The Weekly Buzz
The "backup" defensive backfield was able to preform well against Louisiana, but missing a couple of starters will create a bigger challenge against a team that is passing the ball so well during the non-conference schedule. Preparing for a game against a top throwing threat is its own challenge, but to top it off, getting ready for a Thursday night presents its own set of issues. Nebraska may not be looking past this game, but with all that's been going on around the league this week, it's sure to keep fans excited for the rest of the season. If the game against the Tigers goes well, Nebraska could be thrust into a larger spotlight the following weeks.
Husker secondary in question for Missouri game » The Husker secondary will have to step up for the big Thursday night game against Missouri next week. The younger safeties filled in nicely for injured starters last week. Ricky Thenarse's injury looks serious, but Larry Asante appears to be "fine" according to the coaching staff this week.
Thursday is Saturday » Altering their schedule for a Thursday night game is going to be the trickiest part of preparation for the Thursday night match up against Missouri next week. Having to deal with tests the next day along with working out the schedule to miss classes means they get into Columbia without the comfort of watching football in the hours before they take the field themselves.
On the plus side, Coaches appear to have instructed their players not to provide bulletin board material for the Tigers. Most have been pretty tight lipped about the game, instead focusing on the task at hand; preparation for the national spotlight.
Big 12 South could determine North winner » ESPN Big 12 Blogger Tim Griffin thinks that the tumultousness in the Big 12 South this past week favors Nebraska. Brandon Carter, the Texas Tech rock star of an offensive lineman is off the team indefinitely, making Ndamukong Suh's job easier.
Rumor has it that ESPN may push the winner at Columbia next week into the prime spot of 8:15 on ESPN October 17th. Doing well in the national exposure spotlight can only lead to making the game against the Red Raiders that much more important.
The Baylor Bears lose Robert Griffin to an ACL injury and is likely out for the year. It makes going into Waco possibly less of a harrowing thing on Halloween night. Let's hope it's a treat and not a trick.
10/2/2009
Keep in mind that Missouri has to alter their schedule also. I think it’s safe to say that the home team has less to worry about in this situation but nonetheless both teams have to make adjustments. It looked like Asante still had a pretty solid limp going in practice the other day so I really questions how much preparation he’ll get in at full speed. On the flip side, his backups should get some good reps in.
10/3/2009
You have to like the way Pelini goes about his business. The HC is maturing along with his team. Looks like GP is keeping a lid on the tiger cubs as well. Neither team is providing locker room material and are both intent on proving their mettle on the field. I do believe this game will decide the North in the long run. KU has a big challenge down the stretch. We could end up like last year with identical records and the head-to-head could decide the winner. However I don’t see that happening and I firmly believe Huskers win the North outright. Win in Missouri and this team could easily be 7-1 going into the OU game. Guess I’ll have to hold my nose and root for the Sooners to beat Miami/Texas/Kansas. We want them highly ranked coming into Lincoln.
GBR!