Steven M. Sipple: Nebraska can make statement with win

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The grand ESPN Thursday night stage is set. The world will be watching, at least the night owls.

Will Nebraska remember its lines? It’s not like the Huskers do this often.

They’ve done it well to this point, going 4-0 on ESPN’s Thursday package. But their last such appearance was clear back in 2003 at Southern Mississippi. Before that, it was 1993 and 1995 at Oklahoma State and 1994 at Texas Tech. Yep, the good ol’ days in Huskerville.

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How does the rest of the free world regard Nebraska football nowadays? And what kind of impression will the Huskers leave Thursday night?

I’m guessing it’ll be a positive and lasting one.

The ESPN big stage is among a batch of intriguing storylines. You know, juicy morsels like Nebraska and Missouri attempting to seize early control of the Big 12 North Division, and the Huskers trying to finally beat a ranked team on the road (they’re 0-6 since 2006 and 2-17 since 1997).

What will zany college pigskin fans — especially ones outside Big 12 country who ordinarily pay scant attention to Big Red — be thinking as they watch the Bo Pelini version? Is Nebraska “back”? Will this game supply proof? What exactly will fans see in NU and how will they perceive it?

First off, I think they’ll see a game that will be chippy throughout. Is Nebraska-Missouri destined to become a classic rivalry? It has the makings. This much is certain: The matchup has a razor-sharp edge. The fans don’t seem particularly fond of each other. As for the players, the competition feels personal. All things considered, there’s as much churlishness as a “Desperate Housewives” episode.

The nation won’t see Nebraska in its vintage early 1970s or mid- to late-1990s form. But the Huskers’ overall athleticism is on-par with at least a few top-15 teams, most notably No. 5 Virginia Tech.

The nation will see a Nebraska team that is stronger in the trenches than Missouri.

On the other hand, fans will see a Mizzou outfit that features more overall speed, skill and athleticism at the skill positions, particularly on the perimeter.

They’ll see Blaine Gabbert, the Missouri sophomore quarterback who seems destined for NFL riches. Yes, that talented. That said, he still must prove he can operate at a high level against a formidable defense.

To that end, the nation will see a Husker defense that has taken on Pelini’s hard-nosed and hard-edged personality.

Game Day: Keys to the NU-Mizzou game



In Pelini, the nation will see a rising star in the head coaching business. Granted, Nebraska’s 0-4 against ranked teams during his watch. Even so, the 41-year-old is maturing as a leader before our eyes, and evidently enjoying the ride. His Twitter line Wednesday (“Got the flu so I am gonna sit this one out along with a bunch of other guys!!!“) was a savvy and well-timed move.

In a sense, Pelini was saying let’s keep keep it fun, no matter how intense it gets.

In regard to fun, fans should savor the chance to watch Ndamukong Suh, one of the most athletic defensive linemen they’ll ever witness.

Will they see a bona fide championship-caliber quarterback in Zac Lee? Jury’s still deliberating.

This is where Nebraska running back Roy Helu comes in. I’m guessing the nation will get another heavy dose of Helu (assuming he isn’t significantly bothered by the flu). A fast and physical runner, Helu could cause serious problems for the poor-tackling Tigers and help keep Mizzou’s potent offense off the field.

Nebraska fans hope to see red-zone efficiency by the Huskers against the Tigers’ bend-don’t-break defense.

I’m guessing fans will see Missouri make its share of big plays on offense, even if it’s pouring rain. But I’m guessing Nebraska, for the most part, will control the game, much in the manner it did at Virginia Tech.

This time, however, I predict the Huskers will snare a grand road triumph, at last, something along the lines of 35-28 — sort of like the good ol’ days.

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.