Celebrate Success

Occupy Wall Street. Supported by our President.

A collection of useful idiots attacking those that have had the good fortune, most through principles found in athletics combined with a little luck, of achieving high levels of success.

I stand in opposition of those folks, for I celebrate the success of those who play the game of life with integrity and a competitive desire to succeed.

Chrysler Corporation recently celebrated the success of someone whose rise to the top I have appreciated, following him closely along the way: Ndamuknong Suh



Indeed, show where your going without forgetting where your from.

Suh, whose first name means "House of Spears", came to The University of Nebraska from Portland, Oregon Grant High School in 2004. By maximizing his God given talent through hard work, discipline and perseverance, Suh left Nebraska, a football program rich in tradition and player honors, as perhaps the most decorated player to ever call himself a 'Husker.

After graduating from Nebraska, Suh was drafted as the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions and is now regarded as among the best players in the National Football League. Beyond football, Suh continues to lead by example, and has charted a path of charitable activity. First among his efforts was a most significant gift to The University of Nebraska, which helped him become a nominee for Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Only 24 years old, Suh has already achieved monetary success most could only dream of, but his level of maturity in life far exceeds his age.

Unlike those who protest down on Wall Street, who want something for nothing, I celebrate the success of those who work hard, play within the rules and achieve greatness. Ndamukong Suh is such an individual, and I hope he can show many where they can go while not forgetting where they have been. It is the lessons of life. While we are facing stiff headwinds, mostly created by our own government, it is up to us to persevere and carpe diem.

Lead, follow or get out of the way. And Go Big Red!

'Huskers Retire #93 of Big Suh

Appropriately, the University of Nebraska on Friday retired the #93 of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, perhaps the most decorated defensive player in NCAA football history.

Suh, the #2 pick in the 2010 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, was simply dominating at the collegiate level and is in line to be the NFL defensive Rookie of the Year.

Joining the ceremony at halftime of the 'Huskers romp over Colorado were former Coach, Dr. Tom Osborne, "Touchdown" Tommie Frazier, Aaron Taylor, Dean Steinkuhler, NFL Hall of Fame bound Will Shields, Dominic Raiola, Eric Weigert, Larry Jacobson and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers.



Congratulations to Big Suh. Certainly, in mentioning a handful of the greatest players ever to play for the Big Red, there is the name of a former Blackshirt that would come to the forefront. You know who! Ndamukong Suh! Go Big Red!

Big Day Looming For Big Suh

Former Nebraska All America defensive tackle Ndamuknong Suh, who won every college football award he was eligible for except The Heisman Trophy, stops by the FOX Business studios to visit Varney & Co. Host Stuart Varney, Charles Payne and Tracey Byrnes discuss the financial pitfalls many athletes face and a new contract for Suh with Subway Restaurants.



At the Nebaraska spring game last Saturday, Ndamukong Suh announced a donation of 2.6 million dollars to the University of Nebraska.



All Cornhuskers across the country are very proud of Ndamuknong Suh and his accomplishments and wish him the very best. While the St. Louis Rams may need a quarterback with the first pick in this weekends NFL draft, the best player in college football last fall was you know who; Ndamukong Suh.

Go Big Red!

BAHL's 2009 All America Team

OFFENSE

Toby Gerhart came out of nowhere to be among the NCAA leaders in rushing, but it was his tough nosed fashion in toting the pigskin that made folks take notice. Behind his running, Stanford had it's best season in many a moon. Gerhart has an NFL future, but he is also a standout student.

WR: Golden Tate, Notre Dame
WR: Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green
WR: Jordan Shipley, Texas
TE: Aaron Hernandez, Florida
OL: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
OL: Mike Johnson, Alabama
OL: Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
OL: Mike Iupati, Idaho
OL: Trent Williams, Oklahoma
OL: Bryna Bulaga, Iowa
QB: Colt McCoy, Texas
RB: Toby Gerhart, Stanford
RB: Mark Ingram, Alabama
RB: Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh

DEFENSE

Ndamukong Suh displayed the most dominating defensive effort on the NCAA level I have ever witnessed. Suh disrupted every game, including a display against Texas in the Big XII title game that was so dominant he became a Heisman Trophy finalist. No doubt, he will be a top draft pick and should star in the NFL. Suh was the AP Player of the Year, as he should have been.

DE: Jerry Hughes, Texas Christian
DT: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
DT: Brian Price, UCLA
DT: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DE: Von Miller, Texas A&M
OLB: Sergio Kindle, Texas
ILB: Rolando McClain, Alabama
ILB: Greg Jones, Michigan State
ILB: Eric Norwood, South Carolina
OLB: Robert Quinn, North Carolina
DB: Eric Berry, Tennessee
DB: Joe Haden, Florida
DB: Earl Thomas, Texas
DB: Javier Arenas, Alabama
DB: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson

K: Kai Forbath, UCLA
P: Alex Henery, Nebraska
KR: CJ Spiller, Clemson
NC: Dion Lewis, Pittburgh

Shamu and Ndamukong Suh

Out at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, the 'Huskers take a trip to Sea World, where AP National Player of The Year Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska meets up with Shamu:

I do love the color and pageantry associated with the bowl games. Go Big Red!

The Heisman

Sophomore running back Mark Ingram of The University of Alabama won the Heisman Memorial Trophy at the Nokia Theatre in Manhattan last Saturday night. Ingram won over Toby Gerhart of Stanford in the closest voting total ever for the prestigious award.

Although I find him deserving and do not quarrel with him winning, Ingram would have been fourth on my ballot behind DT Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, running back Gerhart and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who I would have voted first in 2008.

Congratulations to Ingram and The University of Alabama, who although being one of the most storied college football traditional powers, has never brought home the award. Roll Tide!

Suh For Heisman

“It is a tremendous honor and very humbling to be a finalist for a prestigious award like the Heisman Trophy," Ndamuknong Suh said in a statement. "I’m excited to be included with a great group of finalists for this year’s award.”

My Vote (if I had one)

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
2. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
3. CJ Spiller, RB-KR, Clemson

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1. Alabama 13-0, 3
2. Texas 13-0, 2
3. Texas Christian 12-0, 4
4. Cincinnati 12-0, 5
5. Florida 12-1, 1
6. Boise State 12-0. 6
7. Oregon 10-2, 8
8. Ohio State 10-2, 7
9. Penn State 10-2, 9
10. Virginia Tech 9-3, 10
11. Iowa 10-2, 11
12. Georgia Tech 11-2, 12
13. Brigham Young 10-2, 13
14. Louisiana State 9-3, 17
15. Pittsburgh 9-3, 15
16. Miami 9-3, 16
17. Nebraska 9-4, 19
18. Oregon State 8-4, 14
19. Utah 9-3, 20
20. Oklahoma State 9-3, 23
21. West Virginia 9-3, 24
22. Stanford 8-4, 25
23. Arizona 8-4, NR
24. Wisconsin 9-3, NR
25. Southern Cal 8-4, 18

OUT: Houston (22) & California (21)

VOTES: North Carolina, Houston, East Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Northwestern & Tennessee.

If I had a Heisman vote, it would go to Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the most dominant lineman I have seen in decades. Go Big Suh!

There have been some fantastic finishes this year, but this one really raised the bar:


Nebraska did just about everything they had to do to dump Texas, and for 59:59, they did.

The job the Pelini brothers have done on the defensive side of the football since their return to Lincoln has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Blackshirts operate a disruptive front attacking the line of scrimmage and fly to the football and are sure handed tacklers. They are a pleasure to watch perform. If the 'Huskers had a statistically average offense, they would be no worse than 12-1 at this point. I expect to see a return visit to the Big XII title game next fall.

Cincinnati, after trailing by 21,came back to beat Pitt by executing a point after try, which Pitt failed to do moments earlier, albeit in a snowstorm....Like many, I surprised how Alabama dismantled Florida in such thorough fashion. It was a complete victory for the Crimson Tide.....West Virginia held of the Rutgers in a game impacted by the weather mentioned above. The Mounties are a young team and should be much better in 2010 and....Connecticut capped off a real tough season on and off the field by losing in the last minutes yet again, this time to USF, in the aforementioned snowstorm....The BCS is flawed, but at the end of the day I do think the Longhorns are better than TCU or Cincinnati....Hard to believe USC crumpled down the stretch like they did....Charlie Weis was indeed fired at Notre Dame and the search is already becoming a circus....Will Turner Gill end up at Kansas? I hope not as I would rather not see him in the Big XII north with Nebraska....'Husker DT Ndamukong Suh could, and should, win every defensive award he is eligible for, so clean out the trophy case in Lincoln.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1. Florida 11-0, 1
2. Texas 11-0, 2
3. Alabama 11-0,3
4. Texas Christian 11-0, 4
5. Cincinnati 10-0, 5
6. Boise State 11-0, 6
7. Georgia Tech 10-1, 7
8. Pittsburgh 9-1, 9
9. Ohio State 10-2, 10
10. Oregon 9-2, 11
11. Oklahoma State 9-2, 12
12. Penn State 10-2, 13
13. Virginia Tech 8-3, 14
14. Iowa 10-2, 16
15. Clemson 8-3, 18
16. Brigham Young 9-2, 19
17. Oregon State 8-3, 20
18. Miami 8-3, 21
19. Louisiana State 8-3, 8
20. Southern Cal 7-3, 22
21. Utah 9-2, 23
22. Nebraska 8-3, 24
23. North Carolina 8-3, 25
24. California 8-3, NR
25. Mississippi 8-3, NR

OUT: Wisconsin (15) & Stanford (17)

VOTES: Stanford, Houston, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, West Virginia, NAVY & Temple.

Tim Brando of CBS Sports had the line of the week, when he said CBS would return to Oxford, MS, where they redshirt Miss Americas, in a moment.... Arizona fans tasted it at the conclusion of their overtime loss to Oregon as the fans base was ready to storm the field until the Quack Attack found pay dirt with seconds remaining and winning it in double OT, leaving the fans aghast which prompted one fans to nail a Oregon cheerleader with a bottle. Nice?.....By all measure, Charlie Weis has to be gone at Notre Dame, unless the economic conditions are hitting them more than we know, which I think may be the case....And at Kansas as well, where allegations of verbal abuse has Mark Mangino, a hero 16 months ago, on the edge of losing his job. Economics may not let KU fire him, but the allegations are in fact true, he has got to go no matter the costs. Kirk Herbstriet said it best that some former players better come to his defense..... Very sorry to hear about the death of Stephanie Speilman, wife of Buckeye great Chris Spielman, after a long battle with Breast Cancer. Chris Spielman exhibited love and support for his wife and family that is a playbook for how to be a husband and father, and I for one am praying for him and his family and have learned from the lessons he taught.....Nebraska's offense is very pedestrian but the defense is smothering behind the play of dominating tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is a special player.......LSU gave it away at Ole Miss, but if the Tigers had a better offense, they would have had nothing to worry about.....Florida State will extend the bowl streak, but it took a huge late effort by a trio of freshman to get it done, sending off retiring DC Mickey Andrews out a home winner....North Carolina and Ole Miss are starting to show why everyone had them ranked highly heading in, but it is too little now....Clemson has finally not faltered late and won the ACC Atlantic......Georgia blew a big lead hosting Kentucky and lost, and with Georgia Tech this weekend, 6-6 looks like the mark, which ain't good.

Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1. Florida 5-0, 1
2. Texas 5-0, 2
3. Alabama 6-0, 4
4. Virginia Tech 5-1, 6
5. Boise State 5-0, 5
6. Cincinnati 5-0, 7
7. Texas Christian 5-0, 8
8. Louisiana State 5-1, 3
9. USC 4-1, 9
10. Ohio State 5-1, 10
11. Miami 4-1, 11
12. Nebraska 4-1, 13
13. Oregon 5-1, 14
14. Oklahoma State 4-1, 12
15. Iowa 6-0, 14
16. Oklahoma 3-2, 21
17. South Florida 5-0, 17
18. Kansas 5-0, 18
19. Penn State 5-1, 23
20. Georgia Tech 5-1, 25
21. Brigham Young 5-1, 24
22. South Carolina 5-1, NR
23. Utah 4-1, NR
24. Notre Dame 4-1, NR
25. Missouri 4-1, 22

OUT: Auburn (19), Georgia (20) and Mississippi (16)

VOTES: Ole Miss, Auburn, Pittsburgh, Houston, West Virginia and Arkansas.

A couple players are really having outstanding seasons thus far making big plays over the weekend, who include Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Eric Berry of Tennessee, Tony Pike of Cincinnati and upstart Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett....Outside of Florida, who took out LSU behind a limited Tim Tebow, is anyone a super team?....Georgia got clobbered by Tennessee, and it was far from close....Florida State has the worst defense among major teams since Nebraska's blackshirts collapsed under Bill Callahan and DC Kevin Cosgrove....South Carolina is winning with defense in the SEC...Auburn was brought back to earth with Arkansas scoring at will against them behind the aforementioned Mallett....Iowa is winning real ugly....We will learn quite a bit with Oklahoma facing Texas this week in the Red River Rivalry at Dallas....Ole Miss cannot get out of first gear offensively, which is surprising under QB Snead, who is falling down the draft board....Nebraska assumed control in the Big XII North, as Kansas barely got by Iowa State at home....Colorado has benched coaches son Cody Hawkins at quarterback, which has been a long time coming....Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska is a dominant defensive tackle, as Missouri found out. Suh could sweep the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik Trophies as well as being a top five draft pick. Suh had the national stage Thursday night:

2009 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

OFFENSE

Nebraska was fortunate in 2008 as quarterback Joe Ganz returned to lead a very efficient offensive unit while new Coach Bo Pelini could focus on what he does best, and that is defense. Shawn Watson was retained to coordinate the unit, and Nebraska is fortunate to still have him.

Ganz is gone so The 'Huskers will be breaking in a new signal caller. Zac Lee, brother of FOX Business babe Jenna Lee, seems ready and poised for a guy who has so few snaps under his belt. Lee will operate behind a veteran line, which is very deep. A powerful big back little back punch of Quentin Castille and Roy Helu has been dealt a blow as Castille has been sent packing. What a shame! Meanwhile, Helu is very good but is he durable enough to play 60 minutes? The receiving core lacks a big play guy, but there is talent on hand to emerge in Chris Brooks, Niles Paul and Menelik Holt. Nebraska has a handful of weapons in some great pass catching tight ends in Dreu Young and Mike McNeil.

DEFENSE

Pelini did wonders with this unit a year ago, and now, with everyone buying in the opportunity for the top defense in the conference is possible. The Blackshirts are back, and a central reason for this optimism is the return of All America defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, fresh off his dismantling of Clemson and who is certain to be a top ten draft pick. Suh is extremely disruptive up front, and this allows a green but talented group of linebackers to patrol the field. Sean Fisher and Will Compton will start with Blake Lawrence and Matthew May cleaning up. The secondary lacks a clear all conference candidate, but there are solid performers in Eric Hagg, Anthony Blue, Anthony West, Ricky Thenarse and Larry Asante. Barry Turner returns from injury to join Pierre Allen as the rush ends. This group of defenders gives Pelini quite a bit of options he did not have a year ago, and I think the linebackers will be a strength while Suh dominates the line of scrimmage.

INTANGIBLES

The schedule has some difficult challenges, with a September trip to Blacksburg to meet Virginia Tech. In the conference, a home game with Oklahoma seems too tall an order. There is a Thursday night game at Missouri and a trip to Baylor, who scares me. A pair of late season road trips to Kansas and Colorado will be the deciding factor in whether Nebraska wins the north. Both games are winnable. Nebraska has been on the wrong side of the turnover margin for a few years now, and I look for that to turn around under an emphasis on the running game offensively and the attacking defense Pelini likes to employ.

HONORS CANDIDATES

Ndamukong Suh, barring inury, will be considered for the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik trophies and win All American honors. RB Roy Helu and C Jacob Hickman could also emerge as all conference candidates and K/P Alex Henery could be among the top placekickers in the country.

NEW ARRIVALS

The one to watch here is quarterback Cody Green, who has shown a high level of maturity since arriving on campus. Should Zac Lee have problems, I doubt Pelini would have trouble turning it over to Green. With Castille gone, Rex Burkhead will get repetitions at IB, and he already has a substantial cult following. LB Chris Williams and DB Dijon Washington cold also emerge. Antonio Bell is a speedy guy at wide receiver who I think will become a real force on the offense.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Nebraska will be a better football team in 2009 than they were in 2008, but the record may not be indicative of that. Opportunities exist! Could the Big Red upset Va. Tech early on the road? Will OU be coming to town complacent? Kansas has a tough schedule so NU could lose to them and still win the north. But, don't worry, Nebraska rolls at 10-2 and plays in the Big XII title game. Next year, could be special.

GAMEDAY GALLERY

Bo Knows

A fun time was had ringing in the New Year in Jacksonville for the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl as Nebraska took on Clemson. Our events New Years Eve began at The Jacksonville Landing for a Nebraska pep rally and ended at the Wild Wings in Southside. It was not pretty.









Pregame was great as we partied with Lil Red prior to getting settled in for the game. Lincoln's Nebraska Dave was ready for game action, complete with his own head gear.











The Blackshirts kept the 'Huskers in it early as The Big Red made some critical errors. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh owned the line of scrimmage. The Blackshirts were horrible in 2007, but under the Pelini brothers they were real strong down the stretch, including in the Gator Bowl, where they limited Clemson to 4 yards rushing.

Behind the strong running of Quentin Castille, the 'Huskers claimed the lead and held on to defeat Clemson 26-21. Quarterback Joe Ganz, pictured below directing the attack in the red zone early in the quarter 4, shook off a poor first half and lead Nebraska to victory.

Nebraska finished 9-4, faring much better than most thought. Congratulations to the 'Huskers and what a great job Coach Pelini and staff did this year. The future looks bright. Go Big Red!

2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

OFFENSE

At the close of 2007, behind quarterback Joe Ganz, Nebraska was lighting up the scoreboard. In three starts, Ganz threw for 1399 yards and 15 touchdowns leaving many to wonder how he had not won this job in the fall. Outside of the loss of a pair of leading receivers and an offensive lineman, the Cornhuskers return plenty of firepower on offense. Four lineman with a combined 67 starts are back led by tackle Lyndon Murtha and guard Matt Slauson. Jaivorio Burkes is a very talented sophomore who could emerge as an honors candidate. Versatile back Marlon Lucky, the leading rusher and receiver of 2007, returns and could really have a great season. Lucky will be pushed for playing time as Roy Helu, who has turned many a head on the staff and Quentin Castille, who has the tools to really become an explosive factor, showcase their talents. There is some work to do on the four deep at wide receiver but steady players Todd Peterson and Nate Swift return. Among those looking to step up are Niles Paul and Menelik Holt.


DEFENSE

After an abysmal 2007, this unit can get no worse. This is Pelini’s strong suit and I do expect marked improvement on this side of the ball. Up front, ’07 was a disaster with no a hint of a pass rush. Zach Potter and Barry Turner can play, and expect Pelini to turn both of them loose. DT Ndamakong Suh completely disappeared a year ago, but he has new life under this staff and could realize his potential. Ty Steinkuhler and the surprising emergence of Jared Crick could help this unit. The backers are bare, but RB Cody Glenn was moved there in the spring and I think it is just what the doctor ordered. He is a smart player with good speed and should challenge for conference honors. Phillip Dillard returns and the coaches are pleased with his work ethic in getting better. The secondary, led by cornerback Armando Murillo is decent with three returning starters. Again, Pelini has something to work with at this spot. Keep an eye on Latravis Washington, who is a player I think could shine under Pelini's scheme.

INTAGIBLES

Pelini has hired in a new strength coach and he is trimming the fat. A multitude of players have dropped several pounds and giving the ‘Huskers more speed and quickness. The defense was too big and slow a year ago, and it showed in person and on my couch down in the Sunshine State. Pelini will also return Nebraska to an attacking defense unlike the read as they go by mindset we saw a year ago, where Nebraska was second worst in getting turnovers. This will change under Pelini’s defensive style.

HONORS CANDIDATES
RB Marlon Lucky could be All America if he gets enough touches. Ganz is much better than most think but the Big XII is loaded with standout signal callers. Slauson and Murtha should be all conference while either Potter or Turner could as well.

NEW ARRIVALS

OT-DT Baker Steinkuhler was the top ranked incoming freshman but it does not appear he has made enough waves in fall camp to be a major factor. LB Will Compton is expected to get time while Alfonzo Dennard has impressed in the defensive backfield. John Levorson has come out of nowhere to contend for some playing time, certainly on special teams if nothing else. He seems salty.

FINAL ANALYSIS

There is talent on this squad and it will take Bo Pelini some time to get Nebraska back to the glory times. Since Pelini kept Shawn Watson on board to run the offense, a good move, the ‘Huskers will be quite potent. As the defense comes alive, the offense will be expected to carry the load, and it will. The schedule is in Nebraska’s favor and I could see 10 games in the win column. Even if Nebraska can rise up to take Missouri, they will likely drop one somewhere else. Games at Texas Tech and Oklahoma seem extremely difficult, while Missouri, Kansas, Virginia Tech and rising Colorado provide some stiff home dates. K-Sate will be on fire after getting torched for 73 by NU a year ago. It looks like 9-3 to me with road losses at TT and OU and one home to either Mizzou or Va. Tech. Go Big Red!

GAMEDAY GALLERY