Posted: Friday September 27, 2002 12:15 PM
Updated: Friday September 27, 2002 1:28 PM
No. 20 Nebraska (3-1) at No. 19 Iowa State (4-1)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT (ABC)
Jack Trice Stadium (43,000+), Ames, Iowa
CNNSI.com's Stewart Mandel breaks down this week's big game.
Just the fact that a game between Nebraska and Iowa State is considered a toss-up is testament to just how drastically things have changed in college football. These teams have met 96 times, with Nebraska winning 79 of them. Presently, the Huskers have won nine straight in the series, all by lopsided scores. But this year, for the first time since 1978, both teams enter the contest ranked, and while the Cyclones are in the midst of their best stretch in a quarter-century, the Huskers stand one loss away from seeing their streak of 348 consecutive weeks in the AP poll snapped.
Jammal Lord Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Nebraska’s offense vs. Iowa State’s defense
Nebraska’s offensive approach remains the same as ever: Run it down peoples’ throats. With QB Jammal Lord in command of the triple-option, NU once again ranks first in the Big 12 in rushing at 255.5 yards per game. However, I-back Dahrran Diedrick, a 1,299-yard rusher last season, has yet to crack 100 in a game, and the offensive line is not exactly bulldozing people. If Iowa State is to take advantage, defensive ends Tyson Smith and Beau Coleman need to get penetration against Husker tackles Dan Vili Waldrop and Mike Erickson. The strength of the Cyclones’ defense is its linebackers, led by senior Matt Word (236 career tackles. Nebraska needs Lord to step up in the passing game after throwing thee picks against Penn State, and get TE Aaron Golliday and FB Judd Davies involved in the offense.
Seneca Wallace Iowa State University
Iowa State’s offense vs. Nebraska’s defense
When Iowa State has the ball, it’s all about QB Seneca Wallace, who averages nearly 300 yards a game in total offense. His ability to throw on the run is the best college football has seen since Michael Vick, and Wallace probably has a better arm. Complicating matters for the defense, ISU spreads the ball around, with five different players having already reached double-digit catches, the most dangerous being split end Lane Danielsen and flanker Jack Whitver. Tailback Hiawatha Rutland is averaging 87.2 yards on the ground. Nebraska has talented defensive backs in corner DeJuan Groce and safety Philip Bland, and will stick mostly to man coverage. The front seven, which struggled to contain Penn State’s Zack Mills, needs to be judicious in its blitzes or Wallace could break a big play. DE Chris Kelsay and LB Demorrio Williams need to have huge games.
Nebraska is at its best when it can force turnovers and make big plays on special teams. Groce has a sensational 23.9-yard average on punt returns and broke two touchdowns against Troy State. The Cyclones counter with Todd Miller, who has also returned two punts for scores. But the biggest factor in the game will be confidence. Iowa State has been playing with it, Nebraska has not, but the roles could reverse if either team recalls the Huskers’ 48-14 rout last year.
Wallace nearly led ISU back from a 31-14 deficit against Florida State, and he did overcome a 24-7 hole to beat rival Iowa.
Nebraska DE Chris Kelsay
Sr. 6-5, 260
2002 stats: 4.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries
The leader of Nebraska’s beleagured Blackshirt defense, Kelsay’s job is to pressure Wallace, but without letting him escape.
Nebraska’s players understand full well the implications of this game for both teams. And they’re calling on whatever ounce of confidence they still have left. “We’re not going to lose this game,” said Huskers center John Garrison. “I understand Iowa State's very excited, and they should be, this is a great opportunity for them to step up their program even more. I just can’t see it that way.” Seneca Wallace could still do major damage, but the Huskers, fresh off a bye week, finally get their act together.
The pick: Nebraska 31, Iowa State 20.
Jammal Lord
Seneca Wallace
