[Husker] Game Comments

[Steve Stone]

I've watched the game recording several times as well as the Coach 
Callahan show and have come up with a few comments:

1) My guess is that Brandon Jackson had the fewest carries because 
he's the I-back with the most combat time and experience. The coaches 
seemed to be primarily looking to the other three I-backs, probably 
with little success because they all jelled out pretty evenly 
considering their individual circumstances.

2) Joe Ganz pitched out on about four occasions. As far as I could 
see, each pitch was perfect or nearly so, and his passing seemed 
almost as good. I've seldom seen a sophomore make a better first 
appearance. The loss of Beck seems less important now.

3) It was surprising to see most LA Tech passes directed toward 
Grixby rather than the new guy Andre Jones who appeared to hold his 
own in limited action.

4 ) For whatever reason, the Husker safeties didn't see as much 
action as presumed, but I thought they acquitted themselves well. I 
wouldn't be surprised if Tierre Green wound up the season nearly as 
dominant was the Bullock boys were at the same juncture. That Shanle 
kid can run.

5) The O-line is making excellent progress but has a ways to go 
before reminding us of the Pipeline(s). The young talent is maturing 
rapidly rather than wilting under pressure. By season's end, they 
should be as good as any but the very best.

6) Dan Titchner has the leg and with practice is almost sure to 
develop Sam Koch's finesse.

7) NU's kickoffs left much - - yards and yards and yards - - to be 
desired while its kick coverage was like Longfellow's little girl 
with a curl upon her forehead.

8) If the Huskers start with a typical lethargic stumbling offensive 
thrust against the Trojans, they may have a problem. USC looked in 
mid-season form against Arkansas. Decades of watching USC football up 
close and personal as well as on the Tube have made it clear the 
Trojans always start in fourth gear.

9) The Husker defense, it must be said, started in fourth gear 
against LA Tech and would be well advised to do the same on Sept. 16.

Steve Stone