Nebraska Football Tailgate Talk: Bye week blues are here

Nebraska football hasn’t gone into a bye week off a win since 2016. How do you like dem apples? I think without a doubt, even the Rhule haters have to appreciate that last win against Illinois.

Without the Huskers playing, feel free to channel surf on Saturday, be productive in the yard or organize the garage while Big Red enjoys their bye week.

It’s always interesting to find topics to discuss or write about during the bye week. It’s a time for reflection typically. What I would like to say BYE to is season-ending injuries. Actually, any serious injury. This year has been rough. Whatever the ACL is, it should have a chat with Huskers strength and conditioning Coach Corey Campbell so it’s more resilient rather than being the weak sauce of ligaments.

Losing another Nebraska football wide receiver to injury decimates a room that was already thinner than grade school ketchup. I’m sure the Nebraska staff will get senior Marcus Washington back to good health, just not in time to help this season.

I want to say GOODBYE to the turnovers. There was a lot of chatter about Coach Rhule pointing out the fact that running back Anthony Grant needs to just protect the dang ball. He didn’t slam him, he tried to encourage him publicly. Put your hand around the tip of the ball. Seems simple. Having Sims out of the lineup has helped with the interceptions. Heinrich Haarberg isn’t perfect but it’s not 3 times a game. I’m ok with the quarterback controversy being put in the bye-bye-bye column as well.

I want to also say Bye to not playing in a bowl game. For more on the Huskers’ projection for a bowl game, click here. Losing out on those 3 extra weeks of practices really adds up in one year, let alone 5. This team seems to have chemistry. To make it to a bowl game would be a well-earned bonus for all the players on the team. Having extra practices will certainly help all the youngins in that locker room.

I want to say Later Gator to the crappy officiating zip code the Huskers seem to be living in. I watched one particular play last week where the defender had his hands around the waist from behind on the Big Red defender and zero flags (see above). Yes, it was a pass play. Are the officials still angry about the Frost rants??? If so, move on.

I would Willkommen better O-line play. It’s not all bad news. Even though the outside still needs a lot of work, the interior is much better this year. I was hoping for better play given they retained Coach Raiola. I mean, they did so because of his ability to develop talent and coach more than just the basics of hand and feet placement, right? Not because of any familial relationship with the Huskers, past or future. I am curious as to why his email is listed as jacksonwalker@huskers.com on his Coach page. If you know Jackson Walker, hit me up.

I’d like to say Hello to a convincing Nebraska football post-route runner. You remember that? The fast guy down the sideline catching the ball over his outside shoulder on a pass thrown with a beautiful spin and magnificent touch (think Kenny Bell). I would nominate Huskers Jaylen Lloyd or Malachi Coleman for this role. Jaedon Doss is also back to health after his broken arm. Go catch some balls guys. Get some yards after the catch.

Bienvenue (welcome in French) to the gap sound run defense. Blackshirts are Blackshirts this year. If you missed the 2 attempts by Illinois on 4th and 1 last week, it’s reminiscent of the defensive (and sometimes offensive) Pelini days. Enjoy the emergence of Huskers D lineman Nash Hutmacher.  Also a big HOWDY to Jimari Butler now up to 10 tackles (7 solo) and 3.5 sacks. Isaac Gifford has come along nicely as well. It warms my heart to see Big Red succeeding instead of losing…a VERY welcome change.

I’m not sharing a drink or food item this week. It’s my bye week too after all. But next week for the Northwestern game, also homecoming, I got you covered. In the meantime, work on that honey-do list and get ready for the roller coaster of the rest of the season. Renew that blood pressure prescription, order the sage to exorcise the turnover demons, and plan ahead for that next Nebraska football tailgate. As always, GO BIG RED!