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Sign up for our email list to be notified when we update the HF Blog. October 6th, 2009
Missouri Preview by Ryan Blase
Greetings Husker fans. The last time I wrote was a preview of the Virginia Tech game. I offered some things that I thought were important keys to a Nebraska victory. Nebraska accomplished nearly all of those keys but came away from Blacksburg with a loss. Sometimes the best team on the field does not always win. The thing that hurt Nebraska the most was their own mistakes. The failed kickoff coverage to open the game, the long run in the first half setting up a VT field goal, the inability to score TD's in the red zone, and the death blow, 81-yard pass reception in the final minute. However, Nebraska was the better team and set the tempo of the entire game. This experience hurt the players, coaches, and rabid fans, but the lessons learned from this game will pay dividends as the Huskers continue to go on the road this year.
This brings us to the next road match-up this Thursday evening at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. What are the keys to victory? Once again, these are only my opinion.
1. Run, Run, Run the football.
This is a game where establishing the ground game and maintaining it are paramount. If Nebraska can eat up significant chunks of clock while mounting TD scoring drives, Missouri will become very frustrated. Look for Roy Helu, Jr. and Rex Burkhead to get a lot of touches. I hope to see more of Burkhead than he was previously utilized in the Virginia Tech match-up. This kid is a gamer.
2. Pressure Blaine Gabbert.
Blaine Gabbert has received much praise for his efforts thus far this season. Is it deserved? Who knows? The competition has not been stellar with Illinois, Bowling Green, Furman, and Nevada. But Gabbert's numbers have been stellar. I have a feeling that yards will be tougher to come by on Thursday evening. The Missouri running game is close to putrid, so the Tigers must be able to throw the ball to win. The front four of Nebraska needs to get pressure on Gabbert early and often. If Missouri dumps the ball off quickly, then the Nebraska D-line must get their hands up in the passing lanes to bat down some balls. The Husker front four did a wonderful job of batting down balls at the line of scrimmage versus Virginia Tech. If Nebraska can put pressure on Gabbert, Missouri will struggle to move the football. Keep an eye also on the nickel and dime packages for Nebraska as more speed should be on the defensive side of the ball. Blitz packages from these formations should also be fun to watch (hopefully they'll unleash Hagg and Amukamara).
3. Win the special teams battle.
Nearly three weeks ago, Nebraska fans knew that Frank Beamer's teams are always extraordinary on special teams. Most feared that Virginia Tech would get a score on special teams. Well, they got one...but not a direct score. The opening kickoff allowed VT its first seven points. But, Nebraska countered with a great punt return by Niles Paul. Overall, special teams was a wash, considering Alex Henery's performance (although TD's would have won the game). So if special teams was even against VT, Nebraska should be able to win the special teams battle versus Missouri. A couple timely punts by Mr. Henery (see U La La game) would be great against the Tigers(although let's hope Nebraska doesn't punt often). Nebraska should have the edge in this phase of the game and it may make all the difference.
These are my keys to victory. What are yours?
My prediction (keep in mind I was wrong 3 weeks ago):
Nebraska 35
Missouri 24
We would love to hear your thoughts on keys to the game. And don't forget to enter your score prediction in the Guess the Score and Win contest for free Husker Faithful apparel.
Support the Huskers this Thursday night and GO BIG RED!!!
Comments (2)
Posted by Jason Federico
And the football gods looked down, smiled and said \ Heaven is just not the same without the Huskers\ come on home boys, come on home! GBR
Posted by Sharon
Ryan, you are right on as usual. I, too, would like to see Burkhead get more touches in this game. Let\s pull out all the stops and get Mizzou good. The time is now.
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