Sunday, September 16, 2007

Not So Big Red

USC's undressing of Nebraska on national TV was another reality check for the storied Cornhusker program. Riding high at 2-0, the Huskers had garnered a #14 ranking heading into the showdown. But one must ask if that ranking would have been there if it wasn't for the history surrounding the program-- why was this Nebraska team any better than, say, Mizzou at 3-0. The Huskers had dominated the opener against Nevada, but the fabled Blackshirt D had given up 200+ yards to Wake Forest.

While the Big XII holds its breath and hopes for a team of power to develop in the North and challenge the South division schools, people are starting to wonder if the window is closing on the Cornhuskers. Once the dominant force in the league, the Children of the Corn may not even be the best in their division. They will be tested by Mizzou's offense and a quickly rebuilt K-State, who was the first to show the nation that Auburn was mortal when they went to the wire with the Tigers on the Plains. Throw in the fact that the Wildcats have split the past 10 games with Big Red, and suddenly the tilt in November could have large implications. Colorado is showing great strides under Dan Hawkins and Kansas is undefeated, even though they have yet to play any team of merit.

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