SP Times: Jarvis Giles still set to announce Tuesday

Giles to make announcement Tuesday
from Blog: High School Sports
Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg Times
by Times Editor

Gaither running back Jarvis Giles told the Times this afternoon he will make his college announcement Tuesday at noon.

Giles -- who committed to Tennessee in the summer but decommitted when the Vols announced coach Phil Fulmer was not returning -- has his schools narrowed down to South Carolina, Nebraska and Tennessee.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier visited Gaither during school Thursday to visit Giles and speak to senior tight end Justin Lattimore. Spurrier is expected to make an in-home visit with Giles Thursday evening.

On Friday, Tennessee will make its final in-person pitch to their former committment with an apparent Rocky Top hard-court press. Giles said new head coach Lane Kiffin, along with new assistant coach David Reaves -- who recruited Giles for the Gamecocks -- and Stan Drayton, a Tampa native and apparent holdover from Fulmer's staff who recruited Giles for the Vols, will all visit.

On Sunday, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is expected to drop by. Giles just returned from an official visit to Nebraska over the weekend.

Then it's decision time for Giles.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Moral victories are for losers

"Almost" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but this time "almost" feels a little bit different. It feels like the 2008 Huskers could actually get one of those "signature wins" that everyone talks about. The disappointing thing to me is that they had Tech right where they wanted them and they couldn't quite close the deal. It was encouraging and heartbreaking at the same time.

Here are my thoughts...

Positives:

• Encouraging to me that Shawn Watson ran the ball with both Marlon Lucky and Roy Helu - and he stuck with it! Sure it was barely over 100 yards, but it was effective for only the second time this year (NM State).
• I thought that Lucky played an excellent game in all facets. He ran well between the tackles, was patient, caught the ball well (as usual) and picked up a number of blitzing 'backers.
• Encouraging also that NU actually stopped Tech twice and controlled the time of possession by better than 2-to-1.
• Watson had a great game plan that put NU in position to win the game.
• Even better effort in OT on the blocked FG. I really thought they'd win it after that!
• Joe Ganz threw the ball away well all game long, and I think he was trying to throw that last one away in OT but was hit at the same time and the ball got away from him.

Negatives

• Discouraging to me that NU is still making the stupid mental errors (false starts and personal fouls) that are costing them games.
• I'm not sure what's up with Ndamukong Suh, but he needs to cut out the damned personal fouls. This is now two games he's potentially cost us with that crap! First Va. Tech and now T. Tech. He draws the personal foul and then is standing on the sideline when they score because Pelini pulls him after the penalty. Shukree Barfield came in and got driven off the ball like he was a high school freshman. He was on his back in the end zone six freaking yards from the line of scrimmage!
• What the hell was Armando Murillo doing on that 4th and 4 when Michael Crabtree went deep? How do you let a guy who was a Heisman finalist as a freshman get behind you that far!?! The worst part about that play to me - the post game interview on FSN with Graham Harrell where he said that the center wasn't even supposed to snap the ball but didn't get the memo evidently. They were just going to try and draw NU off and then punt.

It was a sad loss, but NU competed with and really handed it to the #7 (probably #4 or 5 next week) team in the country on their own field. They should have won the game.

Game balls from me go to Joe Ganz, Todd Peterson, Mike McNeill, Meno Holt, Niles Paul, Matt Holt, Larry Asante and Ty Steinkuhler.

How about Matt Holt stepping in as a true freshmen (a walk-on no less!) when Cody Glenn and Phil Dillard are both hurt and having 8 tackles (7 solo)? NU might have found a true "diamond in the rough".

Aside from his stupid personal foul, I thought Suh played very well in the middle against that huge OL of Tech's.

Jacob Hickman certainly redeemed himself after a poor performance against Missouri also.

All in all, I'll take it but I'm disappointed that they lost. The game was theirs for the taking and they blew it when it counted the most. As the title says, moral victories are for losers and the bottom line is that NU is now 3-3 when they could very well be 5-1 with some better play between the ears.

Virginia Tech thoughts...

I will preface this by saying that I haven't watched the film yet. I'm burning the DVD as I type and will watch it later today/tonight.



That said, I thought that the effort was good Saturday night but the execution and (especially) the play-calling on offense left a LOT to be desired. I'm of the opinion right now that the game was over early on when Roy Helu ran for 4 yards on first down, 4 yards on second down and then Watson threw a pass on 3rd and 2!!?? Ganz misfired and we had to punt - it was blocked for a safety and the ball was rolling downhill for the wrong team.



Larry Asante played poorly.



Joe Ganz played poorly.



The offensive line - especially Mike Huff and Mike Smith - played poorly.



The WR weren't able to get open much, but that was expected given Va Tech's corners.



Macho Harris is VERY, VERY good and will be a star on Sundays.



Tyrod Taylor's athleticism was not on display for the most part, but then when you're running for 7 and 8 yards a pop between the tackles there's no reason to take a chance getting your QB hurt. Taylor did miss on a couple of throws that helped NU hold the Hokies to FG where they could have had TDs.



In all, the team played hard and played to the final gun. That's something that I'm not sure we saw last year, so that's encouraging.


For those who say that Suh and Bo lost the game on the late hit and then personal foul late, I disagree. I believe it was lost because Watson chose not to run the ball on that 3rd and 2 way back in the first quarter.



Thoughts?

Pelini's staff taking shape

UPDATING ONE THING: Shaun Prater was indeed offered a scholarship today by coaches Pelini and Osborne. Shaun is currently committed to Iowa, but said that he's interested in Nebraska and will take a visit.

For you not in Omaha, here's KETV's sportscast from last night which talks about some of the comings and goings in Lincoln since Sunday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIm9BZAlO1c&feature=user

From what I can gather from talking to people these coaches are confirmed to be on Bo's staff.

Bo Pelini
Shawn Watson OC
Ted Gilmore WR
Barney Cotton OL
Ron Brown TE
Marvin Sanders DB
Carl Pelini LB or DL
Mike Ekeler LB or DL (was an asst strength coach at LSU - not sure what his role will be)
John Papuchis LB/DL/Special Teams (was a defensive intern at LSU sounds like he will be a staff member also, probably on defense)

I'm told that Scott Frost, Randy Jordan, and Joe Rudolph are still being considered for coaching spots, but it appears to me there is only one opening at RB coach.

It's possible that Jordan could be coaching RBs again, or maybe Brown switches to RBs and Rudolph is retained. Frost most recently coached LBs at Northern Iowa.

Rumors still abound about Bradley Dale Peveto, LSU's current cornerbacks and special teams coach, possibly joining the staff as well.

RECRUITING NEWS:

Ekeler and Papuchis are already on the road recruiting for NU today.

Pelini and Osborne were in Omaha today at Central and Westside for sure, and I saw a report that they were at Millard North again as well. No new offers were extended, however they did meet with Collins Okafor and Tim Biere at Westside and Ronnell Grixby and the Prater twins (Shane and Shaun) at Central.

Ben Cotton (Barney's son) has decommitted from Louisville and committed to Nebraska. Cotton is a TE who was committed to Louisville after receiving offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and Kansas as well. He's the #2 player in Iowa according to Rivals, behind fellow Husker commitment Dan Hoch. He's 6-foot-6, 217-pounds. I watched his videos and I see good hands and a very solid run blocker. He locks on and doesn't let go. I guess having a former NFL OL and college line coach as a father helps there, huh? ;-) His speed isn't listed on his Rivals profile, but I would estimate it at 4.7 to 4.8 seconds for the 40 based on the video I watched and comparative players' videos. Of course that's junior year film, so he may have improved his speed as a senior.

It appears that Trev Alberts will be working in the athletic department in some capacity, possibly taking Tim Cassidy's spot as director of football operations?

That is what I know for now.

The latest on NU coaching search

Callahan is gone and Osborne has been in Atlanta meeting with the search firm he's using to try and identify a new head coach for Nebraska football.

The flight tracking going on among message board members is hilarious! If you want to see what flights are leaving Lincoln, go to http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KLNK.

Here's what we know at this point...

1. Sources tell me that Bo Pelini was interviewed in Baton Rouge while Osborne (and reportedly Harvey Perlman) were on their way to Atlanta. That interview reportedly went "very well", but my source told me this morning that Pelini has not been offered the job yet per a conversation late last night.
2. Sources also tell me that Buffalo head coach Turner Gill will not be hired to be Pelini's offensive coordinator. That makes sense to me. Even though it would likely be a pay bump, going from head coach to offensive coordinator is not a good move unless it's necessitated by a dismissal situation. Whether Gill has actually interviewed with Osborne for the head coaching position is something I have not confirmed yet, but an interview was reported by Tom Deinert of the Sporting News.
3. Sources also say that Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe was interviewed by Osborne recently. This was also reported by Deinert. I have no word on the evaluation of the interview. Per Deinert, 'Grobe has nine years left on his Wake deal, which pays him $1.5 million annually. He has a $2 million buyout.'
4. Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly is also rumored to be interviewing with Osborne today. I have not confirmed this. Early morning word came from Channel 8 in Lincoln that the University had scheduled a flight to Cincinnati today, but I have not been able to find a flight on FlightTracker with those end points.

That's the latest.

In Defense of Callahan

Now there's a controversial title, given how little defense we've seen on the field this fall from the Huskers (I refuse to call them Blackshirts).

With all of the talking heads and upset fans rushing to crucify Bill Callahan on his way out the door, I thought it might be appropriate to look at some of the positive developments during his four years in Lincoln. Maybe I can convince some fans that he is in fact NOT the Spawn of Satan.

• Callahan and his wife Valerie have created and expanded Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization established by Coach Callahan and his wife, Valerie, to provide financial support to non-profit organizations to fight breast cancer and diabetes and to assist economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth and families in the area. The organization hosts events such as a charity fashion show, a 5K fun run, and Football 101 (an informational course for women who want to learn more about the sport).
• Callahan helped develop and lead the Husker Youth Experience where hundreds of youngsters get to meet their NU football heroes and spend a morning working out with them and learning the sport.
• The Nebraska Elite Quarterback Academy was developed under Callahan, who is considered an offensive guru. This summer academy has helped the coaching staff identify future prospects such as Josh Freeman, Ryan Mallett, and Blaine Gabbert early in their high school careers.
• The Husker Football Schools (summer camps) have grown and developed significantly since Callahan took over the program.

You may not believe Callahan is a great coach, and I sometimes question his ability to make the tough decisions a head coach has to make (such as firing his defensive coordinator), but you have to admit that there are some positives that he's been a big part of building into the Nebraska program.

That warm fuzzy feeling

I've got to admit that I was drinking gallons of the red kool-aid these past four years. I was certain that Steve Pederson and Bill Callahan had Nebraska football on the right track, and that the restoration of "the order" was nearly complete in Lincoln.

Then I watched seniors stop trying, sophomores and freshmen not getting on the field, and a general feeling of quitting by the team. This 2007 season, which began with so much promise, has now disintegrated into utter despair.

Well that despair has all been washed away in a red tide of nostalgia today. Just seeing Tom Osborne behind a podium on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln today made it seem like all is right with the world again.

Will T.O. make the right choices? Time will tell, but the man rarely fails at anything he does.

The 2008 class: From Stars to Reaches

There’s a lot of buzz about the early rankings for the 2008 Nebraska recruiting class. Rivals.com currently ranks the Huskers with the No. 7 class nationally. Those rankings are subjective, based on the (somewhat expert) opinions of analysts with many years of experience evaluating prospects. I tend to lend some credence to those rankings, but I lend more weight to what other schools players have scholarship offers from. This can be somewhat inaccurate though, because often a player will commit early in the recruiting process and schools will never get the opportunity to offer a scholarship.

So how is Nebraska really doing in recruiting this year? Here’s my best effort at breaking down the kids already committed based on stars and offers.

Nebraska has two commitments ranked by Rivals.com with five-stars, the highest ranking the recruiting service gives out.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert (6-4/224/4.65) of Ballwin, Mo. won the Elite 11 quarterback camp’s MVP award this past summer. He committed to Nebraska over offers from schools such as Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa, and Missouri. It was generally accepted that Gabbert would not leave the Midwest for college, so schools in the SEC and Pac Ten did not recruit him strongly. I think he will be a star in Lincoln.

Offensive lineman Baker Steinkuhler (6-6/290/4.88) of Lincoln Southwest shows only one scholarship offer on his list – Nebraska. That’s because Steinkuhler committed to the Huskers only two days after he received his scholarship offer. He is an NU legacy, with both his father (Dean) and brother (Ty) playing for the Huskers. That legacy, more than anything, kept other schools from “wasting their time” recruiting Steinkuhler. He will play in the NFL someday after a stellar college career. Star

The five-star players are likely to be stars in college and have excellent potential to play in the NFL someday.

Four-star players frequently turn into all-conference players and many go on to play professionally, whether it’s in the NFL, CFL, or Arena League.

NU has four-stars in offensive lineman Bryce Givens (6-6/257/5.1) from Denver, Colo., running back Jonas Gray (5-10/213/4.44) of Detroit, Mich., linebacker Shaun Mohler (6-3/225/4.6) of Orange Coast (Calif.) Community College, linebacker Will Compton (6-2/214/4.5) of Bonne Terre, Mo. and offensive lineman Dan Hoch (6-6/302/5.21) of Harlan, Iowa.

Givens chose NU over Texas, Florida, UCLA, Colorado, Michigan, and Louisville. That is a strong contingent of suitors, which would indicate that he is expected to be a very strong college player. Contributor

Gray, the top player in Michigan according to Rivals, decided on the Huskers over the home-state Wolverines, Florida, Louisville, and Wisconsin among others. When the defending national champion Gators head out of Florida to recruit running backs that’s high praise. Gray should be a good player at NU. Contributor

Mohler, a junior college player ranked among the top 15 players nationally by Rivals.com, chose NU primarily over California and Colorado. JUCO players are easier to project because they have a year or two of higher-level competition out of high school. However, they are recruited based on filling needs. Many of the top programs nationally have great depth coming up at linebacker. Nebraska has a bit of a gap between four seniors graduating this year and the next level of freshmen and sophomores, so Mohler fills a need. Expect him to see the field next year. Contributor

Compton had offers from around the Big Ten and Big Twelve. He picked the Huskers over Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois among others. He also had strong interest from Notre Dame, but no written offer. It would seem that many colleges felt that Compton can play BCS-level football. Contributor

Hoch was the least sought-after player among the four-stars, garnering offers from just Iowa State and Kansas State. Rivals ranks him as the top prospect in Iowa, but it’s widely-acknowledged to be a less-than-stellar year in the Hawkeye State for college-level talent. Hoch committed before his junior year ended, which means that schools couldn’t evaluate his senior year film and offer based on his senior play. Still, he is somewhat of a question mark to me. He may be a contributor, but the level of other schools recruiting him doesn’t elicit excitement from me. I see Hoch as a reach.

Where evaluations get into more of a gray area is when we look at the three-star and two-star prospects. Currently Nebraska has 15 of their 22 commitments at these two levels.

Atop the list is Sean Fisher (6-5/210/4.6) of Millard North. Fisher chose NU over suitors such as Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Arizona State, and Colorado. He had 16 written offers when he committed to Nebraska, and most of them were BCS-level schools. He projects to the college level as an outside linebacker very well. I was told that Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables was very disappointed to not get Fisher’s pledge. Star

JUCO wide receiver Adrian Hilburn (6-2/190/4.4) of City College of San Francisco picked NU over Tennessee and Texas A&M. There was a time when Tennessee was known as “Wide Receiver University”, so the fact that the Vols went after Hilburn from the other side of the nation is impressive. However, none of the Pac Ten schools recruited him hard so I’m less inclined to declare him a future star. Time will tell on Hilburn. Contributor

Defensive end Cameron Meredith (6-4/222/4.6) of Santa Ana, Calif. was being recruited heavily by schools around the Big Twelve and Pac Ten. He held offers from Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, and others when he pledged to the Huskers. Meredith’s films show that he plays to the whistle on every snap, indicating the type of mentality that should serve him well in college. I expect him to be a star at Nebraska.

Running back Collins Okafor (6-1/210/4.54) of Omaha Westside received his Nebraska offer in early October of 2006 and committed late that month. Despite leading Class A in rushing as a junior, Okafor had no additional offers. Did NU find diamond that no one else noticed? Time will tell, but the level of recruitment Okafor received sets off some alarms for me. Reach

Port Arthur, Texas defensive back David Whitmore (6-2/190/4.5) made his pledge to Nebraska before his junior year ended, picking the Huskers over Oklahoma State, Missouri, and Kansas State. He has not yet visited Lincoln, and is still considered somewhat of a soft commitment by recruiting gurus. His play in the Texas 7-on-7 State Championship this past summer moved him up in many analysts’ eyes. With his height and speed, Whitmore should be a very good college player. Contributor

Josh Williams (6-4/220/4.8) is a defensive end from Denton, Texas. Williams had a long list of offers, but only a few from upper-level BCS schools. Missouri, Arkansas, Arizona, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State were among his most recognizable suitors. Williams is still growing, and his early-season play has been spectacular in Texas’ biggest class. He recorded four sacks in the first game alone. I think Williams will be a solid contributor at NU, but whether he’s a star is dependent upon him putting on weight.

Wide receiver D.J. Woods (6-0/169/4.35) of Strongsville, Ohio is a great example of an underrated player by recruiting services. Despite being a mid-level three-star recruit according to Rivals, Woods held offers from Ohio State, Penn State, West Virginia, Auburn, and Iowa before choosing Nebraska. Many big-time programs believe Woods will be successful in Division I. Who am I to disagree? Star

Marrero, La. defensive end Eric Harper (6-4/220/4.62) picked NU over Texas A&M and Mississippi State. His other written offers came from smaller schools, primarily because he was lost in the shuffle after Hurricane Katrina. Harper will graduate in December and be in Lincoln for spring practice. I expect him to contribute as a redshirt freshman or true sophomore, and be a strong player for many years in Lincoln.

Tight end Tyson Hetzer (6-7/265/4.75) of Citrus Community College in California had only an offer from Nebraska, and it was based on practice film only. Hetzer played JUCO basketball in 2006. NFL players like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates converted basketball backgrounds into football stardom. Can Hetzer do the same? With only the Nebraska offer, it would seem that other schools don’t think so. He could be a reach.

Overland Park, Kan. athlete Kyler Reed (6-3/204/4.5) picked NU over Colorado and Missouri and many lower-level Big Twelve schools such as Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State. His suitors are mid-level at best, which would seem to translate to solid but not spectacular contributions in college.

Linebacker Doug Rippy (6-2/218) of Trotwood, Ohio had offers from Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan State and some lower-level Division I programs. His senior year is only his second year of high school football, and first-hand reports of his play have been very positive. The offers don’t translate into college stardom, but he’s still learning the game. I think he’s a future contributor in Lincoln.

Ricky Henry (6-4/300/5.2) picked NU over Colorado and Houston. The center from North Dakota College of Science must do some work academically to make it to Lincoln before spring practice. If he can do that, he will be given an opportunity to replace Brett Byford next fall. Personally I don't think he will make it to Lincoln. Reach

Wichita, Kan. defensive tackle Darius Parish (6-3/325/5.08) has stunning athleticism for his size, yet only received scholarship offers from Kansas and Colorado State along with NU. He didn’t receive offers, but he had strong interest from Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Missouri as well. Parish can be a space-eater on the defensive line for NU for many years, and I would not be surprised to see him playing as a true freshman. Star

Two-star safety Keelan Johnson (6-0/195/4.5) of Mesa, Ariz. picked NU over the home-state Arizona Wildcats. He also had interest from Nevada, Oregon and Arizona State despite being “only” a two-star prospect. He arrived at NU’s summer camp without an offer, but two days after leaving Lincoln the Husker coaches tendered and one month later he accepted. After a couple of years to get faster and stronger, Johnson should contribute in NU’s defensive backfield.

John Levorson (6-4/185/4.55) of Crete chose NU over Wyoming and Ohio. Those offers don’t translate to Division I stardom, but NU offered him only after his performance at their summer camp. They’ve seen what he can do in person, and they believe he can contribute. That’s good enough for me.

The final tally shows more stars and contributors than reaches in this class.

Future Stars: 8
4-stars – 2
3-stars – 2
2-stars – 4

Future Contributors: 10
4-stars – 2
3-stars – 6
2-stars – 2

Reaches: 4
4-stars – 1
3-stars – 3

pre-season predictions

It's that time of year - FOOTBALL SEASON!! Every pre-season magazine has been on the newsstands for a couple of months now, and ESPN and Fox Sports have been hammering us with their opinions. I guess it's time to add mine...

Let's talk about BCS conference predictions first. I'll pick the following schools to win their respective league championships:

• ACC Va Tech over Florida State
• Big 10(11) Wisconsin - Michigan will find a way to screw it up - they always do.
• Big East West Virginia - Louisville w/o Petrino can't hang, and neither can Rutgers.
• Pac 10 USC should run away. Only Cal can really challenge them.
• SEC LSU over Florida - I'm not sold on the Gators getting here, but who else? Georgia is too young, Tennessee is like Michigan (talented but poorly coached) and who knows if South Carolina will step up this year?

Before we discuss the Big 12, let's look at Nebraska's schedule and my predictions for their season.

• Nevada This is a good team that played Miami close in a bowl last December. They've lost some really good players to pre-season injury and suspension, however. I'll say NU 38-17 (1-0)
• @ Wake Not quite the same team that won the ACC last year. They won't sneak up on anyone, and they didn't blow out anyone last year anyway. NU wins a close road game in front of a stadium at least 30% filled with NU fans 31-23 (2-0)
• USC This defense is ridiculously fast and talented, and John David Booty can sling it with the best in the nation. The RBs and WRs are the question, and NU will have two games under their belts. Still... I don't know... I guess I'll go with the homer pick, but I'm not sold. Maybe after I see Keller and the offense in action the first two weeks I'll feel better. I'll go with NU 23-20 (3-0)
• Ball State This will be either a bounce-back game after USC, or a possible trap after USC. Either way it'll be closer than people think. NU wins 38-20 (4-0)
• Iowa State Conference opener should be pretty easy win, although Brett Meyer is still around in Ames. NU 41-17 (5-0)
• @ Mizzou Biggest game in Columbia in years... possibly decades. I still think Mizzou will screw things up before the end of the year, but I think they win this game. NU falls to 5-1, Mizzou 38-34 (5-1)
• Okie Lite Second game of the toughest stretch in a long time for the Huskers. OSU has a solid, really spectacular offense. I think Coz has figured out how to stop Bobby Reid, though. Their defense is (shall we say) suspect. I think NU bounces back at home, winning 34-21 (6-1)
• Texas A&M The Aggies have a tremendous running game, and Stephen McGee doesn't make many mistakes. Plus their band is ridiculous. I can't wait to see them in Lincoln again! On the field though, it will be tough. I'll go with NU in a squeaker 28-27. (7-1)
• @ Texas NU just can't beat UT in the regular season. I can't figure it out, but it's not likely. This time they get it done, however. NU "upsets" UT 27-23. (8-1)
• @ KU Watch out! This could be much closer than people expect. They're not as talented, but you have to understand how well Mangino the Hutt can coach. I'll say NU wins, but it's close. 31-27 (9-1)
• K.State First chance to see Josh Freeman in Lincoln - that's if he can pass the physical and complete a pass. Otherwise we might see that Alfred E Neuman look-alike Carson Coffman. Either way this is a blowout. NU 45-17 (10-1)
• @ Colorado Always a struggle. NU could be ahead 24 points half way through the fourth quarter and still have to win in OT (see 1999). I think they'll still get it done, however. NU wins 27-21 (11-1)
• Big 12 title game... I think it will come down to Nebraska and Oklahoma again, this time in San Antonio. NU's quarterback play is better, but OU has better skill position guys. The matchup with OU's WRs and NU's DBs should be much closer than in 2006, due to Bowman being back, Jones a year wiser, Murillo added. Can NU stop their run game, though? I'm not sure... I'm a homer, though, so I go with NU 30-24 (12-1)
• That will put NU in a BCS game, and possibly a matchup with LSU for the title. Let's go with that possibilty. Given how often NU beats SEC schools in bowl games (see Florida, Tennessee, etc.) one would think that NU has a good shot. I'm not so sure. Unfortunately I don't see Sam Keller throwing 5 touchdowns against LSU's 2007 version. LSU wins 31-17.

Now... I'm an optimist. But even I can't really see NU going 12-1 in the regular season. Realistically they could lose to USC, Mizzou, A&M, Okie Lite and Texas. If they lost them all, it would put them at 7-5 on the regular season and into a lower-tier bowl.

I don't expect them to lose all of those 5 games, and I think Callahan will finally get a breakthrough top-10 win against either USC or UT.

Mizzou has to overcome the "Pinkel factor" to win the North title.... can they do that?

I'll go with a 10-2 regular season (losses to USC and A&M) and a Big 12 title over OU. They go to the Orange Bowl 11-2 and lose to Virginia Tech 35-27 and finish 11-3.

USC loses to LSU for the National title.

BOOK IT!

Zack Bowman - to play or not to play?

So Nebraska senior cornerback Zackary Bowman is rumored to be healing with miraculous speed. His ruptured patella tendon in his right knee which followed up the torn ACL in his left knee is supposedly strong enough that he's running and cutting full-speed. This all begs the question, "Do you risk losing Bowman for the conference season by playing him in the out-of-conference games?"

We all know that NU will absolutely need Bowman against USC, and my personal thought is that he needs to play in at least one game before USC to "shake off the rust" of not playing in nearly two years.

Rumors I've heard are that Bowman could see 30-35 plays against Nevada in the season opener, followed by 40-45 on the road against Wake Forest. That would allow him to play almost the full game against USC.

Is that a good plan, however?

Will too much stress on Bowman's knee before he's fully healed cause the knee to break down later in the year?

Does NU need him more in the conference season than against USC?

Which is more important - beating USC in a "program-making" game for Bill Callahan or winning the Big 12 North and playing in the conference title game with a chance to make the BCS?

My personal thought is that although it would be great for national perception to beat USC early in the year, the 2008 recruiting class is nearly complete already. Anything gained from a USC victory would be minimal when compared to a Big 12 title and a BCS game. Who knows? that could possibly net the Huskers another shot at USC in the BCS title game if they can win their other games.

If you hurt Bowman before the conference schedule even starts, the chances of winning the North - let alone the conference - diminish significantly.

I say limit him early to 10-15 against Nevada, 15-20 against Wake, and maybe 30 maximum against USC.

That's my thought anyway.

More Husker recruiting...

Nebraska's commitment list for the 2008 recruiting class continues to grow at an astounding rate. The list is now at 18 members.

As a point of comparison:

• In 2007 that count was only at SIX at the end of July
• In 2006 there were FOUR
• In 2005 there were FIVE

So there are more early commitments in 2008 (18) than in the prior three years combined (15)!

Part of the reason is the trend of recruits taking more unofficial visits and "getting recruiting out of the way" before their senior year begins. I am also convinced that a big reason for the early commitment wave is that the Internet and other instant communications devices (text messaging, instant messaging, etc.) make it easier for recruits to build relationships - nee bonds - with other recruits. The recruiting of other recruits by committed prospects has led to many of NU's 2008 commitments.

Bryce Givens (6-6/257/5.1/OL) and Blaine Gabbert (6-4/226/4.65/QB) were (early on) the most active "recruiters" for NU, with each contributing to the commitments of Sean Fisher (6-5/210/4.6/LB) and Doug Rippy (6-2/218/LB). They also played a part in Trevor Robinson's (6-6/304/5.2/OL) initial commitment, and (I believe) will be instrumental when he recommits to NU.

The real windfall of other recruits' efforts has been realized in the last month, however. The commitments of Rippy, Will Compton (6-2/214/4.5/LB), D.J. Woods (6-0/169/4.35/WR), and Josh Williams (6-2/220/4.8/DE) were all influenced by Gabbert and Givens' work. Rippy was also instrumental in Woods' decision.

Along with those four, three other highly-ranked recruits are all listing NU at or near the top of their lists.

• Kenny Demens (6-1/224/4.6/LB) and Jonas Gray (5-10/232/4.44/RB) of Detroit (Mich.) Country Day both list NU as their No. 1 school right now, and both may be making their choice public within the next week or two.
• D'Anton Lynn (6-1/177/4.48/CB) of Celina (Texas) also has NU on his short list.

All three of those prospects have mentioned the aforementioned "recruiters" in updates on Rivals.com.

• Lynn mentioned Rippy, Woods, and Compton all by name.
• Demens and Gray are old friends themselves, but each has mentioned Gabbert, Rippy, and Compton

Nebraska has 18 (19 if you count Robinson eventually coming back) commitments already, and will not take more than 28 this year. The class is well past half finished. The coaches can now concentrate on keeping the kids they have committed and can actually start working on 2009 kids.

So THIS is what it feels like to be a Texas fan during recruiting season? I like it!

Husker football recruiting

Nebraska's football recruiting class for 2008 is off to a strong start, and just how strong the class could be was made even more evident this past weekend as Rivals.com and Student Sports hosted the NIKE Football Training Camps in Columbia (Mo.) and Boulder (Co.).

On hand in Columbia were Husker commitments Blaine Gabbert (QB from Ballwin, Mo.), Trevor Robinson (OL from Elkhorn, Nebr.) and Dan Hoch (OL from Harlan, Iowa). Another potential Husker target, Omaha Westside tight end Tim Biere, was also in attendance.

As the camp came to a close, the Husker pledges dominated the awards handed out.

Gabbert was named the QB MVP and Robinson the lineman MVP.

Gabbert dominated the camp, and was clearly the top overall player in attendance.

NIKE Camp quarterback coach Bob Johnson said that he expects great things of Gabbert in Lincoln.

"I see him being a great fit what Nebraska does," Johnson said. "He's got every throw and he's strong and physical. When something breaks down, he can also tuck it and run. They're going to throw first there and run second and that's really what I'd like to see him do."

Robinson's footwork and strength were evident as he dominated the line drills.

Hoch was not named MVP, however his style of play is more hands-on and the NIKE camp formats don't really accomodate that style of play. I've seen opinions from people who have seen both players at the same stage of their development comparing Hoch to former Wisconsin and recent first-round draft pick offensive tackle Joe Thomas.

To top the day off in Columbia, Biere (who may receive an NU offer after attending the Husker football camp this June) was named the receiver/tight end MVP. Many recruiting analysts - self included - believe that if Biere receives a Nebraska scholarship offer he will commit on the spot. Analysts in attendance said that Biere clearly had the best hands of any receiving prospect at the camp - receiver or tight end.

NIKE moved to Boulder the following day, and Husker pledge - Bryce Givens (OL from Denver, Colo.) - was again named the lineman MVP.

At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds Givens has room to grow. His footwork and quickness reminded some analysts more of a skill position player than an offensive lineman.

Despite his commitment to Nebraska, other schools have not stopped recruiting Givens. In fact, he received an offer from Texas not long before the camp. He's still committed to NU, but said he will take an unofficial visit to Austin.

Givens did state that he's "99.9 percent" sure he's going to stick with Nebraska. That "0.1 percent" is enough to scare most Husker recruit-nicks who remember Reggie Smith, A.J. Wallace, and Travis Lewis flipping on or near Signing Day in recent years after professing their love for the Big Red.

Givens' teammate Jimmy Miller (6-3, 290 OL) also showed well as the runner up for lineman MVP honors. Miller - like Biere - is hoping for a Husker scholarship offer following his upcoming camp trip. He grew up a Husker fan, and his mother is from the Lincoln bedroom community of Waverly. With Aaron Schulte not qualifying academically the Husker staff could take another lineman for '08, and Miller could fill the bill.

The 2008 recruiting class is off to an amazing start for Nebraska. They have a good shot at finishing with a top ten and possibly a top five-ranked class when all is said and done.

Mo Purify pre-trial diversion

from the Omaha World Herald:

LINCOLN - Nebraska receiver Maurice Purify has been authorized to
participate in a pre-trial diversion program, which would make it unlikely that
formal charges would be filed against him in Lancaster County court for his
arrest nearly four weeks ago.

Chief City Prosecutor John McQuinn said his office, after reviewing police
reports, agreed to pre-trial diversion at the request of Purify's attorney, Jon
Braaten. As of Wednesday, however, McQuinn said nothing has been arranged
yet.

Purify is scheduled for a June 7 appearance in Lancaster County
court."

At the present time, we assume that he won't be going to court if he
participates in pre-trial diversion," McQuinn said. "If something should happen
and if he elects not to participate, then our office would probably reassign him
a court date."

It's unclear how pre-trial diversion might affect any team discipline
handed down by Nebraska coach Bill Callahan. In a statement after Purify's
arrest, Callahan said he was "very concerned about this current situation" but
wouldn't comment further until the matter went through the legal process.

Lincoln police charged Purify with two counts of assault, resisting arrest,
trespassing and failure to comply after a May 5 incident at a downtown Lincoln
bar. Purify allegedly threw a man over a table and hit him several times, and
allegedly also struck the victim's girlfriend.

Purify was the Huskers' second-leading receiver last season, catching 34
passes for 630 yards and seven touchdowns.

MY THOUGHTS:
I had hoped that this case would actually go to trial so that the truth could come out and Purify could be exonerated in public. With pre-trial diversion, people (both locally and nationally) will think that "another Nebraska football player got over on the justice system".

From what I've heard from people with knowledge of what really happened, the only place Mo was in the wrong was refusing to offer his hands to the police when ordered to do so. He resisted arrest in that manner, but that is all that he did wrong from the reports I've heard.

He did not start the altercation, and he did not hit the woman.

There were multiple witnesses willing to testify to those same facts also, which I'm guessing is why Lancaster County is not pressing the issue. They know they have only one charge - resisting arrest .

I guess Purify is correct to take that pre-trial diversion, because even though it's a "non-violent resisting arrest" (my term, not legal), it would still go on his pemanent record and follow him the rest of his life.

I just wish he could have been publically exonerated on the more serious charges that he was crucified on in the court of public opinion.

May 23, 2007

Big 12 baseball began today, and after watching Nebraska in person this season I began the day less than optimistic about their chances to win the tournament. Of course my concern was unwarranted, as the 'Skers used a better start from Tony Watson and solid relief from Matt Faust to overcome a potent Texas A&M lineup (and painful home plate umpiring) to post a 5-3 victory in Oklahoma City.


Less than a week after posting his shortest outing in a Husker uniform (1 2/3 innings), Watson pitched into the sixth inning. Faust allowed only one run on four hits (two infield singles) in 3 2/3 innings to finish the game.


What does the 1-0 start in the tournament mean for the Big Red? It probably ensures that they'll get a bid to a regional, but that was pretty much in the bag before today's game.

The big question is can they get a home regional? It's very doubtful unless they can win the tournament without a loss. They do have a strong RPI and their schedule strength has been rated the toughest in the nation at times, however 23 losses doesn't usually lead to a home regional. With a tournament sweep they would be 33-23 on the year.


Of course as Jim Rose said on the radio broadcast today, Bricktown Ballpark has been NU's "personal playground". After today's victory, the Huskers are 24-4 in tournament play there.

More important than a home regional would be the momentum that could be gained from winning the tournament or even just advancing to the title game. That would likely mean beating Texas, which would be a tremendous confidence boost to the team. Baseball can be a funny game, and a team on a roll in May/June is a good thing to have!

Will we be looking at this type of celebration at the end of the weekend? Who knows?

NU now advances to face No. 8 seed Kansas State at 7:30 PM CDT Thursday before taking on top-seeded Texas at 1:00 Saturday.