 3 man line like he did last year. I think that they will have a lot of confidence, as the look back on that game.

IM predicting a nice win for Tech. NU could very conceivably win this game(it wouldnt shock me at all :clap ), but I think that Tech has too much. I may be way off base, but thats my opinion, and Im sticking to it.

Tech 37

NU 19

I normally don't respond to Former because he misses the mark sooooo often ,but this one needs a credible response

The reason for the Time of Possession goin to ISU was the fact that we stopped the clock with the sideline routes and 1st downs...also, we did not need to run we put up huge numbers passing, you got to dance with the girl that brought ya.

The score should have been 10 points higher I concede, but that seems to be a getting better each week, Tech has never been known as a defensive jugernaut and this team is no different .

Specials teams have mad huge strides over last year, The are not as good as Virginia Tech, but the are much better that most Big 12 teams .......We are better than Tech in this area.

The Defense gave up 340 yards to an offense, but how many points....that the key....ISU presents two things that Tech does not.......I believe that Meyer goes down field better and more often than Hodges......I Know for a fact that Hodges is NO threat to run the football and that was what Nebraska had to handle....Hodges will try to dink and dunk the ball , they will mix in a few counter plays and delay draws, but their performance agin KU tells me that they are not as good a qb as last year and that they are not goin to run up the score on anyone....Huskers have a much better Defense than KU and that will make Hodges life miserable

Huskers get 2 picks and Hodges fumbles twice......I can't remember a QB having any luck with no running game in Lincoln...Our D-line will force Hodges to make a ton of mistakes....You have got to run to beat Nebraska.....Pitt had a decent O-line and they had a shot to win, They Ran the Ball late in the game...Tech can't and won't.....We have speed at LB and our secondary has playmakers.

Nebraska 31

Texas Tech 17

 

[Pedro Guerrero]

I can't remember a QB having any luck with no running game in Lincoln...

LA Tech in 98 had 500 yards passing and crap for rushing in Frankie's first game. Troy Edwards set the single game receiving yardage mark that day with 405. I think that was his total don't quote me though.

 

[formerfan]

I normally don't respond to Former because he misses the mark sooooo often ,but this one needs a credible response

Actually, Im pretty close most of the time. Nobody is perfect, but just because you dont agree, doesnt mean that its not true.

The reason for the Time of Possession goin to ISU was the fact that we stopped the clock with the sideline routes and 1st downs...also, we did not need to run we put up huge numbers passing, you got to dance with the girl that brought ya.

Agreed. However, eventually losing the TOP week after week is gonna bite your D in the a$$, unless your team is exceptionally deep with talent at all positions.

The score should have been 10 points higher I concede, but that seems to be a getting better each week, Tech has never been known as a defensive jugernaut and this team is no different .

Agreed, again. However, if you want to play the "what-if" game...what if Leaders would have held onto that ball that Taylor threw right into his hands in OT, and what if Pitt would have made just one more FG. NU would be 2-2.

Specials teams have mad huge strides over last year, The are not as good as Virginia Tech, but the are much better that most Big 12 teams .......We are better than Tech in this area.

NU has improved. Are they better than Tech...yes...on paper. Frankly, the teams that NU has played are not that much better than Techs. Even with the improvements, IMO, they are not "upper echelon."

The Defense gave up 340 yards to an offense, but how many points....that the key....

Same could be said about NU.

ISU presents two things that Tech does not.......I believe that Meyer goes down field better and more often than Hodges......I Know for a fact that Hodges is NO threat to run the football and that was what Nebraska had to handle....Hodges will try to dink and dunk the ball , they will mix in a few counter plays and delay draws,

I'm not gonna disagree with you. But I think pretty much everyone would agree that Tech's O is an animal onto itself, not comparable to ISU.

but their performance agin KU tells me that they are not as good a qb as last year and that they are not goin to run up the score on anyone....

Quite possible. We'll see in a couple of days. It is also possible that Tech just had one bad game, or that they were looking ahead to NU, right?

Huskers have a much better Defense than KU and that will make Hodges life miserable

I think that NU's D is better, but again, its early in the year. NU hasnt played any top level teams. If you look back to 01, 03, heck even last year, the D played good to very good early and against poorer teams, and yet those defenses were exposed against better teams. Its still early, this entire team has alot to prove.

Huskers get 2 picks and Hodges fumbles twice......I can't remember a QB having any luck with no running game in Lincoln...Our D-line will force Hodges to make a ton of mistakes....You have got to run to beat Nebraska.....Pitt had a decent O-line and they had a shot to win, They Ran the Ball late in the game...Tech can't and won't.....We have speed at LB and our secondary has playmakers.
Nebraska  31

Texas Tech  17

Those are your predictions, and I have made mine, lets see whos closer :cheers

 

[kc_husker]

I can't remember a QB having any luck with no running game in Lincoln...

LA Tech in 98 had 500 yards passing and crap for rushing in Frankie's first game. Troy Edwards set the single game receiving yardage mark that day with 405. I think that was his total don't quote me though.

Not against almighty Frank the great Ohio U coach that couldnt land a job anywhere else Solich. This is eating you up Former, Nebraska getting better and better. :thumbs

 

[BigRedJake]

Ok, this is the last time I'm going to come to former's defense then I'm going to be done with it. The only difference between former and most of us is that he doesn't trust our coaches and our AD. His facts are straight and his analysis is scary accurate most of the time. He's just a damn sour puss who's got no faith in Callahan to improve. Just my point of view, he's no damn Benard.

That said, gonna acctualy respond to a post...

...eventually losing the TOP week after week is gonna bite your D in the a$$, unless your team is exceptionally deep with talent at all positions.

Couldn't agree more. Especialy against Tech, who can score so damn fast.

But I think pretty much everyone would agree that Tech's O is an animal onto itself, not comparable to ISU.

Definately an animal unto itself. Their offense is certainly a work of art as far as efficiency and scoring are concerned. I still wouldn't place their defense above ISU's though. I'm not impressed by any defense that gives up 21 to Sam Houston.

It is also possible that Tech just had one bad game, or that they were looking ahead to NU, right?

Right, same excuse people used for ISU doing so poorly at Army.

 

[Armistead]

I can't remember a QB having any luck with no running game in Lincoln...

LA Tech in 98 had 500 yards passing and crap for rushing in Frankie's first game. Troy Edwards set the single game receiving yardage mark that day with 405. I think that was his total don't quote me though.

Both of those guys are in the NFL right?...and what was the score that day...gimme a break.

Sometimes I wish you guys would think a little longer before you try to gouge a guy with some lame reply...it's almost like you wanted to show me that I was wrong......Was that what this was, cuz it was really sad?

Rattay and Edwards are not playing Saturday and if they were...La Tech would still lose cuz you got to run the ball in Lincoln to win.PERIOD! ! ! !

 

[Pedro Guerrero]

Both of those guys are in the NFL right?...and what was the score that day...gimme a break.

Unless Edwards got picked up he isn't in the NFL.{Not trying to show you up just stating the facts}

Sometimes I wish you guys would think a little longer before you try to gouge a guy with some lame reply...it's almost like you wanted to show me that I was wrong......Was that what this was, cuz it was really sad?

I was just pointing out a QB who came into Lincoln and had success throwing the ball around without a running game. I guess I won't do that anymore since you think the whole board is out to get you. :wacko:

For the record Texas in 2002 had 419 passing yards and 79 rushing. Does that count as passing it all over the place and winning in Lincoln? They averaged 2.1 yards a carry as a team and Benson averaged 3 yards per carry on his own. That's not exactly awesome if you ask me. Simms was 29-47 passing.