I thought this week, after a resounding win, fans would back down on their criticism of the Huskers and Scott Frost, even if it was just for a few days. Boy, was I wrong. I don’t normally listen to Husker talk radio, but it was a pretty large consensus that Nebraska’s win did nothing to sooth the masses.
You also have to wonder, if Nebraska doesn’t turn this thing around, how will recruiting pan out? Right now, Nebraska is sitting at the bottom of the Big Ten in recruiting standings. They only have a handful of commitments and it is widely known that they only plan on taking a small class, but even so, to be last is a hard pill to swallow.
This weekend provides another opportunity for Nebraska to put some of this horrid losing behind them. Going to Norman next week at 2-1 will be a lot easier than the other scenario, because if Nebraska loses, the heat will be overwhelming.
The good part of all of this? Nebraska has it all in their own hands. They can be the team that bounces back from losing to Illinois, to beating Buffalo and then giving the Sooners all they can handle. They (OU) sure didn’t look invincible this last weekend. If Frost is going to have any chance of showing that he deserves more time in Lincoln, it has to start this weekend.
ON WITH THE REWIND…
Last game prediction was Nebraska 30, Fordham 10. The actual score was Nebraska 52, Fordham 7. For the first time in what seems like forever, Nebraska did what they were supposed to do. They created turnovers, they buckled down at the end of long drives and the offense wore down and opponent and was able to play backups in the fourth quarter. Not much to critique wrong with the score, even if it took a quarter for the Huskers to get going.
Quick Notes:
Adrian Martinez…Three weeks in a row that I have him on here, but as he goes, so go the Huskers. He followed a below par performance with another exceptional one. That’s good, he needs to outplay the Forham’s of the world. Now the pressure intensifies. Buffalo’s defense is probably as good at Illinois. Martinez needs to start making the the throws that differentiate bad quarterbacks for the good ones. This week is when it needs to happen.
Markese Stepp…Finally, Nebraska was able to get a running game going. Stepp was a big part of that. It’s not that Gabe Ervin isn’t talented, he is, but sometimes you need a veteran presence to get the team on a roll. Stepp was able to do that and looks like he could separate himself a little in the running back room. My hot pick, Sevion Morrison scored two touch downs and he also looks like he will start getting more carries.
Deontai Williams…He was the best player on the field against Fordham. He had to picks and another tackle for loss that impacted the game. He is one of the best players on the field. He s one of the only difference makers on the blitz that Nebraska has. They need him to play at an All Big Ten level.
Blackshirts…A solid performance last week, but they need to hold the line this weekend. It’s not that they aren’t capable, they really are the strength of the team so far. This game is an opportunity to show that they really are going to be the backbone of the team. With Oklahoma and their air display coming up, Nebraska has to continue to figure out how to pressure the quarterback while thwarting the running game. I feel like the defense will the difference in whether the team goes bowling or not.
Score Prediction: Nebraska 28, Buffalo 24
I hope I’m way off and Nebraska covers going away by more than two touchdowns this Saturday. Nebraska has the talent that they should be able to run away with this game at the end. The big “however” is Buffalo is really solid, well coached and will be wanting to make a statement. Will Nebraska be in the same boat? They need to make the statement more than the Bulls. Until we see it with our own eyes, consider us skeptical. Either way, as always, GBR!!
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