Life in the Red Group

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 22, 2011 11:52PM CST CRICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: salmon_slayer63a on October 22, 2011 11:54PM CST LAME!!!!!!

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 22, 2011 11:54PM CST The biggest question is will Sparty have any emotion left after beating Ohio ST, Michigan, and a last second hail mary win against Wisconsin?

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 22, 2011 11:56PM CST Are you? That's a SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: salmon_slayer63a on October 22, 2011 11:59PM CST B1G rules for no night games late in the year suck.... ' then we dont get the 1230 time slot....lame.... doesnt matter kickoff is set.....stands will be full and football is going to happen....

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 12:34AM CST Okay Trash, now tell me again how Stanford and Boise St offenses are very similar. Do I have to explain NOW what it is I like about Stanford's offense or Do YOU NOW get it? If you don't, then you never will.

Posted by: RedGore on October 23, 2011 12:37AM CST Great! Another game I won't get to see. Sometimes it sucks working Saturdays.

Posted by: Robka on October 23, 2011 12:40AM CST How does that feel Mr. Travis Lewis. Take your classless tweets and shove it!!! GO BIG KARMA IS A BIATTTCHHHH!!!

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 23, 2011 1:03AM CST Hey RedGore, How is that new job working for you? Haven't talked to you in awhile, hope all is well. You could always dvr/tape it and watch it when you get home.

Posted by: redinguam on October 23, 2011 1:38AM CST Totally blows...that's 0200 Sunday my time. This B1G schedule is brutal. Wisc. down, OU down, LSU or the Sabans down next week...oooweee

Posted by: redinguam on October 23, 2011 1:41AM CST Red gore...ESPN3 on your p/c. The game will be cached on there for 30 days. That's a way of life out here in the Western Pacific

Posted by: Viking Husker on October 23, 2011 3:45AM CST This is Nebraska! This is Sparta! Can't wait!

Posted by: Albino on October 23, 2011 5:58AM CST We will have a good year, but may not win them all. But look at the trajectory! How good will this team be over the next several years! Nebraska: great tradition & getting better! GBR

Posted by: Albino on October 23, 2011 6:54AM CST NN: We hit bottom and are heading up. They've had three tough games, are emotionally drained, and heading into Lincoln. I like our chances. GBR

Posted by: TwinsRRus on October 23, 2011 7:00AM CST You're right no. Listened to the game a little at work and was telling coworkers how everyone on the blogs have been calling for a reverse for years! They just never run the play. Maybe now they believe it could be a great weapon? Or will they feel they have shown their hand and will only fake it the rest of the year....

Posted by: justcallmeDoc on October 23, 2011 8:06AM CST I am not complaining by any means, but I still don't get that backwards pass that was fumbled for a 1st down? oh well, it really didn't change the game that much. Gophers were beat in pretty much every phase of the game.

Posted by: justcallmeDoc on October 23, 2011 8:26AM CST that would have been a fun OT session last night if MSU didn't get that miracle as time ran out

Posted by: Low Country Husker on October 23, 2011 8:59AM CST Wow what a difference a week makes in college football. All the pundits are scrambling to find the next team worthy to play in the NC. Gumps and Tigers play each other and only one can advance but they still have Conference championship they need to win...so it's not a guarantee. Okie lite, K State still on a collision course. Clemson, Stanford and Boise have the easiest road to end the regular season undefeated. What a great BCS mess we will have if Okie lite, Clemson, Boise and Stanford end the season undefeated......stay tuned for the rest of the season. As for the Huskers continue to play hard every down and good things will happen. Both divisions are wide open right now....

Posted by: RedDog77 on October 23, 2011 9:02AM CST 11 a.m stinks.

Posted by: justcallmeDoc on October 23, 2011 9:13AM CST no no I think you're on to something with the Press Secretary thing lol

Posted by: justcallmeDoc on October 23, 2011 9:14AM CST he'd be good at it I think

Posted by: Fitzy on October 23, 2011 9:17AM CST People... We should have beat Wisconsin. If we don't attempt to go Dan Marino out there in the 2nd QTR and end up throwing 3 picks that turn into TD's for the Badgers, we were in that game no problem. I think Taylor and Beck both learned a LOT from that Wisconsin blunder. Michigan State is a "good" team. Nebraska is a "good" team and gets the home advantage. As long as we do not turn the ball over senselessly, we can beat Sparty in Lincoln. Have faith my friends. Bring the Pain- GBR

Posted by: Country Husker on October 23, 2011 9:20AM CST Go Big Hair!

Posted by: Skulldougery on October 23, 2011 9:29AM CST No, it is marked where it goes out of bounds if it is "in the field of play", (between the goal lines). If it goes out in the end zone it's a touch back and the ball goes to the defense at the 20.

Posted by: Husker Fan Dave on October 23, 2011 9:31AM CST What's up with Kenny Bells blue under shirt? Any body know? Was it his high school color? Shouldn't it be white,red or black? I do like his speed, big hair and personality and as long as he keeps making plays he can wear any color except green next week.

Posted by: Skulldougery on October 23, 2011 9:32AM CST I'm sure the theory here is that it will goes out of bounds further back than where it was touched by the "attempted catcher" theory being that if it is a backward pass that the impetus of the ball will be backwards. In the case yesterday it was in fact going backwards, at the time it was touched by (Bell as I recall), but his effort to coral the ball actually changed it's direction forward. Really a weird play but I imagine they made the correct call ?

Posted by: big red 1 on October 23, 2011 9:35AM CST Fitzy> You are right there. We keep it on the ground, use the play action pass and no fumbles or interceptions and we can beat them. MSU coming to Lincoln will be drained I think . 11 A.M. kickoff still stinks. Will have to tape the game as I will be like RedGore and have to work this weekend. GBR BE LOUD "N" PROUD !!!

Posted by: big red 1 on October 23, 2011 9:44AM CST Whisky got beat eh? A much different team then when we played them. We just need to take care of business one weak at a time and all good things will come to those who wait.

Posted by: Country Husker on October 23, 2011 9:44AM CST Anybody catch T-Magic blocking on Kenny Bell's reverse? I thought, "wow, look at Taylor heading out there to block for the reverse. Awesome." Then Bell ran by him. Granted, Bell had a full head of steam, but man, he passed up T-Magic like he was standing still. That kid is fast once he gets all that hair tucked up into his helmet. Maybe he runs sprints with the "full hair parachute" and that's where the speed comes from. :) That's no knock on Taylor, we all know he is fast. Proved that several times already. Go Big Speedsters. We may be young, but we sure got fast guys. And of course, we have Rex. That guy deserves a spot right up there with the best Huskers ever. He may not win the Heisman, but that kid is what Nebraska football is all about. Hard work, Toughness, Durability, Dedication, Attitude. I like this team. Don't care what the doubters say. No team in college football is perfect, they all make mistakes. Seems to me ours gets just a little better every week. Future looks bright. Think about what those Freshmen and redshirts are going to look like next year. Bring on the Spartans. We like to play rought too. Oh, yeah, and the B1G refs are aweful. Not saying they screwed us, they just miss calls all over the place and the ones they do make seem somewhat unusual at times. At least they do dopey things for or against both teams. Doesn't appear to be bias, they just can't seem to keep up with what's going on on the field. Poor old guys need to take a seat in the stands. Get somebody out there who can at least get out of the way.

Posted by: justcallmeDoc on October 23, 2011 9:45AM CST I'm sure it was the right call. just seemed odd that the fumble could be advance further than the carrier. thought maybe the ball would be brought back to the spot of the 'fumble'...unless a defender touched the ball before it went out of bounce. not gonna make a deal out of this though...it really had no bearing on the game anyway

Posted by: Country Husker on October 23, 2011 9:51AM CST I should clarify, I reckon they made the right call on the backwards pass as far as I know. The poor umpire, however, was continuously playing defense as he seemed to be involved in way too many plays. And apparently in the B1G it is appropriate to tackle the reciever while the ball is in the air, as long as you do it a couple of steps before the ball arrives. Both teams were mugging recievers right before the catch. I always thought that was illegal. Learning more about B1G football every week. No wonder everyone runs the ball in the B1G, you will never complete many passes allowing the defender to grab the guy as he reaches for the ball every time.

Posted by: Low Country Husker on October 23, 2011 10:01AM CST A backward pass is normally marked where the ball goes out of bounds....the unusual thing about this backwards pass was it was tipped forward before it proceeded out of bounds. If it would of taken the normal trajectory (backwards) like most muffed pitches do nobody would of even questioned it. A good break for the Husker Offense...hopefully it's the last time they have to rely on rule 2.blah. blah to advance the ball

Posted by: salmon_slayer63a on October 23, 2011 10:28AM CST couple question here.....early prediction on the socre of next week? i think we lose, taylor says he was wearing gloves to get used to them, did they affect his terrible pitches on the options?

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 10:29AM CST Low, there is a term called seperation. a useful tool if you are a receiver.

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 10:46AM CST Our D should be ok if we can tackle at the point of impact.......and if T-MART can clean up his passing motion it will keep MSU honest and not crowd the line with 8-9 player to stop SUPERMAN.........there were at least 2 TDs missed with his deep passing problems

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 10:52AM CST if we get pressure on spartys QB we will be fine. stats say he is great when only 3 rush him, bring 4 or more and he is not so great. Bo will have to dial up his defense. i like our chances in lincoln. if we do not shoot ourselves in the foot we can play with these guys. memorial stadium also needs to be loud. he is not a super mobile QB. Bo needs to challenge the D lines manhood, call them out. its time they step up or step aside. pressure will be the key. i can't wait. go big red

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 10:57AM CST TM wouldnt be able to change is passing motion much, maybe adjust it a little bit, footwork and such, but he grew up throwing the ball like that. It would be like taking a sub marine pitcher and making him an over top pitcher, just aint going to work. Anyway I dont think you will like the end result in that drastic of a change over night.

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 10:59AM CST if we get our running game going early it will open up the field for our recievers who are becoming better and have the speed to get seperation......now it will be up to taylor to make it happen. i agree with the D, we need to blitz and cause havoc......they may get beat a few times but if their qb hears phantom footsteps we will make mistakes

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 10:59AM CST i really hope the sparty coaches and players waste some time reading our blog and comments. their heads will be spinning with useless information and advice that WE all provide...free of charge. its worth what they pay for it i guess. read on sparty players and coaches. we are all over the map on this site. and we are proud of it. go big red

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 11:01AM CST ******he

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 11:03AM CST haha old school.......isnt that what fans do? think we are smarter then the coaches? lol

Posted by: boomboom on October 23, 2011 11:04AM CST how about that Austin Cassady touch douwn!!!!! Go Big BLACKSHIRTS!!!!!!!

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:05AM CST Do they have a back up QB? We need to intoduce their starter to the memorial stadium field turf. D line make a pact to meet at the quarterback. you should enjoy going after him or switch positions. we need to maul and brawl like the Peter brothers used to do. maybe an inspirational talk and video..ala pump up video by past d lineman should be in order. bring the pain.....it all starts with their trigger man.

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:06AM CST huskerva 1 yes, we are all experts......and proud of it. lol

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:11AM CST maybe we can all chip in for a QB passing coach for t mart. i never think it hurts to try and improve your game. might help and it might not. never know unless you try. pro players are constantly attempting to improve. not bagging on t mart, just not giving up on improvement.

Posted by: salmon_slayer63a on October 23, 2011 11:11AM CST Sparty had some good stuff on the D side of the kicking go for them. I thought most Bucky did to themselves, the 1st kick block the holder didnt handle it well, the 2nd punt block the block let the guy run free. Still it says in my book make sure those things don't happen in lincoln. The game last night IMHO was a mirror of what happened to us. Road team playing well and then a few mistake and the game went south.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 11:12AM CST Just a thought.. is it considered cheating to chart, video or such, other teams offensive signals on play calling from the sideline from previous games, for an up coming game.. just wondering.

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:16AM CST no nothing right you are. we begged and pleaded for the fullback and power run blocking...maybe just maybe they are coming around. i was called a troll for calling out watson and gillmore. i just kept the faith. have a great sunday no nothing and everyone, im not sure how much longer i'll be on. go big red

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:22AM CST i also called out cosgrove.....and pederson..and the troll label came my way. i just fought on. i dont know if you ever feel vindicated but i never gave up on our huskers. and i never will. go big red

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:24AM CST i mean for today, i have to get a few things done. i'm not leaving the blog site. just leaving it for today. my bad.

Posted by: black&bluehusker on October 23, 2011 11:29AM CST The win last night was huge for Sparty within the division. They are sitting pretty right now. If we win, and that won't be easy, we have a much tougher schedule remaining. And 2 of the last 3 are on the road at Michigan and Penn St. After Sat Sparty has Minn, Iowa, Ind & Northwestern. Ia is away and should be their toughest remaining game. So even if we win Sat we can't afford another loss or Sparty probably wins the Legends.

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 11:29AM CST Huskers were always a smash mouth fullback run blocking team until calahan brought his stupid west coast crap to town. glad to see we re going back to DR. Toms way of wearing down their D

Posted by: Old School Husker on October 23, 2011 11:32AM CST totally agree huskerva 1 ,you called it right. have a great sunday. bye for now. go big red

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 11:40AM CST Did K.Reed play yesterday, dont recall anything of him, or noticed him?

Posted by: Huskerva1 on October 23, 2011 11:52AM CST Reed did not play and we re still waiting to see why he traveled but was not in game

Posted by: The StepnRaZor on October 23, 2011 12:17PM CST Kenny Bell)))) Get a haircut you hippie!

Posted by: NishBigRed on October 23, 2011 12:38PM CST Morning Boys So everyone still on a high from yesterdays victory. We sure did rolled a below average team...huh? Love that series when the Huskers tried to pass. Over thrown balls, dropped balls and one handed catches. And how about that play by the number 2 QB Carnes?

Posted by: Husker_Heat on October 23, 2011 12:40PM CST Stepn, Aint that like the pot callin the ganga ; weed?

Posted by: Husker_Heat on October 23, 2011 12:40PM CST That didn't quite come out right...

Posted by: flimflamfan on October 23, 2011 12:41PM CST Cousins, isn't a running threat, which should help. Obviously a poised team, maybe Sparty doesn't have a big emotional letdown, as much as the grind of physical attrition, by next Saturday. Nebraska, is getting better offensively just with more experience, alone. Blazing edge speed, facing possibly more leg weary Sparty defenders. Nebraska still looks too soft in the middle of the D, coupled with the young secondary. Such a great test. Not insurmountable, but is the D able to make some stops? Just enough to win by 3.

Posted by: PlyNeb on October 23, 2011 12:44PM CST I think the backward pass was basically a muff. You can't fumble if you never had control. Read somewhere that Kyler Reed strained muscle in practice, so was kept out of the game.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on October 23, 2011 12:55PM CST Wrestler, I send my heartfelt condolences. Pulled for the Sooners but I swear they looked off their game from the get go. No rat in Hong Kong will be safe tonight. Think the Huskers can take out Michigan St. but it's going to take all 4 quarters of killer offense/defense, special teams. Glad to see some of the younger guys get a shot and take some reps.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 1:00PM CST Busiekceek... Hope you are now over "the blues" that you were singing the other day. You are right about the Sooners looking off of their game. Maybe that weather delay put them in a funk.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 1:03PM CST Ply a lateral or backwards pass is a live ball.. just the same as is a fumble.. Green tried to catch it and not bat it forward, thus it is anyones ball where they get it or where it goes out of bounds.. I dont think you can intentionally bat the ball forward to gain yards though.. the old Okland Raiders deal.

Posted by: Husker in Hawaii on October 23, 2011 1:06PM CST Please tell me we aren't getting one of ESPN's female Big 10 announcers. I hate to sound sexist, but I just can't handle that.

Posted by: NishBigRed on October 23, 2011 1:06PM CST So two undefeated teams go down. How about that MSU vs Badgers game. I had just gotten home and was watching the replay of the Husker game (Still did not know the outcome). When I decided to hold off and watch the last quarter of the Badger game. Wow and I mean wow. For some reason Russell Wilson didn't look at good as he did against the Huskers. May the Husker were so physical against the Badgers it caught up with them yesterday? he he

Posted by: Busiekcreek on October 23, 2011 1:09PM CST Yeh cstxfn, our boys rose to the occasion. This may sound odd but I didn't like to see Auburn so down. That game is usually full of trickeration/last second hijinks. Thank goodness we had some depth to compensate for the ones suspended. Now it's waiting for the Gumps. My blues are gone btw lol Yes I do believe the weather had something to do with the Sooners. Possibly an omen or portent of what was coming. Sorry, it's the bayou influence, can't help it.

Posted by: NishBigRed on October 23, 2011 1:12PM CST Busie, Auburn spend all there money on Cam. They have to build the pot back up so they can go out a buy a few more players. That's how they do it down there. Alabama has enough in their pot they just keep the talent rolling.

Posted by: PlyNeb on October 23, 2011 1:16PM CST Oz Not saying it wasn't a live ball. If you muff it, you never had control--so you couldn't intentionally direct it anywhere. A handoff is distinct from a backward pass, meaning that if you drop it, it too is a live ball--but considered to be a fumble and different rules apply. Just my interrpretation of what I heard--and am probably wrong

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 1:18PM CST Nish... I was hoping for overtime. That game ending catch was right up there with Matt Davidson's catch against Missouri as far as miracles go. Hope your gf had a great birthday.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 1:23PM CST I got you ply.. thought of that later.. you do have a point there.. I guess the QB had control of the ball and relinguished it with a bad toss or it is not caught.. maybe its like an option play and the pitch is mishandled and considered a fumble.

Posted by: NishBigRed on October 23, 2011 1:27PM CST Cstxfn, GF had a great B-day. She says thanks. I had coordinated with a lot of people to get them in place for the surprise. It was funny when we walked into the bar, they had a sing out front wishing happy B-day. She thought we was meeting folks there for an event. It took her a few to realize it was a party for her. The game was on but the TV did not show the game so I ignored the play so when I got home I could watch the game without knowing the outcome. I did look once and saw that the Heard was playing so I figured that was a good sign.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on October 23, 2011 1:28PM CST Nish, now you are one of my "little sugars" but that remark got my hackles up. Watching Cam Newton play (even in our defeat) was a beauty to watch. We are blessed to live in the middle of golden wheat fields of recruiting. The Alabama Crimson Tide (will give them full respect here) does not buy players. They recruit them and their coach may be a snake but he's one of the best coaches/recruiters out there. We might fight each other like dogs in a ditch but we are all members of the same band of brothers. The SEC. As for Auburn buying players, they were cleared by the NCAA. I am tired of hearing about that. They got a crystal football in their trophy case for last year. LSU or Nebraska did not. There now, I'm through. My Farmville farm awaits before my blood pressure gets any higher.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 1:29PM CST You know the QB for Minnie.. mishandled the ball and actually threw it forward on one play running around the end, which we recovered, I think we did.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 1:30PM CST lol.. know i remember, it was Cassidy's TD, and then he kicked it forward..if I remember right.. sheesh, memory.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 1:34PM CST Nowledge, now

Posted by: HuskerMose on October 23, 2011 2:14PM CST Hope we hear ALL week about the Wisconsin Mich. St. rematch on ESPN. That's all they talked about after the game last night and I hope it continues the rest of the week. Thanks ESPN! GBR!

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 2:24PM CST Afternoon all...just popped in to say howdy, then off to get some stuff done. Some progress was made offensively yesterday, though it is hard to tell with Minni. Positives took place because we got quality reps vs. someone other than ourselves. No, Minni is not very good but you still have to show up and execute what you do. That was done for the most part. Defensively, progress as well. Again, reps against someone else is the way to look at it. Tackling was better, yet still not great. DE's were better but I think it had more to do with Minni's OT's not being very good. It looks to me like Ankrah has taken over one of the DE spots. I thought the DT play was pretty good most of the time, Minni's center was actually very active, sometimes too active, but was pretty good and a good challenge for our DT's. Our LB'er play...well, David was David, but we are still lacking at the other LB'er spot. Compton just does not read and get downhill well at all, even against Minni. The secondary...hard to get much of a read off of that game. They did get behind us a few times, which is never good no matter who you play. All that said...I do like our chances with Sparty. Now I'm out.

Posted by: Islander/Husker on October 23, 2011 2:37PM CST Busie, sometimes perceptions take a life of their own, even if they are not factual. Cam is a great player, and fun to watch. Wisconsin is unbeatable at home., On the road they have a tougher time. I wonder too, and I could be wrong if they have peaked to early. Next weeks game will be a good one, don't care what time the game is played, I am good to go. I think the Huskers are getting better each week. Should be a great game Saturday.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 3:02PM CST Islander... Congratulations on your high school's big win on Friday night. They must be pretty good. Anyone on that team a future Husker?

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 3:53PM CST Any lurkers?

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:01PM CST I will be walking in the ALS Walk next Saturday trying to help raise money for the fight against 'Lou Gehrig's Disease'. I will walk in honor of the grandmother of one of my students who passed last Wednesday. If anyone is interested in donating to my team please send me a message, I will send you the link to my personal page. I will Tevo the game and get caught up before I enter the GameDay blog.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 4:18PM CST Still out there Coach? What if anything, did you see yesterday afternoon and last night to give you encouragement for this wekend. Perhaps better assignment football on D. Although the gophers were rather anemic on O. Perhaps some confidence being gained there. Petty tough for the uneducated to gleen much when the opponent is that bad.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:24PM CST Still here PT, watching the Cowboys stink it up.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 4:26PM CST I am watching Green Bay/Minn.

Posted by: Jackson1 on October 23, 2011 4:27PM CST My iPhone (Siri) told me Michigan State would dominate both our O & D Lines. As a result, MSU strolls out of Lincoln with the Legends Division wrapped up.

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 23, 2011 4:27PM CST Hey cstxfn, Grand Island lost that classic game Friday, to my alma mater Lincoln Southeast 28-27. Maybe we can get ESPN to talk about the rematch in the playoffs along with the rematch for Sparty and Bucky.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:28PM CST It was difficult to get much out of it. Defensively, I was mainly watching the DE's to see if we could at least maintain responsibilities. It did look better but hard to evaluate because their OT's didn't look very good. It looks to me like Ankrah has taken over one of the DE spots. With the LB'ers, Compton still does not read and get downhill very well. Even against Minni.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 4:29PM CST Ah well, shoot, then why even bother to play the game.

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 23, 2011 4:33PM CST Cuz you never know what will happen in the game. Just ask Oklahoma last night, favored by 29 points and struggled all night against TT and losing.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 4:34PM CST Sabre..... My bad! Congrats to your team then and my apologies to Islander for the flub. The question now is for both of you, any future Huskers there? Maybe the Longhorn Network would be interested in replaying that game.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:39PM CST Actually, I do have a very good feeling about the game next Saturday. If nothing else, the Minni game allows you to continue to feel good about yourself as a team. Two consecutive conference wins, one at home and one on the road. I'm not exactly sure why, but I do feel good about the matchup this weekend.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 4:42PM CST My early take is that field position will be critical. Sparty is very opportunistic. If we give them a short field with a turn over, bad punt or what ever you will pay for it. I do think we can score on them. but mistakes will be critical. Cousins will pick on SJB or for sure Evans for sure. Do what we do and don't shoot our feet and we have a shot.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:43PM CST "Maybe the Longhorn Network would be interested in replaying that game." Good one cstxfn...the problem with that is that it's north of the Red River. These Texans have issues with having to cross the Red River. It's kind of like 'walking into the light' for them, I think.

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 23, 2011 4:44PM CST Yes a couple drawing interest from NU. Sam Cotton from LSE is already committed. TE/DE. I think G.I. has a couple as well

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 4:47PM CST PT...good assessment. No need to be conservative, continue to be aggressive. Just be smart about the aggression and try to limit the number of decisions TM has to make and we'll be fine offensively. I believe we'll see alot more movement up front in the way of line stunts and blitzes to keep them off balance. Not sure if we can just line up and play base against them...probably not.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 4:55PM CST MSU lost to ND.. I believe it was 31-13 or close, and beat tOSU 13-10?... they dont have a great O, good D, should be emotionally drained with the last game and tough previous games.. I like our odds, and was Worthy playing at the end of their game.. didnt notice at the end.. he is a difference maker.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:02PM CST You're right TomOs...Sparty lost to ND 31-13 and beat tOSU 10-7...their two road games. All of their other wins were at home. They played tOSU when their offense was almost in shambles.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 5:03PM CST 10-7 tOSU score.. should never do anything by memory lately. Only 10 pts..

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 5:05PM CST Huskers can sneeze and get 10 pts.. of course our D can... you know..

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:05PM CST What's hard to understand, I didn't even know the exact wording of the rule but knew instantly when it the mishandled pitch went out of bounds that it was a first down. I was laughing inside at the moron announcer for being confused about it. Quite simple if ya ask me. For one thing no one advanced a fumble..so advancing a fumble isn't even remotely part of the equation. Secondly it was a backwards pass witch is a LIVE ball whether it touches anyone or not. If no one gains possession before it goes out of bounds then it remains the offenses ball WHERE it goes out of bounds no matter where it goes out of bounds...what's difficult to understand about that. No backwards pass could ever be considered a fumble if it was never caught...but that doesn't change the fact it's alive ball despite not being caught. How could someone watch 20 some years of option football and even question the call and not know exactly what the right call should be instantly as it happened live? Things that make ya go hmmm.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:12PM CST Yep rluben, it is pretty simple. Too many are trying to read things into it, it's really not difficult. That's why people run the shovel pass because it's relatively safe, no fumble if you miss it because it was pitched forward. In fact alot of people today that run option out of a spread look will pitch forward to eliminate the fumble possibility.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:14PM CST Like that's the only damn time in the history of Nebraska football that a lateral pitch (backwards pass) was mishandled and went out of bounds...what theirs supposed to be a different rule for if it goes out of bounds in your favor for positive yards than if it goes out of bounds for negative yards? Seriously? For one thing get it out your head that a backwards pass that hits the ground is a fumble before it's ever caught by the intended receiver. Live balls that go out of bounds remain with who last possessed it. Simple

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:16PM CST Yeah I call that the inverted option coach...not sure that's the correct term, but I like it. Pitchman doesn't handle it, no harm.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:20PM CST What confuses me is what a dude is doing announcing a game that doesn't know the difference between a fumble and backwards pass, or the rules involved.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:23PM CST Well, we pitch forward because it's 50/50 as to whether or not we catch it. Forward is a more difficult catch to make but it's not one that should ever be dropped.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:24PM CST Country, I saw that, woulda been sweet had Taylor actually made a big block, I think he knew bell was gone. I generally hater reverses, even made a comment about no silly reverses when I hoped for some more action with J. Turner before the game. But I have to admit, Bell is freakish fast and that was a brilliant call against that D anyways.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:28PM CST Minni was selling out with initial flow reads, just takin' off. Sometimes you just have to force people to play honest, or you just have to take advantage of people being stupid. Either one works in this instance.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:28PM CST It has it's advantages coach, but also some disadvantages like if the QB is bonehead and delivers it when a defender is about to crush the back or worse yet flips it to the defender which I have seen before. There's an art to it just like the regular option pitch, especially in traffic or a congested middle. Do you run it one the edge?

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:30PM CST Yep, no back side containment discipline, gotta make them pay if they want to be stupid.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:42PM CST Yes and no...we will almost always pitch it and it's never carried all the way out on the edge. Part of it has to do with us running it when we don't have a dual threat QB, he's a pocket passer, he doesn't belong out there. I really don't like the way we run it and they're not going to change it.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:44PM CST cstxfn...got your message. Much appreciated.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:45PM CST Anybody up for some World Serious talk?...didn't think so.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 5:48PM CST GBR... You betcha! Glad that rluben brought up that announcer. Not sure of his exact words, something like "No matter what happens, that isn't going to be a first down".

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 5:50PM CST I'll say this about the World Series. Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:52PM CST As has been previously established, the majority of the talking heads are moderately clueless. Frequently their comments are way off the mark or are so biased that they are laughable.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 5:52PM CST Inside the tackles can be brutal if there's even a little bit of penetration. But yeah if you have kid who is not much of a dual threat, you probably have to limit what you can do. I know you have a good offensive mind coach, I'd never question that. I prefer it when there is a run pitch option and can be carried out to the edge if that's what needs to happen, otherwise it's not much more than a glorified shovel pass, but yet isn't as simple as a shovel pass. I bet you'd be a good O coordinator if you got the chance coach, not sure you want to or not though...never asked. Were you applying for head coaching jobs or assistant jobs when you was doing the search?

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 5:57PM CST I took the 15 yr old and his gf to see 'Paranormal 3' last night, we left at 9:40 and it was 8-6 StL so I didn't see Alberts two other blasts. The Rangers did not maintain composure after the horrible call in the 4th(I think). Who knows how it turns out if that call is made. Regardless, they get paid alot of money to handle those situations.

Posted by: TheBigRedTheory on October 23, 2011 5:59PM CST 9:00 AM start out here on the left coast? Ugh! (trying not to swear)

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:00PM CST cstxfn, He was also calling it a fumble, and talking about advancing a fumble blah blah blah...and I was laughing at him. How is a mishandled backwards pass a fumble you idiot...how can a pass that's never been caught be even remotely considered a fumble moron...what you saying the QB who threw the pass (which is by definition what a backwards lateral pitch is) also fumbled the ball while managing to pass it? Or you just an idiot that thinks an intended recipient of that pass that happens to touch it can actually fumble a pass he's never possessed? Goofball. Get clue is what I was thinking.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:03PM CST rluben...I'm going to start the search up again in the next couple weeks as football season winds down. A couple were head fooball jobs, a couple OC jobs and a couple baseball jobs. I don't really care what I get, I just need to get one so I can start making the money work for me. I've spent the last 32 years thinking of everyone else before myself...it's time to at least give a little bit of thought to myself and life after teaching/coaching. I think I've earned it.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:05PM CST btw...Paranormal Activity 3...DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! Not very good.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:06PM CST Idiot, clueless announcers like him just confuse viewers who don't know the rules.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:10PM CST For sure coach, you've earned it just for the fact all the parents you've had to deal with, the know it all players, this and that. Man coaching has to be a tough gig on any level, but rewarding too despite the negative aspects. Gotta be tough to do it, and I don't mean just physically tough, I mean tough all around.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:12PM CST "Idiot, clueless announcers like him just confuse viewers who don't know the rules"...and are trying to learn the rules and the game...is what I would add to that one. You're exactly right rluben.

Posted by: TheBigRedTheory on October 23, 2011 6:13PM CST And way to go Southeast, pulling off the comeback against the Islanders, wish I was back in Nebraska to see that game.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:17PM CST no no...reading those rule books will make your head spin. You need a team of lawyers to decipher what they are actually trying to say on most of that stuff.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:19PM CST It's a live ball no matter who or how many players touch. Muff isn't even part of the equation. It could hit the ground before it ever reaches another player and it changes nothing. It could bounce 100 times before ever touching another offensive or defensive player and it changes nothing. It's a live ball whether it travels 50 yards in the air or 1, hits a player anywhere or doesn't and if it's never possessed by anyone before going out of bounds then it remains with the team who possessed it where it goes out of bounds. Muff has nothing to do with it, it's not a damn punt...it's a backwards pass and is a live ball the second it leaves the passers hand. It can be parallel to the LOS and still be by rule a backwards pass, as long as it doesn't go forwards...it's backwards as far as the rules are concerned. Surely 20 years + of option football the average fan knows this.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:23PM CST Like for example, who doesn't or didn't know that on the bounce a rooski that if Fryar had not caught the backwards pass off the turf that it'd still be our ball where it went out of bounds no matter if it it him on the thigh, ricocheted off his hands, hit his helmet, he accidently kicked or the thousand of possibilities? And who also doesn't know that since it was a backwards pass and behind the LOS it can still be thrown forwards? Simple stuff.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:26PM CST rluben...you have no idea. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade it for anything else and I actually have had very few issues with parents. I love what I do...I'm good at what I do...and probably most importantly, the kids trust and respect what I do because they know I trust and respect them and who they are.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on October 23, 2011 6:36PM CST Well boys, it's feedin' time and then time for the World Serious. I'll try to come back on during the game.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:37PM CST They should take muff out of the definition except for fielding punts and maybe QB center exchanges. Oh well, the rules pretty simple to me, but then I payed option football too...never had any trouble understanding the difference between a backwards pass and a fumble...or that the ball is live as soon as it leaves the persons hand usually the QB if it's parallel or backwards and that it matters not if it bounces on the turf, hits a player or never touches anyone. It's a live ball and if it goes out of bounds it stays with the last who had possesion of it before going out of bounds and the new LOS is where it went out of bounds at. Knew that in peeweee football.

Posted by: Jackson1 on October 23, 2011 6:45PM CST If "that play" was accurately handled by the Refs last evening EVERY Team should put it in they're playbook. Team's that run the option could realy use "that call" to move the sticks. If a Defensive Palyer is about to tackle the Running Back the RB should "muff" the football "accidentally " forward out of bounds. FIRST DOWN!!

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 6:53PM CST All you need to know is it's a live ball regardless of it it ever touches a player or not, hits the ground or not, it can't be an incomplete pass because backwards passes are live balls the second they leave the passers hands. Mishandled or muffed has zero bearing on possession or the spot 'cpet the role it played in directing the ball to the eventual out of bounds spot.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:00PM CST If? Gotta wonder about one's football knowledge if they are really questioning "if' it was handled correctly by the ref crew...or they are just haters. Only a desperate idiot would take a chance that the ball would go exactly where one wanted it to go and not bounce around and stay inbounds and be recovered by the opponent.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:07PM CST What damn fumble you referring to no no, who fumbled anything? You thick headed or something? How's a back going to fumble a ball he's never possesed? sheesh dude. Get the muff crap out your head, you can't fumble a damn ball you've never been in possession of. It's simple. It's a live ball until it's possessed..if it's never possessed by anyone before going out of bounds then it's spotted where it went out of bounds. This weird Muff obsession you have is clouding your head.

Posted by: cstxfn on October 23, 2011 7:08PM CST Jackson.... Is that your iPhone's opinion?

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:12PM CST A backward pass in flight shall not be batted forward by the passing team in an attempt to gain yardage. PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot. Green attempted to catch the pass.. in the attempt ball went forward, not a penalty.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:14PM CST Live ball spotted where it went out of bounds.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:18PM CST and if he did it on purpose, it was hellva quick thinking and acting.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:20PM CST Muff has ZERO to with fumbling...absolutely ZERO. They are two distinctly separate things. A fumble is losing possession of the ball you were in possession of before losing possession of it. Muff is mishandling a ball you are trying to gain possession of that you didn't previously posses. Like attempting to field a punt or kickoff, attempting to catch a pitch or backwards pass, like the center snapping the ball shotgun or QB under center. All attempted exchanges of the ball from one player to another...if it's the O who is in possession of the ball and it's the QB center exchange it's a live ball as soon as it leaves the hands of the player who possessed it last. On kicks it's one team exchanging possession to the other, a little different, but if if touches the team trying to gain possession, then it's a live ball...no matter if it's muffed or bounces and hits player on the receiving team. Muff and fumble are not the same, not even remotely close...you can't fumble what you were never in possession of...plain and simple.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:30PM CST An option pitch that is parallel to the LOS or backwards is a backwards pass, always has been always will be. Again, I knew this the first year I played football, maybe before...figured it was common knowledge. How could anyone that's watched the sport for more than a season or two not know what's what especially if they've watched one of the best option teams on the planet ever as their main team? How could it not be a backwards pass?

Posted by: Trashman on October 23, 2011 7:34PM CST So you can't fumble a muff...

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:35PM CST I'm not buying it non no, you're playing a game, how you could even question a ball that leaves the QB or anyone's hand and travels parallel to the LOS or backwards not being a backwards pass...that's just silliness. It could be underhand, around the back, skyhook, bounced off the bicep ect ect..how's that gonna change it being considered a pass or not a pass?

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:39PM CST I have no idea, maybe ya can Trash. I've always used common sense, a fumble is losing possesion of a ball you were already in possession of. A muff is mishandling a ball which you are trying to posses that you weren't previously in possession of before attempting to gain possession of it.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:40PM CST Again, my common sense tells me you cannot fumble what you did not already posses.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:44PM CST Trash.. reminds me of junior high.. football.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:46PM CST To me the only confusion would have been if a ref thinks the player tried to hit, bat the ball forward to gain yardage, if that was the case, it would have been a 15 yd penalty from the spot of the batting and another 4th down, unless there is a rule on fourth down for this

Posted by: Trashman on October 23, 2011 7:48PM CST Just sounds like a whole lotta ball mishandling....not good no matter how you slice it.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:48PM CST I don't need to read a rule or a rule book to tell me that. One coach telling me that the ball is live if it's a backwards pass, and I better get my azz on it if I don't handle the pitch (backwards pass) is all I need to know. Never had a coach tell me it would be a fumble if I didn't field the pitch, never seen an mishandled pitch called a fumble EVER, never seen a backwards pass that went out of bounds not stay in possession of the O at the spot it went out of bounds no matter how it got there. I've always known since day one of midget football any backwards pass is a live ball no matter how or when it hits the ground. How anyone doesn't know that and has watched football for more than one season would be beyond my comprehension and how anyone could think a back who never had possession of a ball could fumble it ... again, that is way way way beyond my level of genius.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:51PM CST A lot of that went on.. in early days of junior high.. football..

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:54PM CST The rule is what it is. It's not much an issue with a non option team. It almost never results in positive yards, usually the O loses yards, but the rule is what it is. Where it goes out of bounds is where it's spotted. I'll take it, for the one first down I've seen in like forever versus the thousands of other times it's resulted in a loss of yards and a wasted down.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 7:55PM CST or went for a TD, for the other team, Niles may inform you that.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 7:59PM CST To me the rule gives the advantage to the Defense. 1. It's a live ball, they have a chance to recover it. 2. It usually almost 99.9999 % goes out of bounds if unrecovered for negative yardage. 3. The defense usually gains the advantage of the outcome, usually puts the O in a throwing situation and they can pin their ears back on D. Like I'm gonna apologize to Minni because the one time in a thousand the ball finally bounced our way for a change on a bad pitch...please.

Posted by: Trashman on October 23, 2011 7:59PM CST So the moral of the story is: Balls on the turf aren't always a bad thing!

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:03PM CST The rule by far benefits the Defense more than the O, so who fricken cares if every great once in awhile it goes for a positive rather than a negative against the O. Enjoy it, it happens like never...and usually the D gets the benefit of the results.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 8:03PM CST The ball went forward off of Greens attempt to catch it, at least it looked like that, I believe he got one hand on it and bounced forward. They had players there to recover, they missed and it went out of bounds in the scramble, is how I remember it.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:04PM CST Like somehow the rule gives the O an advantage...please...get serious.

Posted by: Jackson1 on October 23, 2011 8:05PM CST So a Player can't bat it forward on purpose. Great a Rule where the Refs have to make a judgement call on the "batters intentions". I beleive in the NFL a fumble out of bounds can't result in addl yardage for the offensive team. I believe the Refs blew the call....and the NCAA needs to clarify "that" rule.

Posted by: Jackson1 on October 23, 2011 8:09PM CST Rhuben Like yea.....a first down. Advantage Offense for a muff/fumble or whatever they want to call it. "It" was a poorly executed play that gave the offensive team an advantage that wasn't earned. The Rule Book needs to be corrected (or properly interpreted) so a good defensive play doesn't get "trashed".

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:14PM CST Believe what ya want hater, they called it correctly. What needs to be clarified? It's perfectly clear if you have a 2nd grade understanding of the game. Maybe it helps to actaully have some experience in a real game situation and not have to try to comprehend rules written by morons who can't word something simply. Heck they can't even correctly define a muff and a fumble it would appear from the confusion. How anyone could think if they used their thinking cap that a player could fumble a ball they never had possession of is beyond me though. My 3rd grade common sense detector tells me that's impossible to lose that which was never in your possession to lose...physically impossible.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 8:15PM CST I am really bored. so bored I am watching the world series.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:23PM CST Good defensive play? How you know what would have transpired had Green gained possession of the pitch? The D had nothing to Do with Taylor waiting until it was too late to pitch it and then ricocheting it off someones rearend...that was poor execution by Taylor. Haters gonna hate.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 8:31PM CST First of all there was no fumble. In order to fumble you first must have possession which green never got. It was a muff so the impetus of the ball was the pitch not the touching by Green. The call was correct.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:32PM CST Why would a rule that's been there forever all the sudden get revisited because one time in a thousand it results in a positive yardage? Get serious dude, quit being a goofball no no. Man up and deal with the fact it's the damn rule and we benefited from it one times out the last 5,000 times it's occured. Continue to be a goofall about it if ya want I'm done talking about it. The rule wasn't put in place special for NE for the Minnesota game because we told the refs and the NCAA we were going to try to bounce a backwards pass off a players hands out of bounds forwards for a first down...so could they adjust the rule so we could try it, see if it's a play we should add to the playbook or not. I mean sheesh....stop the crying over it already. Whoopdee doo dah doo, we gained a first down once instead of it bouncing out of bounds for a negative like it usually does... someone must pay over this injustice.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 8:34PM CST Thing of a kick off or punt. If the returner muffs it into the end zone it is a touchback becasue he never had possession. Same principle here. It just happened to go forward

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:35PM CST PT, apparently some fans don't know you can't fumble a ball you never had possession of and don't know that pitch that travels parallel or backwards is a backwards pass. w/e

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 8:38PM CST Just watching the UW/MSU game.. 24/31.. so far on consective plays have seen, a throw down holding and a chop block on MSU DT,, by UW linemen

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 8:40PM CST I have made similar calls In High school ball year ago. It is not new and I was suoerised the announcers were not aware of it. Or either coach for that matter.

Posted by: Trashman on October 23, 2011 8:44PM CST Yep Rlube...Nono gotcha. You should know by now it's always all the woulda, coulda, shouldas for the other team.... And for NU it's just lack of S&C & discipline. Perhaps we just "got lucky" as well. Come on now!

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 8:53PM CST True that No. Hope I helped.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 8:55PM CST the ball is spotted where it goes out of bounds if the ball goes out behind where the fumble occurred and if if the ball is fumbled forward, it is spotted at the point of the fumble. That's where you are confused, it was never fumbled. "Point of the fumble" Like I've said , I've never read the rule, don't even care about how it's worded or not worded, because on the field how it's been called since before I've played and after is that it's spotted where the ball goes out of bounds when no one has gained possession of the ball after the backwards pass. The ball touching the intended recipient of the backwards pass doesn't constitute possession of the ball or a fumble. I don't see in that definition you posted where it says if the ball is muffed forward it is spotted at the point of the muff. Again my common sense tells me a muff is not a fumble because you can't fumble what you didn't posses. And this is exactly the way it's been called on the field by many a ref crew since I've been aware of the the game of football..the results and call was exactly as I expected it to be the instant it occured since no player ever had possession of the ball after the backwards pass. I don't care how poorly the rule is written or how unclear it is about a fumble or a muff, it's common knowledge amongst those who've payed the game what is what in that situation and what the expected call will be...especially anyone who's played a down of football where there's anything other than a straight handoff exchange involved on some running plays.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 9:03PM CST So RL, what do we need to do to beat Sparty? Other than the obvious "play better defense".

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 9:06PM CST Actually I thought you were messing with me to get me going no no...so I was playing along for fun. The rule is written poorly, like Coach says, you need a team of lawyers and interpreter to try to understand some of the rules the way they are written in jibberish. They shouldn't even mention the muff and fumble thing in once sentence, then go on about what should happen in the instance of a fumble and then not explain what should transpire in the instance of a muff..or define what a muff is (insert dirty humor response here before others have the chance). Me...I just go by how I was taught by coaches, how I've seen it called in games I've played and watched. I knew exactly what the right call should be when it happened, other times in other situations I'm not always 100% sure what is what, because there might be some question what actually happened or what the rule is, so I understand, but this one I know and have zero questions regarding it probably playing in the backfield...and of course I done graditated from the 6th grade...and of course my keen sense of common sense that I posses but rarely use.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 9:17PM CST Watching a little of the World Series.. TX just hit a homerun.. 4-0. They showed Nolan Ryan and Barbara Bush.. you know she is kinda cute..

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 9:18PM CST Light them up on O, time for some misdirections and counter actions, I'd pound it right at them some too to set up those counters and play actions. I don't know lots of things we can do...would make it easier if we can run right at them some. I'd see how they cover my backs in the flats, maybe sneak one or two out off some play action boots. Would be kinda cool to see the two split backs on flares or wheel routes out of the diamond, have the tailback maybe stay in and protect or slip him up the middle on a go route at the same time. We need to use their speed to the ball against them some, get the ball in players hands in space some, execute great. They are good, but we can beat them if we execute, regardless if our D steps up or not. I'd for sure see how they handle covering Rex out of the backfield some while also putting pressure vertically to clear it out fore him. I'm sure Taylor finally sees the value in that now and won't ignore him out there ever again if he isn't covered up tight and the vertical routes aren't there. I think he may have learned a little about looking off the safeties too...hopefully. Will be interesting to see what Beck does and how he calls the game...sometimes he's brilliant, other times he makes me want to smack him upside the head a little. Love the direction it's headed in...every call can't be successful of look brilliant...sometimes they are just making out feeling up, foreplay plays.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 9:24PM CST so you are saying we gotta out score them. (brilliant huh). I should say our offense has to beat them cause our defense can't

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 9:25PM CST Early line, NU favored by 4.5 points.. I thought 2.5 to 3.. early though.

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 9:28PM CST Basically home field..pts

Posted by: Trashman on October 23, 2011 9:31PM CST Tom Really?! Salmon last night was tellin' me we'd be dogs by at least 7 at home. I thought we'd be dogs by 3-4. Based on that, guess the bookies think a tossup on a neutral field.....

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 9:33PM CST Yep, I'm counting on our O to outplay theirs PT, if our D happens to join the party, then woohooo. But I'm not holding my breath on the D all the sudden becoming world beaters overnight. Cousins isn't as mobile as others we have faced, so that should help right there ...maybe. I'm not down on our D though, they'll get it figured out at some point, if not this year, then next. I think our O will continue to develop this year (how much..who knows) and get better, including ground and pound ability, which will in turn help the other phases of the offense. Pretty fun to watch them come along though even if they are sloppy in execution at times. That can be cleaned up with film prep, practice reps, and game experiences both good and bad.

Posted by: rluben on October 23, 2011 9:40PM CST I thought Baptiste did a good job again this game, pretty good in run support, decent job covering the underneath stuff and made the tackles, got beat on a drag route or a slant, whichever it was, but not by much and the dude dropped it so no real harm plus it woulda been a fairly harmless gain anyways...it's not like it would have changed the outcome had he caught it. Pretty impressive for a few weeks at Corner if ya ask me.

Posted by: PT Husker on October 23, 2011 9:40PM CST Sparty makes you make mistakes then jumps on them. Blocked field goal. Blocked punt. 14 points. Poor blocking by Badgers IMO

Posted by: TomOs on October 23, 2011 9:43PM CST Trash.. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/odds has three betting .com, only one up with points, but that one has us as favs.. usually others fall in line.. doubt if we would be dogs later .. as that would be quite a move.

Posted by: Big10Fan on October 23, 2011 11:31PM CST I can't wait to hear all the boo's coming from the Husker fans next Saturday. Michigan State is going to kick the Huskers butt. 2 TD's at least.

Posted by: Red Machine on October 24, 2011 8:38AM CST There is the Big Ten Tool - how are your upset picks coming along? Who in the Big10 do you actually root for anyway? Or are you just some donkey troll? GBR

Posted by: Sabretooth on October 24, 2011 9:53AM CST If I remember correctly, Big10Fan pulls for Purdue, Ohio St, and any team that is playing Nebraska.

Posted by: Red Machine on October 24, 2011 10:27AM CST Gotcha - I am leaning towards troll. I would love to hear "the fan's" breakdown of the upcoming Big 10 games. That would be comical. GBR

Posted by: mike5790 on October 24, 2011 2:13PM CST So it's OK for the Badgers to have a night home game against Nebraska. It's OK for the Spartans to have a night home game against the Badgers. Not OK for the Huskers to get a night home game against the Spartans. B1G wins if Sparty wins on Saturday.