Sizing up the storylines: Nebraska vs. Kansas State
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By the Lincoln Journal Star
We’ve seen Blackshirts ... now what?
So who had Nov. 11 in the office pool? That’s when the Blackshirts finally came out, 10 games into the season. Five sacks apparently did the trick. Now the challenge: Keeping ’em. Nebraska heads to the Little Apple today to face an NFL-caliber quarterback, without its two top linebackers — one from injury, one from suspension. What’s a defense to do? Bring pressure and then more pressure on Josh Freeman, who has plenty of skill but also interceptions. The Huskers have lacked the ability to create turnovers, but K-State’s not exactly the best at guarding the ball — 23 giveaways this season. If the Huskers finally win a turnover battle, they probably win the game. Was handing out the Blackshirts the perfect motivational ploy for the stretch run? Could be. But leave the effort on the bus and the jerseys could disappear by sundown. The Blackshirts, Bo Pelini said, are judged on a day-to-day basis. “That’s something, you earn it,” he said. “But then you’ve got to earn it to keep it.”
A rush to succeed
Blake Lawrence, No. 40
Blake Lawrence surely isn't the first name Husker fans think of, but the sophomore linebacker could have a major role in today's game. With Phillip Dillard out with an ankle injury and Cody Glenn indefinitely suspended, a player like Lawrence is going to need to rise to the occasion. It’s anticipated that NU will play senior Tyler Wortman at the MIKE spot and use Lawrence, Latravis Washington and Thomas Grove at the WILL position. Coaches said Lawrence played well against Kansas. They'll need a similar effort out of him and his cohorts today given the recent hits to the linebacker position.
Brandon Banks, No. 83
He comes in a small package, but has a knack for big plays. At just 5-foot-7 and 142 pounds, Banks is one of the smallest players you'll see at this level. He leads the team with 57 catches for 917 yards, an average of 16.1 yards per catch. Banks has eight touchdowns and is in the running for Big 12 newcomer of the year. He is great in space. Tackling well is a must for the Huskers, especially when this guy gets the ball. Miss a tackle and you could see him celebrating in the end zone.
More at HuskerExtra.com
The K-State defense has been brutal against the run this year, giving up more than 210 yards on the ground per game. That ranks 109th in the country. Calling Roy Helu, Marlon Lucky and Quentin Castille. This is the type of game where one of those players — if not all of them — should leave a mark. Helu has piled up 352 total yards the past two games. But just when you think one Husker back is sort of taking over this year, another one steps to the forefront. Watch the distribution of touches to the I-backs today. Who steals the show? One of them should be able to.
Watch the explosives
“Phenomenal” is how Husker running backs coach Tim Beck described K-State’s special teams. The Wildcats have blocked eight kicks. They’ve returned a couple for touchdowns. If Nebraska loses today, it’s going to be because of “explosive” plays like those. All it will take is a blocked kick early or some blown coverage in NU’s secondary to bring some life to the place and give belief to the Wildcat cause. With Ron Prince a lame-duck coach, expect K-State to throw the works at Nebraska. Remember: This is a guy who faked a punt on his own 9-yard line against NU two years ago. Imagine what he might do now knowing he’s on his way out anyway.
All considered, eight sounds great
Becoming bowl-eligible didn’t used to be cause for ordering dessert around here. But these are different times. And given where the Huskers were a year ago, when the Sun Bowl is winking at you, you smile and say thanks for noticing. Today is about bowl positioning — a win keeps hopes alive for a New Year’s Day slot in the Gator Bowl — but it’s also about not giving up what you just gained. Nebraska grabbed some momentum last week. Nothing could be more of a killjoy than to hit the brakes today and lose to a 4-6 team. El Paso? Jacksonville? Phoenix? Whatever the bowl destination, the sunshine will just feel a little bit better with eight wins already in your pocket.
— Brian Christopherson
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