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More Q & A for Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
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Nebraska quarterback Cody Green prepares to pass last week in a
20-10 Cornhusker victory over Baylor. Green is a true freshman.
Photo: AP/Waco Herald Tribune/Jerry Larson
"Questions don't do the damage," former ABC News reporter and anchor Sam Donaldson said. "Only the answers do."
Spoken like a media sound bite.
Nebraska Cornhusker Examiner Trent Gierhan and I are playing some damage control in previewing tomorrow's Oklahoma-Nebraska game. Below are Trent's answers to my five questions. Click here to read my answers to Trent's questions.
1. What happened last week with DT Ndamukong Suh? Any carryover against Oklahoma?
Obviously Suh didn't have the week many expected him to have. In a press conference this week, Suh admitted that aside from getting double teamed by Baylor, at times Baylor was also throwing some cut blocks. While those blocks are perfectly legal, it prevented Suh from getting his hands up and batting balls down, which is a huge part of his game. Rather than Suh having an off week, I think it was more him being overshadowed by the play of sophomore Jared Crick. Against Baylor, Crick had one of the greatest games by a lineman in Nebraska football history. He earned himself National Defensive Player of the Week. The entire defensive line will have to perform well if the Huskers have any shot on Saturday, and I think they will.
2. Nebraska hasn't lost three games at home in one season since 1968. They've already lost two at home this year. What gives?
I know many Husker fans might not agree with me on this, but for whatever reason, Memorial Stadium isn't a major factor anymore. The fans are still as passionate as ever and among the best in the nation, which makes it even tougher to figure out. What I think will help Nebraska on Saturday is that the game is at night. For some reason there just seems to be a different feeling or atmosphere in the stadium when the game is in the evening. Day games just don't seem to bring as much excitement and that appears to be evident in the team's play.
3. Nebraska ranks fourth nationally in points per game (11.3) and has held five of eight opponents to 10 points for fewer. How can their defense get the better of OU's offense?
The success of the blackshirts depends mainly on the play of the defensive line. The combination of Turner, Suh, Crick and Allen is special because those four have an unique ability to take away both the run and the pass away from the opposing team's offense. In order for the defense to have as much success as they've had so far this season they must stop the run and force Landry Jones into pressure situations. If the front four can apply an immense amount of pressure it'll make the game go a lot smoother for Nebraska's secondary. As I said in my preview for the game, I think Head Coach Bo Pelini needs to have a more aggressive attitude in his play calling on Saturday in an attempt to jump some routes and force some turnovers. However, if the Sooners get a ground game going, it could be a long night for the blackshirts.
4. OU has eaten freshman QBs this season like a chicken wing. Can Nebraska's offense score enough against the Sooners with true freshman Cody Green at the controls?
This is no doubt the biggest question Nebraska fans have about the game. Green is a raw talent and has the ability to be a play maker but I just don't think having one start under his belt is enough. However, Nebraska is much better off with Green under center. In order to beat the Sooners, Nebraska is going to have to make some big plays on offense. Because Green is a dual-threat, that is possible. There's simply no way Nebraska will be able to put 10-12 play drives on the Oklahoma defense so Green is definitely the way to go. The play of the offense will depend greatly on the type of field position the defense gives them.
5. The 7 PM start seems like it might give Nebraska an extra spark in what is already enemy territory for Oklahoma. Will that make a difference in the outcome?
Like I said above, the night atmosphere means Memorial Stadium will play more of a role than it has so far this season. I can see the crowd affecting the outcome of the game if they get in the head of Landry Jones. Since taking over for Bradford, Jones have proved he is a capable quarterback and I think has given Sooner fans something to look forward to in the future. On the other hand, Jones has yet to experience a crowd like the Sea of Red. If Memorial Stadium is as loud as expected, it could give Jones some trouble, which could potentially lead to some turnovers.
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