I knew it. I just knew it. Last week I called the matchup between SDSU and the Huskers uninteresting, and that it wasn't even worth writing an article about. I should have remembered that IF something can go wrong, it WILL...
I think it all started when the University scheduled homecoming for the SDSU matchup. Apparently not even homecoming could get people excited for this one. But they don't have any other option because the "Red Out Around The World" is already scheduled for our next home game against what probably will be a 2-loss Texas team. My how that publicity stunt continues to look more and more ill-planned.
Anyways,...as we all recovered today from the hangovers (figuratively and literally) we experienced from yesterday's game, our heads still may feel a little fuzzy, but might we have a more clear view of who this Husker team really is? Newspapers all week reported that the Huskers would blow South Dakota State out of the water coming off a big win against Washington. It appears that the Husker football team must have been more focused on the newspaper articles and drinking the Big Red Kool Aid, instead of preparing for the game. In a game where SDSU was supposed to be a punching bag, it looks like this time the punching bag hit back, and the Jackrabbits made the Huskers look like Jackasses.
From the start the Huskers looked unmotivated, and unexcited about having to play this "lesser" opponent. The Jackrabbits on the other hand were playing in the game of their lives. Memorial Stadium is a world of difference compared to their home field with a capacity of around 15,000 seats. The big stage did not appear to intimidate these wascally wabbits won bit. The Jackrabbits played with emotion, drive, and determination, and accomplished something most underdogs can't; they kept it up throughout the game.
In a case of Jeckle and Hyde, T-Magic looked more the part of T-Tragic. Martinez consistently under threw his wide receivers, and under threw them bad. When he did finally throw a catchable ball, unfortunately he stared down his receivers, giving the defense plenty of time to step in front for an easy pick. There were too many plays where I was dumbfounded, trying to figure out where the ball was intended to be thrown as it appeared it had no clear destination. While I understand that he is a redshirt freshman, this poor passing is going to catch up with us. We're just lucky that it happened in this game, instead of one in conference play. (Anyone remember Iowa State '09?) One bit of advice to T-Tragic: taunting an FCS opponent isn't cool. Especially when they stuck with you and showed you that you don't intimidate them. It's kind of like getting into a fight with your younger brother, and barely win. Even if you win in the end, you still kind of lose... Seems like Husker Nation may have jumped on the Heisman Hype a little too soon. Thanks ESPN.
The run game looked miserable. Looks like the Jackrabbits watched some film this week. Stop the run and we have NOTHING. I mean, we do only have 2 passing TD's in four games. That single threat attack will not hold up against better teams. I declined a few free Husker tickets this weekend and I am kind of glad I did. It was rough enough watching it on Pay Per View (also free to me). I was actually more entertained watching a class C Highschool football game this Friday, and I had to fork out 10 bucks for that one. At least those kids wanted to be there. Hats off to SDSU, they played with everything they could.
But like I said earlier, the sky is not falling quite yet. We now have a bye week to prepare for Kansas State and I am sure that Bo will have the guys ready to play that Thursday night game in Manhattan. I would like nothing more than to see Bo put Old Man Winter-Snyder in his place and make him rethink coming out of his retirement. The Huskers will need to find a way to improve the passing offense during this break or it may be a long in-conference stretch this season. You cannot be one-dimensional in this day an age. Just can't. Chicken Little can relax for now. The Huskers are 4-0 and take away one game, have looked pretty descent. Another poor showing however might open the doors for doom and gloom mummers around Husker Nation.
But not all was lost this weekend. Here are a few things that can make all of us smile.
The Husker game for the most part was less than a blip on the sports scene around the nation. Being a pay per view game, not many people saw it, including voters, so that may have helped the team maintain their ranking. (Top ranked team in the Big XII at #6)
And while were talking about pay per view, I don't care what anyone says, the Ticket Express girl is sexy. She would definitely NOT be "facebook deleted" in my book.
Texas lost. That's something we can all celebrate. Plus their top ranked rushing defense looked overrated. That could be a good thing for the Huskers. Oh yeah, Texas is also now ranked #16 and #21 in the polls. ESPN isn't humping them anymore either and Gameday will NOT be at the Red River Shootout. Like the whore they are, ESPN has moved on to a new in-crowd.
TCU, Boise State, and Oregon, all looked beatable this week.
Alabama and Arkansas had a great game, and Arkansas had it all but won before pissing it down their legs.
Pelini again proves he is always good for a laugh. Did you hear his short interview before going into the locker room at half. Priceless.
Missouri is unranked in the AP poll despite being 4-0.
I think we all need this week off after the showing on Saturday. While I'm not too worried at this point, i might keep one eye to the sky,...just incase...
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