After Nebraska lost to Minnesota, in a game I was convinced we would win, with about 6 minutes to play in the game, I didn’t know if or when I could trust Nebraska again.
It was hard to know that Nebraska would start with two bad losses at the beginning of the season. It was harder to know where the team would be after 8 games.
I type all of this, because as good as it all has been, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Odds are it likely still will before the season runs out.
I said when Nebraska started this run of four conference games after playing Michigan, they had to go 2 and 2 at worst, and hope for 3-1. Anything less than that would likely mean no bowl game. Now, I’m wondering if they are going to be 4-0, and could they possibly put themselves in position to be playing Wisconsin and Iowa to win the final year of the Big Ten West division? I can’t go there just yet.
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I get it, the three-game winning streak is nice. Nebraska has the best defense in the Big Ten that doesn’t play in Ann Arbor or Columbus (and maybe Happy Valley) but it might not be as far off as it seemed after the Michigan game.
Luckily the offense will keep most fans humble. The continued turnovers eventually will come home to roost. It may be this weekend on the road with a wounded Michigan State team. More likely it will happen when Maryland comes to town or in Wisconsin. Henrich Haarberg has been stellar in leading the team, but the hits are taking a toll on him. He doesn’t attack near as hard as he did his first three starts when he runs the football.
Can Haarberg stop turning the ball over? Will he figure out the option pitch and make teams pay for trying to take him out? Can the Huskers stay healthy enough to score 20 points a game? That might be all it takes to win out.
I don’t know if any of those things will happen or not, but how can you not be excited about this team moving forward? Lean into it, enjoy it. Matt Rhule has finally given us all hope. After that first loss to Minnesota, I’d say that is something we can trust.
ON WITH THE REWIND…
Last game prediction was Nebraska 24, Purdue 16. The actual score was Nebraska 31, Purdue 14. I don’t know when I’m going to learn, but I can tell you that the Blackshirts aren’t giving up more than 20 points in a game the rest of the season. They are deep, talented, disciplined, and hungry. It’s the best defense Nebraska has had since 2010. If the offense plays a clean game, they are the best team in the West and probably the fourth best team in the league. The fourth best team in the league will start to put opponents away. If Nebraska truly is ready, they should roll this week.
Quick Notes:
Jaylen Lloyd…First it was Malachi Coleman, next it was Jaylen Lloyd. Now can Jaidyn Doss get into the action? The first-year receivers have been thrust into the fire due to injuries. While the stats only show a couple of big plays for touchdowns, those plays have been very influential each game. If the three of these speedsters can get better each week, the future is so bright for them all. Haarberg needs to take care of them and give them some easy catches to continue to build their confidence.
Quinton Newsome…Isaac Gifford. Omar Brown. Deshon Singleton. These four have all had huge games this season for the Huskers. Now one of the most consistent defenders finally put a big stamp on a game. Newsome blew up for the Huskers, returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown and recovering two VERY large fumbles. Newsome doesn’t always get the credit he deserves because he shuts down his man and no one talks about the guy that doesn’t get thrown at. Newsome continues to be another leader on this crazy good Blackshirt defense.
Princewell Umanmielen…He started out the season battling injuries, but this freshman has shown out now that he is healthy. Like his counterpart, Cam Lenhardt, Umanmielen has been impressive in his initial season. To play at this level and make plays that you expect Juniors or Seniors to make, has to make you wonder how great these guys will be in a few years. Throw Riley Van Popple in the mix and if these three all stay healthy, Nebraska is in great hands moving forward.
Tristan Alvano…It took him a few games, but Alvano looks to have his confidence back. His 55-yard field goal in a swirling wind, after nailing a long one the week before into the wind, has proven that Alvano truly is special. He may have been hurt at the beginning of the season, and that may have caused him to miss some easier kicks, but my trust in Alvano to bring it home the rest of the season is sky high.
Score Prediction: Nebraska 30, Michigan State 14
Nebraska has a defense that travels. Michigan State has lost six in a row. I expect the Spartans to come out and try to bully Nebraska, but this isn’t your previous year Husker team. Nebraska’s defense can keep any team from scoring more than three times. If the offense doesn’t turn the ball over in their own red zone, I just don’t see Michigan State scoring more than two touchdowns. Part of me thinks the Huskers will get a shutout this season and maybe it’s this game. I’m giving Sparty a lot of credit that they will rise up on Senior Day at home, but I expect the Huskers to dominate the second half of this game. As they fly home, the Huskers will enjoy earning a bowl bid under a first-year new coach. If that doesn’t make you say GBR, nothing will!!!
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