Well, it's that time of the week where I have to talk about the Husker game as I lead into the Week 2 Predictions. Luckily this one will be fairly short and sweet as I was unable to watch the game live down in Cartagena, Colombia. The vacation was well worth missing the game, especially the first half, but I promise I did my homework and have a strong analysis leading into this week. I've got my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD for you along with all the Week 2 Games to keep your eyes on. This is a big post with lots of information, so sit back, read on and enjoy!
GOOD - Anthony Grant as RB1. Grant has quickly established himself as the lead ball carrier for the Huskers and I'm very much enjoying his running style. Despite a very lackluster offensive line, Grant is able to break off large chunks by powering through tackles and racking up a staggering 6.2 yards per carry, most of them after contact. He needs to be a focal point of this offense moving into conference play. He could be a really special talent for this team, but he needs more room to operate. Too many hit at or behind the line of scrimmage are going to take a toll.
EXPECTED - Struggling offensive line play. This is not a great thing to expect, but it's clear this unit is going to struggle each and every week with something. This unit gave up 3 sacks to North Dakota last week and there are far more formidable pass rushes ahead on the schedule. The o line will need to step up each week and provide better protection and rushing lanes.
BAD - Lack of tenacity from the Huskers. From everyone I've talked to who was either at the game or watching it on TV, there was a common theme about the team: they were flat. There doesn't seem to be a tenacity or killer instinct (yet) in this unit, and in my opinion that has been missing for years. Every good football team has that extra level of tenacity. When there's a big play needed or when you have the momentum and need one more play to essentially pull the plug on the opponent, they dig deep and bring it out. Nebraska has been lacking in this area. I'm sure there's a variety of factors that contribute to this, but in modern day college football you need to bring the extra edge in order to win. Let's hope they pick it up soon, because myself and the rest of Husker Nation has been waiting for a while.
Overall, the Huskers looked strong in the 4th quarter and were able to close out the game with some big plays and make the scoreboard look a lot better than the 17-17 tie sitting in the middle of the third. We'd all love to see the Huskers bring it all together for a dominating performance, but it's just not quite there yet. There were some bright spots in this one and more to build on. Let's just hope they get this airplane flying before BIG 10 Conference games come around.
Week 1 Record: 10 - 6
Overall Record: 14 - 7
#1 Alabama at Texas
The Tide roll into Austin as the Longhorns await their opportunity to put a major stamp on the Steve Sarkisian era. Neither team had much of an issue with their week 1 cupcakes, so this will be a good challenge for both squads. Texas RB Bijan Robinson will be the focal point on offense for the Longhorns. He'll be up against one of the best defensive units in the nation. Bama QB Bryce Young will look to pick apart the Texas defense. These two players are the focal points of this game. Robinson will do his best to keep Texas in it, but I think Bama's defense will be too much for him and the Tide will roll 44-17.
#24 Tennessee at #17 Pitt
One of the few ranked vs ranked matchups we have this weekend has the Volunteers traveling to Pitt to take on the Panthers. This should be a really fun game to watch, especially at the QB spot. Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) and Kedon Slovis (Pittsburgh) are two transfer portal prospects that are doing quite well in their new homes. Not sure how this will play out, but I'll take the home team 33-24.
Iowa State at Iowa (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy)
The Cylones travel to Iowa City for the annual Cy-Hawk Rivalry in hopes of snapping Iowa's 6 game streak they have in this series. Based off of last week however, they wont need much more than a couple of offensive series. The Hawkeyes had a dismal performance last week against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State, scoring just 7 total points. This is the perfect opportunity for ISU to finally pull a big win one against their instate rival. They've been so close in so many attempts, and Iowa usually wins most of their games by waiting waiting for their opponents to mess something up. I don't think that will happen today and the Cyclones finally get revenge on the Hawkeyes. The Cy-Hawk trophy goes Ames this time with a 23-10 victory
#20 Kentucky at #12 Florida
The Wildcats have to travel to the Swamp in this one as the Gators look to keep their momentum from their big win over the Utes lsat week. Gator QB Anthony Richardson is the real deal and will certainly be a handful to deal with in this one. Kentucky lost a lot of talent from last year's squad, but does have Will Levis slinging it from the pocket and I appreciate the efforts to keep the hype around the new players. Florida comes in with a loaded roster of talent and there will be a lot of NFL Scouts at this game. I like the Gators to keep this one out of arms reach of the Wildcats, but turnovers are going to be a big part of this game. Look for both teams to have some, and the big ones will cost the game. Gators 32, Wildcats 21.
#10 USC at Stanford
A time old classic in the PAC 12 will meet as conference opponents for one of the last times. As USC is going to move onto the BIG 10 in 2024 along with UCLA, we only have a couple opportunities left to watch Stanford spoil yet another USC season. The Fightin' Trees are often an achilles heel for the Trojans. This game will be played up at "The Farm" in Stanford, and USC has not won there since 2014. This is one of the oldest rivalries in the PAC 12 and should be a good welcome to the conference for new Trojan Head Coach Lincoln Riley. David Shaw is a veteran with a team that's been down the last few years. Junior RB EJ Smith looks to be a focal point of this offense, but I think Caleb Williams and the Trojan offense will be a bit too much tonight. Fight On as USC win this one on the road in a battle 31-21.
#9 Baylor at #21 BYU
Our last ranked vs ranked matchup of the weekend pits two future Big XII opponents together with Baylor and BYU. These church schools will be anything but on the field tonight as they meet in provo for a late kick. The Cougars' house is not an easy one to win in, and as a top 10 team Baylor has a big target to prove themselves placed squarely on their back. Sophomore QB Blake Shapen has the reigns now for Baylor and with one of the best offensive lines in the country he should have plenty of time in the pocket. BYU is led by Junior QB Jaren Hall who is looking to build on last year's campaign where he threw for over 2,500 yards with 20 TDs and just 5 picks. Both of these defenses are very stingy though and will hit you in the mouth quick. We'll see what offense can get going first and punch back, but keeping the QB clean is extremely important in this game. I'll say Sic 'Em as the Bears win a big one on the road 38-31.
Missouri at Kansas State
Former Big XII foes meet up in Manhattan as Mizzou travels to take on K-State. Former Husker QB Adrian Martinez is at the helm of the Wildcats' offense and he'll be looking to improve from his first outing. Tigers QB, Sophomore Brady Cook had a strong debut last week with 201 yards along with a pick and a TD. We don't know much about either team from the opener, but I'm going to take Mizzou on the road. I think Martinez is a great player and person, but he's turnover prone and with a new offense it could bite him sooner than later. Tigers 34, Wildcats 27.
Georgia Southern at Nebraska
The Huskers host the Eagles of Georgia Southern for a game under the lights at Memorial Stadium. I'm so excited to be back in the stadium for a game, and there's nothing better than a night game in Lincoln. This team should be fired up and they have a lot to prove. Husker fans are certainly grumbling after a slow start to the season. Georgia Southern is traditionally a run heavy team, but Senior QB Kyle Vantrease will look to use his arm a lot as they develop their run game. For the Huskers, tackling on defense is key and keeping routes underneath the safeties. Offensively, it all starts up front. The blocking needs to step up and open up more holes in the run game. Grant has been phenomenal, but he's doing most of the work himself. Last but not least, protect the QB! Thompson struggles significantly under pressure and isn't as mobile as Martinez was. He needs to stay clean to get his passes off. I'm looking to see if the lights bring out the tenacity we've been waiting for from the Huskers. Should be a good one tonight, Huskers 35, Eagles 20.
Quick Hit Predictions:
South Carolina at #16 Arkansas - QB Battle between Spencer Rattler & KJ Jefferson. Twitter said last week that KJ Jefferson has that HOG in him and I'd agree. Razorbacks win 31-17. Watch out for Arkansas this year.
Arizona State at #11 Oklahoma State - Points, points and more points in this one. The Sun Devils should be able to score in this one, but keeping pace with the Pokes is not easy. Cowboys 48, Sun Devils 24.
#25 Houston at Texas Tech - A future Big XII matchup takes place in Texas as Houston takes their #25 ranking into Lubbock. The Cougars pulled out a 3 OT win against UTSA last week and may still be a bit gassed. Lots of offense in this one but the Raiders win this shootout. TTU 48, Houston 43.
Washington State at #19 Wisconsin - Wazzu goes on the road to BIG 10 Country in Camp Randle. Not sure what to expect from either team this year, but you don't often win against the Badgers at home. On Wisconsin as they win 28-10.
Boston College at Virginia Tech - Both loss close games last week and are looking for a bounce back. VT has the edge at home, but I like Phil Jurkovec at QB for the Eagles. BC with the road upset 23-21.
Virgina at Illinois - A sneaky interesting ACC/BIG 10 showdown takes place in Champagne. The Illini were tested against Indiana and couldn't quite pull out the victory. UVA runs their offense all through QB Brennan Armstrong as he's also their primary run threat. Look for Illinois to bring the heat and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. BIG 10 wins this one as the Illini hold off the Cavaliers 30-24.
Oregon State at Fresno State - The Beavers have a tricky road game against the Bulldogs of Fresno State. Senior QB for the Bulldogs, Jake Haener is one to watch as he threw for over 4,000 yards with 33 TDs and just 9 picks last year. I like Oregon State a lot this year though, and I think they'll hold off in a fight. Beavers get a big one on the road 30-27.
Thanks for reading my Husker reflections and predictions for this week's games. I've added some photos of me repping my Husker gear down in Colombia. So now, let's sit back and enjoy Gameday. GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
No comments:
Post a Comment