Steven M. Sipple: Football fans, welcome to the Land of the Weird
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Sam Keller brushed past a television on his way to the postgame press conference Saturday. The Nebraska quarterback noticed Kansas State’s 10-point lead over Texas.
“Wow, that’s weird,” he said.
It was a most peculiar day, indeed.
Kansas State surprises Texas. Colorado stuns Oklahoma. Iowa State runs 102 plays compared with Nebraska’s 59 and outgains the Huskers 415 to 369 — and loses by a wide margin.
Welcome to the Land of the Weird. Nebraska should hope its little trip into weirdness lasts another week. The Huskers evidently are going to need some weird things to happen to prevail at Missouri.
On “Strange Day Saturday,” Nebraska was unconvincing in beating Iowa State convincingly, if that makes any sense. The Huskers rebounded nicely from last week’s loss, er, win against Ball State, but showed little evidence they’re ready to pull off an upset in Columbia, Mo.
Colorado over Oklahoma? Really? Hey, if the Buffs can produce such a shocker, maybe these Huskers have a chance against the Tigers after all. The thing is, CU did it with stifling defense. In case you haven’t noticed, NU’s defense isn’t exactly the Steel Curtain.
Nevertheless, the Blackshirts showed life in Nebraska’s 35-17 win against Iowa State. Yes, the Cyclones racked up some yards. Yes, ISU entered the day ranked last in the Big 12 in total offense. But the Husker defenders pounded Bret Meyer and came up with three sacks. They came up with four turnovers. And they swarmed to the ball.
How was that for weird?
“We held strong at times, in certain situations,” said Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, not exactly piling on praise for his embattled defense.
Nebraska’s offense didn’t help matters with three early turnovers, including Marlon Lucky’s fumble as he tried to reach across the goal line. Iowa State picked up a little momentum and led 10-0. At that moment, on this peculiar day, anything seemed possible.
In the end, however, Nebraska improved to 4-1 and 1-0 in the Big 12, and there was some degree of normalcy at the old stadium. And, oh, how Nebraska needed some normalcy. After dodging Ball State last week 41-40, it felt like the Huskers were 1-3 instead of 3-1, fans were so angry. Would Kevin Cosgrove have to hire a bodyguard?
“I just tried to stay in my house and tried to do my job,” said the Nebraska defensive coordinator.
His wife no doubt appreciates having the big guy around to help with chores. Husker fans no doubt appreciated the Blackshirts’ increased intensity and decreased complexity. Defenders flew around the field, in sharp contrast to previous weeks. You saw more energy. You also saw Iowa State drive 97 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown. Ugh.
And what about those slant patterns? Of Iowa State’s 102 plays, 99 of them must have been slants. And 98 of them must have been completions. Nebraska’s corners will be seeing slant patterns in their sleep. Missouri, no doubt, was taking notes — not that the Tigers’ offense needs a lot of help.
Missouri (4-0), which had Saturday off, entered this past week ranked fifth nationally in total offense, averaging 544.25 yards. The Tigers are scoring 42.0 points a game. Their offense is in attack mode. Can the Huskers slow the Black and Gold Express enough to give their offense a chance?
Stranger things have happened.
Try Kansas State beating Texas two years in a row. This time, the key for the Wildcats was two kick returns for touchdowns.
Colorado, meanwhile, flexed its muscle on defense, holding Oklahoma to 46 second-half yards. The Sooners were averaging 562.3 yards and beating teams by an average of almost 50 points.
In the Big 12 North Division, a strong defense and serviceable offense may be all that’s needed to contend for the crown. Maybe you can even win the league.
“You’re finding across the country there are some strange things going on,” Keller said.
A day in the Land of the Weird alters one’s perspective. It was once thought that Nebraska-Missouri this coming weekend was basically the de facto Big 12 North title game. Now, you might say it’s just another step in what could turn out to be a long, strange journey to San Antonio.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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