Thursday, October 25, 2007

Aggies 36, Huskers 14

Did y'all think I forgot about the Huskers, or wrote them off as so many others have already done? I will admit, my faith in a positive close to what's left of the football season is all but gone, but that's certainly not why there was no prediction post last week, or post-game comments at the beginning of this week. I'll get to all of that in a minute.

First, just a couple of comments on the Lady Huskers. Since I last talked about the volleyball team after a sweep of Iowa State, the Huskers have faced Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Hawaii, all of whom they swept three games to none. The Huskers had an amazing two-month run in which not a single game was lost. Fast forward to last night, and the highly-anticipated matchup with the fifth-ranked Longhorns of Texas University. This game had all the hype as #1 Nebraska took their show on the road to a sold-out arena, and a very hostile environment in Austin.

I will admit that I don't know a whole bunch about the technical game of volleyball, so the few times I've been afforded the opportunity to watch the Huskers this season, I've merely watched them score more points than their opponent. I really have no idea how high the level of play has been, because I don't understand the intricacies of the game itself. That said, even I could sense how tight the Huskers played last night. They were punched, and they didn't quite seem to know how to punch back. The Longhorns came to play last night, and right away put the Huskers in a position they have not been in a long time. In fact, I would go so far as to say the Huskers were not ever really that close. Texas dominated, the crowd was very much a factor, and Nebraska left Austin with a strong dose of their own medicine having been swept three games to none. They come home to face Missouri on Saturday, and we can only hope they will come out firing on all cylinders. Given Coach Cook's track record in similar situations, my guess is he'll have his squad ready to play. In fact, I almost feel sorry for Missouri, as they may be the target of the Huskers' frustrations.

On to football, "and the hits just keep on comin'...."

As I mentioned, I did not have a chance to post my usual Friday night prediction last week prior to the Huskers' game against Texas A&M. Had I the opportunity, however, I wold have guessed that Nebraska would pull out a win. I would have told you that of the five teams remaining on the Huskers' schedule, A&M would be the weakest, and the Huskers could statistically go toe-to-toe with them. I would have told you that all of the goings-on in the NU athletic department last week would be turned into motivation for the Huskers to come out on Saturday and play for pride in representing their tradition-rich program.

I would have been wrong. I was wrong. At least to an extent.

Saturday's Big Red performance solidified for me a glaring issue with the current Husker football program. Coach Callahan is bad. Really bad. I have supported him and his attempts to get this thing turned around, but the last few weeks have made it increasingly difficult to understand his coaching decisions. His squad is loaded with big-time talent, yet the play-calling is confusing, at best, as Callahan seems less and less interested in exploiting the strengths of this team. I try not to be overly-critical, and I probably fail, but it is frustrating when the guys who are not getting it done on the field are consistently given the starting nod. Yet when the backups come in, they continue to show flashes of brilliance far and above those who are starting. Or when a defensive scheme is working wonders against an opponent, said scheme is suddenly and inexplicably abandoned for one that doesn't work. I have to think this is more a coaching fault than player fault.

Anyway, looking ahead, Nebraska has four games to go; at Texas, at Kansas, vs. Kansas State, and at Colorado. Three of the four games are on the road, and all of them against top-25 ranked opponents. I've seen no reason over the course of the last month to believe that Nebraska stands a chance to win a single game from here on out. That said, I can only hope the Huskers can put behind them what has transpired thus far, and just play football. There's no reason to play tight, or cautiously, as there is nothing left for which to play except pride. And pride can be a dangerous weapon. Might as well let it all hang out, Big Red, and hope for an upset or two. Maybe in the process, they can win back some of those big-time recruits who have wavered from their oral commitments over the last couple of weeks.

As far as this Saturday, I'm going to give you my prediction a bit early. The Longhorns have a bunch yet to play for after dropping a game to Kansas State a few weeks ago. They are slowly climbing back into the BCS picture, and stubbing another toe against Nebraska would be embarrassing. The Big Red will collide with the Burnt Orange in Austin on Saturday, but it won't be much of a collision. Texas rolls; Longhorns 45, Huskers 10.

Times are tough in Husker Nation right now. But these are the times in which we grow. These are the times in which we learn. These are the times that help make winning that much sweeter. And these are the times that help the Big Red Faithful appreciate the values on which our beloved program was built. It might be awhile, but the Huskers will be back. Mark my words, the Huskers will be back.

GO BIG RED!!!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Have I Lost My Mind?

It's been quite some time since I posted anything about my continuing efforts in the healthy living arena. I haven't really lost a bunch more since I finally hit the 100-pound mark, though the weight continues to trickle off a little at a time. I'm not so much obsessed with the scale as I once was, opting for just a weekly weight check as opposed to the daily infatuations to which I had become accustomed. I'm not as concerned about losing the weight as long as I continue to eat properly and exercise daily. I'm confident it will continue to come drop off.

You may remember my discussion a few weeks ago about Cesar Millan and his book, Cesar's Way, and my goal of whipping our female pooch, Xena, into shape. That process has gone very well, as we continue to walk/run each night after I get home from work. Xena, as of today, has lost half a pound. That may not seem like much, but to a 12-pound ankle-biter, that's a bunch! She's looking great and obviously feeling much better, as she has a little bit more pep in her step.

So how is all of this related? Well, I have found myself pushing harder and harder each night when the dogs and I go out for our exercise, and am getting closer to being able to run the entire distance, which is about three miles. I'm not setting any land-speed records, but being able to run a long distance is something I never dreamed would happen. I'm just not much of a runner, and never have been really interested in it. Until now. I have found that I thoroughly enjoy running, for the most part, and have decided it would be quite a thrill to be able to someday run a marathon. Yes, I said it - RUN A MARATHON!

Now, I realize I have a very long way to go before I'm in any shape to accomplish such a feat, but I've decided to make a run at it, no pun intended. I checked out the Lincoln Marathon's website this morning, and I think it possible to shoot for running the May, 2009 race. I'm going to consult with a few friends who are experienced runners, and begin seriously training with that date in mind! As I said, I have a long way to go, but what an accomplishment when I get there. Wish me luck, and for those of you who are reading this and have run marathons in the past, or are regular runners and can offer tips and advice, I welcome any suggestions with open arms.

And who knows? Maybe Xena will join me in 2009. Do they allow dogs to enter marathons?

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Restore the Order

The last couple of days have been quite the whirlwind in Husker Nation. If you don't follow Husker athletics (which is beyond my capacity for rational thought, people), then you may not be aware that Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson was fired on Monday, and Tom Osborne was hired yesterday as the new AD. This latest turn of events has been all the talk in every small-town barber shop, market, and Mom and Pop cafe across the plains of Nebraska. Dare I say, this is exactly what needed to happen for the University.

When he was originally hired, Pederson seemed like the perfect choice to lead the athletic department at Nebraska. He is from North Platte, graduated from the University, was on the athletic department staff, and had deep roots and knowledge of Nebraska tradition and philosophy. All of that came crashing down when he opted to fire head football coach Frank Solich after a 9-3 season. How he handled the firing, and the subsequent hiring of Bill Callahan, did not settle well with the Husker faithful. His management style, slyness, and refusal to keep fans and athletic department staff apprised of the goings-on from his office, ultimately led to his dismissal. He has done a few things right, but far more wrong.

Enter Tom Osborne. A huge sense of relief is settling over Husker Nation now, as T.O. will bring with him the knowledge and understanding of what makes Nebraska unique. Hard work, dedication, honesty and integrity. All the things which the University of Nebraska was built on, and all of the traits which seem to have been lost in the name of big-time coaches, flashy resumes, and eight-pound playbooks.

Meanwhile, there's still nearly a half-season of football to be played. It will be interesting to see how the players and coaches respond after all the distractions this week. Especially since Callahan and Company have to figure they will be out of a job by the end of the season. Some would argue if Callahan can win out, he'll keep his job. That's a tall order given the level of play he's gotten from his club the last few weeks, and given the brutal schedule he'll face the rest of the way. It all remains to be seen, and the drama which will unfold over the next six weeks will for sure keep Husker Nation captivated.

Welcome back, Dr. Tom.

Restore the Order.

GO BIG RED!!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Cowboys 45, Huskers 14

The past day-and-a-half have been pretty miserable as I've tried to compose myself enough to figure out what to say this morning after the ugliness that was Husker football on Saturday. If you don't already know, Oklahoma State came into Memorial Stadium and made Nebraska look silly as they sliced and diced their way to a 38-0 half-time lead, and went on to blow the Huskers out of their own house. To say it was ugly, actually, is to make it better than it really was. It was beyond anything that I've ever witnessed in all my years has a Husker fan. It was indescribable. What the loss did was force me to ask some tough questions about the state of Nebraska football. Could it be that life amongst the nation's college football elite is a thing of the past for the Huskers? The term parity has been thrown around quite a bit lately in these parts. Parity: functional equality. Any given team can beat any given team on any given day in any given situation on any given grounds. Parity. There is certainly a good argument for parity in college football, and particularly Nebraska football. As my good friend and Kansas native Jeff Clinger pointed out the other day, who would have thought the Kansas Jayhawks would be 6-0 at this point in the season, and the mighty Huskers a struggling 4-3?

But I digress, and you know what? I'm going to step away from all of those questions and thoughts and grumblings and frustrations for a moment. There are so many things wrong with the Husker football program right now, and I'm tired of trying to pick it all apart and figure it all out. Instead, I'm going to travel a different direction with this topic. I was on my way home from dropping my son off at school this rainy morning, and as usual, had the radio tuned to ESPN Radio. Colin Cowherd had just begun his morning show, and was discussing the New England Patriots' win over the Dallas Cowboys yesterday. He marveled at how fantastic Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the New England offense is, and how we will be praising this team as one of football's greatest in years to come. He also addressed the critics who say New England is overrated, and who blame the media for over-hyping the Patriots.

During his spin on the critics, Cowherd went into our culture's tendency and desire to try and find something negative in everything good. We pick apart anything and everything, and fail to appreciate the greatness in something or someone. Cowherd cited television as one of the areas we are so critical of, instead of realizing all of the fantastic programming available. 'If you can't find something worth watching out of over six-hundred channels, that's a "you" problem, not a t.v. problem,' he said. Cowherd really got my attention when he started in on religion as one of the areas we pick apart. Instead of worrying about what's right and what's not right, can't we just appreciate the smiles on people's faces and how good a preacher makes someone feel during and after a worship service? He suggested we appreciate things for what they are, rather than for what they are not.

Back to football - Cowherd suggested instead of finding things wrong with the Patriots, that we simply marvel at the offensive masterpiece they have created. Of course, there is no masterpiece right now at Nebraska, and not much at which to marvel. Still, there are some things we can appreciate. Freshman running-back sensation Quentin Castille is making some pretty big plays, and was a blast to watch on Saturday. Quarterback Sam Keller, though he's stumbled a few times lately, is still fun to watch when he zings a pass. The big offensive line is beginning to gel and holds a pretty bright future once they perfect their technique.

Don't get me wrong. I would love to see the Huskers winning, and see the program going in a different direction. As I mentioned, there are many, many things wrong with life in Husker Nation right now. With just five games left, though, I think it's time I start looking at what is bright and promising. Texas A&M comes to Lincoln next week, which is another chance to perfect our running game and work on the defensive techniques. Maybe, just maybe, the Huskers can get a win.

GO BIG RED!!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Game #7

Well, another Friday night has arrived and thus, another "Husker Eve." We are halfway through the season, and life in Husker Nation is not has rosy as most fans, including myself, had hoped. The thought of 6-0 at this point in the season would have been more than anyone really expected. 5-1 and in control of the Big XII North would have been at least somewhat more reasonable. But, alas! Here we sit at a fragile 4-2, and the rest of the season in jeopardy. As I mentioned last week, the Huskers are going to have to fight for their lives every week from here on out, and I'll be surprised if they are able to improve on last year's North division-winning achievement. A trip back to the conference title game seems unlikely, at this point.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys come into Lincoln tomorrow as Nebraska celebrates its 2007 homecoming. OSU is playing very well these days, and will look to beat the Huskers in Lincoln for the first time in about a gazillion years. I don't remember exactly what the figure is, but I know I wasn't alive the last time the Cowboys beat the 'Skers in Lincoln. Unfortunately, I don't think the Cowboys really care about that figure. They have every reason to believe they can and will beat us tomorrow, and on paper, they will.

Nebraska's coaches made some changes this week, however, and I think it was the right thing to do. A few starters were relegated to back-up roles, while others were moved to different positions. The general feeling, based on player comments this past week, was one of confusion. It seems many of the players, on defense especially, have been somewhat confused and/or hesitant as to their assignments once the ball is snapped. I get the feeling that the coaches have made some moves this week in an effort to send a message. If you expect to wear a Blackshirt and play defense at the University of Nebraska, you had better know what you are doing, you had better display confidence, and you had better pound the hell of anyone who gets in your way. This seems to be the message, and I'm hoping it will work.

'Tis sad we are halfway through the season, though, and such changes are still taking place. It's not a good sign, and does not provide much confidence that Callahan and company will right this ship. The first game of the rest of the season is tomorrow, and Nebraska had better take it very seriously. It may not be pretty. In fact, it may just be downright ugly, but I think Nebraska will get it done tomorrow. The certainly won't throttle the Cowboys by any stretch, and I don't think they will throttle anyone the rest of the way. But for now, a win is a win. Huskers 34, Cowboys 31.

The Lady Huskers continue to roll, as they traveled to Boulder, Colorado last Saturday and beat the Buffaloes three games to none. Then on Wednesday, the Cyclones of Iowa State came into the Coliseum, but left without winning a game. Undefeated, and unmatched!

GO BIG RED!!!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Tigers 41, Huskers 6

Agonizing is the only word I can find to describe Saturday's Husker debacle in Columbia, Missouri. I've been following Nebraska football for many years now, and have witnessed my share of heartbreaking losses and unexpected upsets. But I have never experienced the kind of emotion I felt after Saturday's game. It wasn't just a stinging loss, or a heartbreaking one. Even terming it an ugly loss doesn't quite do it. This one cut right to the very soul of Husker Nation. It hurt, and it hurt bad. The mediocrity, which athletic director Steve Pederson promised to avoid in hiring Bill Callahan and company to coach the football program, has emerged. And it does not feel good in the least. Yes, Nebraska Football has officially become mediocre, and even that would be a kind term.

I have been told to quit living in the past, as the Huskers aren't what they were in the '90's and they never again will be that good. The term parody gets thrown around quite a bit these days in Husker Nation. I know losing is part of sports, part of the game, part of what makes the world go 'round. I can accept this, and I have done so. What I can't accept, especially when it comes to the Huskers, are the kinds of losses experienced on Saturday night. It was a complete and thorough breakdown, from the coaches and the gameplan to the players and the execution. At no time was Nebraska even in the game, much less making it competitive. I can handle getting beat by a better team - and Missouri was definitely the better team - but to be embarrassed? That's a tough pill to swallow. To slip into mediocrity and beyond? Ouch.

The Tiger defense was circling the drain coming into Saturday night's game, as they ranked near the bottom most categories. Yet Nebraska never made it into the end zone in making Missouri's defense look like a pretty good unit. Did I mention embarrassing? And to think I had a good feeling coming into this highly-anticipated season. As I peruse the rest of the schedule, it would not surprise me if Nebraska is unable to win again, assuming we continue to play as we did Saturday. I mentioned in my prediction post last week that Saturday's game would give me a clue as to how the rest of the season might play out, and I certainly hoped for some reason to be excited. Instead, I'm scared to death. Never-the-less......

GO BIG RED!!!

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Game #6

It's gameday again, and the Huskers take their show on the road this week to Columbia, Missouri, to battle the Tigers of the University of Missouri. This highly-anticipated matchup has all the makings of a huge game, with much at stake, including the driver's seat to the Big XII North division title. The Tigers were pre-season picked to win the Big XII North, but the Huskers have different ideas as they look to post their biggest victory yet this season.

It is my belief that this game will speak volumes as to just how far the Huskers have come under the tutelage of Bill Callahan, and will give an idea as to what we can expect for the rest of the season. It's going to be an extremely difficult game, as the high-flying Missouri offense will try to score early and often in taking advantage of an unproven Blackshirt defense. The environment is sure to be hostile-at-best, as the Tiger faithful will be loud and obnoxious come the 8:15 p.m. kickoff. The Huskers have the talent, I believe, to be successful against these odds, but it's going to take a perfect game-plan and great execution on both sides of the ball. Nebraska will need to put it all together this week and play their best game of the season. On the road at a rowdy Faurot Field with all the odds against them will make the task of winning a tough one.

But it can be done. The Huskers will come to play football today. Nasty, dirty, smash-mouth football. Missouri expects to win this game today based on the comments from some of their players and even their head coach. Pride is on the line, and Nebraska still has lots of it. They will show today that playing football at the University of Nebraska is no joke. Nebraska travels to Missouri today, and hands the Tigers an upset in their own house. Huskers 38, Tigers 32.

GO BIG RED!!!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Hang in there....

Greetings dear readers. For those of you who are not into sports and could care less about the Huskers, the last few weeks have probably made you wonder if I will ever post anything worth reading before the end of the football and/or volleyball season. I very much recognize that I have not talked about much since my beloved Huskers began playing ball this year, and I do have a reason.

A few weeks ago, a letter to the editor was printed in the Lincoln paper which was authored by the head pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church, and endorsed by some 21 other area pastors. The topic of the letter was homosexuality, and how Christians should or should not respond. As to be expected, the letter sparked a plethora of reponses, and the discussion has been ongoing ever since. I have begun working on a series of posts in regards to this letter and its subsequent responses, but I have chosen not to publish the posts until they are completed. I am close to being done, and will begin my discussion and perspective within the next several days. As always, I appreciate your patience and understanding!

That said, I had the pleasure of watching the Lady Huskers last night for the first time this season, as the local University channel broadcasted their match. Top-ranked Nebraska hosted #17 Kansas State at the Coliseum, and it was yet another sweep for the Huskers. The first two games were not close, but the Wildcats hung in there during the third game and played rather well. Still, Nebraska won and remains unbeaten and unchallenged.

GO BIG RED!!!!