[Husker] NU-KU Game Comments

[Steve Stone]

1) This seemed the Huskers' best two-half game of the season although 
perhaps second-best overall to the Texas Tech game. The D-line 
dominated the KU O-line throughout the game in a way not yet seen, 
which made all the difference. From what I could see on the replays, 
the dominance was created primarily by Suh who clearly outmatched the 
opposing KU guard, creating a domino effect on the other KU linemen 
with the result that the Steinkuhler, Potter, and Allen had just that 
extra little bit of margin to work with.

2) The injury to Lucky created an opening for Helu and Castille, and 
they took full advantage of it. What a pleasure to watch these two 
sophs! Neither is yet  the complete back that Lucky is, but both will 
be next year. This season they've enjoyed at least one Lucky-created 
advantage: because Lucky was the only thousand-yard runner to return 
to the Big XXII this year, over the winter he was thoroughly 
"scouted-out" and prepared for by all of Nebraska's 2008 opponents 
who had little or no insight into Helu's and Castille's talents. In 
football, as in warfare, preparation is key.

3) It was interesting to see the "new Pellini" on the sidelines.       :-)

4) The only explanation I can think of for the Huskers' penchant for 
penalties, fumbling, and non-catches is not that the players are not 
trying hard enough but because they are trying too hard. There's no 
quit in these kids, and they seemed to determined to leave it all on 
the field. That's good, but the supreme athletic feat can be 
accomplished only with a degree of relaxation. (For example, a 
world-class 100-meter sprinter must make the utmost effort, yet 
during the course of the last 60 meters he must employ a special sort 
of relaxation if he wants to win - - those who saw Hussain Bolt in 
the Beijing Olympics will have seen it in action.) Our Huskers are so 
Hell-bent on giving their all that they seem not to "relax" 
sufficiently while playing.

Steve Stone