LINCOLN — Two games, two wins. Nebraska has successfully accomplished football's most fundamental objective during the season's first two weeks.
Maybe more easily than expected, the 19th-ranked Huskers (2-0) cruised past two lesser opponents from a weaker conference, outscoring the two teams 87-12 and outgaining them by 352 yards. The efficient NU offense led the way, while its defense was opportunistic as it showed signs of improvement.
Considering the competition, it may be too early to make any accurate predictions of what's in store for this group of Huskers. Even senior safety Larry Asante didn't seem too sure about crafting an assessment after Saturday's 38-9 win over Arkansas State.
“To be honest, we don't really know. That's why we've got to keep working,” he said. “We can't be satisfied. We don't know where we're at right now.”
Asante and his teammates hope to have a better idea by the end of this week.
The players know they're improving, but they're far from matching the high expectations of coach Bo Pelini. How good can the 2009 Huskers be? Saturday's much-anticipated nonconference test at No. 13 Virginia Tech may very well have the answer.
“Virginia Tech's going to be a good challenge to kind of gauge where we're at as a team,” Asante said.
Of course, the players knew eight months ago that this game against the Hokies would be the most appropriate out-of-conference measuring stick. They managed to stay grounded for two weeks, a commendable feat in a sport known for its week-to-week parity.
Nebraska avoided the upsets, beating Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State in convincing fashion. Other Big 12 teams weren't as fortunate.
Houston ousted Oklahoma State from the nation's top five. Kansas State dropped a 17-15 game at Lousiana-Lafayette. Missouri rallied to beat Bowling Green. Colorado hasn't won yet, losing to Colorado State and Toledo.
“We definitely have not looked ahead at all,” senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. “We've taken (it), in my eyes, game by game and handled each one. Now we can look for another one.”
Continuing the success against Virginia Tech won't be easy.
Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State certainly weren't without talent. They're expected to finish near the top of their conference this year. But those two teams are still working to establish themselves as annual Sun Belt contenders.
On the other hand, Virginia Tech's a legitimate national power. The Hokies have won 10 or more games eight times in the past 10 seasons. The Lane Stadium game-day environment is rarely kind to visitors.
Junior quarterback Zac Lee said he and the Huskers are looking forward to matching up against a program that rarely has to prove its legitimacy. Good or bad, they'll learn something about this team.
“That's the fun of college football,” Lee said. “It's going to be a great atmosphere and hopefully, we play well. I think the team is really, really looking forward to the opportunity we have.”
Contact the writer:
402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com
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