By
by Brian Brashaw
A five-game losing streak may or may not be something to panic about, considering the team lost 14 straight from 1993-1994, though it certainly leaves room for improvement.
Facing Midwestern State this Saturday, the Maverick football team looks to get into the win column and out of the five-game skid, which dates back to the last three games in 2001.
To do this, the Mavericks will have to establish their running attack. In their first two games, the Mavericks compiled more yards in the air than on the ground, something uncharacteristic for a running team.
Although the passing game has shown signs of success, getting the Mavericks into Northwest Missouri State territory twice in the second half of last Saturday’s game, the running attack couldn’t break the plane. UNO ended up with just three points on the two drives at a time when 10 points would have put the Mavericks in the thick of the game.
Trey Guidry played exceptionally better, completing 11 of 18 passes for 177 yards. Ryan Krause again had a good game with 81 yards on five receptions. But again the rushing game struggled to gain just 118 net yards.
On the defensive side, UNO twice stood the Bearcats up on the goal line, and was almost single-handedly responsible for keeping the Mavericks in the game during the first half.
Taiwo Onatolu led the team with 11 tackles, six solo, three for a loss.
The defense will need to be strong as Saturday’s opponent, Midwestern State, has averaged 29 points per game. The Indians lost a nail-biter to Division I-AA No. 12 Sam Houston State last Saturday and will pose another non-conference challenge.
Midwestern State featured a balanced attack on offense, gaining over 200 yards rushing in each of their first two games and throwing for a total of 310 yards and three touchdowns.
However, the defense may be suspect. The Indians have given up 26 points in each of their first two games.
The Mavericks look to start two new streaks that ended this year and keep another. With the return home the Mavericks could start a new home winning streak, the last of which was snapped by UNK. The five-game losing streak would also come to an end.
A bigger accomplishment awaits the Mavericks, however. UNO must get back to their winning ways before beginning conference play next weekend. UNO has won the conference every other year since 1996 and this year is on schedule. But are the Mavericks?
Redemption and turnaround may come Saturday at 1 p.m. at Caniglia Field.
