Welcome to OSI Heat Index, a look at local teams and assignment of a “temperature reading” based on the past week’s performance.
This week, it’s a look at several college football teams that are past the quarter poll for the 2016 season.
Nebraska Football
Heat Index: 9
Trending: Up
If nothing else, the Huskers finally got the “sexy win” that seemed to elude them under the Pelini regime. It was Tommy Armstrong’s finest performance as Nebraska’s QB, as he showed both toughness and determination while limiting turnovers, and using his best attributes to keep the Husker offense moving.
Despite giving up a few big plays to the Ducks, the Nebraska defense also had a tremendous afternoon. The Blackshirts played assignment sound football, took chances when they needed to, and were largely able to hold an explosive Oregon offense in check. Special teams were also a plus for Nebraska, with Caleb Lightbourn earning Big Ten special teams player of the week honors after averaging 47.2 yard per punt. It was also great to see Demornay Pierson-El finally shake loose in the punt return game.
I do, however, feel it’s appropriate to question just how good of a win this will ultimately end up being for Nebraska. Oregon’s offense sputtered at times under QB Dakota Prukop, and Ducks failed to finish a handful of drives. The decision by Mark Helfrich to go for two after every score still makes zero sense - if the Ducks would have simply kicked extra points after their first successful conversion, they would have won the game.
The bigger issue, however, is Oregon’s defense has miles to go - new DC Brady Hoke has his work cut out for him. The Ducks had way too many penalties, especially several unnecessary pass interference calls on balls that weren’t going to be caught anyway. Oregon isn’t physical up front (at all), and their speedy defensive backs and linebackers over-ran everything.
When the dust finally settles this season, this will go down as a win over a big-name opponent (which is still something to celebrate), but not a win against a great (or maybe even good) team. If Oregon doesn’t improve, especially on defense, there’s a chance the Ducks could finish 7-5 or 6-6 this year. Not exactly a banner raising win.
Iowa Football
Heat Index: 5
Trending: Down
What a horrible weekend for the Hawkeyes.
North Dakota State came into Iowa City and not only beat the Hawkeyes, but dominated them in the trenches, especially in the second half. For team like Iowa, there’s no excuse for getting pushed around by a FCS team, even its a good one like the Bison. Despite having one of the best QB’s in the Big Ten in CJ Beathard, it’s a huge red flag for the Hawkeyes that they only managed -7 rushing yards in the second half. If Iowa can’t run the ball, it’s going to be a long season in Iowa City.
On a side note, why Iowa ever scheduled this game is completely beyond me. If Iowa would have beaten NDSU, it would be viewed as a mediocre win, at best. Worst case (which is how it played out) it’s a loss to a lower division team, which 100 percent cooked whatever slim chances Iowa had of making the playoff anyway.
Still, don’t read everything into this loss. Iowa is still one of the top three teams in the Big Ten West, and have their entire conference slate in front of them. It would be foolish for anyone to take them lightly going forward - they’re still a talented, and now very pissed off, football team.
Iowa State Football
Heat Index: 2
Trending: Down
The quarterback derby continues for the Cyclones. Both Joel Lanning (12-21, 127 yards), and Jacob Park (7-15, 90 yards) played in the game, but neither player particularly well, which makes you wonder if the competition will drag on another week. Or, maybe Matt Campbell will make the mistake of playing both guys long term. Who knows?
At least Lanning looked impressive running the ball at times, including an 8-yard TD run where he simply pushed the pile into the end zone.
Defensively? Safe to say ISU is still a work in progress…
The Cyclones didn’t really look like a Big 12 team in the loss to TCU (the game was basically over at halftime), but do have a chance to grab a win this weekend against San Jose State. Iowa State is a slight favorite (51.4% chance of winning) according to ESPN’s FPI.
Kansas City Chiefs
Heat Index: 5
Trending: Down
Week 1 ended with a thrilling, come from behind victory for the Chiefs.
Week 2? It was a field-goal derby loss to the Texans. The teams combined to make eight kicks in the game.
Kansas City could never really get their offense moving, handicapped by too many penalties and miscues. The Chiefs turned the ball over three times, which doesn’t often lead to wins on the road. It sounds like Jamal Charles will play against the Jets on Sunday, which could give the KC offense a nice shot in the arm.
