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TwitterThe Big 12 really, really, really needs Nebraska to win the North Division football title.
Five straight championship game clunkers on prime-time TV — with the South winning them all 62-21, 38-17, 21-7, 70-3 and 42-3 — have put this league in desperate desire of a competitive matchup.
The Huskers showed with a 10-3 win over Oklahoma that they are the likeliest team in the North to provide that, even with the lingering aroma of back-to-back home losses to unranked teams (Texas Tech, Iowa State).
Kansas State, which will play at NU on Nov. 21 in the probable determining game in the North, has been a wonderful feel-good story.
The return of 70-year-old Bill Snyder to wash away the stain left from the Ron Prince hire and to turn a no-name roster into a contender makes great theater.
But the Wildcats already have a 52-point loss to the No. 4 team in the South, Texas Tech. The shortage of physical skills necessary to challenge No. 2 Texas, the presumed South winner, sets up another potentially damaging-to-the-league mismatch.
(Yes, K-State fans, I remember your Cats in 2003 upsetting Oklahoma — supposedly the greatest team ever — 35-7 in the championship game. But on that roster were Darren Sproles, Ell Roberson, Nick Leckey and Josh Buhl. That skill level and depth of talent isn't present today.)
So Texas vs. Nebraska would make the folks in the home office mighty happy.
The marquee value is monstrous, something the Big 12 needs after starting the season with five ranked teams — three in the Top 10 — and seeing that dwindle to two this week (No. 2 Texas, No. 17 Oklahoma State).
UT is second all-time in football wins (841) and NU is fourth (823). Adding energy is the underlying tension between these two longtime powers since the formation of the Big 12.
Also, the fan bases are big enough and motivated enough to fill the 80,000 seats in Jerry World (oops, Cowboys Stadium), even with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $132.
As for the game itself, the conventional wisdom is that Texas will need a good tune-up game before the BCS championship because of its pedestrian schedule the final month of the season.
Nebraska's defense has shown the chops to give the Longhorns more than a tune-up, even while carrying an offense that has produced just four touchdowns in four weeks.
Everyone in preseason talked about how the Oklahoma and Texas defenses would lead the league.
But the Huskers are No. 2 nationally in scoring defense, 10th in rushing defense, 11th in total defense and 21st in pass defense. In the same categories, Texas is 7, 1, 1 and 19, while Oklahoma is 7, 5, 9 and 22.
Iowa State assistant head coach Bill Bleil, who handles the offensive line, said watching film of those three defenses can be chilling.
“When you're as athletic as those folks are, that's going to be the key,'' he said. “They have guys who can run, in the defensive line and the back seven. And they have sound schemes. They'll make you take the ball the length of the field.''
One more element of drama could spice a Texas-Nebraska matchup — Husker payback for 1996.
That season, the Big 12's first, No. 3 Nebraska faced unranked Texas in a dome (St. Louis) for the league title and a chance to move on to the national championship game.
But the flu went through about half the Husker roster that week.
As an NU beat writer then, I still recall setting up an interview with defensive back Eric Stokes. Upon arrival, the poor guy was so sick he looked green. When he told me that his temperature was 103, I told him to forget the interview and go take a nap.
Texas, a 21-point underdog, won that game 37-27.
This time, all of those roles between Texas and Nebraska are reversed, and it is during a major flu outbreak. Would another upset follow such circumstances? Maybe we'll find out on Dec. 5.
Scheduling talk
Big 12 athletic directors discuss scheduling in general ways almost perpetually. But recently a few have asked for some specific review.
Kansas A.D. Lew Perkins said in an interview he has asked the league's schedule-makers to look at his Jayhawks and Iowa State having to play Texas and Oklahoma in the same season two out of every four years. ISU plays those schools on back-to-back weeks.
“I just asked that they look at it,'' Perkins said. “I don't know what can be done.''
Colorado A.D. Mike Bohn recently told the Boulder Daily Camera another proposal that might be offered in crossover division play is never going more than one season without playing another school.
For example, if Nebraska played Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma one season, it would face Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma State the next. Currently, the crossover schedules are the same for two years in a row.
Bowl babble
For the first time in three seasons, the Big 12 likely will fill all eight of its bowl slots — and then some.
Four teams already are qualified (Texas, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Texas Tech). Six others are one win away (Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa State, Missouri). Even Baylor and Colorado are still mathematically eligible.
With the odds favoring only one Big 12 team in the BCS mix, a couple of teams could reach bowl eligibility yet still find themselves home for the holidays. That happened in 2006 to a 6-6 Kansas team.
Here are some early guesses on slotting Big 12 bowl teams:
• Jan. 7 BCS title game (Pasadena): Texas vs. BCS qualifier
• Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl (Dallas): Oklahoma State vs. SEC
• Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl (San Diego): Nebraska vs. Pac-10
• Jan. 2 Alamo Bowl (San Antonio): Oklahoma vs. Big Ten
• Dec. 31 Sun Bowl (El Paso): Texas Tech vs. Pac-10
• Dec. 31 Insight Bowl (Tempe): Kansas State vs. Big Ten
• Dec. 28 Independence Bowl (Shreveport): Texas A&M vs. SEC
• Dec. 30 Texas Bowl (Houston): Iowa State vs. Navy
Such a lineup would leave slumping Missouri and Kansas scrambling for spots left open from other conferences that can't fill commitments.
Contact the writer:
444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com
Copyright ©2010 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
76 Comments
Posted by: Indiana Jones on 11/09/09 @ 7:47 pm:
No matter who goes it doesn't change the fact the North Division is a train wreck. Upsets can and do occur,but this division falls further and further behind. KU is back to being KU.KSU is not really good. ISU stinks. Mizzou is back to normal. Buffs have fallen on hard times and really slipped Nebraska is just an average team trying to be good in a woeful division. Sorry but with this division and competition this team is still not as good as 2003 team that cost Solich his job.
Posted by: Ken on 11/09/09 @ 7:55 pm:
Or how about letting the Top 2 teams in the South play in the championship game? The Top 2 teams in the North have both been blown out of the water by the team in the South.
The Big 12 has four quality teams, and none of them reside in the North. Most people would much rather see a Texas/OSU or Texas/Texas Tech rematch than watch another 5 TD blowout of a North team.
Posted by: EMAW on 11/09/09 @ 7:58 pm:
"Also, the fan bases are big enough and motivated enough to fill the 80,000 seats in Jerry World (oops, Cowboys Stadium), even with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $132."
Are you kidding me? If KSU reaches the CG, the KSU allotment will fill and then some. Excitement is back in Manhattan and everyone wants to see Bill on the big screen. The national TV draw is less than thrilling, but KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12.
Posted by: fan on 11/09/09 @ 8:05 pm:
I think it would be great to see the huskers play Texas , pull an upset and then get to see Cininatti or TCU or Boise State get to play for the title against Florida or Alabama, finally a year a non big conference or non traditional powerhouse team gets to play for the title. Most years we will have powerhouse teams and thats how it should be, but every once and awhile it is nice to see a little guy get the chance, every once and a while.
Posted by: huskersouth on 11/10/09 @ 12:14 am:
NU has a couple games to find some bulding blocks for a offensive strength to play with, and if that happens - an AVERAGE NU offense a GOOD NU defense can give UT a mess. The current problems on offense don't necessarily need fixed, but strengths NEED to be created.
Posted by: Michael on 11/10/09 @ 1:20 am:
If Nebraska played Texas it would be another blow out and damage the reputation of Nebraska again on the national stage. There is no way that Texas is going to lose to Nebraska at home. It would be de ja vu. Remember Colorado vs Texas in the Big 12 title game in Houston! Colorado got dismantled in that game and CU hired Dan Hawkins from Boise State. Texas has a huge chip on their shoulder being left out of the BCS title game last season. Although Texas is overrated! I will agree the Big 12 needs to split the divisions for football. Division A Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Ok State, Baylor Division B Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas, Texas AM, Kansas State, Colorado. The Big 12 only uses divisions mostly for football the rest of the time its all one league. If the ACC can have Miami and Florida State on two seperate divisons so can the Big 12.
Posted by: HuskerTex on 11/10/09 @ 3:28 am:
EMAW, you can't be serious.
I was at Nebraska's game against Baylor in Waco and with all the red there, it looked like Memorial Stadium South.
Do you have any numbers to back up your ludicrous claim?
Posted by: Huskerboy on 11/10/09 @ 4:50 am:
Ken - I'm trying to figure out who the #4 team is you speak of. It can't be an Oklahoma team that just lost to a team from the North. You either must mean Nebraska is #4 or you wanted to say there are only 3 good teams. Having the top 2 teams in the South play is as retarded as having a rematch for a MNC.
EMAW - If KSU fans travel so well, why did they return some of their allotted tickets to Nebraska for what could be the game that determines the North? Everyone knows Nebraska fans travel better than any other team in the North.
Posted by: GBR on 11/10/09 @ 5:41 am:
Sorry EMAW, you know who has the best traveling fans in the "nation". Just look north, lol....
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 11/10/09 @ 7:00 am:
Texas, Oklahoma and even Nebraska have racked up good defensive numbers against weak out of conference opponents and in some cases even weaker in conference teams. The Oklahome defense played well against Texas in their earlier meeting which gives Nebraska hope if the offense can get untracked. We need to NOT stumble the next 3 weeks though and not look ahead to the CCG.
Posted by: Patrick on 11/10/09 @ 7:29 am:
Did you forget that even Ron Prince beat Texas his only two tries? Yes he had Freeman but the rest of the team was very similar as it is today.
Posted by: Marmot on 11/10/09 @ 7:44 am:
"KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12."
Look, I admire your passion for your team. And I get that as a fan you want everything about KSU to be the best, and you might tend to over-inflate things about your program. It's OK...it's part of fandom. But that statement is just ridiculous. You know that look your friends give you when you say something so incredibly stupid, even you know you shouldn't have said it? Yeah, we're all giving you that look right now.
Posted by: huskerjj on 11/10/09 @ 7:52 am:
Then why did K-State return half of their allotment for the Nebraska game? Doesn't look like they travel well to me. If they won't travel 3 hours straight north, do you really think they'll go to Texas to see their Wildcats get destroyed by the Longhorns
Posted by: Seriously? on 11/10/09 @ 7:58 am:
Wow... I really do hope the best defense in the BIG 12 makes it to play TX. They have not played a single team besides OSU. OVERRATED! And EMAW (KSU Fan) really? You really think the KSU fans are the best travelers in the BIG 12? Really? I am guessing you were saying that to be funny... In fact, I am positive. Well, we will see what happens. Keep drinking the Kool-Aid guys.
Posted by: doombob on 11/10/09 @ 8:01 am:
Are you kidding me KSU fans travel the best in the North? That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. They can't even sell out their own stadium every week!
There is no major allotment for the Championship Game, but you can buy general admission tickets now. If they travel so well, they'd be buying them out now. Husker fans are already purchasing tickets to that game, and if they don't go, they will be up on ebay.
Nebraska is nationally known for being able to fill empty seats in stadiums across the country. Just look at the Baylor game. There were more Husker fans than Baylor fans in Waco.
Posted by: nebstorm on 11/10/09 @ 8:03 am:
emaw, travel better? They returned tickets to the NU game just an hour or so away! I remember your stadium covered in red.
Posted by: BigRedCorn on 11/10/09 @ 8:16 am:
@ EMAW
Really? "KState fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12?" Really? Link, please.
Posted by: Tadow on 11/10/09 @ 8:20 am:
KSU fans travel better than any team in the BIG 12?
Huh? Sorry, that dog don't hunt.
Posted by: HuskerJ on 11/10/09 @ 8:21 am:
Why is it that when a higher-tier SEC team loses to a lower-tier SEC team, the talking heads say "Oh, the SEC is that tough. Any team can lose on any given Saturday."? But when a lower-tier team beats a higher-tier team in the BIg 12 the BIg 12 is terrible. Only 2 teams in the BIG 12 have a losing record, Baylor and CU. It makes no sense other than the east coast bias.
Are YOU kidding me? KSU fans travel better than any other team in the BIG 12? KSU returned some of their allotment from the OU game 2 weeks ago. Apparently you've never heard of the team from Lincoln, NE.
Posted by: 4evrHusker on 11/10/09 @ 8:24 am:
"Are you kidding me? If KSU reaches the CG, the KSU allotment will fill and then some. Excitement is back in Manhattan and everyone wants to see Bill on the big screen. The national TV draw is less than thrilling, but KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12."
Seriously, you believe that KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big XII? That is why you have taken over other teams stadiums over the years, and been invited to bowl games based on the fan base, right? lol
No team in the north travels better than Nebraska, none, period. Lets see how many fans travel to Lincoln before making such a bold prediction. Remember, Nebraska fans turned Notre Dame's stands red. I have never read about KSU fans turning any stadium purple, not even your own on a consistent basis.
Posted by: HuskerJ on 11/10/09 @ 8:24 am:
Why is it that when a higher-tier SEC team loses to a lower-tier SEC team, the talking heads say "Oh, the SEC is that tough. Any team can lose on any given Saturday."? But when a lower-tier team beats a higher-tier team in the BIg 12 the BIg 12 is terrible. Only 2 teams in the BIG 12 have a losing record, Baylor and CU. It makes no sense other than the east coast bias.
Are YOU kidding me? KSU fans travel better than any other team in the BIG 12? KSU returned some of their allotment from the OU game 2 weeks ago. Apparently you've never heard of the team from Lincoln, NE.
Posted by: kansas husker on 11/10/09 @ 8:36 am:
EMAW, what are you smoking? ksu travels better than any other Big 12 team, are you kidding me? You can't even sell out your own stadium against your rival but you travel better than all others. That's funny. And everyone wants to see Bill on the big screen. Dang, man, that's just a scary thought. It's fine that excitement's back but don't get ridiculous. Your schedule was set up nicely this year and you've improved as the season has went along. However, sell out a home game before making ridiculous statements. Heck, if you love Bill so much, how come you didn't even sell out his last game when he retired previously. Man, that's fickle fans if I've ever seen any. Welcome back to the bandwagon, so-called ksu fans.
Posted by: Jim on 11/10/09 @ 8:45 am:
I am sorry EMAW but Nebraska travels better than Kansas State. They could not even fill their allotment for the big game in Lincoln November 21.
Posted by: huskerfan on 11/10/09 @ 8:55 am:
"The national TV draw is less than thrilling, but KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12"
When you turn Notre Dame stadium into a sea of purple then we can start talking. Until then be satisfied with traveling second best in the Big 12 behind your big brother to the north.
Posted by: Herbie on 11/10/09 @ 8:56 am:
To EMAW
Boy weve missed you delusional kitty fans. You travel better than any other team in the Big 12? You cant even sell out that glorified high school dump you call a stadium. Try that first. Baby steps kitties. Baby steps.
Posted by: Steamed in Cleveland on 11/10/09 @ 9:00 am:
EMAW, you're kidding, right? KSU "fans" only travel when times are good. Now that Bill's Bandwagon at least has four wheels attached, of course Mildkitty fans (that nickname is for the fans only, not the team) will jump on board. When you travel in the bad times for a few decades, then come talk about traveling better than any other team. KSU fans are D-3 compared to Husker fans.
Posted by: papatater on 11/10/09 @ 9:06 am:
KSU travels better than any other big 12 team? Give me a break. Nebraska is well known for traveling ANYWHERE in the nation for a game. That is why NU is always a bowl favorite.
Posted by: Spud on 11/10/09 @ 9:08 am:
EMAW, KSU travels better than any other team in the Big 12?, you have to be kidding, KSU returned tickets for the game in Lincoln on November 21.
Posted by: Platter on 11/10/09 @ 9:34 am:
"KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12." You mean to places other than your home stadium? Since 2003, how many sellouts has BSFS had? Perhaps you should re-post to reflect the johnny-come-lately nature of the K-State fan base. "If someone tells me it's popular to support K-State again, KSU fans travel better to places other than Manhattan when it's convenient better than any other team in the Big 12 North from the state of Kansas."
Posted by: Random on 11/10/09 @ 9:39 am:
By the time that game rolls around, NU will be the third best team in the big 12, behind UT and OU (betcha OU wins out from here). UT-NU would be the best match-up. If anyone can squash UTs dreams, it'll be the Huskers.
Posted by: tarmantr on 11/10/09 @ 9:42 am:
Look out people this could be the best post ever, lets face the facts, the south teams will continue to dominate the north teams, if the Big 12 wants to balance the powers, the way to do it would be to have a Big 12 East and West instead of North and South. This may cause more travel for schools, but I think the Big 12 would become stronger and much more balanced. I feel this should at least be looked at by the conference. Maybe I am wrong but I would like to hear the argument against it.
Posted by: Ft Riley Husker on 11/10/09 @ 9:48 am:
KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12.......OK, really? I live in Manhattan, and I will tell you that PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN DO NOT CARE. Willies, here in Manhattan, a supposed "K-State Bar", is RED on Saturday afternoons. We have anywhere between 20-40 Nebraska fans there every Saturday. I live 3 blocks from their....well, if you really want to call it a Stadium. We have High School Stadiums in Lincoln that hold more fans. I think with the exception of last weeks KSU/KU game, more fans attend a Norfolk vs. Columbus high school game than K State home games....so tell me, if you dont go to home games, what on earth makes people think youre going to travel to see the purple circus?
Posted by: Devonin RED on 11/10/09 @ 10:14 am:
One statement will sum up the ridiculous commentthat KSU travels better than any other Big 12 school, I went to the Iowa state KSU game at arrowhead with some ISU friends, the stadium was 2/3 empty and that was in Missouri. I understand you are excited for your team but better travellers you will never be.
Posted by: huskerinCO on 11/10/09 @ 10:35 am:
for the fan who said if Texas plays NU and 'it'll be another blowout', you've got to be kidding me. when was the last time Texas blew out NU? We almost beat you guys in 2007 when we had a terrible team (5-7) and Sam Keller was our QB. Lol. Keep dreamin and hope to see your arrogance in Dallas.
Posted by: bryfanyskers on 11/10/09 @ 11:18 am:
Are you kidding me? If KSU reaches the CG, the KSU allotment will fill and then some. Excitement is back in Manhattan and everyone wants to see Bill on the big screen. The national TV draw is less than thrilling, but KSU fans travel better than any other team in the Big 12.
Are YOU kidding ME?! they couldnt even fill their 46,000 seat building they call a stadium for an INTRASTATE RIVAL! Nebraska fans filled at least half of that stadium last year and if it was there again I guaruntee it would be half red again.
As many people have said in posts above me this is quite possibly belongs in the ridiculous category for comments on a wall post and the post right above mine refers to the arrowhead game vs. isu is the greatest example of how bandwagon ksu fans are. Growing up 1.5 miles from kansas ive learned how kstate fans can turn on their team quickly. I also feel that when a team is doing good a person should feel good about their team but this is a very far fetched statement.
Posted by: J-Chicago on 11/10/09 @ 11:43 am:
All this talk about splitting up the Big XII differently is a joke. Please remember that 10-15 years ago, Oklahoma was terrible, Kansas State was rated #1 in the country at some point in the season and Texas pulled a Big XII championship UPSET over Nebraska. Teams go through rough patches, it just happens that Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas State are all having theirs at the same time. Things will change, teams will rebuild and contend. I have a feeling those that are calling for new divisions have not been following the Big 8 and the Big XII since its inception.
Posted by: seriously? on 11/10/09 @ 12:22 pm:
NU beats a lost, injury riddled South team for the first time in what, 10 years??? and they should represent the North based on that? Forgetting that KSU has beat the horns the previous 2 meetings, good call Lee. How bout, we let that matchup in two weeks decide that. Well, since NU won't get past KU, I guess that won't happen anyways.
Posted by: Purple Pete on 11/10/09 @ 12:39 pm:
K-State absolutely has the best fan base in the Big 12 Norht! Their is no queston about it. We travel better than anyone and only Missouri has a bigger stadium then us! Not only will K-State crush the hapless cornknockers in Lincoln, but we will beat up on Texas , or whoever we play in the Big 12 Cahmpionsjhip!!!! Go Wildcatss!!!
Posted by: B on 11/10/09 @ 1:02 pm:
seriously?
can't wait for that game on the 21st. meet suh, he's a pleasure.
Posted by: EMAW? on 11/10/09 @ 1:06 pm:
EMAW,
You just got owned by Husker nation.
hopefully you were not simply joking with your statements, because if so, you came out on top with this one.
Posted by: CatFan on 11/10/09 @ 1:21 pm:
K-State hold a 4-2 record over Texas during the Big XII. The only team in the North to have a winning record. The two losses are by a combined 7 points. I think KSU will keep the game with Texas competitive. If it is a blow out, it will be the Cats winning big over Texas! NU has a great defense but the offense is offensive. I agree, NU would put more fans in the stadium that KSU. K-State likes to think we travel well but we are still thinking back to the 97 Cotton bowl with 40,000 fans, (we don't travel like that anymore).
Posted by: KSU v Texas on 11/10/09 @ 1:24 pm:
Let us not forget that, as the author pointed out, KSU beat "the best team ever" Oklahoma in 2003 35-7 and Colt McCoy and the Longhorns have yet to beat the Wildcats (losing in both Manhattan and Austin in 2006, 2007). Why should we believe that Nebraska would be the most competitive game for Texas again?
Posted by: anonymous on 11/10/09 @ 1:36 pm:
I do not think a team that lost to Iowa State in their own stadium could ever make a run at Texas, what a joke. Congrats for playing an average game against a below average Oklahoma team. Texas will roll in the Big 12 Championship game no matter what.
Posted by: KansasKillers on 11/10/09 @ 1:44 pm:
Last time in Lawrence two years ago we lost to KU 76-39, then beat K-State 73-31 in Lincoln the next week. This time around we need to be more consistent. The defense needs to shut them out on Nov. 14 AND Nov. 21.
Posted by: J-Chicago on 11/10/09 @ 2:00 pm:
"Let us not forget that, as the author pointed out, KSU beat "the best team ever" Oklahoma in 2003 35-7"
Anyone who knows anything about college football - knows the 95 Cornhuskers are the best team of all time. End of Conversation
Posted by: kansas husker on 11/10/09 @ 2:17 pm:
Seriously and Purple Pete are you kidding me? Seriously talks about NU beating a banged up OU team but than wants credit for their PAST wins against Texas. Heck, after that butt-whooping you laid on Lousiane-Lafeyette we should be afraid to play you. I realize it's easy to remember k-sucks past big wins, since there are only 2 or 3, but don't get ridiculous. Man, don't get caught up in all the amazing wins and history of k-sucks f-ball glory. You want to talk about NU winning against a banged up OU team that put 42 points on you the week before, with the same banged up outfit. You both show total ignorance in both posts. Again, you couldn't even sell out against KU, nor did you sell out when your incredible football coach retired the first time. Great fans, real great fans/
Posted by: Did you really need 49? on 11/10/09 @ 2:28 pm:
Nebraska is the best choice for the Big 12, because Nebraska would assure Texas a spot in the NCG. However, KSU is the best choice for the Big 12 North to gain some respect. Bill Snyder, with 2 weeks to prepare will have KSU ready to attack the Longhorns. KSU is the best story in the league devoid of stories, they just are. KSU is 4-2 v. UT, and could easily be 6-0 if you look back at the losses. Sorry, but Bill Snyder is miles ahead of Bo Pelini in terms of giving the division a legitimate shot at winning the game. Bill Snyder also gives the Big 12 its only hope of having 2 BCS teams in 2009 as well
Posted by: Michael on 11/10/09 @ 2:38 pm:
It is so funny watching every Nebraska fan post the same reaction to a comment not intended to be serious. The egos are so big and yet so fragile lol, unfortunately the evidence of history...ahem FACTS... suggests KSU will play Texas better.
Posted by: huskers on 11/10/09 @ 2:40 pm:
"Why should we believe that Nebraska would be the most competitive game for Texas again?"
because nebraska didnt lose to UL-Lafayette
Posted by: mnhusker on 11/10/09 @ 2:49 pm:
EMAW is right. If I lived in Manhattan, Kansas, I would look for every opportunity I could to travel.
Posted by: hmmmm on 11/10/09 @ 3:02 pm:
one game at a time now! Gut feeling is KSU is overrated and has not beat anyone...Kansas is lost... Colorado, Missouri and ISU are, well you fill in the blank... And Nebraska is still only 2 (fluke) plays away from being 8-1 (4-1 in Big 12) and in the top 15 if not top 10, not 6-3 and unrated. NU has risen up to the challenge in all big games this year ( VT, @Missouri (at the time), Oklahoma). I think that they will treat each game from here on out as the "biggest game of the year" and last weeks game is "over."
Peace out, Love ya husker nation!!!
Posted by: Manhattanmiracle2 on 11/10/09 @ 3:03 pm:
Lets drop all talk about who travels well and and what would be best for the conference and get down to brass tacks. We're talking about a matchup in Lincoln between two of the best defenses in the nation. Nebraska brings to the table one of the most exciting defenders in the Nation and K-State brings the most exciting Special Teams player in Brandon Banks. Also the conference's best running back and potentially the Big 12 Coach of the Year. This game will determine winner in the North and I, personally am tired about hearing how the South is so much better than we are. With exception of Colorado and Mizzou. Play is better than expected from every team in the North. Kansas has one ugly loss @ Colorado, the rest are justifiable. I believe although it isn't likely that Texas will stumble in the conference championship, Nebraska and K-State are both CAPABLE of doing it. I hope for Nebraska sake you play better on the 21st than you did Saturday, because if Landry threw 5 ints against KSU we would have won by 35 pts. It could be a great match up but only if Nebraska can exploit K-State's terrible pass defense. 150 yds plus rushing for Thomas is a guarantee and We have the best rush defense in the country. Saturday's performance won't get the job done.
Posted by: kansas husker on 11/10/09 @ 3:04 pm:
I love hearing k-sucks fans clamor about how Bill Snyder would give them such a good chance of winning against Texas. This is the same man that was below .500 his last 2 years, choked in his one chance to play for a NC and won 1 Big 12 title in all his years. Dang, he's HOF material. He made weak scheduling a must-have in college football. You love to site his record against Texas, please someone tell me what his overall record is against Top 25 teams. I'll give you a hint, it's "real outstanding". But that's alright, drink your kool-aid and believe in the same season you're beaten by La-La and thumped by Texas Tech that you're BCS bowl material.
Posted by: JB_wildcat on 11/10/09 @ 3:05 pm:
not sure i buy his argument for NU over KSU in the game. Yes, I believe Nebraska has a better defense than KSU but I don't think they would score against Texas. I believe KSU has a better Offense than NU but not sure they would slow their offense down. Either way, the North will be looking at an upset. So, the 21st will determine the best team to play Texas, it won't be an opinion, although, NU has the advantage, playing at home.
Posted by: ChrisPwildcat on 11/10/09 @ 3:11 pm:
No, KSU fans are not the best travelers, but the KU game is misleading. KU returned 2,000 tickets the week before, and K-State was selling STUDENT tickets for $75. As a student, I can't afford that price. At least not and still be able to pay my bills. And these are the premium seats, either. Also, KU was on a losing streak and has just fallen apart, so why would I want to pay $75 to see them play? Previous Big XII match-ups were only $40.
Posted by: ChrisPwildcat on 11/10/09 @ 3:26 pm:
The fact of the matter is that Snyder won't let Gregory make the same mistakes Landry did that killed OU. Gergory is going to throw the ball at most 16 times, for short, high percentage passes or for deep balls that Gregory can throw over everybody's heads if they aren't wide open (or even if they are). The game changer is Thomas, who is the best RB in the Big 12 (just a fact, no one else is even close to his stats). I'm sorry, but KSU run defense is too good for Helu. Of the top five backs in the Big 12, KSU has played 2 (ISU's Robinson and A M's Gray). Guess what, held them to their lowest total of the season. I think the same will hold true for Helu.
Can Thomas run against a defense as good as NU's? That remains to be seen, and I think that is what the game will hinge on. If Thomas is bottled up, KSU still has a chance (because the NU offense is that bad and Banks could win it with a return) but will likely lose. I give the edge to NU because the game is at home, but I expect it to be close nonetheless.
BTW, your welcome for exposing the wholes in OU so you could win this weekend.
Posted by: leatherneck21 on 11/10/09 @ 3:26 pm:
GO BIG RED!!!! Those of you that say Texas will blow the Huskers out of the water must have not seen the way they held OU to 3 points. OU was saying just before the game in Lincoln that they would blow the Huskers out of the water....come on man, don't be so dumb!
Posted by: kansas husker on 11/10/09 @ 3:52 pm:
Man, the kool-aid is strong. All I'm reading about is how the 2 best defenses will meet up on the 21st. Yet OU scored 42 against ksu but only 3 against Neb. We keep hearing about Landry making so many mistakes but it's discounted that NU should be 4-1 in conference except for 8 mistakes via ISU. I accept our loss but it sounds like ksu shouldn't have lost this year, with having the best RB (yes that's sarcasm), the best coach by far (again sarcasm) and the best Special teams returner (now that's pretty true). However, we don't have to kick to Banks, Snyder has only coached 1 win on the road this year, at a neutral site and getting a gift at the end, and our defense is made for a running game like what we'll face. You haven't won a real road game yet this year and are going where OU couldn't win. We can't stop your offense but stopped an offense that you gave up 42 points to. Intersting, very interesting.
Posted by: chris on 11/10/09 @ 4:08 pm:
It's a good thaing that tems decide this on the field, not in newspapers.
Posted by: ChrisPwildcat on 11/10/09 @ 4:30 pm:
Never said you couldn't stop our offense, I said that the game will be decided on whether Thomas can replicate his success against NU. At the time we faced OU, their defense was better, statistically, than yours. Not so after we left.
I don't know why you can't admit Snyder is a great coach. He took the worst program in college football history and turned it into a decent program that won many games (including big ones). He is now taking a team that has less talent that a year ago and is contending for the North title. Sure, the North has issues, but in terms of individual talent I would say that KSU is on the lower end of the spectrum, and yet we continue to improve as the season progresses. Yes we were blown out on the road by Texas Tech, but IN Oklahoma, on a day when Landry Jones could do no wrong, we gave OU a scare and almost won.
As far as Thomas goes, he #11 in the nation in rushing yards, and #1 in the Big 12 by over 200 yards from the second place guy. And he is consistent, not up and down. I don't know how you can dispute that he is the best RB in the Big 12. Who would you say is the best if it isn't Thomas?
And no, KSU does not have one of the best two defenses overall, but we do have a great run defense.
Posted by: ChrisPwildcat on 11/10/09 @ 4:33 pm:
BTW, OU couldn't win there, but ISU sure could. We played OU close at their house and beat ISU on a neutral site, so I'm not sure what you are trying to say.
Posted by: ChrisPwildcat on 11/10/09 @ 4:48 pm:
Another thing, Landry had five interceptions, but he threw the ball 61 times. that is an %8 turnover rate. Do think Snyder is going to let Gregory throw the ball 61 times? No, he won't. If Gregory throws the ball 16 times, that translates into 1 turnover. Not a good thing, but bearable.
Posted by: andrewh2 on 11/10/09 @ 4:50 pm:
This is ridiculous, Nebraska lost to freaking Iowa State, at home, why would this make a better match up than K-State-Texas. Texas has lost twice to K-State in the last two years. The writer of this story doesn't even try to hide his bias. K-State would be a much better match up to Texas. So Nebraska beat OU, big deal, one big win does not mean that you would make a better matchup to Texas. K-State deserves to go to the championship whether it does or not.
Posted by: KSU07 on 11/10/09 @ 4:51 pm:
All the talk is b/s. Nebraska fans can hate on ksu for their loss against OU and lack of a solid win but I'm pretty sure Nebraska has a few blemishes of their own (Iowa State). Just have fun licking your wounds when KSU knocks you guys off at home. Gregory won't gift wrap this win for you like Landry Jones did. Nebraska's D may be pretty good but getting five interceptions never hurt either.
Posted by: Paul on 11/10/09 @ 4:53 pm:
Nebraska has a defense that can keep it in the game for 3 quarters against any team in the country. If its offense can get a little production that will allow the defense a little time to rest, it has a defense that can keep it in the game for 4 quarters against any team in the country. IF (and that's an "if") Nebraska gets to the championship game and has found a way to generate a little offense between now and then, Texas will have a very uncomfortable and nail biting 4 quarters of football.
As far as the p*ssing match with KSU fans, we'll work that one out between the white lines between now and then. :-) As for future seasons, you South fans can be assured that NU's future defenses will be as good or better than this year's. You'd better just PRAY that Nebraska doesn't figure out its offense, because even just a decent offense paired with a perennial National Champion-caliber defense is going to give you all you want to handle. Enjoy your glory days now while you still have them. :-)
Posted by: andrew on 11/10/09 @ 4:57 pm:
Ok just got done reading the article about Nebraska being the best choice for the big 12 championship. Worst article ever. The writer does not try to hide his bias, he's thumping his chest after the Oklahoma win, ok, but to say that they are the best choice for the game? Thats ridiculous, K-State has been on top of the north the whole way for a reason, more wins, and a better team. KSU 24 ISU 23, ISU 9 NU 7
Posted by: kansas husker on 11/10/09 @ 5:20 pm:
I'm saying you haven't won a true road game all year. In addition, you did play OU well, as we did against a very solid V-tech team, but a loss is a loss. You want to pin the ISU loss on us when we gave them the game but you want credit for losing to OU because it was at OU and Landry Jones played better. Well, what is it, was he better or your defense much worse? Our offense is poor right now but you had 66 yards passing on KU and don't tell me KU didn't have chances to put points on the board as well. Helu is a damn good RB who can't stay healthy. Thomas is a good RB, not great, who runs hard. You've improved as the seasons gone on, that's true, but 42 to OU and than 10 to KU and I'm suppose to believe your defense is all that. And I looked at the running stats against you, ISU had 207 yards rushing, UCLA 165 and OU 160, that's not a great rushing defense. Just because you hold Tennessee Tech to negative yards and you get ahead of A&M after turnovers so they quit running, doesn't make you a great rushing defense. KU doesn't have a running game right now. Having made such a rambling statement, we can talk all we want. You've had a really impressive turnaround, you've improved and it'll be an exciting game. However, neither of us has a gimme or cake-walk this weekend. Mizzou and KU have to play well sometime this season, we both just hope it's not this weekend. Congrats on your season so far and we'll see you the 21st.
Posted by: OKLAHusker on 11/10/09 @ 5:34 pm:
Did you ever think....maybe it was the great defense that caused the 5 turnovers.... DUH!
Its funny to hear the Kstate kitties...they think they are back!
Posted by: abartels on 11/10/09 @ 6:04 pm:
If anyone wants to look up some history they would know that since 1998 the north is 4-31 against texas. you want to know who has those 4 wins?..... Kansas State. yes that means no other north team has beaten texas in over a decade. So if any team is deserving of playing Texas in the CCG it is Kansas State and as long as they take care of business that is who it will be.
Posted by: neutral on 11/10/09 @ 6:33 pm:
it doesn't really matter who should be in the conference championship game. if k-state beats nebraska in lincoln in two weeks then they should be in. if nebraska wins then they get it. who cares who should be in if ksu beats nu in lincoln that's quite the accomplishment for anyone, hell ou couldn't do it.
Posted by: Husker4Life on 11/10/09 @ 6:38 pm:
Did you guys even see the Iowa State game? ISU didn't win. Nebraska beat themselves. 4 turnovers inside the 5. All we needed was one field goal.
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 11/10/09 @ 6:47 pm:
Chriswildcat... Don't even bring up isu, it was a loss I agree but it was just as much of a fluke.
Posted by: Cat in Arizona on 11/10/09 @ 8:58 pm:
Funny that the writer fails to mention that Colt McCoy wants to play K-State because he wants one last chance to beat us! He has not beaten K-State since he has been at Texas and that was with Prince's pathetic defenses thrown at him. Even with that, we were able to pound Colt like all his predecessor Texas QB's before him. I don't know why or how, but K-State has Texas's number. The only two loses that they had to Texas were by a last second field goal and a 4th and 1 run by Vince Young (because the starter was on the sideline seeing purple stars) which I still don't think he made it in to this day, I was at the game. And that one was lost because Roberson fumbled while going for the end zone with about 2 minutes left in the game and a 3 point lead. One thing to remember though, everytime Texas beat KSU, K-State came back and bite them in the ass by knocking them out of a BCS/Alliance Bowl berth. Most recently when Texas was headed to the Fiesta Bowl and OU going to the championship, until KSU pulled off the upset of a life time. Does K-State match up well with Texas? All of you can say no, but go right ahead, the same is said everytime we play a Texas or an OU. I'm use to it, we are always the underdog, but it's a hell of alot better to be the spoiler than to be expected to win and choke like Texas and OU seem to do more than live up to the expectations. So do we match up well? I don't care, but give Colt what he wants, hopefully he is still smart enough to know that if history repeats itself, he better have some good asprin handy throughout the game and after.
Posted by: KS-Who? on 11/10/09 @ 9:09 pm:
I like how K-State fans are beating their chest about their run defense, when Nebraska's run D is better than theirs. 9th to 20th. KSU has a pretty good run D, but better it is not.
Im not gonna be like everyone else and trash talk everyone else about how Nebraska is going to win, but I will say this:
Defense wins Championships
and who has the better D? Nebraska. So they /should/ win. Sorry K-State fans, but the fact is your "better" offense will probably be neutralized by our D, and our offense will probably get it's S&!# together for at least 14 points, which should be enough.
And for all the "KSU 24, ISU 23 --- ISU 9 - NU 7" stuff. For saying how amazing your defense is, why is it that we give up 14 less points to them, while also have 8 (EIGHT!) turnovers?
Hmmm....
Posted by: bob on 11/11/09 @ 9:01 am:
Actually, K-State owns the record for the most fans to cross state line to watch their team play. So yes, we do travel better than anyone else. And our run offense would shorten the game up to make it at least look close.
Posted by: bro on 11/12/09 @ 10:37 am:
EMAW are you serious? KSU can't even fill their own stadium in Manhattan! How do you expect them to travel to Texas for a game?