Column:

Blame falls on Gabbert for loss

Even considering the excuse of the rain, Gabbert threw the game away.

By Matt Gerstner

Published Oct. 13, 2009

With 10:34 left in the fourth quarter, Nebraska was up 20-12, kicking off to the Tigers.

What the hell happened? It was only five minutes! I always figured the apocalypse would take longer than five minutes. Little did I know it only took 4:26 and two interceptions.

I only wish that I was in my warm, cozy apartment watching the game on TV. Unfortunately, I was with the rest of the MU faithful, fighting hypothermia and the urge to throw something at the Husker fans.

The gold- and plastic-clad fans sat through non-stop rain for four quarters with no PA system, no audio, sloppy football (or some kind of water rugby game), sloppy officiating and, most annoying of all, the "Go Big Red" chants.

You hate to do it. After a game like that, you don't like to have to blame someone. They already feel terrible.

But the fact of the matter is sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert lost it for the Tigers.

All game, Gabbert made errant passes, some that should've been picked off early in the game. But it was only a matter of time before the Husker defense started to actually pick them off. Gabbert just had to throw it to the defensive linemen instead of the defensive backs before the drops became picks.

Some of the passes I can chalk up to the rain. But on both his interceptions, he was read like a book. He was in love with his target; his eyes never left it.

I realize Gabbert was working with one ankle, but that had nothing to do with his decision-making. The lack of a running game and sometimes-shaky offensive line didn't help things, but when the game is on the line, you have to give your team a chance to win, or keep the lead in this case.

Late in the game, Gabbert refused to throw the ball. He had plenty of time. I'm sure all receivers were covered to some extent, but you have to give your receivers a chance. You will not convert third-and-20 by scrambling. You're not Michael Vick.

The defense had played solid all game, until Nebraska got the ball inside the Tigers' 20-yard line. Obviously, the second touchdown should have been picked off. Two guys in the end zone covering one Husker, you got to get your moon shoes and get up and get that ball. But Nebraska shouldn't have been there in the first place. Gabbert literally threw the game away.

I know I'm being hard on him. He's just a sophomore. He's going to make these mistakes at some point or another. Might as well get them out of the way early. He'll be fine. Maybe this game will help in the long run.

If Oklahoma State junior wide receiver Dez Bryant were in the game, I'd give Missouri no chance next week, once again on national television. But since Bryant got a little antsy for the NFL Draft and was ruled ineligible (Oklahoma State is trying to get him reinstated to play), the Tigers definitely have a chance to bounce back in a big way against the Pokes.

To the other fall sports: I promise I have not forgotten about you. But people love football. It's what I know. But I promise I do not hate you. Volleyball, I have my eye on you for next week.