Game #3: Huskers vs. Aggies

Tomorrow's game, in this amateur Husker football writer's book, is a very big game for the Nebraska football team. New Mexico State will be in town to battle the Huskers at the old stadium, and dare I say, the Huskers had better be ready. Ready in the sense that this will be the final time to fine-tune the basics of good football. Tackling, blocking, rushing, discipline, communication, clock control, to name a few. Performing these traits successfully are what make a football team good. Adding an element of instinct to these traits is what begins to separate the good from the great. I'm not looking for great, yet. I'm looking for good, which I have seen flashes of in the first two games, but not consistently.

Here's a glimpse of the immediate future; Nebraska hosts New Mexico State tomorrow, then they have a bye-week. The following week, Virgina Tech pays a visit, followed by Missouri. Despite Tech's opening-day loss to East Carolina (who, by the way, seems to be making a living out of upsetting top 20 teams so far this year), they are very talented and will not give the Huskers an easy game. And, need I say a word about Heisman-candidate Chase Daniels and Missouri? If Nebraska does not play well tomorrow, the confidence factor will take a big hit going into the bye-week and preparations for Virginia Tech. And that's a long two weeks to ponder whether you're really good enough to compete with the big boys.

The Huskers MUST start quick tomorrow, and not let up until the game is far out of reach for the Aggies. Scoring on the first four or five possessions is essential, and a fat lead come half-time must be in order. The defense needs to finish the deal, too. Strong tackling, strong secondary play, and everyone swarming the ball. Tomorrow's Husker football needs to be complete in every aspect of the game.

And I predict it will. Not completely mistake-free, mind you, but it will be the best game we've seen this year. Based on stories out of practice this week, the S'kers have worked diligently on tackling to the ground and prolonged intensity. I'm guessing (and hoping) we will see the fruits of their labor tomorrow. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m., and I predict by the time darkness has swept across the Nebraska sky and the dust has settled inside Memorial Stadium, the Huskers will have prevailed big with a 58-17 drubbing of the Aggies of New Mexico State. May the football gods be with us all if they don't....I'll get back to you after Saturday on that one.

GO BIG RED!!