SB Nation - Marcus Mendoza

Nebraska's Keys to Victory Over Baylor

Jon Johnston — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:41 -0000

Khiry Cooper earns a start this week. Could he be a key in a victory over Baylor?

I hate the idea of a "must win" game but if there's been one in the past few seasons, this is it. Lose to Baylor and you can kiss Nebraska's goal of winning the Big 12 North good bye. I'm sure that's on the minds of many Husker fans today, so the best advice I can give you is to stop having expectations and just let things happen. Enjoy the ride, one way or another and have some faith that things will work out okay.

I feel pretty positive about this game, which isn't that difficult to understand because it's Baylor. What is easy to forget that Nebraska was 4-3 at this same time last season yet went on to have a pretty good year. The same thing can happen this year, perhaps Baylor is the game where it all comes together.

There is good news. I stated last week that we would continue to make "Eliminate The Stupid" a key until the team, particularly the offensive line, would eliminate mistakes. Discounting the turnovers (as if that can be done), the offensive line committed only three penalties and if they can keep that up they'll be fine.

Nothing not obvious - the rest of the offense needs to find itself in a hurry.

BTW, if you expect "turnovers" to be one of the keys, you'll be disappointed. Despite the huge swing in turnover margin because of last week, turnovers are a given in every game. Nebraska gave up a ton all at once, while Baylor hasn't gained even one in Big 12 play.

Find A Leader

Bo Pelini talked this past week about finding a spark on offense and the need for someone to step up. He's also talked about a lot of changes on offense. Last week as one of the keys I mentioned finding the right combination of players. You might say we're searching for playmakers, but that would only be partially correct. What we're searching for is someone who wants to lead.

Not all playmakers are leaders, but all leaders are playmakers. They're the guys who make the tough catches on third down to keep the offense going or make an extra block to spring someone else for a long gain. They're the guys who the team looks to for strength and confidence when everyone's is wavering. Name the Nebraska player who does this on offense and you quickly understand what's missing because there isn't one.

With so many balls being dropped by receivers last week, Khiry Cooper will get his first start this week. That should be a sign we'll see more of Brandon Kinnie and Antonio Bell. If the older guys aren't going to become leaders, then it's time to find someone in the younger ranks.

Husker running back Roy Helu looked like he might fit the role, but last week only had a few carries and two fumbles. Helu said he wasn't injured. Pelini said he wasn't injured. Fans continue to disbelieve the both of them and in the process make excuses for Helu because they know the spark he can bring to the game, or because they believed that he would lead the offense and it's clear now that he will not. Given that, we'll be seeing more of Dontrayevous Robinson this week, maybe with more of Marcus Mendoza and either Lester Ward or Collins Okakor. Again, time to find "the guy".

Note that this isn't all about t the starting quarterback. The starting quarterback position has become somewhat of a sideshow, but whether it's Cody Green or Zac Lee doesn't matter, both are simply included amongst the possibilities.

Wear ‘Em Out

The concept of establishing an offensive identity has been worn out this season. Even the playcalling has been inconsistent, leading to Nebraska's inability to establish a dominant running game. We've been repeatedly told that defenses have stacked the line, yet near the end of the Missouri game we saw an offense that sealed the game with a strong drive based on the run.

Baylor is still Baylor in the fact that they don't have solid depth across the entire team. Wouldn't it be nice to see a strong running game (not necessarily a power running game, mind you) that could sustain drives, picking up third downs, and eventually wearing a weaker Bear team out by the end of the game?

It would warm the hearts of Husker fans everywhere. Make it happen without excuses about what the defense did or didn't give you.

No Big Plays On Defense

Nothing fancy here. The defense holds Baylor to less than ten point by eliminating the big play. Two of Nebraska's losses can be attributed to single mistakes. The Virginia Tech game came down to an 84-yard pass play in which Hokie receiver Danny Coale got behind Matt O'Hanlon. Iowa State scored their sole touchdown because of a 47-yard pass play from Jerome Tiller to Jake Williams when Eric Hagg got turned around and couldn't find the ball. That happened one play after the Huskers gave up 20 yards and a first down on a fake punt by Iowa State.

The defense is playing very well, but given how poor the offense has done they have no margin for error. Stop giving up the big plays and the Huskers win all their games the rest of the season. Is that too much to ask?

A question for all y'all - what do you want to see happen most?

Nebraska Running Back Rex Burkhead Out "For A While" With Foot Injury

Jon Johnston — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:25:42 -0000

Bo Pelini earlier confirmed that true freshman running back Rex Burkhead is out "for a while" with a foot injury. Burkhead's injury deals a blow to a Husker offense that's already been inconsistent against decent opponents this season. Burkhead is second-string on the depth chart behind Roy Helu Jr. He's also Nebraska's second-leading rusher, and replaced Niles Paul when Paul struggled with fielding punts in the rain at Missouri.

The injury leaves Austin Jones, Lester Ward, Marcus Mendoza, Collins Okafor and Dontrayevous Robinson as running backs available to take over in Burkhead's absence.

Redshirt freshman Tim Marlowe or newcomer Antonio Bell may be candidates for returning punts.

Burkhead's stats on the season:

		Rushing					Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD
2009 - Rex Burkhead	5	23	118	23.6	5.1	1	8	66	13.2	8.3	1

2009 Husker Football Offensive Depth Chart Starting to Come Together

Jon Johnston — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:19:32 -0000

Having followed Bo Pelini for a year now, Husker fans should expect him to release a full depth chart sometime in November, just before the Colorado game. Maybe. It's an understandable position - tell some guys they're a starter, and they might think they've achieved something worthwhile and stop being as hungry as they need to be to play to their full potential.

If you're doubting the technique, let's look at it from another perspective. (NSFW - Profanity)

First prize, a Cadillac El Dorado. Second prize, steak knives. Third, well.... not much difference than what we see on the team, eh? First prize, you're starting. Second prize, you might get into the rotation. Third... there's your place on the bench.

A B C - "Always Be Closing" - a parallel to Pelini's bio on twitter - "The secret to success is constancy of purpose". In other words, if you're not working towards a goal on a consistent basis, you're not working. The Glenngarry Glen Ross comparison is simply an over-the-top representation of Pelini being angry with a less than satisfactory practice yesterday.

I promise I'll never compare Alec Baldwin with Bo Pelini again (shouldn't one of them have moved to France or something?), unless it's really necessary.

Following the tidbits that have dribbled out of camp, however, it shouldn't be too difficult to put one together. Here's what the 2009 Husker offense looks like to date:

LT     Mike Smith
LG    Keith Williams

We haven't heard too much about these positions, and last year both of these guys were solid. They should retain their positions into this season.

C    Jacob Hickman, Mike Caputo

Hickman is one of the best centers in the Big 12 - he will be a member of the starting rotation for the season, barring injury. This position is settled, has been since last season.

RG    ?????

We haven't heard much about Ricky Henry. I'm beginning to think this guy is a figment of an internet hype machine. Andy Christensen and Derek Meyer are candidates here, but don't forget spring's move with Hickman sliding over here and Caputo taking center.

Ricky Henry = steak knives? Ah, competition.

RT    D.J. Jones

You have Marcel Jones fight with D.J. Jones for that right tackle spot, which isn't so bad, because one of them is going to end up in the rotation anyway.

TE   Mike McNeil, Dreu Young, Kyler Reed, Ben Cotton

We're stocked here. So stocked you might count on seeing a number of three tight end sets in an Ace formation. If you're really wondering about all the things Shawn Watson can do with a great group of tight ends - check this and then comment here.

WR - X
WR - Z

It's Niles Paul and something like seven other guys here. Spread the ball around and see who starts making plays. It'd be good to see Chris Brooks have a great senior season, but you can bet if Menelik Holt and Will Henry don't come around that the youngster Antonio Bell and Brandon Kinnie are going to take over.

QB    Zac Lee, Cody Green

This has already been announced, much to the chagrin of Latravis Washington. There's been some questions about why Cody Green was moved to #2. The answer to that - who else is going to be #2 - has to make you realize that some Husker fans don't realize how thin this position is.

RB    Roy Helu Jr, Rex Burkhead, (Third?)

Obviously, Helu is THE guy this season. Burkhead has played well enough and show enough maturity to move ahead of Collins Okafor, Lester Ward, Marcus Mendoza, and Austin Jones. That third back must be found, however. Second place for these guys

Summary

Two units on offense remain unsettled - offensive line and wide receiver. Perhaps Pelini's motivational skills will push all players involved at those positions to the point that everyone is nearly even. This would result in a fair amount of depth, something that can't be discounted as the season goes on - hard work now may pay off in a Big 12 North title later - not necessarily because the Huskers have the greatest athletes at their position, but that they were the last one's standing.

That's my position for now. I'll think I'll hold on to that until we see the Huskers on the field.

Countdown to Husker Football Season: #10 - Roy Helu Enters 2009 Playing The Part of Atlas

Jon Johnston — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:02:51 -0000

Only a few days ago Nebraska was coming into the 2009 season with one of the best tandems in the Big 12. Now we're coming in with one of the thinnest backfields Nebraska has seen in a LONG time.

Think about this for a minute - when was the last time the Huskers had:

- only two running backs - Roy Helu Jr, Marcus Mendoza - with any on the field experience, with Mendoza's experience only nominal? (A quick look back brings me to 1990 with Terry Rodgers, Leodis Flowers and Lamont White, but that's a quick look)

- only three quarterbacks - Zac Lee, Cody Green, Latravis Washington - two of which have no on-the-field experience (yikes!).

This, my friends, leaves Roy Helu Jr entering the season not as a running back, but as Atlas. Not Charles Atlas, who turned 99-pound weaklings into real men when I was a kid, but the one of legend, who had to hold up the sky.

Roy Helu Jr - All These Wonders By the Master's Hand, Beautiful Nebraskaland

If you expected a photoshop of Helu holding up the sky... well, CN could use some photoshop assistance. Instead we honor professional photographer Dennis Hubbard, who's shot of Roy Helu made the Lindy's 2009 cover of the Big 12 edition (along with several shots inside) and who provided us with excellent Husker photos last season. Congrats, Dennis!

Husker Football: Making Lists of "Who To Watch" And Who’s "Under the Radar"?

Jon Johnston — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:00:15 -0000

More photos » by Dave Weaver - AP

8 months ago: In this March 25, 2009 file photo, Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee throws during the first day of spring football practice, in Lincoln, Neb. It seems everyone who follows Nebraska football, and even some of the players, believe the starting quarterback's job is Zac Lee's to lose.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver, File)

Browse more photos »

Spring football is all about hope for college football fans. It has little or nothing to do with next season’s opponents and everything to do with dreaming about next season’s potential. Everyone is optimistic. They start compiling what they think will be next year’s win-loss record with a special emphasis in the win column. They start thinking about division titles and championships much the same way parents hope that their three-year old might be the one that cures cancer. It’s a wonderful time of year.

All that hope and optimism starts with the players. A new starting quarterback that might be the next coming of Tommie Frazier. A running back that’s the next Ahman Green. A wingback/wide receiver with the playmaking ability of Johnny Rodgers. Nothing is beyond the realm of possibilities.

In the spring players tend to fall into one of two categories. There are those that have already made themselves known, having established their playmaking abilities in the previous season. Then there are the players that no one knows much about now but will probably know by the end of the 2009 season.

For those of us who write about college football, the categories have names. They’re known as the “Who To Watch” and the “Under the Radar” lists that we compile and then use throughout the offseason for points of conversation. We also share them with our upcoming opponents (and them with us) so that everyone sounds like we know what we’re talking about.

The “Who To Watch” list is a list of players who are not so much about making themselves known to fans as much as they are improving for next season and not getting injured. The “Who To Watch” guys are the most important players on the team. They’ll be important in the fall, but it’s the “Under the Radar” list that’s far more interesting in spring.

The “Under the Radar” players represent the hopes and dreams of next season - the little-known “rags to riches” guys that come out of nowhere to win games, break records and etch themselves in the hearts and minds of fans. The best way to determine who’s under the radar is by first establishing your “Who To Watch” list - thus eliminating a fair number from rags to riches contention.

Along those lines, here’s my “Who to Watch” list for the 2009 Nebraska Cornhuskers:

Ndamukong Suh - not everyone can spell his first name right, but if Husker fans haven’t heard of him they’ve just awoken from a two-year coma. The biggest news Suh could make this spring is by getting injured.

Roy Helu Jr - Helu had his break out season last year. This year he’s already on everyone’s radar. The same can be said about Quentin Castille, who showed his potential in the Gator Bowl. By the time the 2009 season starts, I’d expect you’ll see a fair number of national articles about them.

Mike McNeill - McNeill is another guy who had a break out season in 2008, although he’s not known nationally. For that reason he could fall into being under the radar. I don’t think so, but if you disagree, let me know. He’s the most dependable receiver the Huskers have so I feel he’s definitely a “Who To Watch” guy.

Zac Lee - hasn’t started a game and even though he breaks the rule I set about being established I’m not sure I’d categorize him as “under the radar”. The fact that he’ll most likely be the starter is enough that his name will be everywhere by the time next season starts (if it isn’t out there enough already). He will have more eyes on him at the spring game than the cheerleaders. By far.

Alex Henery - I know, he’s just a kicker, but you know darned well there’s at least one opponent who knows more about him than they ever wanted and would prefer to never hear his name again. Still, not many will include kickers in the “Who to Watch” category, even though Henery belongs.

Jacob Hickman - Hickman isn’t going to make many pre-season watch award lists, but he’s rock solid in the middle of the line. Besides that, what kind of Nebraska fan would I be if I didn’t include at least one offensive lineman in this category?

In the :Under the Radar" category:

Will Compton - Compton is projected as the Huskers future at middle linebacker. He was highly touted when he was recruited (remember the tattoo episode) and everyone has high hopes for him, mostly because no one wants opposing teams running up the middle.

Sean Fisher/Alonzo Whaley - Both of these guys essentially play in the outside linebacker position. If either develops into a strong defender, they’ll be seen blowing up quarterbacks and running backs for a few more years yet.

Ricky Henry - Henry has been touted as mean, tough, and fiery. All three describe what Husker fans want out of an offensive lineman, the kind of guy that can crush opposing defensive players and make them want to run away shaking.

Prince Amukamara/Anthony West - Amukamara belongs here for two reasons. First, he represents the hope of potential, and second, I’ll enjoy watching opposing writers continually get his name wrong. West is trying to come back from injury. You always hope there’s success in that. Plus, someone in the secondary must be responsible for covering the other team’s best receiver.

Marcus Mendoza/Antonio Bell - Running the ball successfully will be much easier if the Huskers can find a speedy and dependable receiver who becomes the break-away threat - the guy that the defense can’t cover. This position represents my single greatest hope because we’re going to need one in 2009.

A thing to note about making an “Under the Radar” list. It’s better if you list a large number of players in this category. That way, if anyone on the list has a break out season, you can tell everyone and their dog about how you knew that was going to happen. As long as they don’t notice you included everyone on your list, they’ll think you’re a football genius, and they’ll invite you to more parties.

Invariably you end up with at least one player that you’re not sure what to do with. For me that guy is Menelik Holt. Is he good enough to be on the “Who To Watch” list, or he still under the radar? The fact that he’s the most solid receiver we have means he belongs on the first, but I have reservations about putting him there.

Reality will come in the fall, but that seems so far away. For now, spring remains about unknown potential. Every season there’s a team that wins when no one thought it possible and there are players that make headlines when before no one knew their name.

I hope he’s on my list. I’m guessing you do too.

Nebraska Football: Catching Up On Spring Practice

Jon Johnston — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:00:11 -0000

Latravis Washington moved from linebacker to quarterback and has a really strong arm.

What’s interesting about this?

A couple things.

First, we have another story of spring that points back to Cody Glenn’s position switch to linebacker from running back. Everyone wondered if it would work, then Glenn played like a man possessed at the linebacker position, as if he should have been there all along. Could the same happen with Washington?

Second, once again Kody Spano is left in the shadows. He was overlooked by Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State. Now he’s being overlooked by the media and Husker fans alike. If you’re not pulling for this guy to do well, you should be.

Marcus Mendoza moved from running back to wide receiver.

"Just looking for speed, someone who can bring speed to the outside perimeter," offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said.

From what I’ve seen of Mendoza (which is little, same as you), I wouldn’t mind him seeing the field more. Perhaps he could be Nebraska’s alternative to Missouri star Jeremy Maclin. However, if it’s speed Watson is looking for, what about Curenski Gilleylen? Or again, are we just following stories, and reading more into this than needs be?

Consider another perspective. Mendoza should have been the third string running back, which isn't a bad thing. He'd see the field, get a share of the carries, and he's only a sophomore.

If he's switched positions, then doesn't that point to another alternative for third string running back? Collins Okafor, Austin Jones? Or Rex Burkhead in the fall?

Husker Mike pointed out that Phillip Dillard is in the dog house. You could take this as bad news, or you could see it from another perspective. If Dillard has been moved down the depth chart, then Mike Ekeler must have seen good things coming out of his other linebackers.

Like Will Compton, for example.

Going back to that Latravis Washington thing, does it really matter? Zac Lee is going to be the starter, right? Of course he is, he understands the offense. Still, I can't help but think about what a guy who used to play linebacker might look like running a hybrid single wing, kind of like some guy named Tebow. The single wing isn't complex, but it's more about power, will, and execution.

Hmmmmmm.........

So many questions with so few answers. It's spring football. What did you expect?

Shooting Pointe Blank: San Jose State

Blankman — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:29:19 -0000

Well that was…interesting. While Nebraska looked more confused than a bi-sexual Lou Holtz in the first half against San Jose State, the second half (okay, I’ll be honest - fourth quarter) was far more promising. I went back and had a look at my gripes from last week to see if they had been addressed. We had left off with Doc Oz’s thoughts that from game one to game two, you’re going to see the biggest improvements.

Not Good #1: The Running Game – 99 yards on 30 attempts? Yikes that’s harsh.

Not Good #2: Pass Defense - In a way I’m happy that Nebraska had the game that they did because it’s a severe wake up call to what they’re going to see out of the Missouri Tigers. On the other hand there were still far too many players not picking up their assignments properly and even getting straight up beat (I’m looking at you, Asante). Suh and Potter were the highlights. Everything else was concerning.

Improvement #1: Conditioning - With four quarters of mostly starters playing in this game, there was good rotation, effort seemed consistent and spirited throughout. There didn’t seem to be the sense that people were dragging and I commend the staff responsible for that.

Improvement #2: The Young Not Quite so Restless - A lot of the newbies got to see time and played well. Helu Jr. and Paul made their presence felt. I was very happy to see guys like Pat Witt and Marcus Mendoza get time even if it was brief. I feel fairly confident in saying that should the game have been more of a 55-7 affair, they would have seen a good five to six minutes at least.

In the end, some good, some bad, but there’s a problem: Some new very bad has cropped up.

Penalties: 12 penalties for 103 yards. That’s right, Nebraska gave up a football field’s worth of free yards and three of those penalties came right in a row when two wide receivers and a tight end of all positions decided to flinch.

Arm Tackling: When a player slips through your arms, it’s contagious like sneezing or booing Lee Corso. A lack of confidence spreads to teammates and even to the coaches regarding your ability when it is seen multiple times and does not bode well for anyone in your uniform. Far too many times there were people going for legs and jersey instead of body. I know well enough that Bo does preach himself a good fundamental and that tackling drills will more than likely be a frequency this week.

Play Timing: Okay, so we’re running playaction to the weak side, wait, what, you sure? Hey why's the play clock say "five"? This sort of ties into the penalty aspect as…again, seriously, three receiver/tight end penalties in a row? Confusion seemed to rear its ugly head today and, hey, we’re all human. We’re going to make mistakes. If Nebraska cannot learn their snap counts and to keep their mitts away from the facemask, they will pay for it and soon.

In the end, Nebraska learned that they have a long way to go to put together a solid season and maybe it’s for the best. It gives them all of the incentive to treat New Mexico State as Missouri (don’t feed me the “one game at a time” BS on this one). I liked how the staff addressed an attempt at establishing the run. It shows that they are actively looking to correct problem areas and for that they get a gold star, but as quickly as that Is affixed to their foreheads lack of fundamentals pop up.

The younger guys are coming along nicely but Asante continues to find himself out of position. The constant 5-7 yard hook route was constantly there for SJSU today in front of #4. Culbert’s presence was a welcome addition. Also, will someone please bench Mike Huff? Jon said it before me, but I echo it. I don’t care how well he grades out. Put D.J. Jones in there and let’s see how poorly the line does after he gets comfortable. Huff’s been at Nebraska how many years now and he can’t seem to grasp simple concepts? The mind boggles.

Regardless, Nebraska is in fact 2-0 and along with Big 10ers Ohio State and Michigan had some trouble today but came out on top. That said I think OSU gets creamed next week by the eventual National Champions in USC. Nothing personal Buckeyes, but I think USC is just that damn good and a good waist above everyone instead of head and shoulders. As for the Big Red? Still a work in progress in my eyes. That Suh guy's pretty good, though.

Next Up: New Mexico State (0-0 Nicholls State game postponed)

Poll

After two games, what do you the viewers at home think?

What we saw is nothing that can't be fixed easily

6 votes

A few mistakes troubled me, but it's still only game two

91 votes

All I ask is a 10-foot pole and a 10-foot seat near the panic button

32 votes

Oh crap Virginia Tech...then Missouri?!

68 votes

We're screwed.

26 votes

223 votes | Poll has closed

Nebraska's Keys to Victory: San Jose State

Blankman — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:14:32 -0000

Saturday’s game (11:37 A.M. kickoff so get the Bloody M’s out early) versus the San Jose State Spartans has a bit of a special meaning for me. While insignificant in strength of schedule stature, the Spartans were the very first game that my father and I got to see during a tear of season ticket runs starting a ways back in 2000. A young man by the name of Deonce Whittaker gave NU some fits that day, but a fond memory nevertheless.

SJSU and New Mexico State couldn’t have been slated at a better time for Bo Pelini’s first year at Nebraska as several units appear to be MIA. There is talk of Rickey Thenarse taking over in a safety capacity but due to rumors of injury, I think that may be a game time decision. Andy Christensen was found not guilty in a case regarding inappropriate directions to the nearest Chipotle and Coach Pelini stated that things are pretty much up in the air on his return to the team.

Looking at the game against the Spartans just what does Nebraska need to do to consider the game a success?

- Looking at the fact that these same blue and yellow (gold?) warriors squeaked by the University of California-Davis 13-10, I would expect a decent to large margin of defeat, so I’m not going to concern myself with that. Check back with me on Sunday to see if I am, in fact, concerned with that. If NU can’t hang near half a hundred on SJSU or at least come close to a shutout something is amiss.

- Point A leads to Point B which leads to Point C. A large margin of victory could be on the arm of Joe Ganz, but it really shouldn’t be. The offensive line needs to show immediate improvement and actually allow Marlon Lucky to run between the tackles. Criticize #5 all you like, but it doesn’t matter how good you are in his situation. DeMarco Murray couldn’t make things happen with defenders two yards into the backfield after the snap. If NU finds a running game then watch out Spartan fans. Things could (and probably will) get ugly.

- Secondary play must improve. I’m not concerned with the cornerbacks as I feel the young guns will come along in due time, but safety play needs to be addressed and I feel that Bo more than likely got that message across to Coach Sanders. Call it a gut feeling. If Rickey can’t go look for Major Culbert to get some solid playing time. Ideally Thenarse can return by the time the Aggies of New Mexico State come to town. Matt O’Hanlon may find himself warming the bench unless absolutely necessary.

- Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dobson couldn’t have been happy with the hands-on-hips look during the second half against WMU. Given Nebraska’s only one game into the season, but I found the second half and especially the fourth quarter distressing in terms of effort available to give in the first place. The pass rush shown in the first half naturally needs to translate over to the second and even if you know your assignments, being gassed will end success. I look for a marginal improvement this week as that sort of turn-around can’t be expected in a week’s time, but three quarters of solid performance isn’t asking too much. Heck, give me 2 ½ and sub some second stringers in.

- Speaking of which, I think it’s about time we got to see what the future Huskers that haven’t touched FieldTurf can do. Show me Sean Fisher, Pat Witt, maybe even Marcus Mendoza with some Will Compton on the side. You get what I’m saying. We’ve gotten past the first game, Nebraska is 1-0, it’s time to get the newbies experience good or bad if up by 28+.

- Is Cody Glenn the real deal or a flash in the pan? Obviously a key question on everyone’s mind going into the game, but I believe that Cody will be a holy terror all year long. Not to say he’ll always put up mind blowing stats, but his presence will be felt and he will need to be accounted for by opposing offensive coordinators.

In essence if Nebraska can establish some manner of running game going into NMSU along with shoring up safety play and staying fresh a bit longer, I think the Cornhuskers will not only be able to call the game a success, but a blowout margin of victory that will have the Big Red Backers smiling will be had even if frosting is left all over the field from this cupcake.

Have a different take? Feel free to comment or shoot an e-mail to Blankman17@gmail.com

[Editor's Note - this was originally published earlier, but is moved up today because that's where it belongs. You guys like "key" articles on Friday, right? Well, here it is. ]