Keys to the Game

With game time just over 24 hours away, I need something to occupy my time.  Here's what the Huskers need to do to upset Oklahoma...

Nebraska needs to...

*Produce some damn offense.

Whoever is starting at quarterback needs to control the game and produce yards.  Don't pressure yourself to score every time you get the ball.  The Huskers just need to gain yards and show themselves they are a great football team.  Then let the chips fall into place.

*Stop Landry Jones

Jones has done an effective job of taking over for Sam Bradford.  Nebraska is facing a 4th consecutive backup quarterback, but he is the best one.  Jones can burn the Huskers if they allow him to.  However, as Nebraska's D has shown, they can stop almost anyone.

*Get a Defensive Touchdown

Everyone knows the Husker offense is lagging behind the defense.  Therefore, the Husker defense need to produce some offense for themselves.  Help out the O and put the pressure on Oklahoma's offense to continue mistake-free.

Nebraska needs to control...

*The clock.

Shorten the game, keep Oklahoma's great defense on the field and make them nervous.  Oklahoma is probably licking their chops at the chance to go up against a struggling offensive unit.

*The line of scrimmage

Both sides.  The Nebraska D-Line probably won't have too much of a problem controlling the O-line.  The Huskers offensive line just needs to establish their physicality early on and show they can pound the ball down your throat.

*Their mistakes

If Cody Green does start (which I think he will), he needs to continue to take moderate risks but shy away from throwing into coverage.  Oklahoma will capitalize on his mistakes like other teams haven't.  Also, the Huskers need to hold on to the ball (don't take it for granted like vs. ISU).

Watch out for...

*DeMarco Murray

He has the playmaking ability to couple with Jones' passing.  He's got the ability to burn the Husker defense if they aren't careful.

*Roy Helu, Jr.

The last couple of games have been a disappointment to say the least.  Husker fans tricked themselves into believing Helu, Jr. could operate without any help.  Finally he has help, in Tray Robinson.  Can Helu, Jr. become healthy this week?  I think so.  If it's gonna happen any week, it'd be this rivalry game.

*Mike McNeill

Shawn Watson will go back to what has worked.  Through the ball underneath on play-action passes.  Watch for TE dump passes and releases.  This will hopefully shackle up the linebackers and help through deep over the middle or run the ball.

Prediction: Nebraska 24, Oklahoma 21