STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, October 12, 2006 7:00 pm
Nebraska today will try to end a four-game losing streak in Manhattan, Man.
Yes, you read that right. From Travis Ochs’ famous facemask no-call in 1998, to Quincy Morgan’s route-running display in 2000, to Ell Roberson’s all-around excellence in 2002, to little-known Allen Webb’s breakout day in 2004 — the Wildcats have frustrated Husker Nation.
The last time Nebraska won in Manhattan, in 1996, freshman I-back DeAngelo Evans rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and K-State managed only 86 total yards in a 39-3 Husker triumph. At that point, Nebraska had won 17 straight games in Manhattan dating to 1959.
“When you see we haven’t won there in 10 years, that’s hard to believe,” Husker linebacker Corey McKeon said. “It’s kind of in the back of our minds. We have a little bit of a point to make.”
Focus on Freeman: Media (and perhaps fans) seem more fascinated with the Josh Freeman-the-traitor storyline than participating players and coaches. Media in both camps this week tried to elicit bulletin-board material from players, but to no avail.
On one hand, the whole thing seems overblown, considering the K-State freshman quarterback has made one career start. On the other hand, the kid does tend to capture the imagination with his size (6-foot-6, 240 pounds), speed, athleticism and charisma.
The Huskers seem intent on rattling the youngster. “It’d be nice to blitz a young quarterback and give our DBs an opportunity to make some big plays,” said McKeon, who praised Freeman. “He’s going to be a spectacular player. Watching him on film, he does some things wrong. He’s young. But I’m sure he’s getting better.”
OK, which one today? We figured Nebraska’s I-back storyline would be compelling all season, and it has exceeded expectations. So, whose number gets called today?
Will it be Cody Glenn, who punished Iowa State for 148 yards and two touchdowns last week? Or Brandon Jackson, who churned out 116 yards and a TD against the Cyclones? Or Marlon Lucky, the five-star phenom who sparkled so brightly against Troy (156 yards on 10 carries)? Or Kenny Wilson, who seemed to have the edge on everyone in mid-September but has had only four carries in the past six quarters?
Don’t ask Glenn, who said even the I-backs typically don’t get a feel for who will play most until game day. “It’s tough, but we knew it was going to be like this,” he said. “Whenever we get in the game, we have to take advantage of it.”
Prince’s presence: Although Bill Callahan and Ron Prince’s teams will square off on the field for the first time today, Prince already has garnered a significant victory over Callahan by stealing away Freeman.
The 37-year-old Prince is an intriguing figure. He’s well-spoken, polite and certainly has the big-time presence of a head coach. His first season at K-State has been filled with lineup shakeups, suspensions and players leaving the program.
Sound familiar? Callahan can vouch for how difficult coaching transitions can be at times. Nevertheless, Prince has somehow prodded the Wildcats to a 4-2 record (1-1 in the Big 12). If only his offense could make as much noise as all those Harleys roaring around the field before tonight’s game.
Callahan, whose team has won eight of nine games dating to last season, is poised for some payback. Let’s say, NU 31-10.