STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 7:00 pm
OMAHA — Winning championships in virtually every league requires running the football effectively, Nebraska assistant coach Shawn Watson said Friday.
Watson, however, left the impression that the Huskers will show more diversity on offense Saturday than they have in recent weeks.
“We’re at home, it’s the Big 12 — we’ll be aggressive with our approach,” the tight ends coach told the Big Red Breakfast crowd at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre.
Nebraska, with a record of 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12, plays defending national champion Texas (also 6-1, 3-0) at 11:10 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
“This is what you live for,” Watson said of the nationally televised showdown.
In its last two games — convincing wins at Iowa State and Kansas State — 17th-ranked Nebraska basically used a close-to-the-vest approach on offense, running the ball a combined 88 times while attempting 43 passes.
For the season, the Huskers are averaging 42.9 rushes per game compared to 25.4 passes. NU may look to pass more today against No. 5 Texas' strong and active front seven, with tight ends and running backs benefiting.
“This week will be good for our inside passing game because of the way they play their linebackers,” said Watson, noting that Nebraska always seeks to make defenses guard the entire field.
Nebraska junior Brett Byford will make his seventh straight start at center, Watson said, as senior Kurt Mann works his way back toward 100 percent after a rugged battle with mononucleosis.
Mann, as he did against K-State last week, will play a reserve role.
“Kurt’s not 100 percent, but he’s on his way back,” Watson said.
Meanwhile, the playing status of Nebraska starting middle linebacker Corey McKeon may not be decided until shortly before game time, Watson said. McKeon, a junior, suffered an apparent foot or ankle injury early in the second half last week and this week has practiced intermittently.
“We’re hopeful and optimistic he’ll be able to play,” said Watson, adding that it might be difficult to keep McKeon off the field.
“He’ll probably be out there one way or another.”