JESSE VERVELDE

Jesse VerVelde was the first team All-Nebraska quarterback this past season. He is recognized as the best field general in state this past year in high school football. In his only season as the starting quarterback, he led Millard West to a 10-2 season. Jesse threw for 1910 yards and ran for 733 yards. He was responsible for 28 TDs.

Jesse is 6' 180 lbs. He benches 230 lbs and squats 320 lbs. He runs the 40 in 4.6 and has a vertical jump of 28". Jesse played both quarterback and free safety. He had eight interceptions on defense.

We asked Jesse some questions and here is what he had to say.

Favorite Game Memory:
Go ahead TD run against Millard South

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Jeff Tarpinian when I was a sophomore playing free safety.

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers

Favorite Player in High School or College Player:
Ron Dayne

College(s) That Are Interested In You:
Colorado School of Mines, UNO, Wayne St, University of South Dakota

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
Colorado School of Mines


PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Book:
Harry Potter series

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Adam Sandler

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Shawshank Redemption

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Seinfeld

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Dad

What Are Your Hobbies:
Fishing, friends, basketball

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

Grades and confidence


Omaha Westside was beaten by Millard North 31-28 in overtime in the semi-finals this past season. They were rated #2 in the state at that time. Velverde helped put Omaha Westside back on the map for Nebraska High School football.

We wish Jesse the best. He will be a good fit to any team. Looks like right now that he likes the Colorado School of the Mines as his choice. We will follow Jesse as he continues his career in college.

Thanks Jesse for answering our questions.

CODY WOCKENFUSS

Crete won the Class B Championship this past season. Cody Wockenfuss was instrumental in Crete getting to the finals. In the semi-finals Wockenfuss ran back a 60-yard punt and also intercepted a pass in the end zone against Beatrice. Crete beat a tough Beatrice team that night 33-19. They then beat McCook in the finals.

Wockenfuss is 5'10" and 165 lbs. He benches 250 lbs. and squats 375. He has a vertical jump of 30 inches. Crete ran the triple option this past year so the yards were spread around but Wockenfuss still had over 700 yards rushing as a running back. He also had three interceptions on defense playing defensive back.

We asked Cody some questions and here is what he had to say.

Favorite Game Memory:
Returning a punt for a TD my junior year in the Class B State Championship Team

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Trevor Robinson

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Chicago Bears and Nebraska

Favorite Player in High School or College Player:
Devon Hester, Chicago Bears

College(s) That Are Interested In You:
South Dakota State University, UNO, Chadron State, Washburn University, Air Force

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
South Dakota State, UNO


PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Book:
None

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Will Ferrell

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Benchwarmers

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Sports Center

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Mom

What Are Your Hobbies:
Sports, Movies, Hunting

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

Desire


Crete beat McCook 14-7 to win the Class B Championship this past year. Wockenfuss played a key roll for Crete all year long. We wish Cody well in the future and we hope he finds a good fit for college. Whether it be as a walk-on at Nebraska or any other school, he will be a good fit to the team. He would make an immediate impact as a punt returner his freshman year.

Thanks Cody for answering our questions.

ZACH RUIZ

Zach Ruiz was the quarterback for the Beatrice Orangemen the past two seasons and has led them to the Class B State semifinals both years. Ruiz is 6'3" and weighs 210 lbs. He benches 300 lbs. and squats 500 lbs. He runs a 4.67 40 and has a vertical jump of 34 inches. He was a leader on the football team.

In his senior season at Beatrice, he ran for 480 yards and passed for 1,683 yards. Ruiz passed for 16 TD's and rushed for eleven TD's. He also had six interceptions on defense. With his frame, speed, and leadership ability, Zach would look good in a Nebraska uniform.

Ruiz has continued his leading role for the Orangemen basketball team. The senior scored a game-high 22 points Friday night in leading the Orangemen past the visiting Firth Norris Titans, 51-31. Friday night was the third time in four games this season Ruiz has led the Orangemen offensively.

(What is behind the name Orangeman? I love the name but what does it stand for/)

We asked Zach some questions and here is what he had to say.

Favorite Game Memory:
63-62 OT win over Omaha Gross in the state playoff.

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Tyrod Taylor-Hampton, VA
Plays for Virginia Tech.

Editor's note: Taylor was a five star 2006 prospect that was recruited by many of the top schools in the country. The question is "When did Zach play against him?" For those that may know leave a comment at the end of this column. Thanks.

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Virginia Tech, Missouri, Tennessee Titans

Favorite Player in High School or College Player:
Chase Daniel, Missouri QB

College(s) That Are Interested In You:
Missouri, Kansas, Duke, Princeton, Colorado School of the Mines, UNO, Northwest Missouri State

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
Missouri, UNO, Colorado School of the Mines (For Engineering)


PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Book:
Animal Farm

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Angelina Jolie

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Troy

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Family Guy

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Dad and Mom It's a tie!

What Are Your Hobbies:
Video games, hanging with friends

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

My simple philosophy is to try and do something every day to improve myself and the world around me. (It doesn't always happen every day but it can' hurt to try.)

Zach Ruiz is a pro-style quarterback. He will be a tremendous asset to any football team due to his overall package as a football player. He also can play basketball , so colleges will be after him for that sport also. He has the size to play quarterback or even tight-end in a Division I school.

Thanks Zach for completing our questionnaire.

"My Dream Job" PART 2

List five highlights while you were working at the office?

The people I worked with and met; The Bowl games (2 Alamo Bowls and the Cotton Bowl); Getting to know the players; Meeting the recruits and their families; The perks

What was your proudest day of being in the office?

My proudest day in the office was when my boss, Tim Cassidy, asked me if I would be interested in the Recruiting Staff Asst. position. I was still a student in the office and was looking for a job - I couldn't have asked for anything better. I wasn't ready to leave so another part of my dreams came true!

What game was the most fun when you were in the office?

The best game I have been to during my time here was last year vs. Texas A&M. I will never forget the unbelievable atmosphere and that final catch. It was an amazing feeling to be in that stadium. Texas A&M ranks close behind Nebraska when it comes to a game day - incredible.

What was game day like?

Game days are very busy for us. I was in charge of coordinating the visits for the unofficial visits, as well as assisting with the official visits. I set up University Ambassadors to be paired with each recruit coming in. The official visitors each had a specific schedule - they see a variety of people during their weekend here. The unofficial recruits would come about 3 hours before game time. During this time, they would get a tour of the facilities and eat at the Nebraska Training Table, where the athletes eat each day. An hour before game time, I would lead them onto the field and they would watch warmups from the sidelines. After the Tunnel Walk, we would lead them up to their seats. Following the game, we would take the official visitors out to eat, to more appointments, etc. It was a very hectic, but exciting time for us in the recruiting office!

Was this your dream job?

This was my dream job. I remember back in high school, I would have given anything to be a part of this wonderful program. God directed my paths and my dreams come true. I will never forget my experience there.


What did you learn working at the office that you can take with you for the rest of your life?

I have learned so much from working there. One of the big things that I remember Bo saying back in 2003 is "You can only control what you can control." So I try to remember that through my every day life. I also have learned to cherish the people around me, and always be positive and friendly to those I meet. You never what kind of impression you will make on a person, or when/if you will get the chance to see them again.

"Her dream job" PART 1

A little over nine years ago my daughter Sarah and I drove up to where the football team was practicing near the old Buck Beltzer field. We looked through the wire fence as two offensive units were going against two defensive units. We were hoping to get a look at this writer's cousin's boy who was to start in the offensive line that year. His name was Ben Gessford.

Sarah said I would do anything to work around the football team. She meant it. She said it would be her dream job!

Well things worked out her junior year. She got to be the student secretary for Frank Solich. Many days she would call me to tell me about a former player she got to meet in the office or she got to talk to on the phone. She loved Mary Lynn, Coach Solich's secretary. She was also the secretary for Tom Osborne for many years.

That year, 2003 turned out to be Solich's last. She was heart-broken for a long time because when you work in the football office, you are working with family. She admired Frank Solich, his assistant coaches, and the football staff. She was fortunate to go to the Alamo Bowl that year and she was there when Bo Pelini won his first game as head coach.

Bill Callahan was hired as head coach. Tim Cassidy was put in charge of football operations. He was basically Sarah's boss. In 2005, Sarah took the job as Recruiting Office Assistant. She was directly involved with recruits and their coaches and families. You'll see more about her job later.

Sarah got to go to two more bowl games. In 2005 and 2006, NU went to the Alamo and Cotton Bowls. She liked both bowls. Sarah was close to Bill Callahan and his staff also after being with them for four seasons.

Last Saturday was Sarah's last day at the football office. Because of the long hours, she decided in August she needed to make a change, as she is getting married this spring. She needed to switch from her "dream job" to a real job. This writer knows how much passion she had for her job. He knows how much she will miss the coaches, players, staff and their families.

We have asked Sarah to answer some question which she has agreed to answer. Hopefully you can learn more about the NU football office from the interviews.

Her is the question for Part I:

What will you miss most of not being involved anymore?

There is a lot that I will miss - I have had such a great experience. I'll miss being around the coaches and players, meeting the recruits and their families, the amazing people that I have worked with and met, walking out onto the field with the recruits on game days - I could go on and on :-) I'll just say, almost everything.


Was the football office like family? Why?

The football office is very much like a family. You spend a lot of hours there and you get very close to the people you work with. You spend holidays with them and you go through a lot together. It's a very special place.


What was your responsibility at the football office?

I was a Recruiting Staff Assistant in the Football Office. Basically, I did a lot of work 'behind the scenes'. Some of my job duties included sending correspondence to our recruits, coordinating official visits and helping with them on the weekends, assisting the coaches with various projects, expense reports, compliance paperwork and supervising our 6 student assistants.


Who was some of your favorite high school coaches you worked with?

The coach I worked with the most was Larry Martin - the head football coach at Omaha North High School. He is a great mentor for his athletes and would do everything he can to help them succeed. He is the epitome of a great head football coach.


Where are you going to work now?

I will be working at National Research Corporation as a Project Assistant in Client Services.


Was it fun working with your sister, Kim?

Working with Kim was one of the biggest highlights of my career in the Football Office. We have become a lot closer since she started and the best part was being able to share the experience with her. It is fun for her to see what I do and what goes on there. She has developed herself into one of the bright spots in the office and will continue to grow and learn from the amazing experience she will continue to have there.

Sport Shorts

Jason Whitlock says when Sherron Collins gets healthy, Kansas will be unbeatable. It is good that NU plays Kansas twice early in Big 12 play. Collins has the most potential of any of the Kansas players to succeed in the NBA, including Brandon Rush.

kansascity.com

See the latest on fantasy football.

USA TODAY

The Minnesota Vikings have their safety in trouble with the law. Drugs, traffic citations, etc, He will play today as management collects the facts.

Minneapolis StarTribune

The running backs coach for NU will be named after the bowl game. He most definitely is coaching for a team in a bowl game or otherwise why would he wait.

NU has most impressive win under Sadler

Nebraska beat 16th ranked Oregon at the Quest Center today 88-79. This is only the Ducks second loss with the other loss coming against ranked St. Mary's on the road. This is the first victory against a non-conference ranked team rated 16th or higher since the 1994-1995 season when we beat 15th ranked Michigan State 96-91 in overtime.

Prior to the game today, NU wass 8-34 against non-league ranked teams all-time, with all eight wins coming at home. The list of victories over rank non-conference opponents includes:

Year Team (Rank) Score

1958-59 Marquette (17) 62-60

1964-65 Michigan (1) 74-73

1969-70 Duquesne (7) 82-77

1983-84 Arkansas (15) 67-54

1990-91 Michigan State (5) 71-69

1994-95 Michigan State (15) 96-91 (ot)

2002-03 Minnesota (20) 80-60

2006-07 Creighton (20) 73-61

Aleks Maric will become the second best rebounder in NU history. After his seven rebounds today, he only needs 14 more to be in second place. Here are the all-time leaders:
Nebraska Career Rebound Leaders (since 1952)

No. Player (seasons) Rebounds

1. Venson Hamilton (1996-99) 1,080

2. Leroy Chalk (1969-71) 782

3. Dave Hoppen (1983-86) 773

4. Aleks Maric (2005-present) 768

Rich King (1988-91) 761

6. Andre Smith (1978-81) 753

7. Chuck Jura (1970-72) 740

8. Carl McPipe (1976-79) 723

9. John Turek (2002-05) 682

10. Rex Ekwall (1955-57) 679

Today was the most points ever scored by a Doc Sadler NU team (89). The previous high was last year vs. Oklahoma State of 85 points.

The Huskers were led in points by Aleks Maric with 23 points. Ryan Anderson had 21.Jay-R Stowbridge had five assists and Sek Henry had some nice passes today. He had four assists. Prior to the game NU was ranked 12th in defense scoring with 53.9. Oregon was ranked 3rd in the nation with a 89.6 scoring average.

NU only had seven turnovers for the game with Cookie Miller getting four of them.

Nebraska plays North Carolna Central next Saturday in Lincoln.

Some statistics are complements of Huskers.com.

Sport Shorts

Steve Fairchild, a former quarterback and assistant coach at Colorado State, has taken the head coaching job there. He has been the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. See other coaching news at this site.

indystar.com

Norm Chow of the Tennessee Titans and former USC offensive coordinator may be headed to UCLA as head coach. Auburn's Terry Bowden may also be interested.

Kevin Sumlin, an Oklahoma assistant coach, may become the new coach for the University of Houston.

Karl Dorrell, the former UCLA coach, may be headed to Duke. David Cutcliffe, offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Vols, is also being considered.

Larry Fedora, offensive coordinator for Oklahoma State, will be the next head coach for Southern Mississippi.

That makes two Big 12 South teams from Oklahoma losing their offensive coordinators.

Jim Grobe of Wake Forest is on a list for the Michigan job. Glen Mason has expressed interest in the Michigan job. He doesn't seem likely to get the job.

footballrumormill

footballscoop.com

The Big Red Network has a great site to read up to date NU info. See their Big 12 bowl preview. This writer would like to thank them for putting "The Recruiting Story" on their site.

Big Red Network

News from Texas A & M is that our own Zac Taylor will be a graduate assistant at Texas A & M. Their new head coach is Mike Sherman, former head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Sherman's last job was with the Houston Texans. Sarah Sherman, who is Mike's daughter, plans to marry Zac Taylor in April. He should be a great fit as a GA. Zac will make a great head coach someday as he is a student of the game. It will be fun to watch his progress.

Bo Pelini talks to the Lincoln Journal Star!

Pelini talks about recruiting and when he is leaving to go coach for the LSU. He discusses his process in helping Marlon Lucky decide whether to go pro. Carl Pelini will probably be named defensive coordinator and Marvin Sanders will play a key role. He talks about the key elements that make a defensive team successful. He is anxious to review players on film and in spring workouts. He isn't interested on what went wrong with last year's defense. He is looking to the future. "We have had success where ever I have been and it isn't going to change. If you don't have defense, you don't have anything. I will know exactly what is going on on the offensive side of the ball. I will work closely with Shawn Watson. "

Lincoln Journal Star

The Kansas City Royals make some moves. First they sign Jason Smith, a .188 hitter from last year in 40 games. Second they sign back Brian Duckworth, an average reliever, who was 3-5 and a 4.63 ERA last year. Not two players who will change a franchise. Role players.

Fox Sports

The Nebraska basketball recruits are:
Nebraska Men's Basketball

Roburt Sallie

(G, 6-4, Sacramento, Calif./City College of San Francisco/Laurinburg Institute/Patterson School/Valley)

* Two-Time All-Metro selection at Sacramento Valley High School
* Delta League MVP in 2003
* Helped prep school teams to 74-3 record over two seasons, including prep school national title in 2005

Christopher Niemann (F/C, 6-11, Schelklingen , Germany /Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule)

* Averaging 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game through six games in 2007-08
* Averaged 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season

Roburt Sallie is the real deal and will make an immediate impact on the team. Niemann is a shot to find a big man as Maric will be gone. It may be difficult for him to qualify academically. Stats aren't impressive with 5PPG and 5 rebounds but he is 6'11". Why doesn't Matt Hill just transfer to Nebraska from Texas???????

Other fall signees:
Nebraska Volleyball

Sydney Anderson (S, 6-0, Salt Lake City, Utah/Alta/Utah)

* U.S. Women's A2 National Team (2007)
* AVCA West Regional Freshman of the Year at Utah (2006)
* Mountain West Conference Setter of the Year (2006)
* Utah Gatorade High School Player of the Year (2005)

Allison McNeal (MB, 6-2, Schulenburg , Texas /Schulenburg)

* No. 4 Senior in the Nation by PrepVolleyball.com (2007)
* U.S. Youth National Team (2007)
* Texas Class 2A State High Jump Champion (2007)

Kaitlynn James (OH, 5-11, Louisville , Ky. /Assumption)

* No. 13 Senior in the Nation by PrepVolleyball.com (2007)
* First-Team Mizuno/Volleyball Magazine All-America honors (2006)
* U.S. Junior National A2 Team (2007)

Jordan Haverly (OH, 6-1, Cherry Hill , Ill. / Rockford Keith Country Day)

* No. 20 Senior in the Nation by PrepVolleyball.com (2007)
* U.S. Junior National A2 Team (2007)
* Two-Time All-State Selection (2006, 2007)

Nebraska Women's Basketball

Harleen Sidhu (F, 6-1, Surrey , British Columbia , Canada / Fleetwood Park )

* Canadian National Elite Development Academy Invitee (2007)
* British Columbia Provincial Team member
* Averaged 31 points, 6 rebounds per game (2006-07)

Layne Reeves (G, 5-11, Lubbock, Texas/Trinity Christian)

* First-Team Texas All-State (2007)
* Led High School to Three Straight State Title Game Appearances
* Father, Ron Reeves, Four-Year Starting Quarterback at Texas Tech


Nebraska Baseball

Erik Anderson (RHP, 5-11, 185, R/R, Prairie Village, Kan./Barton County CC/Shawnee Mission East)

* 3-2 with seven saves and a 2.17 ERA over a school-record 27 appearances in 2007
* Second-Team All-Jayhawk League West, as he fanned 76 and walked 19 over 49.2 innings
* No. 9 nationally among junior college pitchers in saves and held foes to a .191 average

Cody Asche (INF/OF, 6-1, 185, L/R, O'Fallon, Mo./Ft. Zumwalt West)

* Second-Team All-Missouri infielder in 2007
* Hit .424 with three homers, three triples, nine doubles, 24 RBIs and 25 runs scored
* Third-Team All-Metro by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; First-Team All-Gateway pick as a junior
* Among Top High School Prospects in Missouri for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA

Cory Burleson (C/INF, 6-2, 195, S/R, Midland , Texas/Midland Christian)

* All-Texas as a junior, batting .396 with a .550 on-base percentage in helping his team to state semifinal bid
* Among Top High School Prospects in Texas for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* Three-year starter at quarterback, setting school-record with 2,529 passing yards and 27 touchdowns as senior

Boomer Collins (UTL, 6-0, 185, R/R, Waxahachie , Texas /Waxahachie)

* Three-year starter as an outfielder, earning first-team all-district accolades all three campaigns
* District Newcomer of the Year (2005); District Sophomore of the Year (2006)
* Helped DBAT team to 2006 AABC Mickey Mantle World Series title
* Among Top High School Prospects in Texas for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* Starting quarterback for high school team, throwing for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns as senior

Shane Dyer (RHP, 6-3, 180, R/R, Eaton , Colo. / South Mountain CC/New Mexico /Eaton)

* Among Top Junior College Prospects in Arizona for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* 2-2 record and a 4.28 ERA in 30 innings at New Mexico in 2007
* First-Team All-Colorado in final two years at Eaton High School
* 27-3 mark in high school and was a 24th-round selection by the Colorado Rockies in the 2006 MLB Draft

Seth Hood (INF, 6-1, 200, R/R, Moline , Ill. / Moline )

* Two-Time All-Area and MVP of American Legion team in 2006
* Multi-sport standout who was also an All-Metro football player
* Academic All-Stater who was recruited as a football player by several Big Ten schools

Kash Kalkowski (RHP/INF, 6-1, 195, R/R, Grand Island , Neb. / Grand Island )

* Honorary Captain of Lincoln Journal Star Super-State team in 2007
* 6-2 with a 0.81 ERA, as he struck out 56 in 43 innings in 2007
* Led state with a .506 batting average along with five homers, 34 RBIs, 31 runs scored and 11 stolen bases as a shortstop, while leading Grand Island to a 22-5 record and a state tournament appearance as a junior
* No. 2 High School Prospect in Nebraska for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA

Kale Kiser (INF, 5-10, 175, S/R, Plano , Texas /West)

* First-Team 95-A District and Honorable-Mention All-State as a junior
* Hit .452 with 40 runs scored, 19 stolen bases and 17 RBIs
* Led DBAT summer team with a .397 average with 45 runs scored in 2007
* Among Top High School Prospects in Texas for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* Helped DBAT team to the 2006 AABC Mickey Mantle World Series title

Jake Kuebler (INF/RHP, 6-4, 195, R/R, Lincoln , Neb. /Southeast)

* Three-Year starter at Lincoln Southeast, earning All-City honors each of the last two seasons
* Second-Team Super-State by Lincoln Journal Star in 2007, hitting .429 with three homers and 25 RBIs, while also posting a 1.52 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 27.2 innings
* Cousin of 2005 National Player of the Year and current KC Royal Alex Gordon

Nick Ludemann (RHP, 6-5, 195, R/R, LaVista , Neb. /Creighton Prep)

* Top High School Senior in Nebraska for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* Started on PI Midwest's Legion title team in 2007 and runner-up squad in 2006, earning the team's lone win in the 2006 regional with a complete-game four hitter
* Invited to Area Code Games in Long Beach , Calif. , a tryout with the U.S. Junior National Team in 2007

Curtis Petersen (RHP, 6-4, 180, R/R, Aubrey, Texas/Denton Ryan)

* District 5-4A Pitcher of the Year in 2007, going 9-1 with a 1.52 ERA
* All-State pitcher who led Dallas-Fort Worth area in wins and recorded 56 strikeouts
* No. 24 High School Prospect in Texas for 2008 MLB Draft by Perfect Game USA
* Chosen as alternate for USA Junior National Team in 2007

Colt Simon (LHP, 6-1, 205, R/L, Grand Prairie, Texas/Howard College/UT-Arlington/South)

* No. 1 starter at Howard College in 2007, and pitched at UT-Arlington in 2006
* 7-1 with a 0.77 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 58 innings Grand Prairie South High School in 2006
* Co-District 6-5A Pitcher of the Year with 2007 MLB First-Round pick Blake Beavan

Cade Thompson (1B/OF, 6-3, 200, L/L, Eatonville, Wash./Central Arizona College/Eatonville)

* Hit .356 with 31 RBIs and 43 runs scored to earn NJCAA All-Region 1 and All-Conference honors in 2007
* Selected to the Arizona Junior College Sophomore All-Star Game in fall of 2007
* All-Class, All-State honors as a senior at Eatonville High School in Washington



Nebraska Softball

Ashley Hagemann (RHP, Omaha , Neb. / Elkhorn )

* Three-Time First-Team All-Nebraska and Honorary Captain of Omaha World-Herald's team in 2006 and 2007
* Led Elkhorn to four straight Class B state titles, including a 30-1 record as a senior
* Class B career strikeout leader
* Went 25-1 with a 0.38 ERA as a senior, while hitting .536 with 10 doubles, six homers and 37 RBIs

Nikki Haget (INF/OF, Omaha , Neb. / Elkhorn )

* Two-Time First-Team All-Nebraska
* Led Elkhorn to four straight Class B state titles, including a 30-1 record as a senior
* Led Class B and ranked No. 2 in the state with a .550 batting average
* Led Class B with 55 hits and 43 runs scored

Kirby Wright (C, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson)

* One of the top catchers in the state of New York and just the second NU softball recruit in history from the state
* Third-Team Class A All-State honors from the New York Sportswriters Association in 2006
* Hit .436 with 12 doubles, two homers, 38 RBIs and 23 runs scored in 28 games last season
* Led Hendrick Hudson to Class A section title and state semifinal appearance with 27-2 record



Nebraska Wrestling

Jon Burns (141 Pounds, Raleigh, N.C./Cardinal Gibbons)

* Ranked as the No. 9 junior in the nation across all classes last year
* 140-Pound Champion at National High School Coaches Association Junior National Wrestling Championships
* Went 65-0 and won the North Carolina state 140-pound title as a junior

Romero Cotton (184 Pounds, Hutchinson , Kan. /Hutchinson)

* One of the Nation's Top Recruits at 184 Pounds
* Three-Time Kansas High School State Champion (171, 2007; 160, 2006; 145, 2005)
* Running back for Three-Time Kansas State Champion Hutchinson High School
* Rushed for 1,398 yards as 22 touchdowns as a junior

Riley Essay (133 Pounds, Alliance , Neb. / Alliance )

* Third-Place at 125 pounds at Nebraska High School State Championships in 2007
* Fifth-Place at 112 pounds at Nebraska High School State Championships in 2006
* Fourth-Place at 103 pounds at Nebraska High School State Championships in 2005

Tyler Koehn (174 Pounds, Pittsburg , Kan. / Pittsburg )

* Freestyle All-American at USA Wrestling Nationals in 2007
* 152-Pound State Champion at Pittsburg High School in 2007
* 3.8 GPA

Josh Ihnen (197 Pounds, Sheldon , Iowa /Sheldon)

* Freestyle All-American at USA Wrestling Nationals in 2007
* Runner-up at 171 Pounds at Iowa High School State Championships in 2007
* 3.99 GPA

Diamond in the rough

Nebraska needs a quarterback recruit for the 2008 class but who thought we might have a great chance to get Sean Renfree from Arizona. He has decommitted from Georgia Tech. He is an Elite 11 QB. Former NU commit Blaine Gabbert completed for 45-102 for 614 yards and five TDs this fall. He also had five interceptions. He is now going to Missouri. See what the Midwest Coast Bias has to say and look at his stats this fall:

Midwest Coast Bias

Jason Whitlock says it is time for the Chiefs to lose!

Jason Whitlock

Jeff Jamrog could be taking Vacancy in the Nebraska football office left by Tim Cassidy.

Husker Extra

The Nebraska Recruiting Story

Just for fun, we are going to look a year down the road. Joe Ganz, Marlon Lucky, Nate Swift, Zach Potter, Barry Turner and the many others are graduated. These are the guys that generally you want this year's recruits to replace and or move up the depth charts. Who is left and are we bringing in the right players. Of course with this analysis, we have to make some assumptions that the recruits we have now will all end up coming to NU. We have also made some guesses as to what positions they will play. The recruits include 14 defensive players and 10 offensive players.

Let's start with the offense for the 2009 season.

Quarterback
1) Patrick Witt
2) Zac Lee

Recruits
None

This is a concern. Can we convince a top notch QB to run the offense. When coaches change, this is the hardest position to recruit because of the uncertainty of what the new offense will be. What kind of quarterback will fit the new offense? Nebraska needs to identify at least one quality QB to be part of the 2008 class. There is an opportunity for a good QB to have a year of learning the system before the 2009 class is in the books. Need 9 (A high number reflects the need to recruit this position yet this year.)

Running Back
1) Quentin Castille
2) Roy Helu

Recruits
Collins Okafor

Only one running back has verbally committed. We have good talent at this position but it is a position where you could lose two or three to injuries. Nebraska needs to recruit another running back. Need 8

Fullback
1) Justin Mackovicka

Recruits
None

We have three other walk-on FB's that will be on the team. The fullback needs to touch the ball by running or receiving 5-8 times each game. We have 11 men on the field and we need to utilize all of them. Remember the time Steve Kriewald ran the ball in 2004? He went 55 yards on one play against Oklahoma. He ran three times that year for 54 yards. An 18 yard average. Dane Todd ran one time in 2006 and that is four attempts for 54 yards the past four years. Need 8

H-Back/Tight End
1) Mike McNiel
2) Dreu Young

Recruits
Ben Cotton
Tyson Hetlzer
Kyler Reed

The addition of Cotton boost this position. McNiel and Young should develop well. We need to keep Hetzler and Reed as recruits. Need 4

Wide Receiver (X)
1) Menelik Holt
2) Will Henry

Wide Receiver (Y)
1) Niles Paul
2) Curenski Gilleylen

Recruits
Norian Hilburn

If we continue to run a west coast offense, we need another quality receiver in this recruiting class. In two years, our depth will be surprising thin. Need 8

Left Tackle
1) Mike Smith

Left Guard
1) Keith Williams

Center
1) Jacob Hickman

Right Guard
1) DJ Jones

Right Tackle
1) Jaivorio Burkes

Recruits
Bryce Givens
Rick Henry
Dan Hoch
Baker Steinkuhler
Brandon Thompson

We have some good talent in the line in two years. We also have a good recruiting class in this area. Let's hope we keep them.

So on offensive, the recruiting needs are quarterback, wide receiver, and possibly fullback.

DEFENSE in 2009

Left defensive End
None

Right Defensive end
1) Pierre Allen

Recruits
Eric Harper
Simi Kuli
Cameron Meredith
Riley Reiff
Doug Rippy
Josh Williams

Five recruits are projected to play defensive end. We should have this very important position covered. The defensive ends are the key position on defense.

Nose Tackle
1) None

Recruits
None

We will need to depend on other existing players to develop. It is possible that a defensive end recruit will develop into a line position. Also there could be a switch of an offensive lineman to defensive lineman.

Defensive Line
1) Ty Steinkuhler
2) Ben Martin

Recruit
Joseph Townsend

Joseph Townsend is an excellent player but he has to get himself eligible. Again, we could use a couple of recruits in the defensive line to shore up this position. Trouble is we don't have that many more spots open.
Interior line Need 8.

Sam linebacker
1) Blake Lawrence

Will linebacker
1) Major Culbert

Mike Linebacker
1) Philip Dillard

Recruits
Will Compton
Sean Fisher
Micah Kreikemeier
Shaun Mohler
Doug Rippy

We have a good bunch of linebackers coming in with the 2008 class. Let's hope we keep Mohler and Compton. Need 3

Left Cornerback
1) Anthony Blue

Right Cornerback
1) Anthony West

Recruits
David Whitmore

Blue and West will be exceptional players. Adding Whitmore will help. Prince Amukamaru is the fastest man on the team and will be a factor on special teams and defense in 2008. Need 5

Strong Safety
1) Larry Asante

Free Safety
1) Ricky Thenarse
2) Ricky Hagg

Recruits
Keelan Johnson
John Leverson

Can you imagine how good Thenarse will be for Bo Pelini? Talk about the perfect fit. Two good recruits to go with some great talent. Need 4

Kicker
1) Alex Henery
2) Adi Kunalic

Punter
None

We will need to recruit a punter in the next year or so. A walk-on this year would give us some experience.

In 2008 we will have seven defensive and seven offensive players back.

However for the purposes of analyzing the 2008 recruits, we have actually moved forward to the 2009 season.

There are definite needs yet with this recruiting class at quarterback, running back, and receiver on offense. We need to pick up one of each. On defense, we need two defensive linemen. Getting a good punter as a walk-on would be beneficial.

JEFF POKORNY

The Howells football team have been a power in football for many years. They were D-1 champions six years in a row from 2000-2005. There isn't another team in the state that has had the success that Howells has in the past eight years.

In 2007, all-stater Jeff Pokorny played for another great Howells team. Pokorny has a huge frame at 6'3" and 285 lbs. Pokorny benches 335 lbs, squats 455 lbs, and runs the 40 in 5.2. He has a vertical jump of 24 inches.

Jeff, who was coached by Mike Speirs, is an offensive and defensive lineman. He was one of the Nebraska's best. He is very strong, has speed, and quickness. He has all the qualities of a great leader and a team player.

We asked Jeff some questions:

Favorite Game Memory:
Recovering the game winning fumble in double overtime in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Joel Nixon

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Nebraska Cornhuskers/Indianapolis Colts

Favorite Player in High School or College Player:
Eric Burenheide

College(s) That Are Interested In You:
Kansas State, Nebraska, University of South Dakota, Wayne State College, Chadron State College

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
Kansas State, Nebraska


PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Book:
Something for Joey

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Samuel L. Jackson

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Friday Night Lights

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
CSI/Miami

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
My brothers

What Are Your Hobbies:
Sports, hunting, and working on cars

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

I think to be successful you should be able to pick up your teammates when they are down and be willing to sacrifice everything to reach your ultimate goals.


Jeff Pokorny is the real deal. He has shown this through his efforts at Howells. Jeff had 81 tackles this season as a lineman which is exceptional. We will be interested in seeing if Jeff Pokorny is playing for the University of Nebraska next fall. He would be an asset to the program.

Thanks Jeff for completing our questionnaire.

Bo Pelini is 1-0 as a head coach!

In Bo Pelini's one game as head coach he won. This was the Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan State on December 29, 2003. Now Pelini comes back to Nebraska to finish his business. See the stats from that game and the story after the game. Does it bring back memories? Nebraska had three interceptions that day. Story complementary of www.USAtoday.com.


Dec 29, 2003

1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH FINAL Michigan State 3 0 0 0 3 Nebraska 3 14 0 0 17

Scoring NEBRASKA D Dyches 29 YD MICHIGANST D Rayner 46 YD NEBRASKA C Ross 2 YD RUN (D Dyches KICK) NEBRASKA C Ross 6 YD RUN (D Dyches KICK)

Team Statistics Michigan State Nebraska First downs 13 20 Rushes-Yards 23 - 18 54 - 229 Passing yards 156 160 Sacked-Yards lost 5 - 37 0 - 0 Return yards 3 30 Passes 21 - 39 - 3 8 - 17 - 0 Punts-Average 8 - 46.4 7 - 42.9 Fumbles-Lost 0 - 0 1 - 0 Penalties-Yards 5 - 53 8 - 69 Time of Possession 29:31 30:29

Player Statistics Passing Michigan State Cmp Att Yds Int Smoker, Jeff 21 39 156 3 Nebraska Cmp Att Yds Int Lord, Jammal 8 17 160 0 Rushing Michigan State Att Yds Dortch, Tyrell 9 31 Hayes, Jaren 6 13 Smoker, Jeff 8 -26 Nebraska Att Yds Ross, Cory 37 138 Lord, Jammal 10 79 Kriewald, Steve 2 10 Davies, Judd 2 4 Fluellen, Isaiah 1 2 Team, - 2 -4 Receiving Michigan State Att Yds Alexander, Aaron 8 63 Brown, Kyle 4 41 Shabaj, Agim 4 31 Scott, Jerramy 1 18 Knott, Eric 1 10 Kavanaght, Ziehl 1 8 Hayes, Jaren 1 -6 Dortch, Tyrell 1 -9 Nebraska Att Yds Fluellen, Isaiah 4 84 Pilkington, Ross 3 70 Keiser, Dusty 1 6

Game Story

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Bo Pelini got Nebraska to play like
the "Blackshirts" of old.

The 21st-ranked Conhuskers shut down Michigan State's
high-powered offense and used two short second-quarter touchdown
runs by Cory Ross to defeat the Spartans, 17-3, in the Alamo
Bowl.

Ross rushed for a career-high 138 yards on 37 carries for
Nebraska (10-3), which was playing in its NCAA-record 35th
consecutive bowl game.

Named interim coach when Frank Solich was fired at the end of
the regular season, Pelini is not considered a serious candidate
for the job.  But as the Cornhuskers' defensive coordinator, he
devised a game plan that stifled Michigan State quarterback
Jeff Smoker.

"Our big key was to pressure Smoker with a four-man rush,"
Pelini explained.  "That allowed us to play back in coverage and
tackle well.  We pressured more than I would have thought."

After the teams traded field goals in the first quarter, Ross
scored on runs of two and six yards, giving Nebraska a 17-3
halftime lead.

"We pounded the ball on the ground," Ross said.  "Our offensive
line created holes."

Jamaal Lord rushed for 79 yards on 10 attempts for the
Cornhuskers, including a career-long 66-yard scamper that set up
Ross' second score.  Afterwards, he expressed support for
Solich.

"This 10-3 season was coach Solich all the way," Lord said.  "I
didn't care about my passing, 17-3 is all that matters."

The fiery Pelini gave Michigan State (8-5) an opening when he
was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with the
Spartans facing 4th-and inches in the fourth quarter.  Pelini
was upset the officials did not give the ball to Nebraska after
Smoker fumbled a snap.

The penalty gave Michigan State a first down at the Nebraska 34
with more than seven minutes left.  But two plays later,
cornerback Pat Ricketts sealed the win with the Cornhuskers'
school-record 31st interception, which also is tops in Division
I-A.

Nebraska recorded three interceptions and five sacks while
holding Michigan State to 18 rushing yards and 174 total, more
than 200 below its average.

"They're an awful good football team," Spartans coach John L.
Smith said.  "They're very big, strong and athletic. ... We were
an inch away on some of the big plays that could have made this
a great night for us."

Smoker completed 21-of-39 passes for 156 yards.  His final pass
for the Spartans was intercepted by cornerback Fabian Washington
with 1:08 remaining.

"Jeff has done a lot for us this year.  Without him, it would
have been a long year," Smith said.  "He gave us an opportunity
to win."

Safety Josh Bullocks' interception gave Nebraska a first down at
the Spartans 36 early in the second quarter and led to Ross'
first TD.

• 
  

BRIAN HEGERT

Brian Hegert is a great athlete. He excelled for Kearney in football and also plays hockey for the Tri-City Storm. Kearney was the Class A champions in 2006 and made it to the semi-finals in 2007. The were beaten by Omaha Central who ended up the Class A 2007 champions.

Brian, who was coached by Brandon Cool, was an offensive and defensive lineman. He was one of the Nebraska's best.

Hegert is 5' 10" and 230 lbs. He benches 410 lbs and squats 585 lbs. He has run a 4.9 40 and has a vertical jump of 26 inches. He is very strong, has speed, and quickness. He has tremendous size for a hockey player.

We asked Brian some questions:

Favorite Game Memory:
Winning the State Championship game as a Junior.

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Ronnell Grixby

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Nebraska/Denver Broncos

Favorite Player in High School or College Player:
Mike Hart

College(s) That Are Interested In You:
Colorado School of the Mines, UNO, UNK, Morningside

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
Colorado School of the Mines and UNO


PERSONAL

What is Your Favorite Book:
Lord of the Flies

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Will Farrell

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Friday Night Lights

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Sports Center

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Dad

What Are Your Hobbies:
Ice Hockey, hanging out with friends

What is Important For You To Be Successful:

HARD WORK/DEDICATION


Brain Hegert will be an asset for any college. He has shown this through his efforts at Kearney. Brian had 175 tackle, one interception, and 11 sacks on defense during his career playing Class A ball. It will be interesting to see where Brian ends up to play college football. He will be fun to follow in the next few years.

Thanks Brian for completing our questionnaire.

Sport Shorts

Jason Whitlock says Stoops and the Sooners are SCARED of the Missouri Tigers.

Jason Whitlock

The Fiesta Bowl could have Oklahoma vs. Kansas. If Oklahoma wins, Joseph Duarte says they could play Kansas.

Houston Chronicle

Bo Pelini will let his offensive coordinator call the offensive plays. This will be a huge hire for him. As soon as Pelini is hired, it will be interesting, with his connections, who he will hire for assistants. The assistant coaches will determine most of the success of a football team. I do see Pelini calling the defense himself. That is is strong point and he will utilize it.

Osborne would like to announce the new coach tomorrow but will he be reluctant to do it on a Sunday. We may have to wait until Monday. That would give Pelini a head start to put together his coaching staff. We won't see the fall out of over 20 players quitting like four years ago. I wonder what the impact would have been if they all would have stayed. We lost a lot of offensive and defensive lineman in the process.

Rustin Dring

PICTURE SOURCE-RIVALS.COM
In 2006, Kearney was the Class A champs. In 2007, they were ranked #1 a lot of the season, but they were beaten by Omaha Central in the semi-finals. Omaha Central ended up winning it all in Class A this year. A big part of Kearney's success is due to Rustin Dring.

Rustin plays running back and linebacker. In 2007, Dring ran for 1221 yards and 23 touchdowns. In 2006, he had 1184 yards rushing. On defense Dring had two interceptions.

Dring is 6' and 190 lbs. He benches 285 lbs and squats 440 lbs. He has run a 4.52 40 and has a vertical jump of 34.5 inches. He is very athletic, has speed, and quickness. He will have a great career in college for any college who signs him.

We asked Rustin some questions:

Favorite Game Memory:
Scoring in overtime against Millard South my junior year to propel my team into the state championship.

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Ty Kildow, Millard South

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Dallas Cowboys, USC

Favorite Player in High School or College
Noah Keller of Ohio University because he was a good teammate of mine last year.

College That Are Interested In You:
UNK, UNO, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota

What college(s) Are Your Favorite:
South Dakota State, UNO, Colorado State, Ohio, Iowa, Iowa State

PERSONAL

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Adam Sandler

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Friday Night Lights

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Two and 1/2 Men

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Adrian Peterson

What Are Your Hobbies:
Football, Track, Working Out, Hunting, Fishing, and Spending Time with Friends and Family

What is Important For You To Be Successful:
I think a lot of my success to this point has come from hard work and dedication. I always try to be a leader on and off the field. But I think most of my success has come from heart and passion.

Rustin Dring will be an asset for any college both as a leader and a teammate. He has shown this through his efforts and success with Kearney High School. It will be interesting to see where Rustin ends up to play college football.

Thanks Rustin for completing our questionnaire.

YOU SAW IT HERE FIRST!

This writer thinks the next coach will be a motivator with a keen sense of football. Our choice is a motivator with success on both sides of the ball. He is not all X's and O's but a man that the fans will love. He is from the Doc Sadler mold where hard work is the most important thing.

Leave your comments after you read the link! There will not be a lot of ink spent on this blog as to all the rumors in the next few weeks as who the next coach will be.

HERE IS OUR CHOICE!!

Next New Coach

Callahan didn't get the send off he deserved. READ!!!

Daily Nebraskan

Press Conference

Tom Osborne has scheduled a press conference for 8:30 this morning. He wll be meeting with the NU football coaches prior to that.

Nebraska will win today!

Nebraska will win today by a score of 34-24. The weather will be a factor. Four of the six losses for NU have been against teams rated in the Top 12. Look for the defense to have two-three turnovers. Should be a good finish to the year!

Sean Fisher

PICTURE SOURCE:RIVALS.COM

Sean Fisher, a 6'5" 215 lb free safety and running back, plays for Millard North. They play against Omaha Central this Friday night for the Class A Championship at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Last week Millard North beat Millard West 31-28 victory in overtime. Millard North, coached by Fred Petito, always seems to have great players that finish their season strong.

Sean Fisher is committed to Nebraska to play football next year. His size should be a tremendous asset in developing into an outside linebacker. Sean benches 275 lbs, squats 495 lbs. and has a 33 inch vertical jump. He runs the 40 in 4.6. Sean has 150 career tackles and four interceptions for Millard North.

We asked Sean some questions:

Favorite Game Memory:
Five over-time victory over Lincoln Southwest

Best Athlete You have Played Against:
Tyler Vandament

Favorite Team (Pro and College):
Nebraska

College That Are Interested In You:
Committed To Nebraska

Are You a Solid Commit To Nebraska:
Yes

PERSONAL

Who Is Your Favorite Movie Actor:
Denzel Washington

What Is Your Favorite Movie:
Man of Fire

What Is Your Favorite TV Show:
Prison Break

Which Person Do You Admire The Most:
Coach

What Are Your Hobbies:
Football, Working On Cars

What is Important For You To Be Successful:
Determination

We wish Sean good luck in the title game vs. Omaha Central. It will be a great game to watch. Sean has a tremendous future for Nebraska and we are excited to watch his progress in the coming years.

Lance Thorell

Nebraska walk-on Lance Thorell was named Scout team player of the week last week. Thorell is a 2007 graduate from Loomis, Ne. He is a freshman and has redshirted this year.

Sport Shorts

Nebraska'a football season is quickly coming to an end even if we do go to a bowl. This is another year NU football will be talked about until the opening game of 2008 no matter what happens in the coaching arena.

As far as recruits go they should hang tight because no matter what happens with the coaching situation Nebraska will have excellent coaches and excellent facilities with an emphasis on academics. The only position that might be effected by a new coaching staff would be QB.

The NU receivers and Joe Ganz looked superior against KSU on Saturday. The receivers had their best game of the year Saturday and would get an A+. Their performance was as good as NU has ever seen. Joe Ganz wasn't too bad either. The team seems to have a lot of spirit when Ganz enters the game.

Marlon Lucky is developing into an excellent back. He is starting to break tackles and with his speed and quickness, he could become one of the best ever. He needs to be more aggressive getting to the hole like Helu but he continues to improve.

On the defensive side of the ball, Zach Bowman must be hurt or he just has never fully recovered. Anthony Blue played well. Prince A. has unbelievable speed. Did you see him run down Murphy of KSU to save a TD. Murphy has tremendous speed.

We may want to keep Callahan as coach and give him the opportunity to straighten out the weaknesses of the coaching staff. Turnover of the coaching staff doesn't always change the performance of the team. It is extremely hard on the players. New Systems, new plays, new schemes, player transfers, recruits decommitting, and a letdown mentally will occur with a huge shakeup. However if the decision is made to make a big change, the new coaches will be excellent. Either way Coach Osborne will be criticized wrongfully. Those that complain the most have never contributed to the program and better yet never played football or at the very least weren't very good.

Ronnel Grixby looks like a player who could play in the Big 12. Better make an offer and get him quickly.

NU basketball will be great this year whether they win or not. You just have to love Doc Sadler.

The state finals are set.

Maxpreps

Sport Shorts

Jason Whitlock talks about why it doesn't pay to give veteran running backs the big bucks.

Jason Whitlock

Husker Extra has a short take on Nebraska basketball.

Husker Extra

116 dogs taken from elderly woman. In addition to the dogs she had many other animals including a donkey.

Houston Chronicle

Joseph Duarte rates the BCS conferences. Who is #1?

Houston Chronicle

This writer is confident the Cornhuskers will be back on the winning track this. In fact, it should be a big victory. Nebraska is due in the turnover department. Nebraska is due in getting some breaks in the game. It is Senior Day and the last time 28 players will play in Lincoln except for Kenny Wilson who has a year of eligibility left. Look for NU to run more option. Look at NU to get to Josh Freeman and put pressure on him. Why, this week? Because we are DUE! NU 41 KSU 24.

Why would an elderly lady have 116 dogs?

Do you suppose AD Coach Osborne and Larry The Cable Guy have met?

Coach Osborne: Larry, can I call you Dan?
Larry The Cable Guy: Sure Coach, you can call me that. You know my grandma calls me Danny. You know my grandma has been having a lot of gas lately and..........
Coach Osborne: That's ok Don, you don't have to get into to that. I just wanted to tell you that I am here to bring unity back to the state and get UNL's athletics, especially football back on track. We very much appreciate your donation for the player's lounge and we hope you continue to support the program.
Larry The Cable Guy: Sure coach, did I tell that my sister has moles all over her face. She has so many moles that..........
Coach Osborne: DON!! Uh, I need to get to my next meeting but I just wanted to..
Larry The Cable Guy: Holy Frankenberries! Git-R-Done!!!!

Sport Shorts

College football right now isn't as much fun this year due to the Huskers season so far. Let's hope we end the season on a high note. The story for this week should have been how fired up the Huskers would be playing against Josh Freeman and the Wildcats. Freeman was a Nebraska verbal commit who in the 12th hour switched to Kansas State. Now it has become a season of survival.

Jason Whitlock talks about Brett Favre and his mood wings. Favre directed the Green Bay Packers to a 7-1 record today. He is playing as well as he ever has.

Jason Whitlock

Josh Freeman has passed for over 4300 yards this year. Jordy Nelson had a 14 catch 214 yard day against Iowa State. Read about the game.

Kstatesports.com

Nebraska beat their first exhibition opponent Friday night. See the details.

huskers.com

HuskerlandPrep looks at the C-2 and D-1 high school football playoffs. See their predictions.

huskerlandpreps

Craziest college football season ever!

It is possible that Kansas or Missouri will be playing for the national championship in January. This whole year is just crazy! How about Kansas and Arizona St. playing for the national championship? It could happen this year.

How would you even rate the teams from 5 to 25? One week a team looks dominate and then they get beaten by a mediocre team. Look at the Top 25. The #2 Team is Boston College, #4 Oregon, #6 Arizona St., #8 Kansas, #9 Missouri, #12 Hawaii, #16 Connecticut, #20 South Florida, and #21 Wake Forest (remember we beat them at Wake Forest). Troy received some votes.

Notre Dame (1-7), Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn St., UCLA, and Rutgers are not rated! Four of the Top 14 teams are from the Big 12. Seven SEC teams are in the top 25. The Big East conference has three teams in the elite 25 bu the Big 10 only has two. The Pac 10 only has three teams in the polls.

The #1 team, Ohio State, will not win out! Michigan will knock them off in the last game of the season if Illinois or Wisconsin don't beat them at home before that. Not a big prediction. It just isn't going to happen. Arizona St. may lose three or four games before the bowls although they are unbeaten today.

The national champions could easily have two losses.

This writer was proud and heartbroken of the kids and coaches in our loss to Texas. It appears that Sam Keller could be out for a while after having a great game against Texas. Joe Ganz is ready to take over. He is very good and he will play very well also. What happens if Joe Ganz goes down? Bad for me to say but does Patrick Witt burn his redshirt? Marlon Lucky had his best game ever as a Cornhusker.

Did you know there is a World Series going on. Boston will sweep tonight. Colorado's streak was absolutely unbelievable but it has ended.

The NASCAR race is between Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. It is a toss-up as to who will win but Jimmie Johnson will win in a close one.

The smaller class Nebraska high school football playoffs continue Thursday. Here is the preview by Maxpreps.

Maxpreps

Sports Shorts

Jason Whitlock says the Chiefs are still a mystery.

Jason Whitlock

Ryan Bailey's first kick for a FG was good. It was the winning kick against Nebraska last year. Mack Brown gave him a scholarship for the "kick" because it was so big for their season. See Joseph Duarte's column in the Houston Chronicle here.

Houston Chronicle

The Nebraska high school playoffs are ready to begin. Maxpreps breaks down the games in each class.

Class A Playoffs

Small Class Playoffs

This week's Big 12 Roundtable. Worth reading.........

Big Red Network

Husker Mike explains what is wrong with the NU football team.

Husker Mike

The following is a letter that is making the rounds on the internet. This is fake. One, the guy doesn't work for Husker Vision. Two, his address is not the address of the Athletic Department, and the e-mail address does not end in huskers.com which means he does not work in the athletic department. It is a guy having fun and except for one or two paragraphs, he might have started it when Solich was fired. Here is this week's FICTION novel.

"There are several people still close to Steve Pederson in his
administrative staff and provided the following information yesterday
from TO's office coming and goings.

Bo will be named head coach within days of the Colorado game if LSU is
not in the SEC championship game. If they are they will string it out
for a week talking about reviewing options, etc. Then once Bo is named
he can move quickly on getting with some of the recruits and keeping
them in place. Bill Busch will be retained in some position to assist
with this turnover.

Although rough around the edges, Tom thinks Bo reminds him of a Bob
Devaney type and does not feel the new coach has to be just like he was.

Tom Rathman who is now the RB coach for Lane Kiffen has been contacted
by Bo Pellini and asked about taking the offensive coordinator job at
Nebraska next year. The connections with Pellini and the Kiffens has
facilitated this possibly happening. TO however is possibly interested
in keeping Watson but of course is open to letting Bo select some of the
staff and as Rathman is a Nebraska guy he may get the nod.

Bo is holding the D-coordinator job open at this point in hopes of
getting Mike Stoops if he does not go back to Oklahoma. If not he is
hoping that Marvin Sanders can find a way out of the contract to take
the position.
(His current contract allows him to vest in the State of NC Pension plan
and that is why he has not started working anywhere else yet.).

Scott Frost will be brought back from Northern Iowa to coach defense in
some way and to spearhead Nebraska in state recruiting primarily for the
walk-on program. The new Tight ends coach will be retained possibly, he
is a little familiar with Bo through some Ohio State connection.

Most of the current staff will be relieved at the end of the season if
not before, it could be as early as Sunday depending on the drive and
motivation. Most of the team expressed willingness to help out with
coaching through the end of the year.

Strength and conditioning coach will leave as well and Bailey will come
back from USC, he loved Lincoln and is not as happy with living in LA.
although is being well paid by USC. Doak Ostergard, Paul Miles and Paul
Meyers have all been asked to return at the end of the year as well.

Look for many ex-huskers to be on hand on the sideline trying very hard
over the next several weeks to get these old players talking with the
current players and getting the husker pride back.

We were looking to include something about TO into the tunnel walk
although Tom has asked us not to do it and to keep the focus on the
team.

I will let you know if I hear anything else.

Mick L. Richards
Senior Producer Husker Vision
One HuskerPlaza
North Stadium Drive
Lincoln, NE68510
Email: Mickr@huskermarketing.com"