Halftime Thoughts

The biggest play of the first half may have been the Rex Burkhead 20 yard run on 2nd and 12 while Oklahoma was burning timeouts with their defense on the field, trying to get their offense one more opportunity at points.

If Oklahoma added another score before halftime, I would not like Nebraska’s chances in the 2nd half. That kind of momentum swing is tough to overcome. Instead, Nebraska was able to overcome some shaky clock management and net another Alex Henery field goal (not sure if it would’ve been good from 65 yards like his first kick). I believe getting those 3 points was indescribably huge on the players’ mindsets.

It was a tale of 2 quarters as Nebraska manhandled Oklahoma in the 1st quarter, while the Sooners made big play after big play in the 2nd quarter.

The difference were the big uglies up front. Nebraska runners had gaping holes to run through in the 1st quarter and were pressuring Landry Jones, who couldn’t find anything resembling a rhythm.

The 2nd quarter was a different story as the Blackshirts couldn’t muster a pass rush, and Landry Jones was able to carve up the talented Husker secondary. The biggest question going into the 2nd half is if Bo Pelini adjusts and dials up some blitzes in order to get after Jones.

On the other side, the holes shrank in the Husker running game, which stagnated the Husker offense. Nebraska has to figure out a way to consistently move the ball in the 2nd half, given that Taylor Martinez still doesn’t appear to be 100%.

Despite the 3 point lead, Oklahoma has looked better in the first half. If not for two 4th down stops, the Huskers would most likely find themselves behind on the scoreboard. But, I’m very uninterested in who looks better, only who finishes on top in the end.

Dejon Gomes has been the best player on the field, stuffing a 4th and 1, and breaking up a 3rd down pass inside the red zone. Kyler Reed has also made two very nice catches, one for a TD, the other leading directly to the FG before half. Also, Alex Henery is the best kicker in the nation, I don’t care what Lou Groza tries to tell me.

It will take an amazing amount of heart to pull this game out against a Sooners team who I believe is more talented. Heart always trumps talent though.

(Love how the Dr. Pepper throw off included a Big Ten school and a kid from Texas. Good sign for the Huskers heading into the 2nd half….)

Husker Power

Go Big Red