Cornhuskers Sneak Past Trojans

Bear Jones' corner three locked down a nice victory in Los Angeles Sunday, as NU beat USC 51-48 in its first BCS non-conference road win in five years. Whatever the hell that means, since the BCS is a football thing...we thought?

Thoughts:

1. Brian Diaz and Brandon Ubel looked decent. The skills are obviously there. They can catch, move, shoot and rebound. USC's big men were obviously much stronger, but the fundamentals are in place and when they gain the needed strength, they'll be nice players.

2. Three for 11 from the FT line. Pathetic. But, that being said, there are a lot of new guys playing their first meaningful D-I minutes. Let's see how they shoot in a couple weeks. Newcomers were only three for eight. We expect improvement.

3. Only seven turnovers. This is great in any road game and is the first key in having a chance to win.

4. USC was far from Final Four material. But they have big, strong, athletic players, and a win like this can do nothing but help NU's confidence. We'll pretend we don't notice if/when the Trojans finish last in the Pac 10.

5. Ryan Anderson showed nice leadership, coming up with 14 points and going 3/3 from 3. Sek Henry's stat line looks awful, 1/7 from the field, 0/2 from the FT line, and two turnovers, but he fought and scrapped all game and showed the new players what one has to do to compete in a road game.

Most important was the play where USC somehow was granted the timeout, where Henry finally took the ball from two Trojans and had to be separated from them after the whistle. It didn't impact the score directly, but showing teammates that you won't back down from anybody, anywhere is never underrated. Just in time for next Sunday's matchup against the BlueGays in Omaha, fresh off their two-game meltdown in Orlando.

Woods Punks Out....Three Times...

After blowing off police three times, Eldrick finally goes public on his web site!!?? What a pussy move. Typical, though, for a complete fake whose fake marriage is crumbling before the nation's eyes. Typical, for a fake who 'wants to bring golf to an international level', but only does so when the poor schmucks in Thailand or Australia pony up the $3 million appearance fee.

Obviously, this is why he is a robot. Look at all the furor that surrounds things when he bangs one NYC club slut. Which poses another question: how can you be over age 30 and take yourself seriously when you work at a night club? We'll try to answer that another day.

The 911 transcript has been released, but truly, is a complete waste of your time.

The biggest question in this whole mess: How the hell is his house only valued at $2.4 million? The thing is bigger than his mistress's tits...

And he'll be spending much more than that on his 'Kobe Special'. Especially if he came in the back side of his whore like Mr. Bryant did in Eagle, Colorado. In all seriousness, a marriage you can save by placating your overratedly hot wife with expensive jewelry after you bone another chick is one made in heaven.

Mizzou--Best Uniforms Ever

The Hamilton Tiger Cats would be proud.

Dildo of the Day Award...

See below...Should be about time for some doorknob to send in his Husker version of "The Night Before Christmas"....

From: Bob, West Des Moines, Iowa
Published Wednesday, Nov. 25

The Nebraska legislature should take inspiration from the Omaha City Council and rename the Platte River “Suh Crick.”

This is not a question, but I'm using it because it is flat-out brilliant.

Mangino Seals His Fate....

Most teams want to go to a bowl game. Apparently, KU coach Mark Mangino didn't. Pinned deep in its own territory with 2:54 remaining, the Jayhawks' play-calling sequence was one of the worst PYB has ever witnessed. Worse, even, than some of Frank Solich's finest. Worse than Dave Wannstedt's playcalling against Navy a couple years back.

Mizzou, sporting the greatest uniforms ever seen in college football, had one timeout remaining. From its own one, you'd think KU would run the ball to work the clock. Instead, we get:

First down: deep pass down the sideline, incomplete
Second down: Incomplete flat pass as WR slips
Third down: QB sacked for safety to make it 39-38 KU

MIZZOU didn't even have to use its lone timeout!! Mangino was gracious enough to let the Tigers save it for setting up the game-winning field goal, which they converted as time expired for a 41-39 victory. Amazingly bad. Should he get fired? NO. Will he? YES. You're not allowed to poke guys in the chest who are only protected with shoulder pads. This is 2009, after all.

Why is Tiger Woods Nailing a Dude?

If you're going to cheat, you might as well make it with a woman...

W

Well a win is a win. Nebraska avoided a huge trap game in Boulder and held on to win 28-20. The performance was pretty much what was expected, with a couple of exceptions. A subpar offensive perfomance (or should we say par by now?), a decent defensive performance given the pressure the unit has been under and the continual tight spots the Blackshirts find themselves in, with a twist of drama at the end just to keep us watching.

Offense:
The offensive line looked bad as usual, until its one late-game drive to help clinch the game. Zac Lee was his normal self, but hit a few of his best passes of the season. Of course, his TOTAL lack of pocket presence and timing is aggravating. Lee needs to develop the internal clock to either throw to a receiver or get rid of the ball instead of taking sacks. This is crucial, considering he has no ability to elude the rush. This will be even more critical against Texas, as the speed will be several notches higher than the last few games.

Rex Burkhead created a nice spark, gaining 100 yards on 18 carries. Is it possible to get him some reps at punt returner? Sure, Niles Paul makes one nice return every few games against bad teams, but he will never make anything happen against a top-10 team. Roy Helu only had 40 yards, and one fumble, but didn't get much help from the line during the first three quarters. Mike McNeill had one early catch, then was mysteriously absent from the field the rest of the game.

Defense:
PYB believes the defense is pretty worn out. Worse yet, Colorado exploited a HUGE hole in the Cornhusker armor when they forced the Blackshirts to play with two or three linebackers. Will Compton was serviceable, but Sean Fisher was truly awful in all aspects. Poor coverage, poor tackling, overpursuit and a complete lack of speed were his trademarks Friday. The Texas coaching staff will surely notice this and add some formations/plays to its repertoire to take advantage.

If NU was having that much trouble with the Bluffs, one can only imagine what will happen versus the Longhorns. Texas loves to throw underneath zones. The Huskers give up the short pass, almost on purpose at times. The Horns, unlike most of Nebraska's chump competition, have the ability to close out drives. One more two mistakes will mean doom in Dallas.

Special Teams:
Alex Henery continued his rapid improvement as a punter, becoming more than just a 'coffin corner' specialist. The last two games, he has punted for a good average and kept NU in great field position the entire game. If there is any hope in the B12 title game, continuing this will be imperative. We'll see how he handles the pressure. Another missed 51-yard FG wasn't a positive sign.

Niles Paul chipped in a punt-return touchdown. Great. He ran straight ahead, untouched and continued his big playmaking versus bad teams. The next time he makes one against a good team will be the first. To make big plays on punt returns versus a real team like Texas, it will require at least one move. Paul has none.

There's your PYB analysis. A rather uninspired version for an uninspired win....but a win nonetheless. Nine wins is another great regular season for Bo Pelini in his second season. Scary, but this could have been an 11-1 campaign. Is Nebraska an 11-1 team? Under past circumstances, hell no. But these days, just keep winning because nobody is a cut above the rest, and you don't know what happens.

As for chances to take down Texas, we say not good. Like 5% chance. Check back later this week for an in-depth investigation of the matchup.

Huskers Hop on Kangaroos

Nebraska played its slew of newcomers while pounding UMKC 70-48 last night in Lincoln. Thoughts are below, as the Huskers didn't look great but had enough bright spots to leave fans happy:

Brandon Ubel: 6'10" freshman has nice skills, smooth around the hoops. Needs to get his body ready for B12 play. At this point, too skinny.

Sek Henry: Will be the leader of the team and can't afford to take games off like in the past. Another nice effort with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

Lance Jeter: The future at PG had a bigger impact and looked strong taking it to the rack for points. Will need this, CONSISTENTLY, against B12 competition. 12 points and four assists.

Ryan Anderson: His usual dirty-work game. Nine points and five boards and good team defender.

Ray Gallegos: Looked like the quickest offensive player NU has had in many years. Dropped UMKC defenders twice with his crossover dribble and had a nice pull-up jumper after a crossover that could develop as a weapon against any team in the future. Hopefully this happens.

Brian Diaz: His ability to carry performances like this into conference play will determine whether NU is middle of the pack in the B12 or at the bottom. He is skilled around the hoop and can block shots and rebound, but sometimes may struggle getting his offensive position due to lack of strength...which will improve. Played half the game and had 10 points and three rebounds. The most athletic big man NU has had in years.

Quincy Hankins-Cole & Adrien Coleman: Looks like these guys could go either way. Very athletic, the difference will be whether they figure out how to contribute it to impact a D-I team.

Myles Holley: Didn't see enough to judge.

Toney McCray: It was announced he was out for the season. Unfortunately, he used his redshirt two seasons ago and can't get this year back. Not sure why no medical hardship is allowed...I gave up trying to figure out the NCAA long ago. Maybe because it's not a football player?

Anyway, PYB says this is not as big of a loss as everyone else. McCray is surely talented, but looks like a fish out of water in the B12. Doesn't have the offensive skills to take his game outside to 18 feet and doesn't quite have the power and athleticism to take it to the low post and score consistently on big-time competition. Looks like a guy who could average 22 and 8 for a D-II school. Hopefully, we're wrong on this evaluation and he was just learning last season. But this is the new college hoops, where freshmen and sophomores make an impact if they have the game.

More later, as NU faces a huge test of maturity on the road at USC on Sunday.

Minister of Disinformation...

Special teams sparkle? Because they didn't give up a punt return TD in two games? And held Ryan Broyles one yard under his season average...if, of course, you excluded his 35-yarder? What am I missing? Where is the mention of being 95th nationally in net punting? Or the fact that NU's returners have ZERO ability to take one the distance? It may be just us at PYB, but we think a special teams TD or five might help an offense as anemic as the Cornhuskers'.

The Chairman would be proud of this propaganda campaign...

Bottle Blasted...Duck Style...

Arizona sports fans prove their complete uselessness once again, this time by KO'ing a cheerleader with a bottle. Glad those Mildkittens tanked the end of the game, sending all the scum fans back into the stands before they could rush the field.

These pics are worth a look, fo' sho'.

VY...Still a Pussy....

Glad to see Vince Young emerging as a real man of the NFL. His display last night on MNF was embarrassing. The details:

1. Going studio gangster on the Houston sideline after taking a late hit and acting like he wanted to fight the entire 53-man Texan roster.

2. Slap fighting a defender who wouldn't let go of his jersey after the whistle.

3. Trying to fight three Texans after the whistle when they jostled him a bit.

4. Running down the sideline with hands in the air, after Kris Brown missed the potential game-tying FG, like he won the Super Bowl--when in fact, the Titans had just gone to 4-6.

Not once did he look like a real leader. Not once did he look like he really wanted a piece of those who were obviously trying to rile him. Vince...100% fake. 100% Longhorn soft (in the tradition of Chrissy Simms, Ricky Williams & Roy Williams). 100% PUSSY. One of these days, momma won't know when to tell the cops to come save you.

PYB vs. OWH Banter....

In response to an e-mail PYB sent to Tom Shatel on his overzealous rating of Iowa's schedule this season:

Dave,

If the Fiesta Bowl wants to make nice with the Big 12, that's fine. Just admit that. But don't tell me OSU's schedule is better. I cover the Big 12. I see these teams. It's not. I'm also tired of the Big 12 South hype. Would it be terrible if OSU went to the Fiesta Bowl? No. They're a good team. But more deserving than Iowa? No. That's my point.

Thanks and stay in touch,

Tom S.



▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Omaha World-Herald
www.omaha.com

Tom Shatel
Sports Columnist
Office: 402-444-1025
Fax: 402-444-1238
Email: Tom.Shatel@owh.com

1314 Douglas St.- Suite 700
Omaha, NE 68102


From: David Vincent [mailto:dvincen1@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:02 AM
To: Shatel, Tom
Subject: Iowa?

Tom,
Tell me you aren't serious when you say you like Iowa's win over Penn State better than anything on OSU's resume? Penn State is terrible. They had the nation's biggest creampuff schedule and then got blasted by the two decent (barely decent) teams they played in Iowa and Ohio State.

So you want to persecute Okie St. for a meager win versus a perennial national power (UGA) from the SEC, but then fail to mention that Iowa beat Northern Iowa by one point and Arkansas State by just three? And lost to Northwestern with everything on the line.

Come on, I know newspaper sales are down but not even the OWH's Western Iowa market could take this seriously!

Dave Vincent
Chandler, AZ

NU Slams Frogs

It was nice to see Nebraska hold off a good opponent and pull away for a 90-77 victory Saturday over TCU. This is the same TCU squad that had lost a close one, 69-65, earlier this week at Arizona State. NU put five men in double figures, led by Brian Diaz with 22 points. Diaz found it easier to contribute to the cause in games where his front two teeth weren't smashed back into his mouth.

Brandon Richardson chipped in 15 points and four steals. Hopefully, he'll play consistently enough that he can gain confidence and contribute in every. The Huskers need more of his smooth athleticism when they play upper-level competition. Sek Henry had 11 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks--nice numbers for the senior, who must give consistent play given all of the newcomers on the roster. It's apparent Lance Jeter isn't quite ready to save the day (isn't he why they told Cookie Miller to leave), after his three-point, one-assist effort.

Ryan Anderson was his usual solid but unspectacular self, with 15 points and Quincy Hankins-Cole had 10 points in just 12 minutes.

PYB is hoping that ESPN Full Court has its act together tomorrow, so that we can get our first look at the squad on television and offer more complete analysis. The Cornhuskers take on the UMKC Kangaroos.

Dildo of the Day Award...

Goes to this OWH 'reader', who wants to solve Nebraska's offensive ills by replacing Shawn Watson with Barney Cotton....the football equivalent of trading herpes for AIDS.

From: Tom F., Ewing, Neb.
Published Saturday, Nov. 21

I just read a World-Herald article on the 22 formation. Its a great article, and I am so pleased by it, but deep down it sounds like Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson still is not convinced on the running game. It's more obvious to me that he needs to be shown the door, and Barney Cotton needs to be ushered in. How many years are we going to be like this? Shawn Watson said when he gets his personnel, then he will resort back to the West Coast offense. Tom Osborne with his wealth of knowledge, saved his day this time, yet coach Wats still can't catch on? Shawn Watson will never get the top recruits that it takes to run that spread crap. When is he going to learn that? You need to tell him that in a nice way. That simplicity is the name of the game. You can go through all the records, books, stats, logs, trees, branches, whatever, but the facts are that the safest and most productive way of moving a football has been to surround the ball with big burley lineman and run it. Because it sets up play action. This makes the defense defend with a number of guys, and if they want to bring in more to stop it, then they are going to suffer more from the play action pass. I can tell you this: If Bo wants to be competitive, he had better get physical, and get Barney. Now here is my question. Going back to Shawn Watson's school days, when he didn't know the meaning of a word, do you think he ever thought about opening up a dictionary and looking it up? Or did someone open up the dictionary to the correct page, and leave it for him to find?

I know Watson knows the meaning of power running because he was calling the plays — on Gary Barnett's offense — that fateful day in 2001 when Chris Brown and Colorado ran it down the Blackshirts' throats. This is what Watson has evolved into. I thought that quote was a little disturbing, or disappointing might be a better word, because I think what they are doing now is a great direction. A lot of folks think you can run the ball out of the shotgun spread. And don't forget Tom Osborne is a fan of Florida's offense, though Urban Meyer has a fullback for a quarterback in Tebow. Let's wait and see how this season ends and then corral Bo Pelini and Watson after the dust settles to figure out what sort of philosophy the future will hold. Right now, I'm a little confused, which is normal for me.

Cornhuskers Flop Past Mildcats

Another terrible offensive line performance. More bad play calling, this time, with a twist of poor play designs. Continued subpar quarterback play. Another win.


PYB puts this game on the rack with the Oklahoma game, one so mind-numbingly boring that it's hard to remember the details. We knew it would be the case, but the defense saved the day again. What's truly alarming is how many assignments the offensive line flat out blows. It seems to be at least one every play. Barney Cotton's crowning achievement for 2009 will have to settle reducing holding penalties from five per game.

Shawn Watson's continued reliance on an option game that doesn't fit Zac Lee's abilities at all is annoying. So are a lot of his play designs. PYB especially enjoyed the one that led to a goal-line KSU interception. The one where the design had Lee roll out, away from his throwing-arm side, and look for a play with only one receiver option (TE Mike McNeill) that had run that receiver right into three (maybe four.....we had starting slamming flat beer to keep it entertaining) defenders. And what you get with that, from a juco-level QB, is a forced interception and (if you were playing a decent team) disastrous consequences.

NU is 82nd in total offense, 73rd in scoring offense and is averaging 17 points per game against non-Sun Belt opponents. They can't pass, the run is sporadic at best and the Cornhuskers will face the top run defense in the nation in two weeks in Dallas.

The defense (now third in national scoring defense) dominated, despite surrendering some yards for the third straight game. Hell, the Blackshirts have to be tired. Eight weeks with little to no support from the other 11 has to take its toll. However, we never sensed any danger, even as KSU got inside NU's 33 yard line four times. As always, Bo's unit was in complete control. They only blitz when they have to. It's always great to see more blitzing, but the Pelinis keep the ball in front of their back seven and wait for the QB to make the error. The one time they did call up a blitz, KSU's QB read it and hit his man for an apparent touchdown. However, Larry "The Assassin" Asante made a big hit at the one-yard line and Prince Amukamara recovered. Crisis averted.

Alex Henery had his best game, benefiting from mostly good field position. This showed his forte, of placing kicks inside the 10, while masking the fact that his hang time and distance are weaknesses. As a result, the Cornhuskers shot up the national rankings to 95th in net punting.

So, it was more of the same one week after everyone fell in love with the offense and its 'explosion' in Lawrence. The Mildcats just didn't have enough firepower to muster a true threat to win the game, not even with the Power Towel looming over Memorial Stadium. PYB has a bad feeling about Boulder. Dan Hawkins will likely be coaching his last game at CU. The Bluffs have show signs of life in recent weeks. The offense sucks. Will the short week before next Friday's game finally be the straw that breaks the Blackshirts' back?

The Blind Side

The Blind Side opens tonight in theaters, and has gotten raves from critics so far. So, amazingly enough, has Sandra Bullock despite the fact that she's a laughably bad actress who somehow has duped the critics with her good girl act and gets consistently good critiques. This, even after the fact she goes out with/is married to a dude who used to nail porn stars....anyway....

Do yourself a favor, as usual, SKIP THE MOVIE and read the book by "Moneyball" author Michael Lewis.

Bottle Blasted

Hopefully NU's loss at SLU's new, beer-serving arena is more a product of inexperience than lack of new players' talent. Word is, Brian Diaz missed most the game with a cracked tooth and the players looked uncomfortable together. Understandable, but experience better breed better play--quickly. PYB can't submit an accurate analysis, since ESPN Full Court inexplicably blacked out the game on our end. $104 well spent.

We would at least analyze the box score, but neither the OWH or huskers.com have it published to this point. Huskers.com must be working on another pointless press release telling us about the latest football practice and that NU plays against KSU Saturday and that it's another sellout!! Sweet.

The Jabba Rules...

Reason number 500 why kids today are soft....Mark Mangino is in hot water because he "poked a player in the chest"? Parents are getting involved in college sports? In college, there are two choices: suck it up or leave. This is Division I football... PYB thinks he scared his players by eating too many live frogs out of his fish bowl, like he did in Return of the Jedi.

And then we're blessed with this gem, from Jason Whitlock, who creates stupid viewpoints just to show you how ahead of the curve he is. He wore out the race card years ago, so now he's going to the fat card.

NCAA Hoops Notes...

1. As if ESPN's Bracketology wasn't an utterly pointless exercise in January, February or March (worse than anything this side of NFL mock drafts), it has gotten worse. The Network is currently running the predicted top four seeds in each NCAA region on its ticker--one game into the season. As if guessing the 64 entrants wasn't irrelevant enough, they're going to also tell us which region these teams will play in?

Thanks....I can sleep better tonite. ESPN = The Devil.

2. Iowa is terrible. After losing by 12 at home to Texas-San Antonio last weekend, they proved their 5/27 effort from downtown wasn't a fluke. Every three-point shot is a brick. Not just a miss...but thud, then fall off the side of the rim as they lose to Duquesne (pronounced Duke-a-neez if you're an expert) at Carver tonite. No offense, Mr. Stemm.

3. Who the hell designed the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup/Bud Light court for the Kansas-Memphis game? It's so bad we like it. Kansas up early 18-17. No way they cover 10.5 if you bet it. If you don't, KU wins 101-70.

Tuesday Thoughts...

---Why are we subjected to another story about Patrick Witt's arrogance? Thoughts on this pansy:

1. PYB says his reason for transferring has more to do with him getting crushed against Clemson (the picture above is right before he got smoked) and nearly blowing the Gator Bowl than it did with his newfound love of academic rigor at Yale. We think Patrick got a true taste of Division I football and realized he wasn't up to the task. PYB, Patrick.

2. Why is there no mention of him losing his starting job at Yale? Maybe that's why he's 'gained anonymity', even as a football player. Because he sucks.

3. If he didn't want the attention of being an NU football player, why would he transfer between several high schools, like an egomaniacal baby without parents to smack some sense into him, until he found a place to play?

4. PYB feels sorry for anyone who thinks the college they attend makes them. College is what you make of it...on your own...no title or bullshit status will give you the golden ticket. We think that Warren Buffett did just fine after attending UNL. Maybe not as well as Eric Crouch, swingset salesman, but he did OK.

5. His assertion that some of his Yale teammates could play at Nebraska is just sour grapes. Maybe they could have played during the Santino Panico era, but no longer. Hell, he couldn't even make the field, that's why he left.

6. Maybe he did need more of a challenge academically, we do know that people who have airline pilots as parents are generally geniuses.

7. Finally, we were blessed with all the bullshit about him applying for an honors major in "Ethics, Politics and Economics" and that he is taking classes on the Political Philosophy of Abraham Lincoln, Readings in American Literature, and History of the French Revolution. Do you mean classes they offer at UNL, only with fancier titles?

This all reminds me of the scene in Good Will Hunting, where the fag from Harvard rambles on about the Keynesian economy. Well, hopefully, Witt pays attention in economics--because paying $47,000 a year for something you can get for free at the public library doesn't seem real economical here at PYB. How 'bout them apples?

---NU is supposedly discussing at least one football game with Boise State. Good. The games against teams like FAU are worthless.

---Last night's MNF game may have been the worst I've ever seen. No scoring in the first half. One offensive TD all game. Brady Quinn at QB, missing four-yard passes like he was Zac Lee. I was the one begging my wife to put in a movie, to no avail.

Rock, Chalk, Enjoy Basketball Season Jayhawks...

PYB apologizes for the lateness of this recap, but we were out of town last weekend and too hungover to this point to comment on the Cornhuskers' come-from-behind win at Kansas Saturday. We would like to dedicate this column to Andy in Ohio for whining enough to motivate us to put it on paper. Let's go back to the A-F grading scale...

Quarterback--B+
This is not your father's B+. This is a B+ when considering how shitty Zac Lee had been before this game. He actually completed a few passes....or should I say jump balls to Niles Paul? Actually, it is amazing how running the ball and using play action passes can even help the shittiest/slowest receivers get open. The option pass was nice. The option, where he fired the ball at Roy Helu like Nolan Ryan for the second straight game, was not. Maybe this spark of confidence will help NU open up the offense. Or maybe they will start Cody Green, since there has been no rhyme or reason to the QB rotation to this point.

Running back--A-
Roy Helu closed another game, somehow turning the corner on the go-ahead touchdown. Then he added another for good measure. He looked a bit tentative when finishing runs in the first 3.5 quarters, but when it mattered, he went hard and got to the end zone. The only reason this is an A-, is because he seemingly missed a few cutback holes early in the game. But given how many assignments his line blows and the fact that his shoulder clearly still hurts, we'll cut him a break.

Offensive line--B-
Two nice drives at the end. But still too many missed assignments. Drive killers. They gave Lee enough time to pass for the most part. It was great to see Bo Pelini tearing into Barney Cotton's ass. Hopefully, they fire him. But likely, they'll sign his daughter to a full-ride scholarship to play a position to be named later.

Wide Receiver--B+
Since only Niles Paul really impacted the game, we'll give him a decent grade for winning the jump balls he got. Four for 154 is a nice number. Brandon Kinnie had a great one-handed catch. Next mission: get open consistently followed by catch a ball in stride.

Defensive Line--C+
This C+ is relative to the line's performance prior to this game. Not a lot of game-breaking plays, but this unit can't do it every day. And Ndamukong Suh was double-teamed constantly. If NU had at least one true impact defensive end, it would open up the DTs tremendously. This could be a concern in a bowl game against a top-15 team. Reesing showed that with his 54 rushing yards, most coming from scrambles when receivers weren't open.

Linebacker--B
Phillip Dillard wasn't as omnipresent as he was the past two weeks, but a solid effort. Nothing great here, but nothing terrible. In fact, Dillard is the only one rated here, since NU rarely plays another backer. Matthew May was the only other LB to record 0.5 tackle, and that was on special teams.

Defensive Backs--B
The vivid memory will be the fact that Dejon Gomes and Eric Hagg gave up a lot of completions on crossing routes and slants. But the bottom line is, with an experienced QB (not great, but experienced) and above-average receivers, these are hard to stop. Surprisingly, Reesing was only 19/41 for 236 yards. The longest completion was 28 yards. So hardly a great day, but once again, the defense was in control of the game. The offense took its usual nap, but this time it was shorter than usual---2.5 quarters.

Gomes, Alfonzo Dennard, Prince Amukamara and Hagg were NU's top four tacklers. Larry Asante won't be missed next year. Either will Matt O'Hanlon, unless you're a 70-year-old farmer who still believes Frank Solich got screwed when he got axed. It is nice to see DBs that can cover and also can come up and hit someone.

Special Teams--B
Pluses: Niles Paul's kickoff return, Tim Marlowe's kickoff return (how easily would Deion Sanders have scored that ball?), and Alex Henery's three field goals. PYB is just thankful he didn't have to try that 52-yarder to take the lead.

Minuses: As usual, punting sucked. Averaging 38.8 yards will eventually bite you in the ass. With another subpar effort, NU fell to 100th in the nation in net punting. Let's hope someone can take over for Henery next season.

In this day & age, any road win in conference is a good one. The positive is that we walk away thinking the defense played poorly, but NU surrendered only 349 yards and won by 14 points on the road. The offense will get a lot of credit for waking up, but the fact they didn't get a TD, just FGs, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters is concerning. But, the Cornhuskers have a chance to give a big F YOU to Rabbit Teeth Snyder on Saturday and punch their ticket to Dallas. The game is extremely winnable. But as we learned against ISU, this team can't just show up and win. But with two more weeks to go, the mantra is: Just win, baby......somehow.

NFL Notes

1. Enough of the Bill Belichick conversation. It was a brutal call, bottom line. One made by someone so weird, that who knows what the hell he was thinking. Anyone giving the "I agree with the call. In the NFL you have to take games by the balls and win them! FUCK YEAH!", is an idiot. Maybe on the 40 yard line....maybe. On the 28, hell no. People saying this was a good call are just contrarians trying to show how smart they are with their eternally alternate viewpoint. However, do I want to hear any more about this game? No. Maybe Belichick was temporarily insane thinking about the rackasaurus in this picture.

2. How is Maurice Jones-Drew getting props for his kneel-down against the Jets yesterday? You simply must take the points if you are behind. Too many variables exist. Cincinnati missed an extra point yesterday--nothing is a given. With NYJ out of timeouts and their rookie QB sucking....put it in the end zone, go for two, and give it to your defense to close.

This is not the same as Brian Westbrook a few years back. The Eagles had the lead when he did it, so sports radio hacks, please stop extolling MJD as some sort of visionary for his play. Anyway, with the Jags at 5-4 and trailing both Pittsburgh and San Diego for the wild cart slot, the whole issue is irrelevant.

3. The fact that Donovan McNabb threw the ball 55 times in a loss to San Diego is ludicrous. The dink and dunk offense has got to go, but without a legitimate stud WR, it never will. And with Westbrook out with a concussion, again, the run game will surely suck for weeks to come. Desean Jackson is a speed receiver. Jeremy Maclin is a rookie, and just a speed guy. Jason Avant has two good games a year. The Eagles have had ONE true number-one wideout in the last 15 years for ONE season....and they made the Super Bowl. PYB loves Andy Reid, but something has to change here.

4. Tonite's MNF matchup is so bad, I'm giving it up to collect points by having movie night with my wife.

5. Larry Johnson to visit Cincy. What the hell for? The Bengals got lucky with one castoff RB in Cedric Benson, why push your luck with a malcontent (translation: douchebag) who has fucked up KC's team chemistry for years?

Pic of the Day

1995 It Is...Herbstreit It's PYB...

Are the 2009 Blackshirts a great defense? In today's age of watered-down competition--absolutely. But anyone who says it compares to NU defenses of the past, as this OWH article examines, it's PYB.

Most amazing, is some detail that is in the print edition only. First, the stats...then, the really telling info to follow:

2009
Total yardage--274
Rush--94.4
Pass--179.6
Scoring--10.3 ppg

2003
Listed in OWH but a complete fucking joke. Got blasted by every decent team played.

1999 (Brown, Brown, Craver, et al...Solich still fucked this up vs. Texas)
Total--252.3
Rush--77.1
Pass--175.2
Scoring--12.5

1995 (Wistrom, Minter, Peter, Farley, Booker, Williams, Williams, Peter, Rucker)
Total--294.1 (every game was over by the 2Q and backups played regularly)
Rush--78.4
Pass--215.7
Scoring--13.6

So there are the numbers, we should remember that the starters for the 1995 squad probably played 2 quarters max in 75% of their games. All but one victory that year was by more than three touchdowns. Amazingly, 15 players from that defense played a combing 88 seasons in the NFL. FIFTEEN! A player from every slot on the preseason depth chart played at least three seasons in the NFL. Mike Minter had 10, Wistrom and Rucker had nine. Every starter but one played in the league.

This team had that next gear. When they took the field, you had a sense they would make something happen. They were a threat to score points at any time. This montage of Terrell Farley (the only starter to not play in the NFL, ironically) is proof. The 2009 Blackshirts can't say that.

So, Kirk Herbstreit, go ahead and tell me now that 2001 Miami would beat 1995 Nebraska because the 'Canes offense would exploit the NU defense. PYB, you ESPN puppet. Ken Dorsey was a stiff at QB....we saw what he did against NFL-level talent. He was the broke man's Matt Leinart!! Jeremy Shockey....all mouth, no substance. Andre Johnson, best receiver in the NFL, but one man doesn't beat 15. And sure, the 'Canes had great RBs, but with two NFL CBs on the outside and Minter at safety...that leaves eight more to shut down the run game. PYB!

Pic of the Day...

Bobcats vs. Bulls.....

Anyone who was 'blessed' enough to watch Ohio battle Buffalo last night got a reminder of why Frank Solich was entirely inept at Nebraska and why he got fired.

On their game-winning FG drive (against a seven-loss Buffalo team), Ohio got to 3rd and 2. Just like EVERY short-yardage situation at NU, Solich called a timeout. Right out of the timeout, he called a dive up the middle that got stuffed for one yard. So what's next, Husker fans? OF COURSE, another timeout to discuss the 4th and 1 play. Right out of the timeout, option that gained the first down. Then the very next play, another timeout to prevent a delay of game penalty. Welcome to college, Rat, you're not at Lincoln Southeast anymore! And if you didn't have Turner Gill's squad to beat up on, you'd get fired at Ohio too!

"You Want Answers", "I Think I'm Entitled to Them"

Mr. Blount from the Oregon Ducks is reinstated! Even after he sucker punched someone (who 30% deserved something for being a clown)and then continued to carry on like a complete fool amongst law enforcement. But Mr. Bryant of Ok State is suspended for the year, appeal rejected just for lying about sharing a Stuffed Crust Pizza and some Wings with Prime Time? Joke!

Retro Rock Returns!

I'm not a huge diehard rock/metal/hair/grunge/emo band guy but do love the sounds of golden age groups such as Led Zep, AC/DC, etc.. And Wolfmother is a group that possess that classic sound with a touch of its own creativity. With the high pitched vocals of Andrew Stockdale and his far out lyrics, you will feel like you went back in time with the Doc and Marty Mcfly! A good refresher from all the posers and emotionally draining new groups these days. Pick it up

Pic of the Day...

High Cotton...

Joke.

You can't get this stiff to walk on, so buckle and offer before he signs with NW Missouri or UN-fucking-O???!!! Wasn't one Cotton enough? NU is now at three sympathy scholarships with Cotton x 2 and Tim Marlowe. The Cornhuskers, in desperate need of an offensive playmaker, have wasted another spot on a nobody. Husker Nation was keeping its fingers crossed that the eldest Cotton would get axed after this season, due to his shitty coaching. Now, apparently, we're blessed with four more years of missed blocks, false starts and ill-timed red-zone holding penalties.

For lack of a better analysis, FUCK ME!

Weekly Stats....

Or I could have saved the whole last entry and just posted these stats, which tell the whole story. No reason why the special teams are so bad.

TOTAL OFFENSE
1. Houston - 577.89 ypg
2. Nevada - 504.38 ypg
3. Cincinnati - 482.56 ypg
4. Texas A&M - 477.56 ypg
5. Texas Tech - 474.00 ypg
6. Notre Dame - 463.67 ypg
7. Hawaii - 461.67 ypg
8. Brigham Young - 458.56 ypg
8. Texas Christian - 458.56 ypg
10. Troy - 458.11 ypg
24. Kansas - 431.56 ypg
84. Nebraska - 347.00 ypg
120. New Mexico State - 232.89 ypg

RUSH OFFENSE
1. Nevada - 319.13 ypg
2. Georgia Tech - 314.90 ypg
3. Navy - 286.60 ypg
4. Air Force - 264.00 ypg
5. Fresno State - 250.89 ypg
6. Texas Christian - 242.11 ypg
7. Alabama-Birmingham - 241.11 ypg
8. Florida - 240.67 ypg
9. Oregon - 233.56 ypg
10. Auburn - 230.00 ypg
61. Nebraska - 145.56 ypg
85. Kansas - 127.78 ypg
120. Bowling Green - 60.11 ypg

PASS OFFENSE
1. Houston - 433.67 ypg
2. Texas Tech - 400.44 ypg
3. Hawaii - 350.33 ypg
4. Bowling Green - 338.22 ypg
5. Notre Dame - 325.56 ypg
6. Cincinnati - 324.67 ypg
7. Troy - 315.89 ypg
8. Kansas - 303.78 ypg
9. Florida Atlantic - 302.75 ypg
10. Florida State - 302.33 ypg
77. Nebraska - 201.44 ypg
120. Army - 58.11 ypg

SCORING OFFENSE
1. Houston - 42.11 ppg
2. Boise State - 41.44 ppg
3. Texas - 41.00 ppg
4. Texas Tech - 40.22 ppg
5. Cincinnati - 40.00 ppg
6. Texas Christian - 37.44 ppg
7. Brigham Young - 36.56 ppg
8. Oregon - 36.33 ppg
9. Arkansas - 35.56 ppg
9. Texas A&M - 35.56 ppg
32. Kansas - 30.78 ppg
71. Nebraska - 25.67 ppg
120. New Mexico State - 11.78 ppg

PASS EFFICIENCY
1. Cincinnati - 171.84
2. Brigham Young - 168.28
3. Texas Christian - 166.08
4. Boise State - 164.85
5. Notre Dame - 161.16
6. Pittsburgh - 161.02
7. Florida - 159.46
8. Houston - 158.42
9. Idaho - 153.03
10. Arkansas - 152.13
39. Kansas - 137.11
71. Nebraska - 126.52
120. New Mexico State - 81.12

SACKS ALLOWED (per game)
1. Oklahoma State - 0.44
1. Louisiana-Lafayette - 0.44
3. Arizona - 0.50
4. Boise State - 0.56
5. Stanford - 0.67
6. Georgia Tech - 0.70
7. Nevada - 0.88
8. Army - 0.89
8. North Texas - 0.89
10. Iowa State - 0.90
10. Air Force - 0.90
34. Nebraska - 1.33
85. Kansas - 2.56
120. Washington State - 5.00

RED ZONE OFFENSE
1. San Jose State - 100%
2. Arkansas - 97%
2. Louisiana Tech - 97%
4. Mississippi - 96%
4. Virginia - 96%
6. Texas - 95%
6. Oregon State - 95%
6. Oregon - 95%
6. Georgia - 95%
10. Northern Illinois - 94%
10. Oklahoma - 94%
10. Wisconsin - 94%
10. Auburn - 94%
10. Boston College - 94%
36. Kansas - 85%
99. Nebraska - 76%
120. Rice - 61%

3RD DOWN CONVERSION PERCENTAGE
1. Brigham Young - 59.48%
2. Georgia Tech - 52.74%
3. Texas A&M - 51.49%
4. UNLV - 50.00%
4. Idaho - 50.00%
6. Washington - 49.63%
7. Houston - 49.61%
8. Florida State - 49.57%
9. Northwestern - 49.41%
10. Fresno State - 48.76%
39. Kansas - 42.75%
65. Nebraska - 39.20%
120. Washington State - 24.22%

==================================================

TOTAL DEFENSE
1. Texas - 230.78 ypg
2. Florida - 232.44 ypg
3. Texas Christian - 240.56 ypg
4. Alabama - 242.22 ypg
5. North Carolina - 249.44 ypg
6. Ohio State - 254.10 ypg
7. Air Force - 263.70 ypg
8. Penn State - 264.60 ypg
9. Oklahoma - 266.44 ypg
10. Boise State - 271.56 ypg
11. Nebraska - 274.00 ypg
47. Kansas - 344.89 ypg
120. Western Kentucky - 513.78 ypg

RUSH DEFENSE
1. Texas - 55.33 ypg
2. Alabama - 68.22 ypg
3. Ohio State - 85.40 ypg
4. Central Florida - 85.44 ypg
5. Oklahoma - 86.78 ypg
6. Arizona State - 87.44 ypg
7. Texas Christian - 89.67 ypg
8. North Carolina - 91.67 ypg
9. Oklahoma State - 94.00 ypg
10. Nebraska - 94.44 ypg
35. Kansas - 117.67 ypg
120. Eastern Michigan - 292.78 ypg

PASS DEFENSE
1. Air Force - 127.20 ypg
2. Florida - 134.44 ypg
3. Eastern Michigan - 143.00 ypg
4. Texas Christian - 150.89 ypg
5. North Carolina - 157.78 ypg
6. Clemson - 159.33 ypg
7. South Carolina - 160.10 ypg
8. Virginia Tech - 163.11 ypg
9. Penn State - 166.10 ypg
10. Vanderbilt - 166.70 ypg
21. Nebraska - 179.56 ypg
69. Kansas - 227.22 ypg
120. Alabama-Birmingham - 325.00 ypg

SCORING DEFENSE
1. Florida - 10.11 ppg
2. Nebraska - 10.33 ppg
3. Penn State - 10.80 ppg
4. Ohio State - 11.20 ppg
5. Texas Christian - 11.22 ppg
6. Alabama - 11.78 ppg
7. Oklahoma - 12.33 ppg
8. Texas - 12.44 ppg
9. Air Force - 12.90 ppg
10. LSU - 13.44 ppg
62. Kansas - 24.22 ppg
120. Western Kentucky - 44.56 ppg

PASS EFFICIENCY DEFENSE
1. Florida - 85.86
2. Nebraska - 89.68
3. Alabama - 90.43
4. Iowa - 94.30
5. Texas - 94.61
6. Ohio State - 94.64
7. Texas Christian - 95.38
8. Virginia Tech - 96.27
9. Air Force - 97.56
10. Boise State - 98.37
48. Kansas - 122.07
120. Western Kentucky - 177.22

SACKS (per game)
1. Pittsburgh - 4.33
2. USC - 3.56
3. Texas A&M - 3.33
3. Texas Tech - 3.33
3. Cincinnati - 3.33
6. Central Florida - 3.22
6. Oklahoma - 3.22
8. Penn State - 3.20
9. Kent State - 3.00
9. Nebraska - 3.00
16. Kansas - 2.78
120. Western Kentucky - 0.56

TACKLES FOR LOSS (per game)
1. Cincinnati - 8.89
2. Penn State - 8.70
3. North Carolina - 8.56
3. Oklahoma - 8.56
5. Kent State - 8.30
6. Texas - 8.22
6. Central Florida - 8.22
8. Middle Tennessee State - 8.00
8. USC - 8.00
10. Pittsburgh - 7.78
22. Nebraska - 7.11
30. Kansas - 6.89
120. Tulane - 3.44

3RD DOWN CONVERSION DEFENSE PERCENTAGE
1. Texas - 23.02%
2. Mississippi - 26.43%
3. Florida - 26.98%
4. Utah - 27.82%
5. Texas Christian - 28.24%
6. Air Force - 29.58%
7. Alabama - 30.47%
8. North Carolina - 30.71%
9. Boise State - 30.95%
10. Arizona State - 31.01%
18. Nebraska - 32.87%
54. Kansas - 37.59%
120. Colorado State - 56.55%

RED ZONE DEFENSE
1. Penn State - 61%
2. Northern Illinois - 64%
3. Oklahoma - 65%
4. Arkansas - 67%
5. Colorado - 68%
6. Mississippi - 69%
6. Arkansas State - 69%
8. Iowa State - 70%
8. LSU - 70%
10. Central Michigan - 71%
10. Texas Christian - 71%
39. Nebraska - 79%
69. Kansas - 83%
120. Nevada - 95%

TURNOVER MARGIN (per game)
1. Rutgers - +2.25
2. Air Force - +1.80
3. Cincinnati - +1.44
4. Boise State - +1.11
4. Northern Illinois - +1.11
6. Kansas State - +1.10
7. Arkansas - +1.00
7. Houston - +1.00
7. LSU - +1.00
7. Ohio - +1.00
7. Texas - +1.00
7. Alabama-Birmingham - +1.00
61. Nebraska - 0.00
79. Kansas - (-0.22)
120. Miami (OH) - (-1.90)

PENALTY YARDS PER GAME
1. Navy - 33.00 ypg
2. Connecticut - 33.44 ypg
3. Iowa - 34.30 ypg
4. Penn State - 35.90 ypg
5. Tennessee - 38.78 ypg
6. Purdue - 40.10 ypg
7. Mississippi - 40.22 ypg
8. Boston College - 40.67 ypg
9. Kentucky - 41.44 ypg
9. Fresno State - 41.44 ypg
35. Kansas - 48.78 ypg
109. Nebraska - 70.78 ypg
120. Arizona State - 87.67 ypg

=============================================

NET PUNTING
1. Georgia - 43.95 ypk
2. Michigan - 41.47 ypk
3. Fresno State - 41.03 ypk
4. Boise State - 40.30 ypk
5. Brigham Young - 40.25 ypk
6. UCLA - 40.05 ypk
7. Missouri - 40.04 ypk
8. Florida - 39.96 ypk
9. Minnesota - 39.88 ypk
10. Connecticut - 39.02 ypk
79. Kansas - 34.70 ypk
97. Nebraska - 33.32 ypk
120. Tulane - 26.86 ypk

PUNT RETURNS
1. Arizona - 19.00 ypr
2. Minnesota - 18.80 ypr
3. Central Michigan - 18.47 ypr
4. Louisiana Tech - 17.33 ypr
5. LSU - 17.32 ypr
6. USC - 16.05 ypr
7. Oklahoma - 15.21 ypr
8. Georgia Tech - 15.20 ypr
9. Southern Methodist - 15.07 ypr
10. East Carolina - 14.89 ypr
43. Nebraska - 10.80 ypr
91. Kansas - 6.33 ypr
120. San Jose State - 2.08 ypr

PUNT RETURN DEFENSE
1. Iowa State - 1.55 ypr
2. Brigham Young - 1.83 ypr
3. Oklahoma - 2.00 ypr
4. USC - 2.07 ypr
5. Missouri - 2.82 ypr
6. Florida - 3.25 ypr
7. Ohio State - 3.75 ypr
8. Boise State - 3.80 ypr
9. Arkansas State - 4.18 ypr
10. Minnesota - 4.28 ypr
91. Kansas - 11.75 ypr
105. Nebraska - 13.61 ypr
120. South Florida - 19.57 ypr

KICKOFF RETURNS
1. Stanford - 32.06 ypr
2. Texas - 30.36 ypr
3. Texas Christian - 30.00 ypr
4. Kansas State - 28.23 ypr
5. Arizona - 27.46 ypr
6. Oregon - 26.91 ypr
7. Florida - 26.48 ypr
8. Temple - 26.14 ypr
9. Arkansas - 26.03 ypr
10. Cincinnati - 26.00 ypr
66. Kansas - 21.55 ypr
76. Nebraska - 20.91 ypr
120. Miami (OH) - 15.39 ypr

KICKOFF RETURN DEFENSE
1. Kent State - 14.03 ypr
2. Western Michigan - 16.33 ypr
3. Central Florida - 16.35 ypr
4. LSU - 16.98 ypr
5. Iowa State - 18.05 ypr
6. Florida International - 18.12 ypr
7. Oregon State - 18.15 ypr
8. Boston College - 18.41 ypr
9. Akron - 18.59 ypr
10. Iowa - 18.72 ypr
38. Nebraska - 20.61 ypr
66. Kansas - 21.86 ypr
120. Washington State - 28.96 ypr

NU vs. OU Recap...

OK. Let's start with the good. Great win for Nebraska all things considered. The defense won the game by itself--again. Five interceptions. The Blackshirts didn't allow Laundry Jones to do anything all game. They set the offense up at the one yard line for its only touchdown of the night. How long can they go at this pace? Who knows, but we know this defense is a top-five unit nationally.

Ndamukong Suh deserves to be a Heisman finalist. The schemes the Pelini brothers brought to Lincoln are developing into the same confusing traps that Bo brought in his one-year stint as DC under Rat Solich. Anytime Matt O'Hanlon can get three INTs thrown right to him, you know the zone schemes are confusing the other QB. Walk-on-program-apologists will mark this as a sign that NU needs to scour the state for more hacks like O'Hanlon, conveniently forgetting he dropped a pick one play earlier that could have sealed the game. His drop could have tanked it for NU, just like he did against VT and Iowa State with blown coverages. Anyway, I digress.

The bottom line is that Bo brought NU an SEC-type defense.

Too bad he has also brought in a Big Ten-type offense. Seven fucking first downs. SEVEN--including one by penalty. One for 14 on third-down conversions. Pulling the starting quarterback for no reason whatsoever (well apparently, he was supposed to look like John Elway in the first few series of his first big game). Then Zac Lee comes in to replace him and fires the ball off Roy Helu's face and stays in the game?

Apparently, Shawn Watson thinks that just because Cody Green is a good runner, that he is automatically an option quarterback and runs it eight times the first few series, even though it hasn't been a staple of the offense to this point. Still no passes that would help a new QB get in to the flow, rolling him out where he can see the receivers and run if there is nothing open. To quote a friend, "Watson just seems lost."

Roy Helu looked like he felt better, though still not 100 percent. He still favored his shoulder at the end of runs or when falling to the turf. That being said, Helu at 80% is better than any other Cornhusker on the roster. His 120 yards was gritty and saved the game for NU.

Other than Helu, there is not one other offensive playmaker. Not one....especially given the lack of timing and imagination that Watson continues to show. Sure, you can't polish a turd. This offense is not very good. But like Jay said to Andy in 'The 40-Year Old Virgin'...."You got to highlight your attributes!" Hammer the ball up the middle, then at least try so play action to get the tight ends or slow-footed WRs open.

Somehow, NU is in position to win the Big 12 North. Is that a blessing? For that, you get the honor of traveling to play Texas in its home state and get blasted on national television. Sure, the Blackshirts can play with the Texas offense, but it's doubtful they can score three or four TDs to win the game on their own. Would it help recruiting? Maybe. But first things first, this squad can't even look past Iowa State or Baylor, much less Kansas in Lawrence.

The Jayhawks are reeling. Overrated Todd Reesing has crashed down to earth. I guess when you play the big boys like Colorado and Kansas State, the stats you put up versus cream puffs like Southern Miss don't matter much. Their defense is not very good. But Nebraska's offense may be worse. We'll find out Saturday.

Notre Dame Not Good

Here we go again. National scribes trying to explain why Notre Dame is struggling and blaming it on another coach. Sure, Charlie Weis is arrogant and a bad coach, but the Irish haven't mattered on the national scene since 1991. Before last year's gift wrapped win, ND had lost NINE straight bowl games. Proof enough that they weren't truly deserving and didn't belong in the national picture. It's all a facade created by NBC and those who believe it is still 1945.

Hell, teams like Michigan, Nebraska, and Florida State have had a hard enough time staying relevant, how is Notre Dame--with its "rigorous" academic standards (translation: no hot chicks for players to rail)--going to keep up with the Joneses? Players don't have to go hang out in a lame college environment and try to fit in to a Catholic-school environment where they don't belong in hopes of playing three years later. They can go play right away at Cincinnati, TCU, Tulsa, Houston, South Florida, et. al.

So go ahead and fire Jabba Weis, Domers, you will still suck five years from now when you fire the next poor sap who takes the job.

Mickelson Wins in China...

Phil Mickelson held off Ernie Els in China, who made a torrid run on Sunday at the HSBC. Tiger Woods was on his usual Sunday game, blaming cameramen for wild shots and fading from contention while in the final group.

Scream Phoenix!

It was refreshing to see the Phoenix Suns play like the Phoenix Suns again last night...and actually so far this entire season. The Suns knocked the Boston Celtics from the ranks of the unbeaten (so much for beating the Bulls' 72-10 mark) with a 110-103 victory where they led the whole game.

Gone is fatass Shaquille O'Neal, his shitty attitude, and his bullshit distractions as he forays into acting/rapping/sheriffing/lazing on the court. This team has current & former All-Stars (Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Grant Hill, Jason Richardson) surrounded by energy guys playing for their NBA lives every day (Channing Frye, Jared Dudley, Louis Amundson, Goran Dragic). They play hard, they genuinely like each other, they help on defense, they dive for loose balls (even the stars have gotten into the act). Stoudemire (one of the worst team defenders I've ever seen) even had a huge help-defense block on Rajon Rondo to seal the game.

Amazing what a little effort and drive will do. Phoenix is now 5-1. After beating a legitimate title contender Friday, it's obvious that the Suns can make the playoffs. They'll get their share of wins with this type of energetic play, but they'll get blasted a few times too--as was the case in their previous game in Orlando. Some times, they'll lose the talent battle or have an off-night shooting. But teams that bring effort and intensity all 82 games will always win their share when they have enough talent to score points. This team does.

Maybe Steve Kerr's job is safe. All I know is that the Suns are fun to watch again, even if they're not as entertaining as the 'Seven Seconds or Less' bunch. But I'd pay for a ticket to watch these guy dive, hustle and scrap...win or lose. I wouldn't pay to watch some out-of-shape, play-for-my-next-contract, wannabe Fu-Schnicken do jack shit for 90% of the time, then win the crowd back with some funny dance or face after his one power dunk of the game. See ya Shaq, have fun fucking up the Cavaliers title run.

Is it too late to get Shawn Marion back?

Cornhuskers Get First Exhibition Win...

Doc is pissed already....time for another Diet Dew...NU's best coach...hands down.

NU vs. OU

Here is an interesting breakdown, trying to explain why OU has gone from a six-point to 4.5-point favorite this week. PYB still doesn't buy it.....as NU's offense was better early in the year. Roy Helu was healthy and opposing DCs had only had two games (against wack competition) to find NU's weaknesses. Now they know there is nary a playmaker at WR and Shawn Watson doesn't give a shit about using the tight end or the middle of the field. PYB Shawn!!

Anyway, the line has gone down two points, despite 88% of the money being on OU. Something isn't right, and insiders say the 'sharp money' (high rollers) is on NU, and that is what affects the line this way--not the 'public money' (pig bettors like you and me).

Raging Bull.....Dyke...

Obviously most of you have seen this video of the UNM Soccer Player Gone Wild...but you gotta feel sorry for her girlfriend......she's getting worked tonite...guaranteed!

A Wow...Sheesh....Wow...Amazing!!!! Costume...

From a buddy who was not/is not balding.....this Halloween....he shaved the top of his head and left the Costanza ring....A for effort!

Just in Case You Hadn't Gotten This 100 times already...

NBA Notes...

1. Great to see Rajon Rondo talking shit to Chris Paul. Apparently one gravy trained ring and you're big-time enough to talk shit to the best PG in the league about his lack of a title? Please.

2. Kevin Martin could be out with a fractured wrist, pending the evaluation of 'treatment options.' Could be a huge blow for the struggling Kings, who already lost Francisco Garcia in a freak agility ball injury. Martin, in his sixth season out of Western Carolina, is the most underrated scorer in the league. He is averaging more than 30 points a game this season.

3. Spurs get pounded in Salt Lake City.

4. Cavs fall to 3-3 with 86-85 home loss to Chicago. Looks like Shaq O'Neal has made quick work of fucking up the chemistry of another title contending team.

Friday Cornhusker Notes...

What is With All of the Out of State Recruits!!???
PYB says the Huskers need to start cultivating its in-state talent....those who know what NU football is all about! Those who know the worth of the walk-on program! These guys aren't in tune with the tradition!

Funny how this BS argument has fallen off the map once Pelini came to town...

ESPN--Feel Free to Go Away at Any Time
Now 'The Network' has its hands on academic honors?

Top NU WR to Return for Sooner Game
Brooks is back.

Doc Gets it Rolling Again...
First exhibition tonite. The 3,800 fans will be rocking the Devaney. Runza Rex and outdated music for everyone!

The Boys of Summer....

Does it count as a World Series championship if nobody gives a shit? Great, title 27 for the New York Yankees. However, this one is bought and paid for. PYB doesn't care and contends the public doesn't care. As previously noted, the Yankees bragging about winning the 2009 series is like a guy bragging to his friends that he nailed a hot chick after shelling out $1000 for a whore.

To make it an even bigger farce, two shams go Karl Malone on us and get rings they would have never gotten without joining the Empire: Cream Cheese Sabathia and A-Fraud. The Phillies were game opponents, and were the model of what a good baseball team should be: played hard, played together, played good baseball. Too bad MLB wouldn't dare allow them to crush TV ratings for two consecutive "Fall Classics." The Phils would have beaten any other team in the league, but could not overcome this concocted collection of All-Stars. Mo' money, mo' rings....

Anyway, you know baseball has lost its designation as 'The National Pastime' when, to a man, every sports fan you talk to is pissed that there is no late NFL game on Sunday night because of the World Series.

Add Your Own Caption Here...

1. "No, Cody, we are not going to be 'Running the ball'. In this offense, we try to turn everyone into an NFL-type passer."

2. "We don't believe in tight ends in this offense."

3. "Running the ball didn't help Vince Young in the NFL, Cody! It just won him a national title at Texas, and we don't worry about silly shit like that around here anymore."

4. "Fuck McNeill wide open over the middle!!. Force it to Niles Paul on a two-yard stop pattern! We told the whole state he is our team leader and we have to make them believe us!"

CB in the House...

“Oh, my car. Oh my gosh. It’s an ’87 Monte Carlo, T-tops, Lamborghini doors, ostrich interior, 350 small-block engine. Probably the fastest car I’ve ever had. Yeah, I still have my name on the side of my car. I was just bored, so when I get bored I do stupid stuff like that. My boy up at Pro Tint, I just took it up there and he did it for me. I don’t know, I just love cars, man. If anybody knows me, they know I love cars and I love phones. That’s just my hobby. Cars and phones. That’s me. I have an Instinct right now, but I’m going to go get a Palm Pre pretty soon.

Dildo of the Year Award...

If PYB sees something worse, ever, let me know. Saying this guy needs the shit beat out of him doesn't even scratch the surface. Taken from an OWH online question:

From: Dan E., Papillion
Published Monday, Nov. 2

Q: Say it isn't Suh. I Kunalic believe how poorly the offense is playing. We need to do something in a Henery about those Pelini flags and players dropping the Paul. That would Legate some problems. If players are not giving their best, Thenarse them to step aside for those who will. Brandon Kinnie? I bet he can. Will Henry? I bet he would. Do you agree? Ex Zac Lee.
We were doing Okafor a while, but now there's a real Pierre in the air. The time has come to Turner the page. Success comes and Gomes, but I hope our past glories don't turn to Castille's made of sand. Do you think I have too much time on my hands?

A: You are a man of many talents. Can you coach offense, too?

Tim Floyd Keeping Busy....

Glad to see former USC coach Tim Floyd is keeping busy. Anyone who's driven by this place, the Morongo Resort & Casino, knows it has to be one of the biggest dumps anywhere...if you can't tell by the cafeteria tables & chairs.

Shatel 11/3/2009

PYB is on the road, but this Shatel column echoes our thoughts--on both the NU/Cody Green topic and the fact that Todd Reesing got benched versus Texas Tech. While announcers, and expert buffoon Lee Barfknecht, gushed about his leadership, grittiness and Heisman chances, we watched him throw wounded ducks against Southern Miss and wondered what all the hype was about. We see that it was just that, now, hype.

Monday Recap...

Thoughts:

1. Well tonight should be the last night of an underwhelming MLB playoff season. At least we won't have to hear the Saving Private Ryan-type music every time Fox goes to a commercial.

2. And, a bigger bonus, at least we won't have to hear Tim McCarver for another 12 months. Who is worse: McCarver or Billy Packer?

3. PYB will keep the Baylor game recap short and to the point, because a game that bad doesn't deserve any more. How can Shawn Watson not do one thing to highlight any of Cody Green's skills? NU runs the zone read 15+ times when Zac Lee starts, but only three times with Green? Not one rollout, no tight end security blanket, no screen passes....terrible pass plays...one eventually leading to an INT for a TD.

Watson was sure to tell us all that Green misread the coverage....probably true, but a pathetic play regardless. Why should a QB (much less in his first start) throw a pass 25 yards sideways and not one yard forward? The defense is bound to catch on. Every other school runs this play with precision and efficiency, but NU looks like a junior high team doing so. There is no reason the receiver should be outside of the numbers on the field when catching this. The four-wide sets with all receivers running 8-yard hitch routes are a joke.

Even worse, after jumping out to a 20-0 lead (finally!), Watson did not even attempt to do anything for the last 2.5 quarters. Tentative, trying not to blow it....the first sign of a loser every time.

Jared Crick had a monster game, getting national honors. The punt return team actually got a block and a TD--but somehow NU dropped to 105th out of 120 nationally in net punting. The RB situation is a mess, as Bo Pelini refuses to sit Roy Helu Jr. down until he's 100% healthy. The line looked really bad--probably worse than ever against a bad team. The offense is now 68th in the nation. Total defense is 9th....scoring defense is 4th....would be 2nd if not for Green's INT.

PYB can't figure out how bad this team is, or if 6 wins and a bowl game is probably. OU is somehow only favored by six points.....if the Cornhuskers can stay that close, PYB will be amazed. Either way, it will be a good measuring stick for Cody Green and the defense. Check in Sunday for more, because right now, we're clueless.