Had the chance to watch the pay per view TV coverage of the Huskers vs Loo-zee-ann-uh Lafayette last Saturday evening. Before the game started, I said, "Boy, would I like to see a turnover taken in for a touchdown--on our side of course."
Darned if that didn't happen with Larry Asante's INT return for six. Which, of course, was taken down a peg by his collapsing hurt in the end zone after the finish. Health and injury issues are never far away.
But back to the thought--the paper noted on Sunday that Asante's pick 6 was the first time for a Husker D-back to take one back all the way since Fabian Washington got-R-done (tribute to Larry the Cable Guy since he was at the game last week) back in 2002.
2002!!! 2002!!! Freaking seven years ago!!!
Which, of course, is yet one more indictment of the Pederson-Callahan Administration. Here we are in the most pass-happy conference on God's green earth---and yet, for the Huskers, a pass interception and return for a touchdown by a defensive back is an event that ranks with a kick or punt return in its rarity. Wow.
That speaks either to a lack of talent to make it happen--or a lack of coaching to be ready for it--or both.
I know that there have been some unlucky moments. Cortney Grixby had a great opportunity against USC (aka Song Girl U) in 2006 when he jumped an out route and had nothing but green for about 25 yards to the end zone--but couldn't hang on.
But, more often than not, the mindset and coaching and preparation just hasn't been there to recognize the play, make the move, and secure the ball--then, of course, make the return.
It's nice to see that technique and execution back. And hopefully it's not the last time this season--for our side of course.
Go Big Red!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
An Outside Voice On Husker Red Zone Problems
Just for grins, I sent an e-mail to Chris Brown of the web site smartfootball.com and asked his opinion of the Huskers' offensive inability to score a TD last week against Virginia Tech. The guy has a great site and I'm sure he gets a go-zillion requests, but I thought I'd give it a shot.
Darned if he didn't answer. Here's what he said:
"I didn't get to watch it (the game) so I can't speak to any specifics. VT does have a very good defense -- sometimes those things happen. I'll keep my eyes open for Nebraska later this season though."
That's a good enough perspective for me. I just hope that Miami doesn't slice & dice the V-Tech defense this week--although they might considering that our guys banged V-Tech around pretty good.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Darned if he didn't answer. Here's what he said:
"I didn't get to watch it (the game) so I can't speak to any specifics. VT does have a very good defense -- sometimes those things happen. I'll keep my eyes open for Nebraska later this season though."
That's a good enough perspective for me. I just hope that Miami doesn't slice & dice the V-Tech defense this week--although they might considering that our guys banged V-Tech around pretty good.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Huskers' OL Needs OT
Like all Husker fans, I'm not a very happy camper today following the 16-15 loss to VA Tech. So near, yet so far. But, in all honesty, the outcome of the game is in synch with the outcome of the first drive into what I consider to be the "true" Red Zone--inside the 10.
You all remember that. Zac Lee's roll-right, toss to Rex Burkhead, and RB's run down to the Tech 3 got the boys within smelling distance of the goal line.
Nine feet. Less than the height of a regulation basketball hoop. Heck, in soccer that's even halfway inside the little box closest to the goal.
NINE FEET!!! An average-size guy can step that off in 3 steps.
Well, we know how that turned out, don't we---an option left to the 2 (should have been closer to the 1), an "Oh crap, I'm gonna get sacked" heave into the stands, and a wide-left offering toward Niles Paul from Zac Lee. Then Alex Henery's 2nd field goal.
Not good.
Folks, here's where the game was lost. If you want to rag on O'Hanlon for busted coverage late, or get after Suh for dancing instead of charging the Tech QB on the winning TD throw, you're entitled to do so.
But for me, dammit, first and goal at the 3 starts and ends with a vanilla and jalapeno combo. You know what it's gonna be, but it's gonna be hot!!
I can't believe that Roy Helu didn't get the 1st call on that sequence. You don't have a top flight back around to let him get the "show yards" and then not call his number down deep. And now we get into "Use-ta could" land. For 30-some years practically, I use-ta could tell you exactly what the first play in a 1st & goal inside the 5 situation would be---a lead play with the tailback carrying, and following the fullback. Two of those carries was usually enough to ring up 6.
So why not yesterday in Turkey-call ville? I don't know. I want to bitch at Shawn Watson for not dropping the hammer, but then again---he was also the playcaller in the famous game back in 2001 when Colorado ran wild against the Huskers. So, I don't think that Shawn W is a non-fan of the running game at close range.
I think, instead, that what's going on---as events with penalties in the 2nd half proved---is that the offensive line is still not getting the job done--and at money time--like it is inside the 5--Off. Coordinator Watson still does not have the confidence that he can ride the line into the end zone.
That hurts. That really hurts.
And I go back to griping about defensive plays late in the game. My god, people, we have had such goings-on for-EVER!!! So don't get all caught up in that. Focus on what has been the Huskers' calling card for darn near 40 years---when it's 1st & goal inside the 5, or 3rd & 2, Nebraska runs power--you know it's coming--and you still can't stop it.
That was the trademark of the Nebraska offensive line. Fix that, and you fix everything.
The Old Husker Fan
You all remember that. Zac Lee's roll-right, toss to Rex Burkhead, and RB's run down to the Tech 3 got the boys within smelling distance of the goal line.
Nine feet. Less than the height of a regulation basketball hoop. Heck, in soccer that's even halfway inside the little box closest to the goal.
NINE FEET!!! An average-size guy can step that off in 3 steps.
Well, we know how that turned out, don't we---an option left to the 2 (should have been closer to the 1), an "Oh crap, I'm gonna get sacked" heave into the stands, and a wide-left offering toward Niles Paul from Zac Lee. Then Alex Henery's 2nd field goal.
Not good.
Folks, here's where the game was lost. If you want to rag on O'Hanlon for busted coverage late, or get after Suh for dancing instead of charging the Tech QB on the winning TD throw, you're entitled to do so.
But for me, dammit, first and goal at the 3 starts and ends with a vanilla and jalapeno combo. You know what it's gonna be, but it's gonna be hot!!
I can't believe that Roy Helu didn't get the 1st call on that sequence. You don't have a top flight back around to let him get the "show yards" and then not call his number down deep. And now we get into "Use-ta could" land. For 30-some years practically, I use-ta could tell you exactly what the first play in a 1st & goal inside the 5 situation would be---a lead play with the tailback carrying, and following the fullback. Two of those carries was usually enough to ring up 6.
So why not yesterday in Turkey-call ville? I don't know. I want to bitch at Shawn Watson for not dropping the hammer, but then again---he was also the playcaller in the famous game back in 2001 when Colorado ran wild against the Huskers. So, I don't think that Shawn W is a non-fan of the running game at close range.
I think, instead, that what's going on---as events with penalties in the 2nd half proved---is that the offensive line is still not getting the job done--and at money time--like it is inside the 5--Off. Coordinator Watson still does not have the confidence that he can ride the line into the end zone.
That hurts. That really hurts.
And I go back to griping about defensive plays late in the game. My god, people, we have had such goings-on for-EVER!!! So don't get all caught up in that. Focus on what has been the Huskers' calling card for darn near 40 years---when it's 1st & goal inside the 5, or 3rd & 2, Nebraska runs power--you know it's coming--and you still can't stop it.
That was the trademark of the Nebraska offensive line. Fix that, and you fix everything.
The Old Husker Fan
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