Huskers vs. Jayhawks

Today marks the long-awaited rematch between Nebraska and Kansas, for it was a year ago when the Huskers visited Lawrence and were handed their worst defeat in history. An ugly 72-39 crushing, which I believe ultimately began the downward spiral of the Nebraska football program. Make no mistake, the program was already teetering on the edge of demise, but such a defeat put it over the edge.

So is today's game about revenge? Nah. Not for me, and according to Bo Pelini, his staff and his players, not for the Nebraska program. I believe there to be far too many motivators today, such that revenge need not be a factor. A win today puts the Huskers on an inside track to finish the regular season 8-4, go to a bowl game, and possibly finish 9-4. That's a sign of some great progress, folks. A win today following last week's debacle in Oklahoma instills confidence into a team that sorely needs it in order to finish strong, and avoid a season-ending three-game skid the likes of which seemed all too common during the Callahan-coached seasons of the last several years. But most importantly, in this humble Husker fan's eyes, is the need for Pelini to secure a signature win. A game he and his team can look back on as the building blocks of re-establishing the Husker football program. The Husker's effort against Texas Tech a few weeks ago nearly fit the bill for such a game, but it was still a loss. A win today against the mighty Jayhawks would give Pelini his signature win.

It won't be easy. Quarterback Todd Reesing and his Jayhawks rank right around tenth in the country in passing, and Nebraska's passing defense, depending on which category one looks at, ranks between eightieth and ninetieth in the country. Not good odds. Today's game will have to be up to the front four on the Husker defensive line. Frankly, they will have to play lights out defense, and make Reesing's day a living hell. Pressure, pressure, pressure. And then some more pressure. Get the idea? The Husker secondary just isn't talented enough to defend a pass-happy offense without the help of the front four. It'll be interesting to see what Pelini has in mind in terms of schemes and trickery. He'll have to be spot-on in order to contain the Jayhawks.

Unlike last year, I have been willing to predict a few Husker losses. I have laid down my pride and become more realistic. I predicted three of the four Husker losses, and score-wise, I wasn't all that far off. I say that because what you're about to read you might just find laughable. I have a good feeling about today's game. I think Pelini has something in mind, and he picks up his all-important signature win. The Huskers upset the Jayhawks today, and begin putting the pieces together to put Nebraska football back on the map. Rock chalk Jayhawk? Not in Lincoln, and not today. Huskers 42, Jayhawks 32.

Jeff, I'm awaiting your reply!

GO BIG RED!!