[NU Sports] Siemian: Joe Pa; Floyd

[neonrye at aol.com]

A few comments from snowbound NY--yes, we have some real white stuff here.  In fact, I joked at the NU game watch gathering at Buffalo Wild Wings in Stamford, CT that we need more snow next week against the Huskers--I liked the Karma.  And when was the last time, if ever, that we got to sing "Go U Northwestern" 9 times--8 TD's and 2 FG

First, liked Siemian getting those reps on last, time-consuming drive.  And loved Fitz calling Trevor over with about 1:30 left in game to tell him to take a knee and not run up another score on our former OC Wilson and his Hoosiers.  Fitz looked just great there, in comparison to Bielema and now Brady Hoke (who ran it up on Minny).   We have one of the 2 classiest coaches in the BT--Fitz and his idol, Joe Pa.

Speaking of the Gophers, what a big win for them.  Now they will be a real opponent in a few weeks.

And how 'bout them Zookers.   A doink off the upright, with a kicker who had been perfect and Coach Zook continues sliding into mediocrity and perhaps oblivion.  

Getting back to the 'Cats, was it just me, or was anyone else intrigued by the down-the-stretch running of Tyris Jones (No. 34).  I didn't even know who the heck he was, so I just looked him up on the roster.  He is a walk-on Junior, and he looked big and powerful on that last drive.  I know it's only Indiana, and I also am aware it was "garbage time", but I liked the way he kept driving when would-be tacklers tried to bring him down, and I liked his power, which is an adjective one rarely uses about NU running backs these days.  Last guy I can remember thinking was powerful was Noah Herron, but I am sure some of my fellow listers will come up with more recent candidates.  And speaking of walk-ons, Jacob Schmidt played great today--110 yards and 2 TD's.  I loved his long run, when he burst into the open field and seemed to be looking around, almost wondering out loud where the tacklers were--since breaking into the clear and running alone is not usually (ever) his thing.-)  It was very nice to see a semblance of a rushing game.  That genie will probably be stuffed back into the bottle by the Huskers, but it would make a huge difference in Lincoln if we could gain 3, 4, 5 yards on first down or second down running plays.  That would take so much pressure off Persa, not to mention our defense.  Every first down is golden, as it means at least two more minutes of not seeing the 'Cat D on the field.  I cringe every time we punt, and every time we score and have to kick off, as I know my stomach will be churning the moment the 'D takes over.  I hate feeling that way, but at this point, it's hard not to.  We really need Tyler Scott back in the lineup.  He is one of the only true playmakers on D who gives me the feeling that he can stop whatever the opposition tries to do.  

Although today was a game we should have won--and had to win, to have any self-respect or any chance to salvage the season--it still feels really good to have the "W" and to know that Rebecca Crown is purple again.  To paraphrase Jesse Jackson (I know that will drive some of my friends here crazy.:-)), the 'Cats kept hope alive, which is all I wanted for Halloween.

Paul Levinson