Ross was the Huskers' most valuable player on offense last Saturday accounting for all 3 touchdowns, 2 of them in overtime. What was even more impressive was the contribution he made in the passing game. Ross caught 8 passes for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 70 yard screen pass during regulation. He had 15 carries, 37 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. Ross gets my game ball for the offense. QB Zac Taylor had a good game, throwing for a school record 431 yards. He completed 36 of 55 passes for 2 touchdowns without an interception. Taylor's only blemish was a fumble on the Cyclones' 10 yard line with less than 2 minutes left in the game. During the game he completed passes to 10 different receivers. This is the type of performance that will be needed to beat Texas Tech. The Huskers may have found their possession receiver in WR Nate Swift. During the game he showed he had excellent hands and made the big catches on third down. Swift had 5 receptions for 81 yards to lead all wide receivers. The receiving core needs to be more consistent, all year they have dropped passes that had hit them in the hands or that should have been caught. During this game, there were 2 dropped passes that would have been touchdowns. The Blackshirts' bend but don't break defense came up big in overtime not allowing the Cyclones to score on their second possession. The defense game ball should go to LB Corey Mckeon who played like a man possessed. He recorded 2 sacks and had 10 tackles in the game. The Blackshirts racked up 6 more sacks bringing their season total to 26. Next weekend the Red Raiders of Texas Tech come calling. I'm sure the Blackshirts remember the 70 points the Red Raiders hung on them last year. They are averaging 57 points over their last 4 games this year. The Huskers are going to be looking for some pay back. The Husker offense will have to make the most of their opportunities if they are going to hang with the Red Raiders' high powered offense. My prediction the Huskers 30 and Red Raider 27. |
