Are the ‘Huskers ready for the defending champs?

By Josh Lashley  |   Wednesday, July 05, 2006  |  Comments( 160 )

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By the time October 21st rolls around the players, coaches and fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers should have a very good idea as to the program's status as a legitimate contender within the Big 12 and beyond. If, however, there is still a degree of uncertainty in regards to whether or not the 'Huskers are for real, what happens on that day in Memorial Stadium should make things a whole lot clearer.

On that date, the defending national champions make their visit and while they may not be as superb as they were in 2005, rest assured that Texas will be very, very formidable this season. Some of the stars from last year's 13-0 team, most notably that dynamic quarterback named Vince Young are gone, but once again, the Texas Longhorns have a great deal of experience and talent throughout the roster. Of course, they also bring yet another stellar recruiting class.

Those who say that the Longhorns chances of a repeat are somewhat slim may point Young's replacement, which will likely be an inexperienced underclassman. Jevan Snead, a true freshman, and Colt McCoy, a red-shirt freshman, are the two front runners for the starting job in the eyes of many of those who follow Texas closely. Snead and/or McCoy will have time to progress, as there will be a whole lot of talent all around whoever is at QB.

The offensive line should be massive and will have its share of skilled veterans. That line should also be of a big aid to the running backs crew, which could be led by sophomore Jamaal Charles who rushed for 878 yards last season. Charles is also a standout in the 100 and 200 meters for the Longhorn's track and field team. The wide receiving chart is deep with 6-foot 5-five junior Limas Sweed returning. Sweed caught eight passes the Longhorns' 41-38 win over USC in the Rose Bowl on January 4th.

On the defensive side of the ball, Texas is - you guessed it - loaded with gifted athletes. The Nebraska offensive line had better be in sync when Texas rolls into town or it's going to be a very harsh day for the Cornhuskers' offensive weapons. Defensive ends Brian Robison and Tim Crowder are both tremendous players who recorded 58 and 50 tackles, respectively, last year. Robison also notched seven sacks in 2005.

Add in players like junior defensive tackle Frank Okam (48 tackles last season) and you figure why opposing offensive coordinators have their work cut out for them, to say the least. Texas is stacked in the defensive backfield as well with senior safety Michael Griffin ready to attack consistently. Griffin paced the Longhorns with 124 tackles last fall.

Will the 'Huskers show Texas that the power is back in the Big 12 North? Further, will the game on October 21st be the first of two meetings between these programs this fall?

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CommentsComments: 160  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Darren B		02:01 AM
07/05/2006
Horns by 16 at least. Defense is too strong and deep for huskers. If Taylor gets squashed prior to the Horns visit look out. Too...
No.2
Beijing Husker Fan		05:53 AM
07/05/2006
The key for Nebraska against UT should be the O-line. If Nebraska can run and control the clock and avoid being forced into...
No.3
ben		05:15 PM
07/05/2006
For Nebraska to pull off a upset then the blackshirts are going to have to shut Texas down and hold them to few points and make...
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