[Husker] Thoughts on the Heisman and the Big-XII Championship

[rczeranko]

While Florida's and Texas' offenses wouldn't be the same without Tim
Tebow and Colt McCoy, respectively; it is Ndamukong Suh that is the most
dominate player in college football this season. According to pro scout,
Suh can play any position on the defensive line. Let me say that again,
Suh can play nose tackle, left or right guard, or left or right tackle.
He is special, and I for one an very thankful that he chose to stay this
season and finish career at Nebraska. Ndamukong Suh should be the Heisman
Trophy winner this season, hands down. But alas, the defense isn't sexy
and so it will go to an offensive player.

As for playing Texas in the Big-XII Championship, it will be definitely
be a road game for Nebraska. Hopefully, the experience of playing at
Blacksburg and Columbia earlier this season will help prepare Nebraska
for this game. I have always felt that the experience at Blacksburg
helped out a lot when Nebraska played Missouri.

Nebraska can win this game, but there can be little to no mistakes.
Nebraska cannot afford turn overs, dumb penalties, or errors on special
teams. With Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley will connect for at least one
or two big plays each half (Nebraska's defense needs to keep it to only
one or two and hopefully for no touchdowns). So, if Texas gets two or
three big plays in the game, it won't be the end of the game for
Nebraska. Neither team is stellar at rushing, and even though Texas has
an edge in total yardage, I believe that Nebraska is actually better over
all (given that both Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead were both out with
injuries early/mid season).

Nebraska's defense needs to be able to pressure Colt McCoy, and then
contain him if he scrambles. As I said earlier, Jordan Shipley will have
some big catches. Nebraska has to make sure that they aren't at the end
of the game to sneak out a win (ala Virginia Tech). I believe that they
can do this. The defense seems to be able to step it up when the game is
on the line. The offense cannot become the defense's worst enemy with a
lot of three and outs, otherwise it may be a long day for Nebraska. The
other thing the defense needs to do, it stop Texas's running game and
make them one dimensional, which would aid in pressuring Colt McCoy.

The offense needs to control the line of scrimmage and be able to run the
ball. Nebraska's offense needs to play with the attitude of 'We are
coming right at you, and you will need to stop us.' The offense line will
need to believe that they can control the line of scrimmage. One hitch to
this giddy up is looks like Roy Helu Jr may have been injured again.
Hopefully, his stinger has not come back, but at least Rex Burkhead
appears to be healthy. And I remember on offensive lineman getting hurt
against Colorado. Texas go pretty banged up in the aTm game, so this
should help Nebraska. The offense needs to stop trying to get too fancy
with their passing game. They need to establish the run, then run option
or play action while mixing in some slants to keep the defense off
balance.; and ALWAYS look for the tight end over the middle! If they have
several series of three and out, then I would like to see Nebraska go to
the no huddle to put the defense back on their heals and not let them
substitute. I don't know why offenses don't do this more often to speed
up the game. If the ground game is working, then Nebraska should throw
enough to keep the Texas defense honest, and control the clock. Keeping
the Texas offense off the field would be big plus (however, with Texas's
big play ability, the defense needs to always be aware.).

Special teams need avoid any muffed kicks or punts, and have a good game.
If Alex Henry is off, then it may be a long day for Nebraska. Coach
Pelini knows that field position is huge and makes excellent calls
regarding punting versus going for it. He (Coach Pelini) needs to say
within himself and not change just because it is the Big-XII Championship
(I highly doubt that he will goof this up.). The special teams also need
to make sure that they tackle Texas and avoid and big returns.

It is a tall challenge, but I am beginning to believe that Nebraska can
(and will) win this game. Texas expects to be playing for the National
Championship. While Mack Brown is an excellent coach, the team may be
looking ahead. I don't think that Texas will blow Nebraska out, but
Nebraska could blow out Texas. I expect a close game, which would then
favor Texas.

Win or lose, this has been a great season for Nebraska. The team as
overcome some adversity and never gave up. Coach Pelini and his staff has
done an awesome job in their second season. My hat is off to them.

Go Big Red!  Barbecue the Longhorns!

Rob Czeranko
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