[Husker] Game Observations

[Steve Stone]

1. The TV camera appeared to be operated by an on-the-job trainee who 
wa used to using a Kodak Brownie - - and the on-screen panels seemed 
to be composed by his litter brother:
The NU startling lineups were not put up until the third NU 
possession and included #65 Colin McDermott (freshman linebacker) at 
left tackle in place of #65 Mike Smith, #70 Kenny Anderson (freshmen 
defensive end) at right guard in place of #70 Matt Slauson, and #88 
Micah Kreikemeier (freshman linebacker) in place of #88 Mike McNeil. 
The defensive starting linekup appeared some nine minutes into the 
first quarter and included #43 Brent Moravic (frehman free safety) in 
place of #43 Ty Steinkuhler.

2. Even so, having Matt Davison as the color commentator more than 
made up for it.

3. I'd bet that Western Michigan decided before last week's game that 
since Cody Glenn was a late convert to linebacker they'd test him, so 
he was heavily involved in many plays. He passed the test with flying 
colors, so SJSU decided to test other people with the result that 
Cody Glenn was not so much in the focus of things. Still, he made a 
mark.

4. It seems likely that both WMU and SJSU decided to stop the 
Huskers' running game by loading the box on the theory that Ganz had 
several picks in each of his games last year. Both teams got two 
intercepts, but Ganz beat both with his arm anyway.

5. Although Ganz showed no limp or favoring of his leg after the 
first sack, he did lose a degree mobility and so didn't attempt to 
beat them with with his running. Had he not had his leg/ankle twisted 
on the first sack, he probably would have been a more effective 
runner.

6. During Suh's interception run, I was astonished to see Erik Hagg 
pick up about four and a half to five yards on the Spartan's #89 
within 35 yards. Hagg appeared suddenly out of nowhere and slashed 
forward in an attempt to block for Suh, which turned out not to be 
necessary.

7. This brings up another point: I didn't see Prince Amukamra in the 
game until midway into the third period. Why he was kept out so long, 
I have no idea, but it seems to me that Amukamara's speed shouldn't 
be wasted on the bench.

8. The punting game has deteriorated from last year. Don't know why 
but hope it will reverse itself soon.

9. All of Adi's kicks but one sailed into the end zone. The guy is a 
weapon. Bet he's saved the kickoff team(s) from dozens of injuries, 
major and minor.

10. After a stunning field-goal day last week, not a single one on Saturday.

11. Hunter Teatafiller showed up in the third quarter.

12. Didn't see hide nor hair of Justin Mackovicka in either game.

13. Swift and Peterson = Mo who?

14. Freshman Alfonso Dennard did indeed play like a senior on special teams.

Steve Stone