And Head to EDSBS...

STAT.

MAN SEES SIGNS OF FADED FOOTBALL HOPES EVERYWHERE HE LOOKS

Holy shit! I'm Neil Shurbock!

New Piece on Fanhouse

Finally wrote some thoughts on the search over at FanHouse.

Nebraska's Fate Firmly in Hands of Osborne

Leave a comment here or there or anywhere.

Take the Double Extra Points

Last Week: 5-4
Season: 68-63-1 (52%)

As Jeffie Husker indicated, in all the mayhem surrounding our coaching search, it is time to relax, sit back, and enjoy what things are important in life. Girls, gambling, and girls.

SAMMY VEGAS

California (-13) over STANFORD: How long has it been since Cal won at Oregon? In fact, they lost 5 of their last 6 games after being ranked #2 in both polls after that game. However, a win here gets them to a bowl and could possibly get these Cal students out of the tree. Note to the hippies: put your clothes on, cut your hair, and go talk to girls on campus that look like this.




Pittsburgh (+28.5) over WEST VIRGINIA: The Backyard Brawl turns 100 this year and is still one of the nastiest rivalries in all of college football. These teams despise each other more than my dates despise Rohypnol. W. Virginia will be on their way to the BCS championship but it won’t be without a little resistance from their bitter rival.




ARIZONA STATE (-6.5) over Arizona: Arizona State was embarrassed last Thursday as USC took them behind the woodshed. Arizona is off a huge win vs. Oregon at home in a game where Dennis Dixon was looking good until his knee blew up in the 1st quarter. You have to think Dennis Erickson is at least a touchdown better with superior talent at home against Mike Stoops.



Missouri (+3) over Oklahoma: This game kind of reminds me when #1 Nebraska was an 18 point underdog to #2 Florida State. This is up there as Oklahoma has 2 losses this year, ranked #9 and is giving points in a Championship game to a #1 ranked team. I know Oklahoma won the first game, but Missouri had the lead in the 4th quarter and saw a defensive scheme from Oklahoma that confused them into some costly turnovers. Beating a team in college football twice is tough and I really think the absence of OU RB Demarco Murray and a banged up QB Sam Bradford will let the Tigers finally win something in sports. And I’ll reiterate, if Missouri doesn’t win this and Ohio State gets to play again in the Championship I will eat my own vomit.

USC (-19.5) over Ucla: This is a huge revenge game for USC as UCLA cost them another National Championship as they would have had Ohio State. UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell has been told if he doesn’t win this game he is out. BREAKING NEWS!! Karl Dorrell is out. For the first time this season the USC football team has looked better than the USC Song Girls (and that’s impressive).


TIMMY ROSE

BYU -15 over SAN DIEGO STATE - Like A. Rose, we're going heavy on the Cougs this weekend. Note I said heavy ON the Cougs, not heavy Cougs. We like our Cougs light, but with a minimum of C-cups. After a lucky win (converting on 4th and 18 with under 2 minutes left), BYU finds themselves on the road matching up with the worst defense in the Mountain West. San Diego State has been calling Kevin Cosgrove for defensive strategy tips and clearly it hasn't panned out. They gave up 55 to TCU last week and it will get ugly early against a much better BYU offense. Look for the spread to be covered by half on this one.


CENTRAL FLORIDA -6.5 over Tulsa - Let me get his straight: UCF beat Tulsa 44-23 in October at home. They are playing on UCF's home field again 6 weeks later for the C-USA conference title and Tulsa's defense has gotten progressively worse. Tulsa has given up 39 points to Army (a team that will get blown out on Saturday) and 43 to Rice the last 2 weeks alone. I haven't seen a spread this off since Missouri was only a 6-point favorite over Nebraska in October. Take out a second mortgage on this one if you can and maybe you'll be back to even on your real estate investment when the Knights pummel the Golden Hurricane by 30 on Saturday.


Washington +14.5 over HAWAII - This is a classic letdown situation for the Warriors after an emotional win over Boise State last Friday night to secure the WAC title. Washington's offense will give Hawaii plenty of matchup problems, but their defense must be able to create turnovers against the Warriors to have a shot. Take the money line at +400 for the Huskies and stay up later than Robert Downey Jr. to see the end of this on on Sat night.


SUPER-SIZED BOWL EDITION COMING SOON!!!



As you can see the girls have all started making bowl game arrangements in extreme anticipation that they might somehow be featured on our long awaited, highly publicized 'DXP Bowl Special Edition(s)'. Ladies, you look lovely, but it is going to take much, much less than what you are wearing to make the cut.

Well, let's get shopping.....

Daily Coaching Search Update

· Osborne passed his recruiting test. The guy has a Ph.D. for chrissakes.

· Brian Kelly is denying contact with Nebraska

"I have had no contact with the University of Nebraska," Kelly told Cutler on 1530-AM in Cincinnati. "I have not had any contact with Nebraska nor has [AD] Mike Thomas. So just another one of those internet stories.

· Turner Gill is now being mentioned for several jobs including SMU, Washington State and now U of Houston.

· ESPN reports that Pelini’s interview didn’t go well. By contrast ESPN reports that Nebraska has narrowed its search to Gill and Pelini. Wait a minute…the Worldwide Leader in what?

· Pelini appears to have the upper hand because he’s less black than Turner Gill. That's really a shame too, because Gill speaks so well. In other news, Ted Miller's ironical fight against institutional racism is unending.

· The Heavy Soul an underrated blog from some Nebraska boys is citing its own source stating:

"Unless there are contractual snags Pelini will be hired. Therefore I won't say it's 100% because that could happen (although I believe that's already been taken care of and we will know Sunday or Monday once the SEC game is over and Bo can hop on a plane to Lincoln)."

"I will say this...TO is keeping quiet on any final decision he has made...even to those who have helped him in big ways with this search."

Daily Internet Rumors (I only wish I was kidding)
· A student by the name of Pelini is enrolled at Pius X High School for the spring semester.

· Rich Rodriguez was seen getting off Dick Robinson’s now untrackable plane in Norfolk.

· Mary Pat Pelini had her gynecological history transferred to a Lincoln physician. Not even powerful HIPAA laws can stop this madness.

The Search Continues

Apparently sometimes a team meeting, really is just a team meeting. And sometimes Howard Hawks sends his plane to Atlanta on business not involving our coaching search. Who knew?

I guess we must all be crazy.

In other news, Tom Osborne announced that he will be hitting the recruiting trail on Thursday and Friday. Does that seem strange to anybody else? I mean as much as I like seeing Tom out looking for players, what does this mean for the status of the coaching search? We have a nice supply of recruiting visits to use on uncommitted players, players that might be waivering in their committment or those that have decommitted amidst the turmoil. My question, however, is why not leave those for the new head coach once he is named? Unless of course that new coach is busy preparing for an important game (like say the SEC title game) and has sent the ageless wonder into living rooms in his place. I just don't know what to make it, what about you guys?

In other related news Turner Gill was named MAC coach of the year. Not bad for the old resume.

Also rumors swirling tonight that Osborne will interview Brian Kelly tomorrow. That would make me extremely happy if true.

All I know is I can't take another lingering one-man, veiled coaching search.
So, for God's sake LOCK IT UP already. It's been three days!

Team Meeting Tomorrow

A team meeting has been confirmed for tomorrow at 4:00 pm.

You gotta believe we're naming a new coach and letting the players know first. With Howard Hawks' plane in ATL as well things are coming together.

And yes, I still think it is Bo.

Wild Speculation on Pelini's Possible Staff

Pelini is still not a done deal as far as I know, but we certainly might be headed that way.

So, why not go way out on a limb and start talking about possible offensive coordinators. In my opinion, Pelini's hire as his OC is more important than Bo taking over as head coach.

With that being said, here's a name to chew on:

Greg Studrawa

Studrawa is currently the offensive line coach at LSU. He is an Ohio native and served as a GA at Ohio State, like Pelini. Studrawa was also the offensive line coach for Urban Meyer at Bowling Green, meaning he's a Meyer disciple who later ran a version of Meyer's spread offense after Meyer departed and he became the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green in 2003.

Here is his complete bio:

Studrawa served as the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green from 2003-06, guiding the Falcons to some of the top offenses at both the national and Mid-America Conference level during that time. He was also the assistant head coach for the Falcons during the 2006 season.

In his four years as the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green, the Falcons played in two bowl games – beating Northwestern, 28-24, in the 2003 Motor City Bowl and beating Memphis, 52-35, in the 2004 GMAC Bowl - and recorded a combined record of 30-19.

Studrawa also helped lead the Falcons to a couple of the biggest wins in school history as they beat 16th-ranked Purdue, 27-26, in 2003 and then followed that with a 34-18 victory over 12th-ranked Northern Illinois later that year.

In 2005, Studrawa led a Bowling Green offense that ranked second in the Mid-America Conference in both passing (283.9) and scoring (33.8) and was third in the league in pass efficiency (142.4) in 2005.

In 2004, BGSU finished second nationally in total offense with a MAC record 506.3 yards per game. The Falcons were also third in the nation in passing (338.3) and turnover margin (1.25), and fourth in scoring with a MAC record 44.3 points per game.

In 2004, the Falcons had four games of scoring at least 50 points as they averaged 49.4 points over their final nine games of the season. The 2004 season saw the Falcons go 9-3 overall, which included the 52-35 victory over Memphis in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Individually, quarterback Omar Jacobs was named the 2004 MAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the nation in TD passes with a league record 41. Jacobs was second in the nation in passing yards per game as well as total offense. In addition, his 41 TD to four interception passing ratio set an NCAA record. Jacobs went on to become a fifth round NFL Draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.

Studrawa also guided an offensive line that allowed a league-low 11 sacks in 2004 as three members of that interior line were named All-MAC, including left tackle Rob Warren, center Scott Mruczkowski and left guard Kory Lichtensteiger. Mruczkowski was selected in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

In his first year as Bowling Green’s offensive coordinator, Studrawa guided the Falcon offense to a No. 3 national ranking in total offense. The Falcons were also ranked 11th nationally in passing, 14th in pass efficiency and No. 18 in rushing.

The 2003 Bowling Green offense broke a total of 10 school records during the season – six team and four individual – on its way to an 11-3 overall mark, which was capped with a 28-24 win over Big Ten member Northwestern in the Motor City Bowl.

Studrawa served as the offensive line coach at Bowling Green in 2001 and 2002 before being elevated to the offensive coordinator position in 2003.

Prior to his return to Bowling Green, he spent three years as the offensive line coach at Arkansas State. Other coaching stops for Studrawa include serving as an offensive line coach at Cincinnati in 1989 and 1990 as well as holding offensive coordinator duties at Wilmington (Ohio) College from 1991-96. He followed that with a one year stint as a graduate assistant at Ohio State in 1997.

As a player, Studrawa was a two-year starter at left tackle for Bowling Green in 1986 and 1987. Studrawa was named the recipient of Bowling Green’s Coaches Award following the 1987 season for his outstanding attitude toward Falcon football. Studrawa is a 1987 graduate of Bowling Green.

A native of Fostoria, Ohio, he is a graduate of St. Wendelin High School where he was a First-Team All-Ohio selection as a senior. Born on November 3, 1964, Studwara and his wife Cindy have three children – Samantha (16), Katelin (13), and Allison (10).

The Studrawa File
Year at LSU: First (appointed Jan. 20, 2007)
Birthdate: Nov. 3, 1964, in Fostoria, Ohio
Wife: Cindy
Children: Samantha, Katelin, Allison
High School: Wendelin (Ohio) High School
College: Bowling Green, ‘87

Coaching Experience
1989-90 Cincinnati (assistant offensive line)
1991-96 Wilmington (offensive coordinator)
1997 Ohio State (graduate assistant – offense)
1998-2000 Arkansas State (offensive line)
2001-06 Bowling Green (offensive line, 2001-02; offensive coordinator/offensive line, 2003-05; assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, 2006

It's virtually impossible to speculate on Pelini's staff and my guesses on assistant coaches have been way off in the past. But if I'm going to waste time tracking planes I might as well take the next step.

Bo Gets His Interview?

A flight from Lincoln is currently enroute to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The plane is scheduled to arrive in Baton Rouge at 3:23 pm. The plane is registered to NORFOLK IRON & METAL CO (NORFOLK NE) and is rumored to be owned by a university trustee.

You can track the details of the flight here.

Update - Dick Robinson, President of Norfolk Iron and Metal is indeed a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee.

Update - The plane touched down at 3:10 pm CST. Oh, and the mainstream media has now jumped on the story.

Update - The plane is now scheduled to depart for Fulton County Airport (Atlanta, GA) around 4:45 pm. Atlanta is of course home to the search firm of Baker-Parker and Associates.

A poster on HuskersIllustrated named BHein da huskers stated the following earlier today:

know how this trip is going down....

flying to batton rouge today picking up Bo and spending the night in atlanta. Tom, Perlman, Bo, his agent, and the firm are going to meet togther again on monday and there could be, Not for sure but COULD be a press confrence on Tuesday.

Looks like he's plugged in to the situation. Stay tuned.

Update - Still headed to ATL, but now it will arrive at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport.

Update - Ok, so is Pelini in ATL with Osborne and Pearlman or was he simply interviewed on the tarmac in Baton Rouge? The answer likely depends on if it's already been determined that Pelini is the guy. My take is that if he's in ATL he's our new head coach. If he's still in Baton Rouge does that mean other candidates will be flying into ATL for interviews?

Well, That's Over

An ugly season ended in predictable fashion on Friday and Callahan was ousted on Saturday morning.

I slept through the press conference and only learned Callahan had been officially fired when the computer I was using while out of town opened to the headline on the Yahoo! homepage.

I've stayed out of the coaching search speculation simply because I'm leery. No candidate really knocks my socks off. In my minds eye I really have a hard time picturing most of them standing on the Nebraska sideline. Truthfully, that's no different than I felt 4 years ago. If I had to rank my Top 3, I'd go Brian Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, Bo Pelini.

But, Pelini sounds like close to a done deal. Honestly, he'll have to win me over. He could go a long ways toward that by hiring Chip Kelly away from Oregon as his offensive coordinator. Kelly developed his attacking style at New Hampshire, but certainly impressed me with his ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. I'd like to think he could have fun with some of the talent that I believe exists in Lincoln. Pelini's second move should be to sit down with Ndamukong Suh, encourage him to stay, find out what winds his motor and explain that he can become next year's version of Glen Dorsey.

The bottom line is that Husker Nation has another exciting offseason to look forward to. I expect a few surprises. Some early departures to the NFL. A number of transfers from unhappy campers and quite a few position changes.

Let's just hope it's a lot longer than four years before we have to go through this again.

Colorado Gameday Open Thread

Every year this game manages to mean something. This year bowl-eligibility rests on the outcome, while the end of the Callahan era probably does not.

Follow the action in the comments thread.

GO BIG RED!

Take the Double Extra Points: XL Turkey Day Edition

Last Week: 5-4
Season: 63-59-1 (52%)

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your stuffed Turkey....



I would love some, but I decided to join her for a Thanksgiving feast...



SAMMY VEGAS

Boise State (+4) over HAWAII: This is a huge game as these two are playing for a WAC conference championship and Colt Brennan is still trying to keep his Heisman hopes alive – on a rare national television appearance. Boise State has won 6 in a row against Hawaii and has beaten almost every common opponent this year by more. However, Boise does have to travel to paradise and if they are anything like us here at DXP, they will probably be doing to the walk of shame to the Hula Bowl all the while still being drunk. I still like ‘em.

BOSTON COLLEGE (-14) over Miami: Talking about settling up. I myself think I have settled up less at last call than Miami has on their season so far – uh, well let’s not go that far. Miami has given up 44 and 48 points their last two and has lost their last 5 of 6 games. BC is playing for a ACC championship game berth and coming off a big win at Clemson, QB Ryan will continue to impress.

Missouri (+2.5) over KANSAS: How bad is Kansas kicking themselves in the ass for moving this game from Lawrence to Kansas City? I am a huge Mangyro fan and I mean huge, but this game is where the Crispy Creme buffet catches up. After watching Missouri this season I am a believer that they are littered with NFL talent on both sides of the ball. Having one of these teams possibly go play in a football championship will be like...uh....watching your sisters kiss?

Louisiana-Monroe (-2.5) over LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE: I couldn’t go the last week without taking a UL-(M or L) game. Problem is they play each other. It went to a vote, and in a 2-1 majority decision these ladies took ULM.



Cincinnati (-20) over SYRACUSE: The Orange is allowing over 44 points/game at home this year, their offensive line has given up 43 sacks, and is being outgained by almost 200 yards/game. Cincinnati leads the NCAA in takeaways with 38 and coming off a tough loss at home vs. W. Virginia, look for them to send Orange coach Greg Robinson next to Callahan in the unemployment line.


NORTH CAROLINA (-14) Duke: Thanks to Duke laying down for Notre Dame, we still have Timmy Rose on the DXP pick ‘em. If that doesn’t tell how bad Duke is, take into account they have outgained one opponent all year in total yards. Butch Davis has UNC headed in the right direction with more young, future talent than a Hannah Montana concert. I’m just saying…

Nebraska (+4.5) over COLORADO: Note to the Blackshirts: Win this one and consider this one on me.
TIMMY ROSE

South Carolina (+3) over Clemson - Clemson is a bigger betting tease than your favorite stripper at 20's in O-town. Just when you think they're on a roll, they give up big 4th quarter plays and can't score a TD in 3 downs from the 2 yard-line. This is a big let down situation for the Tigers and South Carolina has played much better competition this year. We'll take the ball coach at home as a dog in this one.

Hawaii-Boise State OVER (74) - This game will be for the WAC title and a probable BCS bowl berth. Both teams will pull out all the stops in this one and you can expect Colt Brennan will try to go for 4 quarters. Boise won last year's game 41-34 as a 14 point home favorite where both teams combined for almost 1000 yards of total offense. While both teams have improved on the defensive side of the ball this year, we expect the winning team to put up at least 45 points on the islands or roughly the same number of beers that A Rose expects to put down on Friday and Saturday morning alone.


Miami, OH (+2.5) over Ohio - The Redhawks need a win in Athens to qualify for the MAC title game while Ohio is playing for a .500 record and pride. Frank Solich has been calling Cosgrove for defensive schemes lately as the Bobcats' D has given up almost 35 points per game in the last 5 and completely fell apart in last week's 48-37 loss at Akron. This pick should also serve as a reminder to all of you DXPers to have a safe Thanksgiving weekend and call a cab if you resemble Frank The Tank holding a microphone next to Snoop Dog.

And finally, join DXP and this guy during the Colorado game for an open thread as the Independence Bowl and Shawn Watson era looms.

Colorado Week

So Callahan's swan song takes place on Friday, but I'm taking the week off to give thanks and stuff. I'll throw a gameday open thread up, and might be around at kickoff depending upon the wireless access status at the future in-laws' place. Until then you can go back in time to a year ago and my Birth of a Rivalry series which traced the origins of our "rivalry" with CU. Click on the links below to access the stories.

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI

You can also check out a pretty nice account of a Husker fan's trek to the KSU game. It's a lengthy read that highlights the origins of his love for the Huskers and also includes some damn fine pictures from the game.

Friday Conversation Starter

It's been a long week and with a bye on Saturday, let's throw some guys under the bus form some humble opinions about this year's team.

First up?

Biggest Surprise:

No one jumps out at me as having a Corey McKeon-type 2005 breakout year, but we can come up with something.

1. Alex Henery
Everyone expected Adi Kunalic to be our field goal star in 2007, but it's been the walkon that has stolen the spotlight. Henery has yet to miss on a kick in 2007. He's 8/8 on FGs and 40/40 on XP tries. Henery also earns bonus points for trying his best to fill out Adam Carriker's #90 jersey this season.

2. Zach Potter
Potter makes the list simply because I expected so little from him. All he's done so far is become our most consistent defensive lineman. I apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Potter for my low expectations.

3. Joe Ganz
I honestly expected Ganz to get a shot at some point in the season given Keller's injury history. I did not expect him to shine the way he has the past two weeks. If you had told me that by the Colorado game I'd have a better sense of Nebraska's 2008 QB than Nebraska's 2008 head coach, I'd definitely would have chuckled nervously.

4. Marlon Lucky's Health
I certainly doubted that Lucky could become a workhorse in 2007. He's certainly carried the load for us this season and has put up some damn fine numbers. Even more surprising in my eyes, however, is that he seems to be playing his best football late in the year. That's not what you'd exect from a running back who has taken the pounding Lucky's taken this season.

Biggest Disappointment
I'd look to put everybody under this heading, but I'll try to single out a few special folks.

1. Corey McKeon
He's #1 and it's not even close. He's been so bad I can't even put it into words.

2. Matt Slauson
This guy was on numerous preseason All-Big 12 teams including my own. My eyes, however, tell me that he's taken a step back from the end of his freshman year.

3. Carl Nicks
Much of what I said about Slauson applies here as well. I thought Nicks might play his way into the first round of the NFL Draft, but he's been inconsistent and doesn't dominate like he should.

4. Safety Play
Every year I think the play of our safeties has to get better. Every year I'm let down. Asante has shown some flashes but is often out of position, whiffs on big hits and looks to be a linebacker rather than a safety. Perhaps a new coaching staff will agree with me on that. Tierre Green is still Tierre Green. The play last week where the KSU running back reversed field and Green did everything he could to avoid getting near him will be forever etched in my memory. He'll get a shot at the NFL, however, purely based on his measureables. Scary huh?

So, I'm hoping you guys feel like playing along, add your thoughts in the comments.

Take the Double Extra Points

Last Week: 3-5
Season: 58-55-1 (52%) ouch!!!

VOTE 4 T.O.!!!!

Make sure to get your votes into ESPN for the Best College Football Coach poll and vote for Tom Osborne. He’s already winning with, like, 99.9% of the vote as he should. (if that link doesn't work just go to the 'Special Section' to find the poll)

Also, make sure to get your votes in for the Best College Football Picks and vote for us. Just go to.....ummm....ummm...i'll let you know next week. I know. I know. You read the columns for the articles and not the pictures. I don't, but anyways here you go...

SAMMY VEGAS

KANSAS (-26) over Iowa State: Let’s face it, if this is LSU or Oregon at home in this one the spread is > 40. Game after game Kansas is devouring opponents. Surprisingly, Iowa State has won their last 2 – but those were against Colorado and Kansas State at home. (Note to Husker fans: K. State beat Colorado 47-20.) Plus, there is no such thing as BCS pounds - just points. (insert weekly Mangino is fat pick)



GEORGIA (-7.5) over Kentucky: Kentucky is staying in games only because past Heisman hopeful QB Woodson has kept them in it all the while going 2-3 the last 5. Georgia has done more scoring the past 3 weeks than I could do in 3 weeks at the Bunny Ranch, which unless I had my Viagra and Orange Juice I could probably stand a chance. The Bulldogs need this for a possible SEC championship and should roll here with UK banged up as bad as Dr. D’s 18 year old students that dare to step in his office for office hours.

BUFFALO (+1) over Bowling Green: Buffalo is 3-0 straight up and ATS this year at home vs. the MAC and believe it or not, still can go to the championship game with help from Miami, OH. This stat is all you need: Against common opponents, BG is 1-3 and Buffalo 4-0 (covering all 4 ATS). Bottom line (and be scared or happy NU) Coach Gill continues to rise his stock by the game.

CLEMSON (-7) over Boston College: Never thought I would see the day Tommy Bowden wins the ACC but I am a believer after watching his last 4. Miracles happen – ask Big Head as Missouri is in a football conference championship race in November. In all honesty though, Clemson’s girl are sooo much hotter and that is what really matters here.


W. Virginia (-6) over CINCINNATI: W. Virginia is like Mike McDermott from Rounders – 'you just keep hangin’ around'. Cincinnati destroyed, destroyed UCONN last week but has lost 2 out the last 4 against a bad Pitt team and a bad Louisville team. However, since WVU lost that Thursday night game at S. Florida where they were up against the world, they have dominated and are sitting good for a high BCS bid. They weren't quite as dominate as these two strippers in pink, who were on my toilet, and had my ATM card.

Ul-lafayette (-4) over FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: I don’t know, why not? How about a picture of a hot girl to persuade you?



TIMMY ROSE

CENTRAL MICHIGAN (-13) over Eastern Michigan – This is a match-up of the MAC’s best offense vs. one of its worst, in Eastern Michigan. While I don’t normally like to bet on colleges that I didn’t know existed until I met Sammy Vegas, watching Eastern Michigan’s pathetic offense will be like having a helmet cam on Dr. D at the Playboy Mansion. You’ll definitely feel sorry for the spectators in this one as Central will be up 21 by half and even the Vegas casinos will be cashing CMU bets after the 3rd quarter.

Oklahoma – TEXAS TECH OVER (66) - There might be more scoring in this game than in the Arizona State Theta house on a Saturday night. Mike Leach is angry after the hometown Austin officials screwed him more often than Charlie Sheen called Heidi Fleiss in the 90’s. He will hold nothing back in this one as the Red Raiders are already bowl eligible and looking for a single signature win this season. Meanwhile, Bob Stoops may have the best QB in the Big XII and that is saying a lot. Bradford and Co. might put up 50 points themselves in this one and we’re guessing there will be over 100 passes thrown in this game and almost as many points.

NOTRE DAME (-6) over Duke – I know what you’re thinking – haven’t I already learned my lesson betting on Lardass from Stand By Me and his merry band of underachievers? Well, the answer is no. Watching this game could be more painful than suffering through an episode of The Biggest Loser (also on the shittiest network in the planet). However, if there is one rule in college football gambling, it is betting against Duke which is better than Mark Grace’s fat-chick slump buster. This time I am serious, I will quit giving DXP picks for the rest of the season if Notre Dame does not cover this one.

Timmy Rose - don't let that girl bite you too hard in the ass there. We need you for the bowl season (just no guarantees).

Random Huskers in College All-Star Game Highlights

1996 Hula Bowl



#18 Brook Berringer
#26 Clinton Childs
#7 Tyrone Williams
#9 Tony Veland
#41 Phil Ellis

1997 Senior and Hula Bowls



Senior Bowl:
Michael Booker, DB, 22
Chris Dishman, OL, 75
Mike Minter, DB, 10
Jared Tomich, DL, 95
Jamel Williams, DB, 28

Hula Bowl:
Brian Schuster, FB, 28

1999 Senior Bowl



#84 DE Mike Rucker
#57 DE Chris Kelsay
#99 DT Jason Wiltz
#34 FB Joel Makovicka

2002 Hula Bowl



#7 QB/WR Eric Crouch

Sam Keller vs. Tim Tebow

Why would we talk about Sam Keller vs. Joe Ganz at this point. It's irrelevant. Let's talk Keller and Tebow. For all you youngsters, start working on that fade route. Clearly it pays to be a college a quarterback.

Sam Keller's girlfriend is model hot.



Tim Tebow's lady friend is not so bad herself.

A Letter to Husker Nation from Dr. D

Dr. D has been a little busy tagging 19-year-olds with academic pursuits, but here is his most recent DXP offering.

Dear Nebraska,

My cause for writing is that I believe Husker Nation is at a pivotal point in its history. Nebraska’s recent on-field struggles have definitely taken their toll on the collective esteem of Nebraska fans around the world. Nebraska fans’ discontent has grown vociferous enough to label us as the “best fair-weather fans in America”. As a fan living outside of the microscope, I still follow with great interest matters large and small with Big Red. Although I left the state after graduation, I still hold my Nebraska identity in high regard. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Lincoln and fully experience the 60-3 run of the mid-90’s. And, after leaving the state in 1999, I’ve been forced to re-evaluate my loyalty with NU time and time again living in the heart of Big 10 country. I have never once been ashamed to wear the Scarlet and Cream. I invariably argue to Husker-haters that Nebraska fans are different; Who else has sold out over 250 straight games?; Nebraska fans expect excellence, but are gracious in defeat. A tradition that sets NU apart is the standing ovation given to opposing players as they leave the field for a game well played—regardless of who won. Husker fans are quick to recognize holding, fumbles and illegal procedures. I recall national commentators calling NU fans the most knowledgeable in college football—and NU fans retorting with their own wit—the ‘N” on our helmets represented Knowledge. Callahan has failed us, but we shouldn’t dwell on obvious matters. We are Nebraska—a state isolated from resource and strategic advantages, but nonetheless one that has produced some of the best football this country has ever known. Far be it from me to ‘cut and run’—I plan on relishing the next Husker national title knowing I never lost the faith all along. Ask yourself: Are you ‘N’ as well? Go Big Red!

So let us all bury the venom and negativity and see what happens for the last game (or two). Let’s beat Colorado and then pack our bags for Shreveport. I hear the mid-Southern plains are breath-taking in late December.

Dr. D.

BlogPoll Ballot Draft

Rank	Team	Delta
1	LSU	2
2	Oregon	--
3	Kansas	3
4	Oklahoma	--
5	Missouri	--
6	Ohio State	5
7	West Virginia	--
8	Arizona State	1
9	Georgia	1
10	Southern Cal	2
11	Texas	6
12	Florida	3
13	Virginia Tech	--
14	Clemson	5
15	Virginia	6
16	Boston College	8
17	Boise State	1
18	Illinois	8
19	Tennessee	4
20	Cincinnati	6
21	Connecticut	7
22	Hawaii	2
23	Kentucky	2
24	Brigham Young	2
25	Wisconsin	1

Dropped Out: Michigan (#11), Auburn (#16), Alabama (#22), California (#24).

I'm of the school of thought that if Kansas wins out they should be and will be in the BCS title game. Until then, it is tough to ignore their nonconference slate and the fact that they miss OU and Texas. LSU and Oregon are a toss up, but I like LSU's defense so they have the top spot. USC is a sneaky two-loss team. The shine is certainly off the Trojans, but I have a hard time naming 10 teams I'd less like to play. From about #11 on, your guess is as good as mine. Some teams seem to be improving, while others are fading. But teasing out which teams are better will probably have to wait until bowl season.

Anyway, let's hear some feedback.