Sports Illustrated writer Andy Staples had quite the extended look, from multiple angles, at this new version of Nebraska football under Scott Frost. Last week he was embedded with Troy as it prepared to face the Huskers. Scoring the upset at the end of that is the stuff feature writers dream of, and the story has some interesting notes about the Huskers for the Nebraska-based reader.
Staples stuck around until Monday, attending Nebraska's press conference and taking a look at all the topics buzzing through Husker nation right now –– patience, buy-in, culture, etc.
That's a good story, too, and includes a couple of interesting notes beyond the topics du jour.
- "Rather, it seems Riley recruited a team for another era of football. The roster Frost inherited would make a great Big Ten or Pac-10 team in 1995." If that hits you right in the gut, well, mission accomplished (I assume). That traditional type of pro-style offense feels like a dinosaur in today's game.
- There's an interesting discussion of Shaquem Griffin, what he meant to UCF's defense (and thus opposing offenses) and Frost's effort to find a player like him at Nebraska. Eventually.
- Staples is pretty high on quarterback Adrian Martinez. That said, he also wrote this: "Don’t be shocked if Martinez stays on the sideline again on Saturday." Interesting.
- The kicker is, well, a kicker: "I’ve been doubted in Nebraska before. I’ve been criticized all over before,” Frost said. “We’re just not going to change, because we know as a coaching staff that our approach and what we’re doing is going to work. It’s just taking a little longer than we’d hoped."
That's quite a quote, on a few different fronts, after just two games.
A Trusty Travel Companion
Headed to Ann Arbor this weekend? A) Find us on social media. We'll be there. Let's hang out.
B) Read this guide from Erin Sorensen if you want recommendations on things to do, eat and drink. Just a sample:
The Brown Jug Restaurant has been a staple in Ann Arbor since 1936. The restaurant and bar is named after the oldest trophy in college football (and arguably one of the best): the Michigan versus Minnesota football trophy.
The Brown Jug opens at 9 a.m. for noon kick-offs, so it's the perfect stop for Nebraska fans looking for some drinks and a quick bite before heading to the stadium.
The Grab Bag
- There will be a game on Oct. 27 and it will be against Bethune-Cookman.
- Mike Babcock looks back at the nine-game history of Nebraska-Michigan.
- Lexi Sun had displayed plenty of promise in her first few matches at Nebraska.
- Recruiting analyst Greg Smith has updated his list of the top uncommitteed Husker prospects.
Today's Song of Today
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
