Expect More Sam Keller Versus Wake
During Nebraska's decisive win over Nevada, NU quarterback Sam Keller appeared about as necessary as Matt Turman did running the show in 1994. That is, other than needing a guy to take a snap and hand the ball off, the Huskers didn't need much from Keller. But that would have been very different if the Huskers hadn't rushed for a nation-leading 413 yards against Nevada.
In all likelihood, things won't be quite so easy in Winston-Salem. Even in defeat, the Demon Deacons held Boston College to fifty-four yards rushing. That statistic is probably no aberration as Wake Forest was twenty-first nationally in rushing defense a year ago. On the flip side, the Demon Deacons allowed over four hundred passing yards to Boston College on Saturday and were eighty-second in passing yards allowed in 2006.
It's easy to believe that Nebraska will out-rush Boston College since they did it last year finishing twenty-third nationally (versus ninety-second for BC). But matching 413 yards rushing seems pretty far-fetched. A better estimate is probably somewhere between 150 and 250 yards.
If Nebraska's total yards are in that range against Wake Forest, the Huskers will be in big trouble. So it will be imperative that Keller be productive. Sure 193 passing yards (like he had against Nevada) may be plenty. But 250 or more could be needed. You'd think that's a piece of cake for a player who averaged more than 300 passing yards per game in 2005. He similarly had a mild start against Temple that year as ASU won big before exploding the following week against LSU.
But for those who didn't think we got to really see Keller in action Saturday, just wait. We're sure to see more from him this week. Not only will the Huskers need it, but they'll also have a pair of weapons back in Maurice Purify and Hunter Teafatiller to make it more appealing.
With most of the Big Red Network staff headed to Winston-Salem, we can't wait to see it for ourselves.
9/3/2007
Just wondering, how many Husker fans are going down to Wake? I have tickets, and was just getting a feel for how many might be going. I live in VA so it is only about a 4 hour drive for me.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2007
Andrew: Steve, Darren and I will be there. I also know of at least ten other people making the trip. I think it is safe to say that a good chunk of their ~35,000 seat stadium will be red on Saturday.
9/3/2007
Well you guys be promoting Big Red network down there? If so it would be interesting to talk some football with some real football enthusiast!!
P.S.
Good picks in Double Extra Point’s Pickem contest, you were perfect weren’t you?
Chicago, IL
9/3/2007
If wearing our t-shirts , sipping a few adult beverages and talking Husker football is “promoting” then yes, we’ll be promoting our asses off. :) It would be great to meet up with you and anyone else who’s going to be there.
Andrew, I’ll shoot you an email to work out the logistics. If anyone else wants to meet up, send me an email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
P.S. The “Siffring” in DXP’s pickem contest is actually a distant cousin. What are the odds?
9/3/2007
NE will adjust it’s offensive attack as is necessary vs Wake just as they did against NV: why throw alot when you have such a line advantage and can just pound the rock? Keller did have a solid game, though, and made a number of good throws; the longer one to Nunn would have been a big gainer had Nunn held onto it and the bomb to Holt would’ve been a TD with a little more air under it. He did what was required in a run heavy display. NE has the most quality well balanced offensive attack of all the big time teams, with the one exception of USC.
Next week he’ll been throwing it around more and able to get into a rhthym, but NE will be able to run on the Deacs I have no doubt. It will not be a close game, so relax:
NE 45
Deacs 17
9/3/2007
P.S., if any of you guys know where I can get a quick ticket to the game I could make the trip down to Wake this weekend(from MA). Let me me know.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
9/3/2007
Stub Hub ZE!
9/4/2007
Thanks Navy-sker!
p.s., get on here more often, I need somebody to rap with….