Storylines for Nicholls State
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
(1) Building momentum: Nicholls State comes to Lincoln with 58 scholarship players, compared with Nebraska's 85. The Colonels, ranked No. 24 in NCAA Division I-AA, allowed five sacks in last week's win against Division II Southern Arkansas.
To be sure, Nebraska's advantage in talent is extreme. Located in Thibodaux, La., Nicholls State is playing this game mostly because it needs the $350,000 payday. Should Nebraska schedule games such as these? Probably not, but that's open to debate.
At least one thing is certain: The last thing Nebraska needs today is a letdown following last week's excellent overall performance against Louisiana Tech. The Huskers need to continue to build momentum and confidence heading into next week's showdown against Southern Cal in Los Angeles. In other words, Nebraska needs a convincing win today.
That shouldn't be a problem considering Nicholls State lists 12 sophomores and five freshmen on its two-deep chart.
(2) I-back watch continues
Actually, this story will continue to develop all season.
Today, in a game that likely will feature little-to-no suspense in regard to the outcome, Nebraska's I-back situation might at least serve as a welcome diversion. Look for the four competing Husker I-backs to run wild. Remember, these guys are in heated competition for carries, so it's not as if any of them is going to let up on the gas. Heck, we might even learn if Nebraska actually has a fifth-string I-back somewhere in the fold (sophomore Thomas Lawson anyone?)
I'm particularly curious to see if Brandon Jackson will receive more carries after rushing only three times last week. He arguably earned increased action, what with his gutsy 25-yard touchdown run and textbook blitz pickup that enabled backup quarterback Joe Ganz to fire a late touchdown pass to Hunter Teafatiller.
(3) Defending triple option
When he was coaching in the NFL, Bill Callahan said he used to watch videotapes of option teams during his down time, just for a diversion. Today, he gets a more intimate view, as Nicholls State features a triple-option attack.
"We're preparing for a very unconventional offense," he said. Nicholls State's attack seeks to chew up large chunks of time and limit opposing offenses to eight possessions — two per quarter. "This is a team that’s totally committed to running the football," Callahan said.
Indeed, the Colonels led the Southland Conference in rushing each of the past four seasons. Last season, they led Division I-AA with 3,684 rushing yards (364.5 per game). They pounded out 195 rushing yards in their Aug. 31 opener.
"We're going to have to stay disciplined and play assignment football on defense, and take advantage of every opportunity we get on offense," Callahan said.
(4) Look on bright side
Although the game itself figures to be a yawner, it's not difficult to flesh out potential intrigue. For instance, how about a bigger dose of Joe Ganz? Or Beau Davis, for that matter? Let’s see how well first-time starter Brett Byford holds up at center in place of senior Kurt Mann, out with a virus. Perhaps linebacker Steve Octavien will offer up the explosion that made him such a force during spring drills. Maybe touted juco wideout Maurice Purify will see several passes thrown his way.
Meanwhile, Southern Cal will be watching the score, as the Trojans (1-0) are idle.
Would NU prefer to be playing something other than a I-AA team that runs the triple-option? "I'm really not too worried about it," Husker defensive end Jay Moore said. "I think anytime you play against any type of competition, you get better. That's all I can worry about — getting better and getting prepared."
Good approach.
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