Emotion Overload: Who has the EDGE? Nebraska or Iowa?
By Brent Craig
Emotions are running high for all those who call themselves Husker fans. Whether you are a Boliever, a Boleaver, or somewhere in between, Husker fans alike have found themselves faced with a variety of emotions that are draining, causing antipathy, apathy, sympathy, and empathy. When I reflect on this season I am reminded of the chorus of the School House Rock song, “Interjections!”
So when you’re happy, Hurray!
Or sad, Aww! Or frightened, Eeeek! Or mad, Rats! Or excited, Wow!
Or glad, Hey! Husker football keeps me up at night!!
The 8-3 Huskers face the 7-4 Iowa Hawkeyes Friday at 11:00 am at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. We all remember last year when Iowa came a callin’ and put an embarrassing beat down on the Huskers 38-17. We all remember the press conference afterwards when Bo Pelini dared the Husker administration to fire him. We all remember that Bo kept his job. Well, we have come full circle and here we are again, back in the same situation as last year. So what will the outcome of this game be? Does Iowa or Nebraska have the edge?
Nebraska ranks 29th in total offense, averaging 453.8 yards per game –Iowa ranks 21st in total defense, allowing only 331.9 yards per game.
Edge: Iowa
Iowa ranks 63rd in total offense, averaging 400.7 yards per game –Nebraska ranks 49th in total defense, allowing 372.8 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks 14th in rushing, averaging 256.2 yards per game– Iowa ranks 57th in defending the run allowing 158.5 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
Iowa ranks 69th in rushing, averaging 157.6 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 81st, in defending the run, allowing 179.6 yards per game.
Edge: Iowa
Nebraska ranks 90th in passing with 197.6 yards per game – Iowa ranks 8th in defending the pass, allowing 173.4 yards per game.
Edge: Iowa
Iowa ranks 51st in passing, averaging 243.1 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 22st in defending the pass, allowing 193.2 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks 2nd in special teams efficiency – Iowa ranks 103rd in special teams efficiency.
Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks 95th in turnover margin with -0.36 – Iowa ranks 84th in turnover margin with -0.27
Edge: Iowa
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Once again this game is too close to call. Even the experts have it close as some have Iowa favored by one point while others have the spread even. Injuries are factoring in huge. We have two underachieving teams and no one knows who will win. If there is any momentum to be had, it would belong to Iowa as they played Wisconsin tough last week. Then there is home field advantage and the PINK locker room for the Huskers.
The real question Husker fans have is will Bo have the team ready to play or will Nebraska suffer another loss, (that means 3 in a row!) Huskers haven’t lost three games in a row since 2005 under Callahan, before that it was 1961 under Bill Jennings. Should that happen again, the Boleavers might get their wish. Until then, try to keep those emotions under check and GO BIG RED!