Nebraska vs. ISU

[Omaha Cy]

ISU needs to control the clock against NU(or most any other opponent for that matter), which they proved they could do last year against various opponents. A facet they had not shown the previous 2 seasons under Chizim. They did it running the ball, and also with the short passing game. That alone will help ISU overcome a few deficiencies when T.O.P. shortens the game for the Clones.

Also to flip it around, what will be NU's strategy on offense? Will Watson go conservative in the 1st half and figure the NU defense will control the game, and then struggle to find their stride later?

Will the wind blow in a swirling 65 mph manner that day causing all speculation to be thrown out the window.

NU should hold the paper advantage here, but O believe the key lies with ISU methodically moving the ball, and the defense at the very least fighitng hard for every yard.

 

[Melvin]

a)NU loses SUH.

b)ISU will have their #1 QB, #1 RB.

c)Game is in Ames.

d)NU has Barney Cotton.

 

[Bigguns]

3-4 losses heading into the game? Care to tell me which ones they will lose? (Western Kentucky, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota State, K State, Texas, OK. State, Mizzou) The only ones I can pick out at Texas and maybe Washington because it's in Seattle.

@ Washington potential loss
@ K-State potential loss
Vs Texas probable loss
@ Okie St. potential loss(if K-Sate or Wash beats them I would say probable loss)
Vs Mizzouri potential loss(Gabbert will be an animal next year).

I think there is a very good chance they have 3 losses and an outside chance for 4-5 if you factor in Barney Cotton.

I got beat to the Barney Cotton thing by a mile.

 

[Melvin]

Everyone has to realize that Nebraska has a HUGE HYPE advantage. The Huskers kick butt between Feburary and August. The Omaha Radio stations and newspapers are now on FULL HUSKER HYPE MODE. By the end of August, they will be predicting NU to win not only the Big 12 title, but the National title.

 

[Omaha Cy]

Only if you agree that your defense lost the game last year.

With 7 minutes left in the game we started a drive inside the 10 yard line. A 3 and out with a punt and UNL is
in automatic range for Henry. What does our backup offense do against the vaunted black shirts? The correct answer is go on a game winning 5+ minute drive, punch it out to mid field, completely flip field position and force Zac Lee to win the game with this arm.

Actually the drive started with 11:15 remaining, and NU got the ball back with about 4:03 left. Watched the 4th qtr last night. When it came down to crunch time, ISU sacked up big time over the last 15.

 

[Frak]

I actually think Laamack will be higher than Osemele, he is so versitile. Franklin, I believe is the X Factor here, watching him at the spring game, he is going to tear up the Big 12 this year.

I don't agree. I think that KO is probably a third round pick if he comes out after this season and a second rounder at the lowest if he stays all four years. Here's my guess on the rest of them:

Arnaud: FA
Lamaak: 7th round
ARob: FA
Sims: 6th round
Franklin: FA

My shocking prediction: Bo Williams sees more NFL snaps than ARob does.

 

[Carr50010]

After reading a previous thread about the game next year, It seems a majority of the fans on here fully believe that Iowa State will beat Nebraska next year. Rhodes is a great coach, and I truly believe he will bring Iowa state to one of the top spots in the north, but I don't see them winning against us next year. Iowa State played a great game last year, and definitely deserved that win in Lincoln, but this year I think it is safe to assume they wont receive many of the breaks they got in last years game. For those of you who feel Iowa Sate will win next year please post support for why. Id love to talk some football and hear yall's opinions.

Iowa State will be looking to repeat the magic, and our players will be bringing it.
Hopefully you do not cry on the road home after your next crushing defeat to the Cyclones.

 

[CrossCyed]

I don't agree. I think that KO is probably a third round pick if he comes out after this season and a second rounder at the lowest if he stays all four years. Here's my guess on the rest of them:

Arnaud: FA
Lamaak: 7th round
ARob: FA
Sims: 6th round
Franklin: FA

My shocking prediction: Bo Williams sees more NFL snaps than ARob does.

Why, is Bo going to buy that Direct TV package that allows you to watch a bunch of games at once?

 

[Frak]

Why, is Bo going to buy that Direct TV package that allows you to watch a bunch of games at once?

No. It's just that he has the combination of size and speed that the NFL wants. It's a different game and Bo is a better fit for the NFL. ARob is not quite fast enough to be a third down back yet too small to run in between the tackles and be a full time RB. Kind of like Darren Davis was for us or Fred Russell was for the hoks...small and not a speed burner = no NFL. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[CrossCyed]

No. It's just that he has the combination of size and speed that the NFL wants. It's a different game and Bo is a better fit for the NFL. ARob is not quite fast enough to be a third down back yet too small to run in between the tackles and be a full time RB. Kind of like Darren Davis was for us or Fred Russell was for the hoks...small and not a speed burner = no NFL. Hope I'm wrong.

I have no clue if A-Rob will see a snap in the NFL, but I'd rather put my money on him than Bo.

 

[Frak]

I have no clue if A-Rob will see a snap in the NFL, but I'd rather put my money on him than Bo.

Hey, I'm not trying to badmouth the kid...he's a much better fit for ISU's offense. It's just that the NFL places what I think is too much emphasis on numbers and measurables. If Bo gets a tryout, he's going to have those numbers in his corner because he's taller, faster and a classic two back RB. Not to mention he'd have basically no tread on his tires, which the NFL loves (see Terrell Davis). I think that Bo is going to be a workout warrior and someone will take a chance on him as an undrafted free agent.

 

[snowcraig2.0]

Since when is ARob not fast?

 

[Frak]

Since when is ARob not fast?

He's definitely faster than any starter we've had since before TD. But he's not NFL-third-down-back-fast. He's not Reggie Bush fast. He's not Dexter McCluster fast. All I'm saying is that RBs that size in the NFL get slotted as 3rd down backs until they can prove that they can handle running between the tackles. And NFL 3rd down backs for the most part have to be pretty dang fast...fast enough to burn most every LB in the league.

 

[Wingback]

For those of you who charactarized me as some type of a no-minded idiot, based on my evaluation of this fall's Iowa State versus Nebraska game, Phil Steele (who's publication "Phil Steele's College Football Review" is widely regarded as the most authoritative and accurate of any of the college football pre-season publications) seems to agree with much of my "on paper" analysis. Granted, this only reflects All Big 12 performers, which, of course, doesn't tell the whole story, but here is what Steele is saying in his publication, released a couple of days ago.

OFFENSIVE LINE: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 2 All Big 12 (Ricky Henry 3rd team, Keith Williams 4th team)
Iowa State - 1 All Big 12 (Ben Lamaak 2nd team)

QUARTERBACK: (I called this a "push" as neither are very good)
Nebraska - 0 All Big 12
Iowa State - 0 All Big 12

RECEIVERS: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 2 All Big 12 (Niles Paul 1st team, Mike McNeil 3rd team)
Iowa State - Iowa State - 0 All Big 12

TIGHT ENDS: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 0 All Big 12
Iowa State - 0 All Big 12

RUNNING BACKS: (I gave NU the slight edge, but said I could accept a "push")
Nebraska - 1 All Big 12 (Roy Helu 2nd team)
Iowa State - 1 All Big 12 (Alexander Robinson 3rd team)

DEFENSIVE LINE: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 3 All Big 12 (Jared Crick 1st team, Pierre Allen 2nd team, Baker Steinkuhler 3rd team...gasp, he hasn't proved anything yet!)
Iowa State - 0 All Big 12

LINEBACKERS: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 1 All Big 12 (Sean Fisher 2nd team)
Iowa State - 0 All Big 12

DEFENSIVE BACKS: (I gave NU the edge)
Nebraska - 2 All Big 12 (Prince Amukamara 1st team, DeJon Gomes 4th team)
Iowa State - 2 All Big 12 (David Sims 2nd team, Leonard Johnson 4th team)

As I said earlier, simply looking at the respective schools' All Big 12 selections doesn't paint the complete picture, but based on top-tier talent (on paper, of course), here's how Phil Steele might break down the game:

Offensive Line: Nebraska
Quarterback: push
Receivers: Nebraska
Tight Ends: push
Running Backs: Nebraska (slight edge)

Defensive Line: Nebraska
Linebackers: Nebraska
Defensive Backs: Nebraska (slight edge)

That looks eerily similar to what my assessment of the game looked like "on paper." Phil Steele...what an idiot!

 

[Melvin]

Very Poor Analysis, Mr Wingback. YOU FAIL.

If you know anything about Phil Steele, you would know that he puts a premium on Home Field Advantage. Also, I doubt that he would call the QB or RB a push as NU has no clear cut #1 QB and A-Rob is a Stud.

Fact is, the game will be played in early Nov, a lot can change by then.

 

[Wingback]

Very Poor Analysis, Mr Wingback. YOU FAIL.

If you know anything about Phil Steele, you would know that he puts a premium on Home Field Advantage. Also, I doubt that he would call the QB or RB a push as NU has no clear cut #1 QB and A-Rob is a Stud.

Fact is, the game will be played in early Nov, a lot can change by then.

Just out of curiosty, Melvin, if ARob is such a "stud," why does Steele rate him as the third best running back in the NORTH?

Your anaylsis...FAIL!

 

[Frak]

For those of you who charactarized me as some type of a no-minded idiot, based on my evaluation of this fall's Iowa State versus Nebraska game, Phil Steele (who's publication "Phil Steele's College Football Review" is widely regarded as the most authoritative and accurate of any of the college football pre-season publications) seems to agree with much of my "on paper" analysis. Granted, this only reflects All Big 12 performers, which, of course, doesn't tell the whole story, but here is what Steele is saying in his publication, released a couple of days ago.

First off, I think that you may want to check your OLs again. Second, anyone who thinks Niles Paul (with no real QB) is a top 2 WR in the Big 12 is crazy. He's a prime example of a lot of known quantities graduating and not knowing which unknowns will step up. I mean, do you honestly believe that Niles Paul will even be second string all-conference post-season?? More likely HM. Third, remind me again what this analysis would have looked like last year. Or in 2002 or 2004. If ISU has EVER been ahead of Nebraska overall talent-wise, I'd be surprised. Doesn't stop them from winning.

 

[Frak]

Just out of curiosty, Melvin, if ARob is such a "stud," why does Steele rate him as the third best running back in the NORTH?

Your anaylsis...FAIL!

Maybe because he only plays about 2/3 of a season every year. Luckily for your team, the game with ISU has been moved back into November, so there's a good chance you won't have to face ARob.

 

[Wingback]

First off, I think that you may want to check your OLs again. Second, anyone who thinks Niles Paul (with no real QB) is a top 2 WR in the Big 12 is crazy. He's a prime example of a lot of known quantities graduating and not knowing which unknowns will step up. I mean, do you honestly believe that Niles Paul will even be second string all-conference post-season?? More likely HM. Third, remind me again what this analysis would have looked like last year. Or in 2002 or 2004. If ISU has EVER been ahead of Nebraska overall talent-wise, I'd be surprised. Doesn't stop them from winning.

Good catch, Frak...and my sincere apologies. I failed to notice Osemele as a 3rd team All Big 12 selection. With that, Steele appears to disagree with me and would assess Iowa State as having a slight edge on the offensive line. I can live with that!

With regards to Niles Paul, there is no question this guy has immense talent, in spite of his occasional on-field "brain farts." I'm not sure why you would question that he could possibly be a first-team All Big 12 selection this year after being a 2nd team selection a year ago in a number of major conference publications including the Dallas Morning News. And that is in spite of the fact that his quarterback was arguably the worst in the conference.

With regards to how Nebraska and Iowa State have historically stacked up with regards to talent, I don't disagree with your assertion in the least. Iowa State typically has less talent than does Nebraska. But talent doesn't always win football games (it will most of the time, but not always). As I have said on numerous occasions, the reason Iowa State beat Nebraska a year ago in Lincoln was that they were more motivated, they played with more heart, and they plain and simple wanted it more. I couldn't care less about all of those turnovers. Most turnovers are created and Iowa State created turnovers. And that's why I have said that it is possible that Iowa State could win again this year. Personally, I don't think they will, but they certainly can.

 

[delt4cy]

As long as Barney Cotton is coaching the Nebbie O-line, the troubles on offense will continue.