Storylines for Texas: 'Whatever it takes'
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
How does Nebraska plan to move the chains against Texas’ swarming defense? “Whatever it takes,” said Husker coach Bill Callahan, who calls the plays.
Whatever it takes — therein lies the beauty of Callahan’s version of the West Coast offense. Versatility is crucial. Although Nebraska leaned hard on its running game after building sizable leads on the road against Iowa State and Kansas State, the Huskers also are capable of airing it out, as they did against Kansas.
The bottom line today is, Nebraska likely will need a balanced attack. The most challenging part will be running the ball against a Texas defense that ranks second nationally against the rush, allowing 47.7 yards per game. However, the Longhorns rank 77th in pass defense.
Make no mistake, NU’s ability to dictate tempo will be pivotal.
A primary concern
Texas features a gun-and-run, spread offense that uses a lot of counter plays and play-action passes.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy has proven to be a strong successor to Vince Young. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound McCoy has completed 68.7 percent of his passes (101 of 147) while firing 18 touchdown passes, with just three interceptions. “That’s just unbelievable for a young guy,” NU defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said.
McCoy, even though this is his first true road game, figures to put stress on the Huskers’ secondary, which needs to play much better than it did Sept. 16 at Southern California if Nebraska expects to prevail. The Trojans sliced up the Huskers using 6-5 Dwayne Jarrett. Texas, meanwhile, features 6-5, 220-pound Limas Sweed, who has 27 catches for 476 yards and eight touchdowns.
Entrenched in battle
Nebraska’s offensive line mauled Iowa State’s defensive front Oct. 7 as the Huskers rushed for 251 yards. The next week, the Husker defensive line essentially destroyed K-State’s young (and slow) offensive line.
Nebraska’s battle in the trenches will be much more challenging today, as Texas features powerful linemen on both sides of the ball. In fact, it is the Longhorns’ line play that arguably separates them from the pack in the league.
Senior defensive end Tim Crowder (seven sacks) leads a Texas pass rush that has produced 24 sacks. Meanwhile, 6-4, 335-pound guard/tackle Justin Blalock leads an offensive line that’s paved the way to 42.7 points per game (second nationally) and 187.4 yards rushing while allowing only six sacks in 167 passing attempts (one in every 28 attempts).
If UT’s O-line has a weakness, it’s a lack of depth.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
For Nebraska, today’s game obviously carries ramifications in its bid to capture its first Big 12 North crown since 1999. Although the Huskers appear to be in the driver’s seat in the division, too many games remain to make any hard-and-fast projections regardless of today’s outcome.
More than anything, this game represents a chance for Nebraska to improve its standing on the national landscape. As it stands, the Huskers seem to be just off the national radar screen, seldom part of national pundits’ conversation. NU’s like a song in the distance.
A victory today changes all of that, because beating the defending national champion always merits attention. Plus, it’s Texas. Say no more.
“We feel we’re showing we’re on our way back,” Husker I-back Cody Glenn said. “If we could beat Texas, I think it’d show we are back.”
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