You watched the game.  So did I.  Here's what jumped out at me:

Suh
It was Senior Day in Lincoln.  But more than anything, this was Ndamukong Suh's farewell game.  His final stat line: 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.  What a special player.  During the 4th quarter, Sammy Vegas texted me asking if Suh is our best ever.  Although it's too early to say, Suh has certainly solidified his place in that conversation.  I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes in the NFL.

(Very) Special Teams
Coming into the game, much was made of Brandon Banks' return ability.  The Huskers responded by bottling him up the entire game.  Of the three kickoffs Banks returned, only once did he reach the 20 yard line; on punts, he was similarly contained.  For the Huskers, Alex Henery again showed himself to be one of NU's most important players--he's automatic inside 40 and has turned into a remarkable punter.  Let's hope that he comes back next year.

Making Plays
KSU did its part to silence Memorial Stadium by marching 58 yards on the opening drive en route to a field goal.  The Blackshirts held the Cats scoreless for the rest of the game.  This is not to say that KSU never moved the ball.  They did.  But for the second week in a row, the Blackshirts made the plays that they had too, stopping multiple key 3rd downs and forcing yet another touchdown-saving turnover inside the 5 yard line. What Pelini and his staff have accomplished in a little over two years is nothing short of amazing.

Making the Most of the Hand You're Dealt
Credit Bill Snyder for consistently getting the ball to his two playmakers, Daniel Thomas and Brandon Banks.  Top to bottom, NU is far better than KSU.  Yet KSU kept this game close (and won several others against superior opponents) by keeping the ball in the hands of those that aren't physically overmatched.

Penalties
The Huskers committed just three penalties, one of which was declined.  It's much easier to win when you don't spot your opponent 75+ yards.  Credit NU for staying focused despite the emotionally charged atmosphere.

Sprint Option
For the second week in a row, Watson called several sprint options.  And, for the second week in a row, they were not successful.  Unless we must run this play to keep opponents' run defense honest, I think the sprint option deserves a place on the cutting room floor, right beside the silly swing/lateral pass to the WR that got us into so much trouble against Texas Tech.

Hold the Lead/Go for the Jugular
Against Baylor, OU, and now KSU, the Blackshirts have proven adept at holding a slim lead.  The flip side of that coin is an offense that ends games in the 2nd or 3rd quarter by putting games out of reach.  The Huskers squandered such an opportunity just before the half by turning a 2nd-and-goal from the 5 into zero points following a costly sack and an INT.  Believe me, if this game is 17-3 going into the half, Lee and Helu watch the 4th quarter from the sideline.

Bottom Line
Rebuilding a program is a process.  Before we can hope to out-recruit Texas, beat OU consistently, or win National Titles, we have to start dominating our own division again.  Tonight we took another big step in this direction.  I think that Bo Pelini and Tom Osborne understand this "big picture."  I honestly cannot wait to see what those two can bring in the future.

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