Can we please not have another thread turn into a MU v. NU fan "Who's d*ck is bigger?" argument? It's old and annoying. If you guys have comments about another post then comment the right way. Don't turn this into Tigerboard :wacko: May as well hear it from me before a MOD.
Anyways, it is my honest opinion as well that Nebraska is the best team in the North. Nobody is playing defense as well as Nebraska is. Nobody. Nebraska's offensive and defensive lines are the best units in the North, and I'm not just speculating. It is obvious from the way they play. The blow off the line, are extremely physical and extremely quick. Suh hasn't been shut down one game this year and has posted at least 5 tackles every game this year.
Offensively, Nebraska is inexperienced but you wouldn't know it had you watched their non-con games. They played very well the last two games and have seemed to correct their dropped ball issues. I would give Kansas they edge offensively, but you can't go through a season playing for shoot outs. Eventually your offense is going to hit a rough patch and you're going to need to rely on your defense. Great defenses are always there, great offenses are not.
Special Teams have also been electrifying for Nebraska. With the exception of VaTech's big opening kick off return, Nebraska has dominated Special Teams. Alex Henerey is the best field goal kicker in the Big 12 and probably one of the favorites for the Lou Groza Award. He is also punting like he's been doing it for years. Kunalic has also sent more kicks out of the endzone this year then he has had returnable. Very impressive.
I happen to like Tigerboard a lot. It's probably the best independent board out there, and certainly the most original. That's not just my opinion either, I've seen sportswriters give it props. Most people are thrown by the color scheme and thread organization, but it's actually superior once you're used to it. Much easier to follow a debate. But to each his own.
My point is, what are you basing your opinion of Nebraska on? Your defense has played well. No doubt about it. And your offense played very well until it met real competition. But that sort of proves my point. Your defense hasn't really met real competition yet, and your offense already failed its only test against real competition. Virginia Tech is one dimensional (115th in passing offense) and played into your strength.
Putting all smack aside, I'm impressed with NU this year. I honestly thought going into the season, no offense, that you were WAY overrated. I thought you were getting attention based on name alone (still think that as far are preseason anyway) and that your "streak" was against inferior competition (also still think that). Sorry if I offended. BUT, to this point, you have been sharp on offense except for one game, and very sharp on defense. I still think you're not as talented as Mizzou nearly across the board, but Pelini does appear to be a very good defensive coach and the players buy into it. And the offense is competent enough. You are without a doubt a legit top 25 team and a threat in the North.
Quickly, I know my talent comment will raise some hackles. But look at the speed differences on the field the last few years. It's not close. Now, I know you've got some nice new bodies, especially in the front seven, that are upgrading your speed. But Mizzou has done the same. We have hands down the fastest defense I've ever seen at Mizzou, including the 2007 defense that had about half of them get drafted.