[Husker] Big-XII North, Cosgrove, and Husker play so far

[Rober R Czeranko]

I have said for a while that how Nebraska football goes, so goes the
Big-XII North. Now, that Nebraska is becoming a player again, the North
is stepping it up. Granted both Texas and Oklahoma most likely over
looked both their opponents yesterday, I still hold by my assertion. The
North teams look to beat Nebraska, and Nebraska is down, the North
suffers overall.

There was a post regarding Wisconsin fans/alums happy that Coach Cosgrove
left for Nebraska. I too, experienced this from a Badger alum coworker.
However, he did say the Coach Cosgrove helped Wisconsin win their Rose
Bowls and when he has the players his defenses are tough to beat. It
looks like the stats show bear this out.

There was also a post regarding schemes and getting the players into
positions to play. I whole heartily agree with this. Recall the that
Coach Polini moved the linebackers around a couple of yards from the line
of scrimmage (from where they previously played), and they Nebraska had a
crushing defense. It looks as if the defensive coaches are trying to get
the players to make reads instead of putting them into places where they
can react to the plays as they unfold.

We as fans need to remember that Nebraska lost not only the front four,
but their coach. Coach Blake left and now they have a new position coach.
The defensive staff is probably adjusting to all that as well. You can
practice in the spring, but nothing prepares you like actual competition.

Nebraska's defensive success against Iowa State while encouraging is a
little misleading, as ISU was not too tough an offensive team. I would
give them a B for their play, but mostly they did as they should against
this calibre team.

As for the rest of the season, the North will be much more competitive.
Before yesterday I would have has said the either Missouri or Kansas were
the going to be tough. Now, any team can win the North. It is wide open.

Nebraska needs to avoid mistakes (stupid penalties and turn overs) and
play within themselves. Sometimes, players try to do too much (most of
which is due to their competitive natures). However, trying to do too
much usually leads to stupid penalties or turn overs.

College football just got a whole lot more exciting!

Go Big Red!

Rob Czeranko