The atmosphere at "Our Lady" was somber for a gameday. Distraction seemed to be the pervading theme. Fans distracted by the madness that consumed the "Black Friday" shoppers that besieged low-end retailers like a horde of ravenous zombies. The girls, distracted by the early start time and the patrons that wandered in like refugees, seeking shelter from the madness or just coming down from the L. tryptophan overdose.
The four of us were distracted by the heavy events of the day before. To be fair, Lloyd didn't seem any more distracted than usual. Lloyd, Cassandra, Preacherman and I had gathered for the season finale. This year it is the rivalry game that almost seems forced. Like laughing at a boss's joke, even though you've not only heard it three times already, but watched the show he got it from.
This whole Iowa thing as our chief rival just doesn't seem to work for me. I get all the reasons why we get told that it works; geography, corn, lifestyle, corn, Omaha v. Des Moines, corn...did I say corn? I still would like to suggest that instead of a lame trophy, that the loser of this annual battle be forced to administer Council Bluffs. 'Heroes' game just sounds so contrived. Anything else would be contrived, too, but Corn Trophy or Corn Cup or Giant Golden Cob are worse so I guess we're stuck. I wouldn't mind the Kinnick Trophy, Iowa's only Heisman winner who was from Omaha would be fine with me.
"Lloyd. How is the offense going to do against these Hawkeyes?" I asked.
"They should be OK, I think," he replied. "The huskers should be able to move the ball pretty well on the ground. Iowa's defense isn't anything to write home about. They also won't have the luxury of keying on one guy, now that Taylor has developed into an efficient, if not scary weapon. Burkhead should get back into his groove. The O-line needs to establish its nastiness early and help propel the offense to an early lead."
I nodded, not really surprised, and not really hearing anything I didn't expect. "Preacherman. How about the defense?" I had to kind of shout since Preach was a little distracted.
"They got to stop the run. Marcus Coker is averaging over 100 yards a game, and is a big, physical running back. They need to stop the run, but need to do it without loading up the box. Vandenburg is a good enough quarterback to hurt a defense if they try to bring a safety up in run support. They were embarrassed last week, and wrung out. Those guys were on the field all day long, I hope they bounce back after a short week and I hope the offense lets them spend a lot of time on the sideline."
I turned to Cassandra. "How do you think special teams will do?"
She rolled her eyes. "The Law of Averages would suggest that they have to do better than last week. That was literally the worst half of special teams play I have ever seen. This week has to be better. It's probably good that Iowa isn't known for their special teams threats, either on returns or blocking kicks."
"Intangibles?" I asked the assembly.
"Senior Day," said Lloyd. There are 21 seniors who are playing their last home game for the Huskers. Guys like Austin Cassidy, Mike Caputo and LaVonte David. They will step up and be the vocal leaders the Huskers will need today for that last, final push to a decent bowl."
"Bounce-back," added Preach. "After the other two losses this year, the defense has responded with a really good game. I think today will be no different.
"Home cookin'," Cassandra added. "I don't mean the officiating, 'cause we never get the right calls at home, either. I mean getting to sleep in your own bed, do your own thing with your own comfort level. Both of Nebraska's big losses came on the second weeks of consecutive road games. Iowa is in that situation this week, and had to deal with a short week. Nebraska did too, but has been doing it for years with the Colorado game. They have a schedule in place."
I sat back and watched one of the dancers listlessly maneuver through a set with 'If you want Blood' by AC/DC. I pondered what I though the final score would be. Lloyd was furiously tapping at his screen as I pronounced "24-14, Huskers."
Lloyd looked up from his toys. "I just got a text from a buddy in LPD. it read 'John Doe shot yesterday. Coma."
Comatose. That means even if they bring charges against Lt. Moore, which will be hard to stick, Mr. Alan Davison is still alive, and if he wakes up, he will be able to offer his testimony. "Moore can't let that happen, but he won't be able to do anything about it. Or will he?"
The four of us watched the clock edge closer to game time. Kickoff should give us at least a temporary respite. I hope the Huskers win.
Husk-husk and on the qb.
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