Nebraska 28, Colorado 20

Nebraska won an ugly season finale and starts the post season with a 5 game winning streak.  The Huskers gave up more yards and points then they probably wanted, but got a touchdown in all three facets of the game (offense, defense, special teams).  In other words, they did what they had to do to win the game.  As long as they keep winning, the ugliness is okay.  Next week will be a huge test and if the Huskers can pull out an upset, they'll automatically qualify for a BCS Bowl.

Let's review the keys:

Nebraska needs to...

*Play calm

NU didn't let their emotions get the best of them too often and responded well defensively when CU was threatening to score late in the 3rd quarter, forcing back-to-back scoreless drives after allowing the Buffs to get to their red zone.

*Stop Rodney Stewart

"Speedy" had 110 yards, but no scores.  The Huskers could've done better, but they surely could've done worse.  Also, he had just 1 reception for 6 yards.

*Run, then pass

Exactly what the Huskers need to do the rest of the season.  The Huskers needed a huge drive when up just 7 in the 4th quarter.  What did they do?  They ran the ball down the Colorado defense's throat, and threw just once for a huge 3rd down conversion.  Also, the lone TD throw by Lee was set up by a play action pass

Nebraska needs to control...

*The Colorado Offensive Line

Not exactly.  There were key plays (such as Suh's 17 yard sack) that the Huskers dominated at the line.  However, there were hardly an other TFL and Colorado's run offense got too many yards up front.

*The crowd

I was there.  The crowd had no effect on the game.  This was partly due to Nebraska's play and a lot to do with the amount of red in Folsom Field.  There was roughly 20 to 25% Husker fans, and when the ball was in their end zone, Husker fans were loud.

*Their turnovers

Roy Helu, Jr. did have a fumble that ultimately didn't hurt the Huskers, but it could have.  Colorado could've tied the game up with a short field.  Luckily, the couldn't convert and the Huskers didn't look back.  Zac Lee was conservative, but he made no mistakes and you can't fault him for that.

Predictions

*Zac Lee will throw 2 or more touchdown passes

Wrong.  Lee did have a beautiful throw to Ben Cotton for a TD, but missed another opportunity earlier.  When the time mattered, the Huskers executed on the ground instead.

*Rex Burkhead's load will be heavier

Right.  Rex was arguably the player of the game for the Huskers.  He did an awesome job running between the tackles and gives the Huskers a two-headed running attack, finally.  Rex had his first 100 yard game, had a TD, and didn't fumble.

*Nebraska 30, Colorado 10

Wrong.  Nebraska looked to keep it close to my prediction until a dismal 57 yard Hail Mary TD on the last play of the game.  But, 28-20 was a better indication of the game compared to 28-14 anyways.  The Huskers didn't deserve to win by 20, 14, or even 10 points.

For the future:

Nebraska did a great job of running the ball.  Texas should, and probably will, make Zac Lee beat them.  Burkhead and Helu, Jr. are great running backs and can play tough against almost any defense in the nation.  The Husker defense has been giving up more yards as of late, and can't afford to keep giving up those yards against a high powered offense like Texas'.  It'd be nice to see Lee go downfield more often with deeper throws.  The slant routes to Paul and Kinnie were open and they need to use these plays early vs. Texas and go down field later on.

Keys to the Game (Colorado Edition)

I'm in Denver right now visiting family and will be attending the game tomorrow in Boulder.  Here are my keys to the game:

Nebraska needs to...

*Play calm

If things start going tough, don't get down and just grind through it.  It's actually something Nebraska is pretty good at (see Missouri).  Don't try to play outside of yourselves like they tried last year.

*Stop Rodney Stewart

Stewart is arguably Colorado's greatest weapon.  He can burn any defense in the nation, even Nebraska's.

*Run, then pass

Just like last week, running the ball early will set up play-action attack that is a more reliable offense than going downfield.

Nebraska needs to control...

*The Colorado Offensive Line

Rodney Stewart can't run without an O-Line and Nebraska's D-Line shouldn't have a problem controlling upfront.  However, last week, Nebraska gave up some big yards and stopped them from scoring points.  It'd be nice to see the Huskers stiffen up and give up less yards

*The crowd

It's an away, rivalry game.  There will be plenty of Huskers, but many more Buffalo fans.  If the Huskers can get an early lead and force some turnovers, the crowd will deflate

*Their turnovers

Last year, they shot themselves in the foot vs. Colorado by botching a fake field goal for a touchdown.  Luckily, they rebounded and pulled out a win.  If they aren't careful and turn it over (see Iowa State), they can lose to a subpar team.

Predictions

*Zac Lee will throw 2 touchdowns or more

Look for Lee to throw some TDs, whether it be down field or play action.  The Buffs will stack the box in the red zone and force Lee to beat them, not Helu, Jr.

*Rex Burkhead's load will be heavier

He looked decent coming back, but the Huskers need to get him some touches to increase his abilities for the Big XII Championship game and a bowl game.  Helu, Jr. will get plenty of touches and probably a score or two, but Burkhead's abilities need to be tailored.

*Nebraska 30, Colorado 10

The game will be close in the first quarter, but pretty much away by halftime.  The Buffs won't be able to overcome a great Nebraska defense and make up the gap in the 2nd half.  Colorado's TD will come on a big play, however.

Nebraska 17, Kansas State 3

Nebraska scored 17 straight points to clinch a berth to the Big XII Championship vs. Texas, on December 5th.  The Husker defense didn't play exception, but played well in the one category that truly matters, points.  Nebraska forced a couple turnovers and missed field goals that took the pressure off the offense.  Let's review the keys:

Nebraska needs to...

*Keep running wild with Roy Helu, Jr.

He didn't exactly run "wild," but he ended up with a solid 95 yards and a touchdown.  Seemed ineffective early running, but the play action passes were huge in Nebraska's early game drives.  Those passes were set up by Helu, Jr.

*Get KSU off the field on offense

Nebraska definitely obtained this goal in the first half.  They led in TOP almost 19 min to 11 min.  The second half brought it closer, but KSU couldn't score points while possessing the ball.  Nebraska had a slight TOP edge in the whole game, 31:30-28:30.

*Get an early interception

They didn't get their interception until the 2nd quarter, but it was a big one.  Zac Lee had thrown one in the red zone, and the Huskers responded by getting pressure and forcing a bad pass, which Larry Asante intercepted.  Overall, the Huskers kept Grant Gregory to just 11-31 for 126 yard with 0 TD's and a pick.

Nebraska needs to control...

*KSU offense

Nebraska definitely controlled the passing game, but there were wide open misses by KSU.  It's difficult to tell if this was because of pressure or bad execution by KSU.  They shot themselves in the foot a bunch, and the Huskers got a huge penalty edge.  Overall, you can't complain about giving up 3 points.

*The KSU defensive line

The Huskers had just 101 total yards of rushing offense, so there was definitely room for improvement by the Husker O-Line.  And there were a couple sacks given up, including a 14 yard sack that set up a 3rd and goal, which resulted in an INT.  Nebraska got just one first down in four drives when trying to run the clock down, too.

*Their play within the red zone

They got 2 touchdowns and 1 field goal in the red zone, which is a good ratio of scores to FG's.  However, a huge sack forced an INT on 3rd and goal, which could've ended up hurting the Huskers later.  Fortunately, it didn't come back to hurt them.

Predictions...

*Kansas State will out-clock the Huskers

Wrong.  Nebraska had the edge in the stats category.  However, the second half and 4th quarter belonged to the Wildcats, who were in Nebraska territory much of the 2nd half.  It didn't matter because the Huskers bent but didn't break.

*Niles Paul will get increased touches/opportunities.

Wrong.  He didn't finish with a quiet 4 catches for 82 yards.  His biggest contribution was a long 47 yard catch on a 3rd and 1 Play-Action pass, arguably the play of the game offensively.  The Huskers finally went to my favorite game plan, the Play Action to Mike McNeill.

*Nebraska 27, KSU 13

I'm pretty impressed with my prediction.  I gave each team too many points but had the difference correct.  Also, I predicted Nebraska would be closer near half but not need to win it in the 4th quarter, which is exactly what happened.  The most promising part of the game Saturday, was Nebraska's ability to go down the field in 1.5 min to start the half and go up 14.

For the future:

I'd like to see the same offensive game plan.  Zac had a bunch of organized roll outs and Play Action passes.  He hit 7 different receivers, including my favorite, Mike McNeill.  The D was a little shaky at times and gave up a bunch of yards.  However, if they keep teams off the scoreboard, I'm ultimately happy.  It was nice seeing Rex Burkhead in there.  Look for increased production and load come next week and the Big XII Championship.

Its sort of surreal that Nebraska is one win away from a BCS game!  If the Huskers can pull off an upset over the hot Longhorns in a few weeks, Husker fans will be packing their bags for a huge January BCS bowl game.

Keys to the Game: Kansas State Edition

Well, the Cornhuskers face off with K-State on National Television come roughly 6 hours.  Winner takes the Big XII North, no strings attached.  Here's Nebraska's keys to the game:

Nebraska needs to:

*Keep running wild with Roy Helu, Jr.

Helu, Jr. has done a fabulous job the last two weeks to take the pressure off the quarterback to make big plays.  He has 100+ yards in both the victories vs. Oklahoma and Kansas.  He needs to carry the ball 20+ times for 100+ yards and at least a score to open the playbook up a bit

*Get KSU off the field on offense

I would be willing to bet that KSU's game plan is to hold onto the ball and clock as long as possible.  It's a smart strategy, the Husker offense has struggled and if you could limit the amount of opportunities they have, they'll score little.  The D needs to get some early stops and the O needs to prove it can move the football.

*Get an early interception

This will continue to KSU to rely on Daniel Thomas to run the ball on a stingy run defense.  If Grant Gregory doesn't have the confidence to go linearly with the ball, Nebraska can stop the one-sided offense of KSU.

Nebraska needs to control...

*KSU offense

Set the tone early.  Don't let the KSU pocket move to the outside.  Kansas did a great job of moving Todd Reesing out of the pocket.  Ndamukong Suh only had two tackles and the whole Nebraska D only registered one sack.  Look for Pelini (both of them) to have answers to this strategy.

*The KSU defensive line

The Husker O-Line finally came back to life last week.  Hopefully, they can keep it up.  If so, it'd be nice to get two 100 yard rushers and 3 rushing TDs.  Or at least enough of a rushing attack that it sets up play action dumps to Mike McNeill or bombs to Niles Paul.

*Their play within the red zone

The Cornhuskers have struggled in the red zone this season.  Against Oklahoma it could've cost them the game.  If the Huskers get into the red zone, they need to score EVERY time.  And they need touchdowns, not field goals.

Predictions

*Kansas State will out-clock the Huskers

Hopefully the time difference won't be significant, but I think the Wildcats will have more time of possession than the Huskers.  I'd be okay with being wrong with this prediction.

*Niles Paul will get increased touches/opportunities

Paul is, by far, the most explosive weapon the Huskers have.  Helu, Jr. is close, but when Paul gets into the open, he is close to unstoppable (barring he doesn't fumble without getting hit).  Look for Paul to get increased touches, balls thrown deep, reverses, screens, punt/kick returns.

*Nebraska 27, KSU 13

A little closer than the score, but Nebraska won't have to win it in the 4th quarter.  It'll 13-7 at halftime, and the Huskers will grind the 3rd quarter out and make the lead insurmountable.

Good Luck Cornhuskers, bring us the North Title!