The Fast Lane - Grindle's Mizzou Preview

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 they beat Missouri on the road. I think that people are already buying into the Big Red quite honestly. I do 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 they are.
2. 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!