This game will also be Huge on the recruiting front, even though the Huskers have basically wrapped up the 2008 recruiting class those juniors for the 2009 class will be watching this Nationally televised game and a win would make a gigantic impression on these kids for coming to Lincoln to play for the Huskers. On top of that, a win Saturday would finally give some validation to coach Callahan and his "ability to win the big one". As he still has not been able to defeat a team that is ranked higher than his over the past 4 seasons. A loss will bring back all of the naysayers that Callahan can't win the big one and was the wrong choice to bring to Lincoln to coach the Huskers in the first place.

In order for the Huskers to defeat the Trojans they don't have to play a "perfect game" as some may tell you. No, but they do have to limit their mistakes, keep the Trojans off balance on both sides of the ball and play at a high level. The last point is what is going to be the most difficult. USC has played in so many of these "big games" over the past several years, that it is basically just another game to them, lets hope that they prepare this way, if so, and the Huskers come up big and can steal the win. For them to do that the following is going to have to occur.

First off Keller cannot be inconsistent with his passing, he is going to have to find the "hot" read every time and get the ball to that receiver quickly. Secondly, those receivers have to hold onto the ball when it is thrown to them. Nothing upsets a quarterback more than to have his receivers drop the ball when thrown to them, it causes the quarterback to loose confidence in them and then indecision occurs the next time when that particular receiver is the "hot read". Lucky and Castille and of course, the offensive line, is going to need a great game.

The keys to victory, I believe is that the Huskers will have to control the clock, and that means running the ball. A nice medium between the first two games would be just fine. We don't have to run for 400 plus yards like against Nevada, but we certainly can't run for only 150 like we did against Wake Forrest. Something in the 160-180 plus range, with a good passing game, with Sam Keller passing for about 220-260 yards. So far in our first 2 games, the special teams have been the most consistent part of the game and needs to continue on Saturday night. Coach Callahan needs to be unpredictable in his play calling to keep Carroll and the USC defense off balance. If we do all of these things, it should be enough for a victory. We know that the "Sea of Red" will represent, that is a given and should be worth 3 points. Also keep in mind, that the Huskers at Memorial Stadium at night are 24 and 2, with the two losses being Washington in 1991 and then Texas in 2002.

All things being said, I believe that this is finally the game where us Big Red faithful can rise up and proclaim, "We are back". Huskers pull out a tight one 18-15. GBR.

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