NU-OSU storylines
Published: October 28, 2006
Can OSU's offense continue to compile big numbers?
This is the best defense the Cowboys have faced all season. Nebraska ranks 14th nationally, allowing only 14.5 points a game.
Advertisement
How will OSU's inconsistent defense fare against Nebraska's offense?
Despite all the talk about Bill Callahan installing the West Coast offense, Nebraska's offense is predicated on running the ball. The Cornhuskers are running the ball 61 percent of the time.
Similar to OSU, the Cornhuskers rotate three running backs, all with 300 or more yards rushing. Marlon Lucky leads the team (481 yards). It appears Lucky is now the lead guy but Brandon Jackson and Cody Glenn will get their share of carries.
Nebraska also will go to the air. Quarterback Zac Taylor, from Norman, has thrown for 1,824 yards and 16 touchdowns. Taylor, though, isn't a running threat, which is an advantage for OSU. Opposing quarterbacks' ability to scramble for big gains has been a factor in all three losses.
Houston's Kevin Kolb, Kansas State's Josh Freeman and Texas A&M's Stephen McGee combined for 172 rushing yards against OSU. Taylor has rushed for minus 37 yards this season. On the flip side, 16 of Maurice Purify's receptions have gone for first downs.
OSU has allowed 97 points in three conference games. The glaring stat is a large majority of those points — 40 — have come in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Will heartbreaking losses serve as motivation or create doubt?
One noticeable difference between this year's team and last year's team is strength and conditioning coach Rob Glass has instilled mental toughness.
Glass spent seven years at Florida. Throughout the off-season, Glass scolded players: "I've never been part of a 4-7 team before," essentially challenging players to set the bar high.
Players are frustrated, knowing they could easily be 6-1 instead of 4-3. There won't be an emotional letdown. In fact, the Cowboys actually gained confidence in the loss to Texas A&M.
OSU needs to get off to a good start, something that hasn't happened in three conference games. Inexplicably, the Cowboys have scored 96 points after halftime in league games, only nine points the first half.
Nebraska will get the Cowboys' best shot. But the Cornhuskers are the best team OSU has faced. An upset is possible, but the Pokes will need to play their best game of the season and play four full quarters.
By Mike Baldwin
Toolbar sponsored by: David Stanley Ford



