It goes without saying that if the entire stadium isn’t decked out in #15 jerseys, holding replica Heisman Trophies, and chanting “Overrated” Eddie George’s way, then we have failed as a fan base. Those of us old enough to remember (can’t believe I’m saying that) know the moment when Tommie Frazier got robbed of the Heisman. If you want to ask why, then go compare collegiate highlights of the two finalists. It is cool, though, to see George as the head coach of the Bowling Green Falcons, having watched him as a player for his whole career. So other than being everyone’s whipping post in various College Football video games, what do they bring to Lincoln and is there cause for concern?
The Falcons were 4-8 last season and usually sit near the bottom of the MAC whereas our last MAC opponent, Ohio, sits near the top. On paper it should be a walk, and not even close, but they do have an offensive identity in a physical running game which seems to be the achilles heel of our defense. The talent level isn’t near what the Huskers bring to the table, however, in this era of college football, you can’t ever sleep on an opponent. Quarterback Jay Kastantin is a dual threat in a run-first offense, something that can be difficult to defend, especially for Nebraska. Our defense may struggle, but that’s kind of the norm for them lately. Our offense however, needs to play a clean game, without all of the crucial, mind-blowing penalties that have plagued us for years.
This is the game for Nebraska to play crisp, especially on offense where we tout a solid running back room, a stud in Jamal Rule, our own dual threat quarterback in Anthony Collandrea, and one of the best receiver groups in the conference. Would 70 points be nice? Sure, it’d be great, but not if it means we don’t get better and grow as a team. 50 would be just fine if that’s in the cards with our starters sitting midway through the 3rd quarter because if that isn’t the case, then we might have bigger issues to take care of. Realistically, we haven’t flipped the script and become a juggernaut since last season, however, we should see considerable improvement, even if the defensive line is smaller. The dream scenario would be 300 plus yards rushing with two backs over 100 and the defense playing shut out ball to give them some confidence knowing that the schedule won’t get any easier than this.
We’re allowed to dream, even if it’s dangerous, but we need to stay grounded. Rhule hiring all the assistants he did in the last year reminds me of what Frank Solich did the year he was unjustly fired which should give us hope, considering Solich’s team did improve. And being at the Alamo Bowl when Pelini lost it on the refs was one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had as a fan and the entire Husker crowd went crazy. So any Huskers that may be reading, and you should be because that means you’re following 2 Average Guys like every Husker should, go out and play pissed off. Because how dare this team agree to come into Memorial Stadium and have the audacity to play you. You represent the greatest team, the greatest university, the greatest fans in all of sports, so go out and knock somebody’s head off on every single play. Go Big Red.
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