[Husker] NU-ISU Game Observations

[Steve Stone]

1) The Husker squad we've all been hoping for showed up for the first 
half of the game. Save for three fumbles, the last one of which 
probably cost a touchdown in the final seconds of the half, the 
offense and defense began to bear a resemblance to some of the better 
teams in NU history.

2) Fortunately the same defense showed up for the second half. 
Unfortuanately, the offense couldn't get its act together in the 
third quarter but did show up on occasion in the fourth.

3) This season is the first time in recent memory when punting has 
morphed into a Husker problem. Quite untypical.

4) 35-7 is a nice win anytime, particularly at Jack Trice Stadium in 
Ames. Too often in the past some of NU's best teams came a cropper 
there - - or close to it. It can be a snakepit albeit a scenic one 
yesterday.

5) At the outset of the season, Bo declared that the won-and-lost 
ratio wasn't his primary concern but that improvement and effort 
would serve as his criteria. I believe he is holding to it, but it 
appears that the Huskers may qualify for a bowl this year. A bowl - - 
any bowl - - would make this season a success, perhaps not a success 
that most fans dream of but a success nonetheless. (If only to gain 
an extra month of practice.)

6) Joe Ganz threw for 72%, a genuinely impressive figure. And no picks.

7) Some Listers' unflattering comments about Lucky might well be due 
for reconsideration. With few exceptions, a running back performance 
bears a direct correlation to the play of his offensive line. Lucky 
is the complete back: he can not only run and catch but block.

8) Bo's repeated assertion that his team "has a long way to go" in 
order to reach its potential is neither coachspeak nor propaganda but 
a fact. I really like Bo's refusal to indulge in coachspeak and his 
readiness to accept blame when the players' performance goes ragged. 
What a pleasant change from the previous regime!

Steve Stone