Raining in and Blogging from Columbia: Ground Game Key to Playing in a Pond

The Husker Sports Network team is in Columbia, Mo., for Thursday night's nationally-televised showdown between Nebraska and Missouri, two ranked teams fighting for early superiority in the North Division of the Big 12 Conference.

In blogs written for Huskers.com, here are the thoughts from Nebraska play-by-play man Greg Sharpe, and Lane Grindle, the Sports Nightly host who reports live from the field during the game.

Sharpe Words Blog

By Greg Sharpe, Voice of the Huskers

Husker Sports Network

Columbia, Mo. - Rain, rain, go away. 

Wow, the Columbia area is getting flooded. More than 2 ½ inches already had fallen by noon today, and another 2-inch downpour is in the forecast before midnight. 

That, of course, will mean a sloppy field for tonight's showdown between ranked teams.

Don't get me wrong. This game will be played on field turf, but the conditions change the game's outlook. Ball security and toughness now take center stage. Which team can play through the elements - and hang on to the ball - will win. 

Both teams have been good this season in winning the turnover battle. The Huskers haven't fumbled, and the Tigers haven't thrown an interception.

Nebraska runs the ball better, and that could be a big key in this one tonight. Keep an eye on the Huskers ground game early. If they can establish the run, they can leave Columbia with a win.

I also should also point out that slippery conditions can lead to big plays. When a defender slips, the offensive player who knows where he's going can turn a 7-yard gain into a much bigger, perhaps even game-breaking, play. 

Because of the wet weather, add extra importance to the kicking game, too. Long snappers take on greater importance. So do holders. Those jobs are tougher in these conditions. 

Bottom line, the battle for the top rung in the Big 12 North Division will be played in a pond tonight here in Columbia, and the mentally tougher team will win.

Ask Coach Pelini. That's what he's been saying all day.

Sharpe Words with Greg Sharpe Archives

The Fast Lane Blog

By Lane Grindle, Sports Nightly Host

Husker Sports Network

What a crazy week!

Thursday games are always more interesting from a preparation standpoint as a broadcaster. I am sure it's similar for coaches and players. Having a Monday count as a Wednesday is just hard to adjust to. I am ready and I guarantee you that the team is also.

Bo Pelini has brought a large number of things to the table as Nebraska's head coach. Making sure that his team is prepared and ready seems to be one of his most impressive attributes.

So how big is this game? It's pretty big. It's more pivotal than big. Does that make sense? Big games change your national perception. I'm not sure that everyone starts buying into Nebraska just because the Huskers beat Missouri on the road.

Quite honestly, I think that people are already buying into the Big Red, and I think that this game impacts the season as much as any game Nebraska will play this year.

Win it, and you have a chance to go on one of those "special" runs. Lose this game, and you have created a little hole that you need to work out of, not to mention that you've lost the tiebreaker to Missouri in case of a division tie. That makes this game PIVOTAL.

So what are the keys?

1. Run the football, run the football, and run the football. Run it right at them. Make Missouri be the more physical football team. I don't believe the Tigers are.

1. Pressure Blaine Gabbert. Make him rush his decision and his throw. He hasn't faced a defense like Nebraska's yet. Make him not want to again.

If Nebraska does these two things, along with taking care of the football, it's a Nebraska win.

I just hope that everyone here brought a poncho!

The Fast Lane with Lane Grindle Archives