Is That a Gray Out or Empty Seats?

Nebraska's basketball team handles Jackson State 76-57. No analysis can be given here, since the game was not on television. Apparently, the team's shooting woes are over because they hit nine three-pointers against Jackson State. We feel much better now. We'd feel even better if Doc Sadler would get some real teams on the non-conference schedule. Take a page from the NU volleyball team: play the best early and often, see how good your team is, and try to get better. Novel concept.

More annoying than that is another suspension for 'academics.' This time, the offender was spastic Christian Stanhardinger. Good for Sadler for focusing on academics, but why are there constant suspensions for this? One would think the players would have gotten the message already or never will.

Caleb Walker, after looking awful the first few games, may be showing his value. Against USC, he was one of the few players that NU had that could match the Trojans athletically, and he racked up 13 points, five assists and five rebounds last night in 25 minutes.

Creighton at NU Sunday. We'll see if the Cornhuskers can win the battle for what little state pride is left on the hardwood. Apparently, judging by the reader-submitted picture (thanks GD..but what the fuck are you doing at a Creighton game?), the Bluejays aren't as hot a ticket as they used to be? Jaybackers can't pack the Qwest Center for a game against 23rd-ranked BYU? Pretty sad. Maybe Omahans were saving their money for that $90 ticket for the Qwest's next big concert, featuring Eddie Money or whichever 20-year-past-his-prime star they bring in this time?

Or maybe the new Costco or Cheesecake Factory in Omaha is stealing the recent attention of the town's 'movers and shakers'? No time or money for both! We just put a $7000 down payment on our new split-level in Millard. Creighton lost 77-65, by the way, and the bandwagon gets lighter.

Too dumb to play linebacker? Switch to defensive end. Apparently that is also going to take some time...

The NU line against Oklahoma jumped from OU -3.5 to -6.5 yesterday, as the oddsmakers have Taylor Martinez listed as doubtful. Does Vegas know something the rest of us don't, or are they reading between the lines when Bo Pelini says he's not sure who will start? Either way, that seems like an odd line for a team that has been wildly inconsistent this year, but is deemed as being hot because of its three-game win streak against teams with terrible defenses.

Landry Jones will make bad decisions when pressured, so hopefully the Brothers Pelini have something in store. DeMarco Murray has been upgraded to probable, but the way OU's trainers were testing his knee Saturday, his health is anything but certain. Should be interesting.

And so should the Queen's return to Cleveland tonite. If anyone needs some last-minute gear, go to queenjames23.com.