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Jeff Hill, M.D. |
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Chad Kelsay and Lisa Runco |
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Rob Zatechka, M.D. |
This week, the now-mighty Missouri Tigers (EDITOR’S NOTE: Still trying to wrap my brain around that one) come into Lincoln led by two Heisman Trophy candidates — quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
The matchup with the fourth-ranked Tigers has caused the first fracture among the picks by our panelists. For the previous four weeks, our group was unified in calling for Nebraska wins, but this week, we have some dissent.
Below, our panel members — Jeff Hill, M.D., associate dean for admissions and student affairs (an NU split end in the 1970s), NU superfan Lisa Runco of the internal medicine department (with her teammate, former Husker football star Chad Kelsay), and anesthesiology professor Rob Zatechka, M.D. (an offensive lineman for the Huskers in the 1990s) — weigh in on the game between the Huskers and the Tigers.
Dr. Hill says: “We did not do so well in our first real test of the season. I’m sorry to say this, but Mizzou will prevail on Saturday night. They have too much fire power and something to prove to the nation on national television.” Mizzou 38, NU 24
Runco and Kelsay say: “As Chad says, we are going with our hearts on this one, not our brains! While all statistical evidence indicates this should probably be a big Tiger win, we still bleed the Big Red too much to agree that MU will come into Lincoln and play as well as they have throughout the first part of the season. Our defense MUST apply pressure as Daniels has only been sacked once this year and his completion percentage is incredible. Our offense must show up much better than last week. Ganz needs to have a big game. Special teams need to provide 7-10 points. On paper, this should be a sure victory for the Tigers. But, as ESPN’s Lee Corso likes to say, ‘Not so fast my friend.’ MU never plays well in Lincoln, and a hungry NU team is looking to rebound after a disappointing loss last week. We’re going to say NU in a stunning upset to give NU coach Bo Pelini his first big win.” NU 20, Mizzou 17
Dr. Zatechka says: “Two things surprised me about last week’s game — how many mistakes Nebraska made and the fact they were still within one or two dumb mistakes of winning at the end. I think Nebraska will shore up their sloppy play and at least play a cleaner game. The downside to this week is that this is the first game this year that NU plays an opponent with measurably better talent. I think the problems with NU’s run game will continue against a very experienced Missouri defense. NU will likely continue to rely on a short passing game with the longer shots down field interspersed. On defense, pray … hard.” Mizzou 31, NU 20