Game #2

The Big Red travels to North Carolina today to battle the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University. I had hoped this game would be a bigger test than last week as the Huskers warm up for the big showdown against USC next week. The loss of Wake Forest's starting quarterback, however, has helped this matchup lose what little luster it had. That said, there do exist some intriguing elements today. The Huskers take to the road for the first time this season, and into a potentially hostile environment as the Wake Forest crowd certainly knows how to make some noise. There's no doubt the Huskers will have to remain focused and on task from start to finish if they are to put these guys away.

My hopes for this week center around one thing in particular; the Huskers have got to come out swinging, if you will. It has been a trademark of Callahan-coached teams (at least Husker teams) to start slow and as a result, play catch-up for much of the game. I would like to see the Huskers get off to a fast start, and score early and often because if they so much as blink next week against the mighty Trojans, game over. Advantage, USC. Today's contest provides a perfect opportunity to tune-up that quick-start element, put the Demon Deacons away early, and get out of town.

Since this is the first road game of the season, however, I don't see the Huskers being able to achieve such a start. They'll come out and stub their toes a couple of times, but eventually get going thanks to the suffocating play of the Blackshirts. I see the score being fairly close at half-time, but the 'Skers will pull away in the third quarter and the back-ups will get some reps towards the end of the game. Final score: Huskers 38, Demon Deacons 13.

The Lady Huskers faced 11th-ranked Duke last night at the NU Coliseum, and once again, it was no real contest for them. The Huskers swept Duke three games to none, and sent the Blue Devils packin'. Unbeaten and unchallenged, their next victim is New Mexico State tonight at the Coliseum.

GO BIG RED!!