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.

Clemson Crystal Ball

It was certain to be on of the colossal collisions of top flight teams, complete with The Color & Pageantry which makes the game of college football so special.

The Clemson Tigers, were set up to have perhaps their greatest season, coming of an impressive 2012 bowl victory over SEC powerhouse LSU.  An early season home encounter with the highly ranked neighboring Georgia Bulldogs, another SEC powerhouse, gave Clemson an opportunity to start strong in 2013, and the Tigers did not disappoint winning a spirited contest.

Up next, was fellow ACC Conference foe Florida State who in recent seasons had experienced flirtation with mediocrity after decades of dominance.  The Seminoles were looking for a big road victory as a statement of the return of the Seminoles a level of elite on the national stage.

With a national television audience on hand, the game on October 19 was set as a clash of titans among national title contenders for 2013.  Clemson, at home where FSU had not won in a decade, with an explosive and experienced offensive unit, was favored, but the Seminoles, with a freshman quarterback making national noise, were somewhat unknown.

Five days prior to the matchup, on October 14, Jeff Cameron, of ESPN 97.9 in Tallahassee, previewed the game to his radio audience.  The comments put forth by Cameron were spot on, and in stunning fashion, #5 Florida State dominated #3 Clemson 52-14 at Death Valley.

Thanks to an outstanding editing job of an unknown individual, game highlights where placed in relation to the comments of Cameron, and the final product is just tremendous, unless of course you are a Clemson supporter.

Please take a look at this outstanding piece of work:



Cameron was on to something as the Seminoles have the look of the type of team that directly challenges for the national title, and the pieces are falling into place for the season to be quite special.

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.

Walker Your Bulldog

Larry Munson, longtime radio voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, has passed away at 89.

Munson was one of the very best of the broadcasters of the color and pageantry of College Football. Munsons often brunt description of the goings on between the hedges and when the Silver Britches hit the road, were of legend.

The quotes are endless, but Linsay Scott's long touchdown catch to beat the Florida Gators in the 1980 version of The Worlds Largest Cocktail Party is the one I most recall. Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott!!

Certainly, Munson will forever be remembered as among the very best gridiron storytellers in college football history. I join those in Sliver Britches in mourning his loss this afternoon.

Water Hazard A Top Flite Crisis

Everyone from Foghorn Leghorn to Wile E. Coyote recognizes we have a economical, environmental and ecological catastrophe taking place in the Gulf of Mexico with this oil spill.

While BP certainly appears to be criminally negligent and throwing darts on what to do regarding the capping of the well and and the cleanup efforts, they are not alone. Our Federal Government is failing miserably as well, led by our inexperienced leader Barack Obama and his team of librarians, professors, authors and global warming alarmists. Conspicuously missing from the team is anyone with any experience in offshore drilling, or running a business for that matter. Although Obama has reached out to Hollywood director James Cameron and actor Leonardo DeCaprio (???) for their vast experience, if he had to engage the entertainment community he could have called country singer Trace Adkins, who actually worked on these rigs.

But no problem. “I will not rest until the leak was stopped“ Obama said on May 14, 2010 as reported by Gateway Pundit.



Not the least bit embarrassed, Obama continues to take in entertainment in various forms while untold damage continues to evolve in the gulf coast. Just this weekend, Obama found time to golf with VP Joe Biden ( could not one of these idiots even act like they are attempting to solve the problem ) and take in a Washington Nationals baseball game. Meanwhile, LA Governor Bobby Jindal continues to battle the Federal Government in his effort to contain the oil.



One would think most all Americans are torqued at the incompetence of our government in the slow and weak response to this crisis, from the inability to establish a chain of command to the Coast Guard checking oil skimmers for life jackets. Even with a news media cheering Obama on, it is quite obvious he is in the weeds on this. But in an incredible demonstration of media bias, note the Washington Post, who threw out this opening paragraph to an article: "After hunkering down for several weeks to deal with the oil spill, President Obama finally made it out of the house for some fun - and showed up at the Nationals game on Friday night."

Hunkering down? Are you trying to fricking kid me? What a terrible insult to Larry Munson and the junkyard Dawg defense of the Georgia Bulldogs, and all Americans for that matter. Between the concerts, campaign stops, the NBA Finals, several rounds of golf, Broadway plays, knocking back a few cold ones and attending baseball games, Obama begrudgingly had to take time to deal with this spill. Our citizens along the gulf coast have had their lives perhaps forever altered negatively and our President thinks it is a good opportunity to push cap and trade. By the way, did the administration know how vulnerable this rig was?

Did I mention the oil is still gushing? Not only is the leak still gushing, containment efforts are holding serve at best, no thanks to Obama, and the damage is adding up quickly, certain to exceed the market cap of BP. Additional potential issues, health concerns, the spill hitting Florida's beaches to oil impacting shipping up the Mississippi River, remain. And dare I even mention the Doomsday scenario being discussed?