Nebraska Cornhuskers, Kansas Jayhawks Square Off In Big 12 Season Opener

Bob by Analyst Written on January 10, 2008
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Nebraska's season is at an 11-2 record. To be fair, Nebraska has not been tested much either. Their two losses come to both unranked teams, Western Kentucky and Creighton (an in-state rival). Their key win would definitely have to be at home (more or less, at the Qwest Center in Omaha) against a then ranked #16/#17 Oregon team.

Nebraska rides a 6-game winning streak into Saturday's contest. They have average 72.4 points per game throughout the 2007-08 season. They outrebound opposing teams by 4.7 rebounds a game, which may be a little help to their task ahead of them.

Aleks Maric, Nebraska's star senior center, is averaging 16.2 points a game with 8.4 rebounds a game. It is key to Nebraska's success that Maric have a double double against Kansas.

Junior Ade Dagunduro is one of two Huskers managing to keep their scoring averages in double figures with a season average of 11.4 points a game. He is closely followed up by Sophomore Ryan Anderson at 9.5 points a game.

It is safe to say that Nebraska will be up to their knees in pressure as they take on the Jayhawks of Kansas this weekend.

Nebraska's Keys to Success

1. Aleks Maric have a big game (around 20 points, 10 rebounds)
2. Score at least 75 points
3. Establish momentum early, get this large crowd into the game. Make them believe you can do it.
4. Hold Kansas to less than 35 points in the first half
5. Stop Kansas from driving. Defense needs to step up their game.

Kansas' Keys To Success

1. Get the crowd out of the game early.
2. Keep Nebraska from scoring 65 total points.
3. Offense get established from the beginning.
4. Keep Aleks Maric from making a difference in the game.
5. Drive down the court, use fast breaks to their advantage.

WRITER'S NOTE

When I use rankings on teams the first ranking listed is the team's current ranking in the AP NCAA basketball poll on January 10, 2008. The second ranking listed is the team's current ranking in the ESPN/USA Today NCAA basketball poll on January 10, 2008.

Like my writing style? Got a bone to pick? Write me at rynebleacherreport@yahoo.com 

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written on January 10, 2008 Sports

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