Well, our Huskers got it done, they beat Colorado. If you were a Nebraska fan, this was a great win. With it being a night game and nationally televised, Memorial Stadium was rocking with an electric atmosphere. I’ve heard several people say it was the loudest game they’ve ever been to. Even Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter said the fans made a difference, saying it was so loud he had trouble even thinking. Good on Husker fans.
This was the game old fans like me have been waiting for. This team is as close to the Husker teams of the glory years as any I’ve seen. Now don’t get me wrong, they have a long way to go before winning conference championships or even thinking national championships. But the overall talent, work ethic, attitude, and desire to win is better than anything we’ve seen in years.
And while I’m comparing this team to the old teams of the past, younger fans are experiencing something new. Winning. Winning and finally being excited about the Huskers and the possibilities this season could bring. For many, this game was to them what the Game of the Century was to me. A great memory never to be forgotten. Young fans will forever remember their family members gathered around the big screen, screaming and hollering at each big play or score. They’ll talk about how aunts and uncles jumped and danced around the room and how grandpa sat with a goofy smile on his face as a single tear ran down his cheek. For younger Husker fans, this game was a life changing moment.
I know – you think I’m crazy. But I’m serious. As football fans and especially Husker fans, there are games that change how we see our team and forever inspire us. In a metaphorical sense, seeing what these types of games mean to so many people, especially the ones we love, causes the Grinch effect. Our love for Husker football grew three sizes that day.
But no matter how good the feeling, we have to ask, how good is this Nebraska team? The national media is talking them up. Nebraska made the top 25, listed as number 23 in the AP poll, and number 24 in the Coaches poll. Media members are already saying Nebraska will be 7-0 when going to Ohio State. They are also suggesting they could be a team that makes the 12-team playoffs. One procrastinator has them at number 12, and another thinks they are a bubble team as one of the first four out.
Personally, while I’m excited, I feel it’s all a little premature. The Colorado game was never in question, and frankly, Nebraska dominated the game on the lines of scrimmage. But is there anybody that can honestly say this Husker team doesn’t have work to do?
Coach Rhule said it, and who am I to disagree, special teams were the worst. But I will say this, while there were several lowlights, there were highlights too. Nebraska is winning the field position battle, with a 10.9-yard advantage over UTEP and a 7.6-yard advantage over Colorado. Part of it is due to Isiah Garcia-Castaneda doing a tremendous job returning punts. In two games he has almost as many return yards as the Huskers had all last season. Buschini also seems to be back to his old form, averaging 50.1 yards per punt and pinning Colorado inside the 5-yard line for Tommi Hill’s pick six.
On kickoff returns, you can see Jacorey Barney is a big play waiting to happen. Ty Robinson got another field goal block, and if I was guessing, there will be more. But after that, the special teams’ play was abysmal. It needs to be resolved, or it will cost the Huskers a game. Until its fixed, I’m reluctant to get on the 7-0 bandwagon. Illinois, Rutgers, and Indiana will all test the Huskers. Special teams will be a big part of passing the test.
This Saturday Northern Iowa will be another chance for the Huskers to take a step forward. With UNI being an FCS team, everybody is already counting this game as a win. But after a big win over Colorado, it would be easy for this team to overlook their next opponent and come out flat. That’s worrisome when you look at how Nebraska played the second half against Colorado. There seemed to be a lack of focus, and they were sloppy with too many penalties.
Last week’s Notre Dame game should be a reminder for this team as what can happen if you’re not on point. But listening to Rhule and coordinators Satterfield and White, it sounds like they are turning up the heat this week. They must continue to get better.
Am I worried? If this was 1995, not in the least bit. But after what we’ve experienced over the last seven seasons, yeah, I need to see another step forward against UNI. They need to come out hot and dominate this game. These are the games Nebraska is supposed to win big. It can’t be close if they want to maintain their momentum.
Illinois is up after UNI and that’s when the season really begins. All the kinks need to be worked out by then. I’m excited, this staff will make it happen and look for the Huskers to continue their climb.
Good things are about to happen.
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