[Husker] Team improved in the second half

[Rober R Czeranko]

I have to agree with Tommy Thompson's comments regarding the defense
getting better in the second half.

They were very sloppy, hand tackling, etc (particularly on San Jose's
first drive). The personal foul penalty on Suh fired up the defense, and
a few play later he (Suh) ran in the interception for a touch down.
Paul's kick off return for a touch down, ended the team's and fan's
malaise. By the fourth quarter the offense began to gel and were more
productive.

I think that San Jose's speed was much better than Western Michigan's,
and that Nebraska was not prepared for that, initially. Ganz made a
couple of poor decisions, but in the end it didn't end up hurting the
Huskers. Hopefully, he will be studying film and will be able to see
where he can improve.

This defense can definitely deal with a spread offense. It was good to
see the defense pressuring the quarterback (and eventually taking him out
of the game). Although, I hope that San Jose's quarterback is okay, I do
not wish injury on any opposing team players.

The running game is solid with three good running backs, (Castille's
option fumble aside). Indeed, prior to that fumble, you could see the
offense coming together.

The penalties were the most troubling to me, but it did appear as if the
game was being called very closely. Both personal fouls (one by San Jose
State and the other by Suh, seemed very ticky-tack to me, but I am not a
ref). The back to back to back motion penalties will be dealt with and I
don't think we will see that as a recurring theme.

As for all the opposing team's yardage, this is to be expected. A spread
offense will move effectively down the field. But unless there is a big
play for a touch down, it breaks down as the field shortens up. As long
the defense can pressure the quarterback, then the big play is less
likely to happen. I would say that there will be one or two per half, and
nobody should panic if that is what happens.

New Mexico State is most likely the weakest of all the non-conference
teams Nebraska plays this season. But they need to avoid over looking
them for the next three games (Virginia Tech, Missouri, and Texas Tech).
This one could have upset alert, but I fully expect Bo Pelini and his
staff to have the team more than prepared for this game. I expect
Nebraska to look unstoppable and to win big.

It was the fall of 1982, when I was a freshman at UNL, that Nebraska hung
68 on New Mexico State. It may be another performance like that this
weekend.

Go Big Red!

Rob Czeranko
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