Bucks

Out of curiosity, what are a few Husker news outlets that are worth the read for daily stuff? On my end, I'll volunteer www.elevenwarriors.com. The writers there tend to try their hardest to utilize humor & legitimate information in tandem. That is a hard balancing act, but I think they do a pretty good job at it. Are there some news sites similar to them on the Nebraska side? Speaking of 11W, their latest article paints a few surprising pictures. Quotes below: Kicking game - Ben Buchanan resumes punting duties, and since this is what amounts to a typical Ohio State practice, don't be surprised if you see a number of forced situations that call for Ben to kick about five times in a row. Ben actually had a pretty decent season last year, averaging over 41 yards per punt, and it will be interesting seeing how he's improved. QB's - Here's my personal opinion on what will win the QB competition: the player who can consistently make short, safe passes, not turn the ball over, and manage the game. That's it. If I thought this competition was about potential, or raw, untapped ability, Braxton Miller would be the man to beat. Wide Receivers - Here's a fun game to play: watch DeVier Posey for a few plays. The routes he runs, the fakes he makes, his speed, cutting ability, etc. Then watch anyone else. Then go home and watch Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, because that heartwarming slice of Americana is about all that will be able to pull you out of the deep depression you've suddenly sunk into. Things to watch out for? How about anyone besides Posey making plays at WR? RB's - This one should actually be pretty fun. The running backs are a ridiculously deep group, who, aside from Dave-ing it up repeatedly, will also likely be asked to catch some passes. An interesting play that the team has been running this spring is a five wide set with sometimes two running backs in the formation. And it's not just the speedier, smaller guys in there, the tankerous statured Carlos Hyde has made an impact catching the ball from time to time. Secondary - Roby and Allen have looked good recently, but Dominic Clarke may have something to prove to a hopefully well-attended Spring Game. Thoughts: Kicking/Special Teams, there had better be marked improvement here. Might be the most important issue going right now even if not talked about. We have a decent kicking team but the protection/grasp wasn't there last year. I hope it has been corrected. QB's, Not only would I be astounded to see Graham take the field as a starter, I'd also be out 50 bucks. I still think it will be Bauserman & ________ sharing duties. Graham replaces Bauserman in this scenario, so it is more an indication of how bad Bauserman is instead of Graham being that good. WR's/RB's, It's like the night vs day argument. Our receiving core is just plainly inexperienced & poor. Our RB core is stellar. I have been witness to a wealth of changes/evolutions in my time following OSU. I have never witnessed the blatant change we're seeing with this RB group. I would probably place a wager that 2 of these backs will have a 2-1 ratio on reception yards vs running yards. Easily. Astounding to see. Secondary, flying completely under the radar. I want to see Moeller and we need him to be full speed given the team as it stands. I'm not too concerned though. We have some stars waiting in the wings IMO on this front.

I don't know that anyone here would care about this or want to see but doing it for some friends who are not local & want to see: I'll be broadcasting the spring game on Sat @ 1:30 eastern time. If anyone has interest to see it, feel free to let me know. On a side note, I think I've read some concern regarding the Neb O-line. Not sure I have seen/read anything that lends to actual concern. For whatever reason, I tend to envision your line being a strong point this year.

Skinny-Buck, You'll find these people to be informative and fun to talk to. We've gone back and forth a few times on a thread lower in the list in regards to info. Wealth of it.

Fun read and fill in the blank. I can't tell for myself who will take what spot, except for maybe the emergent rivalry. I'm fairly confident that will be Neb vs OSU. I think we'll meet fairly often and will probably have some instant classics over the years!

I could not stand to watch another minute of that game I have never left a game. The only game I remember turning off is our Natl Title appearance (not sure I can call it "appearance" since we didn't show up) against Florida a few years ago.

Have enjoyed it thus far & thank you. I have always been a member of another board that was among the first results searching years ago ... but for the most part, they didn't embody the Nebraska fans I know in real life or in general. So finding this board has been enjoyable. Have read through quite a bit on your spring game and have a wealth of info now.

Tressel may still be suspended for the first 5 games, but he will still have a say. He's loyal to his upperclassmen. It will either be Bauserman or Guitton as they are the only two with experience. He will probably give the nod to Guitton because Bauserman has had numerous chances and hasn't capitalized on it. Guitton is also more of the Pryor mold. We easily disagree. Tressel typically tries as much as possible to give preference to experience & especially seniors but in this case, Bauserman will not be getting the starting QB nod through 5 games. As my reply post to this expressed, he will certainly share some duty with one other QB, but will not be the man for 5 games.

I don't know who the player(s) are for Nebraska that fit into this mold. Volunteer any if you like. I always tend to root for some of the kids that have had some terrible luck. For us, it would be Tyler Moeller first and foremost. Two years ago for those that may remember it, he was on vacation with his family (celebrating Grandparents anniversary). The family was at a local bar and from all accounts, a guy found out he played for Ohio State and cold cocked him. He hit his head, had to have surgery & release pressure due to brain swelling. Was a very serious injury and those events could have had a wide range of bad outcomes. Thankfully, he made a recovery. Lost the year but made a recovery and no serious health consequences came. Fast forward to last season. He was absolutely putting fears to rest with his play. I don't have the exact numbers from those 5 games, but they were very good. Tore his pectoral muscle requiring season ending surgery. He got his 6th year of eligibility from the NCAA but you still just end up feeling for the guy. I truly hope he has an incredible season.

Just read an article about him a few days ago. I would say he is going to play heavy time. The general consensus is he is in the lead @ MLB. I have plenty of respect & excitement for him. He took the redshirt last year, which I've read quotes from him about. Certainly wasn't his ideal situation. I'm always hesitant to refer to recruitment rankings b/c you never know who will pan out and what "nobody" recruit turns into a monster, but he was the #1 overall inside LB recruit for 2008. He didn't take to the defense as well as some so got the backburner. As referenced in the article, he came so close to losing his redshirt towards the end of the year (injuries) which would have been terrible for him. Didn't happen thankfully.

Five things here (updated from the first thread): 1. This, factored in with the ABC/ESPN agreement, is only (only!) $190 to $220 million/year (per Steve Sipple) for the Big XII to split until 2015-2016. 2. This money is only for airtime on the Fox Sports cable channels, not Fox Over the Air--remember the Big 10 (and soon to be Pac-12) deals are for Fox OTA National broadcasts, not crappy, half-baked FX broadcasts. (see Hank the Tank's blog re: Fox's recent move to bid against ESPN for Fox OtA national broadcasting rights to college football). While these broadcasts will be regional on Fox Sports Net and national on FX, the production values will likely remain moribund. 3. Based off of these numbers, the Big XII did beat what the ACC pulls in (read: $16 million/school). Don't be shocked if it doesn't happen, though. 4. This money isn't split evenly. If you aren't a Texas school or a school that has an antiquated mode of transportation for a mascot and a team name based off of a criminal act, you see jack and **** of this deal. 5. In contract, fully vested B1G schools pulled in approx. $22 million/school for 2009, and an estimated $24 million/school for 2010, IIRC. Add another $1.6 million/school to that B1G number for 2011 (Title game on Fox OtA), and remember the ESPN/ABC contract is up for renegotiation in a couple of years. B1G schools, even after the Fox Sports windfall, will still be pulling in better money. Folks--once Nebraska is a fully vested member in the B1G (sooner rather than later if we deliver a NC game), Nebraska will still be sitting pretty. I would venture to guess that by the time this season is concluded, the final numbers will be substantially higher than what internal projections say. Putting our first divisions/title game aside, just the increased viewership for match-ups alone in vs + Nebraska as its own demographic is going to be a great thing for all of us. Regardless of my woes for my particular team, this is going to be one great year for B1G beginnings.

Glad you brought this up. I'm not sure what to expect this season. I'm sure our ST squad will be improved, but last year was probably the worst unit in JT's past 15 years. It was a surprising turn of events to say the least. I'm sure there will be some big changes in this. Hey not to high jack and I know this is a Husker board, but did you all see Northwesterns kicker on the B10 network? 65 yarder and had the length to be a 70 yarder. I didn't see it no. I truly miss Nugent for us. Wish he could've been cloned. I apologize for taking this off topic as well in a minor fashion, but not that far off ... its a osu/neb thread! I was saddened to see that TO had refused the offer from the BTN to air the spring game. I can't imagine that there is that much of an issue with what was represented as too many being able to see ... but I guess I can see some logic to preferring the butts in the seats of the stadium.

I agree that this is probably the future for us, and there really isn't a maybe about it in the passing area. His issue is time & how quickly he can get a firm grasp on everything. Regardless of who it is, Bauserman is going to get some hefty time. Remains to be seen how much or little. I don't think he really should, but Tressel is going to be cautious with new QB's taking reigns fully when he has someone who knows the system as well as he does. On that note even, JT is notorious for limiting what his "new" QB's do or are allowed to do when starting out. As odd as it sounds, there would be more flexibility for more things with a veteran. Time will tell, especially after another month passes. I would say yes though, Braxton will probably pull ahead. Link on this from one of the many OSU sites, but directly regarding this: http://www.the-ozone.net/football/2011/SpringFootball/qbwhowillitbe.html

Glad you brought this up. I'm not sure what to expect this season. I'm sure our ST squad will be improved, but last year was probably the worst unit in JT's past 15 years. It was a surprising turn of events to say the least. I'm sure there will be some big changes in this.

Kenny Bell might emerge at WR. Maybe Eric Martin at DE. And Chase Rome at DT. If he can stay healthy. Pelini will have the D in fine shape. Especially the secondary. Is sweatervest going to get canned? Is Pryor going to the NFL? You think the ncaa sanctions will be much worse than the self-imposed? Thanks for the names, will keep my eye on them. The games are going to be interesting leading up to Neb in regards to what we go forward with. Not sure if I have ever seen such an emphasis on the running core we have being involved in so many ways that aren't running/blocking plays. I somewhat expected use of it to help with the receiving core being inexperienced, but the emphasis is incredibly strong. Obviously the aim as well is to help keep the D from stacking the box, but some of these guys have some great hands ... so I'm waiting to see how it looks. For your 2nd part: Pryor - No. I realize one person claimed a "source" but even the verbage of being able to enter the supplemental draft doesn't seem to allow him. Past that, I think he certainly debated it when everything surfaced ... but no chance after making his decision previously. To add to that, he would be persona non grata permanently, and he knows it. Is JT going to be canned - Maybe. There is just so much going on with this. If absolutely nothing changes past what is known now, he is going to keep his job. More coming out would bring some strong pressure for him to go. I still haven't figured out where I stand on it. I don't have all the facts, so haven't taken a stance yet. NCAA sanctions will be much worse than the self-imposed? - I think yes. 2010 being vacated is almost an absolute to me. I cannot see recruiting/scholarship restrictions at this point, but we don't have all the info yet. My belief is that JT will get closer to 8 games if things remain as is right now, potentially worse if more information comes out. Even though most believe that the 5 game decision for the players is the finality, it might not be. Getting to that in a second. TCG (the consulting firm regarding NCAA Infractions) originally recommended substantially higher self-imposed. This much I know to be fact. I think OSU has planned all along to up the HC suspension but they were hoping they could get 1 game knocked off for the suspended players and then meet that 4 game appeal. Didn't work out that way & they met the 5 instead. 5 to me is closer to the 'sweet-spot' a University would try to meet, but still think 6-8 is almost assured. There are rumblings that there is still more to come on this. Unfortunately, some of these people are not just posters hoping to stir anxiety but legitimate people in the know who have long been ahead of the mainstream news on things. A few of these have said the investigation has now been widened due to even more serious issues. If that is the case, I can't imagine what it would be unless we find that Administration Staff did in fact know and JT was just trying to take all the lumps for the players/team/program/university. Something on that level would cause sanctions that surpass USC and close to SMU. As for the players and their suspensions. The NCAA ruling on them was that they received inadequate training/education and had no knowledge they broke rules until confronted formally. They still violated the rules so got the punishment for it. Now we know JT warned Pryor's mentor, presumably much earlier. If that is the case, we're talking about Pryor knowing for the entire season & the other players as well. Proof is what matters here but if there is proof that he forwarded emails to the mentor, it causes a timeline problem. Obviously the NCAA is known for their lengthy investigations. Most believe no formal ruling will come until a year from now even. I think in this matter, especially if things are to get worse, something will be done on a quicker timeframe.

Looking forward to joining the Big 10 and playing smash mouth football. My biggiest concern is playing physical and winning some big games. We need to make a good first impression to get the recruiting wheel turning early. I foresee Nebraska vs Ohio St. slugging it out in a lot of Big 10 championship games. I see the same quite a bit (in regards to Neb vs OSU). As for Neb being able to compete & be physical, I don't see that as a problem at all.