It is very hard for this Hard Core Husker Fan to say that this Saturday's game against Ball State is a "Must Win", but I really believe that it is. For one thing a win will put the team's mindset in a completely different frame, a good one. For another, it will rid them of the bad taste in their mouth from the USC collapse, and put them on the road to the first conference game, which is a home date against a feeble Iowa State team.

For a season that began so promising, as the Huskers gained 528 yards on the ground in their first two games before being held to 31 yards on 28 carries by USC. Junior Marlon Lucky had 33 yards on 17 carries Saturday after rushing for 323 yards and four TDs on 54 attempts in the first two contests. However Saturday's home game could be the "medicine for the cure" so to speak. The Ball State Cardinals (2-1) allowed 537 rushing yards in their 34-31 overtime win at Navy last Saturday. They have also allowed 806 rushing on the season, fifth-most in the nation. This fact however, does not guarantee success by any means as the Huskers have had their own defensive concerns. The Blackshirts allowed 313 yards and five touchdowns on 38 attempts in the carnage that was Saturday's game. The Trojan's 8.2 yards per carry average was the highest ever against the Huskers.

A revelation that occurred this week was that the Huskers have not practiced in full pads since the season began. According to the Omaha World Herald, who contacted officials at 13 nationally prominent football programs Wednesday, all 13 said their teams practice in full pads at least one day a week.
The past three seasons, Nebraska did likewise, especially early in the season. Why Callahan changed course this year he wouldn't say Wednesday - he asked for another question. Under coach Osborne, the Huskers practiced in full pads 3 times a week. Now keep in mind that practicing in full pads doesn't mean full contact, as with only 85 full time scholarships and numerous juniors leaving early for the NFL, you can't afford to have your own players hitting each other, but the practice in full pads does help keep your conditioning up.

No matter how you slice and dice it, the Huskers have to get their act together on the defensive side of the ball and stop the other team. They were completely gun-shy Saturday night against USC whenever they sent a man in motion. This behavior came from the week before when Wake Forrest burned them time and again on the flanker reverse. The Blackshirts have to erase that from their mind and simply read and react to the ball and put a "HURT" on the ball carrier.

Secondly, Keller has to start performing up to the lofty expectations that were present when he signed. Ever since spring practice Keller has been the "anointed one", the one to finally be able to grasp the full concept of Callahan's west coast offense and release it power. That has not happened, not even brief glimpse have occurred. So far Keller has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and has not looked all that comfortable. With the Big 12 slate about to begin, he needs to establish himself in this game, or we will be like a "rudderless ship" headed in no apparent direction. Maybe Keller is not the savior/answer that we were hoping for and it could be time to try Joe Gantz to see if the offense responds any better.

For now though, lets stay positive, get the offense back on track. Get the "Blackshirts" back into the defense and do to Ball State what a "Tom Osborne" Nebraska team would do. Huskers 31, Ball State 17. GRB folks.

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