HuskersHQ

NU hoops

2007-01-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Four games into the Big 12 schedule, where does Nebraska stand? After a narrow loss to Texas on Wednesday, it looks like NIT bound at this juncture.
There's positives. Coach Doc Sadler certainly wasn't going to claim any sort of moral victory by losing to the Longhorns, a team that's traditionally dominated NU, by one at home. That's encouraging to see.
Still, it's obvious that the Huskers don't have the firepower to keep up with the Big 12 bigger boys, even in what appears to be a down year for the conference. And it's tough to project where a win might come from in the next five games.
Blame Kevin Durant for this loss. He's the real deal and dominated even while going scoreless the final 11:43. He makes it look so easy inside, then can pop out to the top of the key and drain a 3-pointer. It may be the flattest 3-point shot you'll see, but I guess when you're 6-10 and can jump like that, you may actually be shooting down into the hoop even from that distance.

Cotton Bowl

2007-01-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

That's a wrap on another Nebraska football season. Now there's just two months to disect it before spring ball talk can begin.
1. Well, 9-5 isn't a horrible year, not with four of the losses coming to teams that were then in the top 10. But since it seems everyone wants a "breakthrough" win or a sign that the Huskers are climbing closer to contending for a national championship again, the season might be considered a minor disappointment, Big 12 North title aside.
2. Can't blame the Blackshirts on this loss at all. Holding Auburn to 178 totals yards, a 3.2 average per play, 27:00 in possession time and Brandon Cox to a 10-for-21, 111-yard day should add up to a win. But the Tigers getting short fields against the NU defense after both turnovers was too much to overcome.
3. Bill Callahan's seemingly 1.000 batting average on trick play calls this season took a major hit. Dane Todd's much-anticipated first carry of his career turned out to be one NU would rather forget.
4. A bowl win is nice. But I doubt the win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl played too big a role in the Huskers' nine wins this season. This tough loss won't play a role in any losses next year.
5. Any bets that Nebraska tries a field goal more often than once every other game next year?
6. Early line: Over/under on times the name "Sam Keller" will be heard or read by the average Husker fan between now and Sept. 1 -- 10,234.

Oklahoma

2006-12-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

Things I think I'm thinking from the Big 12 Championship Game and 19 hours in Kansas City...
1. It was hard to believe that Oklahoma only led 14-7 at halftime. But one badly timed INT got the Huskers back into it. On the other hand, it was tough to believe that it ended a 21-7 game. The way NU dominated the battle for field position early in the third quarter, it seemed like they would sooner or later tie it up.
2. Winning a conference championship game and turning the ball over five times just don't fit together.
3. Even though the talk surrounding Husker Nation all year focused on winning the Big 12 North, you could tell how much this loss hurt. Yes, NU has picked up some big wins over the last calendar year. But winning a conference title really, really, really would be a statement win.
4. It was cold. The parking lots were filling quickly by mid-afternoon. Not many empty seats were found. And football doesn't belong inside. All that adds up to the fact that K.C. would remain a great choice to host the game every other year.
5. NU-OU just isn't a hated rivalry anymore. The biggest boos from the game were still any time a Texas Big 12 award winner would be mentioned and shown on the big screen.
6. Anyone know a good remedy to keep Boomer Sooner from rattling around in your head non-stop?

Colorado

2006-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

1. Officially, it might not have meant much for Nebraska. But getting a win over rival Colorado to go into the Big 12 championship sure is better for the team than losing and making the Buffs' season.
2. It appears that the best deals weren't only available at malls on Friday. Nebraska held a firesale on trick plays. It sure made for interesting viewing. But now the only surprises left in the playbook for OU or Texas are the fullback dive and option.
3. The only person I would like to be in the morning less than Zac Taylor is Colt McCoy. Those QBs sure took some hits. It made for some rough viewing in the doubleheader. It'll make for even rougher attempts to get out of bed.
4. Sounds like Barry Turner saved himself from being on the receiving end of a lot of trash talk by his teammates with that catch. It was nice, but Mo Purify doesn't have to worry about his job yet.
5. Amazing that it's been five years since the home team has held serve in this series, eh? (Heck, if ABC had to interview Andy Roddick, a tennis analogy was required here.)
6. So who is Husker Nation rooting for....the Sooners or Cowboys? The first OU-NU Big 12 title championship to try and reignite that old Big Eight rivalry or a rematch with a reeling Texas team?

Texas A&M

2006-11-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

1. How quickly things change in college football. Take the final two minutes of the NU-A&M game, take one hurt standout freshman Texas quarterback a few hours later, and instead of planning to head to San Diego or San Antonio in late December, Husker fans may be secretly checking out the prices of flights to Arizona in early January.
2. That last drive was a thing of beauty and erased 28 minutes and five drives that went nowhere. Zac Taylor said he'd take winning in the final seconds over a 17-point victory anytime. But would Husker coaches and fans who still have frazzled nerves agree?
3. Maurice Purify was Mr. Clutch, but G.I. native Todd Peterson was Mr. Clutch 1B. Seven catches with six going for first downs and the other a TD. Four came on third downs, one on fourth down, the TD on first down and a second-down catch was on the final drive. His play helped make the loss of Nate Swift bearable for the offense.
4. Yowza, there were more missed tackles in that game than I think I've seen all year. The Aggies were grasping at air in the first half, then the Blackshirts caught the missed tackle bug after halftime. Take away those whiffs, and both teams' offenses enjoy much less productive days.
5. Will Jordan Congdon get to try anything over a 40-yarder the rest of the year? If he doesn't get the chance to try a 44-yarder on fourth-and-5 with the wind to his back and the Huskers up 21-7 in the first half, all signs point to no.
6. The Kyle Field environment is everything it's advertised to be. Gotta love a stadium where the Aggie War Hymn literally shakes the press box every time. NU fans should make the trip if they get the chance. Mark the calendar for 2010.

Mizzou

2006-11-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

1. The Huskers have shown that the have rebuilt that home field advantage at Memorial Stadium. Rolling out to a 24-6 halftime lead was surprising, but after struggling in Lincoln at times over the past two years, NU can once again beat anybody at home and can manhandle teams like Missouri that don't put their best foot..or gameplan..forward.
2. Anybody else with they were as consistent at their job as Brandon Jackson? Sixteen carries in each half, 56 yards in the first half, 55 yards in the second, one fumble in each. I'm guessing both Jackson and the coaches wish that last stat dropped to zero, though.
3. Did Cody Glenn and Kenny Wilson watch the game from the stands or a skybox? Just wondering, because two of the big four NU running backs were MIA from this year. It seems clear that there is no longer 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. Jackson is 1, Marlon Lucky 2, and the others see time of the Huskers go up by 40.
4. Rumor starter: Gary Pinkel accidently brought the "Contain Brad Smith Ourselves" gameplan and used it on Chase Daniel.
5. A dropped fourth down pass, the D giving up some points, etc. are areas that some might complain about in the second half, but did anyone besides the Tigers ever get the feeling that they ever really got back in the game?
6. We know what kind of home team the Huskers are. Now it's time to see if they're a new road team. Solid road games at USC, Iowa State and K-State convinced many in Husker Nation that the road woes of the past two years are over. But Okie State brought back the away from Lincoln Malox moments. Texas A&M is not an easy place to play. But it's tough to figure out how the Aggies will play coming off a tough loss to OU.

Okie State

2006-10-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

1. Well, those fourth quarter Oklahoma State scores seemed to arrive about as often as spam wanting you to help a poor foreigner sneak money out of his country for a cool 20 percent cut. The Blackshirts has about as much success as people who get suckered into those e-mails, too.
2. Not the bounce-back effort that's needed. The offense went flat, the defense made its yearly one big sieve-like performance (see Tech '04 or Kansas '05), special teams hurt the Huskers and the coaches' decisions are being questioned. Similar to several NU road games the past two years...
3. Who else after the first quarter was ready to proclaim the I-back firmly settled and name Brandon Jackson the No. 1 running back? Now who expected him to have nine carries over the final two-and-a-half quarters? Raise your hand...anyone?
4. Prior to this game, it seemed that the special teams naysayers were being a little picky. But bad kick coverage, bad execution on extra points and bad kicking can probably add up to 13 points in this game.
5. Husker fans should be relieved and humming "Boomer Sooner" after this one. The North is still up for grabs, and like last year, three losses may not be enough to knock a team out of the race.
6. I'm no expert, but I have to agree with what the NU coaches were saying since last week following the Texas game....that OSU offense is pretty explosive. Husker Nation has to regret that it proved the coaches right so dramatically. Getting up 16-0 only to see the Cowboys score 41 of the next 48 points is a shocker in Huskerland.

Texas

2006-10-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

1. Well, that one has to hurt for Husker fans. From being nine points down in a game that wasn't that close to a big comeback to losing the ball and the game, that was one wild emotional roller coaster for a record Memorial Stadium crowd and everyone watching on TV.
2. Can't blame Terrence Nunn. Yes, if helmet doesn't hit ball or if he goes down easier, then game over. But Nunn doesn't really control those things, does he?
3. And Nebraska is still searching for that breakthrough win under Callahan. The Huskers keep getting closer, but Michigan last year doesn't cut it. A win over a top 10 team would show exactly how close Nebraska is to being a top leve team again. Maybe it'll have a chance to get that Dec. 2 in K.C.?
4. Back-up kicker, walk-on, never been in game action, playing in what Texans probably consider a blizzard....I'm gussing Ryan Bailey will never forget this game. And these Huskers will have a tough time forgetting the third 22-yard field goal against them in this game.
5. At Oklahoma State, Mizzou in Lincoln, at A&M....there was plenty of talk about these teams rematching in Kansas City, but no one better assume that it'll happen, especially the Huskers.
6. What happened to the running game? Does it just feast on bad teams or is the Longhorns' run defense that good? There's something that has to be questioned.

K-State

2006-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Things I think I think about the Kansas State game from occasionally glimpsing it on a flat screen monitor across a hockey game, which is the equivilant of watching it on a one-half inch screen...
1. Even from that limited view, that fake field goal was impressive. While the road offensive game plan must be put in the "conservative" category, the special teams strategy doesn't follow. That's two big fakes in two big road games that were executed pefectly.
2. Hey, establishing the run and keeping the other team's offense off the field doesn't only work against alleged offensive powerhouses like USC. It works against lesser teams like the Wildcats, too.
3. People keep claiming K-State ran a fake punt on fourth-and-3 from their own 9. That's just crazy talk!
4. The Blackshirts are giving up some yards, but they aren't giving up points. That's what's most important.
5. So, Husker Nation, did the Mizzou-A&M result make you feel better about the game against the Tigers or more worried about the road trip to College Station?
6. I thought the vehicle broken down on Highway 281 with a big "CU Buffaloes" sticker on the back window on Saturday was an omen. Guess not. Now we know who the most dangerous 1-6 team in the nation is.

Iowa State

2006-10-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

1. Anybody else starting to suspect that the Huskers have a "Home Playbook" and a "Road Playbook"? Not that that's a bad thing. But the more conservative, run, short passes style of play returned for the second road trip of the year. While its success could be debated at USC, it's hard to argue about what happened at Ames. The ISU offense was kept off the field enough and the Huskers controlled the pace for most of the game.
2. The Cyclones might have wanted those couple of second-half TDs that were taken away. The one clear TD reception that apparantly wasn't even looked at by instant replay really hurts, especially after the fake field goal later that possession came up super short.
3. Anybody else wondering about the ABC announcers praising McCarney for his unusual move of deferring after winning the coin toss? How many teams don't defer these days? It doesn't seem that radical a decision to me.
4. My head hurts trying to figure out the RB rotation game to game. Now that Jackson and Glenn got their 100-yard days, I half expect them to combine for three carries at K-State while Lucky and Wilson combine for 34 and 253 yards. It works, but it hurts!
5. I'm guessing Optimistic Nation is back in full force. Got to love football where the emotional state of the fans shifts drastically every seven days.
6. Yes, I'm still saying that Colorado is the most dangerous 0-6 team in the nation.

Kansas

2006-09-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

1. Welcome back Pessimistic Nation! After nothing to worry about this season besides the playcalling at Southern Cal, there's plenty of concerns now couresy of the Kansas Fighting Manginos (TM Reece Davis).
2. Is there such a thing as getting off to too good a start in football? When the Huskers got up 17-0 and it wasn't even the second quarter, it looked like a reversal of last year's 40-15 drubbing was in store. A letdown is probable in that situation, but not necessarily one that leads to having to eke out a win in overtime.
3. It's becoming a tradition as expected this time of year as the leaves falling....somewhere between games five and seven, the Blackshirts have a major letdown game after looking solid. Kansas isn't exactly feared for its offensive might, and the Jayhawks roll up 574 yards in total offense with a backup QB? Yup, there's concerns now.
4. The mood swings for Husker fans that were caused by the offense were extreme. You had huge pass plays for TDs early, then a running game that disappeared, incompletion after incompletion, then a perfectly underthrown pass to Hardy for a 75-yard score late.
5. Interesting call on the Swift reception inside the 1 in OT. Touchdown? Touchback? Incompletion? Reception at the 1? It seemed pretty inconclusive, but the Huskers have to be happy that Option No. 2 of those didn't happen/get called. That would have stung.
6. Give Mangino credit for what he's done so far with the KU program. But also get ready for another wild Big 12 North season. Doesn't look like Mizzou is the only North team that'll give the Huskers a test now. At Iowa State next week suddenly looms large.

Troy

2006-09-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

1. That was what Nebraska needed out of this game - complete domination over a less talented team to bridge the weeks between a tough loss to USC and the beginning of Big 12 play.
2. Bill Callahan said a win is a win. It doesn't matter if it's by one point or 56. But don't you think the NU coaches and players feel a lot better this week then they would if they had downed Troy 21-20?
3. Troy obviously was hurting physically and mentally. The Trojans gave their all in pushing Florida State and Georgia Tech in relatively close losses. A trip to Memorial Stadium was too much for them.
4. I could have sworn that Adam Carriker was a Troy running back as much time as he spent in the Trojan backfield.
5. What was starting placekicker Jordan Congdon still doing in the game when it was 55-0? Isn't that the perfect time to get the second-string kicker some valuable experience?
6. Chadron State kept its perfect season going by blowing out Colorado School of Mines. I'm not sure about the Eagles getting into the Big 12 now though. Colorado playing Georgia tough means one thing...the Buffs are the most dangerous 0-4 team in the Big 12 right now.

USC

2006-09-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

1. I'm guessing that NU play-calling will be a hot topic for the next few days. Yes, keeping the USC offense off the field as much as possible is needed to win. Yes, establishing a ground game is needed to win. But 1.9 yard per carry and a selection of plays at the end of the first half that makes Musburger's claim that Nebraska appears to be playing to not be blown out instead of trying to win look true....well, there may be a reason for discussion. USC coach Pete Carroll seemed to approve of the NU playcalling. There's definitely a reason for discussion.
2. So we heard all week about how USC only recruits out of state for players who will be potential NFL first rounders. That's fine, but I think college football needs to follow MLB's lead and try to help the smaller markets. Make the men of Troy put one player with the name of "Troy" on scholarship each year. Watch the number of babies named Troy skyrocket around California.
3. Having to rebound from the loss to the MEN OF TROY against the men of Troy (formerly State) next week isn't a bad thing. Nice to get a cushion game in before Big 12 play starts.
4. Rumor starter: Dan Titchener will threaten to transfer if he doesn't get enough reps in behind Zac Taylor in practice next week.
5. It's been a rough couple of weeks for the old Big 12. Oklahoma falling to the refs...er, Ducks...may have been the toughest break for a Big 12 school on Saturday. That onside kick call was brutal.
6. Colorado blitzed by Arizona State. Chadron State handles Wayne State. The push for CSC moving into the Big 12 North lives on.

Nicholls State

2006-09-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Things I think I think while wondering if farmers wish football season could be moved back to spring/summer when they REALLY need the rain...
1. Yes, the passing game looked sharp. Zac Taylor really looked sharp. The running game was solid. The defense was good. And it was against an NCAA Div. I-AA team. I guess the Huskers got out of it what they could, but it wasn't Ohio State they were facing, no matter what the uniforms looked like.
2. Nicholls state gets $350,000, a 56-7 whipping and a broken QB. Glass half full or glass half empty? I guess the important thing is athletic department bank account full.
3. That's what an 84,000 plus Sea of Red Ponchos looks like, huh?
4. With the coaches and players swearing they haven't looked ahead to USC at all, I have to believe them. Taylor said the players haven't even looked at any USC film yet. Still, USC was mentioned in about the third sentence out of Bill Callahan's mouth in his postgame press conference. I'm guessing work on the Trojans began...about 30 minutes after Nicholls State left the field.
5. Never thought I'd see a college football game with a team having zero passing yards. Heck, even the Huskers would put up 20 during the option era.
6. Having seen the HuskerTron2006 in action for the first time during the game, it was my duty as an American sports loving male to dream of having such a giant screen in my living room. However, the fear of my 2-year old gaining control of the remote and subjecting me to a 100-foot tall Elmo, Cookie Monster or (gasp) Teletubby ends that dream quickly.
7. OK, I'll play along with the jokesters out there. Right now it's Chadron State that should replace Colorado in the Big 12 North, right? Let's see where this six degrees of Montana State ends up in November...

La. Tech

2006-09-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Apparently there was a lack of QBs to tranfer in or out of Lincoln this week, so good ol' Nebraska decided to schedule a game to give football fanatics something to talk about this holiday weekend.
So here's what I think I think about the NU opener while wondering why the Big 12 couldn't have one decent enough opener to be desired by ABC — except for any anti-CU folks who would have loved to see that Montata State thriller.
1) OK, Louisiana Tech is no USC...heck, the Bulldogs may be no Montana State...but the Husker offense didn't look like that even against the weaklings on the schedule last year. The offense flowed with four I-backs getting involved, four tight ends getting involved...what's next? Four QBs getting involved?
2) Speaking of QBs, it must be nice for Husker fans to see Zac Taylor standing on the sidelines in the fourth quarter because of the score, not because he's just been sacked for the 34th time in the game and has a dazed look on his face.
3) Solid day from the Blackshirts. But the secondary sure has been hit hard by the injury bug. Any more, and me with my 10.42 40 and Lil Red will be lining up at cornerback against whoever that Div. I-AA opponent is next week...unless it is mighty Montana State. Then more help might be needed.
4) Speaking of the running backs, if this four RB system keeps producing, somebody better come up with a nifty nickname. All tries here in the office fell short...Four I's, We-We Backs, Quad Backs. But "depth" is never a bad word.
5) Did I mention it was nice seeing a backup QB getting experience? That may have been nicer than seeing the new additions to the stadium in all their glory on the 20 inch tube on Fox Sports Net.
6) Talk about bad timing. The NU game gets done just in time to see a familiar sight on ABC...Joe Dailey throwing a horrible interception to a wide open defender to snuff out a comeback try. Not the start at North Carolina he wanted. Hopefully he gets another chance and bounced back.

Spring cleaning

2006-04-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's tough to get a good read on a football team from a spring game. You can never tell too much about what the fall will hold from a scrimmage...unless the second team dominates the first team. Then you can tell either it's going to be a long season or the wrong guys are on the second team.
In Memorial Stadium, the Red dominated, as expected. The run game? Getting 219 yards on 47 carries was good.
The passing game? Zac Taylor had the luck of the green jersey in going 14-for-21 for 184 yards.
Defense? The White having four yards of total offense is pretty solid.
Special teams? Titus Brothers was the star there.
And what does this add up to? I doubt if we know for sure until Sept. 16.
The good news is that Husker Nation has an excellent distration until fall football. The NU baseball team is again putting together a great spring and looks to have its sights set on Omaha.
The bullpen had struggled, including giving up three of the runs of a 5-1 lead over Texas A&M on Thursday. But coach Mike Anderson wasn't concerned. He said they got the outs when they needed them.
Complete game wins from Tony Watson and Johnny Dorn to complete the sweep certainly doesn't cast doubt on the pitching. It'll be interesting to see how far this well-balanced team will go.

Alawhoa!

2005-12-31T19:42:00.000-08:00

Things I think I thought now that I'm sure that game is finally over....I think.
1) Everything that can be said or written about that final play has been by now, but did anyone else expect it to end with a collision between a Wolverine and a member of a Mariachi band in the end zone?
2) Nice for the Huskers to ride off into the offseason with a huge win like that. But you've got to wonder if a bowl game of this nature doesn't impact the losing team more than the victors. Maybe the Wolverines have to wonder if they are gravitating towards mediocrity all offseason.
3) Lots of coaches and teams say they knew they'd win if they kept it close going into the fourth. But by looking at the Ohio State-Michigan game specifically for that reason, the Huskers REALLY believed it. Wonder if they believed they'd have an 11-point deficit to make up, though.
4) Defense, offense, special teams....that was a pretty darn good all-around final 10 minutes by the Huskers.
5) Sure, the Alamo Bowl isn't one of the biggies, but that didn't stop the Husker fans from traveling in large numbers to San Antonio. And as a rookie visitor to the city, I'd have to give it a big thumbs up as a bowl host. Never bad suffering through some 80-degree days in December.
6) So anybody know how the NU basketball team is doing this season? Guess they might get a little attention until spring ball...and baseball, starts up. Hmmm, 14-point loss to Florida State? Guess that's not THAT bad...not like an 87-point loss to Creighton.

Countdown to San Antonio...

2005-12-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Things I think I'm thinking about the Alamo Bowl while wondering if a Southern Miss-Arkansas State game can legally mark the start of "bowl season"....
1) Optimistic Nation is loving the Huskers coming off a shellacking of Colorado to end the regular season. Nothing like blasting the Buffs to gain some momentum to head into the bowl game.
2) Pessimistic Nation loves to point out that not so long ago this team was shellacked itself by the Kansas Jayhaws and barely pulled out a home win over K-State, whose pads have been packed away. for almost a month now. This team showed up much more than the Boulder-version of the Huskers, and it is more likely to show up against Michigan, accoring to this Nation.
3) It's easy to appreciate things when they are taken away. You could tell that about a bowl trip during the Husker press conference last week. Everyone was exuding a genuine enthusiasm about the trip. If possible, I dare say football players seemed giddy about something.
4) Sure, this isn't where Michigan wanted to be. But as everyone's pointing out, the Wolverines were 17 points away from being 11-0. They still have something to prove.
5) So, did that CU win make this a little less controversy-filled trip than when the Huskers last headed down to San Antonio?
6) Interesting to hear Callahan at the press conference say he has to win and win now. That's part of the coaching profession. The pressure is never really off, sometimes it just lets up a bit. If NU can down Michigan, I'd say the coaching staff would have a much lighter load on its shoulders this offseason than at any other time in the past two years.

Colorado

2005-11-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Hmm, wonder where THAT came from?
That was a well-executing offense. A defense that played with fire and passion. A team that didn't let itself get intimidated in a rough road environment.
So, is that the real Husker team or just an anomaly?
1) Impressive stats. When you hold the ball for 19:44 of the second half, odds are you'll win.
2) Saw the ABC talking heads say Callahan lucked into having a Cory Ross on his team, a multi-faced running back. Yeah, most NU RBs in the past wouldn't have had such an impact in a game when rushing for only 13 yards.
3) Any more interest in a bowl trip now, Husker Nation?
4) Any explanations for Colorado fans?
5) Any explanation for the time keeper?
6) A commanding, emotional win against the Buffs on the road after a disappointing regular season. Does this mean Callahan will get fired on Sunday? That is the recent trend at NU...

K-State

2005-11-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

Things I think I thought while wondering about the number of people I saw working in their yards with the Husker game blaring on the garage radio, not sure how effective raking leaves in 35 mph winds is...
No. 1: For Husker fans, it doesn't matter your opinion on the AD, on the coaches, on the status of the program. This HAS to be a satisfying win. The seniors deserve to end their careers in a bowl, no matter how "lowly" it is. They have gone through the most tumultuous five years in the program's history. An assistant coaching staff shake-up, followed by a head coach firing and a 100 percent new staff and philosophy. Never thought there'd be the day that bowl eligibility alone would be satisfying for Huskerites, but it is.
No. 2: But, it's Pessimistic Nation time! For those who proclaim the need of bowl eligibility to gain an extra couple of weeks of practice to "do the team good", how will a couple of weeks fix things that three-and-a-half months of practices haven't?
No. 3: Is Zac Taylor a real live Rock'em, Sock'em Robot?
No. 4: Burning the stud prospect QB's redshirt in the next-to-last regular season game is tough. But this was a must-win. There's no guarantee at Colorado. And most of these players won't be here in four years, the coaches may not be here in four years, heck, Beck may not be here in four years. Clearly Callahan thought Beck gave the Huskers the best chance to win the game. Therefore, it was the right call.
No. 5: Seriously, NU vs. K-State for the Big 12 North CELLAR? What's goin' on here?
No. 6: Well, well, well. Cyclones (and tornados) made that final game a little more interesting. Now it isn't NU playing to extend its season. It's the Buffs playing to clinch the Big 12 North. I still don't know if the Huskers have a chance, but it'll be interesting now that the pressure is on the other side.

Kansas

2005-11-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

Gonna keep it to one word for each yard of NU offense this week. Gonna be short!
1) Last time KU beat the 'Skers, I was negative five. It's not the White Sox winning the Series, but it's almost halfway there.
2) How much does Nebraska have to improve to gravitate back up to mediocrity?
3) How much longer will it take for the West Coast offense to get going? I believe after a year-and-a-half, progress could be expected. Instead, there's no run game and the passing game is shrinking. The Kansas defense ate NU for lunch...usually with Kansas, there's only jokes about its head coach and eating.
4) There wasn't a Texas Tech blowout this year, but there was the same Blackshirt freefall this year.
5) Optimistic Nation has left the building. One more shot at bowl eligibility...

Oklahoma

2005-10-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

What I think I though seeing the Huskers in person for the first time this season:
1. It wasn't the game of the century. Not the game of the decade. Heck, not the game of the day. But if a late pass to Nate Swift had dropped about three yards shorter, another classic NU-OU finish could have been set up.
2. I'm disappointed there was no Stuntz to Taylor trickeration. Of course, with Taylor's speed and battered body, it better have come from the OU 10-yard line.
3. There was mass confusion in the press box about the Sooner mascot, which looked like the Denver Broncos' dressed up in maroon for Halloween. Or is this what the Sooner Schooner ponies do on road games? Bizarre.
4. I've decided to put some of the Husker problems through the brand-spanking new Bertuzzi-vision, straight from a Canadian lab, and see if they can't be solved.
a) Why can't the offense get going in the first quarter? "It is what it is."
b) Why can't the defense stop teams in the first quarter? "It is what it is."
c) Why can't the O-line let Taylor drop back twice in a row without pressure? "It is what it is."
d) Will the running game ever get a chance to be a part of the offense? "It is what it is."
Darn it, this is getting us nowhere fast.
5. Some booing, a standing ovation for the first NU first down with 11:11 left in the second quarter, some debris tossed onto the field...there's some hints of things getting ugly in the Husker Nation.
6. But things are never ugly in Optimistic Nation! Hey, Kansas is next! Time to get bowl eligible. Pessimistic Nation points out the Mizzou-KU score and the fact that the win streak over the Jayhawks is the only significant streak the Huskers haven't broken over the last three years.

Smithzzou

2005-10-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

1. Remember three years ago when there was all the hype around Smith? How he'd be a Heisman contender for sure in a couple of years? And while he has put up great numbers in his career, he hasn't quite lived up to that hype. Unfortunately for the Huskers, on Saturday he did.
2. How will the Blackshirts respond from this lashing? Will things fall apart like after Tech last year, or will some adjustments and buckling up get things on track?
3. Maybe those people predicting 10-point Missouri wins knew what they were talking about.
4. What is that dash thingee in front of Nebraska's rushing total? Is that a typo of some sort? It looks awfully weird there.
5. Another great TD grab by Todd Peterson. And his alma mater finds out it hosts a first round playoff game this week. Good weekend all around for GICCites.
6. NU-OU. Feel the excitement! Two unranked teams ready to bounce back...and yes, OU was the latest to find out Baylor ain't too shabby in that double OT home squeaker.

Baylor

2005-10-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Things I think I thought while listening to the game, and later typing up the stats.
1) Are we spoiled by almost every game on TV or what? Those of us without a PPV option for one reason or another forget it isn't our constitutional right in this state to see every game. Had a flashback though of my youth (the '80s, I still consider myself a young-un) when the two, three NU games on TV a season were an event.
2) A dominating win over Baylor. And it was by nine points. Yup, times have changed on both sides.
3) Sixth game of the season, and NU rushes for a season-high 182 yards. Yup, times have changed.
4) Nice to see...er hear and read...about a G.I. boy making one of the biggest plays. Kudos to former Crusader Todd Peterson on his third-quarter TD. Had to get a chuckle out of Kurt Mann's comment to him though.
5) Did I think I thought there might be a kicker controversy a few weeks ago? I think I shouldn't have thought that.
6) Missouri. Playing for a share of the Big 12 North lead. On the road. Huskers looking good going in. Yup, once again, Pessimitic Nation is getting flashbacks to two years ago. Optimistic Nation wants P.N. to look a little closer to the stats, especially what the Blackshirts did against the Bears. That defense is soooooolid.

Texas Tech...the day after

2005-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

1. Sure, there's plenty of wouldas and couldas after that game, but the question that keeps eating at me is....how many teams have Homecoming before their first road game of the year?
2. The goal of the game is to get the ball towards your end zone and keep your opponent away from theirs. Even if you are a 305-pound defensive lineman, the instinct when you get the rare chance is to get that pigskin towards your end zone. It's a tough situation when that instinct is so costly.
3. Isn't it strange that the Huskers' most impressive game of the year was a loss? That 21-0 deficit is just the type that has snowballed into an ugly game on NU in the past (i.e. in Lubbock), but the adjustments on the D slowed down Tech about as much as is possible. The offense got going and turned in into a game that saw Pepto-Bismal sales jump up 1,000 percent around Lincoln for the third straight time.
4. What would NU's record be if Pitt or ISU was on the road? I'm feeling it'd be more than one loss. The Husker players themselves were giving tons of credit to the fans for the Cyclone win. Gotta feel the Pitt game was the same.
5. On the other hand, while it's nice to be 4-1, can it be a good thing that it's the middle of the season and NU hasn't played out of the friendly construction zone of Memorial Stadium? Or that four of the final six are on the road, and there isn't an automatic W left on the schedule?
6. Whoa, Baylor's a big game! It's actually a disgrace that this game isn't on TV...whodathunk you could ever say that? NU on the road the first time, the Bears coming off their first Big 12 road win (needing only 10 years to get 'er done), a night game....there's a lot for Pessimistic Nation to not like about this one. The college football world may feels Nebraska's star has faded, but don't think that Baylor wouldn't consider a win over the Huskers as one of its hugest highlights since it was actually good back in the SWC days, if anyone remembers that.

Iowa State

2005-10-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Thoughts I think I thought while wondering if a "Dr. Jerry Punch" drinking game would have to start with the number of times he says "Lincoln, Nebraska" during a game at Memorial Stadium...
1. Optimistic Nation members have to think what a great win taking out Iowa State in 2OT it was. The offense comes alive and Zac Taylor has the breakout everyone was waiting for. Pessimistic Nation members wonder how you throw for over 400 yards and only score 13 points in regulation.
2. Optimistic Nation says it was another strong showing by the Blackshirts. Pessimistic Nation reminds everyone that the defense looked really solid going into the Texas Tech game last year, too.
3. Will the Huskers continue to barely get more points in the Harris Poll than Idaho? After all, NU improved to 4-0 while Idaho — which got five points last week - beat Utah State 27-13 to improve to 1-4. Yup, that poll isn't flawed.
4. Anybody else find it strange to look at the stats and find three names under "Rushing" for NU but 10 under "Receiving".
5. Everybody who said Cory Ross needs to carry the ball more was wrong, wrong, wrong! It's obvious he needs to CATCH the ball more, more, more. Just doesn't seem like he gets all the credit he deserves for what he's done in his Cornhusker career.
6. Optimistic Nation says it's just two more wins until bowl eligible time. Pessimistic Nation points out that nobody left on the schedule has a losing record and those usual gimme road trips to Waco and Lawrence aren't automatic this year.

Bye week blues

2005-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a bye week. You can always come up with more questions about a team but you won't find any answers.
Of course, there seems to be questions about the Cyclones after the Army struggle. Did Iowa State just not be all that it could be, or did it perform above its abilities against the hated cross-state Hawkeyes? Sure makes next Saturday's game look about even...and potentially another ugleefest.
What did we did before the Internet? We couldn't have cool screen names like Mr. Pushups. As a sports writer, I'd have to use Mr. Buffet Line. As for Mr. Pushups' question, I don't think there's any consideration of a QB change from Callahan right now. Not sure there should be. We haven't seen anything from the backups, and he's seen plenty in practice. I guess Husker Nation has to hope Taylor and the offense gets going (hint, sticking to the run game could help a bit the next two games) because otherwise 0-2 in the Big 12 after a pair of home games is feasible. Yikes!

Pitt

2005-09-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

1. That is a perfect game for the eventual debut of "ESPN Not-So-Classic Channel".
2. The prevent defense almost prevented a Husker win. But I guess it got the job done in the long run.
3. Forget any QB controversy. Now, if anybody wants to debate a kicker change...
4. So the offense is still misfiring and doesn't have its timing down. Wonder if that can be fixed in two weeks when 1 1/2 monthes hasn't gotten the job done?
5. Isn't it amazing that NU won when the defense didn't score?
6. When was the last time the Huskers were home underdogs in their first two Big 12 games? Could the answer be 2005?

Wake Forest

2005-09-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

More things I think I thought this week...
1. Is having a defense score more TDs than the offense to win the hot new fad in college ball? Sure seems that way after two nights of prime time wins by Ohio and the Huskers in that fashion. I'm not sure, but those Husker 'backers might be playmakers.
2. As a 30-year old lifelong Nebraskan, it is odd to have a quarterback whose mobility is somewhere in the neighborhood of mine. Used to be a big pass rush would lead NU fans to hope for a big scramble, not a throw that would likely lead to an INT or bounce 20 yards short. Now it's hoping that Taylor won't get lit up. To paraphrase what was said during halftime of the Kansas State-Marshall game by Trev Alberts (who needs some sleep because he looks like Lou Holtz!), "You can't run the option with him because you'd get called for delay of game."
3. Wake Forest won't be a top contender in the ACC this year. But my how things have changed when a major conference wanna-be contender comes into Lincoln, "only" loses 31-3 and that is a major encouraging sign for Husker fans. Ten years ago, everyone would have wondered what the heck is wrong.
4. Maybe this Cory Ross guy should get a few more carries. He seems like a decent little runner.
5. Much like the football team, I think Herbie Husker at best will finish middle of the pack in the Capital One Bowl mascot challenge. Herbie, Sam the Minuteman and Purdue Pete will split the human vote. Gotta figure Sebastion (Miami), Buzz (Georgia Tech) and Cocky (South Carolina) are the co-favorites. But Herbie could top the other conference entries of Big Jay (KU) and Bruiser (Baylor).
6. Any interesting storylines for the Pitt game? I see the Panthers are 0-2. Wonder who they lost to this week?

Maine

2005-09-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

With apologies to SI's Peter King, here's "Six Things I Think I Thought About" the Nebraska-Maine game:
1. Shouldn't this have been listed on the NFL's exhibition schedule? I don't know if this game tells anything more about the Huskers than those final meaningless games from the pros. Sure, plenty of questions seemed to pop up, but last year's win over Western Whatever-State-It-Was sure didn't give an indication of the true nature of the season to come.
2. How much of the moolah that Maine got coming to Lincoln will be spent on ice, band-aids, etc. for thos poor QBs? I think the O-Line better make sure those banged up boys get the prime seats on the flight back. They're going to be hurting for a while.
3. Are bears blue in nature? Heck, with the colors of Maine and the species of the UCLA Bruin, I'm wondering if powder/baby blue isn't the color of those critters in nature. If so, why aren't they extinct?
4. I'm glad I voted "No" on the HuskersHQ poll about if Taylor would break the NU single game passing yardage record. Makes me feel all smart and stuff. But I think that Taylor-Hardy connection might be one to watch. Hey, I feel smart again!
5. Is football season for the Universit of Maine like basketball season in these parts? You know, just something to pass the time until the state's "true" sport. A few more decent showings against I-A foes, and maybe Maine won't be only known for hockey. Hmmmmm...wonder how far would-have-been Tri-City Storm goaltender Matt Lundin will lead Maine this season in it's prime sport.
6. What won out more often, buying the PPV or getting two gallons of gas? Some might have kept that $29.95 in their pocket, not wanting to shell out money for an expected blowout that just never occurred. You know, if somebody's smart, they'll invent the car that runs on milk. Never thought I'd see the day that a gallon of milk is cheaper than a gallon of gas.

New NU Pitching Coach

2005-08-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Mike Anderson knew who could help him find the perfect pitching coach for the Nebraska staff.

After Rob Childress left to become the head coach at Texas A&M, Anderson called up Dave Bingham. The long-time baseball coach is looked up to by many coaches in the midwest and often gets phone calls asking for advice.

After several talks, Bingham did help Anderson find the perfect candidate for a new pitching coach, but one he didn't expect -- himself.

"Dave has been a consultant," Anderson said. "People call to throw things by him. It's easy to call up Dave Bingham and talk. It's not just me, it's a lot of midwest coaches."

Bingham, who has been a head coach at Emporia State (1974-87) and Kansas (1988-95) and was most recently an assistant at New Mexico in 2004, was surprised where these discussions with Anderson ended up.

"Mike and I had gone through this process....I'd tell him about other candidates and try to advise him," Bingham said. "We talked one day and he said 'The principles you believe in are the principles I believe in. Would you be interested?'
"That took me back a bit."

After giving it some thought, Bingham decided that Anderson was just the type of head coach he would like to work for.

"A lot had to do with Mike Anderson," Bingham said of returning to the collegiate ranks. "A lot of the principles and relationships he has with his players and staff I believe in. And I believe it's comforting being around a guy who keeps grounded."

And Anderson felt Bingham had the qualities needed to become part of a coaching staff that could extend the team's recent successes.

"He's hard-nosed, he's disciplined," Anderson said. "It's what Nebraskans expect from this program."

Bingham doesn't feel it'll be tough to get back into coaching at the college level after sitting out most of the past decade. But his work during that time running the Dave Bingham Baseball Academy could also pay off for the Huskers in recruiting due to the connections Bingham has developed.

"Recruiting was a large part of our talks. There are so many different aspects to being a good coach," Anderson said.

After being officially introduced as the new pitching coach at a press conference Monday in the Nebraska clubhouse at Haymarket Park, Bingham was anxious to get to know as many of his new players as quickly as possible.

"Everybody tells me the cupboard is anything but bare," he said. "I met Joba Chamberlain today.

"I want to know them as quickly as possible. I've talked to professional scouts, and they list off guys (on the Nebraska staff) they think are great pitchers."