Wow, amazing how the week got away from me. Seemed like each day was jam-packed with activities, appointments, etc. It's hard to believe Husker Game Day is already here again, and I haven't taken the time to discuss last week's game. And, at this point, I won't. I predicted a 38-12 Husker triumph, and I'm proud to say I was pretty close. The Huskers had a quality showing in Ames, Iowa, securing a 35-7 win.
Now the Huskers are back home to face a Baylor Bears team that has long been the doormat of the Big XII Conference. Times have changed, however, and Baylor has proven they can play some football. I kind of have the feeling this is one of those games than has the potential of sneaking up on the Huskers and catching them off guard, if they're not careful. Nebraska has a recent habit of losing a game they were "supposed" to win, and I could see that trend continuing today. Baylor has an elusive, dual-threat quarterback who has the ability to scramble for a whole bunch of yards. Nebraska's defense will have to stay focused, and play assignment football in order to contain him.
There are a couple of other factors in today's game, however, that bode well for Nebraska, and should help them to break the aforementioned trend. First, Nebraska has one heck of fiery head coach, and I suspect Pelini won't lose to a squad who is clearly outmatched by his own. The Huskers, on paper, are better than Baylor. Period. And second, Nebraska returns to Memorial Stadium today after two weeks on the road. The first week, they took seventh-ranked Texas Tech to overtime before losing in a brilliant effort. And last week, they throttled Iowa State for their most complete game yet this season. And the home crowd hasn't had the opportunity to congratulate their beloved Huskers for their efforts. The stadium will be loud and boisterous, more so than usual, which will make it rather imposing for the Bears.
Huskers 42, Bears 17.
GO BIG RED!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Closure on "Spitgate"
As I anxiously await today's kickoff between the Huskers and Iowa State, I have found myself with a few extra minutes to kill before the crowd convenes on my abode to chant multiple GO BIG REDs. With that, I thought I'd write some words on a subject which has bothered me for a couple of weeks. If you are a regular reader of my thoughts via this blog, you know I'm just a bit passionate about Husker football. You also know that the Missouri Tigers were in town a couple weeks ago, and had their way with Nebraska, which was really no surprise. Because it was no surprise, and because Nebraska is a program that is using this year to re-establish itself, I'm okay with the 52-17 crushing which the Huskers endured on that fateful Saturday. Really. I'm okay with it - sure, it stung a bit, but I was prepared for that possibility.
What came out of all of the carnage was a little sidebar story, if you will, which local sportswriters termed "spitgate." My understanding is that "spitgate" was all over ESPN News and online, though I didn't care to verify by searching much for the story. In a nutshell, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel accused Nebraska of playing dirty football, even going so far as to call Nebraska one of the dirtiest teams he's ever played. He also accused one of the Husker players of spitting on him when the Tigers took the field. He didn't name names, but said the player knew who he was, and that the incident was "bush league." Both head coaches, according to the Lincoln paper the following Monday, talked about it and were satisfied that the incident was over. Nothing was confirmed, however, and nothing else was said, at least not to the public. Behind closed doors? Well, who knows?
I've always carried great pride in our program as it has built itself on character, respect for other teams, and a hard work ethic. I'm not stupid - I know the program, and specifically some of its players, have made mistakes in the past. Big mistakes. I know it's not a perfect program, but I believe the Nebraska football program is something of which its fans can be very proud. So to hear an opposing team member make such accusations? Well, that hurts worse than losing to that team by several touchdowns, as we did. As I pondered this charge by Daniel, I began to wonder just how much truth was really in his statement. He had no real reason to lie, because he kicked the crap out of Nebraska. Had he lost, or had his Heisman campaign been derailed because our team forced him to make mistakes, he might have said such a thing out of anger. But that wasn't the case. Still, how much of this kind of thing takes place on a regular basis when opposing teams, with a ton of pride in their program, meet? Was it really an isolated incident, as Daniel seems to want us to believe, or is this kind of thing just normal?
I don't know, but a local sportswriter wrote some words which really put this whole thing in perspective, at least for me. I've quoted Steven Sipple below, and then I'm done with "spitgate."
"Pelini (Nebraska's head coach) was honest and straightforward Tuesday, as always. He called Daniel's allegation "unfortunate" while reminding that there are two sides to every story.
"By no means am I calling Chase Daniel a liar," Pelini said, essentially leaving open the possibility.
This much is certain: Daniel comes off looking petty. Like a tattletale on a grade-school playground. If you're going to make such a harsh accusation, provide the name and number. Otherwise, bite your tongue and board the bus.
Whatever the truth, Pelini made it clear to his team that the alleged behavior would be forever unacceptable in his program.
The whole thing's a little ridiculous. Daniel said Nebraska was a dirty team after he was hit hard only a handful of times? C'mon, Chase.
"...bite your tongue and board the bus." That's what I'm talking about. Well said, Mr. Sipple. Thanks for the closure.
GO BIG RED!!
What came out of all of the carnage was a little sidebar story, if you will, which local sportswriters termed "spitgate." My understanding is that "spitgate" was all over ESPN News and online, though I didn't care to verify by searching much for the story. In a nutshell, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel accused Nebraska of playing dirty football, even going so far as to call Nebraska one of the dirtiest teams he's ever played. He also accused one of the Husker players of spitting on him when the Tigers took the field. He didn't name names, but said the player knew who he was, and that the incident was "bush league." Both head coaches, according to the Lincoln paper the following Monday, talked about it and were satisfied that the incident was over. Nothing was confirmed, however, and nothing else was said, at least not to the public. Behind closed doors? Well, who knows?
I've always carried great pride in our program as it has built itself on character, respect for other teams, and a hard work ethic. I'm not stupid - I know the program, and specifically some of its players, have made mistakes in the past. Big mistakes. I know it's not a perfect program, but I believe the Nebraska football program is something of which its fans can be very proud. So to hear an opposing team member make such accusations? Well, that hurts worse than losing to that team by several touchdowns, as we did. As I pondered this charge by Daniel, I began to wonder just how much truth was really in his statement. He had no real reason to lie, because he kicked the crap out of Nebraska. Had he lost, or had his Heisman campaign been derailed because our team forced him to make mistakes, he might have said such a thing out of anger. But that wasn't the case. Still, how much of this kind of thing takes place on a regular basis when opposing teams, with a ton of pride in their program, meet? Was it really an isolated incident, as Daniel seems to want us to believe, or is this kind of thing just normal?
I don't know, but a local sportswriter wrote some words which really put this whole thing in perspective, at least for me. I've quoted Steven Sipple below, and then I'm done with "spitgate."
"Pelini (Nebraska's head coach) was honest and straightforward Tuesday, as always. He called Daniel's allegation "unfortunate" while reminding that there are two sides to every story.
"By no means am I calling Chase Daniel a liar," Pelini said, essentially leaving open the possibility.
This much is certain: Daniel comes off looking petty. Like a tattletale on a grade-school playground. If you're going to make such a harsh accusation, provide the name and number. Otherwise, bite your tongue and board the bus.
Whatever the truth, Pelini made it clear to his team that the alleged behavior would be forever unacceptable in his program.
The whole thing's a little ridiculous. Daniel said Nebraska was a dirty team after he was hit hard only a handful of times? C'mon, Chase.
"...bite your tongue and board the bus." That's what I'm talking about. Well said, Mr. Sipple. Thanks for the closure.
GO BIG RED!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Huskers @ Iowa State
You'll have to excuse my lack of writing over the course of the last week. I've had a few things I wanted to say, but haven't found the time to say them. Of course, if my posts weren't short novels, I would probably have time to write. What can I say? I've yet to master the art of expressing myself in just a few words.
At any rate, the Husker football team took a giant step last week as they took the Red Raiders of Texas Tech to overtime. Granted, I think Tech was and is overrated, but they are still a whole bunch better than Nebraska, and especially in their house. It was great to see the Huskers have the chance to win the game, as quarterback Joe Ganz played a phenomenal game. The hardest part was to see the game end on his only interception. Final score in overtime, Huskers 31, Red Raiders 38. Ganz is the type of player that will try to shoulder the majority of the blame, but I'm telling you, he had one of the best games I've seen any college quarterback play. Over an 82% completion rate? Good grief, it just doesn't get much better. And the defense stepped up pretty well, though there were some blown assignments which contributed to the loss. Blown assignments, and more drive-killing penalties, led to the Huskers' demise last week. But again, they took some major steps forward in sticking with the brilliant game plan, and continuing their intense play. Once again, they just kept coming back and not quitting. I know I say that every week, but it is a beautiful thing to watch after the last four years of dismal effort.
Now, the task at hand is to keep it going. After three straight losses, Bo and company will have their hands full with the mental aspect - getting the players to believe they can win. Those of us who faithfully follow the 'Skers saw something special last week. We know they can win, but do the players? If anyone can get them to believe, it's Bo. Practices thus far this week have seemed constructive, productive, and positive. The Huskers travel to Ames, Iowa on Saturday for a date with the Iowa State Cyclones - a game the Huskers should win. In fact, it's a game the Huskers need to win if for nothing else than to prove to themselves that winning is possible, and to gain some confidence. Looking ahead, the Huskers host Baylor next week, which means they have a fantastic chance at winning two games in a row before heading to Norman for a game with the Sooners of Oklahoma. But I digress, lest I get ahead of myself.
As for this Saturday - Huskers 38, Cyclones 12.
GO BIG RED!!
At any rate, the Husker football team took a giant step last week as they took the Red Raiders of Texas Tech to overtime. Granted, I think Tech was and is overrated, but they are still a whole bunch better than Nebraska, and especially in their house. It was great to see the Huskers have the chance to win the game, as quarterback Joe Ganz played a phenomenal game. The hardest part was to see the game end on his only interception. Final score in overtime, Huskers 31, Red Raiders 38. Ganz is the type of player that will try to shoulder the majority of the blame, but I'm telling you, he had one of the best games I've seen any college quarterback play. Over an 82% completion rate? Good grief, it just doesn't get much better. And the defense stepped up pretty well, though there were some blown assignments which contributed to the loss. Blown assignments, and more drive-killing penalties, led to the Huskers' demise last week. But again, they took some major steps forward in sticking with the brilliant game plan, and continuing their intense play. Once again, they just kept coming back and not quitting. I know I say that every week, but it is a beautiful thing to watch after the last four years of dismal effort.
Now, the task at hand is to keep it going. After three straight losses, Bo and company will have their hands full with the mental aspect - getting the players to believe they can win. Those of us who faithfully follow the 'Skers saw something special last week. We know they can win, but do the players? If anyone can get them to believe, it's Bo. Practices thus far this week have seemed constructive, productive, and positive. The Huskers travel to Ames, Iowa on Saturday for a date with the Iowa State Cyclones - a game the Huskers should win. In fact, it's a game the Huskers need to win if for nothing else than to prove to themselves that winning is possible, and to gain some confidence. Looking ahead, the Huskers host Baylor next week, which means they have a fantastic chance at winning two games in a row before heading to Norman for a game with the Sooners of Oklahoma. But I digress, lest I get ahead of myself.
As for this Saturday - Huskers 38, Cyclones 12.
GO BIG RED!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Huskers @ Red Raiders
Nebraska arrived this morning in Lubbock, Texas for a Saturday date with #7 Texas Tech. The Red Raiders boast the same style of spread offense which the Huskers faced against Missouri last week. It'll be interesting to watch and see what the Huskers and the coaching staff learned after battling a nearly flawless offensive performance. It's also the Huskers first road game of the season, so there will lots of sub-plots in this one.
I'm curiously comfortable with Nebraska getting out of Memorial Stadium this week, because for some strange reason I think they need it. After five straight home games, a change of scenery is in order, even though it won't be a friendly arena in which to play. I'm also interested in seeing how the Husker defense handles the Red Raiders, because while they are certainly very good, they aren't quite as precise as Missouri. Their quarterback, whose name escapes me at the moment, has thrown several interceptions this season, and just isn't quite as accurate. It hasn't mattered, though, as they have scored plenty enough points to overcome the mistakes. Still, the interception stats give me hope that the Huskers can at least make a showing.
I also suspect Nebraska will refuse to give in, despite how far behind they might get. If there is one glaring trait with this team, it's their refusal to roll over and play dead. They keep fighting, keep trying, and keep pushing. They are learning, there's no doubt about it, and so is the coaching staff. I have a good feeling we will be in tomorrow's game for longer than a lot of folks predict. Can we pull off the upset? Sure - as I said last week, anything is possible. This football team is bound to do something this season to build on for next year, and an upset of a top twenty-five team would be that building block. But, Texas Tech is a top-ten team, and the Huskers aren't quite ready to pull that big of an upset. My prediction: Huskers 28, Red Raiders 41.
GO BIG RED!!
I'm curiously comfortable with Nebraska getting out of Memorial Stadium this week, because for some strange reason I think they need it. After five straight home games, a change of scenery is in order, even though it won't be a friendly arena in which to play. I'm also interested in seeing how the Husker defense handles the Red Raiders, because while they are certainly very good, they aren't quite as precise as Missouri. Their quarterback, whose name escapes me at the moment, has thrown several interceptions this season, and just isn't quite as accurate. It hasn't mattered, though, as they have scored plenty enough points to overcome the mistakes. Still, the interception stats give me hope that the Huskers can at least make a showing.
I also suspect Nebraska will refuse to give in, despite how far behind they might get. If there is one glaring trait with this team, it's their refusal to roll over and play dead. They keep fighting, keep trying, and keep pushing. They are learning, there's no doubt about it, and so is the coaching staff. I have a good feeling we will be in tomorrow's game for longer than a lot of folks predict. Can we pull off the upset? Sure - as I said last week, anything is possible. This football team is bound to do something this season to build on for next year, and an upset of a top twenty-five team would be that building block. But, Texas Tech is a top-ten team, and the Huskers aren't quite ready to pull that big of an upset. My prediction: Huskers 28, Red Raiders 41.
GO BIG RED!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Huskers 17, Tigers 52
Last Saturday was yet another tough pill to swallow for the Husker faithful, as the Missouri Tigers gave Nebraska a good ol' fashion, behind-the-woodshed spanking. It only took Chase Daniel and his band of rogues a mere 58 seconds to get in the end-zone, and they never really looked back. Yup, it was all Missouri as they exorcised the demons that have haunted them at Memorial Stadium since 1978, the last time they won in Lincoln. What the Tigers did to the Huskers is what the Huskers used to do to most other opponents for years and years.
Teams just aren't afraid to come into Memorial Stadium anymore. The aura is gone, at least temporarily. I can only hope that someday the Huskers will get it back, but for now, it seems a long ways away. The defensive game-plan last Saturday never came close to working, as Daniel made the Huskers look silly. I had hoped some of the aforementioned aura would resurrect itself in some form, and get into Daniel's head a little bit. Throw him off his rhythm. He showed why he's a Heisman front-runner, as he was simply brilliant and not the least bit shaken. You know it's bad when the opposing team even got their third-string quarterback a few snaps at the end of the game.
Once again, though, the Huskers never quit fighting, which was very satisfying. We have a long ways to go before we're able to compete with the big boys again, but as long as we don't quit, and as long as we continue to learn from game-to-game, I'm satisfied with where things stand to this point. Next up is seventh-ranked Texas Tech in Lubbock, which is a perfect opportunity to show what we took from last Saturday. You can bet I'll be taking notes come game time.
GO BIG RED!!
Teams just aren't afraid to come into Memorial Stadium anymore. The aura is gone, at least temporarily. I can only hope that someday the Huskers will get it back, but for now, it seems a long ways away. The defensive game-plan last Saturday never came close to working, as Daniel made the Huskers look silly. I had hoped some of the aforementioned aura would resurrect itself in some form, and get into Daniel's head a little bit. Throw him off his rhythm. He showed why he's a Heisman front-runner, as he was simply brilliant and not the least bit shaken. You know it's bad when the opposing team even got their third-string quarterback a few snaps at the end of the game.
Once again, though, the Huskers never quit fighting, which was very satisfying. We have a long ways to go before we're able to compete with the big boys again, but as long as we don't quit, and as long as we continue to learn from game-to-game, I'm satisfied with where things stand to this point. Next up is seventh-ranked Texas Tech in Lubbock, which is a perfect opportunity to show what we took from last Saturday. You can bet I'll be taking notes come game time.
GO BIG RED!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Huskers vs. Tigers
Well, the day has arrived. The fourth-ranked Missouri Tigers, led by Heisman-front runner and quarterback Chase Daniel, bring their stellar offense into Memorial Stadium for the biggest game of the year to date. The atmosphere for tonight's 8:00 p.m. kickoff on ESPN will be nothing short of pure pandemonium. It's gonna be loud, rocking, insane, and I'm going to be right in the thick of all of it!! I'm very much looking forward to another game-day experience, even though this one has the great potential of winding up on the short end in terms of the final score.
Can the Huskers pull off the upset? Sure. It can happen. Anything can happen. It's going to take some amazing performances by our athletes, and some stellar scheming by the coaching staff. Oh, and probably a good dose of luck in a few areas, too. If we can muster a great big bunch of each of those ingredients, then I'd say we have a good shot at an upset. And you can bet this Husker fan will be cheering, screaming, hoping and praying for such a scene to unfold tonight.
My prediction for tonight is that the 2008 version of Husker football will do some more growing tonight. I think they have grown and matured from their experiences over the first four games of this young season, including last week's loss to Virgina Tech. I'm proud of them, and I'm excited to watch the program go in the direction it seems to be headed. Continued progress, continued improvement, continued intensity. That's all I ask for this year, regardless of the final score each week. And I think they will grow some more tonight, despite their impending loss to the Tigers. Joe Ganz and the offense will put up some decent numbers, and our defense will make some pretty amazing plays, but the building Huskers won't be enough to stop the rolling Tigers. It kills me to have to say this - you really have no idea how it feels to predict a Husker loss. But, here it goes: Huskers - 31, Tigers 49.
Ouch, that really hurts.
GO BIG RED!!!
Can the Huskers pull off the upset? Sure. It can happen. Anything can happen. It's going to take some amazing performances by our athletes, and some stellar scheming by the coaching staff. Oh, and probably a good dose of luck in a few areas, too. If we can muster a great big bunch of each of those ingredients, then I'd say we have a good shot at an upset. And you can bet this Husker fan will be cheering, screaming, hoping and praying for such a scene to unfold tonight.
My prediction for tonight is that the 2008 version of Husker football will do some more growing tonight. I think they have grown and matured from their experiences over the first four games of this young season, including last week's loss to Virgina Tech. I'm proud of them, and I'm excited to watch the program go in the direction it seems to be headed. Continued progress, continued improvement, continued intensity. That's all I ask for this year, regardless of the final score each week. And I think they will grow some more tonight, despite their impending loss to the Tigers. Joe Ganz and the offense will put up some decent numbers, and our defense will make some pretty amazing plays, but the building Huskers won't be enough to stop the rolling Tigers. It kills me to have to say this - you really have no idea how it feels to predict a Husker loss. But, here it goes: Huskers - 31, Tigers 49.
Ouch, that really hurts.
GO BIG RED!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Hokies 35, Huskers 30
Seems the Husker football team is still a-growing under our new head coach and his philosophies and staff, and that was painfully obvious last Saturday as Virginia Tech came into town and wreaked some havoc. Final score: Hokies 35, Huskers 30. Tech's below-average offense looked pretty decent as their elusive quarterback found wide-open receivers all day long. In fact, the score probably should have been a bit worse as he missed those wide-open receivers on a couple of occasions for sure touchdowns. Our defense did a good job of containing their quarterback, who is one of the most elusive and dangerous in the nation, but something had to give in order for that to happen. What gave was our secondary coverage. They're a young bunch, and still learning, so here's hoping they took some good notes last Saturday.
It was actually pretty amazing to watch our defense begin to dig in and stop the Hokies as they neared the red zone early in the fourth quarter, amidst a valiant and mounting Husker comeback. But that all went downhill after a personal foul was called for a late hit, followed by another personal foul after Coach Pelini wouldn't stop harassing the refs for the aforementioned late hit. Ouch. We had the Hokies in a third-and-long situation from our 30 yard line, but after the penalties they had the ball first-and-goal from about the 9. Did I say "ouch?" I love Pelini's fire and passion, but this was a bit much, and he admitted to it in post-game interviews.
Still, even after all that went wrong, the Huskers kept fighting until the final second ticked off the game clock. It was a wonderful thing to watch them not give up because Husker Nation hasn't seen such effort in over four years. And, I would like to think they learned a few things on Saturday. It appears they did, based on comments coming out of practice this week. While I would love to see wins, all I can ask of this young and growing group is to keep fighting and keep learning. I got my wish last week.
Next up? Those pesky Tigers of Mizzou. It's homecoming this Saturday and Chase Daniel and Company will be in town with their high-flying show. They're ranked fourth in the nation, and this will be another night game televised on ESPN. I have been invited to go to the game this week, and you can bet I will be screaming, and screaming loud. I don't expect us to come out on top in this one, but I do expect us to at least give Missouri a scare into thinking we have the potential to beat them. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we will. Think Oregon State over USC. Anything is possible. Anything.
My prediction come Saturday, as usual.
GO BIG RED!!
It was actually pretty amazing to watch our defense begin to dig in and stop the Hokies as they neared the red zone early in the fourth quarter, amidst a valiant and mounting Husker comeback. But that all went downhill after a personal foul was called for a late hit, followed by another personal foul after Coach Pelini wouldn't stop harassing the refs for the aforementioned late hit. Ouch. We had the Hokies in a third-and-long situation from our 30 yard line, but after the penalties they had the ball first-and-goal from about the 9. Did I say "ouch?" I love Pelini's fire and passion, but this was a bit much, and he admitted to it in post-game interviews.
Still, even after all that went wrong, the Huskers kept fighting until the final second ticked off the game clock. It was a wonderful thing to watch them not give up because Husker Nation hasn't seen such effort in over four years. And, I would like to think they learned a few things on Saturday. It appears they did, based on comments coming out of practice this week. While I would love to see wins, all I can ask of this young and growing group is to keep fighting and keep learning. I got my wish last week.
Next up? Those pesky Tigers of Mizzou. It's homecoming this Saturday and Chase Daniel and Company will be in town with their high-flying show. They're ranked fourth in the nation, and this will be another night game televised on ESPN. I have been invited to go to the game this week, and you can bet I will be screaming, and screaming loud. I don't expect us to come out on top in this one, but I do expect us to at least give Missouri a scare into thinking we have the potential to beat them. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we will. Think Oregon State over USC. Anything is possible. Anything.
My prediction come Saturday, as usual.
GO BIG RED!!
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