Brian's Blog on Big Sports 590

Ummm . . . . Yeaaaahh

2010-09-25T21:37:00.003-05:00

Uh, oh.

The Nebraska football team won today 17-3. If I told you just that information, Nebraska fans would jump up and down and cheer and say, 'Sears Trophy/ADT Trophy/Whatever Company Trophy, here come to get you.'

But in the words of Lee Corso, 'Not so fast, my friend!'

Let's fill in the rest of the picture. Nebraska beat South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits. Nebraska beat the daunted South Dakota State Jackrabbits 17-3.

Give SDSU a ton of credit. They came into this game EXPECTING to win. And you know what, they almost did!

Taylor Martinez, who looked like one of the top QB's in the country the first two weeks of the season including a hostile trip to Washington last week, threw 6-14 for 140 yards, 1 TD and two interceptions. And the interceptions were not tips that fell in the wrong teams hands. The interceptions were rookie mistakes. Taylor owed the interceptions in his post game press conference and said that they were his fault. In the first three games, Martinez had three 100+ yard games and every time he ran the ball, you were expecting a 50 yard TD run. SDSU looked like they knew the play that was coming stuffed it. Taylor ended his 100+ yd/gm streak tonight only gaining 75 yards on 13 carries.

Martinez didn't get any help either. It seemed like the whole team was off the whole game. Head coach Bo Pelini took blame for the game saying that the team was out coached, out played and all of that was on his shoulders. The defense wasn't clicking like it was last week. The amazing secondary that we saw in Washington that only allowed four completions for Jake Locker, gave up 12 catches for Thomas O'Brien.

All around, it was not a good game. It was a win, but not a good game.

What will we see next week? That is the question. Will we see a team that is pumped for the Big 12 season and their last time they will ever have to face Kansas State? I would think so. But I also thought that tonight's game would have been a 30 or 40 point victory . . . not a 17-3 win over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.

One Hell Of A Debut!!!

2010-09-25T18:22:00.003-05:00

Well, Omaha. You all heard the buzz and excitement all summer Pro football in Omaha.
Did it live up to the hype? You bet your ass it did!

That was a crazy game, a crazy halftime show, a crazy environment and that was game #1. We still have four more home games including some high profile names coming to Rosenblatt Stadium.

Highlights of the night:

I don't know if it was a highlight, but the reception that the crowd gave when Mayor Suttle was introduced for the opening coin toss. That has to suck to hear a 23,000+ of your citizens booing.

In contrast, it was nice to see the booing that the Husker fans in the crowd gave to Colonials DB Ryan Palmer when his name was announced and the fact that he played at the University of Texas.

The electricity in the air from the very first kick off. People have never seen a Nighthawks game before. There is no history for this team. But people embraced the team as their own right away. The Nighthawks became Omaha's football team.

The level of play on the field was awesome. This was not a college football game. This was a professional football game and it looked like it. These guys were a little faster, a little bigger and a little better than even the Huskers down I-80.

The new traditions. Since this is a new team and a new fan base, traditions can pop here and there. During the game PA announcer Matt Schick had the crowd yelling 'FIRST DOWN' every time the Nighthawks got one. And the fans loved it and got into it.

Nelly. Nelly fans got a jam packed 10 minute show at halftime filled with a bunch of songs. I looked around and I saw people back behind what was home plate and the farthest away from the stage dancing and getting into the performance.

The ending. The Nighthawks organization could not have asked for a better ending to their opening night. People left the stadium on a high and were ready to buy tickets to the next game. And they were going to go home and on Facebook and tell their friends about how great of a time that they had and the buzz will continue.

What a night. We'll see you next Saturday at Rosenblatt Stadium when we see Jeff Garcia going head to head with Daunte Culpepper.

WOW!!!

Can You See Us Now?

2010-09-20T11:29:00.002-05:00

You know those stupid Verizon commercials with the huge group of techies following behind him while he repeats the line, "Can you hear me now?" I see Taylor Martinez with with the whole Nebraska team behind him and telling the country, "Can you see us now?"

Nebraska beat Washington 56-21 on Saturday and that was one hell of a performance for their first game on the national stage. People across the country go a chance to see what Nebraska fans saw the first two weeks of the year. But this time, it wasn't against Western Kentucky or Idaho. It was on the road against a PAC-10 team, at one of the loudest stadiums in the country.

The sound didn't appear to faze the young QB one bit. Like the first two games of the year, he looked like a veteran who's gone on the road before and played in hostile environments before.

HE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A FRESHMAN!!!

He looks like seasoned veteran quarterback leading an upper level D-1 program.

This was the first big measuring stick game for this Husker team. Sure they could be 'Nobody State' in a stadium full of their own fans. But can they beat a BCS on the road in enemy territory. Yep. And they looked good doing it, too.

Next up, a tune up homecoming game. Last weekend was the perfect game for Coach Pelini. Look good on the national stage and come away with an impressive victory, BUT show some kinks (Cody Green fumbling his first two snaps) that you can use it as a teaching game as well. 'Guys, nice job. That was one hell of a victory, BUT here are couple things that we can work on to take it to the next level.'

The South Dakota State game is a clean up game where you can clean up your mistakes, work on the fundamentals and get your head on right for the Big 12 season.

After that, another big time stage with a Thursday night game against Kansas State. The stage will be yours again. Martinez will get to shine and the secondary will have a chance to do their thing. And EVERYBODY will be watching. Make a statement against K-State and then comes THE GAME.

The first two seasons of Bo Pelini's reign at Nebraska got off to a shaky start at the beginning of the season and then things turned around at the end. It looks like those days are behind him. Make the statement early and turn some heads in September and October.

Two more games to get through and then it will be time for THE GAME!!!

On The Road Again . . .

2010-09-14T12:41:00.002-05:00

This week the Nebraska football take to the road for the first time this year when they go the Pacific Northwest and take on the Washington Huskies at 2:30.

Is it a big deal? I think so.

There will not be the familiarities that you are used to at home. You won't have your bed. You won't have your friends and family (I know, I know . . . your teammates are your like family, but you know what I mean). You won't have your usual pre and post game routine. You won't have 86,000 people yelling for you.

You will have 70,000+ people yelling against you.

The veterans have done this before. They know what they're doing. But the freshman might have a rude awakening. This isn't like playing your cross city rival in high school football. It can be intimidating and daunting.

This is where the coaches come in. One of the best sports movies of all time is Hoosiers. Do you remember the scene where Gene Hackman pulls out the tape measure and they measure the height of the basket? 10 feet. Just like at home. They should do that on Friday. Get the whole team (or just the freshman) out on the field and get a long tape measure and measure from goal line to goal line. 100 yards. Just like at Memorial Stadium. Just like on the practice field. It's football. That is essentially what Carl Pelini said in today's press conference. The field looks the same as it does at home. The only thing that changes is the stands and the color in the seats.

It's football.

Playing on the road can be intimidating, but it also could be motivation. You want people on your team who will feed off of the crowd, both the positive crowd at home and the negative crowd on the road. You want those people who will thrive in those situations.

Will Taylor Martinez shine on Saturday? I don't know, but he'll get his chance to if he can handle the crowd and realize that it's just football.

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-07T21:32:00.001-05:00

I forgot to post his yesterday, but I wanted to say Happy Labor Day, to the entire work force out there. This country would not be the country that it is without the laborers.

Thank you!!

In Or Out?

2010-09-07T21:19:00.002-05:00

Does Boise State deserve to be in the BCS Championship game?

It depends.

It depends are the remaining 11 plus games of the season for every team in college football. I want to congratulate the Bronco's for winning their FIRST game of the year. You know who else won their first game of the year? Half of the football teams playing college football!!! After the game last night where beat Virginia Tech 33-30 in thrilling game in Washington DC, Boise State was celebrating like they had just won it all.

IF they were to run the table and win the rest of their games this season, do they deserve a spot in the BCS Championship game? It depends on what the other teams in the country do. I believe that a 1 loss Alabama or a 1 loss Ohio State or a 1 loss Texas or (wishful thinking) a 1 loss Nebraska has just as much of a case to play for it all as Boise State.

I agree that you shouldn't penalize Boise State for the conference that they play in or the schedule that they have, but you also can not penalize Alabama if they were to lose 1 game with the grueling schedule they face in the SEC.

Monday night was an instant classic. It was an amazing game that people will be talking about all season. But, IT WAS THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON!!!

Let it all play out. We have a couple of months to argue. Just take a breathe and let's watch some football!!

What A First Impression!

2010-09-04T21:53:00.003-05:00

All I can say is 'WOW'!

Taylor Martinez gets the start at quarterback for the opening game as a freshman. That doesn't happen very often. In fact, it hasn't ever happened before. And the way he looked in the opening drive, you can tell that he has earned that spot.

On the third play of the day for the Huskers, Martinez keeps the ball and makes a 46 yard run for the end zone to get his first of 3 touchdowns of the night. He has an explosiveness that is impressive. Before you know it, he's past the defensive line and is shaking a linebacker or two.

Here's is line AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN PLAYING IN HIS FIRST COLLEGIATE GAME EVER:

7 runs for 127 yards and 3 TD's. 9-15 passing for 136 yards. That's 263 of total offense.

But, it's more than the numbers. He just looked like a big time college quarterback out there. He showed confidence. He showed poise. He looked like a leader on the offense. Taking nothing from Zac Lee and what he did with the team last year, but Martinez looked like he fit the roll of starting quarterback better than Zac.

Keep in mind that this is all against Western Kentucky. This is all in game one. This is a long season. We've got a long way to go. But 85,555 plus a pay-per-view audience may have just took a peek at the future of Nebraska football. That is a lot to put on one kid, but the future does look good at the quarterback position.

The Good:

Yeeaaahhh, that's a no brainer. Taylor Martinez.
Rex Burkhead looked good with 5 rushes for 57 yards and a TD.
The offensive looked like it was well balanced and it was clicking in the air and on the ground (for game #1 against Western Kentucky). 536 total yards with 289 yards coming on the ground and 247 yards coming in the air. Not bad. In the post game interview room, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson looked as happy as could be.

The Bad (or rather things that need some work):

The defense wasn't bad, but they're weren't the best and head coach Bo Pelini agreed with that in his post game press conference. Western Kentucky was able to rack up 299 of total offense with 5 foot 8 inch running back Bobby Rainey counting 155 yards of that. The backfield got beat on a few plays. Overall, not the best and not Cosgrove-like. But they will sure hear it from Bo next week. Suh is gone (he as actually on the sidelines for this game), but Crick showed signs of being the beast that takes his place!

This was Western Kentucky. They've got a lot of work to do until Texas comes rolling into Lincoln. Bo Pelini said that this is not the polished product, yet. Next week comes Idaho and then you get your first real test of the season with a road trip to Washington. Taylor Martinez was able to shine in front 85,000+ friendly patrons, but what about 70,000+ people against you. That's the next measuring stick.

But, one thing is for sure . . . after watching the first game of the year, screw the Big Ten (for now) . . . let's play some football this year!!!!

Let's Do This!!

2010-09-04T18:00:00.003-05:00

Football season is here. We are just minutes away from Nebraska's final season in the Big 12. The Huskers want to go out in style, leave the Big 12 on top and make a statement to their new opponents in the Big Ten.

It all starts NOW!!!!!!!!

Are You Ready?

2010-08-05T09:34:00.003-05:00

It's almost here! I can't wait for the temperature to start falling. I can't wait to pull out my sweatshirts. I can't wait to spend the whole weekend watching football!!

Saturday is Fan Day out at Nebraska where Nebraska fans have a chance to go through the line to meet and get autographs from all of the Husker football players and coaches. Then, that afternoon, the fun begins. The football team will have their first practice before the start of the season. We will get daily updates from practice. If you're in Lincoln, you'll be able to drive by campus and see the guys out there working out.

The Big 12 Farewell Tour will get underway on September 4th. Besides that Texas game, I'm almost the point where I could care less about the Big 12. The future of Nebraska is not in the Big 12. Nebraska was never fully comfortable in the Big 12. The Big Ten is our future. I will take notice of Big Ten games more this year. I will watch the Big Ten Network more this year. I, for one, am looking more towards the future and not at the past . . . EXCEPT FOR THE TEXAS GAME!!!

SSSSUUUUUUHHHHHH!!!!!!!

2010-07-22T09:44:00.002-05:00

Team USA Baseball

2010-07-21T10:19:00.002-05:00

There is something in sports that Midwesterners love. They always have and they always will. They love it when players leave everything on the field for the love of the game. It is shown in their fanaticism for college sports, whether it's Huskers, Bluejays or the Maverics. They love it when kids are on the field giving it everything they have to win.

They also love their country. Why shouldn't you. No matter what your political views, EVERYONE has to admit that this is the best country in the world . . . hands down.

Why not combine both of these loves! And you can tonight. Tonight, the USA National Baseball team will be playing the Japanese National Baseball team at Rosenblatt at 7:00 pm. You will see college aged kids out there playing for their country. They will be decked out in red, white and blue and the name on the front of their jersey will not say UCLA, Arizona State or South Carolina. The name on the front of their jersey will say USA!!!!

These kids know what that means and know that they are representing their country in a competition on the field. A lot of these guys were here a month ago playing in the final College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. And now their back to play for their country.

The least that we could do as Americans and as baseball fans is to show up and root them on to victory!

Counting Down!!

2010-07-16T10:04:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to throw this out there . . .

49 DAYS UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF SATURDAY FOOTBALL THIS SEASON!!!

Once we get past the All Star Game, the we seem to be on the second half of the summer. We start to see more football stories on SportsCenter. Camps start coming together for the NFL teams followed soon after by college football media days (by the way, how crazy will Big 12 media days be this year, especially for Nebraska). Then when August gets here, the college players will get back on campus to begin practicing. And don't forget your fantasy football drafts! And before you know it your whole weekend is spent on the couch with a beer in hand watching the pigskin.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

It's About Time

2010-07-14T16:52:00.002-05:00

14 year!!! What all has happened in the last 14 year? How many people who are 20 now, remember when they were 6 years old?

We've hosted two Olympics in the US in that time. We've elected a black president in that time. We've seen the rise and fall of several boy bands in that time. We've seen the addition of 3 new Star Wars movies in that time.

It's been 14 years since the National Team has won the All Star game. Do you remember that crazy summer with Sosa and McGwire? Yeah, this happened even before then. The last time the National League won the All Star game, the steroids era was in full swing in the MLB, but wasn't known by the public.

14 years ago, Mel Gibson was the cool guy from the Lethal Weapon movies. (Man, that guy's career is in the crapper now.)

Congratulations, National League!! You did it! You got that 14 year old monkey off your back!!!

Most Boring Day Of The Sports Year

2010-07-14T16:43:00.004-05:00

Today (the day after the All Star Game) is the only day of the year where there are not any of the major sports playing at all. No baseball, no football, no basketball, no hockey, NOTHING!!! I couldn't imagine going more than one day with out any sort of sport to follow.

So, use this day to recuperate. Spend it with your family and out of the heat. Make your wife think that you would rather spend time with her instead of 'watching all of the games that are on TV'. She'll love you and it will give you a free pass for the second half of the baseball season and the first part of the football season.

Hillman Out! Yost In!

2010-05-14T11:13:00.002-05:00

I feel bad for Trey Hillman. You manage a game. You win the game. And then you get fired. That sucks. That is like you making a great presentation and then getting fired. The problem is that you didn't get fired based on that one presentation and he didn't get fired based on that one game. Trey Hillman didn't win. Plain and simple.

Trey came in after Buddy Bell stepped down and he was going to bring some fresh air to the club. A young coach with energy that would put a spark in the clubhouse and get these young guys going. It didn't happen. There were signs that it could happen. A great start to the 2009 season that had Royals fans wondering if this would be the year that they become a .500 team and try to contended in the AL Central Division. But then the Royals became the Royals of the last two decades and went back to the bottom of the division. The Royals showed signs last year with a pitcher that was able to overcome being on a bad team to be awarded the American League Cy Young Award. It's a great building block for this season, but on May 13th, the day that Trey gets fired, Greinke finally picks up his first win of the season.

Trey Hillman seems like a really nice guy. Dayton Moore obviously really likes Trey. That was evident when he broke down crying at the press conference to announce the firing of the manager. If you're a nice guy the loses baseball games, you're still losing baseball games. You're not winning. You're not contending and you're not putting butts in the seats.

What do the Royals need to get out of the basement in the division and be talked about with respect? I don't know. But, they need to go talk to the Rays because they've done it.

Big 10?

2010-05-11T10:24:00.004-05:00

There's been a lot of discussion about the conference re-alignment and the changes that will be coming to the college football and college sports landscape. And yesterday came the report from WHB in Kansas City that the Big 10 has made 'initial offers' to Notre Dame, Rutgers, Missouri and NEBRASKA. Is this a good thing? I say yes.

There are more positives to moving to the Big 10 than there are positives of staying the Big 12. By the looks of it, the Big 12 could be a picking ground for the other conferences. The Pac 10 wants to expand and the SEC wants to expand and the Big 10 wants to expand. Who is NOT looking at expansion? . . . the Big 12. If anything, the Big 12 is looking at schools that they will need to replace leaving schools. Why not get ahead of the changes and do whatever you can to move to a conference where you know they will have quality opponents? Why not do everything you can to go to a conference that has their own TV network?

Beat the rush and lock yourself into a good conference rather sit on your hands and get stuck in a mediocre to bad conference.

I hope we see this in the World Cup . . .

2010-04-08T11:15:00.003-05:00

Congratulations!

2010-04-05T23:20:00.002-05:00

Congratulations not only to the National Champions, the Duke Blue Devils, but also you have to give it up to the Butler Bulldogs. I don't know if I have ever seen a more exciting national championship game. It was close the whole way and either team could have won. Butler was just a fraction of an inch from completing the miracle season and pulling off one of the biggest upsets in all of sports.

Duke might have the title of National Champions, but Butler deserves a share of it. And I guess I have to also congratulate the athletic director of Butler, Barry Collier, for making it to the championship game.

This Would Suck!!!

2010-04-02T10:05:00.003-05:00

Dude get's hit my Joe Flacco! Ouch!

It's Almost Here!

2010-03-30T09:34:00.003-05:00

It's almost here. My sports holiday is opening day. I plan on getting my work done early so that I can get home and sit on my butt all day and watch 'America's passtime'.

My ideal day would include a spot in the bleachers of a baseball game, with scorebook in one hand, a hot dog in the other hand and a cold beer in the cup holder. There is nothing better.

Opening day is the day for optimists. Everybody has the same record and there's a chance for everybody to make a run and end up in the playoffs and the World Series. Even my Kansas City Royals (hey, it happened the Rays). Opening Day is also a sign that we made it through winter. The bitter cold is gone and the green grass and sunshine is here.

Hell0, baseball. It's good to see you. I've missed you.

NFL Network Loves Suh

2010-03-01T09:57:00.002-06:00

I'm watching the NFL Combine online at work and they just need to change the name of the network to NSN (Ndamukong Suh Network). They are giving him a ton of love and it's good to see. Whatever team he goes to (and if the Rams pass on them, they are CRAZY and deserve to be the worst team in the league) he will become the face of the team and will be a fan favorite.

Funny!

2010-01-13T10:19:00.005-06:00

Here's a picture of Flordia head coach Urban Meyer receiving a text message last night at the Florida basketball game. I think he just found out that Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin has left UT to coach at USC. Hilarious!

UPDATE: Here's the video . . .

Shocker!

2010-01-12T10:05:00.004-06:00

PLEASE tell me that you weren't surprised that Mark McGwire took steroids! Congratulations, Mark! You've confirmed what everyone that follows baseball already new. You took steroids. You've tarnished baseball. I hope you feel better. Baseball will never be the same because of you and all of the roid heads in the MLB. You've broken records. Records that no longer mean a thing. If another player hits 62 home runs, it is no longer an accomplishment. If a player hits 62 home runs now, they don't get a car and a celebration, they get questions and scrutiny. Thanks for tarnishing my favorite sport forever. I hope you got it all off your chest and you feel better about yourself.

NFL Playoff Week 2 Predictions

2010-01-11T09:49:00.003-06:00

First off, that was one hell of a game last night between Green Bay and Arizona. There was huge lead, a huge comeback, horrible defense (on both sides of the ball), a missed FG (that should have been a gimme to win the game), an overtime and a defensive TD to end the game when there was no defense by either team all game. Two words . . . instant classic!

My predictions for week 2 of the NFL Playoffs

Arizona at New Orleans (-7): New Orleans gets things fixed following their bad end of the season and win this one and covers 45-24.

Baltimore at Indianapolis (-7): There's a reason why Manning won his 4th MVP this season. Indy wins and covers 35-21.

Dallas at Minnesota (-3): Upset of the weekend. Dallas is playing very good and Favre will throw 2 INT's. Dallas wins 21-14.

New York at San Diego (-7.5): The Chargers are playing great at the right time. Chargers win by the Jets cover 28-24.

WOW!

2010-01-05T10:18:00.003-06:00

Two thoughts: A) What a hell of a shot! B)What a way to lose a game!

The Fun Part Of The Season Starts Now

2010-01-05T09:55:00.002-06:00

For all basketball fans in state, either the blue ones or the red ones, the best part of the basketball season start now.

Conference season.

The rest is the preseason. It's like the non-conference in football. Some good games, but for the most part we see teams like Houston Baptist and Maryland-Eastern Shore. There's nothing like a good Florida A&M or Texas Pan-American to get your basketball blood pumping.

Now we will see familiar teams with coaches and players that know each other and know their style of play. There are no more guaranteed wins. Anybody can beat anybody. Upsets will happen and tempers will flare. You can't tell me that it is not fun to watch Creighton and SIU battle on the hardwood. That's fun basketball.

So, with the college football and bowl season all but over, here's to the round ball and fun few months until March Madness.

Prediction Time

2009-12-30T10:36:00.002-06:00

My prediction for tonight's Holiday Bowl between Nebraska and Arizona:

NEBRASKA - 24
ARIZONA - 10

Suh will get 3 sacks. The defense will get 5 take aways. Zac Lee will throw a couple interceptions and Cody Green will see a lot of playing time, especially in the 2nd half. We will see a lot more of the power running game with long drives by Nebraska. Player of the game: Rex Burkhead. All of the Nebraska TD's will be scored on the ground.

New Season

2009-12-29T09:55:00.003-06:00

Tonight begins a new season for the Creighton Bluejays. They will host the preseason Valley favorite UNI Panthers at the Qwest Center. The team needs to forget the non-conference teams, the non-conference record and resume's and begin the season fresh tonight. They are not going to the NCAA Tournament if they don't win in St. Louis. Period. Game 1 is tonight and you have 18 games to A) find a leader on the team, B) get back to playing Creighton basketball, C) play for a good seed in the MVC Tournament, D) learn how to finish games and especially learn how to play on the road.

The season starts tonight at the Qwest Center against UNI at 7:05. You can hear game on The Mighty Big Sports 590. Pregame coverage begins with the McGough Law Bluejay Report with Action 3 News Sports Director Travis Justice at 5:30.

Bowl Games Are Boring

2009-12-29T09:46:00.003-06:00

I'm not a fan of bowl games. I think they are boring. The only bowl game that is good to watch is the national championship game because they are playing for something. Every other game (including the rest of the BCS games) are pointless. The only good thing about them is that it's football. The teams are not playing for anything. They're playing so that their conference and university can get some money. That's it. Oh yeah, the best thing about the bowl game is not even the game itself, but the extra practices that the teams get in December.

Some of the teams don't want to be there. Some of the teams are disappointed with the bowl that they are at. The teams that are most excited to be in a bowl game (besides Alabama and Texas) are the small conference schools that treat a bowl game trip like it's their national championship game (and they should).

Will I watch a Tuesday night bowl game between two mediocre schools. You bet . . . because it's football. But that doesn't mean that I will enjoy it.

Best Sign Of The Night At The Nebraska - Kansas State Game . . .

2009-11-21T20:00:00.001-06:00

'Suh Don't Swerve 4 Wildcats'

Football Weather

2009-11-21T17:05:00.002-06:00

One thing that all Husker fans need to do is think whoever they need to think for the wonderful weather that we have had for home games this season. Not once was it bitter cold. Not once did it snow for a game. Every home game has been amazing. The only bad weather that the Huskers and their fans had to deal with was in Columbia, Missouri. But I think 27 4th quarter points and a 27-12 comeback victory was enough to keep all of the players and fans that were there nice and warm.

Big 12 North Champions?

2009-11-21T16:40:00.003-06:00

What a season so far. Kind of reminds you of last season. A loss to Virginia Tech in a game that you could have won. A couple stumbles early in the season against Big 12 teams. A team that sticks together and figures things out and finds a way to win. And now they're a win away from winning the Big 12 North . . . just like last year. The only difference is that other teams in the division have fell to the side to allow the Huskers to climb to the top of the pile. Now they are one win away from making a trip to actually play in the Big 12 Championship game this year against Texas in Dallas. Will they win that one? Who knows. But all you can ask for is a shot

And with a win tonight against Kansas State, the Huskers will get just that . . . a shot.

Another Award For Suh

2009-10-21T11:01:00.003-05:00

Senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh can add another honor to his growing list this season. In the lastest Sporting News, Suh was named to the Mid-Season All-American team.

'Game Time Decision'

2009-10-20T12:44:00.004-05:00

Who will start the game for Nebraska against Iowa State on Saturday? We'll find out when the offense hits the field and we see who's in the middle of the huddle.

Zac Lee or Cody Green? That is all that people talked about today at Nebraska's weekly press conference and we didn't find out a whole lot today. Bo Pelini and Keith Mann, Nebraska's sports information director has to be proud. All of the players said all of the right things. There's always a competition. There's no division in the team. When either QB is named the starter, the other QB will accept it and support them. I don't care who is starting at QB, I'm going to support whoever's out there.

I think that Bo Pelini gave a couple clues as to who we will see in the first series of the game on Saturday for Nebraska. Bo talked a few times about he doesn't overreact to things. He's always said that he doesn't get too high and he doesn't get too low. But today he talked about not making rash decisions. They just keep on doing what they are doing and in the end everything will all even out. Point, Lee. He also said that as of right now, this it is Zac's spot to lose. Point, Lee.

MY GUESS - We will see Zac Lee to start the game on Saturday. I think the real question will be for how long. How long will the leash be for Zac? What if this offense is not doing anything, the way it didn't do anything against the Virginia Tech and Texas Tech and for 3 quarters against Missouri? That is when I think we will see the change. This isn't the Iowa State of the past few years. They're not Texas or Oklahoma, but they're also a team that you have to look out for. If Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson are able to move the ball and maybe put a some points on the board early, then Nebraska's going to have to answer and score some points of their own. Not just field goals either. The offense will need to a) move the ball down the field, avoid three and outs and get into the red zone and b) capitalize with 6 points rather than just 3. If we don't see this happening, then Cody Green maybe your quarterback for the rest of game and the starter for the rest of the year.

But we'll have to see because it's a 'game time decision'.

Nebraska-Baylor Game Time

2009-10-19T21:19:00.003-05:00

The Nebraska-Baylor game time has been set. Versus Network will televise the October 31st game at 11:30am. This is the first game of the year that Nebraska has been on the Versus Network. SIDE NOTE: DirecTV does not carry the Versus Network.

Basketball Season Is Almost Here

2009-10-19T10:32:00.004-05:00

We're halfway through football season which means that basketball is right around the corner. The Creighton Bluejay and Nebraska Cornhusker teams hit the floor all together and with their coach for the first time last Friday. Both teams have a lot of things to work on going into this season. The Bluejays need to find a replacement for the invaluable skills and knowledge that Josh Dotzler had at the point running Dana Altman's system and do everything they can to make sure Kenny Lawson is healthy because he is their big man. Nebraska needs to see if they can get all of these young faces to gel quickly and play Doc Sadler's style of basketball. All I know is that the season tips off in a few weeks and it should be fun!

BCS Rankings Week 7

2009-10-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

1 Florida 6-0
2 Alabama 7-0
3 Texas 6-0
4 Boise State 6-0
5 Cincinnati 6-0
6 Iowa 7-0
7 USC 5-1
8 TCU 6-0
9 LSU 5-1
10 Miami (FL) 5-1
11 Oregon 5-1
12 Georgia Tech 6-1
13 Penn State 6-1
14 Virginia Tech 5-2
15 Oklahoma State 5-1
16 Brigham Young 6-1
17 Houston 5-1
18 Utah 5-1
19 Ohio State 5-2
20 Pittsburgh 6-1
21 Wisconsin 5-2
22 Arizona 4-2
23 West Virginia 5-1
24 South Carolina 5-2
25 Kansas 5-1

Vote For Suh

2009-10-13T14:57:00.003-05:00

ESPN and Nissan have a promotion on line now where you can vote for you think should win the Heisman Award for the 2009 season. The winner of this poll have one official vote cast for them in the Heisman balloting. Click here to cast your vote for Ndamukong Suh.

Moving On Up

2009-10-12T09:02:00.003-05:00

The polls came out on Sunday and Nebraska has moved up to #15 with the 27-12 4th quarter come back win over Missouri on Thursday. They are now the second ranked Big 12 team behind Texas who is ranked number 3. There's a lot of season left.

AP Top 25
1 Florida (50) 5-0 1490
2 Alabama (10) 6-0 1430
3 Texas 5-0 1395
4 Virginia Tech 5-1 1283
5 Boise State 5-0 1199
6 USC 4-1 1161
7 Ohio State 5-1 1048
8 Cincinnati 5-0 1038
9 Miami (FL) 4-1 970
10 LSU 5-1 947
11 Iowa 6-0 919
12 TCU 5-0 917
13 Oregon 5-1 776
14 Penn State 5-1 597
15 Nebraska 4-1 576
16 Oklahoma State 4-1 559
17 Kansas 5-0 551
18 Brigham Young 5-1 490
19 Georgia Tech 5-1 453
20 Oklahoma 3-2 432
21 South Florida 5-0 330
22 South Carolina 5-1 319
23 Houston 4-1 192
24 Utah 4-1 76
25 Notre Dame 4-1 75

Big Win

2009-10-09T10:50:00.003-05:00

Last night, Nebraska came back from certain defeat and rattled off 27 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Missouri Tigers 27-12. What a game. The storylines were endless. Two teams fighting for top of the Big 12 North. One program that is trying to get back to being one of the top in the nation and one program trying to maintain their recent success. New faces for both teams. One player that was committed to one team and back out to play for the other team. And the weather. A night game in October that is cold and rainy. Power outages in the stadium before the game, a PA system that is silent and a video board that is blank.

Then the game started.

It was an ugly game. Both teams were trying to adjust to the wind and the rain. There were missed throws, bad snaps and plenty of penalties that made the game look like a horror film. For all but a few seconds of the first have, the score was 2-0. A football game with the score of 2-0. Exactly. Missouri pulled ahead and it looked like we were going to see Nebraska lose their third straight game in Columbia, but then the 4th quarter started. Turnovers and big plays lead to a Nebraska score and Husker fans thought that they might have a chance. Then they scored again and Nebraska was winning. Then they scored again and the lead had grown, but was still in reach of the Tigers, so the optimism for the victory was cautious. Nebraska has already seen a lead late in the game get erased in the matter of seconds and I think a lot of Husker fans had that in the back of their mind. Then the final Helu touchdown came and all of the Husker fans took a deep breathe to realize that they've woken up from their nightmare and that in fact they beat Missouri by 15 points on their field.

BIG WIN!!!

A Bright Spot For The Royals

2009-09-30T09:17:00.002-05:00

The Kansas City Royals have a record of 64-94. They did what the Royals do: start off strong and give Royals fans a glimmer of hope that this could be the break out year, fall apart in the middle of the summer and crush all Royals fans hope that anything will ever change and, finally, make a nice run in September to get people to think that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that light will get brighter beginning with next years spring training.

The Royals dream about having a conversation with the words 'Kansas City' and 'magic number' in the same sentence. Once again, this is not that year. The Royals are fighting with the Cleveland Indians to avoid being at the bottom of the AL Central Division (right now the Royals are barely losing that battle).

But, there is a shining spot on this team.

His name is Zach Greinke. He will be your 2009 AL Cy Young award winner. He has a record of 16-8 and if he was on a different team with better hitters, he would have well over 20 wins this season. But the Cy Young voters are not stupid. They see that Zach is the most dominant pitcher in baseball. He makes great hitters look stupid. He breezes pitches by hitters and he buckles knees with a killer curve ball.

Dear Dayton Moore,

To quote KGB with his Russian accent in the movie 'Rounders' - 'Pay him. Pay that man his money.' Give him what ever he wants. Kansas City has a great player and in the past the Royals have traded that great player for prospects. I'm sick of watching the World Series and seeing different players and saying, 'Remember when he used to play in Kansas City? Yeah, that was great.' Pay him what he wants and build a team around your dominant ace pitcher.

So, Royals fans, be proud of the one shining spot on this years team and cross your fingers that he will be a sign of what is to come for the Royals.

Congratulations!

2009-09-25T09:52:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Nebraska fans for YOUR accomplishment of selling out 300 games in a row. This record is not about the coaches or the players or the athletic director or anyone else. This record is about you. This record is about fans showing up to support their team through good times and bad times, wins and losses.

300 sell outs in a row! The team in second place is Notre Dame with 206! I don't think this record will ever be broken by another team and I don't see this streak ending any time soon. Nebraska fans have made it through some rough times in the last five years and have still sold out every game. I don't see anything keeping these fans away from the game.

So, congratulations and enjoy the celebration this weekend. You deserve it because this record is yours.

Moving On

2009-09-22T13:40:00.002-05:00

It is almost impossible for fans to move on from the Nebraska's 16-15 loss to Virginia Tech last weekend. It was a game that Nebraska looked to have in the bag. It is hard to find someone that would say that Virginia Tech was the better team on the field, because Nebraska seemed to have control most of the game (except inside the last 2 minutes).

But, if you believe what they say, Bo Pelini and the rest of the football team has already forgotten about the game and has moved on to Louisiana-Lafayette. Bo Pelini even called the loss one of the worst losses that he has ever had to deal with in his entire football career. But, it's done. The Team has already started preparation for the next game and that is that.

I'm sure that a lot of the fans wish that it could be so easy.

Zac Lee's Press Conference

2009-09-22T13:38:00.000-05:00

Zac Lee talks about his injury, the red zone offense at Virginia Tech and what he learned from the loss.

Link here.

Suh's Press Conference

2009-09-22T13:08:00.002-05:00

Ndamukong Suh talks about last weekend's loss to Virginia Tech and the game this weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Link here.

Bo Pelini's Weekly Press Conference

2009-09-22T12:47:00.004-05:00

Bo Pelini's press conference talking about the loss to Virginia Tech and the game this weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette and the 300th consecutive sell out at Memorial Stadium.

Link here.

Free Creighton Basketball Season Tickets

2009-09-17T09:21:00.003-05:00

Creighton Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen announced today that a nomination and selection process has been put in place for a limited number of 2009-10 men’s basketball upper bowl season tickets to be provided free of charge to individuals or families who have had a recent change in economic circumstance or don’t have the means to attend games.

Rasmussen said the complimentary tickets awarded will be for the 2009-10 season only and that Bluejay fans are welcome to nominate themselves or others. A nomination form is available at www.gocreighton.com//quest/Questionaire.dbml?QID=68661.

There are several ways that fans can make their nominations:

1) They can fill out the form on-line and hit "Submit".
2) They fax the completed form to the Ryan Athletic Center Ticket Office at (402) 280-3373.
3) They can drop off the completed form at the Ryan Athletic Center Ticket Office on weekdays from 9 am - 4:30 pm.
4) They can mail the completed form to
Barb Epps
Ryan Athletic Center Ticket Office
Creighton University
Omaha, NE 68178

Rasmussen said nominations will be accepted until the close of business on Thursday, Oct. 15 and that selected recipients will be notified shortly thereafter.

Creighton’s 27-8 record last year extended its league record with an 11th consecutive 20-win season. The Jays will return eight lettermen and three starters in search of a 13th straight postseason.

For season ticket information about Creighton Men’s Basketball, call (402) 280-JAYS. The Bluejays have ranked among the top-20 nationally in home attendance each of the past three years, averaging over 15,000 fans in that time.

Get The Ruler Out

2009-09-15T09:43:00.006-05:00

Nebraska will play Virginia Tech this Saturday at 2:30. Everybody, open your desk and get out your ruler. This is a 'measuring stick' game.

Preseason is over. The disaster was averted. Nebraska beat Flordia Atlantic and Arkansas State pretty easily at home. Those games meant nothing since they won. If they would have lost those games, that would've been a different story. But they didn't, so now lets get to the games that count.

The Big 12 is confusing this year. In the first two weeks there have been some nice wins (Baylor beat Wake Forest, Missouri killed Illinois, Oklahoma State beat Georgia) and they're have been some BAD losses (obviously Oklahoma's loss to BYU, Oklahoma State's loss to Houston, and then there's Colorado). This weekend is Nebraska's chance to get into the 'nice win' catagory and establish itself as a true contender for not just the Big 12 north, but for the Big 12 as a whole. A win this weekend would get Nebraska to be talked about more on Lee and Kurt on Game Day. A win this weekend will give the team a nice little push going into the Big 12 season (there is no chance in hell that Louisiana-Lafayette will beat Nebraska on such and emotional and hyped game with the 300th consecutive sell out). A win on Saturday will give the Huskers a good looking win against a BCS school that is ranked 13/14 in the country.

Last year, the Huskers had a chance to beat the Hokies at home, but lost a close game 35-30. Probably the most costly event of the game was a personal foul on Bo Pelini that continued a drive for Virginia Tech that lead to a touchdown. I think that Coach Pelini learned a lesson after that game (maybe with a little help from TO).

So, get out the rulers, because on Saturday we're going to compare where this Husker team is to other teams in the Big 12, to other teams in the country and other conference AND to the 2008 Nebraska team.

DON'T FORGET

2009-09-11T10:51:00.005-05:00

Eight years ago today, the country changed. NEVER FORGET what happened on Sept, 11th 2001 and NEVER FORGET that we live in the best country in the world.

'. . . against Arkansas State.'

2009-09-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

When your with your buddies this weekend and you're watching the game and rehashing it on O Street Saturday night, do this. At the end of every sentence talking about the game add the words 'against Arkansas State'.

There are two reasons for this:

A) It will temper expectations. If the Huskers have a good game, it will keep fans in check by reminding them that this is still a 'preseason' game.

B) It will throw up red flags. If the Huskers have a bad game, it will fire off warning flares that they still have A LOT of work to do.

EXAMPLES:

- 'Roy Helu Jr. ran for 250 yards and scored 4 TD's . . . against Arkansas State.'

- 'Zac Lee threw 27-40 for 417 yards and 3 TD's . . . against Arkansas State.'

- 'Suh dominated that O-line and got 6 sack's and even intercepted a pass and ran it back 74 yards for a TD . . . against Arkansas State.'

- 'The defense looked shaky giving up 350 yards and 28 points . . . against Arkansas State.'

- 'The O-line couldn't protect Zac Lee and he was rushed and sacked a ton . . . against Arkansas State.'

I don't mean to disrespect Arkansas State, but it's Arkansas State and not Oklahoma. Nebraska probably will win this game. It might be closer of a game than it was with Florida Atlantic, but Nebraska should win this game with no problem. But with this one little technique, it will keep this game in perspective - it's another game to get ready for Virginia Tech.

Tom Osborne on Myers and Hartman

2009-09-09T09:26:00.003-05:00

Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne will be a guest this afternoon on the Myers and Hartman Show. The Myers and Hartman Show can be heard on the Mighty Big Sports 590 from 2-6pm.

Is The Defense Soft?

2009-09-08T12:42:00.003-05:00

At his weekly press conference, Bo Pelini was very critical of his defense and went so far as to say they were 'soft'. Can a defense that only gives up 3 points be soft? Yes, according to Bo, if they give up a total of 358 yards to Florida Atlantic. When asked about the interior line, Bo called them 'average at best'.

As you were walking out the stadium on Saturday, were you looking at the 49-3 score and thinking, 'man these guys are soft'. That is where Bo Pelini's standards are. Picture the most perfect thing that you can think of and Bo Pelini will see it and start ripping it apart and pointing out the flaws. That's a nice new car. Nope, not to Bo. He sees the same car and points out the pebble that is in the tread of the tires. Not good enough.

Coach Pelini and the Nebraska coaches DEMAND perfection. And you know what, there's nothing wrong with that. Once you settle for good enough, then you're never going to get better than that.

If you come out to the game on Saturday against Arkansas State and see a 60-0 shut out and a dominating performance by both the offense and the defense, just know that Bo Pelini will be pulling out every little flaw that the team committed and they will work hard at practice the next week to make sure that flaw doesn't happen again. Now, that's fire.

Can You Smell That?

2009-09-01T10:51:00.002-05:00

I love that smell! It's the smell of fall! It's the smell of burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken wings and every other type of meat that can be thrown on a grill!

IT'S TAILGATE SEASON!!!

This weekend kicks off a new season of college football. Every team is 0-0. Every team has their schedule memorized and their path to a conference championship, BCS bowl game and national championship mapped out. Welcome back football season!

One of the best parts of football is the tailgating! Everyone is friends with everyone (except opposing fans). There's good food, cold 'beverages' and good times. There's the haze above the parking lot from all of the fired up grills.

As you make your way to Lincoln on Saturday, drive with your windows down so you can smell the return of football!

I still hate Brett Favre . . .

2009-08-28T09:13:00.003-05:00

. . . but this is really funny.

Thunder Collins found guilty!

2009-08-25T07:34:00.003-05:00

Former Husker running back Thunder Collins has been found guilty of first degree murder, second degree attempted murder and a few other charges. Here's the story from Action 3 News.

http://www.action3news.com/global/Category.asp?c=170799&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4070383&flvUri=

Check This Out!

2009-08-20T06:05:00.001-05:00

I LOVE AARON RODGERS!

2009-08-18T11:50:00.002-05:00

I am the newest Aaron Rodgers fan! Kick Favre's ass!! I just turned on KFAN in Minneapolis and they all think the Vikings are a shoe in for the SUPER BOWL!! I'm serious!!! Brett Favre is a piece of you-know-what and he just needs go 'retire'! GO PACK GO*!

*just for the games when they play Brett Favre and the Vikings*

GO AWAY!!!!!!!

2009-08-18T10:50:00.003-05:00

I HATE BRETT FAVRE! He needs to go to Mississippi, live on his farm and just go away. You know what, he's going to sign with the Vikings for one year and we're going to have to go through this crap all over again next year. Stop it. You're never going to win a Super Bowl again. You can't play like you used to. You will have more INT's than you will have TD's. If you want the camera spotlight on you all of the time, go on a reality show. Just stop creating news when you are no longer news worthy. GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give Them Some Time

2009-08-17T17:05:00.003-05:00

On Saturday the Kansas City Chiefs lost their first preseason game of the year to the Houston Texans 16-10. So what? It's preseason.

This is a team that has won a grand total of six regular season games over the last two years. This is a team that has completely overhauled their staff, their coaches and the most important player on the field. Give them some time. Scott Pioli is the new GM, Todd Haley is the new head coach and Matt Cassel is the new QB.

Will this complete change of regime translate to a playoff season after winning two games last year? I doubt it. So Chiefs fans need to relax and enjoy the season for what it is . . . a TRUE rebuilding year.

Chiefs fans have had that excuse for years. 'It's a rebuilding year.' Those words drive me insane. It means fans are not expecting anything from their team. They are prepared for a bad year. And how many rebuilding years can you have in a row before you realize that you're team is not going to win.

But, in fact, this really is a rebuilding year because if you have that much change over in your program, then there will undoubtedly be some growing pains. So, this year, accept the growing pains and look at the hopefull years that could come for the boys in Arrowhead.

PS - I'll throw this out there - the playoffs are NOT out of the question. Look who the Chiefs have to battle for that playoff spot. A) Al Davis' Oakland Raiders - they will never be good until Al Davis is gone. B) The Denver Broncos - did you see their off season? Exactly. C) The San Diego Chargers - this is the team that the Chiefs will have to beat and I don't think they will be able to . . . this year.

Full Pads

2009-08-14T16:41:00.002-05:00

This week the Nebraska football team began practicing in full pads and today they started their first two-a-day. I think that it is safe to say that the new culture of Nebraska football is in place and the foundation has been paved.

A few years ago, it came out that during the season the team quite often weren't practicing in full pads. Everybody was scratching their heads. But now, most fans expect to hear that the team is all geared up and getting at it on the practice field.

Whenever I hear the coaching staff speak, one of the most often used words that is thrown out there is 'PHYSICAL'. Coach Pelini and his staff have built into the system that pretty schemes alone are not going to win games. Hitting hard and putting your opponent on their butt is needed to rack up the wins. As Coach Hawkins reminded us a few years ago 'this is Division I football'. And nothing says that this is a man's game more than strapping up the pads, hitting people and practicing during the week like you're under the lights on Saturday.

Once again . . . welcome back football season. It's been too long.

Unfortunate Loss

2009-08-13T10:37:00.003-05:00

We found out yesterday that Nebraska's potential back-up QB Kody Spano was injured with a torn ACL. It's the same ACL that he tore just a few months ago. That is unfortunate news for Kody Spano, but the question is what will happen with the QB position behind Zac Lee.

I hate to say this after a player was injured, but I think this could be a very good thing for the team. The competition will narrow down. The potential backups will get more reps at practice. They SHOULD be better prepared now.

Now all eyes turn to Cody Green and Latravis Washington to see which one will step up, and try to earn the spot as the no. 2 QB in case the worse case scenario happens and Zac Lee gets hurt. Which one will step up and fight harder for the chance to be the QB for the future of the team.

All I can say is . . . THANK GOD FOOTBALL IS HERE!!!!

Welcome Back Old Friend!

2009-08-10T16:47:00.002-05:00

It's back! Football season is upon us!

Last night I turned on the TV and saw something that I haven't seen since January! I saw two NFL football teams on the field playing LIVE. That was awesome. The Bills and the Titans, decked out in retro uni's (which was great to see) played in the Hall of Fame Game and kicked off the preseason for the NFL.

50 miles down the road from Omaha, the Nebraska football team began their fall practices as they get ready for their September 5th opening game against Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium.

Get the beer cold, get the dip ready, make the imprint of your butt on you favorite recliner because right around the corner we will be watching football players play games that actually count for something.

It's like seeing an old friend that you haven't seen in 7 months. Welcome old friend. Sit down. Can I get you anything? I've missed you.

Fantasy Football!!

2009-08-04T10:10:00.002-05:00

My name is Brian Delehant and I play fantasy football.

I love fantasy football. One of the things that I start to look forward to once August hits us is draft day. Here's some reminders for your fantasy football draft.

1) You have to schedule a day for your draft. This part is NEVER easy. You have 8 to 16 teams (or maybe more) and that means you have 8 to 16 schedules that you have to coordinate to determine a time when you can all get together. Good Luck.

2) You need a place to hold your draft. Do you go to a house? Do you go to a bar? You need beer, you need snacks and most importantly NO KIDS (team owners need to focus. You don't see any kids running around in the war room during the NFL draft, do you?).

3) You need to speak loud AND turn up your hearing aids. There is nothing more annoying than getting to the 6th round and having somebody draft a player that was taken in the 2ND ROUND.

4) Be prepared. Don't get to the draft and ask a fellow manager to look off their sheets. Do your homework, get your own magazines and be ready. Everyone else is, you should too.

5) And finally, TALK SMACK. Everybody can do this on the day of the draft, because you haven't lost yet. In your head, your team is made up of nothing but all stars and you're going to run the table and make your opponents look silly. That is until game one when you lose 115-25.

Let the games begin!

Funny!!

2009-08-03T10:28:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry, I know that I'm a 28 year old guy, but this is funny. On Sunday at the Buick Open, Tiger Woods was on the 18th fairway waiting take his second shot on the hole and this happened:

That's funny. For the golfers out there, the next time you are out with your boys and one of them is right in the middle of their backswing, drop one and see what happens. I bet you'll when the hole.

The Perfect Game

2009-07-24T08:56:00.002-05:00

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game yesterday. That is amazing! That is one feat that is so hard to reach that it's only been done 18 times in the major leagues. 27 up and 27 down. No mistakes. Wow. And that's not only for Mark Buehrle, but that also goes for his team playing the field behind him. When the ball is hit into play each player needs to either be there to catch the ball, field the ball and throw the ball to get the batter out. There are a lot of places where the smallest miscalculation takes place and the perfect game is blown. It very well could have happend to DeWayne Wise, but instead he makes this catch in the 9th inning to keep the perfect game in play.

So, congratulations not only to Mark Buehrle, but also to the Chicago White Sox defense. There's nothing more to say than you were . . . perfect!

Cox Classic Begins Tomorrow!

2009-07-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

I know that we're in the dead time before football season gets here, but there's an event this weekend that I have really grown to like and take advantage of over the last couple years right here in our back yard. It's the Cox Classic at Champions Run.

I've always liked golf, but it's never been a sport that I took seriously, but a couple years ago, I went out to play around with a couple friends and we needed a fourth so my wife came along. She's never played golf in her life and wasn't a fan of the sport. But, she did ok for her first time and she got the golf bug. She wanted to go play almost every weekend which is good for me, because it gets me on the course more now.

The summer when we first started playing seriously, we went to the Cox Classic and had a great time. The first day we were there we sat in a box on the 18th green and had some drinks and food and watched as the golfers came through. The next day we talked with a group for 9 holes and saw how a pro would approach a hole and got a chance to see what they're looking at before they make a shot. Ever since then, we've gone back every year and do the same thing.

This year won't be any different. We'll go watch pro golfers play great and also get frustrated with their game (the exact same way that I get - I love the game one hole and hate the game very next hole). We'll see what they see and learn something just by watching them.

Plus, there's always the 19th hole!

All Star Games SUCK!!!

2009-07-14T11:26:00.002-05:00

How many people watch All Star Games? I do.

How many people care about All Star Games? I don't.

All Star games are boring!! I don't know about you, but I love watching the best players in a sport get together and put half-ass effort into a game. And the worst part . . . in Major League Baseball . . . 'IT MEANS SOMETHING'! WHY?? Home field advantage is HUGE for the World Series and they are still giving it to the winner of an exhibition game. I don't get it, but it is just one of the MANY reasons why I hate Bud Selig.

Is the game about the fans or about the game?

If the game is about the fans then don't attach such a huge prize for the winners of a glorified pick up game. If the game is about the game, then play the game like it should be played. Manage the game like it should be managed and invite only the best players from each league to represent the league.

This goes basketball, football and hockey and all of the other All Star games.

YYYAAAWWWNN! Let's get back to the games that matter!

Home Run Derby

2009-07-13T10:46:00.005-05:00

Tonight is the Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium in St. Louis and it's cool event and all, but I think that it has become a little boring. I'm sick of hearing ' back . . . back . . . back . . . back . . . back . . . back . . .' over and over again.

But I have an idea.

I think they should revive the old school Home Run Derby. Mark Scott used to host a home run derby that had two of the top hitters in the game go head to head in a nine inning challenge. Here's the first one featuring Hank Aaron and Duke Snyder. Imagine Albert Pujols going head to head against David Ortiz. That would be awesome!

Imagine Albert Pujols going head to head against David Ortiz. That would be awesome!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

2009-07-10T09:35:00.004-05:00

It's the middle of July and this is the worst time of the year for the sports world! This sucks! I love baseball more than anyone, but I want more than just baseball.

I want to sit in front of the TV on Thursday and watch football.
I want to go to/watch a college football game on Saturday.
I want to go to a bar and watch 10 TV's with a different NFL game on each one of them.
I want to draft my championship fantasy football team (you read that right . . . CHAMPIONSHIP!) and follow my players as they rack up the touchdown's.

I WANT FOOTBALL!!!!

Nice Job, Andy!

2009-07-06T09:16:00.002-05:00

I was sitting on the couch yesterday flipping through the channels and I happened to turn to the Wimbledon finals between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer during the tie breaker of the 2nd set. I was hooked. Let me add that the ONLY time that I watch tennis is during Wimbledon and my wife NEVER watches tennis (in fact she makes fun of it whenever she gets a chance). But, like I said, I was hooked.

We sat there and watched a battle between two great players. One who is the best in the world and one who was giving everything that he had to beat the best in the world. It was back and forth. Just when you thought that it was over and Federer was going to win, here comes Andy with amazing heart and determination to fight right back.

Then came the fifth set. My wife and I were glued to the TV, yelling and the Andy, yelling at Roger, yelling at the chair judge, yelling at the computer instant replay (which looks VERY fake). The last set was battle of wills between the two athletes. Every time the set was tied, I was thinking, 'Alright Andy, all you have to do is break his serve this game and then there's no way that he can stop your serve because he hasn't done it at all this whole match. So, just break his serve, dominate the following game with your power and you've got it wrapped up.'

Didn't happen. Roger Federer proved why he is the best. But, DO NOT take anything away from Andy Roddick. That guy gave everything he had and it showed after the match. He was spent (and that's the best image in sports when at the end of the match or game the players look like they have nothing left because they left it all out on the playing field).

So, congratulations Roger and don't give up Andy. You WILL win there one of these years!

Throwback Uni's

2009-06-30T10:02:00.003-05:00

Nebraska has announced that on September 26th when the Huskers play Lousianna-Laffayette, the team were the uniforms that the 1962 Huskers wore to recogonize the 300th consecutive sell out which started in 1962. I think this is AWESEOME!!!

I have an appreciation for the throwback uniforms no matter what sport it's in. There's something about the connection to the history of the team that makes me like the throwbacks. There were some UGLY uniforms in the past the should never be worn for every game ever again. But it's nice to see the players were the old time uni's once every few years. It brings back memories. It connects people to the past. It reminds the players that there's more that you're playing for than what you think. There's a history and players that came before you that need to be honored.

So, bring back the throwbacks (but only once every five years)!!!

Remember This Place?

2009-06-26T10:11:00.003-05:00

I was looking around and I found an old picture of what is now Rosenblatt Stadium. These are wild.

Michael Jackson Is Dead

2009-06-26T09:53:00.003-05:00

Everybody is giving their reaction to the death of Michael Jackson, so I think I should give mine. What wasted talent! Imagine if the picture on the left never would have become the picture on the right. What would a 50 year Michael Jackson been if he would have stayed who he was (and never had an obsession with little boys). He could have had MANY more albums sold. He could been an amazing producer developing young talent they way that Quincy Jones did for him.

But you know what . . . now we will never know.

BE CAREFUL!!!

2009-06-23T15:10:00.002-05:00

If you are going out to the College World Series or if you're doing anything outdoors today, tonight or tomorrow, PLEASE be careful and stay hydrated! It is nasty out there!

WOW!

2009-06-23T10:02:00.003-05:00

What a game! The LSU Tigers take game one of the championship series over the Texas Longhorns in extra innings with a final score of 7-6. This is exactly what I was hoping for. To GREAT teams giving it everything. I hope that Texas wins tonight so that we get a winner take all game 3 on Wednesday night! There is nothing better in sports than a game 7 (or in this case a game 3) when players know it's their last game and they just leave their blood, sweat and tears on the field just so they can raise the trophy and say they are the best!

GO LONGHORNS (just for tonight)!!!!

This Is Going To Be Fun!

2009-06-22T10:00:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to this College World Series match up between the LSU Tigers and the Texas Longhorns. Don't get me wrong, we've had some good CWS games in the last few years, but Oregon State's back to back wins and Fresno State's underdog win don't have the big name and power that an LSU - Texas showdown does.

No matter what the sport, if you have two of the best programs in the history of the sport in a head to head match up to win a championship, then you have yourself one hell of a game. You have two outstanding teams that carved their way through their respective brackets in the CWS to play today, to amazing programs that have history and are no stranger to the national championship stage, two great coaches that know how to lead a group of young men. That's a recipe for fireworks tonight, tomorrow and maybe on Wednesday (imagine that, a one game winner take all scenario . . . WOW!).

Not only are these two teams amazing on the field, but they have some of the best fans off the field as well. No matter if you're a die hard Nebraska fan and you hate the Longhorns in football, you know that a small part of you is rooting for your fellow Big 12 team (it might be a small part, but it's there . . . admit it). Then there's the LSU fans and that GLORIOUS food that they share with us. Would you have two enormous fan bases here for the final series pushing for their team or a couple tiny but loyal fan bases here for the final games. I would rather have the large die hard crowds creating electricity in the second to last final series for Rosenblatt Stadium (and I know that the Omaha economy would rather have it this way as well).

So, let's hope that we see a game tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday so that 10 years from now we'll be able to say, 'I remember the second to last year of Rosenblatt Stadium when Texas and LSU played each other and . . . . (fill in the blank).'

Great Games!

2009-06-17T10:07:00.005-05:00

Last night's 4 hour and 4 minute marathon of a game added to the great games of this years college world series. There have been a few stinkers, but for the most part we have been treated to some great games. There was the pitchers duel on Sunday followed by the an extra inning game Sunday night.

And last night we had two teams with Texas and Arizona State that looked great at times and horrible at times. Arizona State jumps out to an early lead and ESPN mentions that ASU coach Pat Murphy has 999 career wins and this could be his 1,000th career win. They were rolling in the 3rd inning. Texas looked like a little league team, but Augie Garrido called the troops together and gave them some wise words of encouragment and the team took these words and turned them into and incredible six run 4th inning to tie the game. With those words, momentum shifted to the Longhorns and never swayed back to ASU as Texas scored 10 unanswered runs.

It was a bad game, a great game and a long game, but these are the types of games that you will see at the College World Series.

Man . . . I love the CWS!!

Kobe Bryant Is NOT Michael Jordan!!!

2009-06-15T12:36:00.002-05:00

I was watching the NBA Finals game last night when the Lakers were schooling the Magic and every two seconds all I heard was how AWESOME Kobe Bryant is. The comparison that we hear is he's just like Mike. He's the new Mike. He's better than Mike.

Guess what . . . KOBE BRYANT IS NOT MICHAEL JORDAN!!!!!

Kobe Bryant is a great player. I'm not taking anything away from Kobe and everything that he's accomplished. Four championships is an outstanding accomplishment and nobody can take that away from him.

But do you know what's better? SIX.

When Jordan and the Bulls went to the Finals, it was over. You knew that they were going to win it. When Kobe and the Lakers go to the Finals, are they going to win it? They didn't when they played the Pistons. They didn't when they played the Celtics. They have a great chance, but it's not a lock. MJ and the Bulls carved their way through the East (including my Knicks) and beat the Lakers, Trailblazers, Suns, Sonics and Jazz.

But, Kobe didn't have great players around him when he lost. Michael Jordan had STEVE KERR AND BILL CARTWRIGHT!!!!

I see Kobe out there with his tounge wagging and jumping up and pumping his fist . . . like 23. STOP IT!!! You are not MJ!!! You are not allowed to talk about Jordan and the media (ABC and ESPN) need to stop the comparisons.

KOBE BRYANT IS NOT MICHAEL JORDAN!!!!

This would be AMZAING!!

2009-06-11T10:51:00.004-05:00

Check out this golf hole. This would be AWESOME to do!! Here's the story about the hole:

Forget pitch and putt - this tee-off point on top of a 430m mountain inSouth Africa is the hardest golf shot in the world, and more than $US1million awaits the player who can score a hole in one.

Players must take a helicopter to the top to play the longest - and highest- par three on the planet. Taking the shot also requires courage - a playerneeds to teeter terrifyingly close to the edge of the mammoth hillside.Indeed, the Extreme 19th Hole is so high the ball takes almost 30 seconds toreach the ground.

Channel Nine cricket commentator Mark Nicholas recently joined an elite listto have the shot in just three swings. "It was awesome, riveting andphenomenal," he said. "It's like the end of the world when you get up thereand it's an awful lot of fun. It's such an adrenalin rush taking thehelicopter up and then rushing back down."

The hole is based at the Legends Golf and Safari Resort, within the EntabeniSafari Conservancy in South Africa's north-eastern Limpopo Province. Theother 18 holes were designed by world golfing legends including TrevorImmelman, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Australia's Robert Allenby.

A round of golf - including a buggy and lunch - will set you back R450($A70). The Extreme 19th costs is R6700 ($A1060) per four ball, thatincludes helicopter ride, souvenir cap and glove and a DVD of you playing the hole.

So far, no one has even come close pocketing the million-dollar prize, butHarrington became the first golfer to conquer the hole within par.Harrington said: "This is the type of innovation and excitement we need toget more people playing golf. There aren't many new innovative ways to playthe game but this is certainly one of the best. "I think this hole isawesome - I love the whole experience, the helicopter, the views, the dramaand having the green the shape of Africa. And now I've got bragging rightsover all the other professionals who have played this and not managed tomake a three. I love everything about it."

Tee Off For A Cure!

2009-06-02T09:42:00.004-05:00

Here's a cool opportunity to play golf and help a good cause as well. Former Husker Clinton Childs' niece, Gianna Cleveland, was diagnosed in February with Lymphobliastic Lymphoma. Gianna's family has put together a golf tournament with the procedes going to help with Gianna's treatment. Here's all of the info:

Wednesday June 17th, 2009

The Knolls Golf Course (11630 Sahler St.)

Tee off at 11:30 am

$60 per player includes 18 holes + cart

Four person scramble

Flag prizes, team prizes and raffles

Party after the tournament at Incognito (under the One Lounge) 7024 Maple

Free keg for tournemnt participants

Contact Clinton at 208-0431 or Charles at 212-8619

This will be a great time and a great cause so get your buddies together for a nice afternoon of golf.

It's Not A Sport!!

2009-05-29T11:24:00.005-05:00

I was turning the channel last night and I happened to flip to the 2009 Scripps Howard Spelling Bee on prime time TV. I have no problem with that. The two problems that I do have is that it is being aired during the day on ESPN. What? Also, when you push the info button on the cable box to find out the info . . . . it says that it's a SPORT. WHAT?!? A sport? I have a lot of respect for these kids and don't want to take away anything that they have accomplished. They are smart kids and have studied their butts off to get where they're at. They are A LOT smarter than I am. But, do not call this a sport. It is educational broadcasting. Do you know where this show belongs? TLC, Discovery Channel, PBS . . . not ESPN. Bowling is more of a sport than the spelling bee.

How many people do you know that watch ESPN can spell 'laodicean' or even know what it means? Exactly.

Go Away Jose!!!

2009-05-27T11:17:00.002-05:00

Jose Canseco recently fought in an MMA fight in Japan. Look how small this guy made Jose look. I'm sure he hasn't felt that small since grade school. Learn from the ass whooping and go away Jose!!

Big Sports 590 Sneak Peek Of 'The Hangover'

2009-05-26T10:46:00.006-05:00

Listen to Jim Rome this week for your chance to win tickets to the Big Sports 590 Sneak Peek of 'The Hangover'. Everyone at the screening will be registered to win their on 'hangover' pack from Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel that includes a one night stay, dinner at 360 Steakhouse, drinks at Vertigo at 360 and free breakfast buffet!

Big Sports 590 Schedule For Week Of May 25th

2009-05-26T10:36:00.003-05:00

MONDAY
12:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Detroit Tigers (pre game)
1:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Detroit Tigers
5:00 pm - The Ultimate Baseball Show brought to you by The Ultimate Baseball Academy

TUESDAY
6:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Detroit Tigers (pre game)
7:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Detroit Tigers

FRIDAY
6:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox (pre game)
7:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox

SATURDAY
8:00 am - The Legends Radio Show
5:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox (pre game)
6:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox

SUNDAY
12:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox (pre game)
1:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Chicago White Sox

THE HANGOVER

2009-05-21T09:11:00.006-05:00

I had a chance to go check out a screening to The Hangover and I have to say that this is one of the funniest movies that I have seen in a while (execpt for I Love You, Man). I heard it best that it is a combination of Dude, Where's My Car, Old School and Swingers. Best of all, we can all relate to the story.

Do you remember in college or maybe last weekend when you and your friends went out and had a little too good of a time and you CAN NOT remember anything that happened at all? What did you have to do the next day? You had to try and piece the clues together so you can remember what the hell happened last night. That's the story of these guys and the picture of what happend the night before is hilarious!

Stay tuned to Big Sports 590 for your opportunity to check out a free screening of The Hangover on Tuesday, June 2nd!!!

ROYALS COME BACK!!!

2009-05-20T10:05:00.004-05:00

I was flipping back and forth between the NBA game and the Kansas City Royals game against the Cleveland Indians last night, but for a lot of it I was watching basketball, because the Royals weren't doing to good. They were down 5-2 late in the game and it didn't look very good.

For a Tuesday night game, there were a lot of people in the stands, but it was very quiet. The whole stadium seemed to realize that they were going to lose the game, but then came the bottom of the 9th!!!

The rally started with BACK 2 BACK home runs by Mike Jacobs and Mark Teahen followed by a Miguel Olivo and then a HUGE RBI triple to by David DeJesus to tie the game! Then, came the game winning sac fly by Willie Bloomquist to score David DeJesus! I was jumping around the room while my wife was laughing at me! What a game! GO ROYALS!!!

Tonight is game two of the series with Cleveland at Kauffman Stadium. Game time is 7:10 and can be heard on the Mighty Big Sports 590 with the pre game show beginning at 6:35!

Big Sports 590 Schedule For Week Of May 18th

2009-05-19T09:55:00.004-05:00

MONDAY
5:00 pm -The Ultimate Baseball Show brought to you by Ultimate Baseball Academy

TUESDAY
6:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Cleveland Indians (pre game)
7:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Cleveland Indians

WEDNESDAY
6:35 pm - Kansas City Royals v Cleveland Indians (pre game)
7:10 pm - Kansas City Royals v Cleveland Indians

FRIDAY
6:40 pm - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials (pre game)
7:15 pm - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials

SATURDAY
8:00 am - Legends Radio Show with Jerry Murtaugh and Gary Java
11:35 am - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials (pre game)
12:10 pm - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials

SUNDAY
12:40 pm - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials (pre game)
1:15 pm - Kansas City Royals @ St. Louis Cardnials

Nebraska Baseball

2009-05-18T14:14:00.002-05:00

After going 25-28-1 and 8-19 in the Big 12, Nebraska baseball has some work to do in the offseason. They were a young team this year after losing a lot of good pitchers last year, but this will be an interesting off season for Mike Anderson and the Cornhuskers. Get your popcorn ready.

Playoff Basketball

2009-05-15T10:08:00.003-05:00

I'm one of the passive followers of the NBA. It's not appointment television where I have to be home at a certain time because there's a game on. I'm a fan of the Knicks. I loved the 90's and hated Michael Jordan and the Bulls for dominating the Eastern Conference. Like everyone else, I've drifted away from the NBA and will only watch it if I happen to cross it when I'm changing channels.

However, there is something about playoff basketball that I love. It's a little meaner, a little more chippy, players play a little harder and get hit a little harder when they drive the lane. Like I said, I'm a Knicks fan and I loved Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason and Grandma-ma. That's why I love watching playoff basketball now. I like seeing Ron Artest getting in the face of Kobe. I love seeing teams like Houston and Orlando busting their balls just so they can do it all again on Sunday.

There is something about playoff basketball that makes me like the NBA again.

Creighton-Nebraska Baseball

2009-05-14T12:12:00.002-05:00

I know that it was the the other day, but I think it sucks that the Nebraska-Creighton baseball game couldn't be rescheduled. I know that it doesn't really matter, but it sucks for the players and the fans that this series is knotted up at a game a piece for the year. Creighton KILLED Nebraska in game one and Nebraska came back to even the series in game two. There should be a game three. If you team would have won both of the first two games then fine, but if it's the rubber match of the series, play it.

After the two season are over, the players should go to a sandlot and play a game. It won't be official or count on the records, but it will get back to the basics of baseball that we all knew when we were growing up.

The Kansas City Royals Big Loss

2009-05-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

After winning 6 games in a row the Kansas City Royals have lost their last 4 including be swept by the LA Angels (I refuse to write the whole name of this team) and losing a game to the Oakland A's by a score of 12-3 and have all 12 of those runs be put up before the 5th inning.

This is when we will find out if these Royals are the new and improved Royals or if they're the Royals of old. If they can turn the corner and get out of this rut and get back on track (and every other cliche about making an improvement) then I will say that we have a special team playing at the 'New K'. If they maintain course and downslide to the bottom of the basement then we have just another Royals team and we can start saying 'I'll give them a couple of years. They're still young. They'll improve with more experience at this level.'

But until that happens, realize that they're still 3 games above .500 and they're still tied for 1st place in the AL Central. So, sit back, relax, grab a beer and scorecard and enjoy the ride!

The Royals next game is today at Oakland at 9:07 CT. The game can be heard on the Mighty Big Sports 590 with the pregame show beginning at 8:30.