USC enters Memorial Stadium for rematch

By Josh Lashley  |   Sunday, May 13, 2007  |  Comments( 18 )

 Nebraska Cornhuskers
It's possible that Nebraska may head into its Sept. 15 game against the USC clicking on all cylinders. The offensive and defensive backfields could be shored up, the receivers could be living up to expectations, and both lines could be doing their jobs without missing a beat. All of this -- which would include a thumping of Nevada at home in the ...
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CommentsComments: 18
 No.1
Andrew Epp		 01:17 AM
05/22/2007
All I can say is that I can't wait. But I guess if I had more than one thing to say it would be this: Coach Callahan, I think you are getting this program to where it needs to be. But this season's schedule poses a great opportunity to knock off some high profile teams and get back to being considered an elite team (just as last year's schedule did). However, if Nebraska really wants to beat USC, it needs to be a lot more aggressive and attack the Trojans' defense, especially the secondary. I understand that last year Callahan did not want to put Zac Taylor in a situation where he could get injured. He's right, that would have really been a problem if Taylor would not have been able to play in the league games because of an injury... But, I think I was not the only one to notice that in the second half of last year's meeting, once the huskers started to attack through the air, they had substantial success. The way that game was called did not really give Nebraska's offensive playmakers a chance to make plays, for the most part. This year, it should be much different. First of all, the play calling can't focus on not getting the quarterback hurt, because the Huskers really do have two very tallented quarterbacks, and whoever is number two at the time would not be much of a step down if he need to play because of an injury. Quarterback depth is huge. It was a concern last year but a strength this year. Take advantage of that! The other reason that things should handlded differently, is that this game is at home. 85,000 fans will be behind the huskers. They don't want to see their boys put in situations where they can't make plays. They (including myself) want to see the guys get out there and put it to 'em. What would be better than, say a 38 to 21 victory, Keller (yeah i think he will be the guy) having 350 passing yards, Glenn and Lucky combine for 150 on the ground, and an impressive 3-0 start and probably a spot in the top ten when the next polls come out. That is why the Huskers need to use what they have. Dare I say 'loaded' offensively? Well at least they can use more of their weapons than they did last year, and can win this ball game if they chose to put everything into it.
 No.2
Huge HuskerFan		 04:51 PM
05/22/2007
Great article Andrew couldn't agree with you more home field advantage is huge in college i'm from California and love Nebraska i seen the Red and White game and i know it was a scrimage but i saw the same thing with the two QB's it will be a tight race for the number 1 spot from what i saw i think Sam Keller his passes looked alot more crisp,I just wonder about our defensive line i think their all gonna be first time starters,can't wait too see what happens
 No.3
Andrew Epp		 01:34 PM
05/23/2007
Well, as for the D-Line, I'm not as concerned as many are, I think. There are a lot of positives there. Yes, Carriker and Moore were studs. And yes, Cryer and Dagunduro were good too. However, Barry Turner is a beast. He was injured during spring but I have complete confidence that he will step right in next year to fill the void at D End. He is one of the most athletic linemen Nebraska has had in a while. He is very versatile (ex: the trick play against Colorado where he caught a long TD pass on the fake field goal, or any of his huge special teams plays). I mean, this guy was a freshman all-american in 2005 as a true freshman, and yeah he was a backup... He and Zach Potter (also a beast) have had lots of experience on special teams. The huskers rely on these guys coming through the middle on every field goal. How many blocks have the two combined for in the last two years? I think about 6 or 7 at least. They have also had a ton of playing time on the d-line just from the way that cosgrove and blake rotated the guys up front all the time. And when they were in, they not only held their own, they made plays. As for the DT position, I don't think there are any questions that Suh is going to be one of the best tackles Nebraska has had since probably the days of the Peter brothers. It is nice to see a guy with so much power, so early in his career. He has an NFL body and he should really do some damage up front. Steinkuhler is the other guy I think will start at tackle. He has uncanny speed at that position. Seemed to be a little undersized at first when he moved from D-end to D-tackle as a redshirt freshman, but I think he has proven to have the skills and natural work ethic to provide a solid starter at his position. Suh and Steinkuhler have also both had substancial playing time as backups in the last two years. Depth is the other issue for the D-Line. I believe that this group of starters will be able to have a solid set of reserves who can take the weight off their shoulders. Brandon Johnson and Sukree Barfield have pleased Callahan with their work ethic and both have the size and athleticism to compete for playing time. At D-end, I believe that Clayton Sievers has finally found his spot. He works hard on every down and looked good in the spring game. This is a guy you can tell is excited to play football. He goes out there and gives what he has, and I think he will be a great back up to Barry Turner. Callahan has also mentioned that he is pleased with the play during spring of Pierre Allen and David Harvey. These are young, athletic guys who can really make an impact in the future. Andy Poulosky is another guy who has fought through limited playing time his whole career and is now a senior. He played a lot in the spring game and definately held his own. It would be great to see him get on the field once in a while for the Big Red also. Once again, I think I have outlined the reasons why I believe that despite the loss of all four great defensive linemen, the Huskers will be pleased with the new group that takes the field in fall.
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