13 posts tagged “ne”
ULL radio man Jay Walker comes away enthralled by the Lincoln experience.
Sep 28
Monday, September 28, 2009 8:53 AM
This is my 18th season covering Cajuns football. And, for eight years before that, I had the opportunity to broadcast selected games on TV as well.
I've been to nine SEC stadiums. (I'll go to a tenth next season at Georgia.) I've seen the grove at Ole Miss, experienced the Gator Chomp, the Mississippi State cowbells, been a part of Alabama football in both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. I've been called "Tigerbait" in Baton Rouge and experienced some pretty good hospitality in South Carolina.
I've said hello to the folks at Illinois and Minnesota. Felt September heat in Tempe, AZ.
Been to Manhattan, Lubbock, Austin, Stillwater and College Station. College Station was probably the best. Folks say "Howdy" when they see you. And they say "welcome."
Haven't been to the Horseshoe, the Big House or Happy Valley. Nor have I seen Touchdown Jesus.
But I've been to College Football Nirvana.
It's located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
From the time we touched down ("Welcome to Lincoln," the police officers doing the escort said) to the time we left the stadium ("Thanks so much for coming, have a safe trip home. We hope you'll come back again") every Cajun fan felt like a guest.
That's right. A guest. Not the opposition...not the enemy....a guest.
Check into the Cornhusker Marriott, not far from campus. Fans of Big Red Nation are already there. Smiles, handshakes....welcome to Lincoln. Good luck tomorrow.
Board the bus for dinner. Arrive at Misty's, Lincoln's famous steakhouse (I mean, you gotta eat a steak, right?). There were about 25 in our party. We had to wait about twenty minutes for them to get everything ready. No problem. As soon as the patrons saw the Cajun gear, they wanted to talk...introduce themselves....welcome to Lincoln....thanks so much for coming. Hope you enjoy the game.....
Is this for real??
And, it continued throughout the evening and into the night. We made lots of friends. We Cajun people make friends pretty easily, but it's even easier when folks want to be friends.
In Lincoln, they all want to be your friend.
Gameday is different in Lincoln. They tailgate, sure....but it's tougher because, well, there's just not a lot of tailgaiting spots. But they do open the soccer field next to the stadium. Families can let the kids roam free. Nebraska radio does a pregame show there. And, a band plays during the commercial breaks.
I did an interview at the soccer field with the Nebraska radio folks. And then, had a pretty good trek to the media entrance. At each gate, the sight was the same. Hundreds lined up, waiting for the gates to open so they could get into the stadium and watch their team warm up.
By the time Nebraska came out, about 45 minutes before kickoff, the stadium was about 65% full. There was no "hey, let's stay outside and pound a few more beers."
Because it was gameday. And they came to see football.
By the time the band was ready to come out, 86000 strong were in their seats. They stood and clapped along when the Cornhusker Band played "Fight on Cajuns" to honor their guests. And when the band played "There is no Place Like Nebraska" I knew that the statement was true.
For the first time ever in my years covering the Cajuns, I did not hear a single boo when the Cajuns came out of their tunnel onto their sidelines; in fact, I heard a smattering of applause.
During the game, 86000 cheered as Nebraska rolled. They didn't leave at halftime to go out and start drinking (and remember it was 34-0 at the half). Some were outside, but they had passes to get back in and by the time the second half was ready to kick off, they were all back in their seats.
In the fourth quarter there were STILL over 80000 in the stands. Security keeps an eye out for the sign of alcohol in the stands, which is how trouble starts. If they see alcohol they don't turn a blind eye. After all, college football is about a FAMILY atmosphere.
And when it ended, the fans stayed for another Cornhusker tradition. They applauded the Cajuns as they left the field.
Now you might say...sure, it's easy to clap for someone when you just beat them 55-0. But they do that when their team LOSES. The newspaper on Saturday morning reprinted a handwritten letter from Florida State coach Bobby Bowden after the Seminoles got a hard fought 18-14 win years ago. Yep, the Nebraska fans cheered them as they left.
More of the same post game. There was a young man in a wheelchair where the Cajun players were getting their postgame meal. As each player came out, the young man thanked them for coming and wished them safe travels home. Many of the players stopped to chat for a minute.
Then it was over. And, as the buses left for the airport, the fans that were still there waved and applauded. No one finger salutes. No "you suck" chants. Simply, safe travels, my friends.
If the two teams should play again in the future, plan ahead Cajun Fans. Make the long drive or the relatively short flight. Come in Friday...leave Sunday. And, you will learn what REAL college football atmosphere is about.
Because, trust me.....there is no place like Nebraska.
Huskers memorable moments (not all great ones) sitting at no. 12, 10, and 7. Of course the Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry would have to be listed in the top 10 (so far). Number 7, was of course the famous "Black 41 Flash Reverse" that helped Nebraska defeat Oklahoma.
The Gator Bowl is looking better and better. Nebraska fans can become familiar again (this year anyway) with that former tradition of playing in a New Year's Day game. Under first year coach Bo Pelini, the program (and the fans) have seen quite the turnaround from last year's 5-7 squad under former coach Bill Callahan. With the more than likely New Year's Day game waiting, also waiting is the bigger payout to the school (2.5 million), which will help along with the added television time.
This season swept by so quickly, I'm already looking forward to the 2009 Spring scrimmage. Here's a quick screen shot of the Big 12 North (and overall league) ending the regular season. Once the season officially wraps up, the coaches can hit recruiting trail again for those next bunch of recruits.
During the 1980's and 1990's Nebraska was 211-36-1 under Coach Tom Osborne (who is now the Athletic Director for the university) with 3 National Titles, but have gone 68-36 during this decade under 3 different coaches. New head coach Bo Pelini has his work cut out for him as Nebraska takes on 4th ranked Missouri this weekend in Lincoln. The game this weekend will contribute to a running NCAA home sellout record of 294 consecutive games against Missouri.
Again over 85,000 will show up in red to support the Huskers as they try to knock off a national title favorite. The roles of these two teams have changed. The Huskers used to steamroll over teams conference foes like Mizzou. This used to be a guaranteed win, just like against teams like Kansas, Colorado, Kansas State, and so on. Did I mention that this weekend is also homecoming for the "Big Red"? Look for the crowd to be loud too. The last time Missouri escaped with a "W" in Lincoln... 1978. The score was 35-31 over Nebraska who was ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time.
The times have indeed changed.
Show us what College Football team you're rooting for this season.
Hells ya! College football is back in full swing! GEAUX BIG RED!
Show us something that's been on your mind a lot.
NEBRASKA FOOTBALL! Diehard Huskers fan here. I've been looking forward to the fall kickoff since the end of last season. I'm always wearing something with a Huskers logo on it. Anytime I go see my parents, my dad and I always talk about the Huskers. We'll talk about games from previous seasons, upcoming games, how tough the conference looks, bowl projections. There's a few games in Lincoln that I'm planning on attending, Western Michigan, Virginia Tech, Missouri (maybe), and definitely Colorado.
The two that are pretty much a lock are VaTech and Colorado (annual rivalry). The NU/CU game is always the day after Thanksgiving. It's been dubbed the "Venom Bowl" due to the bad blood running between the two teams. I'm trying to talk one of my cousins into driving in for the game. He lives in Colorado and is a Buffs fan. We've been doing quite a bit of trash talking online and through text messages. The VaTech weekend is also my sister's birthday, so it's more than likely going to be a family trip back to Nebraska. I'll be sure to peel away so I can go hang with my fraternity brothers while in town. It should be a fun weekend, not to mention that September weather in Nebraska... not like the Texas humidity. Great weather, Huskers football, and being back in Nebraska. I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend in the fall.
I made a bet with my cousin that Nebraska will not only win the annual game, but take the Big
12 North crown. If they do, he has to wear a Huskers jersey and take a
photo holding a sign that will read "GO BIG RED". That's the catch, NU has to do both in order for me to collect. Same with CU, they have to win AND take the North Crown for him to win. I'm confident that
the Huskers will pull out a victory, it's payback this season.
Callahan is out the door, Pelini is in and with his own staff. I'm
stoked! It's time to collect those helmets of the fallen!
I'm willing to bet that College Gameday will make their way to Norman, OK the weekend of the Nebraska game. Norman is only 3 hours north of me. Lubbock (Texas Tech) is 4 hours west. Lincoln is 11 hours North of me. I'd say that living in North Texas is a great location to make home/away games. Next season Nebraska will travel to Waco (Baylor) which is about an hour away. Sweet!
If I were dating any woman and she wanted to learn more about Nebraska football. I'd probably recommend she attend this event. Not to mention that proceeds go towards breast cancer research. Then she'd probably see how diehard I am about Nebraska football. HA! University of Nebraska Football Coach Bo Pelini announced on Wednesday, May 7, that registration is now available for Football 101 presented by the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center and the Bo Pelini Foundation, Inc. Led by Coach Pelini and the Husker football coaching staff, Football 101 promises to be a fun-filled day of learning on Tuesday, June 3 at the Hawks Championship Center, the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex and Memorial Stadium. Registrations are now being accepted for Football 101 on-line at BoPeliniFoundation.com. For just $80 fans can join the University of Nebraska Football staff in a day filled with the ultimate personal Husker Football experience. Participants will also feel great knowing that the proceeds will go toward breast cancer research with profits being donated to the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center Foundation and to the Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha. For every $80 registration fee, $55 is tax deductible. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the day will conclude with all participants taking the Tunnel Walk into Memorial Stadium at approximately 5:30 p.m. The Husker football coaching staff will take part in this fantastic event and several Husker football players will also lend their expert advice. The registration fee also includes a box lunch provided by Premier Catering in Memorial Stadium and a Football 101 gift bag. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and browse information and products from local vendors. Coffee and Pepsi products will be available while participants check out the many silent auction items. Weather permitting, some events may be held outside with some walking and interaction required. Comfortable shoes and game-day attire is recommended. Accommodations will be made for those in need of assistance. Participants can register now using a credit card on-line at BoPeliniFoundation.com or they can print off a brochure and send in a check for $80 for each registration to: Bo Pelini Foundation, P.O. Box 21648, Lincoln, NE 68542. For more information, please call (402) 480-1299. Schedule of Events (Subject to Change) All events will be held at the Hawks Championship Center, in the main field and championship wing unless otherwise noted. 7:30–9:30 a.m. - Pregame Registration: Featuring vendor shopping, Silent Auction 9:30–10:45 a.m. - 1st Quarter: "Introduction to Football 101" Featuring Coaches Tom Osborne, Bo Pelini, Shawn Watson and Carl Pelini 10:45–11:15 a.m. - Time Out! Featuring NU Football Players 11:15-11:45 a.m. - Let the Games Begin! 11:45-1 p.m. - Halftime: Featuring box lunches in Stadium 1:15-2:15 p.m. - 2nd Quarter: Featuring interactive sessions with assistant coaches and staff 2:30-3:30 p.m. - 3rd Quarter: Featuring interactive sessions with assistant coaches and staff 3:45–4:45 p.m. - 4th Quarter: Featuring interactive sessions with assistant coaches and staff 4:50–5:30 p.m. - Championship Celebration: Featuring the Tunnel Walk Recognition of cancer survivors and closing comments from Coach Pelini
I'm as diehard Husker as the next proud member of Husker Nation, but even I have my limits. I'm not a Bill Callahan fan, he left the Oakland Raiders in ruins and has done his damage to the Cornhuskers. The end of the season can't come soon enough, the university needs to buy out the remainder of Callahan's contract and part ways. Callahan is 26-18 in his 4th year at the University of Nebraska. It's been quite a slide from the top for the Huskers ever since. Callahan is now:
- 0-5 in his last 5 (.000)
- 4-6 in his last 10 (.400)
- 7-8 in his last 15 (.467)
- 10-10 in his last 20 (.500)
- The Huskers have now allowed 30 rushing touchdowns, setting the new record for rushing touchdowns by an opponent in a season (previous record, 26, 1950)
- The Huskers have now allowed 47 total touchdowns, setting the new record for total TDs allowed by an opponent in a season (previous record, 41, 1948 & 2002)
- The defense has now allowed 4,776 total yards, just 291 yards shy of the worst season ever, with two games remaining
- The defense has allowed 359 points so far, already the record for most points allowed in a single season (prior record, 335 points, 2002, 14 games)
- The defense has allowed 35.9 points per game, and needs to hold K State and Colorado to fewer than 34 points total (17 apiece) to avoid the worst number of points-per-game in Nebraska history
- At 249 first downs allowed, the Huskers are only 23 first downs shy of the worst-ever showing in allowing first downs
- The Nebraska defense is 386 yards shy of setting the new record for rushing yards allowed
- With zero sacks in today's game, the Huskers need to get 8 sacks per game in the next two games to avoid having the worst sack total in school history
- The Huskers are 61 pass completions shy of allowing the highest number of opponent completions in a season
- The Huskers have allowed opponents to complete 57.4% of passes so far this season. That's on pace to be another "worst" - the 2004 team set the record at 56.7%
- The 1968 team set the record for lowest interception percentage (INTs/Attempts) by the Huskers at 3.19%. The 2007 team currently sits at 2.4%
- The most touchdowns ever allowed through the air in a season was set by the 1948 team (19). The 2007 team has allowed 16 so far.
- The fewest takeaways in a season by the Huskers were 19, set in 1962, 1993, and 2000. This year's team has only 11.
- With zero punt return yards today, the Huskers still have only 77 yards with two games left. The worst punt return yardage season was 141, set in 1955. Punt return average is still stagnant, with this year's average (5.92) coming in barely above the worst season (5.77).
- The 2007 Huskers have 58 kickoff returns this season, a new record (prior record, 48, 2002)
- The 477.6 yards allowed per game is well above the record of 379.5, set in 1948 (and has already assured that this team will "earn" this record as well, unless they hold Kansas State and Colorado to negative yards).
- Nebraska's turnover margin this season is -14. The worst season in Husker history is -18, set in 1967.
It's going to be a rocky final 2 games to end the 2007 season, but we'll see how things unfold during the offseason. Next up is Kansas State in the final home game before traveling to Boulder. Both KState and Colorado lost today, they're not going to want to lose against Nebraska. I've found myself thinking about the lyrics to the Nebraska fight song, mainly the final bit. "There is no place like Nebraska, where they're all true blue. We'll all stick together, in all kinds of weather for dear old Nebraska U.".
Show us the best coach of all time.
Former head coach and current interim athletic director for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Conference: 1975, 1978, 1981-1984, 1991-1995, 1997
Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award
Big 8 Coach of Year (1975, 76, 80, 88, 92, 93, 94)
Big 12 Coach of the Year (1996)
Nebraska's College Athlete of the Year (1958, 1959)
Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame (1994)
Nebraska's High School Athlete of the Year (1955)
Coaching record: Overall 255-49-3
Never won fewer than 9 games each season, started and finished in the top 25 (AP/Coaches) every season, best winning percentage (83.6%) among active coaches, went on an NCAA record 60-3 run over his final five seasons, won 250 games faster than any coach in Division I-A history. The 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team was voted as the greatest college football team of all-time in an ESPN fan poll.
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