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"It's okay. We're just silly Podunk Minnesotans, right? We talk funny; we ice fish and we scrapbook. We drag Jesus into regular conversation."
(From the movie "New In Town")
For the second time this month, the Huskers ventured into the land of Ole and Lena to take on the Gophers. Is Minna-SO-ta a bad football team? Yer darn tootin'! In fact, most of the fourth quarter at TCF Stadium Saturday, the game looked more like the Huskers' spring game - except with fewer people.
SNAPS
But that's okay, the game achieved a couple of things. First, Nebraska got a win. Second, it gave valuable game experience for backup players like Brion Carnes, Braylon Heard and Mauro Bondi. (Even Bo's nephew, OL Mark Pelini, got in the game.)
But the win wasn't all peaches and cream. The Gophers' ability to dent the Husker D with a couple of big plays should make Husker fans nervous going in to this week's Tastes Great divisional showdown with divisional leader Michigan State.
Let's look at the divisional standings:
TASTES GREAT
MSU (3-0) 6-1
NU (2-1) 6-1
MU (2-1) 6-1
IOWA (2-1) 5-2
NW (0-3) 3-4
MINN (0-3) 1-6
LESS FILLING
PSU (4-0) 7-1
WIS (2-1) 6-1
PUR (2-1) 4-3
ILL (2-2) 6-2
OSU (1-2) 4-3
IND (0-4) 1-7
In the Tastes Great division, four of the six teams have a chance to win the crown. If the Sparties beat Nebraska this week, they should book their reservations for Indianapolis for December 3rd. Why? Because after the game with Nebraska, MSU plays Minnesota, @Iowa, Indiana and @Northwestern. That's it. Those four teams so far this season, have only 9 wins between them. Next is Nebraska with Northwestern, @Penn State, @Michigan and home against Iowa for a total of 20 wins. Michigan has Purdue, @Iowa, @Illinois, Nebraska and Ohio State for a total of 21. Iowa has the toughest road to getting to Indianapolis: Indiana, @Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State @Purdue and @Nebraska for a total of 24 wins.
A MUST WIN
You hate to say a game in October is a must win, but this time it is. If the Huskers lose Saturday, it will all but end the Huskers' divisional title chances and would be a step backward in Bo Pelini's quest to restore the Husker football program to greatness. For the past two seasons, NU has played in the Big 12 championship game, losing both by a total of four points. And if the Huskers don't even make it to the conference championship game, it's going to be a big disappointment.
Make no mistake, this is a HUGE game for the Huskers. But, as noted above, even with a win, the Huskers still won't be out of the woods.
We know that Kirk Cousins is going to try to take advantage of the inexperienced Husker secondary, especially, newbie Stanley Jean-Baptiste. If the Huskers can get an effective pass rush on Cousins, it would really help our corners and safeties. Cousins is not known for his running ability, but if there is a lane open, he might take off.
T-SMART?
Field position is a must for Nebraska. Will Ameer Abdullah be able to take one to the house or at least continue to give Nebraska great field position? T-Mart is going to have to become T-Smart (no weird pitches) and Beck is going to have to call the game of his life. It is absolutely essential that the Huskers win the turnover battle Saturday and keep penalties to a minimum. Obviously, Nebraska needs to run the clock and keep moving the chains. Nebraska needs #22 to have a great game. Can the Huskers' speed negate the Sparties' D-line? Bigger question: Can the Husker O line wear out a thin Spartan defense?
You know MSU is going to load the box and dare T-Mart to beat them with his arm. Taylor Martinez needs to hit short passes and occasionally go deep to keep the Sparties honest.
THE LOUD CROWD!
One other key element: the Husker crowd. If they are really into the game (and we'll know that before the game even starts), the Huskers have a chance. Now is the time for all good Husker fans to come to aid of their football team. Memorial Stadium needs to be deafening. It needs to be rocking. It needs to be relentless. If the 85,000 fans do their part, the Huskers might leave Memorial Stadium not only with a win, but maybe enough momentum to take them to Indianapolis.
MICHAEL MOORE VS LARRY THE CABLE GUY?
Movie mogul and left wing political activist Michael Moore is usually seen sporting a green Michigan State ball cap while Larry The Cable Guy usually wears a Husker ball cap. Which entertainer will prevail Saturday? Huskers: Let's "Git 'R Done!"
HUSKER FANS' SALUTE TO THE TROOPS
I watched the Minna-SO-ta game with 500 of my closest friends at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in beautiful downtown Lincoln. This was our fourth annual "Salute" event and may have been the best one yet.
Friday night, we had a dinner to honor the wounded warriors who were brought up from Ft. Riley, Kansas.
SEVEN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Saturday morning, several former Husker football players rode with the troopers, veterans and their families to Memorial Stadium via chartered buses. The list of greats included Blake Lawrence ('07-'09), Mike Beran ('70-'72), Randy Borg ('71-'73), Bill Kosch ('69-'71), Marc Munford ('84-'86) and Joe Blahak ('70-'72). I had a great time talking with Mike and Joe about their experiences playing for Bob Devaney. On a side note, between the six players, they have a total of seven national championship rings!
Bill Kosch, Randy Borg, Jimmy Beran and Mike Beran
Blake Lawrence and Mike Beran
Gerry Gray and Adrian Fiala
KLIN's John Bishop was the MC for the Football Watch Party. At the Sunday morning brunch, Husker assistant coach Ron Brown delivered the blessing. The "Voice of the Huskers," Greg Sharpe, was the MC. Lincoln's Mayor Chris Buetler spoke and Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman proclaimed Sunday October 23, 2011 as "Husker Fans' Salute To The Troops Day" in the state. Adrian Fiala did a great job as our featured speaker.
It was a thrill for me to talk with so many troopers and veterans and their families. We live in the greatest country on earth and the kind people who attended the weekend events are proof of that. Thanks to all those who sponsored "Salute," including Windstar Motorcoaches, Lee Sapp, FuturesOne, Larry The Cable Guy and many, many more. You are the BEST!
"AMAZON" DEAN JACOBS
At "Salute" I ran into world traveler and Fremont, Nebraska native Dean Jacobs (http://www.deanjacobs.org/). He is leaving this week for a six-month trip to the Amazon River to film and document his experiences. Assuming he doesn't get eaten by pirrahna (!), I'll keep you updated on his adventures. God speed, my friend!
Dean Jacobs
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