[personal] [Husker] Riding a hot player

[Skylar Dodds]

Hello Husker Fans,

On the surface what you're saying seems very logical.  However you are
missing one large factor.  While I was disappointed we didn't rush a
little more against OSU, I think this and the Texas games were BY FAR
the best coached games I've seen since Osborne.

Here's what you're forgetting, This entire game we enjoyed a 2 or 3
touchdown lead almost at all times.  Thus, game clock control (we had
it almost 10 minutes more than them) and shortening the game were a
great strategy.  Against OSU, that was not the case.  We were ahead
early, but it was close or we were behind for the majority of the
time.  That can cause you to go away from the rush a little bit.  Not
to mention, I think the coaches learned from there mistake at OSU,
when you have a good lead, don't get fancy, just control the clock.

Also, I thought this was a very good defensive performance. Huge plays
by Ruud, Carriker (who tipped the ball on Ruud's INT btw), and Jay
Moore.  In the 'Big Red Reaction' show, the host made what I think is
a very valid point.  Many people complain that we're still giving them
the 5-10 yard cushion.  However, when they did score, it was an
18-play 6:00 or so minute drive that ate up a good portion of the 4th
quarter.  We basically told them, if you're going to score, you're
going to have to earn it one small piece at a time.  While that's not
the best strategy when you're behind, it works very well when you're
ahead.

This was the best all around coached game I've seen for a while.
Offense, defense, and special teams.  I don't care about yards, or
stats or first downs.  To me there's only one important stat for the
defense.  Score.

Great game from the stands.  Crowd wasn't too loud all the time, but
was VERY loud when it counted.

-- 
Go Skers,
 Skylar                            mailto:Sklarbodds at cox.net

RM> <start of sarcasm>
RM>  
RM> It's nice to see Brandon Jackson get 32 carries in the MU game when he's
RM> averaging 3.5 yards / carry while his carries are limited to 21 in the
RM> OSU game when he's averaging 8.7 yards / carry.
RM>  
RM> <end of sarcasm>
RM>  
RM>  
RM> The above fact contributes to my ongoing debate as to whether or not
RM> this staff is good at game day adjustments or if their 15 play script
RM> and preset game plan is not subject to (live game time) review. I do not
RM> wish to rehash the pain that was 2006 OSU (I relived it too much while
RM> waiting for NU to blow a 21 point 4th quarter lead against MU), but if
RM> the coaches are willing to give 32 carries to a single member of the
RM> "committee" in 2006, why wouldn't they have done so when Jackson ripping
RM> off 10 yard carries each time at OSU?
RM>  
RM> Roy Miller
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