JJ Husker

Ok. I got me a French dress and I look absolutely ridiculous in it. And, what does what I'm wearing have to do with how my coffee tastes? Seriously though, I'm going to have to try this French press thing. I'm not really a coffee snob but being a home beer brewer, I know what kind of difference a little care and effort can make in a beverage. I will say our home coffee maker is a Braun, we grind our own beans (blade grinder), and I really like using Starbucks House Blend Coffee. That is plenty good enough for me and it beats the hell out of what we do at work, pre-ground Folgers in a Bunn commercial double carafe machine. That really isn't terrible until it sits on the burner a bit too long, then it'll put hair on your chest. The wife is convinced she wants one of these K cup Keurig thingamajigs. Probably not bad for her as she likes foo foo stuff one cup at a time.

I read this kind of thing every week and just don't understand it at all. I think the people who want Nebraska to be a "run first" offense manage to forget that our running game also gets stuffed from time to time, especially when opposing defenses think we're going to run. We fumble the ball as much or more than we throw interceptions. When we get four yards rushing on the first two downs, a passing play isn't the same as abandoning the run. If it surprises you when we throw on first down, it might surprise the defense, too. Also, we didn't abandon the run. We rarely do. I honestly don't know what games you're watching. In the second half against MSU we came back with a bomb to Kenny Bell and a trap play to Imani Cross. Everything is great when it works. Our pass plays do not fail with any more regularity than our running plays. Nebraska has 463 rushes for a 5.2 yard average. We have 289 passing attempts for a 6.9 yard average. We average 440 yards a game. A run and pass mix, each benefitting from the other. And I know how much people like the stat that says how often Nebraska wins when we rush for over 200 yards. But that's going to be true with almost every team. When the running game is working, it means everything is working. It means you can keep it on the ground, tire out the opposing D, and nail them with a pass when they least expect it. But because every team in all of football would love to do that, it means defenses try to stop the run first, too. When we don't get 200 yards rushing it doesn't always mean we're not running the ball enough. It means the running game isn't working. Guy- You read way more into that than what I actually said. I don't have a problem with throwing the ball and I don't have a problem throwing it on any down. But, I do have a problem when we go pass "only" at points in games, when the run has been effective and there is still time on the clock to not have to go strictly pass. Also, when we get to the point where we have to pass (or are going pass only), based on what I have seen of RKIII and TA, I would prefer we go with RKIII. It has happened numerous times, so I am not sure what games you are watching to not see this. For example; TM in the Minnesota game. He had been highly ineffective passing the whole game but they kept using him like a pocket passer (square peg in round hole) for the whole game. And, I would have to watch the MSU game again (which I'm not going to do) but there were 1 or 2 series late 3rd or 4th quarter, where they had TA pretty darned pass happy and it didn't work out too well. I realize not every series is going to work out but it struck me as a bit panicky and totally not required at the time. Personally, I think they should have stuck with a more balanced attack but, if they wanted to go primarily through the air, then they should have put RKIII in for those series. I think we have all seen enough of TA to know he currently has some limitations and "problems" in the passing game. Basically, it was just more of the "go away from what is working" syndrome that Beck is becoming known for. This season is littered with examples of it. He was better about it in the MSU game but, it did rear it's ugly head at probably the most inopportune time.

The OP pretty much echoes my sentiments also. This loss didn't bother me as much or for the usual reasons. That's not to say it didn't hurt, I mean five turnovers is plenty ridiculous but, the difference, for me anyway, was that it did not seem to be induced by the coaches or lack of preparation/effort/motivation. These kids kept fighting and had opportunity to turn it around until late in the game. Turnovers are bad but, when it's freshmen and guys playing guard that are usually centers etc., I guess it makes it easier to accept. The hardest part about the loss was that I did not feel MSU was a very good team. Their vaunted defense didn't cause those fumbles and the pick. We were able to move the ball on them with relative ease (when we weren't fumbling it away). And, our defense really played a darned good game. It wasn't like they earned those short field scores they got, we gave them to them. So, I guess it hurt because we gave it away on turnovers rather than them being the better team. I will say that there were still two recurring issues dealing with the coaching staff. 1- Special teams is still pathetic and needs attention. We can't keep ignoring such a major part of the game and hope it never factors into outcomes. Not only is it hurting us at times, it is almost never a benefit. I wonder what an actual 20 or 30 yard punt return or a blocked punt even looks like anymore. 2- I think Beck went a little Watson, again. We were having success moving the ball on the ground but that, once again, got abandoned a bit prematurely for some pass happy series. I don't think either one of these two issues changes the outcome of a game where we turn it over 5 times but, there are issues Bo needs to deal with. I guess I am reserving judgment until I see how we do in these next 2 or 3 games and how some of these things that can be directly attributed to preparation and coaching come along. It may matter little if the wheels have already been set in motion but I'm back on the "give it a bit more time" bus for now.

I felt after the Minny game and tapegate that it was time for Bo to win something of substance or be gone. I've softened my stance a bit, because it is hard to hold him accountable through all these injuries and most importantly because I have seen this team come out and play with heart and not give up for about three straight games. I still feel there are significant parts of the HC job that Bo is not getting done; special teams, on going suspect play calling from his OC, and some deficiences in fundamentals such as tackling. But I have been happy overall with the defenses improvement over the past two games. Anyway- what I think will happen? I actually think he is already done and knows it. I have no inside info, only my observations of his demeanor and mannurisms. He seems almost resigned and joyless. I started sensing this with the hail mary victory and I have seen more of the same these last two games. It might just be me but that's what I think.

Personally I'm getting tired of hearing what nice fans and gracious hosts we are, after getting our asses kicked yet again on the field of play. The doormat at the entry of my house is nice and welcoming too.

I don't understand the choice. Winning against MSU would have given us the opportunity to play tOSU. So the question really is; would you rather beat tOSU and go to the CCG, or lose to MSU and not go? Maybe I'm slow but I don't get it.

Not sure what I can add to this. This staff has simply given up trying to get any benefit from ST. And this disinterested, do the safe thing approach has translated to it being a huge negative factor. It's almost as if they've got their hands full with offense and defense issues and simply never find or make the time to work on ST in practice. I don't have any idea if that is true, but that's sure what it looks like on Saturdays. It's quite pathetic and should be viewed as unacceptable. There are some things that fall more on player execution and experience and then there are other things that have to be placed directly at the coaches feet. Our abysmal special teams play is one that is directly attributable to coaching. I can already hear the whines that "but the coaches can't catch the punts for them". That is a cop out. The coaches have got to make sure they have the correct personnel and that they work on it until it is not a liability. ST has been a significant liability for Nebraska.

I learned absolutely nothing about this team that I didn't already know. I learned at least a few more posters have reached the breaking point with Bo and/or Beck and/or Paps. I learned that some posters will never ever hold this staff accountable for what the players do or fail to do on the field of play. I had it confirmed that our special teams is in shambles and has been doing nothing but getting worse. I learned that to be considered the number one defense in the country, all it takes is an easy schedule, with teams who are willing to beat themselves, and the ability to not screw that situation up. I was not impressed with MSU but I give them all the credit in the world for not f'ing up like we did.

Post some pics ya bunch of lushes.

I agree that Beck is integral to our hopes today. He has to be patient and be willing to check his ego and stay with the plan. Most important, if something is working...........STAY with it until they prove they can stop it. Yes, with Beck, it is probably more important that he recognize what is working and stick with it. That should be a given but........

I've got quite a few hopes for today but the biggest is that Beck has a game plan and makes logical adjustments to it as required. The others all pertain to winning field position and sustaining drives.

I dont make it in here often but Sir Jameson is kicki g my ass tonight.

If you're expecting me to defend the churches position on condoms, I've got bad news far ya. It is one of the many issues I disagree with. I get it on abortion. I get it on contraceptive method that takes place post contraception. And I get the admonitions against sex outside of wedlock but I don't get their position against being able to prevent contraception with the added benefit of preventing std's. But I digress. My point was that the church (the Pope, whatever) is not telling people abstinence is better than condoms at preventing std's. They aren't passing it off as some scientific finding, it is simply part of their belief structure to avoid unmarried sex and the use of contraceptives. The vast majority of Catholics ignore the churches instructions on the use of contraceptives. I find it odd that they can be blamed for an Aids epidemic in Africa given that most followers of that religion ignore it and that many in Africa are not even Catholic. If I'm sick or have an ailment that requires a doctor or medical attention, why would I ignore them and choose to listen to the views of a religious leader instead?

Yep after Lou left, we went undefeated vs the state of Michign twice, in 15 attempts. Do you have the option of putting in a benched former starter at qb? Absolutely we do. Taylor Barktinez get over here. And wash that green paint off your toes.

I was thinking about making the trip from Colorado just to meet some of you bums but my parole officer advised against it if there was any chance at all that PaulCrewe might be there. Guess I'll have to watch the game on TV now.

I hesitate to enter this discussion but this is just flat out wrong. Abstinence is absolutely a better, more sure method, of preventing STD's than condoms are. Now if a person doesn't actually abstain, then yes, it's a problem. But to say they have blood on their hands is over doing it. If that is true then anyone who isn't walking around Africa, handing out condoms, and educating the people how to stop the transmission of aids, also has blood on their hands.

Special teams likely will play a huge role in this game, be it punt returns, punting, or any aspect of the kicking game. IMO we need to win on special teams and turnovers to have a chance. Our D should be fine if we can maintain some reasonable field position but, if we start giving them short field looks, it could be a long day. And our O is going to need all the help they can get against that MSU defense. Would really love to see us perform well in the punting game (kicks & returns) for once this season.

Great post. My feelings exactly. I have vacillated so much on this one game. Earlier in the season I was not worried about MSU at all. It seems every year we've been in the B1G their defense is over hyped pre and early season and then we ended up handling them fine. Now, as this current season has progressed, our offense has not been as prolific as I thought it would be, we've suffered devastating injury loses on our line, to WR's, and to TM, and our defense which started out badly has shown some real progress the past 2 weeks but, our depleted, under performing offense seems no match for their defense. But as I look at who they've actually played and their results, it seems that possibly they've acquired those defensive stats at the hands of some less than stellar opponents. The scary thing is, I no longer have any feeling of how our team will actually perform. My gut tells me this might be the break through game we've been waiting for. Problem is, every time I have THAT feeling these past few years, that is when reality slaps me upside the head. There is absolutely no outcome that would surprise me. Blowout win, blowout loss, close game, well played, poorly played...... I need a hug.

I agree. The keys to this game will be protecting the ball, keeping our D fresh, and creating turnovers. We don't have to score a lot to win but we will at least have to sustain some drives to gain some field position and rest our D. Beck is going to have to call a great game and we absolutely have to win on turnovers.

Happy Birthday! Have a cold one, you've earned it (I think?).