Hump Day in Hateland

Hump day as college football season heads toward the final tape.

Unfortunately, the events of the past week or so have somewhat derailed me of some other things that have been tearing at me. So before we head into the weekend and watch Nebraska struggle in the pure volume of adversity that is sure to rain down from the sky, let's take a look at some more non-specific items.

* Thank God election day is over. As most of you know, I avoid talking politics like the plague (here at least), because people take it so damn seriously. Don't get me wrong, it is a serious issue, but the extremes people go to to make sure your opinion matches theirs is absolutely absurd. I don't understand the gang mentality that people take during political discussions as well. It's not like ONE party has crooks and ONE party has saints. Both parties have both. And know, I'm not one of those anarchist "Independents" either. I just don't understand instantly loving or hating something, just because it falls upon your party lines. Me personally, I support some things our government has done in recent years, while at the same time, I think other things are completely idiotic.

Whatever way you look at it, the internet has allowed people to not only take in as much information as possible, but it's also allowed opinion to find cracks that never before existed. I'm not sure if you've noticed this either, but it doesn't take much to convince the average person of pretty much anything. So whether Eddie Vetter is whining about the war or Rush Limbaugh is making some ridiculous statement about (insert topic)....it really doesn't matter. The rift between citizens of this country will continue to widen, as long as people remain in constant contempt of the other side.

I compare it to this. I hate Shrimp. Fucking hate it. I hate it boiled, I hate it fried. I hate it popcorn style. I hate Shrimp Sam I am. But am I going to label you a complete dumbass for liking shrimp? Should I care if you and a bucket of Long John Silver's finest want to get freaky in the privacy of your own home? People seem to have forgotten that it's OK to think differently. Debate and discussion are what make this country great. Whether it's politics or something REALLY important like college football, we all could do a better job listening to what the other side has to say...and THEN call them a fucking idiot. Just food for thought.

* It's fall, and you know what that means!?!! CREIGHTON BASKETBALL MYOPIA!!!! Yes, the same fans who brought you the "Classiest fans in the nation" show you why they are God's favorite fan base by actually invading another team's fan base. I'm really not sure if this is unprecedented or not. I know the infamous "JayCat" lives in the Kansas City area. (KU basketball/KSU Football fan), but I'm not sure of any other situation on earth where droves of fans from one school jump ship and actually cling to another school and another sport to call it their own.

What's that? You didn't know Creighton had fans? For those of you outside the Omaha area, let me give you a general snapshot of basketball season in Huskerland. Each December, just about the time the Husker football team is winding down, a vast majority of Husker fans look for something to cling to. The volleyball team is nearly done. The baseball team doesn't start til March. What to do? I KNOW!! Let's all become Creighton fans because they play in a space-age new arena and win a LOT!

I couldn't make this up if I tried. 17,000 + of Omaha's finest will fill the Qwest Center this winter to watch a mid-level, mediocre Creighton Bluejay team take on college basketball's biggest powers. Teams like Indiana State, Norfolk State, Drake and my personal favorite Arkansas Pine Bluff!!! This is the same college basketball team that averaged less than 5,000 fans during the past 30 years or so, and had a student section in the single digits just 7 or 8 years ago. Now, the place is packed to the gills with fans who demand excellence, great coaching...and apparently don't have to even be their own team. Meanwhile, the Sam's Club looking Devaney Center in Lincoln is as empty as Charo's Emmy shelf, as the mighty Huskers get walloped night after night by the likes of Texas, Kansas and Iowa State. Does anybody else see something wrong here?

The hypocrisy of this situation blows the mind. How on EARTH can you call yourself such great fans if you literally abandon your own program and instantly bond with what most people consider a rival school? Is the beer at the Qwest Center THAT much better than the warm swill that they served at the old Civic Auditorium? Don't get me wrong, but the Valley is a nice little mid-major conference and Dana Altman is a great coach...but the absolute insanity of ditching your own team for another in just one sport is appalling.

You wonder what I'll talk about when football season is done? Trust me, this situation and college basketball alone give me enough ammo to get me through til the other Omaha embarrassment takes the stage...the College World Series. Stay tuned.

* It's pretty obvious that after some early signs of life, the Big 12 North is as lifeless as a George Will hosted keg party. Colorado has had their worst season in years. Iowa State...a team who I actually gave a chance to win the North has plunged into oblivion faster than the Baha Men. Kansas State is barely treading water, and although they have possibly the best young player in the league, are far below their normal standard. Kansas, as usual, shows signs of life from time to time, only to wallow in mediocrity as well. Missouri has proven they have loads of talent, but have the leadership and mental stability of a Courtney Love facilitated AA meeting. Nebraska is probably the most stable team in the North, and obviously have some decent talent. However, as we've stated more than once, mediocre players surrounded by unrealistic expectations hardly ever turns out well. This is especially the case when a guy with hardly any experience is in charge.

But will things stay the same for years to come?

Missouri returns 10 starters on offense, 6 on defense. Colorado has nowhere to go but up, and is lead by a coach who has proven that he can win at a high level. K-State still has a lot of athletes and an outstanding young (although raw) QB. Nebraska returns a lot of starters. That leaves Iowa State (who will probably have a coach next year) and Kansas, who by law, must make football a second thought once basketball starts. If you ask me, a 2 team race will quickly become a 4 team race next season. Mizzou has Nebraska at home, but now have to travel to improved CU and K-State. The North has definitely earned their reputation as a shitty conference. Anybody who watched the battle for the crown last week in Lincoln could have told you that. But I have a feeling things are going to be a lot different in the next couple years. Then again...I picked ISU and CU to compete this year..so what do I know?

* Late breaking news....it appears that Iowa State has fired Dan McCartney this afternoon. Is it just me, or is this a stupid move? Don't get me wrong, Iowa State underachieved more than anybody this season, but was Dan McCartney really the problem? Have you seen their stadium? Have you seen their facilities? Think that has anything to do with it? You could dig up the body of Vince Lombardi and even he couldn't coach the Clones to 10 wins when they're playing in a second-rate stadium that would be put to shame by most high schools in Texas.

More details as they develop.