2008 Woodie Awards
Three Keys
Issue date: 10/6/06 Section: Sports
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The Handoff is Your Friend
With gusty winds forecasted for Ames on Saturday, NU will need to re-embrace a running game that produced only 116 yards last week against Kansas. Marlon Lucky received 13 carries, while no other back got more than seven.
Sack Up
Last season, the Blackshirts led the nation with 50 quarterback sacks. No one is confusing this season's defense with last year's, but NU would do well to disrupt the timing of Cyclone QB Bret Meyer, who is working behind a shaky offensive line. Meyer has already been sacked 14 times in five games, including seven times at Texas.
Be The Aggressor
If the Huskers hadn't pounced on KU to the tune of 17-0 early in the game last week, they would be sitting at 0-1 in Big 12 Conference play. In its last two losses in Ames, Nebraska has been outscored by a total of 43-14 in the first half. A successful, turnover-free start is crucial to gain confidence and keep a rowdy night crowd from lifting the Cyclones in what has the makings of a trap game.
Contain the pass
Out of 119 Division I teams, Iowa State is currently ranked 108th in pass defense. The Cyclones have been destroyed this year by short-range passes, failing to effectively cover anything thrown to receivers in the flats or seven yards across the middle. If Iowa State is going to beat Zac Taylor's passing attack, it has to find a quick fix to its pass defense woes.
Linebackers have to continue to dominate
Perhaps unknown to football fans outside of Iowa is the fact that two of the nation's top ten tacklers play for the Cyclones. Outside linebacker Alvin Bowen currently leads the nation with 69 tackles in five games, while middle linebacker Tyrone McKenzie is ranked sixth with 56 tackles. Nebraska's backs will have to play their absolute best if they hope to successfully run the ball against these powerhouses.
Effectively use the receivers
ISU quarterback Bret Meyer has proven one of the Big 12 Conference's best, but he's only as good as his receivers allow him to be. Nebraska native Jon Davis has been on a roll as of late and is coming off a 117-yard performance against Northern Iowa, while QB-turned-WR Austin Flynn has hauled in a team-high 23 catches. Perhaps Iowa State's most dangerous threat is Todd Blythe, who has used his 6-foot-5-inch frame to outreach defensive backs and catch five touchdowns. The Blackshirts will have to have their heads on straight if they're going to stop the Cyclones' aerial assault.
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jeff shephard
posted 10/06/06 @ 10:25 PM CST
If you remember last year, it was also very windy in Lincoln. Whose passing game did it affect more?
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