By Erin Sorensen
It was 1994 the last time Nebraska and Wyoming played each other. The two faced off in Memorial Stadium, where Nebraska ultimately won 42-32 over the Cowboys. It’s been 17 years, and Nebraska is about to begin a two-for-one series with Wyoming. While the two won’t see each other again for a while, this is a big game for both teams.
For Nebraska, a win in Laramie is about more than just improving to 4-0. This game is about showing Wyoming’s head coach Dave Christensen that Nebraska hasn’t forgotten about when he helped hang 50 points on the Cornhuskers as Missouri's offensive coordinator.
It would be unlike head coach Bo Pelini, or Nebraska fans for that matter, to let such a thing go. Here’s what fans will be looking for this evening:
1.) A Win on the Road
Nebraska will not be at home in Memorial Stadium again until October 8 when Ohio State rolls into town. Having the opportunity to play on the road before facing Wisconsin could be a very positive experience for the Huskers, however. A win away from friendly confines would be a good confidence-builder for the team as a whole before heading to Camp Randall.
Bo Pelini’s bunch has had success on the road in recent years, especially during the 2010 season. It almost seemed as if the Huskers preferred playing in more hostile environments than in Memorial Stadium. Regardless, Nebraska needs a big win on the road to boost morale – for both players and fans.
2.) Defensive Dominance
Cornerback Alfonzo Dennard will play tonight against the Cowboys. Whether he starts or not is another story. His appearance will to be comforting to Nebraska fans that watched sophomore cornerbacks Andrew Green and Ciante Evans struggle to defend against Washington. With Dennard healthy enough to play, Husker fans will be interested to see who will end up playing opposite the veteran.
Another change in the defense will be senior defensive tackle Jared Crick. He was injured against Washington and was seen leaving the practice field this past week without pads. The severity of Crick’s injury is unknown, but head coach Bo Pelini has said Crick’s participation will be a game time decision. If he is not active for tonight's game, it will be a huge opportunity for Wyoming to take advantage of a struggling defensive line.
Regardless of whether Dennard starts or Crick plays, the defense needs to find its’ mojo and step up. It has been a long start to the season with a disjointed defense, but it cannot be attributed to one player’s absence. The defense needs to find its’ leader and start owning that side of the ball.
Fans will be looking to see what the Blackshirts can do tonight as it could be very telling as to what will be seen against Wisconsin. If Nebraska can’t stop Wyoming, fans know it won’t be pretty at Camp Randall.
3.) Tim Beck’s Play Calling
It will be interesting to see just what offensive coordinator Tim Beck will do this week. Beck called arguably his best game of football against Washington and proved just how strong his offense can be. Using Rex Burkhead as he did showed a keen ability to read the other teams’ weakness.
Will Beck make similar calls this week or will he hold back a bit before Wisconsin? Husker fans will be looking to see if his offense can score quickly, allowing the starters to sit out and get playing time for the younger guys. Many fans are already hoping to see Brion Carnes by the fourth quarter.
4.) Brandon Kinnie and Jamal Turner
Both Kinnie and Turner were noticeably absent from many rotations of the receivers last Saturday. This proved to be somewhat shocking for fans that felt Turner had been showing a lot of growth and progress. Quincy Enunwa and Kenny Bell ended up being the go-to guys, leaving him on the sidelines.
As for Kinnie, he was on the field from time to time, but mostly to run block. In fact, he was given very little opportunity to make plays as a receiver. The senior wide out instead spent most of the time supporting his team and watching from the sidelines. While not ideal for Kinnie, he hasn’t lost his drive, tweeting, “Don’t ever doubt or count me out!”
Tonight, fans will be looking to see catches from all receivers. Wyoming’s defense is a perfect opportunity for Nebraska to give chances to those who have not had them yet. For Turner, the experience is vital. For Kinnie, it could ultimately be what turns the season around for him before Big Ten play begins.
5.) A Red Out
Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium holds 29,181 people. For Bo Pelini, the size of the stadium does not matter. “I’m sure it will be fun and will be a good crowd. As far as I know, the field is still the same size,” Pelini said during Monday’s press conference.
Regardless of size, Husker fans are going to be looking for a “Red Out” in Laramie. Fans are hoping to see more red than brown in a stadium that ultimately feels like home for the Huskers. If the stadium becomes a scarlet-tinted majority, it will be a statement to the Big Ten who are not quite used to the way Nebraska fans travel.
Tonight will be important for Nebraska’s fan base to show their road tripping abilities, and based on the excitement building in Laramie, Cowboys fans are ready to play host.
It can’t be stressed enough how big the game is for both teams. For Nebraska, it will be about getting prepared for Big Ten play. For Wyoming, it will be about showing what the Cowboys are capable of.
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