Rumor has it that there was an emergency meeting in the state of Nebraska late last night when the GBR Kool-Aid plant suddenly realized they had a problem – over production. Up until last night the Cornhusker state had been consuming the GBR Kool-Aid in mass quantities. But with two minutes left in the game against Cincinnati there seemed to be some sort of allergic reaction as several fans reported their bodies regurgitating the red sticky syrup without warning. Officials met and determined production would cease until September 20th, as it’s estimated there is enough GBR Kool Aid in stock to last until then. The board also voted to meet again on the 21st to determine if production will start up again.
I jest of course, but the truth is I’ll be the first to admit I got caught up and drank way too much of the Kool-Aid. Have I learned my lesson? Probably not. But as of right now, until some things get figured out, I’m off the stuff.
There is work to be done on both offense and defense. But before I start, we need to remember the Huskers got the win. It could have very easily gone the other way, so getting past the late game collapse is big. And let me point out this was game one with three new coordinators and the youngest team in the Big Ten. There’s going to be a learning curve. And do we need to remind ourselves; a bad win is better than a good loss, a win is a win. Rest assured, the need to get better isn’t lost on this team. They understand how they played, have watched the film by now, and know what needs to come next. But for now, they need to celebrate the win, because this win will go a long way in taking the next step.
A word of warning, I may sound negative, but that’s what happens when you overindulge in the Kool-Aid. I’m a fan of Husker football, and I assure you I’m not alone with my thoughts.
Let’s start with defense, the Blackshirts had zero sacks, 1 QB hurry, 2 tackles for losses, and allowed over 200 yards rushing. Yes, they held the Bearcats to 69 yards passing, but they also let the QB they knew was a running threat run for 96 yards and 2 TDs. As for pass defense, does all the credit go to the secondary or was some of it on Cincinnati? The pass completion on fourth and seven of the last drive looked far too easy. I’m thinking if Cincy had it to do over again the ball would be in the air a little more.
And offense? Raiola went 33/42 for 243 yards and 2 TDs, but his completion average was only 5.8 yards with only one completion over 20 yards. Nothing was down field. Part of that was the defense Cincy played, we took what they gave us, but the routine plays may have been too routine, keeping everything in front of the safeties. One twenty-yard play per game won’t cut it in the Big Ten.
Emmett Johnson rushed for 108 yards, but his average was 4.3 yards per carry with his longest run being 16 yards. He also had seven receptions for 27 yards. That’s 32 touches. Add the fact that no other running back had over two touches and you have a problem. At that rate Johnson won’t make it through the Big Ten season. Holgorsen is going to have to figure out how to get more production from his backfield.
Mike Ekeler’s special teams looked vastly improved. No, there weren’t any big punt or kick returns, but every ball was caught and returned without any fumbles or bad plays. And as for the snapper, kicker, and the punter, you couldn’t have asked for any more of Kevin Gallic, Archie Wilson and Kyle Cunanan. Ekeler obviously has an eye for talent and found his guys. Wilson punted four times, placing 3 inside the 20, with 2 of those landing inside the 10. Cunanan hit both extra points and both field goals, the longest, 52 yards.
I know what you’re thinking, Nebraska kept it vanilla, not wanting to show all their best stuff before Michigan. Come on, admit it, this was a must-win game, holding back wasn’t an option. You know as well as I do the thoughts that crept into your head on Cincinnati’s last drive. If the Huskers had lost imagine the conversation today?
One more thought. While some will declare Malcolm Hartzog Jr. the hero of the game, had he not made the interception he could have just as easily been called the weak link. A senior, Hartzog, has often been criticized for his play while at Nebraska, and the criticism isn’t totally unwarranted. We’ve seen Malcolm get picked-on numerous times over the last two seasons, and things didn’t look good on the last drive, giving up the first down on 4th and seven and then drawing the holding penalty. I admire Hartzog for his resilience and toughness, and he has a nose for finding the ball. However, the coaches can’t allow him to get stuck with the wrong match-up, especially guys who are 6’2” or better. It’s something to watch.
Now on to Akron. The Zips lost last night to Wyoming 10-0. Sounds like a good time for Nebraska to break in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string running backs.
Go Big Red!
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