Nebraska 18th in Coaches Poll, Jumps to #19 in AP
The latest polls are out and Nebraska remains at #18 in the USAToday Coaches Poll while jumping 3 spots to #19 in the AP Poll. Nebraska’s next opponent, Virginia Tech, is ranked 14th and 13th respectively, setting up a top-20 match up on Saturday (2:30pm Central on ABC).
Nebraska vs Arkansas St. 38-9 Huskers Win!
Mike McNeil for the touchdown © Kiley Ward
Roy Helu Jr. © Kiley Ward
Menelik Holt. © Kiley Ward
Final: Nebraska 38 – Arkansas State 9
Total Yards: 495 to 292
Notables:
Zac Lee: 26-34 for 329 Yards, 4 TD Passes
Roy Helu; 14 for 60 yards +44 Receiving Yards
Niles Paul: 6 receptions for 68 yards, 1 TD
Mike McNeill: 4 receptions for 57, 2 TDs
More notes later, but my initial thoughts are that Nebraska is playing strong enough for Virginia Tech next week, but needs to clean up the sloppiness.
At the Half: Nebraska 24 – Arkansas State 6
A penalty negated a 70 yard touchdown for Nebraska and some sloppy defense gave Arkansas State a solid drive on their touchdown march (missed PAT).
Zac Lee: 172 Passing Yards
Roy Helu: 51 Rushing Yards
Blackshirts have held the Red Wolves to 108 total yards.
No carries by Burkhead and no appearances by Cody Green.
It’s Saturday In September, Time To Bring It
Brian Christopherson of Lincoln Journal Star has some great advice for Huskers fans in advance of today’s game against Arkansas State.
How many times this week have you heard someone describe this game as a “tune-up” before the big show in Blacksburg? Fans and media love to look ahead. But the Huskers best not. Arkansas State has gone into the lion’s den before and won. Last year, the Red Wolves beat Texas A&M 18-14. A year before they went to Austin, Texas, and hung with the Horns, losing by eight. The Huskers have the talent to win with comfort today, but don’t assume that result. And definitely don’t expect the foe to be intimidated. The Red Wolves have seen giant crowds before and they’ve silenced giant crowds before.
Husker iPhone App (Coming Soon)
A little birdie whispered in my ear that an official Husker iPhone App is on its way. It is being built by the same folks who built the new Huskers.com web site and should be in the App Store soon.
If you want a preview, the Oregon Ducks App is built by the same firm producing the Husker App which should give you an idea of what to expect.
I still have yet to watch the complete 1st half due to a prior commitment, but with the second half views and the box score I have a few thoughts.
1. Third Downs. Granted, this was the first game, wasn’t close and opportunities to evaluate players in a game situation were probably on the list, a 40% first down percentage on third down against a defense that gave up almost 500 yards is a little concerning to me. However, against a better defense in a tighter game, this could be a game changing stat if it doesn’t improve.
2. Big Plays. I think I counted 9 big plays – plays that went for 12 yards or more – by Florida Atlantic. While starting QB Rusty Smith is touted to be an NFL quarterback next year, the Nebraska secondary appeared to hold him in check in the first half (again, I still need to watch the first half in its entirety). It was the back-up, Jeff Van Camp, that seemed to get the d-line out of sorts.
3. The Final Score. Last year, FAU lost to Texas in their opener by a score of 52-3. Given what Texas managed to accomplish last season, I think that bodes well for the Huskers.
4. Zac Lee/Cody Green QB battle. Is there a QB battle on tap later in the season? Judging the by the little bit I saw of the first half, and the explosiveness by Green in the 4th, I won’t be surprised to see Cody Green used more often as the season progresses. I can see a dual use to give opposing defenses a mixed up look when we need it, or even breaking out into some wildcat formations. Regardless, the following 3 seasons could be exciting.
What did you see?
Huskers Jump to #18 in Coaches Poll, #22 in AP
With week 1 in college football in the books, and a big win by Nebraska the USA Today Coaches poll rewards Nebraska with a 4-spot jump to #18. In the AP Poll, a big win by Miami last night promoted the Hurricanes above Nebraska and saw the #18 Florida State Seminoles dropped from the ranking.
Helu and The Huskers Run Away With 2009 Opener
Roy Helu came to play on Saturday. And play he did. He had 16 carries for 152 yards and three touchdowns—enough to sit out the 4th quarter.
Photo by Matt Miller of Omaha World Herald
“Roy is a heck of a player, and he played that way,” head coach Bo Pelini said.
Freshmen Cody Green and Rex Burkhead also rushed for 50 and 39 yards respectively, and each ran it in for a touchdown.
See HuskerPedia for all the stats from opening day. It was an impressive performance, top to bottom.
