All Bark; No Bite

The Nebraska Cornhuskers had by all accounts a difficult season in 2013.

Injuries took a major toll with losing All Big Ten quarterback Taylor Martinez for the season a few weeks in, along with All America guard Spencer Long halfway through. A young defensive unit failed to jell throughout most of the season, and the fundamental principle of protecting the football remained elusive for the Big Red.  Calls were made for changes of the coaching staff, including head coach Bo Pelini.

After a inexcusable home loss to Iowa to close the season, the Cornhuskers were invited to the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl to face the Georgia Bulldogs, themselves injury stricken in 2013, for a rematch of the 2013 Capital One Bowl in Orlando, which the Bulldogs won late 45-31.

The game seemed a downer for both squads given expectations, but Jacksonville, provides a festive atmosphere and a great environment for bowling teams and their fan base, although much closer in proximity for the traveling Junkyard Dawgs.

The weather was suspect, about 55 degrees with intermittent rain showers, and the crowd was very light.  That did not stop us from participating in all the fanfare, inclusive of hanging out with the Husker cheer squad hours before kickoff.

Pre-Game Husker Cheer Pep Rally

Although Georgia was without senior quarterback Aaron Murray, among others, the Bulldogs did have back almost healthy running back Todd Gurley, who has a Sunday career in front of him.  In addition, most felt the Bulldogs had superior talent and should win the game by about 10 points.

But the Cornhuskers seemed in control right from the beginning, with strong running from Ameer Abdullah and sound decision making from freshman quarterback Tommy Armstrong II.  After almost fumbling deep in Big Red territory, which would have been game changing, Armstrong II dropped back and found Qunicy Enunwa on a 99 yard touchdown pass, which was ultimately the game winner.



Nebraska held Georgia late, stopping them on downs in the red zone to preserve the victory as Nebraska defeated Georgia 24-19, a win that saw the Bulldogs manage only one touchdown.  Kicking field goals will get you beat, as Mark Richt and Georgia found out.

It was a strong effort for the Big Red, enhanced by winning the turnover battle, one in which Nebraska usually fails miserably at.  Given the wet field conditions, this was extremely important. 

This was a much needed win for seemingly embattled coach Bo Pelini, and those within the Big Red program.  For a young team, this win offers a cornerstone to build upon entering 2014, where continued improvement can lead to an opportunity to win the conference title and perhaps challenge for national honors.

Although it was wet and cold, it was a great experience to be there to see Nebraska break a string of bowl losses dating back to defeating Clemson on the same field on January, 1, 2009.  Much of football is mental, from the coaches to the players, and this game gave the Big Red a glimpse of what can be possible, playing and defeating a top team from the SEC, perceived to be the best.

Nebraska finishes the season 9-4.  Preparation for the 2014 can begin with an advantage in mentality, a visualization of success that help a young team aim for and reach higher goals.  With a mental advantage, sometimes the bark of your opponent does not match their bite.

These Are The True Awards Of Manly Sport

Evil seems to be gaining strength in America, but not in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday.

For those of us who treat the color and pageantry of college football as a religion, there are three seasons; National Signing Day, spring practice culminating with annual spring games and the excitement of the regular season.

Although the south is rampant with this enthusiasm, many across the fruited plain are as well.  Nowhere is the support for the home team any stronger than in Lincoln, Nebraska, home of the five time national champion Nebraska Cornhuskers, who hold the record for the longest home sellout streak in the nation, continuing at over 300 even with a dismal economy.

After wicked weather postponed last seasons spring game, a day of sunshine was expected at Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the Red-White game.  For those who could be among the 60,000 who were able to attend, the game was broadcast live on The Big Ten Network.

Many fans, eager to get a glimpse of the progress of some of the young Huskers who are expected to contribute to a young team next fall, it was a youngster who stole our, and the nations, heart on this day.

Jack and Rex Burkhead

Rex Burkhead, a standout running back from Plano, Texas who exhausted his Nebraska career last year in an injury riddled senior season, had befriended a pediatric cancer patient in young Jack Hoffman.  Throughout last season, Hoffman and Burkhead forged a friendship Burkhead visiting Hoffman after treatments and with Hoffman having an opportunity to visit many practices of the Big Red.  Hoffman meant a lot to the entire team, and led the 'Huskers on to the field in a home game versus Wisconsin last fall.

But on Saturday, as the spring game was nearing conclusion, a magical event took place as Jack Hoffman got the opportunity of a lifetime.  Please see the following video:


All Big Ten quarterback Taylor Martinez re-entered the game along with Jack to run the pitch sweep to the right, and Jack Hoffman got loose.  Hoffman gave glimpse of former 'Husker greats Mike Rozier or Ahman Green breaking into the next level. 

There truly is no place like Nebraska, as BTN analyst and former 'Husker running back Damon Benning said on the broadcast, as Hoffman hit pay dirt.

I had tears in my eyes watching this live from my living room.  At the Orange Bowl in 1971, someone asked me what the "N" on my hat meant.  An Alabama fan sitting next to me replied, "Nice People."  That was very well put.

There have been many moments over the years, but I cannot recall being more proud to be a Cornhusker than I was on Saturday.

As the story has appropriately gone viral over social media and the cable news networks, many have described this touching event in outstanding fashion.  BTN, the Omaha World Herald, the Lincoln Journal Star, ESPN, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and FOX News.

Jeffrey Koterba, cartoonist for the Omaha World Herald, gave us an overview of those in the Scarlet and Cream.

 

For those instrumental for putting this action together, inclusive of Burkhead, and via ESPN, former Husker Jeff Jamrog and current fullback CJ Zimmer, may I extend the heartfelt thanks from 'Huskers everywhere. “Obviously, Jack is a young man who has touched the hearts of a lot of people,” Husker coach Bo Pelini said. “People have got behind him and he’s become a big part of the team. … I thought it was a pretty special thing” reported the LJS.

 

The academic excellence of the football team is second to none, and while Nebraska is not quite the team they used to be under legendary coach Dr. Tom Osborne, the program is on solid footing both on, and off the field under Bo Pelini.  I saw that on Saturday.

 

But like most of America, particularly those of us fortunate enough to be fathers, the spirit of the action touched our hearts. As Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple quipped, "The day belonged to Jack!"

 

The team coming together for Jack Hoffman on Saturday was a testament to the words engraved on the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium, Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport.  

 

Engraved at the southwest corner reads "Not the victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory."

 

Jack, and all those fighting these terrible diseases, exhibit courage we all can be proud of.  We all pray for their victory. The action on the field Saturday when Hoffman took the field on Saturday was a most moving gesture indeed, capturing the hearts of the nation.

 

With any luck, the extended awareness this act of kindness brought to the country on Saturday will help expedite the finding of cures for those who fight these diseases on a daily basis .  #TEAMJACK

 

There truly is no place like Nebraska.  Well done Big Red! Very well done. N #GBR

Runzaway Victory

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, reeling from getting nothing short of embarrassed in the Big Ten Championship game by Wisconsin, were selected to make a return trip to beautiful downtown Orlando to face the highly ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Bowl.

Would Nebraska limp down and absorb another beating at the hands of Georgia, who was four yards away from facing Notre Dame in the BCS Championship?

In watching the practices, the Big Red seemed to embrace the challenge.  Kenny Bell and Taylor Martinez, although enjoying the trip, were very focused come practice time.

All the fanfare associated with the game was well attended by the fans, including a pep rally.



After a shaky start, which included a blocked punt for a safety and a touchdown pass leading Nebraska to fall behind 9-0, the Big Red seemed to be ready to win the game.  The 'Huskers led 24-23 at the half as Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead kept the Junkyard Dawgs off balance.



Taylor Martinez on the scramble

Nebraska stormed out of the half to build upon the lead 31-23 and were poised for more when Ameer Abdullah fumbled the ball away after securing a short yardage first down at the Georgia 39.  From the vantage point of the stands and the Husker sideline, it appeared Abdullah was down, and if he was not, Nebraska recovered the ball. The play was not reviewed, and Georgia got the ball.

From that point on, Georgia and quarterback Aaron Murray, from nearby Tampa Plant, made plays when it counted coming from behind to beat Nebraska 45-31.

There was some kind of officiating going on out there by the crew from the Big XII (really?), absent consistency and collectively perhaps the worst I have seen.  From seeing highlights of other games on the day, the Capital One Bowl was not alone in poor officiating.

 

Unlike last year, with Nebraska ahead as quarter four began, the Big Red could have won the game.  Georgia is every bit as good as advertised, and in the end, took control with their superior talent stepping up and making plays.

 

Nebraska, as usual, had plenty of offense to win the game.  The Big Red is hard to defend with a strong running attack, a fleet footed quarterback who is much better than most everyone give him credit for and a group of receivers who are quite good.  Even the much maligned offensive line performed well.

 

It is on the stop side where the problems for Nebraska begin and end.  This is the strong suit of NU Head Coach Bo Pelini; therefore, the lack of execution by this unit cannot be further tolerated.  In the 2012 losses, the highly touted Blackshirts gave up zip codes of yardage and pinball machine points.  In fact, in each of the losses, Nebraska put up over 30 points, and when you do that, you fully expect to win.

 

I happen to like the defensive staff, and maybe it is a lack of talent that is the main issue.  The secondary has been strong most of the year, but they looked awful against Aaron Murray, no RGII to be sure.  With players playing out of position, the defensive line played better than I anticipated.

 

As the Omaha World Herald points out, there is some sunshine peeking out of the clouds, and 4 loss seasons getting punked in bowl games against I don't care who are dark clouds.  The 2013 offense could be special behind Martinez and the schedule is very forgiving.  If Pelini can get a handle on the defense, and his history says he can, Nebraska may have a Rosey season.

 

If not, with Tom Osborne having retired, some real hard questions will demand answers, not time.  I am hopeful those questions will not need to be asked.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1. Nebraska, 5-0, 2
2. Ohio State, 6-0, 3
3. Oregon, 6-0, 4
4. Boise State, 6-0, 5
5. Oklahoma, 5-0, 6
6. Texas Christian, 6-0, 7
7. Auburn 6-0, 8
8. Alabama, 5-1, 1
9. Utah, 5-0, 9
10. South Carolina, 4-1, 15
11. LSU, 6-0, 14
12. Arkansas, 4-1, 12
13. Florida State, 5-1, 23
14. Stanford, 4-1, 16
15. Michigan State, 6-0, 18
16. Iowa, 4-1, 17
17. Wisconsin, 5-1, 18
18. Nevada, 6-0, 22
19. Arizona, 4-1, 11
20. Missouri, 5-0, NR
21. Texas, 3-2, 21
22. Florida, 4-2, 13
23. Oklahoma State, 5-0, 24
24. Miami, 3-2, 10
25. Oregon State, 3-2, NR

OUT: Northwestern (25) & Michigan (19)

VOTES: Michigan, West Virginia, Air Force, North Carolina State, Northwestern, North Carolina & Virginia Tech.

South Carolina got the biggest win in school history knocking of a top ranked team for the first time in school history in dumping Alabama 35-21. The Cocks controlled the game the whole way.....Auburn dodged an upstart Kentucky team and may run the table....Stanford got a signature win over USC last year but barely got a victory last night.....Michigan State looks like the top challenger to Ohio State in the Big Ten after defeating Michigan....Illinois spanked Penn State in Happy Valley and it looks like the Lions are heading for a losing season, which would likely be the end for Joe Paterno.....Utah blasted a decent Iowa State team, which surprised me.....Georgia got a big win over Tennessee between the hedges, which was my lock of the week.....Florida looks like it may suffer a few more marks in the loss column as they search for offensive identity....Clemson seems like a good team, but they are 2-3 and seem to lack firepower, and if only North Carolina had all those players.

Brent Musburger of ABC was discussing how far Alabama should fall, and he actually thought 3 would be fair. For the love of Bear, just go ahead and rank them #1 again. As good as Alabama may be, they did give up 35 points and lost by two touchdowns.

Nebraska, behind a salty defense, is the new top ranked team. While we knew about the Blackshirts, for Nebraska to challenge for the national title, the quarterback position need to be upgraded, and after what the nation saw Thursday night from Taylor Martinez as the 'Huskers blasted K-Sate, it has been. Martinez is lighting fast hitting the hole and, as a redshirt freshman, he could be quite special by the time he is finished in Lincoln. GBR!



Down in Miami, the Florida State Seminoles laid a smackdown on the Miami Hurricanes and served notice about the bright future in store in Tallahassee. Rarely have the Hurricanes been physically manhandled in this fashion prompting ESPN's Kirk Herbstriet to question the 'Canes heart. FSU had looked sluggish this season, but they may have been sand bagging. Last night, the Seminoles won each facet of the game in domineering fashion. How Bout Them 'Noles!