Nebraska Football: It’s time to tame the Nittany Lions

Nebraska Football gets set to take on Penn State

Last week. I can’t even… Rinse and repeat in Husker play against Northwestern. If you want the takeaways, click here. I’ve forgotten about it. Not really, but it’s time to look forward. On the positive side, good job Husker D-Line, yeah to some actual wide receiver play, and I was SHOCKED that Coach Frost put in QB Luke McCaffrey toward the end of the game.

I agree that something needed to change but I never thought I’d see that happen due to Frost and his unwavering devotion to Adrian Martinez. Pretty sure AM has forgotten what it’s like to be the favorite. I don’t think that Coach Frost has forgotten it’s about winning here in Nebraska too.

Moving on to this week for Big Red. Penn State Coach, James Franklin will have his team ready despite being 0-3. They can get you on the ground and in the air. The Nittany Lions are playing in the first home Husker game in 2020 (11 am, Fox Sports). Time to grab the tiger by the tail, or lion as it may be. This season so far has been a complete cluster. Why not just throw whatever else is in the playbook up there against the wall and see if it sticks. 3-0, Northwestern will most likely be playing for the B1G West anyway.

Even though Coach Franklin hasn’t won a game yet this season, don’t get lulled into thinking it’s a walk in the park for Nebraska Football. Huskers have consistently snatched defeat from the jaws of victory far too often. I’m not giving up hope, I’m just not camping out there anymore. Time for this offense to execute what it’s been advertised to do. They have forgotten what it’s like to drive down the field and score once they are in the red zone. In my untrained eye Dedrick Mills has forgotten what it’s like to run around the people in front of him. He finally remembered it late in the season last year. Me, over here in Camp Hope, want him to remember sooner rather than later.

I think the Nebraska team has forgotten how to win. I know I’ve forgotten what it’s like win. I’d like to forget all the different ways we find to lose. A big problem is this team has forgotten how to be disciplined (aka penalties). Perhaps actually playing at Memorial Stadium in front of their families can help focus them. What is it? Is this lack of focus another fall out of the craziness that is 2020, or a random week off (explains the crappy tackling), or does the extra year of player eligibility make this year feel like the “free space” on a bingo card? Whatever it is, the Nebraska coaches need to help them figure it out. Now.

As for the Lions, one of the leaders of the pack is Junior QB Sean Clifford can throw it and read defenses well. Beware of linebacker Ellis Brooks. He’s the equivalent to Northwestern’s Paddy Fisher and leads the Lions in tackles. Wide Receiver Jahan Dotson leads the B1G Ten league in receiving yards.

I’m hoping that Husker Myles Farmer can come up with more turnover magic on Saturday. At the end of the day, one of these teams will actually have a W. A high of 53 degrees with sunshine and clouds is forecasted in Lincoln. Winds 10-20 mph to mess with the Nebraska kicking game.

The Jello shot in honor of the first Husker home game, and things I’ve forgotten, is based on a drink called Elk Creek Water. A legendary libation from Sandy’s, a downtown Lincoln bar. Think long island iced and OJ which is a breakfast thing so it works. Heat 1/2 cup of Squirt or Mountain Dew and 1/2 cup of OJ. Add it to a box of Orange jello and stir until dissolved. Pour together 2 Tbs gin, 1/4 c Vodka, 1/4 c triple sec, and 1/4 c rum. Pour it into shot cups and chill. If the Huskers lose, you may not remember it after a few of these.

If you’re hosting a homegate, (and God love you for it) screw breakfast food at this point. Go for munchies like cheese and sausage, and whatever other chips & dip you want, but serve lunch at halftime. This also assumes you haven’t lost your appetite after Nebraska failing to score inside the red zone again. Grill up some philly cheesesteaks for a little Pennsylvania flavor, but use Nebraska fed beef so that they “finish right!”

Look for Nebraska offense to play faster. Look for Penn State to burn the defense on some long passes. Look for the Huskers to have Adrian Martinez on a short leash. Look for Wan’Dale Robinson to be targeted more. Listen for names like Ty Robinson and Casey Rogers to be called for good D Line plays. Look for the Big Red to win their first game. Forget what losing feels like and as always, GO BIG RED!