Trojans 49, Huskers 31

The billboard along I-180 into downtown Lincoln shows off the mighty biceps of a Husker football player, his arms crossed in an imposing position that would scare off even the fiercest of would-be competitors. Next to this daunting figure is the word 'strength.' As I watched the billboard go by on my way into work today, I found myself scoffing and thinking to myself, "What strength?" To say I am sorely disappointed after Saturday's game would be an understatement. Heartbroken might be a better descriptor. Or maybe devastated. How about all of thee above?

I'm not even sure where to begin to break down the Huskers issues, but I'm going to start with their rushing attack, or lack there of. I have gone from being not sold on running back Marlon Lucky, to flat done with him. Honestly, I don't think this guy is very good, and I fail to understand what the coaches see in him. (Maybe that's why I'm, at best, a "Monday Morning Quarterback.") Lucky runs with no heart, no finesse, no strength. I've watched him trip up on his own feet way too many times, and it doesn't take much to put the guy on the ground. I know he didn't have much to work with Saturday in terms of holes to run through, but the guy seems to have zero vision, and I just get the feeling he's not real interested in finding or creating opportunities for himself. That, or he's just plain not that good.

Now, I can't decide what was more embarrassing - our lethargic rushing attack, or our absolute inability to stop USC's rushing attack. They made us look absolutely pathetic, and the worst part about it is their backs aren't anything special. They didn't have to spin, juke, or break many tackles because the holes they had to run through were gaping abysses. All they did was take the handoff and run, gaining an average of 12 yards per carry. The defensive line got beat all game long, and where were the linebackers? Oh, that's right, they were continually caught biting on play fakes and misdirections, such that they were never a factor. And what about adjustments? It's one thing to perform that way in the first quarter or so, but to do it all game long? Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove had no answer, apparently. The coveted Blackshirt defense certainly had no strength on this fateful night.

The lone beacon of light in this game was quarterback Sam Keller. I felt he played very well, especially executing the two-minute offense in the fourth quarter. Callahan had a very well designed game plan, and Keller was poised and gave his team a chance offensively. He zipped short passes and slant routes here and there, and USC seemed unable to stop him. He did throw a couple of picks, but one was thanks to a batted ball and I have a hard time blaming that on him. Keller stepped it up a notch from the first couple of games, and proved why he was so highly touted in the preseason. To hang 31 points on the best defense in the nation is something to talk about. Keller is the strength of this team, he's a great leader, and I'm confident he'll get the job done on most occasions.

There's a big part of me that would like to make the argument that the Husker's fate shifted after they kicked a field goal to take a 10-7 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, a jolting hit on the USC return man jarred the ball loose, seemingly giving the Huskers even more of the momentum. As strange luck would have it, though, another USC player scooped up the fumble and scrambled 30 or so yards, turning what seemed to be a sure Husker advantage into a huge USC return. What's more, the original return man laid on the field for nearly 10 minutes with a throat injury. Not knowing specifically what the injury was, the attending medics took every precaution by immobilizing him and taking him off on a stretcher. The long wait zapped every bit of momentum the Huskers had going, and allowed USC to take a breather and talk about things for a good long while. But folks, strong teams rebound from such events. Strong teams harness the original momentum and keep it going. Strong teams laugh at such a travesty, get back in the game, and keep plugging away. The Huskers, on this night, were not strong.

The Huskers had the opportunity to show off their progress in returning the program to elite status. Instead, they were embarrassed on a national stage. It's kind of ironic that USC did the exact same thing the Huskers used to do when they were winning championships in the mid-90's. They lined up and pounded the football down the throats of the opposing defense, and imposed their will, and strength, all night long. There was no stopping the power running of USC on Saturday, and I could almost sense Trojan head coach Pete Carroll winking on his way out of Memorial Stadium as if to say, "how does it feel?"

And so, we move on. Up next, Ball State. Incidentally, Ball State rushed for nearly 300 yards in their game last week. Think they're licking their chops after watching the Huskers performance? Better believe it, and Nebraska better be ready this time. If they take anything away from Saturday night, I hope it's a renewed sense of inner-strength. It's time to show some guts, Big Red.

On a happier note, the Lady Huskers are continuing to roll. Last Wednesday, they hosted seventh-ranked Texas at the Coliseum, and blasted them three games to none. Then they packed it up and headed to Lubbock, Texas, for a match against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech who provided zero competition on Saturday night. Another three games to none win, and the Huskers continue to solidify their top ranking. They play host to Texas A&M next Saturday.

GO BIG RED!!!