tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108593382024-03-13T11:38:08.927-05:00Behind enemy lines - A Huskerh8er's view of the worldPeople think of Husker fans as the Classiest in college sports. I know better. I live among them.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-1706289193945430822009-01-09T19:41:00.016-06:002009-01-10T09:07:51.551-06:00The End<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgKj8ZT69I/AAAAAAAADbg/iGnXCtGpEYg/s1600-h/rocky460.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289489374970637266" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 271px; height: 180px;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgKj8ZT69I/AAAAAAAADbg/iGnXCtGpEYg/s320/rocky460.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, now that the season is over…it looks like we’re finally here.<br /><br />First of all, I’d like to apologize up front for making this kinda long. You don’t end a 23 year long crusade and cap it off with a one paragraph long, “Thanks…see you guys later.” No, we have some loose ends we need to tie up before I go, and as you can probably imagine…it might take a while.<br /><br />Anyhow, let me start off by saying thanks. Thanks for turning a 10 minutes a week hobby into…well, a 30 minute a week hobby. But along the way, without any regrets, I did exactly what I set out to do. This blog wasn’t designed to show you how much better my team was than yours. (Although they are) It wasn’t written to mock your thug athletes, who turned criminal trial watching into a state’s 2nd favorite spectator sport. Nor was this blog really started to break down the daily happenings within one of college football’s most famous programs.<br /><br />My goal was simply to expose you to the rest of the world.<br /><br />When I started back in early 2005, Nebraska football was still known…I guess… as somewhat as a national power. Sure they were going through some growing pains with Bill Callahan…but just 3 seasons prior, the team played for a National title for God’s sake. (One that you never deserved to even play for..as we’ve discussed here many times.) Oh sure, you were openly mocked for being destroyed in the 2002 Rose Bowl game. And yes, the public ridiculed you endlessly from afar during your disastrous hiring of Bill Callahan just the year before. But even then…nobody <em>REALLY</em> knew you.<br /><br />Today…some four years and over 620 posts later, the world finally seems to have seen the light. Fans of every single Big 12 North team have stopped by this corner of the web…oftentimes sending me thanks for saying exactly what they felt...usually after encountering some idiot Husker transplant at work, or that brother-in-law who won't shut the hell up about Grant Wistrom. Yes, fans from across the country were finally privy to your mind-numbing stories, farked photos and media articles that for decades lay far behind a tightly closed iron curtain. Don't believe me? Do you think it’s just a coincidence that 2008's "return" to glory team was somehow left out of the top 25? Think voters are still falling for your “look at us, we used to be great..but now we’re back” crap again?<br /><br />Yes, my goal was to reveal you and your massive ego to the world, by letting them see just what a complete and absolute freak show you people run out here on the great plains…all by yourself…where nobody from the outside world dares to tread for more than a weekend. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgIceka0qI/AAAAAAAADaQ/hPPPgpX0iSs/s1600-h/midsize_photo47114d6729e83042561100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289487047681823394" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 175px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgIceka0qI/AAAAAAAADaQ/hPPPgpX0iSs/s200/midsize_photo47114d6729e83042561100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We’ve also talked a lot about the Nebraska media, who have made this blog literally write itself. Special thanks to Kevin Kuglar and Mike’L Severe of KOZN radio in Omaha for not only calling me out on air (multiple times), but for oftentimes have the actual balls to banter with me back and forth via e-mail, somehow justifying their foolhardy and oftentimes moronic opinions. Special thanks to Traitor Tom Shatel, columnist for the Omaha World Herald…who to this day stands as probably the easiest target of all. In all my years of fighting this fight, NOBODY represents the supercilious nature of Husker fan better than he does. Wishy-washy to the core…completely blinded by urge to please you, Tom has made a living of being your ultimate piss boy. Thank you Tom for the all the years of ammunition. It has not gone unappreciated.<br /><br />Yes, during our time together, we’ve been through many adventures that I will look back fondly on. The Huskers have lost 20 games since I started this blog...more than an entire era that spanned from 1985 to 1998. And man did we have some fun.<br /><br />Who could forget the rise and fall of J.C. Keller? Looking back at the top 10 Husker losses of all time? The 76 points to Kansas? 52-17? 41-6? The back-to-back colon-pulsing ass poundings by USC? Perhaps you enjoyed the near losses to Maine…The police incidents, the outlandish predictions, the blowout losses, the spitting thug and the return of Tom Osborne? Or perhaps you enjoyed..as I did…when various factions of my own Husker-loving readers who turned against each other in their time of deep despair; so much so they arranged to fight each other at halftime of an actual game? Harrison Beck, Jay Norvell, Dudley Blake, Marlon Lucky and his invisible Heisman, fake tattoos, the Blaine Gabbert saga and all the borderline disturbing events that have shaped you as a fan base over the past few years. I will miss them all. And I will most miss sharing them all with you, if anything to hear your ridiculous spin job that often followed. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgIvVWnI5I/AAAAAAAADag/L-CN-hluFtI/s1600-h/2saltwound.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289487371625505682" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 134px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgIvVWnI5I/AAAAAAAADag/L-CN-hluFtI/s200/2saltwound.jpg" border="0" /></a>But alas, nothing lasts forever and this is a prime example. Although it still exists…evil as it once was has been defeated…my soul has been cleansed, and an entire generation of football fans now have had a first-hand look at what complete and total idiot hayseeds you are. Some say I single-handedly stoked the fires of a new rivalry between bordering states. Perhaps I did have something to do with it? Perhaps I’m the sole reason you hate every single car that drives by your tractor with Missouri license plates? The truth lies in within your own soul…what that is..I really don’t know. What I do know is…NOTHING about you really bothers me that much anymore. Your claims…your stories…your predictions…your flashbacks. It’s all bullshit, because you’ve been proven wrong time and time and time and time again…by me, the one person who knows you best.<br /><br />Before I do go on though…I do want to thank a few more people who helped make this blog what it is and what it was:<br /><br />Thanks to Greg, Barney, Brown Thunder and Ryan for creating this monster many years ago. Thanks to Husker Mike, Jon at Corn Nation and some of the other fairly-reasonable Husker bloggers I’ve bumped into over the years. Thanks to Gabe at PowerMizzou, the guys over at Rock M Nation and of course Nick and the freaks over at Tigerboard. Thanks to the Colorado and K-State fans who helped make this blog grow. Thanks to Justin in Reno for all his help with the web design, as well as the anonymous Mizzou student who supplied me with the alternate URL. Thanks to MCPeiper for the game tickets. Thanks to the OPD and Qwest Center security for not catching me when I snuck into the NCAA tourney. Thanks to Maple Street Publishing, CNNSI.com and Tim Griffin at ESPN.com for featuring my work. Thanks to the listeners of Unsportsmanlike Conduct for being obsessed with my every move. Thanks to all my family and friends…almost all who never found out that I have actually written such hateful and vile words over the years.<br /><br />But most of all…thank you Husker fans. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJDHlEPKI/AAAAAAAADaw/plkdGl6sVCw/s1600-h/whyyw1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289487711525420194" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 134px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJDHlEPKI/AAAAAAAADaw/plkdGl6sVCw/s200/whyyw1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgI57Ru7kI/AAAAAAAADao/A9zw0-K6qfo/s1600-h/home-1.jpg"></a><br />Relentlessly, time and time again you hillbilly inbred hayseed fuckheads have provided me with entertainment beyond my wildest dreams. You’ve tried to bring up my own team’s failures…while justifying your own misfortunes and mistakes. You’ve tried to tell me how much you hate me…while at the same time never turning to run away from me. You’ve tried over and over and over and over to get me to play your little game, but never got me to crack. My only regret is that I didn’t find a penny for every time one of you clowns left me your best Jim Rome impression, promising you’d never return; and then sneak a peek some 500 times in the following 3 hours.<br /><br />What you never realized is…I allowed you to comment on my work so freely simply because you did what I never could…and that is fully demonstrate what a whack-job bunch of red-sweater wearing psychopaths you dipshits truly are. Sure, I can <em>tell</em> people from other parts of the country that you send pictures of shirtless wide-receivers to your friends…but then you would just log in and try and defend it.<br /><br />“Yeah, but you’re scared to death…look them…they’re RIPPED!”<br /><br />You never got it.<br /><br />You never EVER understood that the more you fought back, the more idiotic you appeared to those whom I truly wrote this blog for. I addressed you Husker fans directly in every column, even though you were never my intended reader. The real goal was to find that sheltered person who stumbled across the blog on Google or whatever…curiously wondering why or HOW anyone could POSSIBLY hate such a classy and distinguished fan base like Nebraska. While never writing a word directly to that person…I wanted them to fully understand, that what you see on television, lost in a visually impressive sea of red…is certainly not what you get. These people are insane. These people are delusional. These people love themselves more than you could ever love another object.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJKy5WloI/AAAAAAAADa4/ocABB4LrQto/s1600-h/18-berlin_wall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289487843412317826" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 132px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJKy5WloI/AAAAAAAADa4/ocABB4LrQto/s200/18-berlin_wall.jpg" border="0" /></a>But now it’s over. The mediocrity once despised is now covering you like a warm blanket. You embrace it. You celebrate it. You are oblivious to it. While trying to take a step forward…you let your leaders take you 20 steps back, and that is your own fault due to your own actions in the past. Karma kicked you square in the teeth, and you Gomers are just too far gone to see it. This is why I have yet to follow your instructions and “Just leave if you hate it here so much”.<br /><br />I was having too much fun…not laughing with you..but at you.<br /><br />So with that…in the spirit of you being a complete and total shell of your former selves…let me leave you with a final thought:<br /><br />I found I was pretty good at writing this blog, not because I have any talent or any real insight. No, I think hundreds of thousands of hits found this website because I knew you like nobody else did…and yet thrived under your resistance. I always wrote this blog knowing that even the slightest misstep in facts, and my credibility would be shot…the message I delivered forever ruined in the transmission, no matter how true it was. But deny to yourself if you may…I stood toe to toe with you regarding the Huskers, because I know your team every bit as well as you do. I see the program with my eyes..while you feel it with your heart; and that is dangerous.<br /><br />For you see…some of you asked long ago, but the answer was never found: I know so much about you, because I am one of you. Not by residence, but by blood. Yes, in my final plot twist to you…I will finally let you in on a little secret I successfully worked very hard to hide:<br /><br />I attended to the University of Nebraska.<br /><br />I stand as a symbol for all to see…for what you believe in and how you go about your daily lives…will someday consume you. I am your worst enemy…your harshest critic…and will hate all of you until the day they put me into the ground. I am what happens when one of you finally sees the light. I am one of you in more ways than you ever knew. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJWA6_1lI/AAAAAAAADbA/BE-ZasWUXSM/s1600-h/ticker-tape-parade.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289488036155872850" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 134px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJWA6_1lI/AAAAAAAADbA/BE-ZasWUXSM/s200/ticker-tape-parade.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For those of you who have been here for a while…friend or foe…thanks for taking this ride with me. For all the smack talk, foul language and snotty remarks, I really did enjoy writing this blog for so long, despite your endless stupidity. But like all crusades, this one must end as victory is in hand. Your mystique is gone. Your aura of ultimate class and respect is long since shattered. Your history…the one thing you have clutched onto for so long..is now all you have as it gently drifts farther and farther away in the rearview mirror.<br /><br />I documented your ugly death for all the world to see. I am victorious in my intentions. I am triumphant in doing exactly what I set out to do in February of 2005. The fight is over now.<br /><br />I won. <br /><br />I've won because nobody gives a damn about truly shitty teams. And with that...my work here is done.<br /><br />This is A.J. reporting live from behind enemy lines.<br /><br />Signing off.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJf1Cbs2I/AAAAAAAADbI/XO6FGer17xM/s1600-h/33station.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289488204764525410" style="width: 201px; height: 155px;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJf1Cbs2I/AAAAAAAADbI/XO6FGer17xM/s320/33station.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJuHbTT4I/AAAAAAAADbQ/VfuQRnWEyRo/s1600-h/65720929_9b9fb2325f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289488450218839938" style="width: 200px; height: 142px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWgJuHbTT4I/AAAAAAAADbQ/VfuQRnWEyRo/s200/65720929_9b9fb2325f.jpg" border="0" /></a>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-31482188817521990912009-01-09T15:38:00.004-06:002009-01-09T15:40:36.075-06:00Grand Finale DisclaimerIn the next 48 hours, this blog will close it's doors forever.<br /><br />Let the record show that following the final post, I will still approve your comments for at least a few weeks. After that, the archives will be open for as long as Blogger allows.<br /><br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />The management<br /><br />PS - No top 25 for the Huskers and their epic season? I'm shocked.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-72946034487825257152009-01-09T09:10:00.002-06:002009-01-09T09:12:33.409-06:00Tebow Takes the ThroneI lied. One more football post.<br /><br />With his win last night, Tim Tebow becomes the greatest college football quarterback of our generation. Just as he did against Eddie George...Tommie Frazier takes yet another back seat.<br /><br /><strong>Frazier:</strong><br />Wins: 33<br />Passing: 250-509 (49%) 4,003 yds<br />Passing TD's: 47<br />Passing INT's: 18<br />Rushing: 386 carries, 2,263 yds (36 TD's)<br />Heisman's: 0<br />Ntl Titles: 2<br /><br /><br /><strong>Tebow:</strong><br />Wins: 34 (playing one fewer seasons.)<br />Passing: 430-651 (66%) 6,159 yds<br />Passing TD's: 65<br />Passing INT's: 9<br />Rushing: 453 carries, 2192 yds (43 TD's)<br />Heisman's: 1<br />Ntl Titles: 2A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-72216865613157731082009-01-05T12:02:00.007-06:002009-01-05T13:39:46.481-06:00The 2008 Big 12 North Season in Review<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJMb0IeMuI/AAAAAAAADZQ/RBrP2pARbTc/s1600-h/midsize_photo48e82d275c163572981933.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287872953220739810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJMb0IeMuI/AAAAAAAADZQ/RBrP2pARbTc/s200/midsize_photo48e82d275c163572981933.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, you knew it was coming sometime. Yes, it’s time for probably the last football-related column (yes, column) here at BEL…and judging by the return of the scarlet-colored cockroaches covering the floor around here, it should be a pretty popular one.<br /><br />Over the years, many of my fellow bloggers have questioned why I am so liberal in what comments I approve. One of the great things about running a blog by yourself, is that you can completely dictate how it looks and feels via censorship. However, as I’ve long since stated, I WANT to see you people get pissed at me for several reasons. First, it's fun. Second, it shows the rest of the world what complete jackoff hayseeds you clowns are. Nothing makes me laugh more than some idiot in a yellow foam hat, spending 6000 words, telling me how much he hates me and my blog. Apparently, the irony was missed on him.<br /><br />The third reason I like to approve pretty much any comment you can throw at me is that I realize all of this is opinion. That’s one thing that gets lost more than any other when it comes to sportswriters, both professional and amateur. The first thing you learn in journalism school is a funny little four-letter word that is the basis of pretty much any and all reporting…both legit and editorial. The word is “bias”, and the perspective that delivers it is the most important principle to remember when reading a blog, newspaper article or Jason Whitlock column where he babbles on about how great KU football is.<br /><br />You simply must put yourself in the writer’s shoes, and figure out WHY he/she’s saying such things, and what their true motives are. What is their background? What is their stake in the argument? That’s what makes me laugh the hardest, is when I make predictions or submit a power poll and you people lose your minds. I mean, the sign at the front of the website says HUSKER HATER. And then you get all pissed off when I predict you’ll win 4 games? What the fuck did you expect me to say? “Damn that Bo Pelini is going to have Nebraska back on top this year.” <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJMfQISjaI/AAAAAAAADZY/QTHiP1FK53M/s1600-h/MIZZOU_SP_100408_JB_10423F.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287873012275776930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJMfQISjaI/AAAAAAAADZY/QTHiP1FK53M/s200/MIZZOU_SP_100408_JB_10423F.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I’ve said this since the beginning, writing about the Huskers is 1000 times easier when they are winning, than when they’re a steaming pile of shit and left to die in the North cellar. People get more uptight....expectations are raised....delusions grow like weeds. I mean, I used to bash Nebraska when they were 60-3 and my own team was 11-43 in that same period. What makes you think I’ll have a hard time dealing with a 9-4 season where your biggest win was a 10 point victory over a 5-loss Insight.com champion Kansas team? (At home) Wouldn’t you think that’s easier to deal with than smack talking with friends when their team just won a 3rd National Title in 4 years and your own team hasn’t gone to a bowl in 2 decades?<br /><br />Next time you wonder why I’m packing up and claiming victory, go and think about that for a while. If you still don't get it; well..there isn't much I can do for you at this point.<br /><br />Anyhow…let’s get back to the year in review. With the North season now complete following Nebraska’s yawn-inducing pillow-fight victory last week, we can take a look at the season that was. And yes, we’ll see just how I was wrong…and how I was right on several different fronts.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Iowa State Cyclones (2-10)</strong><br /><em>Predicted record: (5-7)</em><br /><em>High Point:</em> Still trying to find one.<br /><em>Low Point:</em> Having your coach win 2 games and he fires you..not the other way around.<br /><em>Summary:</em> The Clones did absolutely nothing this season, so they may as well just start looking forward. Paul Rhodes takes over one hell of a mess in Ames. Granted, any first year coach is going to struggle, but first year success depends a lot on how much talent is there when they arrive. (AhemPeliniAhem)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Kansas State Wildcats (5-7)<br /></strong><em>Predicted record: (8-4)<br />High Point:</em> Entering Big 12 play at 3-1 before being destroyed by Texas Tech<br /><em>Low Point</em>: Rehiring Bill Snyder and raising eyebrows across the nation.<br /><em>Summary:</em> I had no idea KSU would struggle so bad on defense. I also didn’t think Ron Prince would struggle taking over a BCS conference program the way he did. Gotta wonder how that loss to Louisville early effected the confidence of an already fragile program. A 1 point loss to Colorado was a death blow for the season and sent Prince on the road to the unemployment office.<br /><br /><strong>Colorado Buffaloes (5-7)<br /></strong><em>Predicted record: (7-5)<br />High Point:</em> Beating a ranked West Virginia team in overtime on National TV<br /><em>Low Point:</em> Losing to Nebraska on a fluke 57 yard field goal by a gangly Husker nerd/kicker who is not only fighting acne, but appears to have never kissed a girl.<br /><em>Summary:</em> I don’t have the exact number, but I thought I read somewhere that Colorado lost 17 starters at some point to injury. I say this every year, but I still have a hard time thinking that Colorado won’t rise up again soon and start to compete. A win in Lincoln would have been a great feather in Dan Hawkins’ cap, as would a bowl game. If Cody Hawkins would have played the whole year as he did in Lincoln, the Buffs wouldn’t have had such a crappy taste in their mouth to end the year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Kansas Jayhawks (7-5)<br /></strong><em>Predicted record: (6-6)<br />High Point:</em> Beating Missouri on a 4th down scramble in the snow at Arrowhead<br /><em>Low Point:</em> Losing to Nebraska on the road in a game they had no business losing.<br /><em>Summary:</em> KU was pretty much exactly where I thought they would be. Granted, I didn’t think they’d beat Missouri at Arrowhead (not many did), but gotta give them credit. Reesing played out of his ass and pretty much carried that team all the way to their win over a horribly brutal Minnesota team in the Insight.com bowl. The fat man can do a whole lot with not a ton of talent, and this season was no different. Having the whole team take a picture in front of the scoreboard after the Missouri game was pretty lame though..even for a guy wears a tent as a jacket.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Missouri Tigers (9-3)<br /></strong><em>Predicted record (11-1)</em><br /><em>High Point:</em> Crushing Nebraska and going on to win the North for a 2nd straight year<br /><em>Low Point:</em> Being destroyed at Arrowhead by OU in front of 40,000 OU fans.<br /><em>Summary:</em> Back to back 10 win seasons is nothing to sneeze at, and certainly no sane Tiger fan will discount that feat. But you have to wonder how the season would have gone, had the Tigers not laid a giant egg against a very beatable Okie State team in October. Granted, they weren’t going to beat Texas or OU this season, but you gotta think the KU debacle may not have happened if higher stakes were on the line at Arrowhead. Just goes to show you how big a part the mental game plays in football at this level. Right now, it looks like more Mizzou players will make the NFL out of this senior class, than the previous 15-20 years combined.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Nebraska Huskers (8-4)<br /></strong><em>Predicted record (4-8)<br />High Point:</em> Getting crushed by Missouri at home and then suddenly forgetting it ever happened.<br /><em>Low Point:</em> Kidding yourself that Winning 9 games means you’ve turned a corner, even though your very best wins include a 5 loss Kansas team and a 6 loss Clemson team.<br /><em>Summary:</em> Order restored right? Funny thing is …Callahan brings in TONS of talent (per you), and yet somehow Pelini got 9 wins out of a group of “nobodies” (as a friend of mine called them the other day.) Which is it? Pretty safe to say the whole “playing harder” mantra worked out for you...but I think deep down, I feel a sense that even you know that this is only a small…even tiny step forward toward you getting back up atop your throne. You still haven’t beaten a top 20 team in nearly eight seasons. Hell, even the Omaha World Herald, in a story about season highlights listed an OT loss at Texas Tech as one of the season’s high water marks.<br /><br />Huh?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJM2WsBVgI/AAAAAAAADZg/huaVusZ1_6k/s1600-h/midsize_photo48f14020f1431725874280.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287873409173247490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJM2WsBVgI/AAAAAAAADZg/huaVusZ1_6k/s200/midsize_photo48f14020f1431725874280.jpg" border="0" /></a>Don’t you think that's slightly telling if one of your greatest season “highlights” is a loss where your QB pissed the game away? And seriously, how many times are you going to lose to teams that are better than you? Granted, it’s better than losing to those teams…as you did last year. But still, it depends on what your expectations are. Next season, expectations are going to be sky high, despite the fact the vaunted CornCoast offense returns nearly zero playmakers for 2009. Good thing you guys don’t have a history of over estimating incoming talent huh?<br /><br />Just a few years ago, you people hailed the executive motto that you absolutely will “not gravitate toward mediocrity”. Yet now, you celebrate it. Nine wins is but a number in days of 12 game schedules. This is especially true in a "great" fan base celebrating the non-choking of games away from such superpowers as San Jose State (81st in RPI.com’s final rankings), New Mexico State (140th), Iowa State (144th), Baylor (89th), KSU (85th) and Colorado (74th). Hell, even the Western Michigan and Clemson wins are considered mediocre according to the computers, who rank both teams in the mid 40’s….barely in the top half of the nation.<br /><br />So maybe an OT loss to Texas Tech is what you should shoot for now? Perhaps this really is where you live these days? When I told you that your program lied in ruins all summer long, many of you mocked me for the simple fact that you know that Nebraska will never be a 2-3 win doormat…Hell, even I know that. (Not while Dr. Tom is in charge of scheduling) But what has changed in all this is how you define success. Even I will concede that 9 wins out of this group is a pretty major accomplishment. But make no mistake, the highway of college football is littered with programs who took a step forward, only to take two steps back. Bo Pelini isn’t blessed with a senior QB to save his ass in 2009. Remember the last time you had to break in an underclassman QB? Neither do I…it’s been a while.<br /><br />So was this year’s edition of Husker football a success?<br /><br />I guess it depends on how you look at it. Is listing an OT loss worthy of a season “highlight”? Is an unaccredited “co division championship” worthy of your mighty program? Now that mediocrity has been re-gained, is a division title the only acceptable outcome for Bo Pelini in 2009? Is it fair that this is where the bar has been set, despite the fact that not a single player he recruited has played a down in his system to date? I once told you the worst possible thing Pelini could do is have a good record in year one with very little to show for it in his first year. Right on cue, that’s exactly what happens. Now, he is forced to up that goal, with a complete lack of returning skill position players, and a defense that was improved…but still gave up a whopping 46 points per game in their 4 losses. 46 points...PER GAME.<br /><br />Whether that is restored order to you is not for me to decide. I just hope you can keep your focus when you find out that red is the only color that bridesmaid dress comes in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJNpnFuunI/AAAAAAAADZo/OOUsZSOqChM/s1600-h/the_little_red_dress_hanna.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287874289749375602" style="WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SWJNpnFuunI/AAAAAAAADZo/OOUsZSOqChM/s320/the_little_red_dress_hanna.jpg" border="0" /></a>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-63422015018811954122009-01-01T16:36:00.004-06:002009-01-01T16:57:26.909-06:00Instant Gator Analysis - As Good as it Gets<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SV1GNz5bzwI/AAAAAAAADZI/_yb65hGHZOE/s1600-h/opd3-7931.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286458740686180098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SV1GNz5bzwI/AAAAAAAADZI/_yb65hGHZOE/s200/opd3-7931.jpg" border="0" /></a>Savor it Husker fans. You’ve earned it.<br /><br />The way you came back and clawed your way ahead of a 6 loss, mid-level ACC team with absolutely no hint of an offense was something to behold. Now don’t get me wrong…I was barely awake to witness the showcase of field-goal fueled offensive superpowers, although I was coherent enough to witness the Clemson QB…who for some reason looks a lot like Adam Sandler…get sacked on a 20 yard loss on third and goal from the 10 with the game on the line. Seriously, is that their regular QB? Does he know you can throw the ball away while scrambling? <br /><br />And you people say my team’s QB sucks...yeesh.<br /><br />That dude was the worst signal caller I’ve seen since Wake Forest trotted out their 4th string water boy against JC and the boys down in North Carolina last season. (Game reminded me a lot of that game as well) But alas, order is restored, and you can now go back to your rightful place on top of the college football world. Then again, your senior class leaves Lincoln a stellar 3-12 vs. ranked teams in their four years, (the three wins were over #24 Texas A&M in 2006, and in 2005 over #23 ISU and #20 Michigan) and won a whopping 1 division title. (For a school that will brag to anybody with a pulse that they've won FIVE NATIONAL titles)<br /><br />I hate to say this...and truth be told however, this might be it for a while. You break in a new QB next season and lost nearly every single offensive player who played worth a shit this afternoon. (Minus Castille who had a few nice runs.) Plus, don’t look now…but you have to go to Lawrence and Columbia next season; two places you haven’t exactly lit up the past few times you’ve been there. (And oh yeah...don't forget Texas Tech and Oklahoma aren't exactly going to suck next season either...nor will Va Tech)<br /><br />But who am I to rain on your grand parade today? Today, on this fantastic day of days..where you proved you WERE indeed BETTER than a 6-loss ACC Team, I only have a couple of points. Oh sure, we still have to see how Pelini is going to win using players he actually recruited, but what reason is there to bring common sense and facts into this discussion? Your first January bowl win in 9 freaking years deserves room to celebrate...even from me. (9 years is a long ass time by the way)<br /><br />* Good for Joe Ganz. That dude played his ass off for you people, and earned my respect, getting his ass kicked most of the game. Hopefully, on his way out the door, he gives all of you a giant middle finger for treating him like shit prior to 2007. You remember those days right? Like when every single one of you wanted him to transfer because he simply couldn’t match up to the physical God-given talent of J.C. Keller? Hopefully he'll turn that upcoming poster-signing business into something a bit more practical in light of your former taunts.<br /><br />* I know I say this a lot (because...well, it’s kind of my 2nd job), But do ANY of you people realize what complete tools you look on television during the games? I mean, the foam ears of corn on your head are stupid enough, but that’s been done. No, dressing up as a giant ear of corn, while your fat pasty frat brother dances around shirtless in white striped overalls isn’t exactly projecting a cosmopolitan image to the rest of the country. Don’t get me wrong…nobody was watching that snooze fest except for a few people who live in South Carolina..who have identity problems as well…but wouldn’t you think somebody would try and do something about that? (Then again, your team spokesman is Larry the Cable Guy, so whom am I kidding?)<br /><br />And it’s not just some of you…almost every single one of you douchebags who showed up in Florida’s northeastern armpit today looked like you’ve never seen the light of day, or God forbid watched a sporting event with other people. Perhaps the camera people went out of their way to show your fans at their worst. Or perhaps it was just coincidence that the most hard-core (ie moron) fans made the trip this year. But rest assured, those of us not wearing a faded red sweatshirt today all noticed your complete and total lack of sophistication and charm.<br /><br />It’s funny when people at NFL games do it because they’re most likely drunk. You on the other hand have absolutely no excuse other than your extremely shallow gene pool.<br /><br />* I’m going to throw it out there: New Years Day sucks. FIVE games? That’s all we get now FIVE games? Back in the day, New Year’s was the quintessential holiday of College Football. Now, it doesn’t even have ½ the number of games available on TV as a typical regular season. Just call it yet another way the man is sticking it to the common fan. Screw it..at least the hockey game was badass again as usual.<br /><br />This week, the Big 12 North recap. Til then...See ya at 72nd and Dodge!<br /><br />Gator Bowl Champs!!!!<br /><br />WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-46148699858990516632008-12-31T10:28:00.004-06:002008-12-31T10:37:29.820-06:00Beginning of the End<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVudx614UDI/AAAAAAAADY4/veC9_4fh00s/s1600-h/cryinkid2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285992068583804978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVudx614UDI/AAAAAAAADY4/veC9_4fh00s/s320/cryinkid2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I never thought my love for writing would diminish as fast as it has. Gone apparently are the days were just one quick Husker related conversation with a co-worker would send me into a 800 word, profanity laced rant that would pretty much offend even the most liberal of readers. Here are the days where I simply shake my head, and remind you that you haven't done jack shit in what is now going on 8 seasons.<br /><br />What’s that? Nebraska is back on track to glory by playing in a spectacular Florida-based New Year’s Day bowl game?<br /><br />Who cares. The combined record of the teams that Nebraska beat is 41-58. The only TWO teams you beat with more than 6 wins were Western Michigan (see them the other night?) and Kansas. If your best win this season is Kansas, that’s nothing to get too overly excited about, especially when that game is at home and was decided by 10 points. Should we go back in time and count how long it's been since you beat a top 20 team? (2001) How bout a top 20 team on the road? (1997) The list goes on and on, as the kings of the mediocre continue to rule over their new kingdom.<br /><br />Hell, even with the overall landscape of college football the way it stands now, it’s really difficult to get fired up over pretty much anything. The bowls now are diluted and strained so badly that even the players don’t appear to care. The BCS is fine, but when horribly overrated teams like Utah and Cincinnati are playing in the BCS, how is the average fan supposed to get fired up? Is there that much to do in Boise? Apparently there is, considering their "bowl" game drew about 3 dozen fans.<br /><br />Regardless of our past differences, I apologize for the slow and painful death of this blog. I should have given the husker hating movement one full week to get everything off our chest, and then push the plunger on the thing back in October. Somehow, I thought the spirit would move me enough to find enough hate and rage to throw out more material throughout the remainder of the season; to somehow find one last haymaker to send you into your grave on a high note.<br /><br />But again, the movement is dead…long since serving its purpose. There is no reason for me to continue….reporting live from behind the massive curtain of arrogance, when now the whole world knows what complete and irrelevant frauds you are. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVud99Il93I/AAAAAAAADZA/Cwr5iieI9a8/s1600-h/320_dickclarksnewyearsrockineve_rseacrest_dclark_061221_bdamico_abc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285992275357595506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVud99Il93I/AAAAAAAADZA/Cwr5iieI9a8/s200/320_dickclarksnewyearsrockineve_rseacrest_dclark_061221_bdamico_abc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I’ve got nothing left. Hell, I don’t even have enough creative juice left to bitch about how much New Year’s Eve sucks and has now turned into Ryan Seacrest’s own personal media platform. I was going to comment on some show called, ‘Bromance” I saw on MTV while flipping through channels last night…but as lame and homo-erotic as it was trying to be…I can simply roll my eyes and continue on my day.<br /><br />The bottom line is…nothing really affects me that much anymore. Like a veteran of most bloody wars, all I want to do is find a peaceful little corner of the world, and live the rest of my sports-watching days in peace and tranquility...knowing that you'll never again rule the world as you once did. Despite the blood and gore of the struggle, evil has been defeated.<br /><br />Have you ever heard those stories about terminally ill patients who somehow hang on to live a few more days...as if just waiting for some event to happen? (Like a visit from a long lost loved-one or Christmas or what have you) I’m pretty sure that’s what happened to the anti-Husker movement back when my favorite team was finished pulverizing you in your own backyard in October. Back on that clear October night, the entire transformation had become complete. Gone were days of fighting back in the name of my own team and own self worth…all in the name of pride. Here are the days were I pity clap you people, as you slowly disappear into the tunnel of your own stadium…all before the 4th quarter.<br /><br />Mission Accomplished.<br /><br />During a slow holiday day off, I went back into the archives and read some of the older BEL columns and comments from a more combative time. With each word, you could feel the hate, as the disdain and poison nearly dripped down the sides of my monitor. I poured all of my hatred into some of those early writings…with a spirit and dislike reserved only for few on this earth. Your replies were comical, pathetic and in many cases sad. However, the spirit of the fight was there on both sides. I very much enjoyed reading those old entries…especially the chronicles of your ultimate downfall last October. If you ever want some real entertaining reading…go read the comments section from any article written last September. Good good stuff.<br /><br />After your pillow fight tomorrow with a 5-loss, mid-level ACC team (where 1982 will somehow be avenged or whatever), we’ll break down our final Husker football game. We’ll take a look at how you’ve parlayed a mediocre season (at best) and used your reputation and history into a year that would have been considered a complete failure during most days of the past 4 decades or so.<br /><br />Then, the curtain will fall and we’ll say goodbye. The crusted blood will remain stuck to the sides of your mouth, as you slowly examine your jaw that has somehow found it’s way to the other side of your face. You’ll faintly see me standing over you, mocking your very existence. One last kick to your ribs, and that will be that.<br /><br />The fight is over. The end is almost here.</div><div> </div><div>Let's get it over with.</div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-40968480534294403972008-12-24T12:25:00.004-06:002008-12-24T12:28:28.510-06:00Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVJ_A1baOyI/AAAAAAAADYw/BiKmEHlvZRs/s1600-h/800px-Xmas_lights_DC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283424965177785122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVJ_A1baOyI/AAAAAAAADYw/BiKmEHlvZRs/s200/800px-Xmas_lights_DC.jpg" border="0" /></a>Happy Holidays to you freaks. I hope this finds you safe, warm and with family on this greatest of days.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-66788984748684814692008-12-23T21:15:00.001-06:002008-12-23T21:16:44.627-06:00No Words Necessary<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVGpcxEEuaI/AAAAAAAADYg/J5pVh300V2s/s1600-h/umbc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283190149554157986" style="WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVGpcxEEuaI/AAAAAAAADYg/J5pVh300V2s/s400/umbc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SVGpXKY5sAI/AAAAAAAADYY/8V441x-E0Is/s1600-h/umbc.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-22017527133588987752008-12-23T10:36:00.003-06:002008-12-23T10:47:08.802-06:00The 2009 Season Preview“But AJ…if you really are closing the blog down…how are we going to get our Husker hating data for next season.” Seems this is the burning question on everybody’s mind these days (heh), and yes…you are going to have to find somewhere else to get your anti-Nebraska propaganda from next season. No, I'm not going Bret Favre. No, I'm not going to "suddenly realize my own team sucks" and pick this whole thing back up again. It's not going to happen. I've proven my point. I'm done dealing with you. I already won.<br /><br />But fear not my friends. Before I strike the match, and burn this place to the ground, I do have some thoughts on how I see next season shake out. No don’t get me wrong…I’m WELL aware that things change, just as I'm well aware that by July, you'll already be making your reservations for Dallas in the first week of December. I’m also aware that although the BLOG is retiring, I most likely will be back…somewhere…in some capacity to inform you of these matters.<br /><br />But in the interest of time and our impending together, I thought I’d give you a chance to see where you’re going…before you even know where you’ve been. SO with that, let’s take a look to see how the north is going to shake out:<br /><br /><br /><strong>1) Kansas</strong><br />Key Strengths in 2009: Reesing, Briscoe and Sharp; The Fat man can coach<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: They’re KU<br />Schedule Breakdown: @Tech, @Texas, vs OU, @UTEP and @S.Miss<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 8-4<br />Comments: <em>Do you know how hard it is to pick KU to win the North? I mean, they’ve been a sham for quite some time, and haven’t had the depth to keep up with the rigors of the Big 12 this past year. Unfortunately, they return way more skilled players on offense, which still in this league…is the key to success. Reesing is going to need some help with his offensive line, and I don’t think Sharp can be an everyday back…but still. Anybody not giving KU the early nod is fooling themselves.<br /></em><br /><strong>2) Missouri<br /></strong>Key Strengths in 2009: Experienced skill players<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: Inexperienced DB’s New QB as well as new O-coordinator<br />Schedule Breakdown: vs. Illinois, @Nevada, @OSU, vs. Texas, vs. Kansas in KC<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 8-4<br />Comments: <em>The defense can’t get worse right? If you’re losing a bunch of bad players, isn’t that addition by subtraction? This is exactly what NU fans told the world last season, and it may apply to Mizzou here. Missouri is a wildcard to me, mostly depending on the development of the defense…as well as the improvement of Blaine Gabbert. If Gabbert lives up to the hype, relies on the best returning running back in the north and doesn’t make mistakes, Mizzou shouldn’t take a huge hit on offense. On defense, the key is getting better at pretty much any area.<br /></em><strong><br />3) Colorado</strong><br />Key Strengths in 2009: Best young RB tandem in the conference<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: No offensive identity, touch schedule<br />Schedule Breakdown: @West Virginia, @Texas, vs. Kansas, vs. Mizzou, @OSU<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 7-5<br />Comments: <em>OK, I always pick Colorado to be good, but this year I mean it. NO team in the conference was damaged by injuries like Colorado was. Scott and Stewart are electric and Cody Hawkins showed signs of life in a fluke loss at Lincoln last season. The Buffs get Nebraska at home, and Mizzou/KU at home as well. If Dan Hawkins is ever to make significant progress..this is the year.</em><br /><br /><strong>4) Kansas State<br /></strong>Key Strengths in 2009: Bill Snyder and his merry band of Juco defensive players<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: New QB if freeman leaves, bevy of other issues<br />Schedule Breakdown: @UCLA, @Tech, @OU, vs. KU, vs. Mizzou,<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 6-6<br />Comments: <em>The old man is back, and he’s bringing his juco mentality (and scheduling) with him. Look for that trip to UCLA to get banged faster than Lindsey Lohan at a post-production party, only to be replaced by more cupcakes. KSU gets KU and Missouri at home, but must possibly rely on replacing Josh Freeman if he bolts. If he does, the odds of a sub .500 season grow quite a bit.<br /></em><br /><strong>5) Nebraska<br /></strong>Key Strengths in 2009: Abundance of confidence, key returning players on defense<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: Abundance of confidence, new QB, new WR’s<br />Schedule Breakdown: @VT, @Mizzou, vs. Tech, @Baylor, vs. Oklahoma, @KU<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 5-7<br />Comments: <em>Seriously, why do you think you’ll win more than 5 games? You realize you have no QB right? You realize even if you did, you’d have nobody to throw to right? You realize you have Tech and OU this year, along with road trips to Mizzou, Kansas, Baylor and Colorado right? (And not to mention Va Tech). There are way too many holes here for me to POSSIBLY take you seriously. Well, that and I’ve heard this whole, “We’re back” bullshit mantra way too many times. If some hotshot QB transfer from the Pac-10 shows up…then maybe I’ll change my mind. Oh wait…maybe not.<br /></em><br /><br /><strong>6) Iowa State</strong><br />Key Strengths in 2009: None that I can see. Cool uniforms?<br />Key Weaknesses in 2009: You name it<br />Schedule Breakdown: @Kent, @KU, vs. Baylor, @A&M, vs. OSU, @Mizzou<br />Early Bird Predicted Record: 2-10<br />Comments: <em>So a disaster of a season gets worse when your shitty coach dumps your shitty team to go work for some guys in the SEC who obviously have no clue what they’re doing. I honestly can’t find anything ISU can look forward to. None. I’ve tried for 20 minutes now, and it’s just not happening.</em><br /><p><br />Quick South prediction:<br /><br />1) Oklahoma<br />2) Texas<br />3) Baylor<br />4) Okie State<br />5) Tech<br />6) A&M<br /><br />Big 12 Champion: Oklahoma (way to go out on a limb there)<br />Player of the year: Colt McCoy<br />Easiest thing to predict of the year: Nebraska’s offensive production drops by 100ypg.</p>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-36249410957414829962008-12-19T13:34:00.003-06:002008-12-19T13:40:57.620-06:00Sunset Over the Husker Hating Movement<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUv33D3MWtI/AAAAAAAADYQ/aTPKJZE7_9Q/s1600-h/sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281587513323707090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUv33D3MWtI/AAAAAAAADYQ/aTPKJZE7_9Q/s200/sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a>If I have ever made one large mistake in upkeeping this fine museum of online sports-related prose, it has been to give you a direct timeline as to when I’m shutting the blog down. Fact remains, I wish it had been a couple of weeks ago, because other than ice storms and bi-annual volleyball madness, there really isn’t a whole hell of a lot going on in this part of the world these days.<br /><br />Because of this, I apologize for the general lack of focus, continuity and yes…general lack of effort on my part over the last few weeks. Although I’ve stated many times that I really don’t care that much about this blog or the reaction it gets…I do take a small bit of pride in at least making it look presentable, among other things. Oh sure, my #1 goal is to piss you off and fighting yourself to the death to keep from firing back some snotty non-though out reply to my comment section…but alas, this entire endeavor has run it’s course. An in the end…I’m happy with how it’s turned out and wouldn't do anything different.<br /><br />Regardless of whatever my mark on the Husker hating movement has been…I’ve long since resigned myself to the fact that you can’t teach an old hick new tricks. I’m well aware that 17,000+ of you toothless hayseeds packed an arena last night..braving 2 inches of ice to watch a sport that ranks somewhere between wrestling and soccer in terms of cash flow and excitement. Although many of you may look at my disdain as nothing but typical jealousy of a hater…it has long been my mantra to understand that you can not change who you are. I know you’ll pack an arena to watch a bunch of freakishly tall girls jump around in short shorts. I know you’ll define yourselves as the greatest fans in college sports (it says so on your stadium), all the while completely ignoring your men’s basketball team…whom let’s face it..hasn’t given you a reason to cheer since Keith Moody and Beau Reed were hitting three pointers in the early 90’s.<br /><br />Although none of these things have really changed…my outlook upon them has. Oh sure, I roll my eyes whenever I hear local sportscasters call Husker player by their first names. And sure, I will always feel a slight gurgle in my bowels anytime I hear a co-worker brag to another regarding the Husker’s amazing 280+ game home sellout streak. But in the end, this entire struggle was more based on me rather than you. I knew you wouldn't change...or couldn't change. I didn't expect you to.<br /><br />But, since your football team has splattered upon the pavement of the reality sidewalk, I no longer find myself as annoyed as I once was. Despite your unwavering arrogance, the fire that once burned wildly inside me has now slowed to a small spark…barely capable of laughing to myself anytime I hear the latest Husker recruit and his unquestionable future as a Heisman candidate and fresh start that till turn the Husker football program around. These things still exist...they're just much easier to stomach when you've long since been proven time and time again as a fraud.<br /><br />I am but a normal sports fan now, who lives a normal sports fan life. The reasoning behind madness has been justified. Fighting back and letting the sports world know just what sort of depraved lunatics inhabit this state has made a point that has stuck and stuck for a long time. Despite what you may think of me or my methods…my mission was just and my success has now been documented. Perhaps a need will arise again to expose the evil that lurks within the souls of Husker fans…but until that time comes…consider this mission accomplished.<br /><br />Order ignored.<br /><br /><br />Next week: Annual Holiday Column<br />Week After: Husker Bowl preview and 2008 retrospective<br />Week After That: FarewellA Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-35312516667323527072008-12-15T20:20:00.004-06:002008-12-15T20:31:57.443-06:00News, Notes and Things I Don't Have Comment On<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUcREBx1fiI/AAAAAAAADYI/VQHrDZKPo3g/s1600-h/14heisman_xlarge4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280207849009806882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUcREBx1fiI/AAAAAAAADYI/VQHrDZKPo3g/s200/14heisman_xlarge4.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you may have noticed, the updates are starting to slow to a trickle here at BEL, just before a silent and graceful death. I do appreciate the passing insults, barbs and the attempts to make me reconsider shutting the doors. But as I’ve stated many times before; My work here is done. There is simply no more reason to go on.<br /><br />Anyhow, there hasn’t been any new posts, because not one damn thing has happened this week to make me feel like writing. I certainly could throw out columns for the sake of writing, but my will is gone and my anger has simmered. Some of these non-items I'm not going to write about include:<br /><br />* The cold. Yes, it’s cold….it’s winter. Buy a damn coat.<br /><br />* The Heisman. Yes, ESPN sucks gigantic moose balls and yes Sam Bradford simply won the “Best QB on the Best team” award amid 60 minutes of hype seldom seen outside of Las Vegas. And yes, I could probably go on and on about how I could throw for 2,000 yards behind Oklahoma offensive line…but again: What’s the point? You know my take. I know my take. Again, not worth it.<br /><br />* Your bowl game. You’re playing a 5-loss disappointment of a program in Clemson...in a shitty city and you’re still an underdog. Good lord, could this game be any more boring to the outside fan? The biggest story-line going into the game is…and I swear to God this is true: Both coaches have funny names. THIS is what the bowl system has come down to. I’ve dedicated a lot of time hating the Nebraska football program, and even I can’t find enough energy to even roll my eyes. Please oh please, make this thing be done with so we can go back to our Creighton basketball and our Grapefruit League baseball in a few weeks. (Of course, all of which leads up to the annual “Dig-us” festival known as the NU spring game after that.)<br /><br />* Nebraska volleyball. Again, a quick look into the archives will tell you exactly what I think about this abomination of sport. Just because your team is good at it doesn’t make you great fans. I don’t care how good of athletes those girls are..(and they are great athletes)…it still doesn’t make it any more interesting to pretty much anyone but you.<br /><br />* The Omaha downtown stadium is going to cost 150 million bucks, and is going to sit empty 50 weeks out of the year. Well, that is unless Roger Dixon finds an Independent League to play in the ballpark, which in case you haven’t seen an Independent League game, it’s a cross between fast-pitch softball and an NAIA scrimmage. If you’re willing to pay 6 bucks just to park to watch that brand of baseball…then you must love dizzy bat races way more than I do.<br /><br />* The UNO Maverick hockey team. FINALLY, a team that hasn’t hit the bottom of the barrel before Christmas break. Granted, they’ve played absolutely nobody..but at least they’re beating the teams they should. Is it too little too late? Is it enough to win back over a disgruntled fan base? Who cares. I won’t be writing about it here <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUcQ2tCjYQI/AAAAAAAADYA/l7U3-O9X6yc/s1600-h/972-bn-20080620-B001-gillwelcomesexp-36164-MI0001_standalone_prod_affiliate_50.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280207620104478978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUcQ2tCjYQI/AAAAAAAADYA/l7U3-O9X6yc/s200/972-bn-20080620-B001-gillwelcomesexp-36164-MI0001_standalone_prod_affiliate_50.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />* Turner Gill. I’ve had several people ask me my take on Turner Gill getting screwed over by several football programs in light of his candidacy for head coach. My answer to that is: Have you ever thought maybe he’s an asshole? OK, he’s probably not…and for the most part, dude is a respectable man who does things the right way. But let’s get real here…he is coaching in Buffalo right now that nobody has paid attention to and spent his entire adult life before that being Tom Osborne’s personal piss boy in Lincoln. Would he make a great head coach somewhere? Maybe. But it’s going to take more than a 5 loss MAC team to impress me. (Like you’d be shocked if I said anything else?)<br /><br />* And finally, many of you are bummed I’m sure about the lack of a power poll this week. Because this has been by far the most controversial portion of the blog over the past few years, I’d like to present to you a special year-end power poll dedicated just to Husker fans.<br /><br />1 -11 Everybody else<br />12. Nebraska<br /><br />That’s right…a guy who writes a Husker hating blog…who has spent 4 years and literally MILLIONS of words bashing your team…picked you LAST. Boy, I sure showed you guys. Man, that’s gotta sting.<br /><br />(Yes, that’s sarcasm and yes, most have you take that thing way way way too seriously. Good Lord, get the hell over yourselves).<br /><br />The slow walk to the gallows continues.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-2372549234441200222008-12-10T15:21:00.005-06:002008-12-10T15:57:55.223-06:00Bowls Galore<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUAzdKFBrvI/AAAAAAAADX4/FfQS0tmVZKw/s1600-h/Nesting%2520Bowls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278275339292880626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SUAzdKFBrvI/AAAAAAAADX4/FfQS0tmVZKw/s200/Nesting%2520Bowls.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With blog hits and interest in college football starting to shift away from it's breakneck pace during the annual three week period of shit known as mid December (until the Bowls start), the downward slide into the sporting abyss begins. We could sit here and chat about next year’s Husker juggernaut, but as you probably haven’t noticed…I really don’t care that much anymore. So with that, the already widening gap between new posts is going to continue to grow as we wind down and kill the mothership of the Husker hating movement.<br /><br />I’ll probably prepare a preview of next year in the coming weeks, just as I’ll do my annual look back on my predictions and how the season shook out. (That should rattle the cage enough to get some of you clowns to chime in.) But in the end, this blog is on life support, and a mysterious ghostly guy with a flowing black robe and unrecognizable face just knocked on the door, holding a large sickle.<br /><br />So with that being said, lets fast forward through the Creighton basketball losses and the national news stories of politicians who are (gasp) crooked. Let’s take a quick look at the Big 12’s unimpressive seven bowl games. As I claim during my annual August predictions, please remember these are for entertainment purposes only.<br /></div><div><br /><strong>ALAMO BOWL - #25 Missouri vs. #22 Northwestern</strong><br />*I’ve heard Missouri’s season described as disastrous, disappointing and a complete failure. With that being said, 2 of their losses were to 2 of the best 3 teams in the nation, while the other 2 were against bowl teams…one on the last play and one on the last drive. Northwestern brings a bit of a different wrinkle to stereotypical Big 10 speed or lack thereof. Because Northwestern runs the spread, look for the Tiger defense to continue to struggle. Collin Cowherd said today on air that picking bowls is easy, because you always want to decide based on who wants to be there and who doesn’t. I’m guessing Missouri would rather sit through a live taping of Deal or no Deal than be in San Antonio. Northwestern should come out fired up and pissed off due to Iowa’s selection over the Cats. Even then, Mizzou’s superior speed should be more than NU can handle….barely.<br /><br /><em>BEL prediction: Missouri 54 - Northwestern 41<br /></em><br /><br /><br /><strong>HOLIDAY BOWL - #13 Oklahoma State vs. #15 Oregon<br /></strong>* As I’ve stated before, I have always loved the Holiday Bowl. Not sure why, but the matchups were always good and there is no city on earth cooler than San Diego. This might be one of the best matchups of the bowl season. Oregon hasn’t exactly blown people away in recent weeks, although they did look very good vs. Oregon State. Okie State has weapons galore, but I’m not sure they’ve seen a running team like Oregon. I haven’t seen the Vegas lines as of yet, but I can’t imagine they would be too far apart. Both teams had lopsided victories in mid level bowls last year. I’d be shocked if they separate that much this year. But…since Okie State is a bit more battle tested….<br /><br /><em>BEL prediction: Oklahoma State 45 - Oregon 38<br /></em><br /><br /><br /><strong>INSIGHT BOWL – Kansas vs. Minnesota<br /></strong>* Yeesh. With the exception of their loss in Lincoln, KU at least can claim their losses have come to some pretty good opponents. As we saw in Kansas City 2 weeks ago, the Jayhawks’ potential rides squarely on how hard Todd Reesing plays. Whether Sodd gets excited over the JV scrimmage of Phoenix area bowl games is another story. The Gophers have parlayed a 7-1 record into a 7-5 nosedive that would make Greg Norman proud…including a 55 point home drubbing to a very mediocre Iowa team just before Thanksgiving. Not that KU is that much of a talent-laden superpower, but they certainly have more weapons than anything Minnesota has seen since they stepped off the field in Columbus. I hate to say this…but the KU bowl win streak against pathetic bowl competition looks to continue, and the redleggers will continue to pound their sweater vests in search of respect.<br /><br /><em>BEL prediction: Kansas 51 - Minnesota 17</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>GATOR BOWL - Nebraska vs. Clemson</strong><br />* I’m not going to lie to you…I don’t know that many Clemson fans. However I do know a few things: They hate South Carolina, Their baseball team is good, They fired a Bowden and their education rankings are one of the lowest in the nation. How else can you explain fans in orange swarming to a shitty city to watch their 5 loss underachieving team take on a mediocre former champion? Well, for one they’ve won their last three games…granted they were against a rival and two horrible ACC teams in Duke and Virginia. (not Tech). I do know they also have some pretty good athletes on defense. They also have to be salivating over your crappy 5 walk-on playing ass on the defensive side of the ball as well. Despite the fact that Nebraska sucks balls, this is a pretty good matchup for a Clemson team that was supposed to turn a corner this year. Revenge for 1982 my ass.<br /><br /><em>BEL Prediction: Clemson 31 - Nebraska 17</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>COTTON BOWL - # 20 Mississippi vs. #8 Texas Tech<br /></strong>* Another pretty good matchup that doesn’t look that good at first glance. Everybody points to Tech’s insane offense and 11-1 record. And yes, they were the only team to beat Texas…pretty much anywhere. But Tech has a bad habit of playing down to the competition, especially when there isn’t much to play for. (See Baylor 2 weeks ago or the hicks last month.) Ole Miss is another one of those SEC teams that plays defense like a mother, but has trouble scoring points…well, at least against good teams. But they’ve scored 31 or more points in three straight games. Something tells me the Rebs will have something to prove, and Texas Tech will be more worried about fielding Mike Leach questions.<br /><br /><em>BEL Prediction: Mississippi 42 - Texas Tech 38</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>FIESTA BOWL - #3 Texas vs. #10 Ohio State<br /></strong>* Texas is really really really pissed off. Usually when teams get slighted..or feel they get slighted, they tend to slink off to their bowl game, and continue to wonder what might have been. But I’ve spoken to quite a few UT fans in recent weeks, and if their players are 1/100th as pissed off as their fans…then you may as well get ready now to click over to the History Channel after the first quarter. OSU was destroyed by USC, and I’d argue to say Texas isn’t that far away from USC, if they’re even behind them at all. This is to me, the most lopsided of all the BCS games.<br /><br /><em>BEL Prediction: Texas 41 - Ohio State 21</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>BCS CHAMPIONSHIP - #2 Oklahoma vs. #1 Florida<br /></strong>* If Nice guys finish last, Bob Stoops should be favored by triple digits in this one. I saw with my own eyes the offensive power that Oklahoma has in its arsenal, and I’m not exactly sure what Florida has to match it. Granted, Tim Tebow is unlike anybody OU has ever seen, I have trouble thinking they’ll be able to keep up with the pace that OU runs with. The key is Florida putting pressure on Sam Bradford…who let’s face it..we don’t know how he does under pressure, because he never comes under pressure. Florida is good but not great in sacks and tackles for loss. Not nearly good enough to get to Bradford as Texas did way back when. This should be close, but I’d be shocked if OU was challenged past the 3rd quarter.<br /><br /><em>BEL Prediction: Oklahoma 41 - Florida 27</em></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-43014703556974422272008-12-07T16:38:00.009-06:002008-12-07T17:38:33.175-06:00Ice Ice Baby<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxci9y4vcI/AAAAAAAADXg/oUaDkigXuSM/s1600-h/2053320035_2c8cb8a7e1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277194619144682946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxci9y4vcI/AAAAAAAADXg/oUaDkigXuSM/s200/2053320035_2c8cb8a7e1.jpg" border="0" /></a>It sure is nice to get the feeling back in my fingers and toes.<br /><br />Yes, I spent my evening in Kansas City, watching my team get ass-pounded on National TV, in sub freezing temperatures. Sure, I should have seen it coming…everybody saw it coming. However, I figured this being the last championship game in Kansas City for God knows how long..I owed it to myself and my favorite team to go check it out.<br /><br />After a pleasant evening of college athletics, a few observations:<br /><br />1) Stop saying, “Even the Huskers would have given OU a better game than that”. No, they wouldn’t have. Almost nobody would have. The only reason Texas did, was because they have the physical front-four to put pressure on Bradford. Nobody else does…and no, Florida won’t either. That team is steamrolling everyone, and nothing anybody can do will stop it.<br /><br />2) Bradford is NOT a Heisman candidate in my eyes. You want to give a Heisman to Bradford? Fine, but give it to his offensive line. Those guys are the largest humans I”ve ever seen, and NOBODY got within 8 yards of Bradford. I could throw for 250 yards behind that line. They are unreal. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxcsCtRSxI/AAAAAAAADXo/z1qwkYWhvEI/s1600-h/BobStoopsCHS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277194775082126098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxcsCtRSxI/AAAAAAAADXo/z1qwkYWhvEI/s200/BobStoopsCHS.jpg" border="0" /></a> Don't get me wrong, the Mizzou pass rush isn't too great, but I'm not even sure Bardford had to wash his uniform last night. It was one of the most amazing offensive line performances I've ever seen in person.<br /><br />3) Bob Stoops is a great coach. He’s smart, he savvy and he’s a master of motivation. With that being said, he doesn’t graduate his players, he’s a crybaby jackass and one of the most unethical game commanders the world has seen since Idi Amin. Running it up, crying about calls when up 40 points...making up fake quotes about the opposing team or general douchebaggery makes Big Game Bob the single biggest asshole in sports, and that includes Tom Osborne. (So yes, I’m serious about this.) What a prick. Oh, and after spending 3 hours with Oklahoma's finest..I'm 100% sure I could write the exact same blog as this one...if given 23 years of hell in Oklahoma City. Great team...horrible people.<br /><br />4) Missouri has a lot of weapons. Missouri has enough weapons to win a lot of games. But Missouri will never get past that “woe is us mentality” that has nagged them since the mid 80’s. Don’t get me wrong, they started to get over that hump last year, and the overall talent is there, but still, it finds a way to creep back into the conciousness of everyone involved. Don't get me wront though, I’ll take losing a Championship game ANY DAY over being relegated to 1pm on a Saturday with no TV. But make no mistake…they are held back by their own minds. Whether that is the coaches, captains or everyday players..I’m not sure.<br /><br />5) Hey "Ruff-Neck" jackoffs: Just because you wear short sleaves, doesn't make you any less of a male cheerleader. Neither does shooting a gun every 10 minutes. It only makes you an armed male cheerleader with zero common sense.<br /><br />And finally…one thing I do know is this:<br /><br />I rip on Nebraska fans for being a 2 million strong band of hayseed inbreeds who spend their lives trying to convince you how great they are. However, in light of last night…I will give you people this one thing…at least you care.<br /><br />Missouri lost before the game was even kicked off last night, because Missouri fans…for whatever reason still unclear, decided not to show up and support their team. Instead of packing Arrowhead to the brim with a 2 month head start on ticket purchases…they decided to either stay home on their warm couch, or sell their tickets to Oklahoma fans...who apparently had no problem with the cold, the transportation or the ability to find a babysitter. (Assuming their cross-eyed kids aren’t still out in the parking lot in the truck, which very well could have been the case.)<br /><br />I’ve never claimed Missouri fans to be anything other than surly, but last night was the first time in a long time that I’ve actually been ashamed. I’m not sure the exact cause; perhaps it was the loss to KU and the rotten weather…but they showed the entire world that they…as one…are not ready to join the upper echelon of big-time programs in the country.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxcyCC8PqI/AAAAAAAADXw/rcfHXTtrB-I/s1600-h/14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277194877983800994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STxcyCC8PqI/AAAAAAAADXw/rcfHXTtrB-I/s200/14.jpg" border="0" /></a>Blame it on a bad match up, a bad season or whatever you like…there is absolutely ZERO excuse for throwing up your hands and quitting. How can you expect your team to fight on against the odds if you can’t even find the time to show up yourself and support the team you claim to live and die with?<br /><br />This goes against a lot of what I stand for, because God knows I can find enough reasons to hate Nebraska and their idiot fans. But I will say this…even if they were 45 point underdogs, those hayseeds would have found a way to swarm those tickets, and keep the 40,000 or so OU fans who did show up out of Arrowhead. I can handle the missed assignments, the horrible defense or Chase Daniel suddenly playing like a high school sophomore. But bitching about your team and then not supporting it…IN YOUR OWN STATE with a 2 month head start on tickets is absolutely 100% unacceptable.<br /><br />The difference I guess is, at least we as Missouri fans don’t claim to be the greatest in the country…only the most downtrodden. Not too tough to lose that tag when you create such golden opportunities for failure, long before the game even kicks off.<br /><br />However, despite the gross brutality of spirit shown by Missouri fans..or lack thereof in this case, it’s still hard to get down too much on the Tigers. They did win 9 games…possibly 10 with a match up against a mediocre Big 10 team in Texas later this month. It’s also pretty hard to complain too loud when you are throwing your hands up in despair, and you’re coming off back-to-back division titles.<br /><br />Coming up this week, we’ll take a look back at this season, before we preview the bowls, and kiss the Husker hating movement goodbye. Until then, you can figure out new and exciting ways on how you’re going to spin the Gator Bowl being a titanic match up that combines speed, tradition and 9 combined losses.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-5530604172153240602008-12-02T20:48:00.006-06:002008-12-02T21:12:56.583-06:00Dead Blog Walking<div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX0-kLVEpI/AAAAAAAADWQ/76TR3x2h1fI/s1600-h/Prisondoor460.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275391894234665618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX0-kLVEpI/AAAAAAAADWQ/76TR3x2h1fI/s200/Prisondoor460.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is how I know the end is near.<br /><br />Here you all are…fresh off your EPIC win over a so-tough-they-should-be-ranked-but-aren't Colorado team… Now you’re set to go to another NEW YEARS DAY BOWL!!!!! You’re feeling confident. You're feeling good. You’re feeling great about the future. You’re feeling great about order finally being restored.<br /><br />And it’s still hard for me to even find the strength to mock you.<br /><br />I figured that once you have your little uprising that it would inject life into my little online crusade here. I figured I’d listen to local radio..maybe receive a few e-mails from friends and co-workers and I’d be right back to hating your guts in no time. After all as I’ve said for ages…it’s WAY WAY easier to write this column when you are winning. Watching you implode into a giant fireball was fun…but even your pseudo run at miniature glory isn’t enough to make me care all that much. But unfortunately...even today....nothing.<br /><br />You still haven’t beaten a top 20 team since Joe Ganz was in Junior High. You haven’t beaten a top 20 team on the road since most of you were in junior high. You’ve prayed on the meek for the victories you DO get and fall short in pretty much every test you’ve taken since Miami was done wiping the floor with you in the Rose Bowl way back when.<br /><br />And yet none of that has really changed. Oh sure, you’ll beat the teams you are supposed to beat. And sure, some teams still crumble at the sight of all those 80 year olds in matching sweaters 8 Saturday’s out of the fall. But in the end, that BIG STEP, that “return to greatness” is still nearly as far away today as it was the day Steve Pederson stepped up to the microphone, and made you national laughingstocks for the entire world to chuckle at. Wish as you might…you still should be embarassed to celebrate such menial goals that would barely even make the post-season banquet “other accomplishments” section of past Husker teams. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1FccWwCI/AAAAAAAADWY/D4XY80s9gL0/s1600-h/DSC_0119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275392012417679394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1FccWwCI/AAAAAAAADWY/D4XY80s9gL0/s200/DSC_0119.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I’m not jumping ship just as you are ‘returning to glory’. I heard all of this back in 2006. No, I’m jumping ship because I know what is going to happen. I know Bo Pelini is parlaying mediocre talent leftover from the Callahan administration, and maximizing it against some of the worst collections of conference foes in Big 12 history.<br /><br />I may not be there in a year or two to remind you of this when it happens..but rest assured, you will remember my words, and shake your head in reluctant disbelief that I called your demise yet again…even if for one year, you are too blinded with giddy mediocrity to even see it.<br /><br />Ho hum…same shit…every other year. </div><div><br />**<br /><br />I’d be failing you if I didn’t at least mention the gigantic shit-spat going on nationally this week, as Oklahoma once again gets over on Texas for the right to take on Missouri at Arrowhead. (What do you have going on Saturday night? Anything special planned?) Anyhow, you all know the argument and you all know the reasons why or why not the Big 12 did the right thing by handing the opportunity to advance to Oklahoma. However, if you want to get technical about the whole thing…the real key here is Missouri.<br /><br />Why Missouri?<br /><br />Because if Mizzou had actually lived up to their pre-season hype..and actually become the team lots of people (outside of this state) thought they would be…then this “outrage” would be coming from a completely different angle. Hell, even if more of you sold your souls and actually became a dominant power again (sorry..had to stop and giggle to myself for a bit thinking of your “big win” over toothless Colorado)…even if the Huskers sat at 12-0, the griping today would be coming DIRECTLY from Bob Stoops’ desk...not Mack Brown.<br /><br />Why? Because in this exact same scenario, Oklahoma would be bitching about having to play an EXTRA game in Big 12 North territory against a team that…for the sake of this scenario…could knock them out of title contention, all while Texas stays home and watch. Granted, it’s big-risk and big-reward, but don’t think for a second that all of this is due to 30 minutes of awful Missouri football in Austin. Take that away, and there isn’t NEARLY as much “outrage” across the land. </div><div> </div><div>This is a big deal because everybody assumes the Missouri game is a glorified scrimmage. Even if it is, the media firestorm caused by this is laughable...considering history has taught us lessons like this before.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Speaking of Missouri, I’m guessing you all want my take on just how the hell I’m going to spin something positive for the Tigers as they head into Kansas City Saturday as anywhere from 15 to 17 point underdogs.<br /><br />Some of you probably don’t remember this..but those of you who were here during 2005 and 2006 know that I actually do bash my own team when it’s appropriate. The problem for the rest of you is..Mizzou has won 21 games in less than 2 complete seasons, and in the gigantic outhouse that is the Big 12 North, that’s crappy enough competition overall to make any good team appear great. That's why it appears I'm such a "Mizzou homer". If I had a reason to really bash them...trust me, I would.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1Mk1CWyI/AAAAAAAADWg/VVbLni852hg/s1600-h/1130%252008su_B28805_deject_1130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275392134927768354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1Mk1CWyI/AAAAAAAADWg/VVbLni852hg/s200/1130%252008su_B28805_deject_1130.jpg" border="0" /></a>Anyhow, both teams are coming in hobbled. Oklahoma is down to their 4th string middle linebacker, and Sam Bradford is set to have surgery following the game on his thumb. Mizzou has Chase Coffman playing at less than 100% with turf toe, and reports on Jeremy Maclin’s availability continue to be sketchy regarding his status. (There are even rumors of Chase Daniel having shoulder problems over the past few weeks, but I can’t really substantiate those without sounding like a pussy homer, so I shall digress.)<br /><br />Anyhow, I’m going to agree with the masses that the Tigers have less than even a slim chance of pulling off the upset. Oklahoma landed SEVEN players on the 1st team All-Big 12 team. SEVEN. Think about how absolutely ridiculously stupid that is. Granted, Missouri is playing at home, but one look at local ticket agencies show that Tiger nation is following Wall Street’s recent lead, and dumping tickets to OU fans at an alarming rate. (And yes, as quick as I am to point out what rotten, horrible fans you idiots are in this state…I am just as quick to point out that my own team has some of the worst. Unlike you though…it doesn’t keep me up at night worrying what others think about my team.)<br /><br />Regardless, although completely undermanned, Missouri does have a LOT of intangibles going for them this weekend, most notably is the fact that these are 18-22 year old kids who are motivated/unmotivated by the simplest of things. I remember in my playing days that the quickest way to get a team fired up, is to hear from those around you that you can’t do something. Sounds corny, but we see this time and time again in college football. One team comes prepared..the other doesn’t.<br /><br />Look at last week’s Missouri vs. Kansas game for perfect examples of that theory.<br /><br />The other major item I see in play is two fold. The first is Oklahoma’s defense. OU has given up more points in Big 12 play than Missouri has, which is a pretty bold feat considering how bad the Tigers have played the pass this year. In order for the OU beatdown to take place, the Sooner D is going to have to get into Mizzou’s head with a few 3 and outs early on…just as KU did last week. The Tiger offense is potent, but they’ve shown very little ability to keep their heads up after getting hit with body blows early in games. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1e0WDdhI/AAAAAAAADWo/yOeegAFHgMo/s1600-h/PH2008112902748.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275392448330429970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STX1e0WDdhI/AAAAAAAADWo/yOeegAFHgMo/s200/PH2008112902748.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jump up 14 points early, and the stadium will be nearly empty by halftime, with temps expected to be in the low 20's during the game.<br /><br />The second factor is turnovers..which is pretty obvious. Oklahoma is +20 in turnover margin this year, which like the All-conference nods, is completely ridiculous. Also ridiculous is the fact that OU has fumbled the football 14 times. But that's not the ridiculous part. No the ridiculous part is, they’ve only lost ONE of those. Hell, drop a football in front of yourself in your living room, and see if you can fall directly on it with nobody around you. Odds are you probably won’t get it right away 13 out of 14 times. Not sure if that's luck or skill, but it's certainly something to keep in mind. OU doesn't hurt themselves...ever.<br /><br />Anyhow, yours truly will be there rain or frozen..live from the upper deck of Arrowhead, decked in multiple layers and filled to the brim with bourbon and God knows what else. I’m not about to make any stupid predictions that Missouri is going to shock the world, because I think it would take a TON of things to go right for that to happen. However, there is enough talent playing in front of a mostly home crowd that would keep things from getting out of hand.<br /><br />I may change my mind later in the week, but right now, my gut is a 49-39 Oklahoma win. The cold, the crowd, the expectations and a Mizzou team that actually shows up, should keep OU from hitting on all cylinders. Did I mention Missouri kept OU under 400 yards in both their meetings last year? Hmmmmmmm…..<br /><br />Power Poll<br /><br /><strong><em>NORTH:</em></strong><br />(* Probable slot)<br /><br /><strong>1) Missouri (9-3, 5-3) vs. Oklahoma @Kansas City</strong> – Tigers take on the world Saturday vs. the Soviet Union of college football teams. After a tough loss Saturday, is there enough gas in the tank to make a run at OU? Will they finally find the guts that made them a top 5 team last season? Probably not..but we shall see. Stranger things have happened.<br /><br /><strong>2) Kansas (7-5, 4-4) @ Insight.com Bowl*</strong> - Rumor has it KU is going to forfeit the annual bowl in Arizona, and continue to celebrate it’s annual Super Bowl vs. Missouri throughout the new year. Joking aside as I said earlier this week, they did earn it. Where was that team all year? That's the question I would ask if I was a KU fan. (Right after I figure out who drank my last Zima and stole my Kenny G album) </div><div><br /><strong>3) Nebraska (8-4, 5-3) @ Gator Bowl</strong> - The greatest Cinderella story ever told ends in the fantastic southern Camelot known as Jacksonville against one of the toughest teams in the nation…Clemson. This battle is sure to be the talk of the college football world, as dozens of overweight farmers will hop on planes to figure out Clemson is decent, even MAC teams get to play after January 1st and Jacksonville is not only a toilet, but it really isn't that warm.<br /><br /><strong>4) Colorado (5-7, 2-6) Season Complete</strong> – Great showing by Dan Hawkins’ team in light of a crushing defeat. One has to wonder how much of a springboard that game will be going into 2009, and just how their year would have changed had they actually rushed NU’s geek kicker before he struck the ball. As if they needed another reason to hate Nebraska.<br /><br /><strong>5) Kansas State (5-7, 2-6) Season Complete</strong> – Bill Snyder is already working the KC area, making appearances and hopping on the recruiting trail. He’s not actually serious about this coaching thing, is he? I mean..it was all fun and jokes for a while..but he's still acting like he's the coach. You mean you guys were SERIOUS about him coming back? Whoa.<br /><br /><strong>6) Iowa State (2-10, 0-8) Season Complete</strong> – Clones starting off the hoops season fairly well at 4-1 with their only loss a tough decision at Hawaii.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>SOUTH</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>1) Oklahoma (11-1, 7-1) vs. Missouri @Kansas City</strong> - The Sooners have now spent the better part of two weeks listening to how they are the greatest offense in the history of college football. Tickets to Miami are booked, and national pundits are already breaking down an OU vs. Florida/Alabama match up. Anybody who doesn’t see this coming….<br /><br /><strong>2) Texas (11-1, 7-1) @ TBD</strong> – Texas has a right to be pissed…somewhat. However, the bitching and crying going on in cyberspace and in the media is out of control. You’re fucking Texas..you run the league. It’s not like you’re going to suddenly suck next year. When Jerry Jones gets the Big 12 title game permanently, you’ll have a lifetime home-field advantage. Yes you got screwed. Life sucks, wear a lifejacket.<br /><br /><strong>3) Texas Tech (11-1, 7-1) @ Cotton Bowl*</strong> - Granted, they got crushed by OU..but wasn’t that in Norman? The Raiders may be the most dissed 1 loss BCS conference team in the history of college football. Perhaps scheduling an actual 1-A team in the non-conference season is in order next year? </div><div><br /><strong>4) Oklahoma State (9-3, 5-3) @ Holiday Bowl*</strong> - Just as I’ve said all year..the Cowboys have a great team..but they just aren’t deep enough to beat the big boys. Great effort on Saturday, but not no semblance of defense. A trip to San Diego is a nice consolation prize though.<br /><br /><strong>5) Baylor (4-8, 2-6) Season Complete</strong> – I’m 100% positive, without a shadow of a doubt that Baylor is the single greatest 8 loss team in the history of college football. Did you see the Tech game Saturday? God help the poor team that has to go down there next year and…heh…oh wait.<br /><br /><strong>6) Texas A&M (4-8, 2-6) Season Complete</strong> – Pitchers and catchers report for spring baseball in 4 short weeks.</div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-51448188219646864772008-11-29T16:33:00.004-06:002008-11-29T16:45:23.584-06:00Border WAR<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STHFZBtGi1I/AAAAAAAADWA/cbkszDXoY5Q/s1600-h/15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274213672372570962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STHFZBtGi1I/AAAAAAAADWA/cbkszDXoY5Q/s200/15.jpg" border="0" /></a>Props to my few red-legged KU readers for their team's performance at Arrowhead this afternoon. What started out as just another Mizzou tank job of years gone by, turned into one of the best college football games I've seen this year. Anybody who doesn't think KU will have some sort of say in the Big 12 North next year is an idiot (ie- Husker fans), and that's 100% due to Reesing and the receivers he has coming back.<br /><br /><div>That little hobbit turned in one of the true great performances I've seen...and even as a fan who hates his guts and the soil he walks on, I can recognize a truly great performance. I'm also pretty proud of my own team, considering they very easily could have packed it up on a cold and snowy day, with their true prize sitting inside the same stadium this time next week.</div><div> </div><div>But regardless, it's a great rivalry, because MOST of us can agree..at least for a short while..the records can go out the window, and it is a thrill to watch two teams who truly hate each other fire every shell they have at each other. Coffman, Meier, Maclin, Sharpe etc...all of these kids battling injury, gutting it out on the field for really what amounts to a game that is completely meaningless sans the bragging rights.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STHFdQt_SdI/AAAAAAAADWI/F5fTYgOsQ6c/s1600-h/1-MUKUKC_SP_112908_MLR_15429F_standalone_prod_affiliate_81.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274213745122298322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STHFdQt_SdI/AAAAAAAADWI/F5fTYgOsQ6c/s200/1-MUKUKC_SP_112908_MLR_15429F_standalone_prod_affiliate_81.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>So with that..here's to you KU fan. You've earned your time to crow and you should be proud of your effort. As for you Husker fans who are throwing out kicker smack, "Co-Champions" and other ridiculous amounts of weak propaganda...just remember this:</div><div></div><br /><div>You had your shot at that "shitty" team in your own stadium, with 85,000 of your own fans. You had history, momentum and a national TV audience on your side. All you had to do was beat a team once...the same way you had since 1978....and yet you couldn't. Not only could you not, but you got gutted like a trout and lost by nearly 6 TD's.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>You have earned nothing. Your proxy bashing is humorous to me, in that I used to catch shit from Husker fans about National Titles, Heisman trophies and 63-6 wins over my team. Now I hear from you all about a rivalry loss and a Big 12 North title game appearance that ended a 9 win season. (Something Missouri has only done a handful of times in my lifetime.)</div><div></div><div> </div><div>I wish I had a mirror for you people, because you look like idiots.</div><br /><div></div><div>KU fans, props to you for your win, and good luck in your bowl. Husker fans, see ya at Arrowhead next week wearing your OU or Texas Tech gear.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-86581862881831275602008-11-28T18:56:00.006-06:002008-11-28T19:12:50.975-06:00"I've Paid my Dues...Time After Time"<div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCT_uxfSaI/AAAAAAAADVo/dSK-ZJJQnHk/s1600-h/3162550b-d9f7-414d-90be-5789bfcb61bc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273877886747494818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCT_uxfSaI/AAAAAAAADVo/dSK-ZJJQnHk/s320/3162550b-d9f7-414d-90be-5789bfcb61bc.jpg" border="0" /></a>Wow, what a thriller.<br /><br />Mega props to my Husker readers for restoring order on National TV this afternoon. Oh sure you gave up 31 points at home to the #91 ranked offense in the nation...and who cares if you needed a miracle field goal to make up from yet another boneheaded mistake by your senior QB? It was a huge win! And mostly…huge props to Suh the spitter on making the most of his opportunity at the end of the game with his brilliant interception. Other than gouging somebody's eyeballs between his fingers at the bottom of a pile…that’s probably the biggest thrill he’s had all year.<br /><br />Regardless, Husker nation is in a tizzy tonight…celebrating the Big Red Revolution of 2008. Well...kinda..except for that other North team in front of you that beat you by 5 TD’s in Lincoln and oh yeah..also beat that team you just squeaked by 58-0. But besides all that, you’ve taken mediocrity to an entirely new level and shown the world you are back. You have now surpassed the other juggernauts of the north, and parlayed you’re your “tradition” and “name” into an amazing 8 win season; highlighted by having only one win over a team with a winning record. Bravo!<br /><br />In all seriousness though….<br /><br />This whole thing is funny to me, because the standard retort to those first few paragraphs is for sure going to be…”oh yeah…do you know how awful we were last year! 8 wins is a miracle!”<br /><br />Ok, 8 wins might be a miracle, but just how much of that last year was a result of your “talent”, “work ethic” and most of all…your ridiculous expectations? If you recall, you guys beat Wake Forest last year on the road. (Granted, Wake was starting a 9th string QB and nearly won at the end..but still.) You also beat the hell out of Nevada…which went on to have a damn good season.<br /><br />The point is…you did suck last year and you certainly deserved every single bit of mocking laughter you received from both me..and others around the league. But just how much of an “improvement” are you talking here? Are you REALLY that much better than the team that whipped Nevada and squeaked by Wake on the road? Are you REALLY that much better now that you’ve beaten Colorado by 9 at home, rather than losing by 14 on the road? Are you that much better beating Kansas State by 28 on the road rather than 42 at home? Are you really that much better beating Kansas….ok…Kansas has gone into the toilet, and you’ve passed them completely. But still.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCUDjgCCsI/AAAAAAAADVw/ZUrOufJZGp0/s1600-h/midsize_photo49307a31ae220826405620.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273877952440961730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCUDjgCCsI/AAAAAAAADVw/ZUrOufJZGp0/s200/midsize_photo49307a31ae220826405620.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In the end, the difference in your team from this year to last is two fold: First, your players haven’t quit on a dime like Eric Crouch at the first day of the combine. For that, I will give you limited credit. Not because Bo Pelini has done some sort of miracle work here…but that last year’s mental disaster was well beyond anything most teams have ever seen.<br /><br />And second, your season changed this season because of three things: Kansas, Colorado and Texas A&M. Of those three losses on your schedule from 2007, these are the losses that were turned into wins for 2008. So when we look at those three extra wins in more detail: We all know what sort of problems Kansas has. Colorado…as we saw tonight…isn’t exactly head and shoulders below you…coming within 1:34 and a miracle field goal away from winning on the road. And A&M was basically swapped on the schedule this year by Baylor..who won a whopping 4 games this season.<br /><br />Your defense is still crappy at best (ranked 91st in scoring). You still can’t get a turnover to save your life (110th in the country in turnover margin), although apparently your lineman can hold onto the ball when it hits them in the gut. The only thing that has really changed was tonight's game was in Lincoln rather than Boulder...Kansas has completely gone into the toilet…and A&M was swapped out on the schedule with Baylor.<br /><br />Other than that…I really don’t see that much of a difference.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCW-YjfheI/AAAAAAAADV4/KZEj00jUVj0/s1600-h/11-27f.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273881162138224098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/STCW-YjfheI/AAAAAAAADV4/KZEj00jUVj0/s200/11-27f.jpg" border="0" /></a>But regardless, 8 win seasons are now something to celebrate around here..and celebrate you will! I honestly hope this magic carpet ride of 5 yard gains and constant mediocrity have been as much of a thrill for you as they have for me. Next up is a mid-level ACC team that is probably about as over-valued as you are. Granted, we will see how the chips fall…but for this one moment in time…you have taken that great big mythical step “back” to where you once never really were.<br /><br />As for the game itself…a couple of thoughts:<br /><br />- That fake field goal might have been the worst call I’ve ever seen in my life in any sport, at any level. (And to think you people used to bash the GRF for that stuff) I understand your coach isn’t exactly an offensive/special teams genius…but there are JV teams in North Dakota that wouldn’t have been stupid enough to run that.<br /><br />- Hell of a kick by Henry in a clutch situation. Dude is going to be so popular tonight, he may actually get to kiss a girl. Dude looks like the love child of Bill Gates and Tina Fey...so props to him.<br /><br />- Also nice to see the Spitter get a great pick to end the game and send farm nation into a frenzy. I’ll give that thug some credit..he sure knows how to get his hands up when the ball is coming right at his face. That really takes some talent.<br /><br />- Finally, I get into it with some friends of mine often about the value of Joe Ganz. Now I will readily admit, I have more than my share of criticism of Joe Ganz over the past 18 months or so, but he really does do a nice job of keeping the game in front of him, and simply making simple passes. Nothing fancy..never does he thread a needle or put a 50 yard bomb into somebody outstretched arms…just a nice solid QB.<br /><br />But that kid needs to get his head out of his ass when he’s running backwards on 3rd and 10 from the 30 with time running out. Both his fumble earlier in the quarter and the horrible decision to run backwards late in the game nearly cost his team a huge win over a sub-mediocre team. I will fully admit he is exactly the type of guy who can run your vanilla offense with precision and confidence. But those of you who are trying to convince me that he is in the same conversation as Harrell, Bradford, McCoy, Daniel and Robinson are absolutely stoned. Had he started as a freshman, he would have had a shot…but with only 15 games of experience…he’s still fully capable of making a killer mistake at any time.<br /><br />And with that..it’s time for the bowl lull. Time for a full 3-4 weeks of nothingness before any meaningful football games take place to occupy the time during cold December nights. The quiet early winter air will be light, as deafening silence fills the airwaves. Gone will be the sounds of cracking shoulder pads, the squeeling voice of Ron Franklin and the giddy anticipation that greets each and every Saturday morning.<br /><br />Well, I actually only meant you. My team is playing for the conference title next week.<br /><br />Tah tah for now.<br /><br />AJ</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit AP and Lincoln Journal Star)</span></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-27930492074268635382008-11-24T20:03:00.007-06:002008-11-24T20:25:41.461-06:00Sooner Sweet Home<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SStfGy_l79I/AAAAAAAADVg/TKBqmR1pOfw/s1600-h/250px-OklahomaSooners20070901_EnterField.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272412359139651538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SStfGy_l79I/AAAAAAAADVg/TKBqmR1pOfw/s200/250px-OklahomaSooners20070901_EnterField.jpg" border="0" /></a> So much stuff going on this week all of a sudden…let’s hop to it.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Why is everybody SO shocked that Texas Tech got worked over like a two bit whore on Saturday in Norman? Seriously, was it that big of a surprise? Did anybody bother to look at Mike Leach’s road record? Did anybody bother to look at Oklahoma’s home record? Did anybody realize that OU plays in big games like that several times..EVERY year. Did anybody realize Texas Tech had never been positioned like that..pretty much ever?<br /><br />It boggles my mind why people tend to look past these items, and fail to look at the big picture. Granted, that is different than picking Nebraska to win 4 games, because if you remember…yours truly was not counting on the complete and total collapse of Kansas State and Kansas this season either. In other words…I still think you are shitty and will be proven as such…I just think those around you have sunk even faster than you did. Regardless and back to my point…people tend to look away at blinding factors when prognosticating college football games. Let’s take a look at what I’m talking about.<br /><br />Everybody today is ready to anoint Oklahoma University as the greatest team in the land, and rightfully so. They have probably the best QB in the country…they have talent all over the field and just as I told you back in August…they are simply better than everyone else. That has not changed. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSteNsHBqrI/AAAAAAAADVI/FBqpyBn08q4/s1600-h/fiesta_1_600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272411378039237298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSteNsHBqrI/AAAAAAAADVI/FBqpyBn08q4/s200/fiesta_1_600.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But have you taken a good hard look at OU over the past few years? Have you realized that nearly every one of their of their “dominant performances" have been at home? Have you counted to see how many of those “dominant” performances have been on the road or hell, even on a neutral site? I’ll save you the trouble of looking. Below is OU’s record vs. ranked (and a couple of unranked) teams in neutral or road environments. Notice their lone tough "road" game this year was in Dallas:<br /><br /><em>2008<br /></em>At #5 Texas in Dallas (Lost 35-45)<br /><br /><em>2007<br /></em>At unranked Colorado (Lost 24-27)<br />Vs. #19 Texas at Dallas (Won 28-21)<br />At unranked Texas Tech (Lost 27-34)<br />Vs. #1 Missouri at San Antonio (Won 38-17)<br />Vs. #11 West Virginia at Glendale, AZ (Lost 28-48)<br /><br /><em>2006</em><br />At #18 Oregon (Lost 33-34)<br />Vs. #7 Texas at Dallas (Lost 10-28)<br />At. #23 Missouri (Won 26-10)<br />At #21 Texas A&M (Won 17-16)<br />Vs. #18 Nebraska in Kansas City (Won 21-7)<br />Vs. #9 Boise State at Glendale, AZ (Lost 42-43 OT)<br /><br />Not exactly un-beatable numbers now is it?<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>Granted, I will give Oklahoma credit…a couple of those losses were due to either poorly timed injuries to key players (Tech last year), horrible officiating (at Oregon) and or numerous trick plays (Boise). Regardless, the same people that are anointing Oklahoma as the greatest team on earth this week, are the same people who haven’t realized the fact that Bob Stoops isn’t anywhere nearly as dominant away from home. Hell, the biggest win on that list was last year’s Big 12 title game against Missouri..and even then, they were tied at halftime. (Plus, according to many of you, Missouri sucks anyway)<br /><br />My point is..there is a lot of football left to play, and don’t be surprised if these “shocking” upsets happen that really aren’t so shocking. All it takes is a couple of seconds to look at the big picture.<br /><br />**<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSteS3YU5mI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SR5oRHynSVo/s1600-h/2011797.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272411466963936866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSteS3YU5mI/AAAAAAAADVQ/SR5oRHynSVo/s200/2011797.jpg" border="0" /></a>Word out of Manhattan today is that Count Billula is back in charge in Manhattan.<br /><br />I’m not exactly sure how I feel about this "hire". On one hand, how much worse could he really be? Ron Prince never was truly embarrassed by KSU fans, and was obviously out of his element on the sidelines during games. I think Ron Prince has a shot of being a decent coach somewhere down the line..but in order to win in central Kansas, you have to have a few tricks up your sleeve. The man may be an excellent coordinator or position coach, but he was obviously in over his head with his own team. (Although you have to tip your hat to KSU at the time for taking the chance on a relatively unproven African-American candidate.)<br /><br />With that being said, can today’s high school player truly relate to Snyder and his old-school ways? I understand he pulled a miracle out of his..uhh..hat... back in the mid 90’s, but does he really have enough time left to rebuild that? And how much does Kansas and Missouri suddenly being strong impact him in recruiting? And don’t people remember his last two seasons as head coach, where he struggled to make a bowl his final year.<br /><br />I’m not going to say it’s a failure in waiting…KSU really didn’t have many choices here. But it’s definitely an eyebrow raiser if anything. At the very least, I’m looking forward to more hate being generated by Husker fans who obviously, are not big fans of Bill Snyder and his past body of work.<br /><br />Time will certainly tell.<br /><br />**<br /><br />I’m not sure I’ve heard anything more funny than the Omaha media’s sudden love with the Gator bowl and the city of Jacksonville. Now as you may know, I’ve been lucky enough to travel the country, and visit cities from coast to coast. Let the record show that a possible 8-4 season for Nebraska, not only demonstrates that you didn’t choke against teams they shouldn’t beat…but that Order has finally been restored by participating in the same bowl that Virginia went to last season. Either way, not being sucked into the abyss of other North teams has served you well this season, although it probably doesn’t help King Bo in the long run. (More on that later this week, and yes...even Charlie Weis had a good first year)<br /><br />Regardless, I realize I am a <em>TAD</em> bit biased here…but don’t you think you people should actually visit Jacksonville, FL before you start singing it’s praises? Look, I realize it’s a large-scale miracle that you parlayed shitty coaching and zero talent into a “successful”* season. (* considering you won 9 games per year for 30 years…but hey…gotta start small right?) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SStesft2u3I/AAAAAAAADVY/fcib4vZC8Ps/s1600-h/lightrailconstruction.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272411907288382322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SStesft2u3I/AAAAAAAADVY/fcib4vZC8Ps/s200/lightrailconstruction.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But trust me when I say that the Gator Bowl is a “New Year’s Day Bowl” in the calendar sense only. I’m sure this will fall on deaf ears, and I don’t expect you to listen to ANY of this…but when you get off the plane, and suddenly feel like you’re in a warmer version of Erie, Pennsylvania…you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.<br />Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you’re suddenly longing for the dusty festival atmosphere of El Paso. (That is if you don’t choke to CU first) </div><div> </div><div>Not sure why, but all this talk about how great "Florida" is in January. Obviously those people haven't been to Jacksonville. Don't say I didn't warn you.<br /><br />Power Poll time<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>NORTH:</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>1) Missouri (9-2, 5-2) vs. Kansas @KC</strong> – The oldest hate week of them all goes down at Arrowhead this weekend. Not even close to last year in spotlight appeal, Mizzou attempts to run over a porous KU defense while trying not to think about the freight train coming that is OU or Texas.<br /><br /><strong>2) Kansas (6-5, 3-4) vs. Missouri @KC</strong> – As I type this, I haven’t heard what the status is of Jake Sharpe or Kerry Meier. Then again, neither of them play defense, and KU is giving up 9,000 yards a game. I learned long ago not to assume anything in rivalry games, but KU is going to need Reesing to play out of his ass to keep this close. I expect it to be close for a while, but no way does KU have the horses to stick around for a full 60 minutes.<br /><br /><strong>3) Colorado (5-6, 2-5) at Nebraska</strong> – Never before has a trip to Shreveport looked so good, as Dan Hawkins and his team gimps into Hickville for their annual post-Thanksgiving love fest with Nebraska. CU has had all sorts of trouble scoring late, although Nebraska is thinking awfully highly of itself these days. (Despite doing nothing but beating KU by 10 and getting by a KSU team that quit.) I didn’t think CU had a shot here..but I’m changing my tune quickly as I hear NU fans making plans for Jacksonville. You'd think 1996 would have taught them a lesson.<br /><br /><strong>4) Nebraska (7-4, 4-3) vs. Colorado</strong> – A team with as little talent as Nebraska (and don’t kid yourself…you don’t have that much talent), can not afford to look past ANYONE…let alone a team that hates you. The key question here is whether or not Colorado can dig down and catch Hick nation sleepwalking. Take it from a guy who’s team has sucked over the years. You don’t look past people til you have earned it. (And no, earning it 12 years ago doesn’t count)<br /><br /><strong>5) Kansas State (5-7, 2-6) Season Complete</strong> – Bill Snyder returns to Manhattan in one of the more interesting moves of the off-season. (that hasn’t even begun yet.) The question now is what sort of staff can he put together, and when he pushes Josh Freeman to improve, will it be enough to make him snap. No team will be more interesting to watch this off-season than KSU.<br /><br /><strong>6) Iowa State (2-10, 0-8) Season Complete</strong> – ISU’s basketball team is pretty good. I think they play Hawaii tonight or something. Remember that time they made it to the Elite 8? Yeah, that was cool.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>SOUTH:</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>1) Oklahoma (10-1, 6-1) at Oklahoma State</strong> – As we’ve seen in OU’s road games over the past few years..the Sooners are a different team away from Norman. However, Okie State is just enough of a rivalry to keep their minds focused on this Saturday. Okie State’s struggle with Colorado has me wondering if they have enough left in the tank.<br /><br /><strong>2) Texas (10-1, 6-1) vs. Texas A&M</strong> - Texas is but an Oklahoma State win away from <em>possibly</em> playing for a national title, without winning their division outright. (Sound familiar hicks?) Hanging by a thread, Texas needs only to dispose of A&M to ensure themselves of at least a BCS birth (most likely). Funny thing is…how many times have bad A&M teams beaten good Texas teams? Doesn’t matter. Won’t happen this year.<br /><br /><strong>3) Texas Tech (10-1, 6-1) vs. Baylor</strong> – Tech is going to be plenty pissed off, as Baylor comes to town this week. The Raiders haven’t had to bounce back from anything this year, so it will be interesting to see how they will do. Robert Griffin is just good enough to make you pay for sleepwalking…just as Tech did against mediocre teams in Nevada and Nebraska. Which one shows up? My guess is, the one that throttled KU earlier in the year.<br /><br /><strong>4) Oklahoma State (9-2, 5-2) vs. Oklahoma</strong> – Okie State has a lot on the line this weekend. Not only would they knock OU’s National Title hopes out the window…but an Okie State win would put a feather in the cap of Mike Gundy, who has done one gekk if a job this season. Unfortunately, I don’t think OSU has the horses to go up and down the field…but if Big Game Bob Stoops and his team are already looking toward Arrowhead, they could be in trouble. By far, the most interesting game of the weekend.<br /><br /><strong>5) Baylor (4-7, 2-5) at Texas Tech</strong> – Baylor came pretty damn close to making a bowl this year, which is an absolute miracle if you think about it. Most of the team is back next year, as the Bears came just a few games short of being one of the Cinderella teams of the conference.<br /><br /><strong>6) Texas A&M (4-7, 2-5) at Texas</strong> – The Sherman era is off to a roaring start this season. However, of all the rivalry games in America, this one seems to always be one of the craziest. There is some serious hatred between these two teams…but even the strongest effort in the world is going to be enough to stop Cold McCoy and company.</div></div></div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-56778717505286306492008-11-22T14:26:00.007-06:002008-11-22T14:43:50.872-06:00Farewell Ode to the Buffs<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShr9fLqohI/AAAAAAAADUg/urUDFyumiZc/s1600-h/610x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271582067923788306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShr9fLqohI/AAAAAAAADUg/urUDFyumiZc/s320/610x.jpg" border="0" /></a>Husker nation, I’m proud of you. You’ve managed to take a perfectly lame bye week and turn it into a biting, nasty altercation with Colorado fans who may not have much ammo to fight with, but hate your guts yes the same.<br /><br />Yes, it’s Rivalry Week Light, and hate is back in the air…sweeping through the chilled plains with a biting sting that is meant only for the downtrodden. Don’t get me wrong…I still think your team is a sham and is benefiting from your name and a complete and total lack of competitive foes to play in the North…but nonetheless, you’ve hopped back on your high horse, and started flailing your arms at whomever you can find.<br /><br />This is the last Colorado vs. Nebraska week for this blog, and I think I would be selling myself short if I failed to give a special shout out to my good friends and brothers-in-arms from the Rockies. As I’ve stated many times, I think I share a special spot in my heart for the Buffs and their fans…and not just because they are the largest collection of readers I have outside of Missouri and Nebraska. (Although KSU is close)<br /><br />No, coming to Nebraska in 1986, it was clear to me at that time that Husker fans really only felt threatened by Barry Switzer and the Sooners. However, that same first fall saw the mighty corn fall 20-10 to Colorado in a game that saw the vaunted Husker offense rush for a whopping 123 yards. After beating Florida State, Illinois and Missouri that year, this was my first exposure to crying Husker fans up close after a loss. That indifference and whiney egocentric arrogance laid the groundwork for the Husker hating movement you see today, all those years later. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShsGSvLT3I/AAAAAAAADUo/1uO4JN1thNQ/s1600-h/TM0030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271582219201892210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShsGSvLT3I/AAAAAAAADUo/1uO4JN1thNQ/s200/TM0030.jpg" border="0" /></a> Husker fans were pissed...but to most, it was simply a mild setback in the march to another 10+ win season.<br /><br />Fast forward to 1989, when the Buffs quickly became something more than a nuisance to the Hicks. The Huskers had demolished everyone in their path, scoring at least 42 points in every game but one prior to the November 4th game in Boulder.<br /><br />The two teams met as #2 and #3 on that day…fighting for a #1 ranking and most likely a trip to the Orange Bowl. Colorado rode the legs of J.J. Flannigan and Darian Hagan, but still found themselves clinging to a 6 point lead with 1:40 to go in the game. Husker legend and future Frank Solich lackey at Ohio, Gerry "The Fremont Capgun" Gdowski marched the hicks down the semi-frozen turf to the CU 40, but on 4th down, a pass across the middle was tipped away, sending Folsom Field into a frenzy, and propelled the Buffs to a National Title showdown with Notre Dame.<br /><br />The Huskers finished outside the top 10 for the first time in 4 seasons that year…and wouldn’t see that rarefied air again until Byron Bennett’s 46 yard field goal sailed wide left in the 93’ Orange Bowl.<br /><br />No, what that win by Bill McCartney’s team did was open up the opportunity for teams NOT named Oklahoma to move beyond simply becoming an “annoyance” and start becoming something far more piercing. Kansas State would pick up the torch later in the 90’s. By all accounts, Missouri now holds that title in the new millennium. But until that game in 1989, other teams within the Big 8 simply melted away prior to kickoff. There was simply no hope in beating Nebraska on even a given Saturday. But following that game in Boulder...there suddenly was was hope of knocking off the mighty red Goliath.<br /><br />Marv Sieler and Iowa State did it in 92.<br />Texas and James Brown did it in 96.<br />Michael Bishop and K-State did it in 98.<br />Brad Smith did it in ’03.<br /><br />And so it goes.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShsMLtMmwI/AAAAAAAADUw/60OE-i-Le6s/s1600-h/620x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271582320393755394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShsMLtMmwI/AAAAAAAADUw/60OE-i-Le6s/s200/620x.jpg" border="0" /></a>So as this blog comes to a close in the next few weeks ahead, a special thank you to Colorado and their fans, for paving the way for Husker Haters everywhere to show truly just how despicable and antagonizing the “classiest fans in the nation” could be. Thank you also for being a great fanbase wingman, in our quest to rid the world of all things Huskers. Thanks for reading, and thanks for all you do in the war against Husker nation.<br /><br />Give em hell Friday and good luck.<br /><br />**<br />I’ve a few serious and a few smart ass friends/readers ask me what I thought of the prospect of Nebraska actually getting a “better” bowl game than Missouri, if the process works out a certain way. I’m sure I don’t speak for all Missouri fans, but I will give you my take anyway:<br /><br />Who cares.<br /><br />The bowl system is so corrupt, so screwed up, that absolutely nothing surprises me. Notre Dame…as shitty as they are is guaranteed a BCS birth with 9 wins? Granted, they won't get there this year..but this goes right along with why I hate college baseball…if the outcome of a championship or final polls are somehow variant on the amount of money and/or fans you can bring to the game, then the process loses all legitimacy.<br /><br />I’ve spoken before of this, but I’m completely against a playoff as well. I don’t care how many Boise State’s and Utah’s get screwed in the process…if you go 13-0, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from making your own banner and proclaiming yourself National Champs. (Unless you’re Penn State in 1994 and you actually deserved it..but that’s another story.)<br /><br />Anyway, back to the bowl process…last year’s pre-season poll told us EXACTLY why Nebraska could land a ½ decent bowl with a whopping 8 wins over crappy-at-best competition. Why? Because last season was proof positive that NOBODY in the national media is paying attention to how shitty you really were. If pundits and media types aren’t paying attention to you…how is some fat-ass CEO of a mid-level company wearing a bright orange jacket supposed to know the real you? <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShtBthycfI/AAAAAAAADU4/c3IFZG4yB6I/s1600-h/gator07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271583240005775858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SShtBthycfI/AAAAAAAADU4/c3IFZG4yB6I/s200/gator07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pundits, bowl reps and the like have been blinded by your suckiness for going on 7 years now. Because your boring ass uniforms haven’t changed much since the mid-90’s…most writers and the like just assume that with your name and pedigree, you fit the bill of national power. (All the while missing the point that you start 5 walk-ons on defense and have two wide receivers who are as pasty as my ass.)<br /><br />If you recall last off-season, Mike’L Severe of KOZN radio here in Omaha went off on me for 10 minutes last season because he claimed that National Powers will always be good. To a small degree, he is right. National Powers have long time donors who will build the facilities and pay the coaches needed to maintain a certain level of excellence.<br /><br />YOU people on the other hand are led by a crusty buffoon, who hasn’t made a good decision since he decided to start recruiting thugs in the mid 90’s, and then lied to the world about how holier than thou he is. He is also the guy who skipped over hiring proven head coaches like Paul Johnson and Jim Grobe, and went with a whiney, sloth looking crybaby armed with sideline antics that would make Jerry Glanville roll his eyes.<br /><br />So to answer the question..no, I would not be surprised if Nebraska ended up in lovely Jacksonville (ever been to that toilet?) or somewhere else, while Missouri and/or any other more deserving program (many of whom also kicked your ass by 5 TD’s earlier) will be going to a “lesser bowl”.<br /><br />The fact remains..the whole thing is a beauty pageant…and no matter how hot you are or how hot you aren’t..the beauty queens who are in bed with the judges are the ones who are going to make it the furthest. That’s just how it is.<br /><br />Enjoy the games…if you can find a ½ decent one this weekend.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-63195942673122579092008-11-19T14:45:00.006-06:002008-11-19T15:03:39.456-06:00The Final Road Home<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR71Ey76YI/AAAAAAAADUY/HEWJ7Fxd40g/s1600-h/fork-int-the-road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270473615680989570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR71Ey76YI/AAAAAAAADUY/HEWJ7Fxd40g/s320/fork-int-the-road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here in the cold confines of late November, college football takes it’s annual forked road approach; although the games get bigger…they get desperately fewer and further between. A quick blitz of games in the coming weeks will be met with 3-4 weeks of snooze time, before ESPN hits us with a lame award show (without the rubber chicken dinner) and then 2 weeks of drawn-out, made-for-TV bowl games. (No word if Nebraska will make another video out of the award shows)<br /><br />Luckily for all of us, Husker fan has used this time to find a late-season burst of energy, parlaying a 10 point home win over a 5 loss team, and a road thrashing of a team that has completely packed it in to one step closer to order finally restored. Seriously thought, I’m kinda glad the swagger is back and the myopia increased as we get toward the final death of this blog. It kind of takes me back to days gone by you know?...back to days were newscasts dedicated 25 minutes of local coverage to a non-conference game against New Mexico State and pompus optimism dripped from the sky like rain.<br /><br />So thank you Husker fans, for giving me one last reason to remember why I hate your guts so much. Actually..thanks to the KU, Colorado and KSU football programs for stinking it up, allowing your bloated gullets to float you to the top of an ocean of mediocrity.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Speaking of Colorado, nice to see this little spike of Husker pride has nudged Buffalo fans out of their late-season slumber, and back into the ring of hatred, prior to their visit to hick town on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Although I mock Husker fans with having no true natural rival, and Colorado fans for oftentimes being ambivalent toward their own team…your genuine dislike toward each other is to be commended. Seriously, the CU-NU game was always one of my favorites, because as you recall, it was Darian Hagan and company’s destruction of Tom Osborne’s team back in 1989 that truly started me down the path of Husker hatred. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR7gWzMK_I/AAAAAAAADUI/BNMcZxGfGiU/s1600-h/35mW-Green-Laser-Pointer-infiniti-series-working-status.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270473259736640498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR7gWzMK_I/AAAAAAAADUI/BNMcZxGfGiU/s200/35mW-Green-Laser-Pointer-infiniti-series-working-status.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />CU fans also hold a special place in my heart, because like myself and my fan base…they hold a special streak of hooliganism that borders on the unapproachable. Although many give CU fans a hard time due to their student’s often-times unruly behavior, I for one applaud their ability to mock authority, as well as the wide-spread notion that Husker fans should revered for their stupidity of walking into a hostile field and acting like they own the place.<br /><br />So despite your underdog status, I stand behind my brothers from the foothills, as they prepare to march into the warren of the toothless, and drop kick Herbie Husker right between that big goofy ass grin of his.<br /><br />Good luck to you.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Speaking of hate, very little in terms of hate between Missouri and Kansas being thrown around cyberspace this week. Granted, the game is still building in hype, the mere fact that this year’s game is but a mere scrimmage compared to last year’s collision of titans at Arrowhead. Perhaps KU fans are too busy making more t-shirts after their flimsy basketball title last season, that pitted the Squaks against a team that actually choked worse than they did.<br /><br />Regardless, should be interesting to see what sort of hate and venom comes out of both camps in the coming weeks.<br /><br />**<br /><br />In the meantime, lots of folks asking my take on whom I’d like to see Missouri play in the Big 12 Championship game on 12/6. As you know, any self-respecting Mizzou fan would be kidding himself if he convinced you he wanted a piece of Texas or OU strictly for payback. Although beating either team on Missouri soil would be great, both teams are still ridiculously strong and play big games in their sleep. Either way, should UT or OU make it to Arrowhead…look for ether to be a double digit favorite…at least…despite a majority of black and gold filling the ice cold home of the Kansas City Chiefs.<br /><br />So with that in mind, I’ll let you guess whom I’m pulling for in the upcoming Tech vs. OU elimination game this weekend. I will drop you a hint by reminding you that Missouri beat Tech 41-10 last season. We shall leave it at that.<br /><br />**<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR7tZ_bp4I/AAAAAAAADUQ/aYd8Pl0OMu0/s1600-h/tech.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270473483931592578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSR7tZ_bp4I/AAAAAAAADUQ/aYd8Pl0OMu0/s200/tech.jpg" border="0" /></a>Finally, as we wind the blog down next week, we’ll be taking a look back at the gigantic death spiral that is the demise of the Husker football program. In the coming days, please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what some of your favorite moments of the past 6 years are in terms of Husker football. Whether it’s a particular player, incident or game…we’ll be taking a look back, and chronicling the exploits of how a team went from National Title contender…to barely better than Baylor in less than 2 presidential terms.<br /><br />More to come on that after the weekend.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Power Poll<br /><br /><em><strong>NORTH:<br /></strong></em><br /><strong>1) Missouri (9-2, 5-2) Idle</strong> – Mizzou wraps up a second straight north title by slapping around lowly Iowa State. Chase Coffman returns in time for the annual Border War with KU. The big question is...does KU fan still care?<br /><br /><strong>2) Kansas (6-5, 3-4) Idle</strong> – I don’t care what you say Husker fans, beating KU at home doesn’t make you necessarily better, considering whom you’ve beaten and whom KU has played. Don’t get me wrong…I hate you both…but if you think you’d beat them either @ Lawrence or more than 5 out of 10 times..you’re crazy. Besides, it’s my blog. Screw you.<br /><br /><strong>3) Colorado (5-6, 2-5) Idle</strong> – Same kinda deal here. WHO has Colorado lost to that Nebraska would have beaten? Florida State? Nope. Texas? Nope. Kansas @Lawrence? Nope. Missouri? Heh…no. Texas A&M at College Station? Nope. Vs. Oklahoma State? Nope. You can’t convince me for one second…playing the same schedule…you would be any better. You have your shot to prove me wrong. Go prove it.<br /><br /><strong>4) Nebraska (7-4, 4-3) Idle</strong> – Western Michigan (MAC team) , San Jose State (WAC team) , NM State (WAC team) , Iowa State (Horrible), Baylor (They’re Baylor) and KSU (Flame to the finish). Worst opponent SOS % for wins in the whole conference. Enough said.<br /><br /><strong>5) Kansas State (4-7, 1-6) vs. Iowa State</strong> – The Ron Prince era ends in a whimper this weekend at Manhattan. Now the real drama begins..will Count Bill-ula pull an Osborne and come out of retirement? We shall see.<br /><br /><strong>6) Iowa State (2-9, 0-7) at Kansas State</strong> – Faint glimpses of hope are coming out of Ames…but nothing that could possibly help them now. Pull an upset against a toothless KSU team this weekend, and they could escape sole possession of the North basement…which isn’t a bad feat if you’re ISU.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>SOUTH:</em></strong><br /><strong>1) Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1) vs. Texas Tech</strong> – Bob Stoops has lost like 2 games in Norman….ever. The media love affair with Texas Tech ends around 10pm on Saturday.<br /><br /><strong>2) Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) at Oklahoma</strong> – A nice season with a stunning upset of Texas (that shouldn’t have happened) and a solid thumping of an OSU team running out of gas. I’d LOVE to see Tech pull this out and head to KC…but it aint gonna happen.<br /><br /><strong>3) Texas (10-1, 6-1) Idle</strong> – Unfortunately for UT, Oklahoma will parlay wins over Tech and OSU to hop of the Horns in the BCS. (Which will be the tiebreaker). Now it’s going to be up to the coaches and Harris Poll voters to put UT ahead of OU and send Texas into a black and gold cauldron against Mizzou. We’ll see how it plays out…but I really don’t want to see them in KC. I don’t have to tell you why.<br /><br /><strong>4) Oklahoma State (9-2, 5-2) Idle</strong> – Texas rolled through their gauntlet without too much of a problem…but a less deep Okie State team seems to be running out of steam a bit earlier. Still an extremely solid team, look for the Pokes to head to San Diego over Mizzou when the bets are called.<br /><br /><strong>5) Baylor (4-7, 2-5) Idle</strong> – October 31st, 2009…Nebraska’s blackshirts get rolled by a Baylor QB in a prototypical style that gives Bo Pelini defenses fits. You heard it here first.<br /><br /><strong>6) Texas A&M (4-7, 2-5) Idle</strong> – Would you really be shocked if A&M punked Texas on Thanksgiving night? Yeah…I would be too. Aint gonna happen.</div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-72410792386572998492008-11-17T13:25:00.007-06:002008-11-17T13:43:02.080-06:00Adios Cozumel<div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHGuxxuR2I/AAAAAAAADTo/6IKJPGIlGTU/s1600-h/p299271-Cozumel-Dock_at_Cozumel_Sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269711545938364258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHGuxxuR2I/AAAAAAAADTo/6IKJPGIlGTU/s320/p299271-Cozumel-Dock_at_Cozumel_Sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ahhhhhh...to be back. Man, I’m so relaxed from vacation, the countless cries of “guess who’s gonna be 8-4 baby!” seemingly bounce off of my sunburned back.<br /><br />Yes, vacation was awesome. We were lucky enough to have celebrated a friend’s wedding in Cozumel while drinking, eating and diving in 85 degree weather for the past 9 days. One quick thing about diving; being a lifelong Midwesterner, I am not exactly in my element floating 60 feet under the water with a tank strapped to my back. But when a 5 foot shark comes cruising by, and I realize there is nowhere to run or no way to escape an attack…you tend to put silly things like college football into perspective.<br /><br />Regardless, I had a great time working on my dive certification as well as packing on the pounds made up of a week’s worth of Corona and steak tacos. I’m not going to lie to you…I didn’t catch any of your games…or any games for that matter. But regardless, I’ve gone through the stats, seen the highlights and managed to ball up enough hate and disdain to spit back in your face when all 2 million of you try and sell me on this whole “we’re back” horseshit.<br /><br />Now let’s face it…you know deep down that the odds of me giving you props on beating up on four teams who’s record is a combined 16-28 is about the same as the corpse of Jacque Custo jumping out of my ass and declaring my driveway a coral reef. But alas, I see where you idiots are coming from.<br /><br />To understand the blind delusions that have crept back into your heads over the past few weeks is to true appreciate just how bad you were last season. However, when analyzed rationally, is it as much about your improvement as it is the complete collapse of those around you for whom you compete against? If KSU, Colorado and Kansas weren’t such complete disasters this season, would you really truly be that thrilled by how you’ve somehow managed to somehow win 7 games? Funny thing about all that is…as bad as KSU, CU and KU are…just comprehend that ISU is worse than all three of them. (Barely).<br /><br />Either way, you have earned the right to be giddy about landing a date with the hottest girl at lumberjack camp. Somehow, through the benefit of the chaos around you, and your innate ability to schedule 8 home games and losing just about every single game you were remotely challenged in…you have somehow found yourself at the brink of minimal respectability.<br /><br />Bravo corn people. Bravo.<br /><br />But if you smell less than the other steaming piles of humanity at the bottom of the conference outhouse, where does it lead you for the future? With the exception of Roy Helu, King Bo is slaying the windmills dressed as dragons with players thrown into the fray last season by the very guy you hate more than even me. In other words…every single big impact player you have was utilized by and large by the previous administration. (For examples of this, see Willingham, Ty and University of Washington). <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHGzpdErMI/AAAAAAAADTw/ghex9YIjLv8/s1600-h/9-21-06--Lumberjack-Days-01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269711629603613890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHGzpdErMI/AAAAAAAADTw/ghex9YIjLv8/s200/9-21-06--Lumberjack-Days-01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How will fortress corn hold up without Air Ganz next season? How stocked with the cupboards be when fake tattoos and hand written notes start to lose their luster with dolts wearing under armor in high schools across the country? Have any of you realized that your starting QB for next year…whomever that may be…has taken eight or less snaps at the MOST this season? With all those redshirts, wont’ you be getting significantly younger in the year or two to come?<br /><br />Truth be told, despite your ability to constantly be crowned Special Olympics champion….none of it really matters to me anymore. You have still yet to beat a top 20 team in the past 7 seasons. You have yet to beat a top 20 team in a true road game since 1997. Hell, the one time you had a chance to beat the best team in the division this season…at home (where you had won 15 straight)….you lost by five touchdowns. (A team that many of you have crowed would finish 5th in the South by the way).<br /><br />But truth be told, is it a decent first step for the reign of King Bo? Sure I guess. Players didn’t lay down like a French infantryman at the first sign of adversity as they did last season. There weren’t any 38-0 halftime deficits this year…at least against those teams that weren’t head and shoulders above you. So in a way, that whole “trying harder” thing must have worked out well for you this year. Again, kudos.<br /><br />However, through the confetti and celebratory gunfire that blankets the state this week, it doesn’t take a long look in the history book to notice that 8 wins wouldn’t exactly have been considered a “step forward” back in the old days under T.O and the authority of Red communism. In fact, in many cases as it was in the late 80’s….8 wins would have gotten Dr. Tom ridden out of town on a rail. (And don’t kid yourself…should you find yourself in Jacksonville or El Paso, you will be ceremonially crushed as I’m fairly certain you will not be able to play KSU, Kansas, Iowa State or Colorado in your bowl game. )<br /><br />But in the end, becoming one of the 60% or so teams that plays in the post-season is a worthy goal…even for a decrepit former champion, who’s expectations have now been lowered to match those of such powers as Cincinnati, Western Michigan and South Florida. You got what you wanted. You picked yourself up out of the shit…wiped yourself off, and now can throw your fists skyward in victory; all the while completely oblivious that you are still in fact…covered in shit.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHG6XmKtwI/AAAAAAAADT4/YMY3MxI3xpY/s1600-h/poo_may2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269711745069004546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SSHG6XmKtwI/AAAAAAAADT4/YMY3MxI3xpY/s200/poo_may2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Don't get too excited however; despite a Husker resurrection worthy of Jesus himself, this blog will continue to slowly drift toward extinction in the coming weeks, because not all that much has changed. My team has gone 10-0 in the past 2 seasons vs. the Big 12 North…and regardless of the pathetic degrees of your recent “triumphs”, I…unlike you…am able to put things into perspective. The fire of hatred is not relit…nor is your recent level of arrogance able to shake me barely enough to get the strength to roll my eyes. Your program…your reputation…and yes you as a fan…are still LIGHT years away from what you once were. Because of this fact…despite how sunny the skies may look today…you are just as irrelevant to me now as you have been the past couple of years.<br /><br />My two weeks in the sun these past few weeks have re-energized me, revitalized me and rekindled my ability to take on the toils of day-to-day life in the cold and windy Midwest. But what it didn’t do, was make me…nor anybody else for that matter…recognize you from what you once were. The stain is too deep, the disfigurement too great.<br /><br />Congratulations again on your amazing achievements so far this season. You still have a lot of steps on the mountain of relevance left to go for me to really care. <div></div><br /><div>AJ</div><div></div><br /><div>PS - This is the 600th column here at Behind Enemy Lines. Please feel free to celebrate such a milestone as you see fit.</div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-77921137886273681512008-11-06T15:02:00.003-06:002008-11-06T15:06:32.294-06:00Under the Sea - CLOSED FOR VACATION<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRNb9svrRPI/AAAAAAAACbA/DxqAFX-WTMg/s1600-h/scuba.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265653504867517682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRNb9svrRPI/AAAAAAAACbA/DxqAFX-WTMg/s320/scuba.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I can’t get away from you Husker freaks here, so I’m going to try my luck at the bottom of the sea. See ya in about 10 days or so... or never again…if I do in fact get eaten by a large shark or stabbed in the chest by a stingray.<br /><br />I may be able to check in and approve comments, (And I'll approve through Thursday night) but I can’t guarantee anything. You aren’t exactly on the top of my list.<br /><br />Enjoy the games, the snow and the 35mph winds. Time to hit the home stretch of the season when I return.<br /><br />AJ</div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-65567128709630064802008-11-05T13:48:00.007-06:002008-11-05T18:58:14.202-06:00Apathy, Hope and Hypocrites<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH5smRjYOI/AAAAAAAACao/CD-VOJ1ZkMo/s1600-h/doc48a0e23f0bfd3862639385.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265263983956549858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH5smRjYOI/AAAAAAAACao/CD-VOJ1ZkMo/s200/doc48a0e23f0bfd3862639385.jpg" border="0" /></a>I never thought I’d live to see this day.<br /><br />I never thought I’d live long enough to see the winds of change sweep through my country as they have today. I’ve never seen the world around me move so far in such a short time. I never thought things would change this much, in that we would be forced to look at ourselves different than we ever have before.<br /><br />Of course I’m talking about the complete and total indifference toward the Nebraska football program.<br /><br />Oh sure, there are a few other things going on in the world this week. And yes, who the hell is going to think about everything else going on? But has there ever been a sliver of time where Husker football meant less? I’ve lived here 23 years, and even when things were dark in 2004 and during the bowl losing stretches of the late 80’s, we never got to the point of complete and total apathy.<br /><br />How do I know?<br /><br />It’s the little things. Wearing red on Fridays. Filling out scores on schedule posters; Bringing up this week’s opponents in everyday conversation 35 times an hour; Continuous stories on the news about how the a Husker grad assistant overcame the trauma of ADD to live out his life’s dream of handling the balls of his favorite football team.<br /><br />All of that…is gone, just as I told you it would be when the atom bomb of apathy was dropped last October. So what is the Husker hating movement to do? What can we do going forward to make sure Husker fans realize they are getting exactly what they deserve? I look at it as an old battleship that has fought it’s battles, and now is being retired to dry dock where it can live out it’s years in peace.<br /><br />For those of you thirsty for Husker blood…who are looking for me and others to bash on every digression made by Mad Bo and his merry band of walk ons…I apologize. The battle is won. The enemy is beaten. Nobody really cares anymore. Although it is liberating to celebrate their demise, the strength to care is simply too great. Perhaps after vacation I’ll feel differently.<br /><br />**<br /><br />Speaking of the election, I may as well throw my two cents in as well…basically because well…breaking down the Husker pass rush against KU seems daunting and far too much work at this particular point. I will break my election opinion down in two parts, because I believe the stirring victory by Barak Obama last night deserves to be broken down much more than just celebrating the smashing of a once unbreakable color barrier. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH5wf_yLyI/AAAAAAAACaw/CPnmHdFPM40/s1600-h/ob.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265264050990886690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH5wf_yLyI/AAAAAAAACaw/CPnmHdFPM40/s200/ob.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First off, last night was an amazing moment for the country, and an amazing moment for our society. It was only 40 years ago when the Civil Rights movement attempted to mend an ugly fundamental flaw woven within the fabric of our entire nation. Last night served as one of the great milestones of that movement, and will endure as a lasting tribute to what we have become as a society. Whether or not you agree with the politics behind the election of a president…and trust me, we are further apart than we’ve been at any time since the Civil War….you must admit that last night was one of those moments where you knew you’d be thinking 20, 30, 40+ years from now, “I remember when Obama was elected.”<br /><br />On top of that, I am of firm belief that no matter who the president is..and no matter what your stance on his/her positions, the office demands respect and support. I’ll never know it myself, but I cannot possibly imagine what it would be like to have that much power…that much authority…that much responsibility that I literally held lives in my pen.<br /><br />I for one will give Barak Obama a chance to lead this country to whatever destiny lies ahead of us. By winning the election, he has been chosen by the greatest democracy on earth to lead the greatest country on earth. That job requires support and at the very least…requires your support and empathy.<br /><br />“Requires support and empathy”……Hmmmmm<br /><br />Here’s the second part of my thoughts..the part that is absolutely disgusted by the hypocrisy and double-standard of a large portion of President Elect Obama’s base of supporters. As a voter from the middle of war of ideology, two things turn me against a cause more than anything: People (celebrities) telling me how to think and hypocrites who act one way, and then expect you to act another.<br /><br />I understand that Matt Damon, George Clooney and Oprah all have the right to use their fame to express their political ideas. However, the great thing about elections is the fact that my vote equals Oprah’s vote. Despite the fact that I don’t have a TV show, a fleet of cars and a private jet…my 1 vote equals to just 1 of Oprah’s votes.<br /><br />But worse yet, is the raging hypocrisy that lives within those who have whined and cried and bitched and moaned for the past 8 years. I’m all for gloating after a win, and expressing my views wildly without caring who’s eyes they find. But when an a close friend and Obama supporter tells me that it’s my patriotic duty to get behind the new president….it instantly takes me back to the endless months and YEARS of complaining, crying and bitching about things they know next to nothing about.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH53iUOcGI/AAAAAAAACa4/cAE_2vaSowE/s1600-h/rpm_w_rosie_195.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265264171872579682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SRH53iUOcGI/AAAAAAAACa4/cAE_2vaSowE/s200/rpm_w_rosie_195.jpg" border="0" /></a>Even worse are those who preach to me that “America did the right thing to make such history”. That statement very much may be true…and it 100% is true. But if you think the same people would be dancing in the streets to celebrate the first female vice president…another barrier that has never been broken…you’re crazy. Impromptu celebrations would not have broken out in Times Square and Chicago and Pennsylvania Avenue…but cars would burn, rocks would be thrown, and people…both guilty and not guilty would be hurt.<br /><br />So in the end, this great moment…this wonderful notch in the course of our country’s history brings out not only the best in us..but some of the worst. The election of Barak Obama will not bring people together, but in fact may pull them further apart. It's possible that through no fault really of his own, Obama’s tenure as commander in chief will be compromised by those who wish to wage a class war on others. Madonna, Susan Sarandon and Chevy Chase will continue to express their disdain in a public forum toward anything they don’t agree with…whether their choice of party is in power or not. And that very hypocrisy and double standard is what is going to continue to drive a wedge between Americans of all ages..all sexes and all parties.<br /><br />I really hope that I am wrong, and like I said...I am 100% behind the new president. I will give him every opportunity to deliver the change he has promised, and see for myself whether or not it is best for the country and my family. But the divide that was once separated by color is now separated by ideology. Unless Barak Obama becomes one of the greatest unified leaders the world has ever seen, that gap will only become wider, in an age of instant information, instant blame and instant denial.<br /><br />Time to move on.<br /><br />Change has come…let’s see what it can do for all of us.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-70488196022264812652008-11-03T20:17:00.005-06:002008-11-03T20:36:53.772-06:00Polls, Polls and More Polls!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-x480XEpI/AAAAAAAACaQ/vl4gDoJoRbg/s1600-h/Voting%2520Booth%25205.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264622081375933074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-x480XEpI/AAAAAAAACaQ/vl4gDoJoRbg/s200/Voting%2520Booth%25205.jpg" border="0" /></a>I wasn’t going to throw out a new column just yet…quite frankly because neither you nor I care much about your team or your pseudo thirst for football passion anymore. Yet as I stated before, I’m about to go on a long-needed vacation, and it's probably best for both of us that I get as many backhanded slaps in at you while the microphone is still turned on as I can. (Contrary to popular belief...when I"m out of the country on vacation, the last thing I worry about is Husker football. Shocking I'm sure.)<br /><br />**<br />Although it will be difficult for most of you to tear yourself away from your giant bowl of Cheetos and your VHS copy of the 1994 Orange Bowl, hopefully you did your civic duty and voted Tuesday on the people and issues that will shape the nation in the near and not-so-near future. As I've stated before...I love politics and I love arguing about politics...but it’s extremely difficult for me to hold back my own opinions within this blog. Not because I don’t care or I don't have an opinion; but one thing that really pisses me off is when people try and tell me how to think, how to vote and how to act. As much as I truly dislike many of you...I'm not about to do that; not here...not anywhere.<br /><br />Truth be told; Politics…like religion…should be deeply personal and private. That’s why it pisses me off that I get 9000 phone each night, interrupting my evening of watching non-stop political commercials before I go to work and listen to non-stop political radio ads. But despite that, I'm well aware of how it all works. If you are committed to your party or your candidate…that’s flipping awesome. Seriously, this country would be a better place if more people educated themselves on the issues, and voted on the facts, and not what a radio show or radical blog told them to.<br /><br />But as I’ve stated before, politics have become more of a spectacle/event than an actual contest to choose the best leaders. Gone are the days where a farmer from North Carolina would challenge a blacksmith from New Hampshire. Here are the days where only a career politician with millions upon millions of dollars in financial backing has even a semblance of hope to become the leader of the free world. Hell, the one time a guy actually went out of his way to find a nobody for the 2nd highest office, the woman was basically laughed on the stage by the very people who demand that the “same old same old” be put to rest. (I understand Sarah Palin has about as much qualifications as I do to be V.P., but why all the hate? Seriously, I don't get it..and trust me...I hate just about everyone.)<br /><br />What it comes down to is the fundamental principle of media influence on a populace which is….in case you haven’t noticed….isn’t very smart to begin with. That goes both ways…within both parties; whether it’s the fearful rantings of republican hate-radio….or the blatantly biased slander of mainstream media outlets funded by individuals with personal interests at stake.<br /><br />Regardless, the American election…the last bastion of freedom left on earth..is very quickly turning into the media circus and financial fueled car wreck of a bad TV reality show. By the time you read this, the whole thing may well be over, and somebody’s candidate will have won…and the other side would have lost. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-x97ePO-I/AAAAAAAACaY/DwWYrrxmUQ8/s1600-h/n_countdown_comment2_070703_ss_h.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264622166914055138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-x97ePO-I/AAAAAAAACaY/DwWYrrxmUQ8/s200/n_countdown_comment2_070703_ss_h.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But make no mistake…we have all lost, because the true meaning of bi-partisan cooperation is not only dead…but quickly disappearing in the rear view mirror of an entire society. Did the authors of the Constitution realize that votes for all higher offices would be broken down by 500,000 blogs and 24/7 news coverage on about 6 different networks?<br /><br />Depressing indeed on what should be a spectacular day to celebrate Democracy. God help us all, no matter who wins.<br /><br />**<br /><br />I’m starting to join the small minority that says college football polls should be saved to the very last weekend of the season. How else can you explain the media’s love with a USC team that lost to Oregon State and a Florida team that lost to Ole Miss (at home). How could either of those teams be held in higher standing than Oklahoma (who lost to Texas) and Texas (who lost to an undefeated Texas Tech?) Why are these mega-power teams given a free pass, just as LSU was handed a free National Title last year (at home), when they had lost to a slightly-better-than-average Arkansas team a few weeks before? (at home)<br /><br />This week is a perfect example: HOW CAN Texas be BEHIND USC (Oregon State) and Florida (Ole Miss) for Christ's sake…when they lost to the #2 team in the country…on the road..on the last play of the game? Completely and totally ridiculous.<br /><br />I’m not about to go ranting about a college football playoff, because a playoff would completely kill the week-by-week drama that is college football. But until somebody recognizes the ridiculousness of it all, it’s all going to be based on lies, bullshit and the cesspool that is ESPN and their pundits.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-yL8ff7CI/AAAAAAAACag/b0czZzTKAOA/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264622407705947170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ-yL8ff7CI/AAAAAAAACag/b0czZzTKAOA/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a>Rest assured, I can already tell you what is going to happen. Penn State, while completely avoiding a remotely difficult game as well as a championship game, will play a USC team that not only skated through the last 2 months of their season in one of the worst conferences in the country…but also lost to a bad Oregon State team in a performance that would BURY 99% of other teams around the country.<br /><br />(And don’t even get me started with TCU, Utah and Boise being in the top 11)<br /><br /><br />Power Poll – Election Edition:<br /><br /><strong><em>NORTH:</em></strong><br /><strong>1) Missouri ( 7-2, 3-2) vs. Kansas State</strong> – In typical Mizzou style, the Tiger’s defensive strategy to defend Robert Griffin nearly backfired in a closer-than-expected 31-28 win in Waco. Next up is hapless KSU, who is giving up the points by the ton. Senior Day for the Tigers and a dismal forecast of cold and wind could make for a rather miserable day for the Cats. (But I'm sure I'm not the only Missouri fan who is on gaurd for another letdown)<br /><br /><strong>2) Kansas (6-3), 3-2) at Nebraska</strong> – KU needs a win against Nebraska (or a miracle against Texas next week) to hold onto their shrinking Big 12 North hopes. The fat man shored up the defense just enough against KSU to ease into a victory. The Squaks big-game experience and mobile QB should be too much for the pathetic Husker defense and their non-existent pass rush.<br /><br /><strong>5a) Colorado (4-5, 1-4) vs. Iowa State</strong> – Who out of this threesome do you put at 5a as opposed to 5b or 5c? Because Colorado has a signature win (West Virginia) and beat Kansas State (albeit barely) I'm going to give the Buffs the very light nod. Regardless, CU's bowl hopes hinge on a win over the hapless Clones in the wind tunnel Ames and then a trip to Lincoln later this month.<br /><br /><strong>5b) Kansas State (4-5, 1-4) at Missouri</strong> – We’ll see how KSU does against the Hicks next week, but for now, their ability to at least keep it close against Oklahoma keeps them ahead of an NU team that has done nothing. The two teams are actually similar (semi-potent offenses, zero defense and no signature wins)…so it will be intresting how that ends up. In the meantime, a death march into Columbia awaits as the Ron Prince job watch begins. (Possibly)<br /><br /><strong>5c) Nebraska (5-4, 2-3) vs. Kansas</strong> – Quietly, Nebraska faces one of their bigger games in recent memory against KU. Why you ask? Because a loss here puts ALL the pressure on the Hicks to go to a ½ decent bowl game as compared to Shreveport or worse yet…no bowl at all. KU isn’t exactly defensive juggernaut, but they should be able to stop whatever King Bo can throw out on the field. (If he allows them to take the field at all…considering he is done pouting)<br /><br /><strong>6) Iowa State (2-7, 0-5) at Colorado</strong> – A bad season gets worse. The Clones are giving up 41.6ppg over the past 6 games. Lucky for them, the Buffs’ offense resembles a ’78 Dodge Diplomat with bald tires. Unfortunately, the game is in Boulder. CU has been pretty bad this season…but not that bad.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>SOUTH:<br /></em>1) Oklahoma (8-1, 4-1) at Texas A&M</strong> – Going by the overall body of work, I still say the Sooners are the best team in the division..despite losing to the Horns earlier last month. Their offense is clicking (35+ points in every game so far) and if the beatdown against the Hicks Saturday is any indication, they are starting to roll downhill. A&M is slowly improving, but don’t possess enough firepower to slow this train down..even for a little bit.<br /><br /><strong>2) Texas Tech (9-0, 5-0) vs. Oklahoma State</strong> – Let the record show…the ONLY reason Tech is rated #2 on my list is because that kid for Texas dropped that fluttering sure-interception with only seconds remaining. Don't kid yourselves...if that kid makes that catch…UT is rolling toward Kansas City with big-time National Title hopes. Instead, Tech wins their first game against a ½ decent opponent...pretty much ever, just in time to get into a track meet with OSU this weekend. Either way...put em where you want for now…OU is going to destroy them next week anyway.<br /><br /><strong>3) Texas (8-1, 4-1) vs. Baylor</strong> – Strangely enough, the Horns may have the clearest path to Kansas City of the big 4 in the South. OU, Tech and OSU all play each other over the last few weeks, while UT takes on the likes of Baylor, KU and A&M. They’ll need Tech to lose twice to win the South outright..but even if they lose once…it will most likely come down to BCS standings, which will most likely have UT out front. Not a bad position to be in. Oh, and they’re going to destroy Baylor this week.<br /><br /><strong>4) Oklahoma State (8-1, 4-1) at Texas Tech</strong> – Personally, I don’t think the Pokes are near deep enough to get by Tech and then get by a sometimes dangerous CU team in the mountains before the rivalry game with OU to end the season. Tech looked awfully tough against UT, and OSU has already proven they can win in a hostile environment when they won in Columbia. Should be close, but I think they’re the odd men out…at least this season.<br /><br /><strong>5) Baylor (3-6, 1-4) at Texas</strong> – Robert Griffin is the real deal. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have nearly enough weapons around him and Texas is going to be really really pissed off. Yikes.<br /><br /><strong>6) Texas A&M (4-5, 2-3) vs. Oklahoma</strong> – Don’t look now, but the Aggies have won two straight and are starting to score some points. Oh, they’re still going to get crushed by OU…but at least they’ll have something to build on for next season…if they aren’t demoralized in Austin by a far superior UT team.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-30389382890636586102008-11-02T10:51:00.009-06:002008-11-02T11:12:33.254-06:00(BO)rn to Pout<div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cRaUwU-I/AAAAAAAACZw/twRhXn5Bb5k/s1600-h/pp_Baby%2520Photo%2520Gallery_1152305917514_431365D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264105731148239842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cRaUwU-I/AAAAAAAACZw/twRhXn5Bb5k/s320/pp_Baby%2520Photo%2520Gallery_1152305917514_431365D.jpg" border="0" /></a>You’ll have to forgive me today, as I’m battling a few injuries. First is the sore thumb from flipping back and fourth between ESPN and Texas Tech’s near meltdown, and second is the sore stomach from laughing at the uncontrollable rectal bleeding that was the Nebraska defense on ESPN. All in all though, a pretty entertaining night in terms of setting up for the end of the season.<br /><br />With that being said, I’m (of course) not surprised you got your brains beat in by the Sooners. OU is angry, and arguably physically better than Texas (just not on one day in Dallas). You were smacked early and you were smacked often...and yes, I found it extremely funny. However, I do have a few deeper observations of your team that are really starting to come into focus.<br /><br />First, Bo Pelini has your team playing at least a tad harder than the GRF© did last season. You see guys running hard toward the football, and not heading back to the huddle with their heads hanging to their knees. For that, you got what you wanted…a guy who will bring “passion” back to Nebraska football. <br /><br />What you didn’t count on is the absolute embarrassment and childish crybaby that Bo Pelini brings to your team that is unlike any football coach seen in these parts since…well…since ever. Whether it’s the tear-fueled hissy fits he has during the games, or the EXTREMELY tired, “This is my fault..blame it on me” mantra that he now uses for every single loss, this dude is in WAY over his head. He obviously knows what he’s doing in terms of motivating and getting guys in the right spot, but he reminds me of Gunther Cunningham in the way he completely loses his mind in the face of any sort of adversity whatsoever. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cXg7hLRI/AAAAAAAACZ4/EMJ0rcNT_1Q/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264105836000652562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cXg7hLRI/AAAAAAAACZ4/EMJ0rcNT_1Q/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But that not withstanding, here’s where your life gets real interesting: Will Pelini be able to grow up in time to right your ship? At what point is his “passion” going to make you a laughing stock? Pulling your players away from reporters after the game and pouting all the way to the bus? Staring down your own reporters who want to know why you just got completely destroyed? Take your beating like a man, and stop trying to be somebody you’re not…which is an inexperienced leader of men who at least at the moment, has no clue of how to take the punches that get thrown at him.<br /><br />Second, Your entire season has been saved by, ironically enough..the Colorado Buffaloes. I’m not sure what the hell Dan Hawkins is thinking, but it looks like we’re going to have a repeat of 2004, when the Buffs and Huskers met on the Friday after thanksgiving in Lincoln to see who is going to a bowl, and who is going home. Dan Hawkins has seemingly waved the white flag on offense with his QB rotation (unless it somehow gets better over the next few weeks), and yes..even you can probably stop their attack. (Especially with their best player busting his leg yesterday.) But regardless of 6 wins, I still think Sharp and Reesing are going to be WAY too much for you to handle next week. Shreveport is lovely this time of year I hear.<br /><br />Sandwiched in the middle of those two games, K-State hosts you in their Super Bowl, which certainly isn't an environment that you normally handle very well. This won’t be a disinterested Texas Tech team looking past you. K-State hates your guts, and despite having ZERO defensive abilities, they can actually move the ball. They’ll also (possibly) be playing for Ron Prince’s job…or at least job security. If you think that game is going to be some sort of cakewalk, you’re crazy.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cfabR6kI/AAAAAAAACaA/uav_JnfUof8/s1600-h/sptech0927.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264105971693775426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3cfabR6kI/AAAAAAAACaA/uav_JnfUof8/s200/sptech0927.jpg" border="0" /></a>Oh, and one more thing: Remember when Missouri fell behind behind Texas big at the half, and the whole lot of you nearly pissed yourself laughing and commenting here at the “total destruction” of the Mizzou program? Hmmmm...35-0 sound familiar? Let’s see how the ministers of spin do with this one. (If you’ve read Tom Shatel this morning..you already know the answer to that one.) Not that it means a whole lot…I just want to point out that I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning..and right now…it’s looking to get pretty thick around here.<br /><br />Either way, your team sucks and isn’t getting much better. Ho Hum.<br /><br />**<br />Lots of people are ready to give Texas Tech the National Title today after an amazing contest opposite of your public colon pounding. Tech played outstanding on defense early, but the Horns seemed to figure them out later on. As impressive as Graham Harrell’s drive at the end of the game was…you gotta wonder a couple of things. First, if that dude picks off that batted ball on the drive, the game is over and UT cruises into Kansas City with a trip to Miami on the line. Instead, Tech rolls down the field, and takes advantage of one of the worst defensive plays I’ve ever seen. I mean…you KNOW they’re going to Crabtree. You KNOW they’ve run that back shoulder play over and over. HELL, you had double coverage on the guy. And then when he does catch it you just let him waltz into the end zone?<br /><br />Texas Tech is extremely talented as I’ve told you since back in July. However…as we saw in their near choke job against the Hicks a few weeks ago, they are not the most mentally sound group ever to hit the field. They did everything they could to choke that game away last night and nearly did so. With OU in Norman and Okie State at home next week…I would be shocked..yes SHOCKED if the Red Raiders wound up in Kansas City on December 6th.<br /><br />It’s still Texas’ prize to lose. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3coaAg1QI/AAAAAAAACaI/-egRS_CDfCE/s1600-h/13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264106126200329474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQ3coaAg1QI/AAAAAAAACaI/-egRS_CDfCE/s200/13.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />**<br /><br />I’m sure 99% of you were huddled next to your Commodore 128’s yesterday afternoon as you listened to the webcast of Missouri taking on Baylor. Nice to see Missouri’s defense is still a major problem and pretty much the biggest reason why they’ve hopped in the back row of the national stage. However, two years ago, Mizzou loses that game easily. Robert Griffin seems to be improving by the game, and I’m telling you now..I am not looking forward to that guy coming to my team’s stadium next October.<br /><br />Regardless, Baylor did was young teams do with a chance to win at the end…they panicked and made a major mistake, thus giving the more experienced team the victory. Missouri now has a wounded KSU team at home on Senior Day, and then a trip to Ames to take on an absolutely dreadful Cyclone team that will be looking to play out the string.<br /><br />That puts Mizzou fans in the unusual position of quietly rooting for the Huskers next weekend. A KU loss to Nebraska coupled with a (near certain) loss to Texas in Lawrence, wraps up the North title for the Tigers. (if they can beat two of the lesser teams in the league.) I like Mizzou’s chances against KU on any field, but the ultimate goal now is the upset whomever the South sends to KC. If that game could somehow lose that meaning, it would be an awfully big burden off the shoulders of the Tigers.<br /><br />**<br /><br />I’m out of the country next week, so it’s going to get kinda quiet here. (Not that it should be too much of a as it is on days like today…another brutal and predictable Husker meltdown.) Something tells me it's going to be pretty quiet around here anyway.</div><div><br />Chirp</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit - Daily Oklahoman and Columbia Tribune)</span></div></div></div>A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10859338.post-32575022744799710472008-10-31T20:16:00.002-05:002008-10-31T20:28:39.826-05:00The Grinch<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQuuhrd48fI/AAAAAAAACZo/YNnaC_SRU9w/s1600-h/trickortreaters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263492483139564018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2S2P-BZNbv0/SQuuhrd48fI/AAAAAAAACZo/YNnaC_SRU9w/s200/trickortreaters.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sweet Holy Jesus do I hate Halloween. I don't mean it's annoying, I mean it's right up there with hangnails, people ordering for their entire office in front of me in line at Subway, High School Musical 3 and the Husker Spring game.<br /><br />Maybe it’s because I don’t really like chocolate? Or maybe it’s because I think dressing up as R2D2 is stupid…when you’re 30. Or maybe the idea of mass organized youth begging simply doesn’t appeal to me? Or maybe I’m just an A-hole?<br /><br />Regardless, since this blog will be dormant next Halloween, here are some tips for you and yours to stay on the good side of Black and Orange grinches such as myself. Consider this a public service message in advance, since it's already too late this year:<br /><br />- If you’re over 14, don’t even try it. Keep your pillow cases and backpacks at home. Take your lame charcoal-drawn mustache and your JV football jersey and get the hell off my front steps. I don’t want to deal with you. You don’t want to deal with me. And pretty soon..if you aren’t already, you are going to be the little bastards who keep blasting your music at 3:30am coming down the street. (And while you’re at it…why don’t you take a look around and realize you’re a 16 year old white kid from suburban Omaha when you throttle the sound barrier with your N.W.A thumping at full blast next time. )<br /><br />- Is it too much to ask to stay off the Godamn grass? Is it that hard to see the big concrete sidewalks that surround the neighborhood? They’re not that hard to spot, and they’re real easy to mow. They're even grooved so you won't slip.<br /><br />- Don’t strike up a conversation with me. I’m only handing out candy, because if I don’t..it’s a perfectly good reason for your little thugs to destroy something in my yard. I’m not in the mood for it, so I”ll take the short-term pain of listening to you bitch about your bad hip…rather than deal with your punk-ass kids at 4am in a few Saturdays. Stop by. Take your candy. Say Thank you. Move on. <br /><br />- That barbed wire fencing is there for a reason. Don’t try to climb over it. If you lost your hat or something on the other side…tough shit.<br /><br />- LEAVE the Husker shit at home. I don’t care if you are the cutest little 2 year old girl on the planet, with a lisp and pigtails…if you’re dressed as a Husker cheerleader, you’re getting either a smashed up Tootsie Roll, or that nasty white. End of story.<br /><br />- I don’t play scary music and sit out on my porch because it’s lame and I don’t have that kind of time. If you want that kind of excitement, go to Mystery Manor downtown and let them chase you around with a chainsaw. I’m over it.<br /><br />- I will give Halloween credit…at least it’s not as bad as the fourth of July, as I don’t have to worry about one of the small artillery rockets flying through the sky to land on my house..only to watch it go up in a giant inferno.<br /><br />Happy November.A Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05518175756747531986noreply@blogger.com9