Brian Rosenthal: How seriously are we supposed to take Troy?
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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
I’ve been arguing with myself (hey, it’s been a long week) over whether Nebraska’s final nonconference game against Troy will be a gimme for the Huskers.
(In other words, it’s the only column idea that comes to mind that doesn’t rehash the USC game plan or cry for Oklahoma).
Is this just a nuisance game squeezed between USC and the start of the Big 12 Conference season? Or is there reason to believe this week’s Trojans could cause serious problems?
Some reasons to consider Troy an upset contender Saturday night, along with counterpoints:
Point: Troy led then-No. 9 Florida State in the fourth quarter before losing by a touchdown, in Tallahassee. The Trojans were also tied with Georgia Tech last week, on the road, going into the fourth quarter.
Counterpoint: Florida State is still overrated. The Seminoles have no offense, particularly on the ground. They ran for all of 45 yards against Troy, a mark really magnified when considering Georgia Tech ran for 320 yards against the Trojans. The Yellow Jackets, by the way, wore down Troy and won 35-20. Look for the Huskers to continue their pound-the-rock mentality. Perhaps a return of Cody Glenn this week?
Point: Troy runs a spread offense very similar to that of Texas Tech. Nobody around here needs reminding of what Tech’s offense has done to Nebraska the past two seasons. Look for many bubble screens, quick throws, etc., from the Trojans.
Counterpoint: This is Troy’s first year running the spread offense under new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. In other words, the Trojans aren’t as established as Tech, nor as talented. They’ll probably complete their share of short passes, but don’t look for the points to pile up on the Blackshirts.
Point: Troy won’t be intimidated. The Trojans have played Nebraska three times before in Memorial Stadium, and once gave the Huskers a stiff challenge. Remember the two punt returns for touchdowns by DeJuan Groce in a 31-16 victory here four years ago?
Counterpoint: Nebraska is 22-2 in night games at Memorial Stadium, with the losses to Washington in 1991 and Texas in 2002. Those were top-10 teams. Troy is not that. And while Troy has pulled a couple of upsets against BCS conference teams (Missouri, Mississippi State), it hasn’t yet defeated a ranked team on the road. Plus, this isn’t 2002.
Point: The hangover factor. Not only could Nebraska have a let-down after the loss to USC, you could also argue the Huskers are simply ready to start conference play. Kansas comes to town next week, and you know Nebraska’s been waiting for that rematch for some time now.
Counterpoint: Tough one. This is potentially Troy’s biggest advantage. Fans and pundits are still replaying the USC game. Are the players? If so, look out. It’s one of those no-win situations for Nebraska.
Conclusion: This isn’t the same Troy team that took the Welcome-to-Division-I-A tour in 2001, when the Trojans were known as Troy State and were collecting paychecks (and beatings) while building their program. They’re talented enough and confident enough to hang with Nebraska, and even pull an upset if given enough chances.
The Huskers, though, really have no business losing this game. Nebraska 31, Troy 14.
GOING DEEP
* Remember when some of us were thinking that Sam Keller may be able to offer Zac Taylor some tips on how to attack the USC defense? Oh, well.
* I’d have more sympathy for Bob Stoops and the Sooners if they’d let it go. You think David Boren would’ve written a letter of forfeiture had the situation been reversed? Ask Bobby Knight.
* Ever watch the first few innings of a Dodgers game on TV, and wonder why nobody’s there? Hey, you try getting off work at 5 o’clock and to the stadium by 7 … in Los Angeles traffic. Good luck.
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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