Husker defense is M.I.A. as Kansas romps all over Nebraska
November 3, 2007
By Jim D. Berryman

If Nebraska possessed even just a mediocre defense, it may have been a pretty good game.

The problem is, Nebraska doesn't have a mediocre defense.

It's pretty darned stinky.

As a result, even though Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz stepped up nicely in his first-ever Cornhusker start, the Kansas Jayhawks scored more points on Nebraska than any team ever has.

Ever.

Ever and ever.

Final score: KU 76 NU 39.

The Rock Chalk Jayhawks' offense rocked and chalked Nebraska in ways Husker fans would never dream possible.

Forget about temporarily retiring the Blackshirts jerseys. It's time to return to sender.

How about a bon fire?

The Jayhawks had their way with the Husker defense in every way, shape and form. It was ugly. It was embarrassing.

And, it could have been worse.

Kansas could have easily punched the score to 83, which would have caused even the most religious and moral Husker fans to take up drinking and smoking.

Perhaps Tom Osborne would have had the lighter and been behind the bar.

On the flip side, a tip of the hat to the Husker offense. With the exception of 5 turnovers, 4 of which were interceptions, scoring 39 points against the 5th-ranked defense in the country is impressive.

Sure 4 interceptions is unacceptable, but when a team passes nearly every snap of the ball, a team is going to get picked off.

And boy did Ganz get picked off.

Even so, Nebraska, down 48-24 at halftime, marched down the field on its first possession of the 3rd quarter to cut the Jayhawk lead to 17.

If only the NU defense could have stopped KU, even just a couple times.
That includes special teams. It seemed Kansas started each drive in Nebraska territory or close to it, with impressive run-backs on punt or kickoff returns.

The Kansas offense had a magical day with a jaw-dropping display from  quarterback Matt Reesing, who completed 30 of 41 passes for 354 yards and 6, count 'em, 6 touchdowns.

The Huskers had 405 yards in passing, but just 79 in rushing. Eyebrow-raising passing numbers for Jayhawk fans, who face Missouri for all the Big 12 North marbles in a couple weeks.

Kansas' ranking of 5th best defense in the country is sure to fall after giving up so many yards to Nebraska, but the Jayhawks' quest for a Big 12 title is still very much in play.

And shocking as it seems, so is a crack at a national title.

Nebraska will attempt to regroup again this Saturday in Lincoln, with a game against Kansas State.  The Wildcats lost at Iowa State today.

Nebraska will be playing to stay out of last place in the Big 12 North. That's something this Husker fan would never think possible. 

Until then, please be reminded that time heals pain, and the pain Husker nation is feeling at this moment will heal.

The healing could be accelerated with an announcement from Tom Osborne.
That is if he's not behind the bar serving up mind-erasers to Husker fans. 

Most Husker fans I know realize there will be a new coach at the helm next season, and the only way Nebraska can go from here...is up.

Go Big Red!
 
Comments welcome:
jimdberryman@missingnebraska.com
 

   
Kansas 76
Nebraska 39
STORIES - LINKS - VIDEO

> STORIES
(More links added as updates are available)

11-04-07: 4 interceptions dim Ganz's 405-yard day -Omaha World-Herald
11-04-07: Huskers sinking even deeper (Sipple Column) -Lincoln Journal-Star
11-03-07: KU's scoring explosion buries Cornhuskers -Lincoln Journal-Star
11-03-07: Jayhawks crush Huskers -Omaha World-Herald
11-03-07: KU crushes Huskers 76-39 -Kansas City Star
11-03-07: A Nail In the Coffin? Kansas Destroys Nebraska -NebraskaStatePaper.com


> VIDEO

11-03-07: Jayhawks hammer Huskers 76-39 -WOWT-6 Omaha
Ongoing Updates: Big Red Zone: Nebraska at Kansas -KETV-7 Omaha



> BEHIND THE SCENES

11-03-07: Rose replaced for NU-KU game -Lincoln Journal-Star
11-02-07: Osborne rehires key fundraiser Meyers
11-01-07: Red Report: Callahan still in charge of play calling -Lincoln Journal-Star
10-31-07: Sipple Column: Give a tip of the cap to Keller -Lincoln Journal-Star
10-31-07: NU Football: Who's number 2 at QB? -Omaha World-Herald
10-29-07: Osborne clarifies comment about new coaching staff -Omaha World-Herald
10-30-07: Peter offers opinions on NU struggles -Grand Island Independent

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