WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH
The Huskers were officially eliminated from the Big 12
championship game last Saturday but there is still incentive for
this Friday's Leftovers Bowl against Colorado in Lincoln. With a
win, the Huskers not only keep their nine-win streak alive (since
1969), they would remain alive for a BCS bowl.
Why, oh why, would the Sugar or Fiesta bowls (with an Oklahoma win over
Kansas State) take Nebraska over Kansas State? That's not for the
Huskers to ask, only to receive.
Anyway, this week is big because, man, does coach Frank Solich
need a game. Ever since his team sloshed off KSU Stadium in the
snow two weeks ago, Solich has been getting hammered by fans and
media. The crisis point is Solich's playcalling, or lack thereof.
Folks want him to hire an offensive coordinator and, on Friday,
there will be 76,000 volunteers in red holding up their hands.
Frankie needs a big win this week.
WHAT THE HUSKERS MUST DO TO WIN
Contain Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs. Ochs likes to scramble
out of the pocket and beat you with his legs.
Give the ball to Diesel Dan Alexander and let him pound away.
This is Alexander's Senior Day at Memorial Stadium and the
250-pound, maligned I-back was one of the few bright spots of the
Kansas State game. With 1,054 yards, Alexander is 183 yards from
overtaking Iowa State's Ennis Haywood atop the Big 12 charts.
That would just about cinch all-Big 12.
Get on top and don't let up. Memories of Colorado's furious
fourth-quarter rally last year still linger in Big Red land. This
is the Buffaloes' bowl. They won't quit.
KEY MATCHUP
Nebraska's secondary vs. Ochs. This has not been a good month for the Husker secondary. First, they get torched by Oklahoma's Josh Heupel as defensive
coordinator Craig Bohl blitzed everyone but himself. Then
Kansas State's Quincy Morgan almost singlehandedly beat them two
weeks ago. Nebraska ranks eighth in the league in pass defense
but considering the lack of pass rush this season and play-making
at linebacker, the Huskers' secondary isn't to blame.
Some heat will be on junior corner Erwin Swiney, who was a
particular target against Kansas State. Colorado receiver Javon Green is a
top-rate player who had a big game against Nebraska last year. Again,
the Huskers will go after Ochs to see how the freshman holds up
with 76,000 folks in red breathing down on him. If he gets loose,
the Huskers' secondary will have to come up with some big plays.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER
Troy Watchorn might be the MVP of the Nebraska defense this year.
Who? Watchorn is such an unlikely hero that the NCAA stats don't
list his first name or school because his name wasn't submitted
by Nebraska in the preseason. But Watchorn, a former walk-on and scout
team quarterback, has had a Cinderella year as he emerged at free
safety. He ranks 13th nationally and second in the Big 12 with
five interceptions, including a string of three straight games
with an interception. He should have a fun Senior Day.
