[Husker] Game Comments

[Steve Stone]

Jeff Volk wrote:

>Steve Stone wrote:
>  >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.

>Did you watch this game?

Yes, I did. I've been watching USC in person and on the tube since 
1945-46 and have yet to see them start slow.

>To say that the Trojan offense came out in 4th
>gear in the first half of that game might be a bit of an overstatement.

Possibly, but I stick by my statement. USC always begins its game as 
though the first quarter were more than halfway through. Not only did 
USC start fast but looked in mid-season form.

>  USC had 6 possessions in the first half and led only 16-7 at halftime.
>They did have 3 nice drives of 8 plays or more, but all of those ended
>with field goals. The only TD they scored in the first half was a drive
>that started on the Arkansas 3 yd line following a turnover. They also
>punted once and turned it over on downs once.

True enough! But some credit must be given to the Hogs' defense. This 
Trojan team is a good one but not (yet) at the level of the prior 
three years' teams.

>Now the second half was a whole other story as USC turned it up and
>shifted into mid-season form and just ran away with the game.

Agreed. But the Arkansas true freshman reserve QB came in and 
controlled the Trojan defense as though he has bought a majority of 
shares in it. Very encouraging for Husker fans, but for Hog fans it 
was too little, too late.

>The biggest concern that I have against USC is the height of the USC WRs
>Smith and Jarrett against our CBs. If we can sustain decent pressure AND
>our CBs play well I think we will give USC one heck of a ball game. I'll
>be making the trek from Minneapolis to LA for the game and can't WAIT.

The Los Angeles Coliseum is far from my favorite venue for watching 
football, but I'll be surprised if Husker fans don't make up 40-50% 
of the fans.

Smith and Jarrett are gifted players, but ultimately the game is 
either won or lost by the front sevens. No QB looks good lying on his 
hindsides, a position I hope Carricker, Moore, et al, put him in 
frequently.

Steve Stone