Troy Review, KU Preview
Bring back the good ole days? How about that, big red fans? 56-0. Takes us back to the glory years of the 90’s.I think it’s more like back to the FUTURE! The Big Red offense was clicking on each of those 11 cylinders. Throw in a defensive effort that basically allowed a grand total of zilch and the result was 2nd and 3rd teamers in there for quality snaps in the 2nd half enroute to the rout.I was genuinely concerned about Troy. They had teed it up with Florida State and Georgia Tech (good outfits) and I felt like the building process of coach Larry Blakeney would finally result in a quality performance in Lincoln. This was Troy’s fourth visit to Lincoln in five years and I felt like it was the best of any of those previous ball clubs. I still think so. But maybe, just maybe our guys are better than some around here think.The running game was fantastic. Marlon and Kenny found big holes and made the defense pay dearly. Overall, the big play is back in play for the Huskers. In less than one quarter the other night, the Huskers had a season long running play and a season long pass play. So I hope the HuskerNation enjoyed it. We may not have another breather like that again. This week, we get it started for keeps. Yes, you want to win every non-conference game and look good in the process, but the Big 12 North has always been Goal #1.The first step: Kansas.The Huskers need to reestablish order in this series. It used to be when KU was on the schedule, we could take most of the day off. Then, the world fell off of its axis last year and Kansas not only won the game, but also kicked us around. 40-15. Yes, Nebraska was close for a while, but watching it, I was never sure KU lost the momentum. Bad, bad deal.Our guys need to come out with that kind of intensity this week. NU needs to set the tone for the night by slamming the Jayhawks right away (follow that Troy blueprint). Kansas was speaking confidently about their prospects in the spring. I found that puzzling because of who was no longer around. They had three LB’s who were tops in the Big 12 North. Remember Kane, Floodman and Toomey? I do. They wrecked us last year. Those guys were more smart and tough than athletic. But that’s not a bad quality. This year’s KU team may be a little more athletic but not nearly as experienced. That shows on offense. They are using talented redshirt freshman Kerrey Meier but after a rocky start and a couple of injuries, they’ve gone to senior Adam Barrman. Overall, they have not sparkled offensively even though tough runner Jon Cornish is averaging over 100 yards per game.I feel good about this one. I think the intensity on our sideline is brewing and we are seeing some excellent performances from playmakers on both sides of the ball. Carriker and Moore shined Saturday. Taylor was never better. Shanle, Lucky and Brandenburg stood out for me.Enjoy the game. 1-0 in the league, baby.GBR
Published on 09/25/2006