JGS30

It's not the only factor, on that I completely agree. However, it is an important factor. I'm not meaning to single you out. If you say the replacements for your starters are better, so be it. That said, others have said that NU's line will be worse due to replacing the right side, and that the replacements can't be as good. It doesn't work both ways. P.S. nice to see you man up. Only took you half a year! I agree about the O-line talk. It does work both ways. All I know is that the KU line can't get any worse than it was last year. Reesing was running for his life all year long. If the line is anywhere near what it was in 2007, look out. He'll have an even better year than last year. Saunders, now that I've manned up, can you please remove your quotes?!?

Yep. Notre Dame has no business being ranked! It's garbage.

Nice touch on the Sig JGS30, I have a question though. The last line in your sig, you mention how losing Talib really hurt your D last year. Why would that change this year? You didn't exactly have world beaters in the Defensive Backfield last year, where do you think playmakers back there will come from? I'm glad you brought that up caveman-at the end of the year-actually after the Husker game (coincidence-I think not) Mangino made the move to take Daymond Paterson and switch him from WR to DB. Then he took Justin Thorton (starter at SS) and moved him to the other corner spot. The overall play really improved, and Daymond may become a star at that position. Our defensive backfield is actually the strenght of our defense with Darrel Stuckey (3 year starter/pre-season 1st team Big 12) back at FS for his senior season. He had two picks and a FF against Missouri, to go along with 9 tackles. He was one of the big reasons we beat MU last year. Our DB's will be fine. We just have to figure out how to get more pressure on the QB. Our DB's can't cover forever-ya know?

I was cruising around some other CFB sites and noticed that Athlon is doing their Top 25 countdown over 25 business days. And so far no Nebraska or Kansas. In fact, they're down to #17 and it doesn't look like anyone from the North will be ranked. It's kind of sad really. I mean, I know we think highly of our teams, and I bet if you asked anyone of us we would rank KU and NU somewhere between18-25. But you have to wonder how the CFB world views the North outside our glass house. I think their view is pretty clear-they don't think much of us.

For starters Saunders, your study doesn't hold as much weight as you want it to. If it did, KSU and ISU would be running things in the North, which isn't happening. Heck, I don't care how much experience a BAD O-line has (see KSU) they'll still get worked every Saturday. I know my team better than you Saunders, and though we lost both guards and our center, the talent we have replacing them is better, and they saw some time last year. Our O-line will be better than you think....especially better than last years bunch. For the record, I never said KU's d-line was better than NU's. That's crazy talk. I just mentioned how Greene and Parish had been coming along and how I expect big things from them. I feel good about the nd-line. I never once put down Suh, and have mentioned several times how I feel he is the best DT in the nation and will likely be a top 5 draft pick as long as he stays healthy. Players like him just don't grow on trees. He is a difference maker, and won't be the reason you lose to KU. Your offense will. Oh-enjoy the qoutes "classy fans"

What's your logic behind that statement B-Rent? Why suddenly would our offense (who has everyone back) suddenly not be able to score as much on you? That's just a dumb statement. If anything, your inexperienced QB's and receivers will seal your fate in Lawrence. You're right, it won't be that close. We'll beat you by double digits.

LOL=WR isn't even close. KU has the best wideouts in the Big 12! You guys are crazy! I would also say our linebackers have a slight edge, even though we lost all 3 starters. Wright, Shermer, and Sprinmger saw significant time at LB last year, so it's not like we lack experience. Your D-line might be better than ours, but I'm excited about the guys we have back in Jamal Greene and Darius Parish who checks in at 6"4 346lbs!! I can't wait to see his improvement. He saw significant time as a true freshman last year and word is he has improved greatly this offseason. Also, your o-line is about even to ours. We have 3 returners in Hatch, Spikes and Biere. Our starting guard is a transfer from Wisconsin (who was starting for them by the way) and a redshirt freshman named John Williams who is 6"4 336 lbs. The game won't be that close in Lawrence. And yes, it DOES make a difference playing in Lawrence...have ya'll forgot that we put 76 points on you guys last time you were there? And for your defense being so great, we still scored 4 td's on you last year in Lincoln. We'll score more than tha this year boys. Your defense was ranked 55th in the country last year. It wasn't as great as everyone on here seems to think.

I think Kansas being picked to win the the Big 12 north is the "safe" route. Let's examine the circumstances here: * Kansas returns a multi-year starter at QB-Nebraska doesn't. * The game is in Lawrence. * The last time the Huskers played in Lawrence it was really bad. So go ahead Jayhawk fans...dream of winning the north...it'll only be that much sweeter for us when we beat you on your own field and crush your dreams. Just another reason I can't wait to get Nebraska in Lawrence. It's KU's year kids. I don't think you have the horses to beat us in Lawrence this year. We have too much firepower on offense, and with the game being at home, our defense will force your inexperienced offense into a lot of mistakes. I think that's the difference. KU wins by double digits infront of the largest crowd in Jayhawk history. Here's to a great 2009 season. Go Jayhawks!

WOW. Michael, I have to admit, this is a very well thought out point of view from you, and I agree with a lot of what you said. Nice post. The only thing I disagree with you on is the KU/NU game (big surprise there). Here's my take: If Nebraska beats KU, then NU wins the North. Period. If KU beats Nebraska, then KU wins the North. Period. Why? Here's the deal-we can both agree that KU and NU will be losing to OU. That's a given. And KU will lose to Texas in Austin. No argument from me. BUT I see KU beating a weak Texas Tech squad (who lost EVERYONE) in Lubbuck. That's the difference between last year and this year, TT is WAY down. Losing 10 of 11 on offense, and 7 on the defense will deplete any roster. That's what TT is faced with. My point-KU can still lose to OU and Texas and win the North by beating NU, cause there is no way Nebraska beats OU this year. The games for Nebraska and Kansas that may decide all of this will be there trips to boulder. Both teams play @ Colorado this year, and nobody likes playing in Boulder. So we're close on this Michael. Again, nice post. Here's to an exciting North run for both teams! I think Michael's write up is pretty good also, I only disagree with the VT part. For now I will put them in the Hard category with a W for NU, probably a bit of koolaid on my part but what I read about them they have a lot of good possibilities assuming people step up just like NU and KU. I agree with Michael about the win at KU. KU is switching to a Nickel base D next year, even with that it seems finding a good 2nd LB is becoming a chore for the fat man, and the D-Line has been handled by the O-line in Spring Ball. I think the KU O-Line has some decent talent, but it has a lot of new contributors and for the D-Line to be as ineffective as it was in the Spring Game is not a good sign. With one of NU's strengths in 2009 looking to be a strong running game, I think that will allow NU to control the clock and punish the KU D thereby keeping Reesing and Co on the sidelines. Caveman-The starting d-line wasn't as effective because Jamal Green (starting DT) played with the 2nd team. He was forced to do that by Mangino because of discipline reasons. The emergence of Green and Parish in the middle of KU's d-line will be a huge advantage for KU in the fall. Plus, we have 3 linebackers capable of filling the 2 spots. I'm really not concerned with our linebackers. The defense as a whole will improve from last year. Unless Jamal Green is a disruptive force, ala Suh, then I don't see how the D-Line not being able to get a push on a relatively new O-Line is a good thing. Maybe we watch two seperate spring games my friend. I thought the play from both KU's units were very good. Many fans agreed it was the best spring game since Mangino got here. We'll see you boys in Lawrence my friend.

WOW. Michael, I have to admit, this is a very well thought out point of view from you, and I agree with a lot of what you said. Nice post. The only thing I disagree with you on is the KU/NU game (big surprise there). Here's my take: If Nebraska beats KU, then NU wins the North. Period. If KU beats Nebraska, then KU wins the North. Period. Why? Here's the deal-we can both agree that KU and NU will be losing to OU. That's a given. And KU will lose to Texas in Austin. No argument from me. BUT I see KU beating a weak Texas Tech squad (who lost EVERYONE) in Lubbuck. That's the difference between last year and this year, TT is WAY down. Losing 10 of 11 on offense, and 7 on the defense will deplete any roster. That's what TT is faced with. My point-KU can still lose to OU and Texas and win the North by beating NU, cause there is no way Nebraska beats OU this year. The games for Nebraska and Kansas that may decide all of this will be there trips to boulder. Both teams play @ Colorado this year, and nobody likes playing in Boulder. So we're close on this Michael. Again, nice post. Here's to an exciting North run for both teams! I think Michael's write up is pretty good also, I only disagree with the VT part. For now I will put them in the Hard category with a W for NU, probably a bit of koolaid on my part but what I read about them they have a lot of good possibilities assuming people step up just like NU and KU. I agree with Michael about the win at KU. KU is switching to a Nickel base D next year, even with that it seems finding a good 2nd LB is becoming a chore for the fat man, and the D-Line has been handled by the O-line in Spring Ball. I think the KU O-Line has some decent talent, but it has a lot of new contributors and for the D-Line to be as ineffective as it was in the Spring Game is not a good sign. With one of NU's strengths in 2009 looking to be a strong running game, I think that will allow NU to control the clock and punish the KU D thereby keeping Reesing and Co on the sidelines. Caveman-The starting d-line wasn't as effective because Jamal Green (starting DT) played with the 2nd team. He was forced to do that by Mangino because of discipline reasons. The emergence of Green and Parish in the middle of KU's d-line will be a huge advantage for KU in the fall. Plus, we have 3 linebackers capable of filling the 2 spots. I'm really not concerned with our linebackers. The defense as a whole will improve from last year.

WOW. Is this thread a joke? Short answer-NO. You've gotta be kidding me!

WOW. Michael, I have to admit, this is a very well thought out point of view from you, and I agree with a lot of what you said. Nice post. The only thing I disagree with you on is the KU/NU game (big surprise there). Here's my take: If Nebraska beats KU, then NU wins the North. Period. If KU beats Nebraska, then KU wins the North. Period. Why? Here's the deal-we can both agree that KU and NU will be losing to OU. That's a given. And KU will lose to Texas in Austin. No argument from me. BUT I see KU beating a weak Texas Tech squad (who lost EVERYONE) in Lubbuck. That's the difference between last year and this year, TT is WAY down. Losing 10 of 11 on offense, and 7 on the defense will deplete any roster. That's what TT is faced with. My point-KU can still lose to OU and Texas and win the North by beating NU, cause there is no way Nebraska beats OU this year. The games for Nebraska and Kansas that may decide all of this will be there trips to boulder. Both teams play @ Colorado this year, and nobody likes playing in Boulder. So we're close on this Michael. Again, nice post. Here's to an exciting North run for both teams!

I'm more worried about playing at Baylor than at Missouri. I could see them dropping one of those games, but not both. Assuming NU's offense can produce close to what they did this year, they should beat KU by a couple possessions. NU's lines will dominate in the second half of that game. Thats a BIG if. I love you guys, but you can't spend the last year telling everyone just how great Ganz is. Going on and on about if he was in a different conference he would be one of the top QB's in the country. Then turn around and pretend like someone who has never seen the field, or a true freshman for that matter will pick up where he left off. Do I believe Gabbert/Dalton/Glasier will pick up where CD was last year and the first 5 games this year. No way in the world. Can they do what he did the last half of the year. Yeah they could. Will they...thats a whole nother issue. Like I said i researve the right to change the picks, its January for cryin out loud... I never thought I would agree with a Tiger fan, but I do. Fro Daddy, you hit the nail on the head. Here's the thing...and I've been trying to say this as nicely as possible. Husker fans are in for a Rude awakening if they think their offense will be just as good as last years....it just won't. I see a big step back, while I believe the defense will improve. The bottom line is losing a QB like Ganz is gonna kill....then throw in the fact that you lost most of your skill positions. You shouldn't expect to roll up points like you did last year. Mistakes will be made by the young guys and you'll see plenty of growing pains for the offense. You can only hope that the defense can carry you through. Nebraska will go 8-4. Nothing wrong with that.

Tuff Tiger is the man! Keep on keepin on brotha!

This guy is nuts! KU is a lock for the Cotton baby!!

Sorry Husker fans-I had to get my Jayhawk jab in....I can't help it. I really can't wait to get you boys back in Lawrence for a little "Payback". Reesing, Sharp and Meir on "Senior Day" equals trouble for the Big Red! OK, back to hating Missouri!!

Ya'll better hope you beat MU in Columbia, otherwise, this dude is gonna go bonkers on this site! NU has had some bad luck throughout this spring, but things aren't near as bleak as this Tiger fan makes them out to be. Husker fans will have a very rude awakening when they watch their new QB struggle and their skill players on offense take a step back from the group they had last year, but I think the defense will help pull them through on most of their games in the North....except for the Kansas game of course.

I don't think so because Green won't be asked to do as much as Griffin was because Green has much better talent around him. Big difference between Baylor and Nebraska here.

I get what you're saying Husker B Rent, but with that said-Bo has to set an example so things like this don't happen in the future. Now, I don't think he should be kicked off the team. It sounds like this is his first offense, and I believe in giving people second chances....especially kids his age. I think suspending him for the non-conference slate sends the message to the team that this will not be tolerated in the future. And if he screws up again, he's gone. Same situation with KU right now. Joaques Crawford is in trouble again and will likely be kicked off the team. He was expected to contribute alot to KU's special teams and as our second tailback. But this isn't the first time this kid has screwed up, so I expect (and hope) that Mangino gives him the boot. Discipline is extremely important in CFB. You have to be strict with these guys. No question.

I really hate to here this about Niles. I hope they don't kick him off the team, but DUI and all the other stuff he got stuck with is alot. Hopefully he can learn from this, and maybe just suspend the guy for the non-conference slate. I don't know though. That's tough. Good thing it happend now, rather than half way through the year.

Oh and to comment on Suh....I would put him at #3 on this list. Behind only Bradford and McCoy. Suh is a first rounder...perhaps top 10 in next year's draft.

I was a little surprised by that as well. I don't know that I disagree with it, I just didn't expect it. Might of been because of Briscoe's suspension... I think he stole Mangino's Twinkies or something... That's crazy talk. Nobody could steal that many Twinkies... Word in Lawrence is because of Briscoe's grades. I'm just glad it has nothing to do with the law. He can fix that much easier. There really is no excuse for a talent like Bricoe to be dicking around in the classroom. With all the tutors these university's provide these football players...shoot...they should all be 3.0 students.

There is no question that Briscoe should be in the top 10. This writter guy is high.

Yeah-KU had to schedule cupcakes this year. The big 12 slate for KU is just brutal this year. However, Southern Miss is a good squad. They finished 7-6 with a bowl win. They're no cupcake. But the other 3 are. The North better be between KU and NU, otherwise, I think I'll be sick if MU wins it again!

You can do what KSU did to beat Texas . . . take out their QB with a cheap shot. Not recommended, KU has more class than that. Speaking of which I HATE the unbalanced schedule with the other division. Division champions should be determined by record WITHIN the division to be fair. Common opponents would be the first tie-breaker, overall conference record second. You hit the nail on the head!! I agree 100%!!! The schedules don't make since.