I guess I might as well get in on this action.
I can see that happening pretty easily. While I don't think KU is as good as everyone says they are...they DEFINITELY have a decent team this year. That being said, I must say I was pretty impressed with NU last week. I absolutely loved what they did on defense during the first half; however, you could tell the NU players were getting tired during the second half, which resulted in a lot of missed tackles. When you put that many people up on the line, if a tackle is missed...it's going to hurt.
Key factors to the game for NU:
Offense--
-Establish the running game early. I know Ganz is a competitor, but establishing a running game early will take some pressure off of him and really let him get into a rhythm.
-Let Ganz run around a little bit. I know he's no Vince Young, but I also know that HE CAN RUN. Even though KU's defense is quick, let him run with it. It will keep KU's defense on its feet and add another dimension to NU's offense.
-Use what is working. I noticed last week against Texas, they used that passing play which had 3 or 4 receivers going down the field. It seemed like everytime they used it, Swift was more and more open each time. I think they should have continued to use it until Texas proved they could defend it. My point is, take a look at what the defense is giving you, and call the plays accordingly (this goes out to whoever may be calling the offensive plays this week).
-For the love of God, get Lucky involved. I'm not too impressed with his actual RB abilities, but do the coaches not see what he can do when he comes out of the backfield and catches passes? KU's defense will be coming in to eat Ganz for breakfast...counter this with a few screen plays to Lucky. A few 10-15 yard gains and KU will be a little more hesitant in bringing the heat.
-Speaking of underutilized players...what about Purify? Could we get him the ball a little more please?
-NU's offense needs to stay on the field as much as possible. Make long drives down the field and finish it up with a touchdown. It doesn't matter how good KU's offense is...if they aren't on the field, they can't score.
-NO TURNOVERS! Trust me, KU will make each turnover count.
-Play like you have nothing to lose (because you don't)
Defense--
-I just want to say that I really enjoyed watching the D play last week for the first 3 quarters. McCoy looked very uncomfortable in the pocket after a while.
-NU must stop the KU run. I know...it's easier said than done, but see what Kansas is going to try and do in the beginning minutes of the game. It seems pretty obvious that they are going to try and establish their running game early, so I would make stopping the run in the first quarter a high importance goal. I know we want to stop the run for the whole game, but I feel it's important to set smaller goals that lead up to larger ones. Stop the run a quarter at a time.
-Hit people. Be physical. Run to whoever has the ball. I felt NU did a pretty good job of this during the first half of the Texas game. If they can perform like this for 4 quarters, NU will be doing pretty good.
-Remember fundamentals. Look, I have never played football, so I should probably be the last guy ranting about football fundamentals, but arm tackles against a KU team just isn't going to cut it. Make good contact and knock KU's players on the ground!
-Take it a play at a time and do not get discouraged if KU makes a big play. It is bound to happen, just come back out on the field and do what you have been doing in practice all week.
-Play like you have nothing to lose (because you don't)
Alright, well, that's my take on the game. As for the outcome...I don't know, my name isn't Isaac Mendez and I cannot paint the future. I can only watch the game to see what happens.
By the way, I really hope people respond to what I wrote. I'm always up for a good discussion...