For this year’s Gator Bowl, we are giving you a two part special “Know Your…” segment on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. For this first post we chose to chat with the Big Red Network. You can check out our answers here.

1.) Your offense has put up some pretty good numbers this year against the competition. Who are your big play makers that we should look out for and can you give us some examples?

Obviously quarterback is an important position for making big plays and Joe Ganz doesn’t disappoint. When pressured, he has the ability to roll out of the pocket to see the open field or take off and run with it. He can be forced to make mistakes and his emotional level of play can leave him frustrated, but it’s also what makes him so good when he’s doing well. The other guy to watch for is Roy Helu, Jr. The first tackle almost never brings him down and he is FAST. He’s a highlight reel. He has hurdled over a few defenders this year.

2.) We’re not too familiar with your offense… what kind of set do you mainly run out of? Are you more of a power, “run it up the gut” kind of team or do you dink and dive your way down the field?

I like to call it the “power spread”. We run quite a bit of zone reads, misdirections, and throw in some screens. If we need five yards, there’s always a guy seven yards out. Bo Pelini tries to give Ganz a number of options each play. Pelini also likes to run some “zone-busters” that take advantage of the middle of the field. They look for mismatches with the tight ends or receivers in the slot. It’s an offense that has to get into rhythm to do really well. Although it is really balanced, don’t be surprised to see a bunch of passes in a row or a bunch of runs.

3.) What specifically has Bo Pelini brought to the table? Is there anything specifically that you find he does better than Bill Callahan?

Pelini has brought heart, effort, and emotion back to the program… the intangibles. Callahan wanted the Huskers to be a feeder to the NFL. Pelini is a guy that values tradition and isn’t afraid to bench a guy if he’s not trying hard enough. He’s also tough when it comes to team rules and suspensions. He’s bringing tradition back to Nebraska. To be honest, he does everything better than Bill Callahan.

4.) Your defense has put up some decent stats against the opposition. What kind of defense do you have? Bend but don’t break? Blitzing all day? What can we expect?

In the Big 12, teams are just going to score and you can’t shut them out (yet). Allowing 361 yards/game is enough for them the be third in the Big 12. They will sometimes cheat up and put on major blitzing pressure, but it can lead to big gains down field. They’re not afraid to make mistakes. It all begins with the front four and when they bring pressure without the need for a lot of blitzes, it give our backers the chance to make the reads they need to make.  Look for Ndamukong Suh of the D-line to be in the face of your quarterback/running back all game.

5.) How big of a role do special teams play into your team? Have they been quiet? Your kicker, Alex Henery seems to be doing good (14/17), but has he missed any major kicks?

Against Colorado, Alex Henery lined up for a 57 yard field goal in a desperation attempt to go ahead with less than two minutes left. His successful kick was the longest in Husker history. So he’s got the range and the cool under pressure to make those kind of plays. He ran for a first down on a trick play where the holder tossed a no-look pass over his head against Kansas. That play back-fired against Colorado, but it was not a good time to call that, so it’s really on Bo. As far as kick returning, Nate Swift has returned a punt for a TD and is averaging 14 yards on returns. The electric Niles Paul has returned a kickoff for a TD and averages 23. Adi Kunalic is our kickoff specialist and regularly boots them OUT of the end zone.

6.) It seems like you guys have had success using a handful of rushers including your quarterback. Is this because of draws, misdirections, trick plays, option, what-have-you??

The zone read option is the biggest gainer for Joe Ganz. He’s adept at reading a play when in shotgun, which gives him a view of the lanes to run in before the snap. Helu’s runs usually turn into big gains after it looks like he’s going to be brought down. All of our backs are also threats on the swing pass and screen which keeps those linebackers honest. The Huskers use the misdirection to set up the play action pass which then sets up the run game in the third and fourth quarter.

Did we miss something?  Would you like to ask our guest blogger a question?  Shoot us an email at ‘feedback at block-c dot com’ and we’ll use the best question in the next segment.

This week I searched high and low for a good way to approach this week’s “Know Your…” segment.  I think I’ve managed to make chicken salad out of what I had and this week I asked Jim Young, editor of the website ACCSports.com and he came up with some outstanding, short notice answers for us.  The website is the companion for the ACC Sports Journal.  Jim is a sandlapper with ties to the game and family members on both sides of the rivalry.  Here’s what he had to say:

Given the fact that South Carolina’s only marquee  victories are road wins at Ole Miss and Kentucky, would a loss to Clemson on Saturday turn the Gamecocks season into a disappointment or do you think their fans would be happy with what their team has done this season?

It’s hard to say with South Carolina fans because they’re a different sort of animal. Most fan bases don’t pack a stadium during an 0-11 season like Gamecock fans have in the past. That said, I think a loss to Clemson would be incredibly disappointing for South Carolina. If you can’t beat a team during a season when its coach “resigns” and its locker room nearly implodes, when are you going to beat it? Win and the Gamecocks have a shot at a better bowl and a nine-win season. Lose, and that second-class status in the state gets reinforced.

What do you think a blowout loss for Clemson would mean to our program?

Well it would mean the end of Dabo Mania (I’ve trademarked that, by the way). While a lot of folks say the results of rivalry games don’t affect recruiting, I think a big Clemson loss might affect a few more prospects that are sitting on the fence right now. But I don’t see a rout having long-term effects for the Tigers. This season has already stunk. Losing big to the Gamecocks would just make things stink a little worse.

Clemson and South Carolina have very similar points in terms of offense and defense.  Which offense do you see having an easier time against the opposing team’s defense?  How so?

You know, I originally thought the Clemson offensive line was in deep trouble against a very stout South Carolina defense. I’m not really changing that view, but given that it’s likely to rain tomorrow, I think the ground game becomes much more important. The Tigers have a definite edge there when you compare James Davis and C.J. Spiller to the anonymous collection that carries the ball for the Gamecocks. So that’s a roundabout way of saying I think Clemson at least has a shot of moving the ball against South Carolina. If rains takes away passing, I don’t know how the Gamecocks get the ball down the field.
If Clemson wins, with this ACC record what kind of bowl game do you think we could swing?

Are you trying to give me a migraine? Okay, let’s take a deep breath and figure this out. So much – surprise! – still depends on what everyone else in the ACC does. Here’s the thing, the bowls are allowed to pick a team lower in the ACC standings than the top team available, provided the lower team is within one game in the standings of the team above it. Since the Tigers are only one game out of first in the crazy ACC that pretty much puts everything short of the Orange Bowl in play.

I’m assuming though, that the Peach Bowl won’t bring back Clemson for a second straight year, particularly if it can select hometown Georgia Tech. I’m thinking the Gator would probably go for Florida State, if it’s available, over the Tigers, but Clemson vs. Virginia Tech could be a toss-up. The Meineke wants to grab North Carolina, but if the Tar Heels aren’t available, then it would be compelled to take Clemson.  According to selection procedures, the Tigers would have to be chosen over a 6-6 N.C. State team if that scenario’s out there.

Okay, I’m rambling now. Let’s just go with: I don’t really know, but it’s probably better than you’d think given a) how well Clemson travels b) how jammed the ACC standings are and c) the good vibes that would go along with a three-game winning streak to close the regular season.

What do you think the keys to winning the game for Clemson are? How about South Carolina?

I think it’s the same for both teams. Their quarterbacks MUST avoid critical mistakes. I think this will be a low-scoring game, particularly if the weather turns bad. I’m not sold on either kicker, although I’d give an edge to the Tigers because of Succop’s hernia issues. I like the Gamecocks’ defense more, but like South Carolina’s offensive skill players less. I’m not sure either team is good enough to come out and just win this game, but all the quarterbacks involved are erratic enough to lose it.

Final prediction?

I’ve gone back and forth on this one, but after answering the previous questions, I’ve settled on the Tigers. Harper and Smelley/Garcia cancel each other out. The difference then becomes James Davis, C.J. Spiller and home field advantage. Clemson 17, South Carolina 13.

This week we sniffed hind quarters (damn that was redneck) with Rob Mahini from TheSabre.com.  You can check out our answers here.

1.) You guys are .500 too, albeit under different circumstances. Whereas Clemson was supposed to be great, you guys were braced for a down year. How satisfied are you with your team considering most people’s expectations, and do you think there is any serious possibility that your administration will fire a coach who was named ACC Coach of the Year the previous year?

I guess when you lose a game to Duke, expectations change. We were braced for a down year, but a losing-to-Duke year? And then Groh followed that up with a winning streak in the middle of the season that nobody expected. Then he lead the team to a two-game losing streak. It’s been a roller coaster ride and I think a lot of fans are just tired of the ride. However, oddly enough, we’re still in contention for the Coastal title, so that’s been a nice distraction.

Groh is in no danger of getting fired. AD Craig Littlepage recently said that Groh is definitely returning, so there’s no doubt on that front. In fact, I’ve been saying for years that Groh is protected from losing his job because of the huge buyout provision in his contract, the change-averse nature of the administration, the endless stream of justifications for his mediocre seasons, and the occasional Coach of the Year curve ball. The man has nine lives. Sound familiar?

2) The Lalich situation got a little ridiculous. Were folks happy to see him go after being such a dummy or were most people upset about his leaving?

At first, the fans were pretty angry.  They thought that Lalich didn’t get enough of a second chance and that the administration forced Groh’s hand. Then, we learned that Lalich appeared to have burned through a number of second chances. I don’t want to get into rumor mongering, but let’s just say there were some Facebook pictures that didn’t exactly jibe with the terms of his probation. At this point, I think fans understand that the best thing was for him to start anew elsewhere, but they’re disappointed that the star-to-be turned into such a basket case.

3) Where will your big plays come from on offense? What one player can change the game?

Cedric Peerman (RB) has shown the best ability to game change for us. In a number of games during that winning streak, he’s ripped off long demoralizing runs that made the difference. I’ll say that Kevin Ogletree (WR) is a close second.  He is Virginia’s first true wide receiver threat in a long time, and QB Marc Verica has a knack of bombing touchdown passes to the ‘Tree.

4) What’s the strongest unit (DL, LB, DB) on the defensive side of the ball for Virgina? Who should we keep our eyes on?

It better be linebacker, since we run the 3-4. Clint Sintim has been a beast this year, and his crew has done a good job making up for some of the deficiencies in the front 3. The DB’s are much better than in the past, because some of the younger guys like Ras I-Dowling and a much better Vic Hall are actually covering guys downfield, but it’s still a bit suspect in the pass coverage game.

5) What’s your take on the outcome this Saturday? Be brutally honest with us.

It’s a tough call, but I think Virginia prevails. The Hoos are tough at home and have a lot to play for right now. No offense, but I think Clemson is in a bit of disarray given the coaching search and the whole blowing-the-season thing, so I’d be surprised if they can pull off a road win at this point in the season. If UVa gets solid play from Peerman and Verica, and the defense bends but doesn’t break, I think Virginia gets bowl eligible on Saturday. And then we’re set for a bottom tier ACC bid: the Eagle Bowl!

Here it is. The “Know Your…” posts began with this very game. This week we feature our good friend Bill (NoleCC) from Scalp Em to trade questions and answer with. We’re starting to find out more about our own team that seems to be different from the team that started the year out getting trumped by Alabama in the Dome. What a few people didn’t expect for this year is the success of the Seminoles and Jimbo Fisher’s revitalization of the program. People knew Florida State would start to come back sooner or later, many just didn’t see them turning the gears so soon. Here are our responses over there.

1. It’s mostly assumed that Jimbo Fisher and the revamped coaching staff have sparked the new fire the Noles are playing with this year. What’s the plan for the eventual coaching change over from Bobby Bowden and do you know of a time frame?

Time frame? Good luck. Bobby will go when he feels like it. That said, there is a Golden Parachute in place for Fisher, so something will happen after the 2010 season, if not before then.  Jimbo gets a cool $1.5 million if he’s not named head coach by the end of January 2010. On the flip side, the change is already starting to happen. Fisher is fully involved with the program, and Bowden is deferring all offensive comments to Fisher. I think you’ll see Bowden hang on to the end of this contract, because things are turning around slowly, so he’ll get the glory without having to do all the work.

2. We know and fear Myron Rolle… I even think I saw him consume a football once on national television to show his seriousness and commitment to the game. Who else on your defense can be considered a harbinger of pain?

I think you guys would be shocked to hear what most Seminole fans think about Myron… slow, bad angles, never lived up to his potential. He certainly has his moments, but he never has any INTs. For pain, you’d have to go with Budd “Nasty” Thacker on the DLine, but in all honesty when this team plays well it’s because the entire unit plays well and gets aggressive. When the fail, it’s because they’re all playing badly.

3. You guys change quarterbacks too damned much. Would you stop it? Stop it. I mean it. Stop it. Who’s on the chopping block this week and how have they been faring?

Repeat after me, it’s not a chopping block, it’s a system.  Here’s how it works, Christian Ponder is the starter unless he gets injured. End of story. D’vontrey Richardson is like having a running back that can pass, so there are packages for him in each game. And, Drew Weatherford is holding a clipboard. I’m a big Drew fan because he’s a class act, so I hope he somehow makes it big in the NFL… kind of like Brad Johnson who rode pine at FSU and is the most succesful Seminole QB at the pro level. You’ll see mostly Ponder and a bit of Richardson on Saturday, although in the coming years it might end up the other way around.

And the best of the bunch (potentially) is a red shirt freshman by the name of E.J. Manuel.

4. You’ve also been replacing running backs at a high rate too, albeit due to injuries. Who’s the mouse in the wheel powering your offense this week and what does he bring to the table?

Antone Smith will go again for as long as he can. He’s banged up from carrying the load all season. He’s small but powerful, and has semi lived up to his hype this year.  Let’s face it, the Seminole offensive line is young, but they’ve figured out how to run block so most of the guys on the roster have a shot to rack up the yards. Jermaine Thomas is a true freshman, but he had 130+ yards on 9 2nd half carries against GT. The kid is going to be a star. I can’t wait to see that line and a Thomas / Ty Jones backfield in another year or two.

5. Historically all aspects of your return game have been phenomenal. Your kicker, Gano, is 15/15 on the year. We had a punt blocked for a TD last week against BC, but we also had a game changing return. How big a part of the game do you think special teams will play this week? What facet of special teams do you think changes the game, if any?

Special Teams is huge when you’re not blowing anyone out. Case-in-point, Gano hasn’t been handling kickoffs because of an early season injury that’s only now getting to 100% better. Esco, the backup can’t kick the ball deep. So against GT the first two returns they had were for huge gains. Bowden put Gano in, and in 4 more kickoffs there were 2 TBs, 1 return to the 19 and 1 to the 23. Also, Gano is back to punting which is making a huge difference, since his leg is much better than FSU’s backup.  Our return game is solid, but the coverage team has to keep the Tigers pinned back, or it will be a long day.

We found this picture via google image search.  The description read, “Twenty minutes after the game.  These guys are going to milk this glitter for everything they can.”  Those guys probably wound up milking each other later on.  Just saying.

Lastly, Bill also asked that we liveblog the game but we’re 1- 0 with open threads. We leave it to you, the reader, to…. ughhh… vote on what we should do.

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This week we check in with Boston College blogger Bill from Eagle in Atlanta.  He’s one of the better bloggers in the ACC.  We wanted our questions to highlight a team that has turned out to be one of the many pleasant surprises for the ACC this year. Here are his respones.

1) You don’t have Matt Ryan anymore and you graduated a lot of players last year. I thought this was supposed to be a down year for Boston College. What are you doing at 5-2?

The main reason we are not 7-0 or at least 6-1 is Chris Crane. Ryan’s replacement has had his moments but so far has been very error-prone. He leads the ACC in INTs and will probably lead the country if we continue passing like we do.

That said the 5-2 can be misleading. The heart of the schedule is these last five games.

2) BC comes of a pretty big loss to an admittedly decent UNC team.  Should we expect the Eagles to come out as a pissed off hybrid of butcher knives and bees or do you think that a wheel fell off last week?

I hope they come out pissed off. Crane was Crane, so that was nothing new. What had more of the wheels coming off vibe was the defense. They allowed numerous big plays and couldn’t get any pressure on Sexton. He was probably the best pocket passer BC has faced this year. Now the Korn/Harper combo could end up doing the same thing it really depends on how your offensive line holds up under our front seven.

3) Has Chris Crane done a good job of filling Matt Ryan’s shoes?  What kinda of support system does he have on offense?  Who are some key players?

As mentioned earlier Crane has not been that great. He’s inexperienced but as I’ve tracked on my blog, other new BC QBs haven’t thrown as many picks as he has.

He has good support. The offensive line is very good and led by LT Anthony Castonzo. Aside from a few errant snaps, C Matt Tennant has been All ACC caliber.

Clemson fans should remember Rich Gunnell. He’s gotten better since last year and is probably Crane’s favorite target. Gunnell does a good job finding soft spots in the zones.  BC has a new red zone threat in Ifeanyi Momah. He’s 6′6 and coming into his own as a pass catcher.

The running backs are both true freshmen. Josh Haden was the prized recruit of last season’s class. He’s been dinged up but has been getting better each week. The real surprise has been Montel Harris. Jamie Harper’s underlooked high school teammate is our leading rusher and has also contributed in special teams.

4) How stout and physical is your defense?  Seems like they gave Cameron Sexton fits in the first half last week.  If you had to name one BC defensive player that could change the game, who would it be?

I’ll cheat and name two. If BC is going to win this Saturday it comes down to our DTs Ron Brace and BJ Raji. They are both 300 pounders will surprising quickness. With the state of your line, their play has the potential to disrupt the entire flow of your offense.

5) Given the rules on tailgating at BC, what are some alternatives for us Clemson folks taking the trip up to Chestnut Hill?  What’s a pretty good local spot to start the day off right?

There is an area right near campus called Cleveland Circle. It’s got a variety of bars, restaurants and pizza places. I would recommend most Clemson fans start their day there.

But for visiting fans who can’t park and tailgate on campus, the BC trip shouldn’t be about the pregame. Take advantage of the city and just come over to BC with a little time left before kickoff.