I know we would all like to see a dominant D hold the ducks to a single FG on the way to providing a long highlight reel of defensive destruction.......but......that is probably not how it will go.
The more I think about this game the more I see if playing out like last year's contest. The game has two pretty effective offenses playing against suspect defenses. This leads me to think that like last year's game it will be the little things that make the difference. Remember that last year their head coach kept going for 2pt conversions when they were not necessary. The huskers were unable to stop the ducks consistently in open play but stood strong from the 3 yard line on multiple occasions. It ended up being the major difference and put us in the position to secure victory on a late TA run.
For the huskers to win today I think we will need something similar that tilts the field in our favor. We may need to steal some points on special teams. Punting and field position will end up being huge. We should also see it as an advantage if we can hold them to FG attempts. I know everyone likes the 3 and out but slowing them down and making them settle for 3 (which is never a given in CFB) could be vital. Last year we were able to limit the turnovers as well, something we need if we want to win. Also, converting on 3rd and short will be the key to keeping our defense seated on the sideline while wearing theirs down. This is on the OL to deliver and give our D a chance to rest and scheme.
So I am expecting a tight game and a true test of Tanner Lee. Over his career, Tommy Armstrong was able to lead us on late game winning drives on some memorable occasions. (Mich, MSU come to mind) Can Tanner Lee prove that he has that in him as well? When the chips are down and we need a drive can he muster it? We might find out today.
It gives me great joy to know that many husker faithful will be in attendance thus changing the atmosphere. (maybe worth a point or two???)
As fans lets manage our expectations. Giving up some points to Oregon is not the same as letting Illinois or Purdue score because in the Big 10 we should expect a defensive improvement and lower scores. That improvement will be tough to notice today. We will get scored on, but must not let it get out of hand if we want to leave with the W.
Go Big Red
Huskers 38
Ducks 33
The more I think about this game the more I see if playing out like last year's contest. The game has two pretty effective offenses playing against suspect defenses. This leads me to think that like last year's game it will be the little things that make the difference. Remember that last year their head coach kept going for 2pt conversions when they were not necessary. The huskers were unable to stop the ducks consistently in open play but stood strong from the 3 yard line on multiple occasions. It ended up being the major difference and put us in the position to secure victory on a late TA run.
For the huskers to win today I think we will need something similar that tilts the field in our favor. We may need to steal some points on special teams. Punting and field position will end up being huge. We should also see it as an advantage if we can hold them to FG attempts. I know everyone likes the 3 and out but slowing them down and making them settle for 3 (which is never a given in CFB) could be vital. Last year we were able to limit the turnovers as well, something we need if we want to win. Also, converting on 3rd and short will be the key to keeping our defense seated on the sideline while wearing theirs down. This is on the OL to deliver and give our D a chance to rest and scheme.
So I am expecting a tight game and a true test of Tanner Lee. Over his career, Tommy Armstrong was able to lead us on late game winning drives on some memorable occasions. (Mich, MSU come to mind) Can Tanner Lee prove that he has that in him as well? When the chips are down and we need a drive can he muster it? We might find out today.
It gives me great joy to know that many husker faithful will be in attendance thus changing the atmosphere. (maybe worth a point or two???)
As fans lets manage our expectations. Giving up some points to Oregon is not the same as letting Illinois or Purdue score because in the Big 10 we should expect a defensive improvement and lower scores. That improvement will be tough to notice today. We will get scored on, but must not let it get out of hand if we want to leave with the W.
Go Big Red
Huskers 38
Ducks 33
