[Husker] Missouri Game

[Alex Quinlan]

Does anyone want to share his or her thoughts on the game, which is rapidly
approaching?  I, for one, am particularly excited.  I live in Tennessee and
rarely have the opportunity to watch Nebraska play on television.  This will
be my second game of the season; the other was the V-Tech game (which I saw
in St. Louis and found to be as thrilling as it was agonizing to watch).

Neither quarterback has proven himself under pressure.  Lee saw it in
Blacksburg.  Gabbert hasn't seen anything but open receivers lots of turf
between himself and everyone else on the field.  Ranked 4th nationally, he
lit up Illinois in the opener.  It seemed that he faced 3-yard scrambles to
the sidelines about twice as often as collapsing pockets.  Say all you want
about Illinios' defense, but 319 yards on 23 of 33 with 3 TDs is impressive
for a first-time starter regardless of the opponent.  Kid hasn't thrown a
pick yet (131 attempts).    Remember, too that Gabbert was committed to
Nebraska, and his brother is considering doing the same.  There may be some
enhanced emotional incentive for him as well.

He may need all the motivation he can muster, as he'll be facing a defense
that has been, to now, pretty solid against the the pass (20th in pass
defense at 170 yards/game, and 30th in Sacks).  The Blackshirts (if you
agree that they are again worthy of the name in spirit if not yet in deed)
contained Tyrod Taylor better than Miami and as well as Alabama for all but
2 minutes of the game.  Suh is, barring injury, is a guaranteed nightmare on
every down.  Barry Turner flashes good stuff here and there (great athlete
for his size, I think).  Then again, the backfield is dinged (Asante,
Thenarse).  Take the 81-yard coverage mistake on the most important play of
the game a couple weeks ago how you will, but to me it indicates that our
backfield has been tested to its limitations.  Maybe tomorrow is an
indication of how well the lessons of that experience have been learned?

So many subplots, such drama!  This is why I watch football.

Best,
Alex Quinlan