The Huskers travel to Manhattan Kansas to take on the K-State Wildcats. A team that is in transition. Less than two weeks ago the program announced that head coach Ron Prince would be stepping aside after this season, but would continue to coach out the rest of this year.
The Wildcats are just 1-5 this year in the Big 12, but with a team that has nothing to lose, head coach Bo Pelini says they have to be prepared for anything.
It was a year ago, that the Huskers found themselves in a similar position as the Wildcats this year. While it wasn’t announced, everyone knew that Bill Callahan’s time was over and the Huskers were coming off of five straight conference losses including an embarrassing 76-39 loss at Lawrence. The Husker responded at home against K-State winning 76-31 when quarterback Joe Ganz shattered both Nebraska’s single-game total offense (528 yards) and single-game passing records (510 yards), while adding a school record for the most touchdown passes thrown in a game with seven. That Husker team was desperate, much like this K-State team.
In their last three games against Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, the Wildcat defense has given up 151 points. 11th in the big 12 in points allowed ahead of Texas A & M.
Here’s something to watch for this week. Special teams, in particular punt returns. NU ranks second in punt return average at 15.4 yards. K-State 11th in punt yardage averaging just 31.9 yards net. Watch for big returns or big special teams play from the Huskers.
Nebraska senior receiver Todd Peterson is one of 13 finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy. It’s the second straight year Peterson been a finalist which honors the college football player who best combines community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.