Sunday, November 22, 2009

NU still unranked by AP
3:41 p.m. Four straight wins and a Big 12 North title aren't enough to get Nebraska back into the Associated Press Top 25 just yet.

The Huskers sit two spots outside the Top 25 at 8-3 overall. A total of nine three-loss teams are ranked, and four-loss Stanford is just ahead of NU among others receiving votes.

All three of the Huskers' losses have been against teams with at least .500 records, but it would be safe to say that the 9-7 home setback to Iowa State is the one keeping Nebraska from re-emerging in the Top 25. Also, NU has beaten just one team with more than six wins (Missouri at 7-4) and its victories have come against teams with a combined record of 39-48.

In the USA Today coaches poll, NU advanced from a tie for 25th to No. 23.

Filed by Rich Kaipust »

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Bowl talk
Filed by Mitch Sherman at 9:44 a.m.

Win or lose Friday at Colorado, Nebraska's bowl outlook is pretty clear. It's almost certainly going to be a holiday season for the Huskers in San Diego, Dallas or Phoenix.

Just one route to the Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4 in Glendale, Ariz., and that's to beat Texas, Dec. 5 in the Big 12 championship game.

Now, if the Huskers lose to the Longhorns in Arlington:

NU could play back-to-back games at Cowboys Stadium, landing in the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl if the BCS chooses Oklahoma State as an at-large team. OSU, with a win Saturday over Oklahoma in Norman, would appear to rank as an attractive option for the Fiesta.

If the BCS passes on the Cowboys, they would likely play in the Cotton, pushing Nebraska to the Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

Not a bad set of options.

NU is familiar with all three destinations, though the Cotton and Fiesta bowls have moved to new stadiums since the Huskers' most recent trips after the 2006 and 1999 seasons, respectively. NU made its only appearance at the Holiday Bowl in 1998. »

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Huskers still unsatisfied
Filed by Mitch Sherman at 12:52 a.m.

Lots of talk from the Huskers and coach Bo Pelini after their 17-3 win over Kansas State about staying focused, even after this Big 12 North-title clinching victory.

“There's not going to be any patting ourselves on the back,” Pelini said. “That's for another time.”

Ndamukong Suh hesitated to discuss the feeling of satisfaction gained from winning the North. Not until the regular season is complete, Suh said. Even then, the Huskers are likely to point to the next game – Dec. 5 in the Big 12 championship game against Texas.

“I think we're on a good path,” Suh said. “Definitely happy with the situation that we're in, but want to dominate the Big 12 North. The only way to do that is to go to Boulder and take care of business.” »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Offense's struggles continue
Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 9:30 p.m.

After an impressive start to the half, Nebraska's offense has reverted back to its standard level of futility. But the NU defense isn't letting KSU take advantage.

The Huskers have gone three-and-out twice and gained just one first down since that four-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to begin the third quarter. They've totaled 27 yards on three drives.

But Kansas State hasn't been able to capitalize.

The Wildcats made two trips into the red zone, but came away empty on both occasions. Senior Larry Asante forced a key fumble when he hit senior Keithen Valentine at the 1-yard line. KSU kicker Josh Cherry missed a 32-yard field goal wide right.

If Nebraska's offense could find a way to put together some effective series, a point-producing drive, this game could be over.

Other observations:

-- That fake-option pass play didn't work this time. Zac Lee was sacked for a loss of 10 yards on third down, trying to run the same play that resulted in a long gain to Niles Paul a week ago. It appeared as if the Wildcats called the perfect blitz to defend that long-developing play.

-- After a relatively quiet day, Ndamukong Suh showed up at a key moment. With about 11 minutes left in the game, Suh sacked quarterback Grant Gregory on a second down play, then forced a punt by deflecting a pass at the line of scrimmage.

-- Either Alex Henery has a magical command of the football or he's just really talented. The junior booted a punt 62 yards and watched it bounce perfectly out of bounds at the 3-yard line. He had a similar kick in the first half, when his 45-yarder hit the ground and shot directly out of bounds at the 1. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Nebraska seizing control
Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 8:54 p.m.

That was quick. In less than two minutes after halftime, Nebraska has taken command of this game.

The Huskers now hold a 17-3 lead after I-back Roy Helu's 14-yard touchdown run with 13:21 left in the third quarter. That play came right after a 47-yard pass play from Zac Lee to Niles Paul.

It was the eighth reception of at least 35 yards this year for Paul. Also interesting to note that the Huskers attacked Kansas State's secondary the play after Tysyn Hartman left the game with an injury. Hartman already has an interception today, but he wasn't out there to help defend Paul.

On the other side of the ball, senior Larry Asante just bailed out the NU defense. He popped senior running back Keithen Valentine at the 1-yard line, jarring the ball loose. It appeared that junior Prince Amukamara was the Husker who recovered the loose football.

Now, the Wildcats probably won't abandon their low-risk offensive approach just yet. But they may have to consider tweaking it here shortly. Daniel Thomas had 74 yards on 10 carries at halftime, but he may not get as many more opportunities if Nebraska can keep KSU out of the end zone this quarter. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Halftime: NU 10, KSU 3
Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 8:25 p.m.

We're halfway through the battle for the North Division title and things have transpired rather predictably so far.

Both teams have brought a conservative offensive approach, but key mistakes have kept them from putting together too many successful drives. They've combined for 279 offensive yards.

Nebraska holds a 10-3 advantage, probably because the Huskers have committed fewer unforced errors. But Zac Lee's interception interception in the end zone may end up proving pretty costly. We'll see.

Some other halftime observations:

-- A little bit too much drama for Nebraska to end the half. Kansas State, which had already used its three timeouts, began its final possession with just 1:01 left on the clock. The Wildcats looked like they were just trying to run out the clock too. But Daniel Thomas' 24-yard run gave them a chance for some points. Josh Cherry missed a 51-yard field goal kick.

-- Take away Lee's meltdown in the red zone and he's had a pretty good evening so far. He's 9-for-14 for 92 yards. He's carried the ball seven times for 14 yards (though he lost 14 on that sack).

-- Roy Helu has 53 rushing yards in the first half, putting him over 1,000 yards for the season. It's the 29th time in Nebraska history that a back has eclipsed that mark. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Missing an opportunity
Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 8:05 p.m.

Nebraska has seemingly lacked a killer instinct on offense, until it pounded KU for a game-sealing touchdown last week. But the Huskers just ruined their chance to take early control of the game tonight.

After the NU defense forced a three-and-out, Nebraska drove inside the KSU 10-yard line, but quarterback Zac Lee made his two biggest mistakes of the night.

He lost 14 yards on a second down sack. Then, on third down, he threw an interception right to sophomore safety Tysyn Hartman.

Putting the game away had been somewhat of a problem, even during this current NU winning streak.

After taking a 20-0 lead, the Huskers let Baylor stick around for the rest of the game. They couldn't turn the Oklahoma contest into a two-possession game.

It is early, but Nebraska could have made a statement by taking a two-touchdown lead.

A few more observations:

-- After a 10-play field goal drive, Kansas State has hurt itself with its own mistakes. An intentional grounding penalty ruined drive two. The next possession featured a second down holding penalty that forced the Wildcats out of running situations.

-- We haven't heard too many “Suuuuhhhh” chants tonight. The senior defensive end hasn't recorded a tackle for loss since the Oct. 31 game at Baylor.

-- True freshman Rex Burkhead has contributed in his first game back since breaking a bone in his foot. Two rushes and a short reception already for Burkhead. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Tied at 3 after one quarter
Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 7:18 p.m.

A touchdown would have been nice, but Kansas State probably won't complain about the way it started tonight's game.

The Wildcats drove 58 yards on 10 plays in a little over five minutes, taking an early lead with a 44-yard field goal by kicker Josh Cherry.

No surprise here. Kansas State ran the ball seven times and passed it just twice. The Wildcats' likely goal is to stay close and avoid any major momentum shifts that might fuel this energetic crowd.

But Nebraska's offense managed an answer of its own, mixing runs and play-action passes effectively enough to move the ball 56 yards. The Huskers converted three third downs and tied the game with Alex Henery's 34-yard field goal.

Other observations after one quarter:

-- Sophomore right tackle Marcel Jones appears to have injured his right ankle. He's limping on the sideline. Junior D.J. Jones, who has played often this year, has replaced him on the field.

-- Junior Anthony West got the start at cornerback over Alfonzo Dennard, who's been hampered by a strained shoulder since the Oct. 17 loss against Texas Tech. Dennard is suited up, but hasn't played yet.

-- Looks like Nebraska's defense will be playing a lot of nickel tonight. Linebackers Phillip Dillard and Will Compton were on the field on almost every play during Kansas State's first drive. Nebraska hasn't played much nickel during the past few weeks and occasionally, it appeared as if some of the players were a bit confused before the snap. Let's see if they get more comfortable as the game goes on.

-- So far, it looks like we're going to see the comfortable and poised version of junior Zac Lee tonight. The quarterback started the game 4-for-4, but his only miss was a costly one. Tight end Mike McNeill was running wide open in the end zone on third down. Lee's throw was too strong.

-- With two teams who like the run the ball, this game may go down as one of the quicker contests of the year. The clock isn't stopping too often tonight. With 1:39 left in the first quarter, Kansas State began the game's third possession. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Senior Night is here
Filed by Mitch Sherman at 5:25 p.m.

There's another unusual week afoot in the Big 12, or is that just the norm by now? After Colorado nearly beat Oklahoma State Thursday, Texas Tech blew out Oklahoma today.

Other games have gone according to form, with Missouri pulling away late to beat Iowa State and Texas A&M handling Baylor in the fourth quarter.

Less than 90 minutes until kickoff at Memorial Stadium. Clouds have moved in, and the sun is out of sight, cooling the air since early afternoon. It's still 55 degrees but feels cooler with a moderate breeze out of the south.

Something to chew on over the next hour: We know Ndamukong Suh is likely to receive the loudest ovation from the crowd tonight during Senior Day introductions. But who gets the second-loudest cheer?

There are a few good candidates, perhaps led by linebacker Phillip Dillard, who rebounded from reserve duty to reclaim his starting spot and has played at an All-Big 12 level for the past two months. Safety Matt O'Hanlon deserves some recognition for his inspiring rise from walk-on tryout to Blackshirt, as does center Jacob Hickman for his five years of service and ability to play through some painful injuries.

Think back to that much-hyped 2005 recruiting class, from which the last six players remain to play their final home games tonight - Suh, Hickman, Dillard, Chris Brooks, Barry Turner and David Harvey. It's been an interesting five years, to say the least. »

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Big night for the big man
Filed by Mitch Sherman at 9:02 a.m.

Get to your seats early tonight. Senior Day festivities begin with 24 minutes on the pregame clock, right about 6:20.

The most anticipated senior introduction, no doubt, involves a certain defensive tackle who has enjoyed his share of memorable moments inside the gray walls of Memorial Stadium. Tonight will no doubt rank as another of those moments for Ndamukong Suh as he embraces coach Bo Pelini before kickoff. The crowd's reaction should be someting to behold.

Interestingly, Suh's campaign for major awards has gained steam in recent days, even after he posted season-low tackle totals in the past two games. Nebraska's new Web site has helped, but the biggest factor in the Suh momentum is tied to a parade of ESPN personalities - Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Mark May and other - who continue to declare Suh as a Heisman frontrunner.

Good or bad, ESPN plays an enormous role in the Heisman race. Ballots (actually, to the dismay of this voter, the Heisman discontinued its distribution of real ballots this year in favor a notification by mail to vote online) were sent this week to the 900-plus voters.

This is the time when most voters begin to seriously consider their choices. I still don't think Suh can win the Heisman. The voting pool is too big, but he can get to New York as a finalist, and ESPN can help get him there.

A dominant performance tonight against Kansas State would loom very large in Suh's candidacy - not just for the Heisman but the Nagurski, Lombardi, Outland and others.

And in contrast to the offensive styles of Oklahoma and Kansas, K-State will operate a gameplan that figures to play right into Suh's hands, so to speak. Remember his showings against Missouri, which had to turn conservative because of the weather, and Virginia Tech? Look for more of the same against the Wildcats.

The game will be televised by ESPN's mother ship. You better believe the announcing crew of Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Erin Andrews will follow Suh's every move, likely starting with the pregame love from Pelini and the NU fans. »