Thursday, August 27, 2009

Florida Atlantic no pushover -- but not a landmine game either

As one that frequently visits collegefootballnews.com, I am always intrigued by the term “landmine games.” That term is often used in association with games where your team is likely favored but if not careful could wind up on the short end.

For Nebraska, the Baylor Bears have commonly been seen among the mainstream media that covers the team along with message board posters and bloggers as such a team that could spoil the Huskers fortunes in 2009. For starters, Nebraska visits Waco on Oct. 31 – one week before it hosts what is likely to be a Top Ten if not Top Five Oklahoma team. The argument has beckoned that the Huskers could be “looking ahead” to OU. I say, baloney because Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is just the type of coach to preach the message, “you’re not good enough to overlook anyone.” Plus, Pelini and his staff have shown the ability to “coach in the moment.”

Baylor gave the Huskers a pretty good tussle in Lincoln last year before the Big Red prevailed 32-20. Bears quarterback Robert Griffin gave the Nebraska defense fits (rushing for 121 yards, throwing for 134 more) but keep in mind the Blackshirts were still finding their way at that point.

The Bears, who went 4-8 last season, might not be the easy out they’ve been in past years but let’s keep in mind 1995 was the last season Baylor went over the .500 mark, going 7-4 that year. The closest to breaking even the Bears came since then was 5-6 in 2005.

CFN.com has actually tabbed the Huskers opening game opponent (Florida Atlantic) on Sept. 5 as a landmine game. I won’t disagree that Owls will not be your “name the score” type of win. In fact, I can very easily see matters unfolding like last year’s 47-24 opening game win over Western Michigan. The type of game where Nebraska was not in danger of losing per se but close enough to keep the starters in the game much of the way.

However, I think CFN.com (which is a reputable news organization) errs in judgment when it prints, “In 2007, Ball State came in to Lincoln and came within an eyelash of pulling off the upset, losing in a fun 41-40 shootout. Husker fans came away raving about QB Nate Davis, and they'll do the same this year after seeing FAU QB Rusty Smith. The Owls are fearless road warriors, and while they don't have enough on defense to beat Nebraska, they're good enough to make part one of the Husker's three-game date with Sun Belt teams a memorable battle.”

There are two things wrong with that statement. True, it won’t be the first time the Owls have faced a traditional power. FAU has faced teams from a BCS conference 16 times. Keep in mind, however, that Florida Atlantic is 1-15 all-time vs. BCS conference teams and has been outscored 678-170 in those games.
Also, comparing the Ball State game of 2007 to the 2009 opener is much to do about nothing. There is no way you compare the 2009 Nebraska team (while still flawed) to the one that stepped on the field against Ball State. That defense was truly awful (maybe the worst that ever set foot on the Memorial Stadium turf) and had just gotten clubbed to death by USC one week earlier. I don't see that happening in the first game. In fact, I think Nebraska should be able to pound the ball right down Florida Atlantic’s throat.
I will give Owls head coach Howard “Give Me Some Conditioner For My Mustache” Schnellenberger credit for one thing. Since beating Minnesota in 2007, he has made it clear Florida Atlantic’s goal when playing the big boys isn’t just to get a big check -- he expects his teams to compete even if the opponent has been playing football at a much higher level for a much longer period of time.

The Huskers must be mindful of that because losing this game would be devastating on opening day and at home. It could spiral the season out of control but I don't see it happening. The Huskers will not lose this game.

Florida Atlantic (7-6 in 2008) took some beatdowns when they went to BCS schools (52-10 loss at Texas, 17-0 loss at Michigan State, 37-3 loss at Minnesota) last year and they lost quite a bit from that team. I don't think this one qualifies as a scare game.

If there's a landmine game on the schedule, it's the next week against Arkansas State. Nebraska could get caught looking ahead to Virginia Tech, Arkansas St has played well against Big 12 teams in the recent past, and the Huskers 'let down' game last season was in Week Two against San Jose State (35-12 win).

I also actually think the players and the team is looking to unload on somebody and make a point. Florida Atlantic just happens to be first up. If that happens, it's possible they could roll into game two overconfident but I think Pelini will keep them grounded.

Well, there is always a chance as Michigan found out with Appalachian State in the Big House in 2007 but I think it's remote and believe we will win, but stranger things have happened on opening day. Point being, I think Nebraska has to show up every game because the Huskers are not a point like they were in the 90's where they just show up and blow teams out. I hope they will be soon but the fact is they are not there yet.

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