I hate shopping. In fact, I despise it. I have absolutely no need to spend countless hours bouncing around shopping malls and department stores browsing through items I most likely don't need and probably couldn't afford anyway. Shopping, at least in the traditional sense, is torture. I'm the kind of person who knows exactly what I need, I go get it, I come home. Done. Nothing to it. You might, on occasion, find me browsing the power tools aisles at Menard's, but that's only when I have a few extra minutes to kill for some reason. I hate shopping.
All of that said, there are two very distinct situations in which I will engage in a traditional, stereotypical shopping trip: 1.) When my three-year-old-princess/daughter has me all to herself and requests to go to the store to look around. Because said princess has me wrapped around her little finger like a good little Daddy, I can't resist her big blue "pretty please" eyes whenever she decides a shopping trip is in order. Sigh. What can I say? 2.) Christmas is just around the corner, and Mandi and I have scheduled our annual shopping trip in which we spend one gigantic, long, huge, massive afternoon wiping our entire list of needed gifts. It's The Granddaddy Shopping Trip of Them All.
Today was the day for The Granddaddy. and Mandi and I were armed and ready. We were especially prepared because we decided at the beginning of this year to budget our savings contributions in order to accommodate Christmas, so there was no big dent in our checkbook, and no use of credit cards. Our mission began shortly before 1100 hours this morning when Grandma arrived to stay with the girls. Mandi and I hit the ground running, and our first stop was Toys R (I can't figure out how to make the 'R' a backwards one, like it's supposed to be) Us. It only took us about 80 minutes there, and everyone of the kids in the family was crossed off the list. Next stop: lunch. When engaged in such a massive operation, the only thing truly nourishing is a trip through the local Chinese buffet. And so it was for us, although after eating so healthy over the course of the last year, it wasn't quite as tasty. Nevertheless, it served us well, and at approximately 1300 hours we were off to Office Depot to find some holiday stationary on which to print our Christmas letter. Mission accomplished.
We have been on the market for a new digital camera to replace the hand-me-down which recently went to its grave. Lo and behold, what should be right across the street from Office Depot but a Best Buy. Oh yeah, baby, we were on a roll! We walked out of Best Buy 37 minutes later as proud owners of a new digital camera, then decided it was high-time to head downtown and patronize the God-send of all ice cream shops, Coldstone. Mmmmmm....ice cream. After filling our bellies with ice cream, we ran to Wal-Mart to finish our shopping. Now this is where our trip really took a form of shopping art. We were up against the clock during this last leg because we had to pick up our son from school. All told, we had approximately 40 minutes to get in, get out, and head to the school. We strategized on the way there, and we each had our assignments. I dropped Mandi off at the front door so she could get a head start, and once I found a place to park, I was off. It was a beautiful plan, executed to perfection, right up until our checker decided to chat with us as she restocked her plastic bags at a painfully slow rate. A little urging from Mandi, though, and she stepped it up and got us out of the Evil Empire that is Wal-Mart. Mission completed at 1540 hours.
All told, it was a great day. Mandi and I spent some quality time together, enjoyed each other, and completed the daunting task of our Christmas shopping. And, I won't have to go shopping for a very, very long time. I think I still have that glazed look. I hate shopping.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Long Time Coming
Nearly seven months ago, Mandi and I made the difficult decision to not allow Kaedyn's biological father (Andy) to continue with his court-ordered visitation schedule because we felt Andy was exposing Kaedyn to an environment which was simply not healthy. We also felt Kaedyn was placed at risk, both mentally and physically, due to the kinds of activities in which Andy chose to engage, even when he was with Kaedyn. The decision to stop visitation was not a difficult one with regards to Kaedyn's well-being, rather it was difficult because we put ourselves at risk in that we knew we would technically be in contempt of court since the visitation schedule was court-ordered. We did not, however, permanently ban Andy from seeing Kaedyn. We simply told him we needed to sit down and discuss our concerns before he would be allowed to see Kaedyn again.
As I said, that was nearly seven months ago, and we have not heard anything from Andy. No phone calls, no letters, no contact. Period. Not even one attempt. In Nebraska, it is possible to begin child-abandonment proceedings if a parent has had no contact with a child for six months. I mention this because in order for me to adopt Kaedyn, which has been a goal since Mandi and I met nearly seven years ago, one of two events must occur: 1. Andy must voluntarily forfeit his parental rights, or 2. Andy must have no contact with Kaedyn for six months, thereby falling under the Nebraska statutes of child abandonment.
The chances of Andy voluntarily giving up his parental rights were zero percent, at best. Our only hope was for Andy to discontinue contact with Kaedyn for a period of six months, and that has now come to pass. It was a long, painful wait, as just one phone call or letter would have reset the clock, so to speak. Mandi and I met with an attorney this morning, who feels our chances of winning this case are very good. We are fortunate in that this particular attorney has dealt with Andy before, so is familiar with his character, or lack thereof. The papers will be filed either yet today or tomorrow, and Andy should be served within a week.
We honestly have no clue how Andy will respond. If he chooses to contest, he will need to hire an attorney and we don't believe he has the resources to do so. As our attorney pointed out this morning, however, people can become quite creative when the need for money exists. We are excited about our chances, but cautiously moving forward as we realize there are a number of things we simply can't control. Who knows what God has in store for us, and all we can do now is pray. As this process carries on, I will continue to provide updates. In the meantime, please keep us, and especially Kaedyn, in your prayers.
As I said, that was nearly seven months ago, and we have not heard anything from Andy. No phone calls, no letters, no contact. Period. Not even one attempt. In Nebraska, it is possible to begin child-abandonment proceedings if a parent has had no contact with a child for six months. I mention this because in order for me to adopt Kaedyn, which has been a goal since Mandi and I met nearly seven years ago, one of two events must occur: 1. Andy must voluntarily forfeit his parental rights, or 2. Andy must have no contact with Kaedyn for six months, thereby falling under the Nebraska statutes of child abandonment.
The chances of Andy voluntarily giving up his parental rights were zero percent, at best. Our only hope was for Andy to discontinue contact with Kaedyn for a period of six months, and that has now come to pass. It was a long, painful wait, as just one phone call or letter would have reset the clock, so to speak. Mandi and I met with an attorney this morning, who feels our chances of winning this case are very good. We are fortunate in that this particular attorney has dealt with Andy before, so is familiar with his character, or lack thereof. The papers will be filed either yet today or tomorrow, and Andy should be served within a week.
We honestly have no clue how Andy will respond. If he chooses to contest, he will need to hire an attorney and we don't believe he has the resources to do so. As our attorney pointed out this morning, however, people can become quite creative when the need for money exists. We are excited about our chances, but cautiously moving forward as we realize there are a number of things we simply can't control. Who knows what God has in store for us, and all we can do now is pray. As this process carries on, I will continue to provide updates. In the meantime, please keep us, and especially Kaedyn, in your prayers.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
'It Is Finished'
This weeks' plethora of activities surrounding Thanksgiving did not allow time for my usual Husker football commentary and prediction before gameday. My thoughts on the game would have been way off anyway, as I felt as though Nebraska had found something to build on after throttling Kansas State a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday's final in Boulder was an excruciating 65-51 in favor of Colorado, leaving the Huskers with a mark of 5-7, unqualified for a bowl game, and a second losing season in just four years under Bill Callahan. It has been an awkward, painful ride under Callahan's guidance over the past four years, and especially this season. It took me quite a long time to figure out that Callahan was never quite the right fit for NU. Funny how winning, or even the anticipation of, will cloud the vision of even the most tenured and knowledgeable fan, but looking back over the past four years, I can now clearly see, even in Callahan's successes, how he was just not quite right for Nebraska.
The 2007 Nebraska Football campaign came to an end as the final second ticked off the clock in Boulder yesterday, and Athletic Director Tom Osborn wasted no time in meeting with the coaching staff this morning, then announcing the end of the Callahan and Company era at NU. The national search for a new coach has begun, and with all of the college football resignations and firings across the nation, I'm not even going to begin to speculate as to who might be our next coach. I have my hopes, and a couple of ideas in mind, but I'm just going to sit back and watch it unfold. I admit my exhaustion and numbness after what has transpired this season, which probably means I put way too much into Nebraska football. What can I say? I love the sport itself, and I love the Huskers even more. It's just who I am. I will anxiously follow the search for a new head coach, and will anxiously await a decision, but I'm not interested in slicing and dicing the possibilities and scenarios. I'm tired, and ready to move on from this torturous and disappointing season.
I will say this in farewell to Callahan: he's a fighter to the bitter end. I think he's handling all of this with as much class as a person in his position can, as it is not an easy task to be a head football coach at Nebraska. Callahan never blamed his players or his staff for the downward spiral of the program, and rarely looked for an excuse. He coached right to the very end, which was evident in yesterday's game. With 30 seconds to go in a game that had been decided several minutes before, Callahan's head was buried in his playsheet in an effort to find one more score. He was successful, as QB Joe Ganz hit senior wide-receiver Maurice Purify for a touchdown. To most of the college football world, that last score meant nothing, and may have even been laughable. But to Callahan and his players, it was a tiny ray of light in what has been an abysmal season at dear ol' Nebraska U. It was a fight to the bitter end. God-speed, Coach Callahan, and I sincerely wish you luck in whatever the future holds for you.
And so begins the off-season, and the opportunity to watch, wait, and anticipate. The program will go in a different direction, no doubt. Which direction and under whose guidance remains to be seen, but I can already feel a sense of fresh air. New coach, new system, same expectations. Hang on folks, the new ride begins here and now.
GO BIG RED!
The 2007 Nebraska Football campaign came to an end as the final second ticked off the clock in Boulder yesterday, and Athletic Director Tom Osborn wasted no time in meeting with the coaching staff this morning, then announcing the end of the Callahan and Company era at NU. The national search for a new coach has begun, and with all of the college football resignations and firings across the nation, I'm not even going to begin to speculate as to who might be our next coach. I have my hopes, and a couple of ideas in mind, but I'm just going to sit back and watch it unfold. I admit my exhaustion and numbness after what has transpired this season, which probably means I put way too much into Nebraska football. What can I say? I love the sport itself, and I love the Huskers even more. It's just who I am. I will anxiously follow the search for a new head coach, and will anxiously await a decision, but I'm not interested in slicing and dicing the possibilities and scenarios. I'm tired, and ready to move on from this torturous and disappointing season.
I will say this in farewell to Callahan: he's a fighter to the bitter end. I think he's handling all of this with as much class as a person in his position can, as it is not an easy task to be a head football coach at Nebraska. Callahan never blamed his players or his staff for the downward spiral of the program, and rarely looked for an excuse. He coached right to the very end, which was evident in yesterday's game. With 30 seconds to go in a game that had been decided several minutes before, Callahan's head was buried in his playsheet in an effort to find one more score. He was successful, as QB Joe Ganz hit senior wide-receiver Maurice Purify for a touchdown. To most of the college football world, that last score meant nothing, and may have even been laughable. But to Callahan and his players, it was a tiny ray of light in what has been an abysmal season at dear ol' Nebraska U. It was a fight to the bitter end. God-speed, Coach Callahan, and I sincerely wish you luck in whatever the future holds for you.
And so begins the off-season, and the opportunity to watch, wait, and anticipate. The program will go in a different direction, no doubt. Which direction and under whose guidance remains to be seen, but I can already feel a sense of fresh air. New coach, new system, same expectations. Hang on folks, the new ride begins here and now.
GO BIG RED!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Turkey-Day Eve Grumblings, er, Gobblings
Yesterday morning began sort of rough for me, following a long night in which Madilyn spent nearly two-and-a-half hours awake in the middle of the night. It's a long story as to why, and I won't go into the gory details. Suffice it to say when we finally convinced her to stay in bed and sleep, the lack-of-sleep damage to Mommy and Daddy had already been done. Korynne tried to be kind to us as she slept a bit later than normal, but it wasn't quite enough to overcome our needs. Needless to say, both Mandi and I woke up exhausted and not nearly ready to face the day with its new challenges and/or opportunities.
Mandi had to run several errands yesterday morning, so I thought I would seize the opportunity to spend some quality "Daddy" time with the kids. Well, that didn't work out so well since Madilyn was overly tired and cranky, Korynne is still fighting a bit of a runny nose and wasn't all that cheery, and Daddy didn't have the required amount of patience to deal with the entire situation. Kaedyn was home from school thanks to the impending holiday, but he had chosen to engage himself in a Lego project behind the closed door of his room. Smart kid, that Kaedyn, given the volatile situation outside of his room.
Instead of continuing to press the girls for some quality time, I took to working on several pie crusts I was preparing for the impending Thanksgiving Day feasts with both sides of our family. I figured maybe I could get a early sense of the holiday spirit if I spent some time doing a holiday-type activity. Maybe, just maybe, I my spirits would be lifted. Leaving the girls to fend for themselves, however, only forced them to bicker at each other and thereby created a not-so-joyous atmosphere. I had all but reached my wit's end when Mandi returned home. "Ah," I said to myself, "The reinforcements have arrived." Still, Mandi's arrival did not stop me from snapping when all three kids were standing at the back door watching the season's first snowfall and still bickering at each other. Daddy's fuse reached the end. In no uncertain terms, I told the kids they were driving me nuts and if they didn't leave my immediate area and find something with which to entertain themselves, I could not be held responsible for my actions. (And no, my verbiage was not nearly as eloquent as what I have just typed.)
Well, lunchtime came and went without incident and when we were finished eating, I thought maybe my mind and body would best be served by suiting up and taking the dogs for a run. As I prepared to do just that, Kaedyn asked if he could go along, and I readily agreed since I figured some fresh air would do him good as well. We bundled up to face the cold weather, strapped up the dogs, and the four of us headed out. It was a good run, and I felt 100% better afterwards.
After returning home, Kaedyn decided to hang out in the backyard and play around in the snow. It wasn't too long before I heard a thud on the window next to which I was sitting. Upon my investigation, I found Kaedyn's rosy-red cheeks and big smile as he pointed at the remnants of the snowball he'd just thrown. I realized he was calling me out. He had just declared war. It was on! I threw on a sweatshirt and gloves, stepped outside, and for twenty glorious minutes we pasted each other with snowballs and laughter. It was a great time, and snapped me out of my funk for the day.
After a quick shower before work, I came out into the kitchen to find Kaedyn in the midst of preparing himself a cup of hot cocoa. Folks, there's just nothing like a good snowball fight and an ensuing cup of hot cocoa to put a guy in the mood for the holiday season! Thanks to my eight-year-old and his ability to make me feel like a kid again, I was feeling much better by the time I headed out the door for work. I drove to work in silence, and just enjoyed the waning afternoon snowfall. As I got into downtown, it was fun to watch the city's public works employees putting the strands of holiday lights on the trees.
Despite the rough beginning, the day ended on a wonderful and warm note, and officially launched my spirit into holiday mode. Today is Thanksgiving, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate. My prayer is for each of you to take a few, silent moments thinking about all those little things which add to your holiday spirit. Count them as blessings, and may your Thanksgiving be one of joyous celebration.
Mandi had to run several errands yesterday morning, so I thought I would seize the opportunity to spend some quality "Daddy" time with the kids. Well, that didn't work out so well since Madilyn was overly tired and cranky, Korynne is still fighting a bit of a runny nose and wasn't all that cheery, and Daddy didn't have the required amount of patience to deal with the entire situation. Kaedyn was home from school thanks to the impending holiday, but he had chosen to engage himself in a Lego project behind the closed door of his room. Smart kid, that Kaedyn, given the volatile situation outside of his room.
Instead of continuing to press the girls for some quality time, I took to working on several pie crusts I was preparing for the impending Thanksgiving Day feasts with both sides of our family. I figured maybe I could get a early sense of the holiday spirit if I spent some time doing a holiday-type activity. Maybe, just maybe, I my spirits would be lifted. Leaving the girls to fend for themselves, however, only forced them to bicker at each other and thereby created a not-so-joyous atmosphere. I had all but reached my wit's end when Mandi returned home. "Ah," I said to myself, "The reinforcements have arrived." Still, Mandi's arrival did not stop me from snapping when all three kids were standing at the back door watching the season's first snowfall and still bickering at each other. Daddy's fuse reached the end. In no uncertain terms, I told the kids they were driving me nuts and if they didn't leave my immediate area and find something with which to entertain themselves, I could not be held responsible for my actions. (And no, my verbiage was not nearly as eloquent as what I have just typed.)
Well, lunchtime came and went without incident and when we were finished eating, I thought maybe my mind and body would best be served by suiting up and taking the dogs for a run. As I prepared to do just that, Kaedyn asked if he could go along, and I readily agreed since I figured some fresh air would do him good as well. We bundled up to face the cold weather, strapped up the dogs, and the four of us headed out. It was a good run, and I felt 100% better afterwards.
After returning home, Kaedyn decided to hang out in the backyard and play around in the snow. It wasn't too long before I heard a thud on the window next to which I was sitting. Upon my investigation, I found Kaedyn's rosy-red cheeks and big smile as he pointed at the remnants of the snowball he'd just thrown. I realized he was calling me out. He had just declared war. It was on! I threw on a sweatshirt and gloves, stepped outside, and for twenty glorious minutes we pasted each other with snowballs and laughter. It was a great time, and snapped me out of my funk for the day.
After a quick shower before work, I came out into the kitchen to find Kaedyn in the midst of preparing himself a cup of hot cocoa. Folks, there's just nothing like a good snowball fight and an ensuing cup of hot cocoa to put a guy in the mood for the holiday season! Thanks to my eight-year-old and his ability to make me feel like a kid again, I was feeling much better by the time I headed out the door for work. I drove to work in silence, and just enjoyed the waning afternoon snowfall. As I got into downtown, it was fun to watch the city's public works employees putting the strands of holiday lights on the trees.
Despite the rough beginning, the day ended on a wonderful and warm note, and officially launched my spirit into holiday mode. Today is Thanksgiving, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate. My prayer is for each of you to take a few, silent moments thinking about all those little things which add to your holiday spirit. Count them as blessings, and may your Thanksgiving be one of joyous celebration.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Huskers 73, Wildcats 31
Speechless. Only this time, I'm speechless in a very good way regarding Husker Football. And it's been a long time since I've felt this good. I feel so good, in fact, that I'm just sort of spilling my thoughts into this post. There is absolutely zero organization to it whatsoever, so if you can, bare with me.
One week after suffering THE most embarrassing loss in Nebraska Football history, the Huskers stepped up to the plate and delivered what has to be the most shocking win of at least this season, and probably the last several. Joe Ganz, the Huskers back-up QB until the last few minutes of the Texas game two weeks ago, was stunning. Over five-hundred yards passing and seven touchdowns? And against a decent Kansas State outfit?? Wow! That, ladies and gentlemen, is Husker Football at its finest. By the final gun, the Huskers racked up over seven-hundred yards of offense, scoring on eleven straight possessions. Although the Husker defense allowed a silly touchdown in the last few minutes (with the backups in, mind you), they even showed some signs of emotion in their play. The team that showed up Saturday was the team I expected to see from the beginning of the season. But never mind that now, for I'm still savoring every last second of last Saturday.
Of course, this entire scenario begs the question of who should have been the starting QB all year long. I don't know that Keller was the wrong choice, but I do think Ganz should have been given a shot at some playing time long before the Texas game. Some of those games when the Huskers were getting blown out, maybe. Again, never mind that now.
There is actually a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air in Husker Nation. Believe it or not, there's gonna be a little showdown in Boulder, Colorado on the day after Thanksgiving. The annual battle between the Huskers and Buffaloes won't have any conference title implications. It won't be a fight to finish in the national rankings. And, it certainly won't mean much to the rest of the college football world. But here in prideful Husker Nation, it means a whole lot. The Huskers are 5-6, as are the Buffaloes. Both outfits need another win to become bowl eligible. The winner most-likely gets an invitation to post-season play, and the loser stays home for the holidays. Can ya feel the excitement? Can ya taste the anticipation? Okay, maybe not. But in a time when the Husker faithful have to scrounge for a little morsel of excitement, this game means everything. Look out, Boulder, here comes the BIG RED!
More on this game next week. And look for an update on the Lady Huskers in the next few days, as well as some posts I've been diligently working on and ones which I promised several weeks ago. In the meantime, and as always....
GO BIG RED!!
One week after suffering THE most embarrassing loss in Nebraska Football history, the Huskers stepped up to the plate and delivered what has to be the most shocking win of at least this season, and probably the last several. Joe Ganz, the Huskers back-up QB until the last few minutes of the Texas game two weeks ago, was stunning. Over five-hundred yards passing and seven touchdowns? And against a decent Kansas State outfit?? Wow! That, ladies and gentlemen, is Husker Football at its finest. By the final gun, the Huskers racked up over seven-hundred yards of offense, scoring on eleven straight possessions. Although the Husker defense allowed a silly touchdown in the last few minutes (with the backups in, mind you), they even showed some signs of emotion in their play. The team that showed up Saturday was the team I expected to see from the beginning of the season. But never mind that now, for I'm still savoring every last second of last Saturday.
Of course, this entire scenario begs the question of who should have been the starting QB all year long. I don't know that Keller was the wrong choice, but I do think Ganz should have been given a shot at some playing time long before the Texas game. Some of those games when the Huskers were getting blown out, maybe. Again, never mind that now.
There is actually a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air in Husker Nation. Believe it or not, there's gonna be a little showdown in Boulder, Colorado on the day after Thanksgiving. The annual battle between the Huskers and Buffaloes won't have any conference title implications. It won't be a fight to finish in the national rankings. And, it certainly won't mean much to the rest of the college football world. But here in prideful Husker Nation, it means a whole lot. The Huskers are 5-6, as are the Buffaloes. Both outfits need another win to become bowl eligible. The winner most-likely gets an invitation to post-season play, and the loser stays home for the holidays. Can ya feel the excitement? Can ya taste the anticipation? Okay, maybe not. But in a time when the Husker faithful have to scrounge for a little morsel of excitement, this game means everything. Look out, Boulder, here comes the BIG RED!
More on this game next week. And look for an update on the Lady Huskers in the next few days, as well as some posts I've been diligently working on and ones which I promised several weeks ago. In the meantime, and as always....
GO BIG RED!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Jayhawks 76, Huskers 39
Would you look at that? It's already Wednesday, and I haven't said a word about the Huskers since posting a prediction last Thursday. That's because I haven't been able to use my hands in order to write anything. You see, I just finished gathering my jaw off the ground after whatever the hell that was in Lawrence, Kansas last Saturday. To be sure, my fingers are still moving at a snail's pace as I type this, because frankly, I'm quite speechless. I continue to read articles and hear comments about how the mighty Husker ship is sinking, and sinking fast. Dare I declare, after Saturday's debacle, this ship has done sunk. It has hit rock bottom and all of its treasure of quality football is buried somewhere deep within its belly.
At least part of my prediction was true; first-time starter Joe Ganz came out firing on all cylinders, and the offense played their hearts out for him. Ganz was on fire as he threw for over 400 yards, and sliced and diced the coveted Jayhawk defense. The Huskers offense put up 39 points in the game, and 39 points will typically win you a football game. Not on this day, however. Kansas ran through the Husker's defense like they were some Pop-Warner unit in their first big game. It was ugly, and it could have easily been worse. Kansas coach Mark Mangino was merciful near the end, as he could have hung a hundred on a Big Red defense that was powerless to stop him and is offensive unit. (Jeff, if you're reading this, thanks for your retort to my prediction last week. You were right - the Jayhawks came to play despite Ganz's success. I wouldn't have been surprised to see Kansas win, but I'll admit my shock at what actually transpired.)
Rumors of a coaching change in one form or another have been far and wide in Husker Nation over the course of the last few days. So far, nothing has been said other than Bill Callahan's resolve to stay put. Interim Athletic Director Tom Osborne has also stayed firm to his original word of waiting until the end of the season to evaluate the coaching staff. My guess is Callahan won't be around much longer after the final gun sounds in Colorado on the day after Thanksgiving. He just isn't the right fit for this program, though I give him credit for trying. Honestly, I feel sorry for him. Nebraska is not a warm environment for a coach who posts the kinds of records most fans would just as soon forget. Most losses, most points allowed, greatest margin of victory (for the opposition), etc.
As for this Saturday, well, it's the final home game of the season and thus, "Senior Day." As a fan, I still have hope that these Huskers can find a way to win despite the adversity. It appears Callahan has lost this team, so if they won't play for him, I can only hope they will play for themselves and for the 29 seniors who will bid the program farewell. It's been rough for them, and certainly not the memorable experience they probably expected as freshmen. Kansas State will be here on Saturday, and you can bet they'll be licking their chops to be the next team to pound the Huskers. Despite everything, the Huskers still have something to play for, believe it or not. They still need two wins to become bowl-eligible, and they have exactly two more chances to accomplish that task. They might just find enough motivation this week to rise to the occasion. Huskers 38, Wildcats 31.
I gotta believe.
GO BIG RED!!
At least part of my prediction was true; first-time starter Joe Ganz came out firing on all cylinders, and the offense played their hearts out for him. Ganz was on fire as he threw for over 400 yards, and sliced and diced the coveted Jayhawk defense. The Huskers offense put up 39 points in the game, and 39 points will typically win you a football game. Not on this day, however. Kansas ran through the Husker's defense like they were some Pop-Warner unit in their first big game. It was ugly, and it could have easily been worse. Kansas coach Mark Mangino was merciful near the end, as he could have hung a hundred on a Big Red defense that was powerless to stop him and is offensive unit. (Jeff, if you're reading this, thanks for your retort to my prediction last week. You were right - the Jayhawks came to play despite Ganz's success. I wouldn't have been surprised to see Kansas win, but I'll admit my shock at what actually transpired.)
Rumors of a coaching change in one form or another have been far and wide in Husker Nation over the course of the last few days. So far, nothing has been said other than Bill Callahan's resolve to stay put. Interim Athletic Director Tom Osborne has also stayed firm to his original word of waiting until the end of the season to evaluate the coaching staff. My guess is Callahan won't be around much longer after the final gun sounds in Colorado on the day after Thanksgiving. He just isn't the right fit for this program, though I give him credit for trying. Honestly, I feel sorry for him. Nebraska is not a warm environment for a coach who posts the kinds of records most fans would just as soon forget. Most losses, most points allowed, greatest margin of victory (for the opposition), etc.
As for this Saturday, well, it's the final home game of the season and thus, "Senior Day." As a fan, I still have hope that these Huskers can find a way to win despite the adversity. It appears Callahan has lost this team, so if they won't play for him, I can only hope they will play for themselves and for the 29 seniors who will bid the program farewell. It's been rough for them, and certainly not the memorable experience they probably expected as freshmen. Kansas State will be here on Saturday, and you can bet they'll be licking their chops to be the next team to pound the Huskers. Despite everything, the Huskers still have something to play for, believe it or not. They still need two wins to become bowl-eligible, and they have exactly two more chances to accomplish that task. They might just find enough motivation this week to rise to the occasion. Huskers 38, Wildcats 31.
I gotta believe.
GO BIG RED!!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Longhorns 28, Huskers 25
This last week in Husker Nation has been yet another adventurous one, and it all began in Austin, Texas last Saturday. With a sure-fire pasting in order, Nebraska gave its faithful fans a glimmer of hope that all is not completely gone in this season of utter disappointment. For three glorious and wonderful quarters, the Huskers played inspired, sound, and winning football. The running game was working, the passing game was working, and Nebraska took a two-touchdown lead into what turned out to be a heart-breaking fourth quarter. Then it all went down the drain in a heart-breaking loss. Starting quarterback Sam Keller was knocked out for the season. Texas running back Jamaal Charles smoked the Blackshirts for 216 yards and three touchdowns (yes, in just the final fifteen minutes). The Longhorns prevailed in a 28-25 win over the Huskers. But that's a far cry from the three-touchdown win that most of the college football world expected out of Texas.
And so we move on to this Saturday, and a date with the Jayhawks of Kansas. There was a time not so long ago when the Huskers' annual meeting with the boys from Lawrence was a gimme. A sure "w" on the schedule, and a game that for all intents and purposes, the Huskers could look past. My, how times have changed. The 2007 Kansas Jayhawks are flying high at 8-0 and ranked about ninth in the country, and have no intentions of letting the struggling Huskers come into Lawrence and ruin their perfect season. Their defense has been stellar, and their offense not so bad, either. They are having the season of their lives.
Well, good for them. I'm really happy for them, and excited for their success. Head coach Mark Mangino has turned that program around, and has a good thing going. But it's time for a Big Red spoiler. Husker backup QB Joey Ganz is set to take the helm on Saturday, and I am one fan who thinks Ganz is better then Keller ever was. Ganz has the ability to pass, but he also has the ever-important ability to scramble, which is something Keller could not boast. I am excited for this Saturday, more excited for the Big Red to take the field than I have been in several weeks. I think the combination of confidence coming off of a pretty good performance in Texas, and a new quarterback whose team has rallied around him, will provide just the spark to get these Huskers going for the last few weeks. I smell an upset in the making, folks. Maybe I'm just starving for a win, but I think the Huskers get it done this week. Huskers 34, Jayhawks 25.
GO BIG RED!!!
And so we move on to this Saturday, and a date with the Jayhawks of Kansas. There was a time not so long ago when the Huskers' annual meeting with the boys from Lawrence was a gimme. A sure "w" on the schedule, and a game that for all intents and purposes, the Huskers could look past. My, how times have changed. The 2007 Kansas Jayhawks are flying high at 8-0 and ranked about ninth in the country, and have no intentions of letting the struggling Huskers come into Lawrence and ruin their perfect season. Their defense has been stellar, and their offense not so bad, either. They are having the season of their lives.
Well, good for them. I'm really happy for them, and excited for their success. Head coach Mark Mangino has turned that program around, and has a good thing going. But it's time for a Big Red spoiler. Husker backup QB Joey Ganz is set to take the helm on Saturday, and I am one fan who thinks Ganz is better then Keller ever was. Ganz has the ability to pass, but he also has the ever-important ability to scramble, which is something Keller could not boast. I am excited for this Saturday, more excited for the Big Red to take the field than I have been in several weeks. I think the combination of confidence coming off of a pretty good performance in Texas, and a new quarterback whose team has rallied around him, will provide just the spark to get these Huskers going for the last few weeks. I smell an upset in the making, folks. Maybe I'm just starving for a win, but I think the Huskers get it done this week. Huskers 34, Jayhawks 25.
GO BIG RED!!!
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