SQJ Taipei

Nothing like a game against Iowa State to cure what ails your favorite team.

I’m sure I’ll have to eat those words in a few hours after the Huskers allow several ISU players to look like All-Americans. That’s just the way it is going to be this year.

Although I keep trying to get really upset at how poorly NU’s defense has played this season… I just keep coming back to this all important stat.

Yeah… I know it doesn’t tell the whole story but there are a lot of envious teams (ND, UM, UofL) who wish they could say the same as NU.

Anyway… knowing that NU is 3-1 after playing the 17th toughest schedule so far including one bona-fide great team (current #1 USC), I guess I’ll just keep being patient.

Through the internet, I’m able to catch ALL the news about the team that I have time to read/listen to. I’ve read this past week about the booing, the lack of “fire” from the D, the coaching schemes, blah blah blah… all of it.

Here’s where I’m at… not that anyone asked.

• I love the 2005 version of Corey McKeon… but this year’s version is obviously (as he said himself) not having fun. I’m BEYOND pleased that Dillard is starting this week. I’m not baggin on McKeon AT ALL. I’m just saying that Dillard is playing like a crazy man and it seems to be one of the few things that is working. One might even say he’s playing like 2005 McKeon.
• Sam Keller is the real deal. I always figured he was as he was tearing it up at ASU before he transferred to NU, but until the guy gets on the field in real games, what do we really know. I’m not going to look it up right now, but I’m pretty sure that he’s increased his completion % and yardage in each consecutive game. In part… circumstanced demanded that he do so… but some guys quit and Keller isn’t one of those guys. Plus… have you heard him talk about his teammates this week. Classy guy it seems.
• As the writer in The Nebraska State Paper suggests… these are *your* Blackshirts… get behind them… support them… scream your head off for (and at) them… just always remember that they are *your* Blackshirts. For this season, you don’t have any other choices. Try to enjoy the exciting games.
• Christian Peter, Charlie McBride, Jerry Murtaugh, Stever Warren, Mike Minter, and Milt Tenopir all say that the problems are NOT scheme. Rather, they are execution and lack of fire/passion. Since I trust those opinions more than I trust OmahaBob or WestCoastOSux over on the message boards, I guess you can count me in the Coz should stay camp.

I’m not happy with where the D is at. But it does make for excitement. I don’t know about you, but I watch and follow football and all sports for the excitement. If my own identity was related to the success or failure of any of my favorite teams, I’d be in pretty sad shape… and so would all you Cubs fans. Fortunately, we *heart* our teams no matter what. It doesn’t mean we “accept mediocrity”, it just means that following our team brings us enjoyment. I hope you follow the Huskers because it is fun… not because your self-worth is all wrapped up in the ups and downs of 18-22 year old guys who wear your team’s jersey.

Prediction:
NU 59
ISU 30

I originally picked 52-39, but seeing the changes on D and the way the players are talking and to learn that Bowman is back this game… I’m taking some points from ISU and I think that will result in more points for NU too. Basically, I just find it hard to believe they’ll just keep playing so poorly.

I wish I could be there in Lincoln this Saturday to scream myself hoarse for the Huskers.

Now… here’s some videos to keep things in perspective.

First… 1996 Fiesta Bowl - NU vs. undefeated Florida. NU made Florida’s defense look totally silly… kinda like how our D has looked at times this year! It isn’t a blast to be on the other side… but it does help me a little to be reminded of just how silly a great team can make a decent team look sometimes. And NO I’m not saying Ball State was a great team (although their QB was awesome that game).

Second… Quenton Castille’s throwing a block. The kid that got laid out was hurt and I’m not happy about that, but I am glad to see a freshman going after it like this.

Third… speaking of freshman… Here’s Roy Helu’s great blitz pickup on the winning TD v. Ball State. From looking at the vid, it seems that Keller probably gets that pass off anyway… but who knows? And… it is a GREAT block no matter what happened on the play and it probably brings Helu even more PT this week.

Here’s to the Blackshirts… have fun this week!

PS - It is fun to get a shutout