TWTW: No Holiday For Arizona, Nebraska Crushes The 'Cats

The Nebraska we knew and loved on the football field just may be back. Wednesday night at the Holiday Bowl, the Cornhuskers pitched its first bowl shutout in school history whipping Arizona 33-0. Don't you find it hard to believe that in 46 bowls games this storied football program has played in Nebraska has never shut out an opponent. The Cornhuskers did in the Holiday Bowl and that is very significant.

A year ago Bo Pellini took over a program that had lost its way. The ole swagger was gone, their was no mystic. Nebraska had become just another mediocre program in the Big 12 North.

Slowly the program has gotten back on its feet. Winning the Big 12 North and playing in the Big 12 Championship game was a big first step in getting back on the national stage but then the Cornhuskers upped the ante with a remarkable defensive performance and the coming out party of Ndamukong Suh. If the Husker offense would have..... aw the heck with it.

Wednesday in San Diego the Nebraska way was back. The Cornhuskers jumped all over Arizona and showed the confidence and swagger that defined the Tom Osbourne era.

Those of us in the OSG HQ are glad to see Nebraska back on the college football radar screen and think the Huskers will be back in the Top 10 of the polls next season.

Here are the highlights of the game. (Thanks ESPN/Youtube.com)

Click here for a full post game wrap up from WOWT-TV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Photos Courtesy: Huskers.com & Ted Kirk/Lincoln Journal Star

Bowled Over

It will be bone chilling cold in Boise, Idaho, no one will see the Texas Bowl and the Holiday Bowl will be a shootout as always. Here's our quirky look at the upcoming bowl games.

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - December 30 - Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
Nevada vs Maryland (I'm leaning toward Nevada)

Parting Gifts: I don't know what swag the players get. Perhaps a cowboy hat or a piece of smurf turf.

SWAG Meter: 0.0

Bowl Event: A beef dinner for both teams. With 300 pound lineman, better have a ton of meat.

Final Analysis: In ACC circles, participating in the Humanitarian Bowl is like being shipped to Siberia. Yes its a bowl game but it's a long , cold trip. Maryland gets that honor this year after losing their last 2 games. The Terps face Nevada from the WAC. The Wolfpack have one of the top running games in the nation. A good test for the Terp defense.

Texas Bowl - December 30 - Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Western Michigan vs Rice (Take the Owls)

Howdy Partner, What Do You Got For Me?: Well Tex, players from both teams will receive a $350 Best Buy gift card, a Swisstek watch, an Under Armour HeatGear Long-Sleeve Tee, an Under Armour twister pant, an Under Armour tech hat, a Toppers backpack and finally a commemorative belt buckle.

Not a bad haul. The players get to go on a shopping spree to Best Buy. The belt buckle might be the only thing garage saleable.

SWAG Meter: 8.5

Bowl Event: The teams get to cowboy up at the George Historical Ranch and compete in the annual Rodeo Bowl.

Final Analysis: It's a home game for Rice but I doubt they bring a big crowd. A few Western Michigan fans will make the trip from Kalamazoo. Millions of fans won't be able to see this gem because it's on NFL Network. Wait for results from your morning paper.

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - December 30 - Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
Oklahoma State vs Oregon (I love this match up. I'm going with the Fightin' Gundy's)

Dude, What's In The Bag?: Awe dude, your will get a righteous bounty of stuff. Players from both teams get a Tourneau watch, a hooded sweatshirt from Sports Tek, an Insignia 19” HD TV/DVD Player, and a Best Buy gift certificate.

While the HD TV/DVD player is sweet, you could have done better. Give away the sweatshirt.

SWAG Meter: 6

Bowl Event: The players get to wine and dine with sailors and Marines held aboard an active Navy ship. This has been a highlight for the players. Really cool.

Final Analysis: The Holiday Bowl is always worth a look. Every year it's an offensive showcase. The Cowboys and the Ducks should put up the points as well.