Stickney

And as far as game changing -- 0:01. Even as a husker fan, it is clear that there was still time on the clock when the ball landed out of bounds. If we can trust that the video is perfectly in sync. And if Beebe was in control . . . .

Bill Snyder is proof that it ain't all simply Jimmies and Joes. However, K-State is talented. Klein is very good at what he is asked to do. I agree with the post about the spectrum difference between 3 star and 4 and many 5 star rated. There have been few players in recent memory that were simply better (faster, stronger, bigger) than NU's talent. ESPN loves to say "speed, speed, speed" but it simply isn't that simple at this level. I will say, when Adrian Peterson came to town in 2005 he was the one and only player I have seen that simply looked like a man among boys. And, at times, he looks that way in the NFL. In that game he carried one of the Bullock brothers like 30 yards.

First, the MSU call and the PSU call could easily have gone the other way. However, the MSU call was as much to do with a very chippy game and what looked during the action like a purposeful PI. As far as the penalty on the Int return -- go watch some NU games in the Big 12 again and I think you will see lots of jobbed calls like that (Eric Martin stepped on the field and a flag was thrown. Suh could have been lassoed and tied to Ralphy and no holding call would have been called). As far as PSU -- look, the replay official has to see incontrovertible video evidence. That grainy video they replayed was inconclusive. I think it looks like the PSU TE is juggling the ball earlier and that it is impossible to determine when the ball is loose. At any rate, I think the on-field call of fumble was confirmed, just had an on-field call of TD been confirmed. That is how the game should be played. And as far as game changing -- 0:01.

Cross did fine. The blocking was adequate. For the life of me I don't understand Pelini's love of the telegraphed short yardage run. Cross has been more effective than Marrow though, so I will give them that. I hold out hope for the play action or the naked boot, but I suspect when they finally do use that wrinkle the opponent will sniff it out for a sack or an interception.

The OFFICIATING??? Seriously??? How soon ya'll forget -- The Big XII officiating was TERRIBLE. And the last go round was atrocious if not corrupt. B1G officiating has been at least consistent, if a bit nit-picky. And yes I used "ya'll". It's a useful term when used judiciously.

The institution that pays me just did something similar. They decided their simple logo needed updating (read: they want to sell more apparel). What they did was opt to take the mascot, and sorta make it an anime cartoon thing with really "mean" looking eyes. Ooooh, scary. I was not impressed. When I mentioned this to someone on the design team, I discovered he created it. Ooops.

You are. And it AiN't. ;)

I find it highly ironic when someone uses Nick Saban as a point of reference in defending Bo. Using the "at least Bo's not Nick Saban" really doesn't make Bo look any better. Look, this question was in somewhat poor taste. But honestly, there are a lot of NU fans that have found Bo's behavior boorish. I think Bo has worked on his demeanor. The point of inquiry that the team is a reflection of the coach is valid. Bo's teams have remained undisciplined and up and down. If and when Bo is able to solve some of those little things will determine whether he can win championships or not.

Ok, I will give Bo a slight bit of credit. Clearly his initial reaction is exactly what the caller is asking him about -- he's IMMEDIATELY hot and wants to punch the guy. After a few seconds Bo calms down and answers far better than the cliche "run through the wall" garbage -- essentially, I am what I am, take it our leave it (though I've tried to be better than I was). He'd have sounded even better if he'd have said that he'd still like to evaluate the kids tape so send it in, haha.

First, MSU and NU is NOT going to be a friendly rivalry. I don't know why that is, but you can just sense that these 2 teams are going to have some very chippy battles. MSU looks to be coached to be very physical and to try to get in the oppenent's head by "playing through the whistle." If I faced NU and looked at tape I'd probably do something similar trying to guage how "soft" they are. And frankly, at times NU has looked soft. With that said, there is a great quote by a 1960s football player that goes something like "I did things on the football field that they would have thrown me in the cooler for anywhere else." Having played a lot of football, and despite coming from a fairly boring, law abiding family, and being mild mannered I can still honestly say that I completely, and utterly understand that quote.

Look, if you sit in East and West stadium the stadium can seem downright quiet. I've been there. I've been told to sit down. But, acoustics being what they are, it can seem quiet. Now, South and North stadium -- that is a different story. It remains consistently loud in both ends throughout the game. Hears hoping the East stadium expansion keeps some of the noise from North and South stadiums focused on the field.

Yep. That. Turnovers, Tackling, and Third-down conversion. If NU plays clean football they are the better team.

I think Beck has been and will continue to be pretty solid. Even early on when there were struggles, if you watched the tape the issue was more often than a real execution issue (missed block, run-by a block, mis-read on pass, late pass) as opposed to simply a poorly designed play or play call. I realize this type of offense, not unlike the option, does risk turnovers. But, if NU could ever really limit turnovers, this offense will be be even more lethal.

Bowl projections in early November make election predictions look like cold hard rock solid accurate facts. An NU Rose Bowl birth would be great. But there are 2 winnable games left and 2 slobber knockers (PSU/CCG) if NU is lucky, so much can happen. If they do get to Pasedena, the first option would be a Pac-12 opponent. But I imagine the Rose wouldn't be to super upset if things work out and they are "forced" to select Oklahoma.

ISU was often not any good and they gave NU fits. But I agree, IA and MN need NU to beat itself. Which I think we can agree remains a distinct possibility based on history. But first, PSU.

Very good. I grew up despising OU. And now, my old competitiveness has mellowed and I generally root for them. Would love to see a longer contract, but I understand the realities of that proposition.

Knapp, On the surface this is true. But, despite the newness of this B1G slate, ALL 3 of these games are annual grudge-fests. If you have any doubts look at the NW, Mich, and MSU games again. Those were ALL slobber knockers. It ain't as wild and crazy as the B12, but those were some hard hitting slug fests. As was evidenced in all three of those games ANY thing can happen. These 3 games look like a run of Ok St, Kansas, and Kansas State (or insert whatever B12 slate suits your fancy). I have little doubt NU should win, but those other 3 teams are unlikely to roll-over. Should be entertaining.

This is a game there for the taking for NU. Limit turnovers, show up to play, and play clean and NU can win this game. But, PSU isn't terrible. I'd argue that NU is the hardest road game and probably 2nd best foe they have faced (outside OSU). However, after the Mich and MSU slobber knockers. NU is beat up and a nick or two away from getting really thin across the board quickly. Plus, I don't know that NU fans are terribly "thrilled" by PSU being the annual "cross-over" game, but PSU may look at this game differently. Who knows. NU can and should win. But PSU certainly is no slouch.

If T-Mart can figure out how to curtail the turnovers he very well could be "championship" great. However, he remains a roller coaster. High risk, high reward. Against the best competition he has had struggles. BUT, he continues to improve. So, we shall see. First things first, win Saturday and then against MN and IA.

Turnovers. History shows that NU continues to play with fire with all of the turnovers. Eventually it will burn you (OSU/UCLA). If NU limits turnovers they are very hard to beat. The pressure is entirely on NU. So far they have played reasonably well with the self-placed "win out" pressure, so I hope they remain focused and fighting on Saturday.

Turnovers are key (this is generally tied to T-Mart's performance as well). If NU can play a reasonably clean game (no penalties, blown coverages, turnovers) they have a solid chance. This has the look of a slobber-knocker.

Next year's schedule is favorable. Have to beat UCLA. As far as writer's -- Nebraska has several solid mentions (Shatel, Sipple, Chatelain, McKweon, Barfnecht, etc, Sherman b4 he left for the mothership). Back to this year -- the remaining schedule has 3 pro-style offenses (MSU, PSU, IA) -- or at least QBs that are not scary running threats. I don't know what MN is up to. Should be a good road for the DBs to show just how far they have come.

As others hinted, it is great the DBs are playing better and better, however, the downside remains, is the learning curve so steep that it takes 2+ seasons to replace a starter?

I think it is fair to say that in the past decade Nebraska has not done particularly well when they are in the driver's seat for getting to the CCG. There are 3 division games and the 1 cross-over game left. None are gimmees. None. * MSU should scare you. This game sits squarely on the NU offense. If they can be effective, then win. If the O struggles, then it is turnovers, field position, and special teams and thus, a coin flip. * PSU -- home game. Very hard to predict which PSU or NU team shows up. * Minn -- As long as NU doesn't perform like they often did against Ia St, all should be fine. * IA -- if IA is 6-5 and NU 9-2, who knows. If IA is 7-4 and NU 8-3 who knows.

Also -- Abdullah is playing well. Wanting to see more Heard isn't a critique of him. He's played well.