Sizing up the storylines: Nebraska vs. Texas Tech
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By BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
HuskerExtra.com breaks down Saturday's game against Texas Tech.
Stay disciplined
As if Nebraska’s rash of unsportsmanlike-conduct and personal-foul penalties wasn’t enough, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel said a Husker player spit on him last Saturday. He also said Nebraska played “dirty” — interesting, considering nobody laid a finger on Daniel over the last 3½ quarters. In any case, discipline — or lack thereof — has been at the forefront of conversation this week, and it’s grabbed the attention of Husker players and coaches. Senior Todd Peterson mentioned it in his weekly blog on Sporting News Today. “We’re being coached to play relentless football from snap to whistle,” he wrote. “Football is a physical and emotional game and we’re trying to have the attitude of a physical team, but we obviously are trying to do it within the rules of the game.” It’s another top-10 foe today, meaning Nebraska absolutely must limit mistakes. The Huskers are averaging 9.2 penalties per game. How about five flags or fewer today?
Joe Ganz, QB
Ganz said he isn't surprised his statistics are down from his video game-like numbers of late last season. Nor should he be. "Last year and this year," Ganz said, "are two totally different animals." But the senior quarterback must do a better job of making decisions, especially as Nebraska hits the road for the first time this season. Ganz has thrown costly interceptions in each of Nebraska's last two games, both leading to touchdowns. Ganz simply can't force the issue today.
Daniel Charbonnet, SS
Charbonnet is tied for the national lead with four interceptions - three came against SMU, setting a Texas Tech record. For the season, he has 27 tackles, two pass breakups and has forced and recovered a fumble. Charbonnet leads a secondary that helps the Raiders rank No. 3 nationally in pass-efficiency defense. Texas Tech is tied for third in the nation with 10 interceptions.
--Brian Rosenthal
Round peg, round hole? Anyone?
Through five games, it’s not apparent what Nebraska wants to accomplish on offense. Marlon Lucky isn’t the go-to player many thought he might be this season. There is no speedy receiver who can be labeled a deep threat. Joe Ganz has performed well at times but has thrown critical interceptions. Bo Pelini said coaches are still learning about personnel on offense, and used the “square peg, round hole” analogy. And the offensive line? “We’re going to be a balanced offense,” offensive line coach Barney Cotton said, “and we’ve got to be an improved run-blocking team with better pad level, better finish and better aggressiveness, and we’ve got to protect our quarterback and keep him clean.” Don’t look for a dramatic turnaround today, but Nebraska can help itself by committing zero turnovers — that’s right, zero — and not thwarting drives with false starts and holding calls.
Tech’s O-line? Oh, my
By now, you’ve heard enough about Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. They won’t be stopped today, period. A big reason — and we do mean big — is Tech’s offensive line. From left to right, players are 6-foot-7, 314 pounds; 6-6, 335; 6-3, 287; 6-7, 354; and 6-6, 325. No wonder Tech has allowed only one sack and two quarterback hurries in 262 passing attempts. “They’re as big a group as you’re going to see,” Pelini said. “They’re great position blockers on the run. All part of (Mike Leach’s) system. That’s the kind of guys he recruits. They’ve got big guys who just kind of engulf you and try to position block you, and then they’ve got little backs who try to hit it quick.” Uh, backs? Yep, Tech runs the ball, too, and with much more purpose than last season — the Raiders are only 49 yards from equaling last year’s rushing total for the season.
Keep the ship afloat
And here we thought 70-10 would be a distant memory four years later. A growing pain that would be reflected upon as the painful start of something exciting down the road. Well, it’s four years later. Growing pains still exist, and another 70 points (gulp) can’t be ruled out today. It’s the start of another era, and Pelini’s crew must somehow weather this storm. Players insist this team won’t crumble like last year’s did, and the next couple of weeks are sure to be an indication. Can the Huskers keep their wits about them as challenging — but winnable — games against Iowa State and Baylor await?
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