Is Nebraska-Omaha Doing The Right Thing...???

Or is their move to the Summit League being done in an illogical and scattershot manner...???

That's the question raised by the four-letter as two very successful Division II programs- three-time national champ wrestling and football- are being blown up by Nebraska-Omaha AD Trev Alberts as part of their "money-saving" progression...

The HQ has long trumpeted UNO and the Mavs, but being told your sport is being wiped off the map three hours after you win another title is, about, four thousand rounds of not cool...

Paula Lavigne examines the ideas and all their faults...
Allegedly...

Hmmm...Taylor Martinez's dad can sell Nebraska T-Shirts....

A Corn Fed T-shirt/Courtesy: cornfed.com

((ht: latimes/baxter holmes))

In this day of College football players getting in trouble for selling things with their likenesses or game jersey's...or anything else to raise some spending money...comes this.

According to the LA Times, the father of Nebraska Quarterback Taylor Martinez has a licensing agreement with the school....to sell T-Shirts. And strangely, Taylor's dad, Casey...got the contract about a year before Taylor "agreed" to come to Nebraska.

And, we might add, Nebraska is apparently one of 4...well, now 3 deals that Casey had to hawk his shirts.

The company is called Corn Fed. You can check them out RIGHT HERE

According to the story, Casey Martinez, may want to find a new business, Nebraska says that they've gotten around $500 dollars in royalties in 3-years from sales.

Read the whole story from the LATimes and Baxter Holmes RIGHT HERE

While technically this doesn't violate any NCAA rules, it sure looks a bit funny. Especially in light of the various stories of athletes selling gear to raise money these days. Never mind the timing with Martinez's arrival in Lincoln. Nobody is accusing Nebraska...or the Martinez family of anything illegal or against the rules, it just looks odd.

For his part, it seems Taylor Martinez and Nebraska might not be a great working arrangement. Martinez has been shaky the past few games and seems to have exhibited a very thin skin when it comes to dealing with his hard line coach, Bo Pelini. We'll see what is in Taylor's future, we are guessing very, very soon.

It's not spectacular, quality video, because it's off a TV, but here is why Martinez and Pelini seem to be at odds:

The Big 10 Has A New Logo And Divided Into Leaders And Legends

The mathematically challenged Big Ten Conference, which will have 12 teams next year, unveiled the conferences new logo Monday.

It's a nice looking logo, simple and well done.

"Its contemporary collegiate lettering includes an embedded numeral "10" in the word "BIG," which allows fans to see "BIG" and "10" in a single word." Michael Gericke said who along with Michael Bierut of the international design firm Pentagram designed the Big Ten's new logo. "Memorable and distinctive, the new logo evolved from the previous logo's use of negative space and is built on the conference's iconic name, without reference to the number of member institutions."

Which is 12, two more than 10.

Big Ten commish Jim Delany gave it a thumps up.

"We think the new logo is fun and has something for everyone." Delany said in a release from the Big Ten Conference.

It's a logo, it has nothing for me.

Is it me or is their something subliminal about the "I" and "G" in "BIG"? Kind of looks like the number 16. Is that the number the 10/12 ultimately wants?

The new division names are far more confusing that what the ACC concocted five years ago.

The division names are the "Leaders" and "Legends".

"'Legends' is a nod to our history and to the people associated with our schools who are widely recognized as legends - student-athletes, coaches, alumni and faculty." The Big Ten commish Delany said. "'Leaders' looks to the future as we remain committed to fostering leaders, the student-athletes who are encouraged to lead in their own way for the rest of their lives, in their families, in their communities and in their chosen professions,"

Here's the breakdown:

LEGENDS: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern

LEADERS: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin

Next a new fancy name for the Big Ten Championship Game. How about the "Dozen Bowl" since you refuse to acknowledge their is 12 teams in your conference.

Branding is everything.

Here's a video of the annoncement of the new logo and division names. (Thanks Big Ten Conference/Youtube.com)

Bo Pelini talks to Miami, Nebraska folks not happy about it....

Bo Pelini/Courtesy: Lincoln Star-Journal

The accepted rule in college football, a place where not many rules apply, is that if you want to talk to another schools coach for your job opening...and that coach is still under contract, you need to ask for permission.

According to a couple of reports, Bo Pelini and Miami broke that rule. No, there aren't any "Sanctions" that go with it, but it is really bad mojo/PR.

Apparently, University of Miami's athletic director Kirby Horcutt has discussed his coaching vacancy with Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. The problem...according to Pelini's boss, nobody asked him for permission.

More from Sun-Sentinel.com RIGHT HERE

For their part, the Nebraska folks have stayed quiet about all of this, though according to the Lincoln Star-Journal, Pelini's contract requires him to notify his boss if he discusses another job with anyone before his contract expires in 2014.

Realistically, we don't think that Pelini is a serious candidate for the job. While he's done a very good job at Nebraska, why would he give it up to come to Coral Gables? We do believe he spoke to Horcutt and the silence from Nebraska indicates they are aware of it and not very happy about it.

We've gone on record, multiple times saying that Tommy Tuberville will be the favorite for this job. We still believe that. We also will go out on a limb and throw out another name, Mario Cristobal. It would, in the mind of UM alumni, be a settling move, but realistically, face the facts Hurricane fans, your coaching job isn't the "Plum" that is was back in your "Glory Days" of the '80's and early 90's.

Nebraska Settles With Big 12/11/10, Colorado Does, Too...

((HT: KOLN/KGIN-TV Lincoln))

The University of Nebraska has reached an agreement with the Big 12/11/10 Conference to finally bail and head to the Big 10/11/12.

The conference will withhold a little over $9-million from the estimated $19 million they could have picked up during the last two years of its time in the Big 12/11/10.

If Nebraska is one of two Big 12/11/10 teams to play in a BCS bowl game, the fee would be reduced by $500,000. The settlement is final pending approval by the Nebraska Board of Regents.

"The University of Nebraska believes this is a fair settlement of our disagreement regarding the appropriateness in this instance of imposing any monetary fee on the university for withdrawing from the conference. We continue to value our ongoing relationships with the institutions of the Big 12 and have great respect for their leadership and the leadership of the conference," said Chancellor Harvey Perlman.

"We feel the long-term benefits of entering into the Big Ten, both academically and athletically, will make this a very good investment," said Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne.

Big 12 Conference Commissioner Dan Beebe said: "This agreement was accomplished through a collegial, respectful process among the conference, its institutions, and the University of Nebraska that led to a resolution that all parties believe is fair. I appreciate the cooperation of Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska staff. The Big 12 has enjoyed its relationship with Nebraska and wishes it well in the future."

Nebraska will become an official member of the Big Ten/11/12 July 1, 2011.

Kevin Sjuts has the details... thanks to our friends at 1011now.com


Colorado gets to move to the Pac-10/11/12 in 2011 instead of 2012 by forking over a little under $7-million...

The HQ thinks this is still the beginning of the landscape shift...

BREAKING NEWS: Nebraska Joining The Big Ten Conference

It's not like that's has been a secret but we now know the University of Nebraska wants out of the Big 12 Conference and wants to join the Big Ten.

The University of Nebraska's board of regents met today and according to the Lincoln Journal Star will move forward and apply for membership in the Big Ten Conference and expect to be accepted.

Here's the Board of Regents vote on UNL going to the Ten...
((HT: KOLN/KGIN-TV))


Here's Tom Osborne's statement on the matter before the Board...
Here's the resolution...
Here's the statement from President Milliken...

Nebraska To Big 10 By End Of The Week? Coach Os Speaks, KU's Self/Gill Want NU To Stay,

Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald is reporting that an executive at the university expects Nebraska to become a member of the Big 10 conference Friday.

University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman is expected the topic with the NU Board of Regents Friday. Click on the link below for the full article.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100608/NEWS01/100609687#nu-to-big-10-as-early-as-friday

Tuesday during his monthly appearance on the Husker Sports Network Nebraska athletic director Tom Osbourne said, “I think before too long — I don't know exactly what that time frame is — we'll be able to put this to bed, because I'm getting tired of it.''

Here's Tom Osbourne's comments from the Husker Sports Network

((HT: KOLN/KGIN Lincoln))




Meanwhile Kansas is begging and pleading Nebraska to stay in the Big 12. Kanas head men's basketball coach Bill Self adds his take.





Big 12 commissioner Don Beebe would like to have a commitment to 2016 from Nebraska and Missouri by Friday. That "line in the sand" might have some flexibility though.

Texas has been the object of the affections of the Big 10 and it appears the Pac-10 conference as well. The powers that be that bleed burnt orange would rather stay put though. Longhorn head football coach Mack Brown agrees.



Those of us at the OSG HQ tend to think this is a battle between the old school "Big Eight" schools and the Texas schools, who have become the power brokers in the Big 12. Specifically it's become a turf war between Nebraska and Texas. Though Tom Osbourne said Tuesday he has nothing against Texas or another other Big 12 school, Osbourne's and Nebraska influence toward conference matters decreased to the point of irrelevance. The Huskers were used to getting their way back in the day, not anymore. Therefore, it appears Nebraska is searching for a new home.

The Big 10 Conference Becoming 12?

The Big 10 conference going to a dozen is gaining traction to the point where the league itself is exploring the possibility of inviting a 12th member.

Explore heck do it. The Big 10 right now is the only league that could compete with the mega - SEC for supremacy in college football. The Big 10 is held back because they do not have a championship game which would add millions of dollars. Then the snow ball rolls, the Big 10 network benefits, ESPN ups the ante for Big 10 football, another network throws money at the Big 10 and so on and so on.

Who will that 12th team be? That question was open for discussion at the OSG HQ and here's our take.

Missouri - Most in the Big 10 feel Mizzou fits the conference's profile, large state university with some football tradition, good basketball tradition, boosters with deep pockets and a strong fan base. Should Mizzou be on the Big 10's short list the university will listen.

“The University of Missouri has not been contacted by the Big Ten." University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton said in a statement to the Kansas City Star. "Should there be an official inquiry or invitation, we would evaluate it based upon what would be in the best interest of MU athletically and academically."

The Big 10 would like Missouri in the fold. odds: 2-1

Notre Dame - The Big 10 and Notre Dame have been dancing for decades. Yes they would be a great get for the conference but Notre Dame still prints its own money and won't share. The Big 10 will dangle the carrot again and it will depend if NBC wants to continue to fund Notre Dame athletics. We will set the odds at 20-1.

Pittsburgh - This would be great for Penn State because the Nittany Lions can renew what was a great rivalry with the Pitt Panthers. Adding Pitt would give the conference another school in a large market who is football mad. While the Panthers have great support the fan base is a little questionable and how many boosters can write large checks? Odd 25 - 1

Rutgers - There are reports that Rutgers is openly lobbying for an invite into the Big 10. Greg Schiano desperately wants to raise the profile of the football program and the University is on board with that. Joining the Big 10 conference would give a huge boost to Rutgers for recruiting and profile. You wonder if the fan support and booster funds are there but Rutgers has the intangibles though. Odds 30-1

West Virginia - We are just throwing them out there but the Mountaineers would be a great fit in the Big 10. Great football tradition, willingness of the boosters to spend liberally and a terrific fan base. You just have to wonder if the Big 10 likes West Virginia's academic profile but WVU should be a no brainer for consideration. It's a football program dying to prove itself against the powers of the sport, this would do it. Odds 40-1

Nebraska - The Big 10 will study Nebraska hard. The Cornhusker fans are legendary for their support and being well behaved. While taking its lumps lately, Nebraska's football program is always top of mind. A change of scenery might help Nebraska but this would definitely be a hard sell. Nebraska would give up rivalries with Oklahoma & Colorado, have to refocus their recruiting territory and you can bet the Big 12 conference would fight like hell to keep one of its brand names in the fold. Odds 100-1.

Here's a few other schools to consider: Cincinnati (If they can upgrade their facilities big time but a big time long shot.), Kentucky (Talk about stirring the pot, raiding the SEC. We're just sayin')

Big 10 expansion is going to happen. Will the conference change its name? That's another discussion.

Meanwhile Drew Smith of WLUK Fox 11 in Green Bay, Wisconsin adds his own take and he even brings up Kentucky. Great minds think a like.

Thanks WLUK-TV/Youtube.com

A Boy Named Suh

Do you think Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh had his coming out party Saturday in the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas? Colt McCoy is still having nightmares about the big Husker hunting him down.

This boy named Sue, actually this man, sacked McCoy 4 and a half times, seven total tackles for loss, a career-high 12 tackles and two quarterback hurries. Just a day in the office for Sue however, he did it on a national stage against a Texas team looking to go to the BCS Championship Game. Suh's performance against the Longhorns will make him a millionaire.

Now Suh will begin to collect hardware. Monday he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy which is awarded to college football's best defensive player. Suh is the first Cornhusker to win the award which to me is unbelievable.

"This was definitely a big surprise," Suh said at Monday night's presentation banquet. "I want to thank all the other guys here. They are all great players. And I would like to thank the Bronko Nagurski family as well as the (Nebraska) coaches, Bo Pelini and his staff and my parents, This is a great honor. I am speechless. I was definitely not planning on winning this award."

Suh might want to clear some space for the other trophies that might come his way. He's a finalist for the the Walter Camp Award, the Outland Trophy, the Bednarik Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Lott Trophy. Oh by the way, Suh will head to New York this weekend as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

He won't win them all but Suh will parlay a successful senior season at Nebraska into a hefty paycheck in the NFL.

The pro scouts love his size of 6'4", 300 pounds. Did you see how he shed double teams from the Texas offensive line? Suh is the type of player a team desperate for a defensive presence can built around. I'm talking to you Kansas City Chiefs. Suh is right there in your back yard and your defense is not very good (31st in total defense in the NFL and in sacks).

In the meantime Suh will make the rounds accepting trophies, making speeches and then start preparing for the Holiday Bowl where Nebraska will take on Arizona. You think the Wildcats will know what they are up against?

Here's a feature on Suh from College Gameday. Thanks Youtube/ESPN

Photo Courtesy: Bob Pearson/Lincoln Journal Star

TWTW: So, It's Texas and Alabama...

((HT: KVUE-TV))

Those of us at OSG HQ were talking about this...

The only way for Nebraska to have a chance in the Big 12 Championship was to (for using a horse racing phrase) turn this one into a mudder...

They had to slow the pace of the game down considerably and keep the Texas offense either completely off the field or force the Longhorns into a lot of mistakes and third down-and-long situations...

If this wasn't a game to show why Ndamukong Suh needs to be considered for more than just defensive trophies, we don't know what is...

Nebraska had a 12-10 lead with 104 seconds left, but Texas only needed 103...
Hunter Lawrence snuck his 46-yard field goal inside the left upright for the 13-12 win and Texas is headed to the BCS Championship...

Here's your wrap, thanks to our friends at KVUE-TV in Austin...

TWTW: Huskers Get Their OU Jones, Win 10-3

This game used to mean something, and should always be held on Thanksgiving week...

Now, they've gone and screwed it up...
At least, that's what OU is thinking these days...
((HT: KOLN/KGIN/Nebraska Media Relations))

Nebraska brought home a sweet victory over an old rival, as the Blackshirt defense hauled in five interceptions and shut down No. 20 Oklahoma in a 10-3 victory at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

In a game that harkened back to the classic battles of the Big Red of the past four decades, Nebraska held the Sooners out of the end zone and mustered enough offense to improve to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12. The Huskers dropped the 20th-ranked Sooners to 5-4 and 3-2 in front of 86,115 fans and ABC television audience.

In a game dominated by one of the nation's best defensive units, Blackshirt Matt O'Hanlon played the biggest game of his career to help the Huskers erase a two-game home skid while erasing the memory of committing eight turnovers in a loss to Iowa State at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 24.

O'Hanlon, a senior from Omaha, Neb., tied a Nebraska record with three interceptions while erupting for a career-high 12 tackles. The last of his interceptions ended the Sooners' last chance at the end zone with 27 seconds left in the game. O'Hanlon's huge game also erased any memories Husker fans had of a last second touchdown scored by Virginia Tech in a road loss against the Hokies in September.

"This is one of the biggest wins of my career here and I probably can't play much better," O'Hanlon said after the game. "I was pretty down after the Virginia Tech game, and I just needed a breakout game to get my confidence back. I think that happened tonight."

Here's your highlights, thanks to 10-11News...

Suh vs. Parked Cars

Despite playing a good role in Nebraska's 20-10 victory over Baylor on Saturday afternoon, Cornhusker star Defensive Lineman Ndamukong Suh had...let's just say a "Not-so good" night. Sometime very early Sunday morning, Suh was ticketed for totaling one car and seriously damaging 3 others. Yes, he was tested for his blood-alcohol level, which was measured at .035.

More on the story from NE StatePaper.com RIGHT HERE

((Ndamukong Suh photo//Courtesy: HuskerExtra.com))

Suh says that he "Was trying to avoid a small cat or dog in the road". He apparently has been more successful avoiding offensive lineman thus far in 2009. No telling whether that is actually true. His coach, Bo Pellini was aware of the incident but hasn't really commented on it either.

Suh is a top candidate for the Outland Trophy and has been projected as possibly the #1 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. No telling whether this will have any impact on any of it, though you can bet that the NFL folks will be doing there homework.

TWTW: Pelini- "We Got Our Butts Kicked" 31-10

((HT: KOLN/KGIN-TV, Lincoln))

That would be accurate there, Bo...

Number 15 Nebraska outgained a potent Texas Tech offense, but two long scoring drives and an 82-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first half were enough to give the Red Raiders a 31-10 win over the Huskers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Nebraska slipped to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12, while Texas Tech improved to 5-2 and 2-1 in the league.

Playing in front of 86,107 fans in the NCAA-record 301st consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, the Huskers penetrated the Red Raider red zone three times in the first three quarters without scoring points.

Here's your highlights from Dan Hedman of 1011 Sports...
He got to stand behind a table and in front of a monitor...

TWTW: Taylor-Made Comeback: Va Tech Over Nebraska

((HT: WOWT-TV/Omaha))

Tyrod Taylor dodged several defenders and rifled an 11-yard touchdown pass to Dyrell Roberts with :21 left, rallying No. 13 Virginia Tech over No. 19 Nebraska 16-15 Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg.

Taylor completed two big, late throws to lead the Hokies (2-1).

Taylor first hit Danny Coale for 80 yards down the right sideline with 1:11 left, setting the ball up at the Nebraska three. He followed by scrambling for forever before connecting with Roberts.

The victory was the 32nd in a row for Virginia Tech at home against non-conference opponents. Nebraska (2-1) lost for the 21st time in its last 22 games against teams ranked in the Top 20.

Here's your highlights from ABC/ESPN, thanks again to WOWT-TV

Thunder Collins: "I'm Not No Snitch!"

Never let it be said Thunder Collins was a Grammar Major in college at the University of Nebraska...

((HT: Omaha World-Herald/Ferak))

When former Husker running back Thunder Collins ((pictured, thanks Omaha World-Herald/Schukar)) had a chance to testify before the jury weighing his fate, he heeded his lawyer's advice and declined.

When that jury returned guilty verdicts Monday on charges of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two weapons charges, Collins sat expressionless.

A jury of 12 strangers had relegated Collins, 29, to prison for the rest of his life, dashing much more than his hopes of playing professional football.

When Douglas County District Judge Gary Randall announced a Nov. 12 sentencing date, Collins snapped.

“Set it now. Set it now! I'm not coming back,” Collins yelled, standing up from his chair at the defense table.

“Set it now.”

Collins lashed out at the judge and scolded jurors for convicting him, saying he was no killer. He then hurled obscenities at the Omaha police homicide detectives who had packed the second row of courtroom benches.

As court security escorted him through the courthouse and back to jail, Collins repeatedly yelled to reporters.

“No justice. No justice. I'm the victim. I'm the victim here. They know I killed no one. Of course, they got the wrong guy. I'm not no snitch. I've got dignity. I will get another trial.”

Here's coverage from Liz Dorland and Action 3 News/WOWT-TV


And here's the full post-trial press conference with Collins from the Douglas County Detention Center, thanks to our friends at the Omaha World-Herald

College Football: My Big 12 North Predictions

Big 12 North

Missouri Tigers

2007 record 10-2 (Defeated Arkansas 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl)

Mizzou took giant steps last year including a #1 ranking during the season. Though the lost the Big 12 Championship Game to Oklahoma, the Tigers ended the season on a high note beating the heck out of Arkansas at the Cotton Bowl.

Things To Like About Mizzou:

Chase Daniel: Daniel and Florida’s Tim Tebow will be the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. Daniel is one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks I’ve ever seen on the college level. He becomes a special player this year and is my pre-season pick to strike the heisman pose in New York this December.

Receivers: One of the most talented corps in the country. Jeremy Maclin is the playmaker. Chase Coffman is an explosive downfield threat from the tight end position and will drive defensive coordinators crazy going through mis-match hell.

Things Not To Like About Mizzou:

Secondary: The corners are OK but that might not bode well in the pass happy Big 12.

October 4th at Nebraska: I put this here because the Tigers always seem to soil the drawers in Lincoln. It’s the Big 12 opener for both teams and will be a big hurdle for Mizzou to clear. 1978 was the last time the Tigers won in Lincoln.

Mizzou Rah: Mizzou fans, this could be the year we have dreamed about. A talented team among the nation’s elite and more than a chance to win the Big 12 title. Should the Tigers have the kind of year expected, this will make up for all the curses of Mizzou football in my lifetime,(the Woody Widenhofer era, Tony Van Zant blowing out his knee at a high school all star game, there are many others.)

Mizzou opens against Illinois in the Busch Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis which will be tough yet entertaining. Get by that and win a Nebraska and an undefeated season is in the cards. Dare I dream?

Kansas Jayhawks

2007 record 12-1 (Defeated Virginia Tech 24-21 in the Orange Bowl

Last year the nation realized they do play football in Lawrence, Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks went to a BCS bowl last year, yes Kansas. But even in a year when KU broke through in football, men’s basketball still overshadowed the football team winning the NCAA Championship. KU football can’t catch a break even on campus.

Things To Like About Kansas:

Todd Reesing: Reesing doesn’t make mistakes and he makes plays. Pretty good combination at QB.

Linebackers: The Jayhawk defense should be great. Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt are the best linebacker corps in the Big 12 and maybe the country

Things Not To Like About Kansas:

Offensive Line: The anchors of the 2007 line are gone. Those holes will need to be filled.

Find a running back: Jocques Crawford will need to be the workhouse for KU out of the backfield.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk: KU’s schedule is no cupcake this year. The Jayhawks have a road date with South Florida and have trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska on the docket. They may not have the horses to overtake Missouri but Kansas will be a factor and has an outside chance to go to a good bowl game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2007 record 5-7

There is much rejoicing in Lincoln, Nebraska because the dark ages of Cornhusker football is over. Bill Callahan is gone, Tom Osbourne is back on campus and handed the keys to Bo Pelini,

Things To Like About Nebraska:

Nebraska has a quarterback: Joe Ganz was impressive toward the end of the season and in spring ball.

Marlon Lucky: He’s a heck of a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a big offense threat for the Cornhuskers.

Things Not To Like About Nebraska:

Defense: The Cornhusker “D” was god awful last year. Last in the Big 12 and 112th in the nation, they will be better with Pelini in charge.

Shucking Corn: Nebraska isn’t at the level it was back in the Bob Davaney – Tom Osbourne – Frank Solich years but the Cornhuskers will return to what many Nebraskans felt was an entitlement, a bowl game. Bo Pelini will have get that accomplished.

Kansas State Wildcats

2007 record 5-7

Kansas State took some steps back last year in but K-State has a plan to bounce back.

Things To Like About Kansas State:

Win right now attitude: Head Coach Ron Prince brought in a bunch of JUCO transfers to fill in the holes. He wants to give K-State the chance to win right now.

Offensive Line: It’s the bright spot of the offense and is a solid unit.

Things Not To Like About Kansas State:

Receivers: Jordy Nelson is playing in the NFL and leaves a big hole at that position. Someone will have to step up and be a playmaker for QB Josh Freeman to be successful

Defense: Only 5 starters return on defense that gave up a ton of points toward the end of the season.

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty: The JUCO transfers will help some of the talent drain from a year ago. If the defense improves from last year’s number, the Wildcats will go bowling again.

Colorado Buffaloes

2007 record 6-7 (Lost to Alabama 30-24 in the Independence Bowl)

Other than upsetting Oklahoma last year at Folsom Field, the Buffs didn’t do anything spectacular last year. Colorado did just enough to earn a trip to Shreveport, an appropriate destination for a 6-6 team.

Things To Like About Colorado:

Strong defense inside: The Buff tackles and safeties are rock solid

Cody Hawkins: He is the key on offense and if he cuts down on his erratic play should put up some big time numbers.

Things Not To Like About Colorado:

Pass rush: The outside of the defense is a question mark. Last season the Buffs were 95th in the nation in QB sacks. That must change with the quality of quarterbacks in the Big 12

Schedule: It is a bear. First Colorado opens against cross state rival Colorado State plus West Virginia and Florida State are on the non-conference schedule. Texas comes to Boulder and Colorado plays at Kansas, at Missouri and at Nebraska

Buff Stuff: It’s going to be tough for Colorado to improve on 6 wins with the schedule they play. Dan Hawkins has a reputation as a miracle worker and he did a great job last year but Hawkins will have to work his magic to go bowling this year.

Iowa State Cyclones

2007 record 3-9

It’s tough to win games at Iowa State. But Gene Chizik may have a group of young talent that could make strides this year

Things To Like About Iowa State:

Running Backs: Alexander Robinson and J.J. Bass are a couple of good running backs that can spark the offense. Robinson emerged as the feature back late last year.

Things Not To Like About Iowa State:

Quarterback: Who’s going to emerge as the starter, Austin Arnaud or Phillip Bates. Expect both to play on a QB rotation

Cyclone Winds: The best way to describe Iowa State is pesky. They won’t be fun to play against and will win a few games they shouldn’t but a bowl game will be a long shot this year. But watch this program grow because there is a commitment to Coach Chizik and football at Iowa State.