Huskers prepare for stretch
Eleven weeks, 11 games. Unlike the past 11 years, Nebraska this season wasn’t afforded an early season bye week to rejuvenate, a factor that potentially becomes an issue following particularly difficult games — such as the Huskers’ 22-20 home loss Saturday to defending national champion Texas.
This obviously isn’t a good time for 20th-ranked Nebraska to dawdle, what with so much at stake in the Big 12 Conference.
“I have to be honest with you, we’re motivated to try to capture this North Division,” said Husker coach Bill Callahan, whose team shares first place with Missouri with 3-1 league records. “All of our goals are right there. So we’ve pressed forward in terms of staying focused.
“These next four weeks are crucial. This is the stretch run for us. As I explained to the players (Sunday), we have to double our focus and effort and really get back into a road mentality.”
Nebraska, with a 6-2 record overall, prepares to play Saturday at Oklahoma State (4-3, 1-2 Big 12), a game that falls at what some might consider an inopportune time for the Huskers — between a gut-wrenching loss to Texas and an anticipated Nov. 4 showdown against Missouri.
Adding to Nebraska’s challenge this week: OSU starting quarterback Bobby Reid, who suffered a mild concussion last week in an overtime loss to Texas A&M, is expected to play against Nebraska, coach Mike Gundy said Monday. The
6-foot-3, 225-pound Reid, a sophomore from Houston, ranks third nationally in passing efficiency.
“We have our hands full going down to Stillwater,” said Callahan, noting Nebraska has three games remaining before a bye week finally occurs between a Nov. 11 game at A&M and a Nov. 24 home game against Colorado.
“It’s important we have a great focus in our stretch run,” Callahan said. “For the next 20 days, prior to our bye, we have to really zero in on the bull’s-eye and do a great job of preparing and focusing to get on the road and play some tough opponents.”
Oklahoma State lost for the third time in four games this past Saturday, dropping a 34-33 overtime decision to the Aggies in Stillwater. The Cowboys’ other two losses in the stretch were to Houston (34-25) and Kansas State (31-27). OSU defeated Kansas 42-32 Oct. 14.
“Our team understands how close we are to basically being undefeated in this league,” said Gundy, noting his team’s strong unity. “We all know you have to finish games, and that the only thing that matters is what’s on that scoreboard at the end of the game. But our players continue to play hard.
“Defensively, we’ve had a few letdowns and given up a few big plays. But the kids still run to the football and give great effort. ... They understand that if they continue to put their hats in the ring, and they’re in the game in the fourth quarter, eventually it’s going to turn.”
Oklahoma State ranks 68th nationally in total defense, allowing 341.57 yards per game.
Despite the loss to A&M, Gundy said, he saw bright spots on both sides of ball. The defense made some big stops near the goal line and played decently overall. However, it also allowed a few big plays and continued a pattern of struggling against a two-minute offense — an area Nebraska has thrived.
The Cowboys’ offensive line played its best game of the season, Gundy said, paving the way for tailback Dantrell Savage to gain 134 yards on 13 carries. Savage “got the hot hand,” Gundy said.
Oklahoma State’s balanced attack ranks 12th nationally in total offense (421.71) and seventh in scoring (37.43). The Cowboys face a formidable challenge against the Husker defense, Gundy said.
Nebraska ranks 51st in total defense (320.25) and is tied for 15th in scoring defense (14.5).
“They’re very gap sound and they’re obviously doing a lot of blitzing,” Gundy said. “They’re comfortable with it. They’re as good a defense team as we’ve faced this year.”
Nebraska weakside linebackers Bo Ruud and Steve Octavien shared the team’s defensive player of the week honors, Callahan said. Ruud finished with eight tackles, including two for losses, against Texas while adding a sack, forced fumble and pass breakup. Octavien, after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury, made 10 stops (two for losses) and also forced a fumble.
Callahan said wasn’t surprised by Octavien’s strong return to action.
“He’s a quality guy, a great person and an excellent player. It’s just a matter of getting him on the field healthy. Durability has been an issue the past few weeks. (But) we saw his athleticism show up day in and day out in spring practice and also in training camp.”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
This obviously isn’t a good time for 20th-ranked Nebraska to dawdle, what with so much at stake in the Big 12 Conference.
“I have to be honest with you, we’re motivated to try to capture this North Division,” said Husker coach Bill Callahan, whose team shares first place with Missouri with 3-1 league records. “All of our goals are right there. So we’ve pressed forward in terms of staying focused.
“These next four weeks are crucial. This is the stretch run for us. As I explained to the players (Sunday), we have to double our focus and effort and really get back into a road mentality.”
Nebraska, with a 6-2 record overall, prepares to play Saturday at Oklahoma State (4-3, 1-2 Big 12), a game that falls at what some might consider an inopportune time for the Huskers — between a gut-wrenching loss to Texas and an anticipated Nov. 4 showdown against Missouri.
Adding to Nebraska’s challenge this week: OSU starting quarterback Bobby Reid, who suffered a mild concussion last week in an overtime loss to Texas A&M, is expected to play against Nebraska, coach Mike Gundy said Monday. The
6-foot-3, 225-pound Reid, a sophomore from Houston, ranks third nationally in passing efficiency.
“We have our hands full going down to Stillwater,” said Callahan, noting Nebraska has three games remaining before a bye week finally occurs between a Nov. 11 game at A&M and a Nov. 24 home game against Colorado.
“It’s important we have a great focus in our stretch run,” Callahan said. “For the next 20 days, prior to our bye, we have to really zero in on the bull’s-eye and do a great job of preparing and focusing to get on the road and play some tough opponents.”
Oklahoma State lost for the third time in four games this past Saturday, dropping a 34-33 overtime decision to the Aggies in Stillwater. The Cowboys’ other two losses in the stretch were to Houston (34-25) and Kansas State (31-27). OSU defeated Kansas 42-32 Oct. 14.
“Our team understands how close we are to basically being undefeated in this league,” said Gundy, noting his team’s strong unity. “We all know you have to finish games, and that the only thing that matters is what’s on that scoreboard at the end of the game. But our players continue to play hard.
“Defensively, we’ve had a few letdowns and given up a few big plays. But the kids still run to the football and give great effort. ... They understand that if they continue to put their hats in the ring, and they’re in the game in the fourth quarter, eventually it’s going to turn.”
Oklahoma State ranks 68th nationally in total defense, allowing 341.57 yards per game.
Despite the loss to A&M, Gundy said, he saw bright spots on both sides of ball. The defense made some big stops near the goal line and played decently overall. However, it also allowed a few big plays and continued a pattern of struggling against a two-minute offense — an area Nebraska has thrived.
The Cowboys’ offensive line played its best game of the season, Gundy said, paving the way for tailback Dantrell Savage to gain 134 yards on 13 carries. Savage “got the hot hand,” Gundy said.
Oklahoma State’s balanced attack ranks 12th nationally in total offense (421.71) and seventh in scoring (37.43). The Cowboys face a formidable challenge against the Husker defense, Gundy said.
Nebraska ranks 51st in total defense (320.25) and is tied for 15th in scoring defense (14.5).
“They’re very gap sound and they’re obviously doing a lot of blitzing,” Gundy said. “They’re comfortable with it. They’re as good a defense team as we’ve faced this year.”
Nebraska weakside linebackers Bo Ruud and Steve Octavien shared the team’s defensive player of the week honors, Callahan said. Ruud finished with eight tackles, including two for losses, against Texas while adding a sack, forced fumble and pass breakup. Octavien, after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury, made 10 stops (two for losses) and also forced a fumble.
Callahan said wasn’t surprised by Octavien’s strong return to action.
“He’s a quality guy, a great person and an excellent player. It’s just a matter of getting him on the field healthy. Durability has been an issue the past few weeks. (But) we saw his athleticism show up day in and day out in spring practice and also in training camp.”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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