Game #7

Well, another Friday night has arrived and thus, another "Husker Eve." We are halfway through the season, and life in Husker Nation is not has rosy as most fans, including myself, had hoped. The thought of 6-0 at this point in the season would have been more than anyone really expected. 5-1 and in control of the Big XII North would have been at least somewhat more reasonable. But, alas! Here we sit at a fragile 4-2, and the rest of the season in jeopardy. As I mentioned last week, the Huskers are going to have to fight for their lives every week from here on out, and I'll be surprised if they are able to improve on last year's North division-winning achievement. A trip back to the conference title game seems unlikely, at this point.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys come into Lincoln tomorrow as Nebraska celebrates its 2007 homecoming. OSU is playing very well these days, and will look to beat the Huskers in Lincoln for the first time in about a gazillion years. I don't remember exactly what the figure is, but I know I wasn't alive the last time the Cowboys beat the 'Skers in Lincoln. Unfortunately, I don't think the Cowboys really care about that figure. They have every reason to believe they can and will beat us tomorrow, and on paper, they will.

Nebraska's coaches made some changes this week, however, and I think it was the right thing to do. A few starters were relegated to back-up roles, while others were moved to different positions. The general feeling, based on player comments this past week, was one of confusion. It seems many of the players, on defense especially, have been somewhat confused and/or hesitant as to their assignments once the ball is snapped. I get the feeling that the coaches have made some moves this week in an effort to send a message. If you expect to wear a Blackshirt and play defense at the University of Nebraska, you had better know what you are doing, you had better display confidence, and you had better pound the hell of anyone who gets in your way. This seems to be the message, and I'm hoping it will work.

'Tis sad we are halfway through the season, though, and such changes are still taking place. It's not a good sign, and does not provide much confidence that Callahan and company will right this ship. The first game of the rest of the season is tomorrow, and Nebraska had better take it very seriously. It may not be pretty. In fact, it may just be downright ugly, but I think Nebraska will get it done tomorrow. The certainly won't throttle the Cowboys by any stretch, and I don't think they will throttle anyone the rest of the way. But for now, a win is a win. Huskers 34, Cowboys 31.

The Lady Huskers continue to roll, as they traveled to Boulder, Colorado last Saturday and beat the Buffaloes three games to none. Then on Wednesday, the Cyclones of Iowa State came into the Coliseum, but left without winning a game. Undefeated, and unmatched!

GO BIG RED!!!