Steven M. Sipple: NU should finish atop scrap heap in North
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Anybody who thinks they can easily predict the winner of the Big 12 North Division is misguided and perhaps extremely arrogant.
Parity, mediocrity and unpredictability rule the division. Trying to figure out the champion is a colossal waste of time and energy.
So, let’s get started.
I still think Nebraska will finish atop the (scrap) heap, although this prediction obviously comes with much less conviction than it did in August. The Huskers have by far the best defense in the division — they rank eighth nationally in average yards allowed, and Kansas State is next at 39th.
Nebraska defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick are terrorizing offenses, Phillip Dillard has solidified a once-rocky situation at linebacker and the Huskers’ secondary is playing well, particularly Alfonzo Dennard and Larry Asante.
The Blackshirts give Nebraska a chance to stay within striking distance of virtually any team in the nation.
Meanwhile, Nebraska’s offense should be able to rise to the level of mediocre, regardless of who’s playing quarterback. An ordinary offense, exceptional defense, and adequate special teams might just be enough to win the North.
It sounds peculiar, but eight turnovers aside, the Huskers actually made strides offensively last week against Iowa State and should’ve won going away.
So, Nebraska’s No. 1 priority against Baylor?
“Hold on to the ball and get it in the end zone,” Husker quarterback Zac Lee said. “I think that would solve a lot of problems.”
I’ve said my piece about the Lee-Cody Green quarterback debate. I think it’s time to see Green operate the zone read. Whatever happens at the QB position, I liked the vibe I picked up this week from Nebraska players and coaches. I didn’t sense panic at all. The Huskers have created most of their own problems, Suh said, and he’s right.
Husker head coach Bo Pelini, in particular, seemed especially confident and relaxed.
I predict Nebraska beats Baylor 24-7, comes home and loses a close game to Oklahoma, then heads to Kansas for a pivotal showdown.
Game Day: Saturday predictions
Nebraska, currently 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12, will then face Kansas State in Lincoln before wrapping up the regular season at Colorado. I can see NU winning a close game at Kansas and ultimately finishing 5-3 in the league. To win four of their last five, the Huskers probably will have to win two or three excruciatingly close games.
Kansas (5-2, 1-2 Big 12) probably will get walloped Saturday at Texas Tech. The Jayhawks feature the North’s best offense by far, but rank 100th nationally in pass defense.
Kansas will finish with games, in order, at Kansas State, against Nebraska, at Texas and against Missouri in Kansas City, Mo. I see the Jayhawks faring no better than 4-4.
Kansas State (5-3, 3-1) has enjoyed a nice run, but I don’t think the Wildcats will finish .500 in the league. Two Nebraska seniors from last year’s team have told me they were astonished by the Wildcats’ lack of talent across the board.
Missouri (4-3, 0-3) plays Saturday at Colorado (2-5, 1-2) in what could be an early elimination game. Or maybe Mizzou was effectively eliminated when Suh fell on Blaine Gabbert’s ankle Oct. 8.
With due respect to Paul Rhoads and his upstart Iowa State program, I trust that the compassion of football gods will keep the Cyclones (5-3, 2-2) out of the Dec. 5 Big 12 Championship Game.
The football gods no doubt favor Nebraska playing in the title game, understanding the Huskers’ defense actually could make it semi-interesting, as opposed to a debacle along the lines of Texas 70, Colorado 3 in 2005.
Yep, when in doubt, go with the football gods.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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