FOX News

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Buffalo wins first game with Turner Gill at the helm

Buffalo beat Temple tonight for their first game of the season. They won 9-3 in overtime. Buffalo was 1-10 last year with their win against Kent State 10-7. This was Turner Gill's first game as head coach.

Four official visitors this week!

Four players will be taking their official visits this weekend when Nebraska plays Louisiana Tech.
They are Quentin Castillo, a fullback from LaPorte, Texas. He is rated a three-star by Rivals.com. Roy Helu is a running back from Danville, California. He has a three-star rating.

Brandon Herron is visiting this week. He is an outside linebacker from Sugarland, Texas. He has a three-star rating. Rivals says there is a good chance he will commit this week. The fourth visitor has already commited to NU. He is Ryan Hill, a tight end from Arvada, Colorado. Ryan does not have a rating yet.

Why even look at running backs? Wilson and Jackson are gone after 2007 and there are those that think Lucky will enter the draft after 2007. All the sudden we are down to Glenn who will be a senior in 2008. We need more running backs.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Three days to the first game!

Nebraska will do well on Saturday. The offense will have a great day against a defense that only returns two starters. The running back that plays will simply be the one that does his assignments, pass blocks and doesn't turn the ball over. If one of the backs fumble they may have to sit for a while. It should be fun. I have to admit I can't wait for Kenny Wilson to run the ball but all the backs are very good.

I am anxious to see the receivers. Maurice Purify has been reported to be a great receiver but he is still learning the system. Never-the-less it will be fun to watch our talented receivers.

The offensive line will be improved and we will see different starters each week. It is very competitive and this should raise the level of our performance.

The defense will be very good. The test will be how Shanle, Jones, and Green react to their first starts. Which backup will energe as a potential starter. There will be many opinions as to which backup should be playing more. All too much fun and a chance to have discussions with friends as to what we should be doing differently.

My prediction for the NE game as per an earlier log is NU 57-7.

Now on to other things.....Joe Dailey starts for North Carolina Saturday against Rutgers. Rudy Carpenter starts for Arizona State on Thursday night. Coach Del Koetter has a lot of pressure he has a good healthy season. Buffalo opens against Temple on Thursday night and they are favored. It will all be fun to follow.

Everybody will have an opinion and you will hear this writer's views as the season goes.

This week is Week 1 for High School football. Go out and see a game and let me know if you see a standout player. We will follow them during the season. There are a lot of great players in Nebraska who are relatively unknown and it is our duty to report on them.

The following is for games on September 8th.

Lincoln Southwest plays Lincoln Southeast this week. Standouts Ollie Sloup and Austin Cassidy will lead the favorite Southwest team against SE who lost to Lincoln East last week 21-14 in a mild upset.

Elkhorn plays at Gretna this week in a game that means a lot every year in Class B. Lineman Alex Stover leads Gretna this year. Kevin Thomsen of Elkhorn has had offers from Wyoming and Colorado State.

In C-1 #10 Auburn plays Ashland-Greenwood who is rated 7th in a big game. Two-time 1000 yard rusher Luke Lundy plays for Auburn.

Kearney Catholic plays Hastings St Cecelia. Kearney Catholic is rated #8. IClay Center goes to #2 in EM-1 Bruning-Davenport. Clay Center is #1 in EM-2. Bruning-Davenport is the returning champion and has Cory Voss, a linebacker, and Preston Lentler, a lineman, who are standouts.

Also in EM-2 action, Mullen plays at #6 Sargent. Jacob Davenport had 39 TD's and 2,314 yards rushing in 2005. They also have LB Ian Cox who is a defensive standout.

Go to a game and enjoy!!!!!

New look and new name!!

Decided to make a change from the kinky pink to a more professional look. The pink color looked more red but it didn't turn out that way.

The new name is "Nebraska Sports Journal". We will try to give you a different look at sports. Comments even if they are critical are encouraged.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Get ready to tailgate!!!

Check out http://www.barbecuebible.com/ for your tailgating needs. One recipe on their site is:
First Timer’s Ribs

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Well, if this is your idea of the perfect rib (and it should be), here’s your master recipe. It will teach you the principles of first-class ribsmanship – skinning the ribs, rubbing the meat, using a mop sauce, glazing with a barbecue sauce, and harnessing the mouth-watering powers of wood smoke. But ultimately, it’s so simple you can prepare it from start to finish in about an hour and a half, only ten minutes of which is actual work.

For the mop sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup apple cider
3 tablespoons bourbon, or 3 more tablespoons apple cider
3 tablespoons soy sauce

For the rub and ribs:
2 tablespoons coarse salt (kosher or sea)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dry mustard (preferably Colman’s)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon celery seed
2 racks baby back pork ribs (4 to 5 pounds total)
Lemon Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce or another favorite barbecue sauce

You’ll also need:
1 ½ cups wood chips or chunks (preferably hickory or apple), soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, then drained
barbecue mop

1. Make the mop sauce: Melt the butter in a nonreactive saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cider, bourbon, and soy sauce. Keep warm until ready to use.

2. Make the rub: Place the salt, brown sugar, paprika, pepper, mustrad, garlic powder, and celery seed in a small bowl and mix with your fingers, breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar or garlic powder.

3. Prepare the ribs: Place a rack of ribs meat side down on a baking sheet. Remove the thin, papery membrane from the back of the rack by inserting a slender implement, such as a butter knife or the tip of a meat thermometer, under it. The best place to start is on one of the middle bones. Using a dishcloth, paper towel, or pliers to gain a secure grip, peel off the membrane. Repeat with the remaining rack.

4. Set aside 2 tablespoon of rub for serving. Sprinkle the remaining rub over both sides of the ribs, rubbing it onto the meat. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate them while you set up the grill.

5. Set up the grill for indirect grilling (see page 33) and preheat to medium (325 to 350F). Place a large drip pan in the center of the grill under the grate. (For instructions on smoking on a gas grill see page 36.)

6. When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate. Place the ribs bone side down in the center of the grate, over the drip pan and away from the head. (If your grill has limited space, stand the racks of ribs upright in a rib rack; see page 52.) If cooking on a charcoal grill, toss half of the wood chips on each mound of coals. Cover the grill and cook the ribs for 45 minutes.

7. Mop the ribs on both sides with the mop sauce. Re-cover the grill and continue cooking the ribs until well browned, cooked through, and tender enough to pull apart with your fingers, 45 minutes to 1 hour longer, 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours in all. When the ribs are cooked, the meat will have shrunk back from the ends of the bones by about ¼ inch. Mop the ribs again every 15 minutes and, if using a charcoal grill, replenish the coals as needed.

8. Just before serving, brush the ribs on both sides with some of the Lemon Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce and move them directly over the fire. Grill the ribs until the barbecue sauce is browned and bubbling, 1 to 3 minutes per side.

9. Transfer the ribs to a large platter or cutting board. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut the racks in half or into individual ribs. Sprinkle a little of the reserved rub over the ribs and serve at once with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.

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Monday, August 28, 2006

Five days until Nebraska opens the season

What records will be broken this year on the NU football team? Here are a few of the NU football records .

Most Rushing Yards in a Game
1. Calvin Jones vs Kansas 11/9/91 He was a freshman 294 yards

Mike Rozier is second with 285 yards vs Kansas on 11/12/83, Frank Solich held the record for 21 years with 204 yards until Rick Berns broke it vs Missouri with 211 yards in 1976.

Season Rushing Leader
1. Mike Rozier 1983 (275 att. 29 TD) 2,148 yards

To get into the Top 10 you have to better Dahran Diedrick in 2001 with 1,299 yards.

Career Rushing Leader
1. Mike Rozier 1981-83 (668 att. 49 TD) 4,780 yards

Rushing TDs in a Game
1. Calvin Jones 11/9/91 vs Kansas 6

Passing Yards Per Completion (Min 8 Comp) in a game
Joe Dailey vs Baylor 10/16/04 26.31 yards

Passing Yards in a Game
1, Zac Taylor vs Iowa State 10/1/05 431
2. Zac Taylor at Colorado 11/25/05 392
3. Joe Dailey vs. Baylor 10/16/04 342
4. Joe Dailey vs Colorado 11/26/04 306
9. Zac Taylor at Missouri 10/22/05 281

Season Passing Leaders
1. Zac Taylor 2005 (237-430) 2,653
10. Keithen McCant 1991 (97-168) 1,454

Career Passing Leaders
1. David Humm 1972-74 5,035
9. Scott Frost 1996-97 2,677
10. Zac Taylor 2005- 2,653

Consecutive Completed Passes
David Humm at Kansas 10/19/74 15

Highest NCAA Passing Rating
Gerry Gdowski 1989 177.3

Passing Touchdowns in a Career
Tommie Frazier 1992-95 43 TD's

WILL ANY OF THESE RECORDS BE BROKEN THIS YEAR? WHICH ONES AND WHY?

Friday, August 25, 2006

Loomis Wolves win 38-14 over Eustis-Farnam

The 2007 high school season opened this week for this writer in Loomis. This week is Week 0 as named by the NSAA. Lance Thorell ran for four touchdowns as Loomis won 38-14.

In the first quarter, two-time all-stater Lance Thorell ran for 20 yards for the first score of the season for Loomis. Later in the first half Thorell ran for a 30 yard TD. A.J. Lindstrom ran in for the two-point conversion bringing the score to 16-0. With a little over six minutes left in the second quarter, Devon Carmichael 60 yards for a TD followed by the two-pointer which was a pass from Lindstrom to Thorell. The score ended 24-0 at half.

With thirteen minutes left in the third quarter, Thorell ran 68 yards for a TD and Devon Carmichael ran the two-point conversion bringing the score to 32-0. Then Eustis-Farnam got on the board with a pass from Jeff Loshonkohl to Calvin Rupe. Randy Sheffield caught a pass from Loshonkohl for the two pointer. This brought the score to 32-8.

With eleven minutes left in the game Thorell scored his fourth TD from 2 yards out. The two-pointer failed. Score 38-8. With five minutes left Eusti-Farnam scored the final points of the game with Loshonkohl scoreing from three yards out. Final 38-14.

Loomis had an impressive running game. Their passing game was not needed tonight but was ineffective most of the time when they did pass. Loomis will also need to work on its punting game as they punted only two or three times and one was blocked.

Eustis-Farnam had a lot of yards on offense tonight but they were unable to put the ball in the end zone enough times. They will win some games this year.

BRAD HARTZOG, FORMALLY OF ORLEANS, MADE SOME KEY CALLS IN THIS GAME AND DID A TREMENDOUS JOB AS A REFEREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great football night. The season begins!!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Lance Thorell-One of the Top 15 Football Players in Nebraska-2006

Lance Thorell, a senior at Loomis High School, is relatively an unknown except for the schools that have played against him. Coach Grant Mollring of Eustis-Farnam was quoted this week in the Kearney Hub "and the best athlete west of Kearney, in my opinion, is Thorell". Eustis-Farnam plays Loomis this week in D-1 action.

Thorell has excelled in football, basketball, and track at Loomis High during his career. He played on the D-2 championship basketball team three years ago. He had top five performances in Nebraska in the 110 highs and the intermediate hurdles.

He is a two time all-stater in football. Last year he had 101 tackles and eight interceptions. Coach Denis Reese has put him in a position where he can help the team the most. His sophmore year he played receiver on offense and had a great year with all-stater Drew Billeter throwing TD's to him. Last year he played QB. This year he converts to running back. He will be tough to stop and should have a sensational season.

His strongest positions in college looks to be receiver and safety. He has excellent speed, great hands, and is a very tough hard hitter on defense.

Lance is 6'1" and weighs 180 lbs. He benches 245 lbs. and squats 315 lbs. His 40 time is 4.6 and he has a 33 inch vertical jump. His best season in receiving was in 2004 when he had 914 yards receiving and 14 TD's.

Lance will excel whereever he plays and would be a great walkon for the Nebraska program.

This year the word will get out how good he really is. Watch his progress this season.

He responded to our questionaire and here is what he had to say:



Favorite Game Memory:

"Beating Bertrand 48-16"

Best Athlete You Have Played Against:

"Steve Dent of Mullen and Wade Vontz of Cambridge"

Favorite Team:

"Huskers"

Favorite Player:

"Michael Vick"

College Interested in You:

"Iowa, Doane, South Dakota, UNK, Concordia, Morningside, Dana"

College You Are Interested In:

"Iowa, Doane, UNK, South Dakota"

PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Books:

"Sports magazines"

Who is Your Favorite Movie Actor:

"Brad Pitt"

What is Your Favorite Movie:

"Dumb and Dumber"

What is Your Favorite TV Show:

"That 70's Show"

Which Actor Would You Like To Be Like:

"Brad Pitt"

What Are Your Hobbies:

"Hunting and Playing Sports"

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

"Making money"

Thank you Lance for giving us this information and have a great season. The Wolves aren't rated right now but they will be by season's end. Maybe a trip to the state championship game will give Lance Thorell the publicity that he deserves.




Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Jake Gdowski


He comes from a football family. His dad, Tom Gdowski, was a three year letterman from Nebraska as a defensive lineman. He is also related to the former QB Gerry Gdowski who started for NU.

Jake will be playing center and defensive line for Grand Island Senior High this fall in his senior season. These are the positions he plans to play in college. Jake is 6'3" and weighs 270 lbs. He has benched 325 lbs and has done 510 lbs. in the squat. He has ran a 4.8 40 and has a vertical jump of 28 inches.

We have received back our questionaire from Jake this week and here is what he had to say:

Favorite Game Memory:

"Coming back down 30 at halftime vs. Norfolk"

Best Athlete You Have Played Against:

"Ricky Henry"

Favorite Team:

"Broncos"

Favorite Player:

"Warren Sapp"

College Interested in You:

"Nebraska, Colorado State, Iowa State, Kansas, Wyoming, Ohio, and Harvard"

College You Are Interested In:

"Same teams that are interested in me"

PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Books:

"No favorites. I like Sports Illustrated"

Who is Your Favorite Movie Actor:

"Nicholas Cage and Jim Carrey"

What is Your Favorite Movie:

"Old School"

What is Your Favorite TV Show:

"That 70's Show Boston Legal with Denny Crane is a close second"

Note: He is just saying that because Denny Crane is so good looking and he says this writer looks like him.

Which Actor Would You Like To Be Like:

"Ben Stiller"

What Are Your Hobbies:

"Poker"

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

"Continuing to work hard and stay focused"

Jake has one Division I offer from Colorado State. He is a very hard worker, humble and has patience. He would be a perfect fit into the Nebraska program. Let's hope it happens. Thanks Jake for your time.

"Denny Crane"



Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Eleven Days until the first game

Brandon "Beast" Johnson is practicing this week for the first time. He appears to be living up to his name and will probably contribute in the USC game. He is the real deal.

That gives us three players this writer feels are the "real deal". They are "The Beast", Maurice Purify, and Kenny Wilson. They will be huge contributors this year and will play eventually in the NFL.

Here are the facts about Sam Keller. He has asked to be released at Arizona State. Nebrasks has said they are recruiting him. Coach Callahan said it is his job to bring the best players to Nebraska to elevate the competition and talent level. Sam Keller was elected captain by his team.

Now the part that has been reported and some speculation. Rudy Carpenter is the starting QB at Arizona State. He went 4-1 after Keller was hurt last year. Last week their Coach Koetter named Keller the starting QB for ASU. Carpenter said he would transfer if Koetter didn't name him QB. This left Koetter without a quality QB for 2007 so he then named Carpenter the starting QB. Keller decided to transfer. He doesn't appear to have problems with the other players because he was named captain. Koetter now says he messed up.

Keller would be a nice fit for Nebraska next year as he will be ahead of the other QB's. He has been projected to be a 1st or 2nd round draft pick. He would add 2 to 3 victories for Nebraska next year if we get him. I would say it is a 70% chance we will get him as his dad has some ties to Coach Callahan. He will make the other QB's better also. That's what it is all about.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Turner Gill gets ready for his first season at Buffalo

Turner Gill is beginning his first season as head coach with the University of Buffalo. They are excited to have him and he will rebuild a team that has not been very successful in the past. Go the the website and see the excellent coaching staff he has assembled to turn this program into winners.

  • University of Buffalo Coaching Staff
  • Sunday, August 20, 2006

    Husker practice

    Dontrel Moore, a linebacker, has left the Nebraska football team.

    Isiah Fluellen is working with the No. 1 team at CB. Andre Jones should be back on Monday after having a hamstring pull. Fluellen is one of the fastest kids on the team. He had played WR up until this year.

    Ben Eisenhart, from Culbertson, may be a nickel back at times this year. He is know as a huge hitter.

    Less than two weeks until the first game.

    Demorrio Williams had 8 tackles Saturday night for Atlanta. Kyle Larson had 5 punts for a 47.2 yard average for Cinncy. Willie Amos had three tackles for the Bears. Mike Rucker ran a fumble back for a TD.

    NU BB Coach Sadler said that he has not heard from Marcus Walker as to whether he has decided to come back to Nebraska.

    The 1st Bill Callahan Show is next Sunday. Watch it as there will be some good clips on the show.

    Friday, August 18, 2006

    Fun Day for Nebraska Football


    The day included Larry The Cable Guy telling jokes and the football secretaries calling plays. It was a change of pace from many hard practices this fall. Sarah Boehler is pictured with Joni Duff as they are calling defensive plays with Coach Cosgrove's assistance.

    Last night Correll Buckhalter ran five times for eight yards and caught one pass for 48 yards for the Eagles. Sam Koch had four punts for a 39.8 yard average. Bernard Thomas had a solo tackle. Corey Ross ran seven times for twenty-two yards. He also had one punt return for twenty yards. They all play for Baltimore.

    Doc Sadler gets two more basketball players from last year's team to rejoin. They are Kansas City product Marcus Walker and Mike Smith. He has now been able to keep thirteen scholarship players from last year's team.

    "Talledaga Nights" is a great show!! Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly really click off together. Amy Adams is very good too. The two kids are unbelieveable. Lots of laughs and one you want to see again!!!

    Zac Taylor will have an excellent chance to break the 433 yards passing he had last year against Iowa State. He also should break the total offensive yards in a game for a senior which is held by Eric Crouch vs. Colorado in 2001 of 360 yards.

    Johnny Rodgers record of 55 receptions in a season in 1972 could get broken if any of the receivers can get enough time to do so. We have an excellent bunch of receivers this year.

    Kenny Wilson may be the best back we have seen since Ahman Green and Lawrence Phillips. He is the real deal.

    Nebraska's last year in the top ten was 2001 when they were ranked 7th. They were ranked 7th in 2000 and 2nd in 1999.

    The offensive line will be back this year and they have depth to boot.

    The Nebraska attendance record is 78,268 against Texas in 2002. The record will be broken on September 2nd.

    The largest crowd ever to see a Nebraska game was at Penn State on Sept. 14, 2002. Nebraska got beat 40-7.

    Mike Rozier had 26 games of 100 yards or more rushing.

    The first game is against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the second game is the Nicholls State Colonels out of Thibadaux, Louisiana. Louisiana Tech is located in Ruston, Louisiana.

    Wednesday, August 16, 2006

    Jake Gdowski


    He comes from a football family. His dad, Tom Gdowski, was a three year letterman from Nebraska as a defensive lineman. He is also related to the former QB Gerry Gdowski who started for NU.

    Jake will be playing center and defensive line for Grand Island Senior High this fall in his senior season. These are the positions he plans to play in college. Jake is 6'3" and weighs 270 lbs. He has benched 325 lbs and has done 510 lbs. in the squat. He has ran a 4.8 40 and has a vertical jump of 28 inches.

    We have received back our questionaire from Jake this week and here is what he had to say:

    Favorite Game Memory:

    "Coming back down 30 at halftime vs. Norfolk"

    Best Athlete You Have Played Against:

    "Ricky Henry"

    Favorite Team:

    "Broncos"

    Favorite Player:

    "Warren Sapp"

    College Interested in You:

    "Nebraska, Colorado State, Iowa State, Kansas, Wyoming, Ohio, and Harvard"

    College You Are Interested In:

    "Same teams that are interested in me"

    PERSONAL

    What is Your Favorite Books:

    "No favorites. I like Sports Illustrated"

    Who is Your Favorite Movie Actor:

    "Nicholas Cage and Jim Carrey"

    What is Your Favorite Movie:

    "Old School"

    What is Your Favorite TV Show:

    "That 70's Show Boston Legal with Denny Crane is a close second"

    Note: He is just saying that because Denny Crane is so good looking and he says this writer looks like him.

    Which Actor Would You Like To Be Like:

    "Ben Stiller"

    What Are Your Hobbies:

    "Poker"

    What is Important For You To Be Successful:

    "Continuing to work hard and stay focused"

    Jake has one Division I offer from Colorado State. He is a very hard worker, humble and has patience. He would be a perfect fit into the Nebraska program. Let's hope it happens. Thanks Jake for your time.

    "Denny Crane"



    Maric and White will return to NU Basketball

    Doc Sadler has traveled to Australia and New York to discuss and persuade Alex Maric and Jamel White to remain Cornhuskers. They are the two leading returning scorers. This is great news for Nebraska basketball.

    Larry The Cable Guy was at football practice this morning. Go to Rivals to hear his interview. Quite funny.

    Yesterday Kenny Wilson and Brandon Jackson broke touchdowns of over 60 yards. All four backs are performing well which means the offensive line is doing well also.

    Maurice Purify is working with the first team.

    Look for a Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, and Denny Hamlin finish this week at Michigan.

    Alex Gordon has 24 home runs this season at Wichita. He will remain there until the season ends.

    Monday, August 14, 2006

    NBC COVERAGE OF NASCAR STINKS

    This writer just has to say that the coverage of the Nascar races by NBC are really bad. Numerous times there has been a driver go out of a race for a number of laps and they never mention it. We are not talking Chaffin or Ash but drivers like Kahne and Hamlin. The announcers do fine. This writer hope Benny Parson has a healthy recovery.Pitcommand on nascar.com has better coverage than watching NBC. Don't they have somebody watching a similar screen so they can pick up when somebody goes to the garage. What happened to Boris Said and Ron Fellows this week. They did not finish 6th and 11th as reported by NBC. They were 31st and 32nd.

    When this writer said Jammal Lord is the toughest Nebraska Cornhusker I have ever seen, Brandon Rigoni is the most inspirational player we've seen in a few years. What fun it is to watch him on special teams. Big man in a smaller package.

    This week's predictions of Stewart first, Harvick second and Martin third were pretty close with Harvick first and Stewart second.

    Why do so many take fly fishing lessons. Are flies good to eat?

    Saturday, August 12, 2006

    Corey Ross/Sam Koch/Jammal Lord

    Two former Huskers played for Baltimore Friday. They were Sam Koch and Corey Ross. Sam Koch had 3 punts for an average of 33 yards.

    Corey Ross had two punt returns for 27 yards which is a 13.5 yard average. He also was the leading kickoff returner with two returns for 44 yards.

    Corey Ross had one rush for two yards and no receptions.

    Remember two years ago when we couldn't find a punt returner at Nebraska? Those days are now gone.

    Jammal Lord had three tackles for Indy in their game against St. Louis. Toughest NU player I have ever seen.

    Friday, August 11, 2006

    Sports notes

    The offensiveline is much improved according to Zac Taylor. Lydon Murtha and Chris Patrick have really improved. He also said that Carl Nicks, a new recruit has been impressive. DJ Jones, a new recruit said that he is running third team. He said that Myrtha and Matt Slauson are the ones he looks up to and watches. This is good news for Nebraska fans as we need Zac Taylor to stay healthy this year.

    Kenny Wilson continues to impress at running back.

    Harrison Beck goes to North Carolina State. Maybe Joe Dailey and Harrison Beck will face off next year. I'll pick Joe Dailey to win that battle.

    KC Royals need a closer. They are blowing too many games in the ninth.

    Recruit Ricky Thenarse has been cleared to practice. He will start at corner where Tyrell Spain is getting a shot.

    Brian Hildebrand will begin practice on Saturday. Give him some time to learn the system. Joe Ganz will be fine as a backup.

    Tony Stewart will win the road race this week. Watch for Mark Martin and Kevin Harvick to challenge.

    Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is the #1 movie right now.

    New book has John Boehler as detective

    Robin T. Popp: Seduced by the Night

    Seduced by the Night is the second book in Robin T. Popp’s Night Slayer series. Dirk Adams is a changeling; part vampire and part human. His strength and skills make him the ultimate fighter in the struggle against vampires in Washington, DC. Dirk works for Admiral Winslow, the retired officer introduced in Out of the Night. Dirk works with Mac Knight, another changeling as they try to track down the vampires the police have dubbed “the exsanguinators”.

    The first book was much more interesting than this one. The Night Slayer series continues with Tempted in the Night and homicide detective John Boehler. Tempted will be released in early 2007.

    Thursday, August 10, 2006

    Sarah Boehler enters another year in the NU football office!


    My oldest daughter, Sarah, begins another year in the Nebraska football office. Below is her biography as it shows in www.huskers.com. Visit this site and keep up to date on the University of Nebraska sports. To see her directory click Directory and you will find her name. Have a great year Sarah!

    Sarah Boehler begins her second year as recruiting office assistant. She has worked as a student in the head coach's office since 2003, assisting with administrative recruiting duties as well as Coach Callahan Charities, camps and clinics. A native of Holdrege, Neb., Boehler is a 2005 graduate of Nebraska.

    Tuesday, August 08, 2006

    "Doc" takes the Nebraska basketball job

    Doc Stadler, coming from Texas El-Paso of the WAC conference, will be the Nebraska Basketball head coach. At first hearing of the announcement, this writer was less than enthusiastic. After doing some research he now has changed his mind and is anxious as to what kind of team he can put on the floor especially after Alex Maric announced he is leaving.

    What is the deal with the name Doc. Sadler, whose given name is Kenneth, was nicknamed Doc because as a kid he wore a cap autographed by "Doc" on the TV western Gunsmoke. Being a fan of Gunsmoke things are looking even better.

    What excited this writer about "Doc"? Continue to read on

    Marc Boehm described the new coach. "One of the things that we have talked about is recruiting and how important it is here," Boehm said. "We have found a man who obviously is one of the best recruiters in the country, as he has coached 19 future NBA players. He has a tremendous track record, but his greatest quality may be his ability to build relationships with players, parents, coaches and fans. The people of Lincoln and Nebraska will love him."

    Sadler led UTEP to 21 victories in 2005-06 and an NIT berth while overcoming several injuries that depleted the team of its top scorers for a majority of the season. Sadler's squad relied on defense and finished the campaign ranked 15th nationally by allowing only 59.5 points per game. His disciplined approach showed on the court as the Miners placed ninth nationally with only 14.9 fouls per game and ranked 28th in rebounding margin (+4.7) after outrebounding 24-of-31 opponents. With only two players left on the roster can "Doc" bring in some talent to help us rebound in the Big 12. That is a huge chore with little time.

    The Miners went undefeated at home in league play and earned an 11-3 mark to rank third in the final standings. UTEP set a C-USA record by allowing just 56 points per game in conference play last year, and also allowed teams to hit just 40.6 percent from the floor on the year, the program's best mark since 1974.

    While solid defense is a staple of his teams, Sadler understands the need to put creative scorers in a position to flourish. That was especially noticeable in his first UTEP team, as the 2005 Miners set the school record for points scored (2,616, 74.7 ppg), assists (579) and free throw percentage (.792). That should excite those that like to run and score. However it is obvious that defense is just as important.

    "You ever watch tennis? We're going to play baseline to baseline," Sadler said. "I don't know how much the sideline seats sell for, but you better get baseline seats. Because if not, you're going to go home and the chiropractor is going to make a living." Thank goodness the students will be in these seats. This should get the crowd going when the plaers are giving 100% up and down the floor.

    Sadler helped two players, Omar Thomas and Filberto Rivera, earn first-team All-WAC honors in 2005, the first time UTEP had a pair of players on the first squad in 20 years. Thomas also earned MVP honors after an outstanding performance at the league tournament. Last season, John Tofi, one of two 1,000-point scorers on the squad, was the third Miner to earn a first-team all-league certificate under Sadler.

    The Miners have gained three straight postseason appearances with Sadler on the bench. Before taking over as head coach, Sadler was an assistant under current Texas A&M head coach Billy Gillespie in 2003-04 when the Miners made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in more than a decade. UTEP tied the biggest turnaround in NCAA history that season as it went from six to 24 wins in Sadler's first season assisting the Miners.

    While considered by many to be a tremendous tactician and strategist, Sadler is equally as impressive on the recruiting paths. Sadler has signed eight players who have gone on to play in the NBA, including Michael Batiste, Tony Battie, Cory Carr, Mark Davis, Darvin Ham, Eddie House, Maurice Jeffers and Jason Sasser. Sadler has also coached 11 other players who reached the NBA -- Greg Anderson, Mario Bennett, Randy Brown, Isaac Burton, Byron Irvin, Joe Klein, Andrew Lang, Ron Riley, Alvin Robertson, Darrell Walker and Rickie Winslow – giving him an impressive total of 19 former pupils who reached the highest level of professional basketball.

    Sadler has a passion for winning, but it is his ability to build relationships and then develop players both on and off the court that served him well during his 12 years as an assistant coach. Along with his NBA and all-conference picks, Sadler has seen his players succeed in the classroom, including 10 Miners on the 2005-06 team who earned at least a 3.0 grade-point average in the first semester.

    As an assistant coach, Sadler served stints at seven current Division I schools, including Arkansas (1982-85, under Coach Eddie Sutton), Lamar (1985-86, under Coach Pat Foster), Houston (1986), Chicago State (1987-88, under Coach Tommy Suitts), Texas Tech (1991-94, under Coach James Dickey), Arizona State (1994-97, under Coach Bill Freider) and UTEP (2003-04, under Coach Billy Gillespie).

    Over 12 full seasons as a Division I assistant coach, nine of his teams reached the postseason, including ASU's 1996 team that reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. At Texas Tech, Sadler helped the Red Raiders to the 1993 Southwest Conference title and an NCAA appearance. He recruited talent that helped the Red Raiders to a 28-1 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in 1996.

    We will need to give "Doc" some time to heal the basketball team due to the player losses the last several months. Once the surgery is completed we will be happy with the results. Do you think our new mascot will be Festus or Matt Dillon. I'll be looking for Kitty.

    Sunday, August 06, 2006

    NU begins search for Basketball Coach

    The two main candidates, according to the press, to replace Barry Collier as Nebraska's basketball coach are not in the running. The successful Nevada coach, Mark Fox, met with Steve Pederson on Thursday and yesterday withdrew his name from consideration. He said he is happy in Nevada and has a strong loyalty to his players and the school.

    It has also been reported that Jim Christian of Kent State also has dropped interest in the job.

    The Omaha World-Herald has reported that Karl Hobbs of George Washington is interested in the job. He was coach of the year in the Atlantic Conference this year after going 27-3. If he was hired he would become the first African-American to be head coach at Nebraska. His coaching experience is impressive and was an assistant at Connecticut for 8 years.

    Also showing interest is Randy Bennett of St. Mary's college in California. He has been at the college for six years and last year his team went 17-12. He was an assistant under Tim Floyd when he was in Idaho.

    Two others mentioned for the job are John Pelphrey of South Alabama and Doc Stadler of UTEP.

    .........................

    Jammal Lord has signed with Indianapolis as Safety. Yes Zac Taylor was hit hard a number of times in 2006 but Jammal Lord was as tough as any QB Nebraska has ever had.

    Check out the article on Bart Kofoed by Dirk Chatelain today in the Omaha World-Herald. Great job!

    The offensive line for Nebraska will be more experienced this year as most of the talent is back. Brandon Koch is a loss. Starters right now are Murtha, Austin, Mann, Slauson, and Patrick. They have shifted Slauson to play more guard this year. He is more fitted for that position in the NFL. Look to Andy Christensen to play a lot for Greg Austin who has a bad knee. Mike Huff will play and lot too. Recruit Carl Nicks is mentioned as the top second teamer. He is new on the team and should see a lot of playing time. The World-Heral article mentions that all the linemen are learning all of the line positions so you will see all kinds of combinations this year. Victory Haines, another first year player will see action also.

    The Omaha Royals have no pitching right now. Kansas City needs a consistent closer or Burgos has to get better.

    Saturday, August 05, 2006

    Thursday, August 03, 2006

    Why did she kiss him on the nose?

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB

    The rich get richer and the poor poorer!

    That's what happens each year right at the major league trade deadline. The teams that don't have a chance to make the playoffs trade off their best players who have their contracts coming due. The poor teams figure that if they trade for a minor league player that has promise to contribute in the future, it is better than getting nothing at the end of the year if their best players sign with other teams. Free agency has contributed to this. Some teams that have a good chance to make the playoffs but are lacking a player or two make deals to get them better. The playoffs are good money. The Cubs trade off some of their better players because they really never have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs. It happens because of money for the players and the teams. The fans end up losers.

    Something I have always wondered is "Can mute people burb?" It would appear that they can.

    "Don't you think it is weird that we teach our children"Scrub a dub dub. Three men in a tub" Explain that one. Should this be stopped. What's a dub dub and are the three men scrubbing it?

    When ball players wear t-shirts what does the t mean?

    Who will be the starting running back when Nebraska plays Texas? I say Kenny Wilson. Of course we will use three or four backs extensively.

    Do birds pee? Can a man named Nick have a nickname. Where did the term nickle back come from?

    Can I ever go skinny-dipping when I weigh 280 lbs? Or is it fatty-dipping? You decide while you cry about those Cubs and why they traded off a couple of good players to help their competition.

    Got to go for now. I have such a bad headache it isn't even funny. Of course having a headache should't be funny. But what is funny is trying to decide if a duck sneezes. Aren't little ducks as cute as a button. I just don't find buttons cute.

    OK, see you later. What does OK stand for?

    Tuesday, August 01, 2006

    Brickyard predictions

    Predictions for this week are:
    1. Matt Kenseth
    2. Kasey Kahne
    3. Kyle Busch
    4. Jeff Gordon
    5. Kevin Harvick
    6. Greg Biffle
    7. Jeff Burton
    8. Denny Hamlin
    9. Jimmie Johnson
    10.Kurt Busch
    11.Carl Edwards
    12.Jamie McMurray

    Ryan Newman, Elliot Sadler and Scott Riggs will have tough going.

    Check out these LINKS

    Check out the LINKS to the right. Take a special look at Daily Nooz and Brad Hartzog Blog!!! Check out Rivals for the latest on Barry Collier.