Posted: Friday, October 1, 2004 7:00 pm
Nebraska coaches like to refer to their top four I-backs as "the committee." Well, the committee's chairman, junior Cory Ross, looked a little haggard two weeks ago after slipping and sliding his way through the Pittsburgh game on Heinz Field's wet grass. To be sure, few Husker players needed the off week more than Ross. Now, Ross should be ready to give Kansas the problems he did last season, when he rushed 19 times for 108 yards. In addition, Husker coaches have said they plan to give true freshman I-back Brandon Jackson some action. Look for Jackson to pick up big yards late in the game as the Jayhawks fade into the chilly Lincoln night.
Key recruiting stretch commences: In the backdrop of Nebraska's Big 12 opener is the start of a crucial recruiting period for the Huskers. By the end of October, Nebraska hopes to have 15 players verbally committed to joining its class of 2005. At this point, the Huskers have 10 such commitments, including three four-star recruits (as rated by rivals.com's five-star system). A total of seven prospects are visiting the NU campus this weekend, and recruiting gurus are predicting that at least one of the players, and perhaps as many as three, will commit to NU by the end of the weekend.
KU linebackers attract notice: Kansas' linebackers are an athletic and intelligent bunch. How athletic? Well, Nick Reid, the Big 12's leading tackler averaging 10.2 stops per game, began his college career at KU as a quarterback. And Gabe Toomey, a second-team All-Big 12 pick in 2003, originally signed with Oklahoma out of high school, which obviously speaks highly of his ability. All told, four of Kansas' top six tacklers in 2004 are linebackers. "They know exactly where to be on each play," Bill Callahan said. "You never see them out of position."
A brief history lesson: In 1967, Nebraska finished a disappointing 6-4, ending the season with losses to Missouri and Oklahoma. Husker Nation wasn't happy. Bob Devaney's squad was determined to rebound in 1968. But in game four of that season, sixth-ranked Kansas came to Lincoln and defeated ninth-ranked NU 23-13. The Jayhawks, coached by Pepper Rodgers, went on to the Orange Bowl and a 9-2 finish. Those were the days if you're a Kansas fan. Well, the Jayhawks haven't beaten the Huskers since, and most pundits feel NU should make it 36 straight wins in the series tonight.