Huskers 411

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Washington Huskies step Saturday into one of college football's most tradition-laden venues, Nebraska's Memorial Stadium, where 81,091 attend every game, forming the storied Sea of Red.

No better place, then, for the Huskies to emerge completely from the depths.

While Saturday's 12:30 p.m. (PDT) kickoff against Nebraska marks an obvious opportunity for UW to claim victory in its three-game "series" with the Cornhuskers, the bigger picture might be that it also gives the Huskies a chance to pronounce themselves back on college football's main stage, three years after going 0-12.

Washington has quietly — at least, outside of Seattle — won six games in a row, tied for the fourth-longest winning streak in the nation. It's the longest for the Huskies since 2001, when they were coming off their last Rose Bowl appearance.

Proof, however, that not everyone is sold on the Huskies is found in the 17-point spread favoring Nebraska.

Countered UW coach Steve Sarkisian, 14-13 in his Washington career: "I don't think it's a fluke that we're on a six-game winning streak right now. I think that we're getting better."

Consider this game a chance to prove that to the nation.

"This would be a game that would definitely help us out in that area," said receiver Jermaine Kearse. "This is definitely a game that can do that for us."

The trick now is getting it done.

The Huskies found a recipe last December for beating Nebraska — contain quarterback Taylor Martinez and force the Cornhuskers to throw, and control the ball on offense.

But just as Nebraska found that UW adjusted to its game plan from last September to December, the Huskies are sure to find a Nebraska team throwing out a few new wrinkles.

The biggest change might be a healthy Martinez, who had a sore ankle during the Holiday Bowl that slowed him considerably.

That helped the Huskies hem him in. But Martinez is back to the form he showed last September, when the Cornhuskers beat Washington 56-21 at Husky Stadium. And Nebraska has tweaked its offense to highlight Martinez's running even more.

Sarkisian, though, says what worked in the Holiday Bowl can work again for UW's defense.

"Guys did their jobs, held their ground, stayed in their gap, stayed keyed on their assignment and made the plays when they came to them, and made their tackles," Sarkisian said.

Washington's defensive line was dominant in the Holiday Bowl and could have an edge again, with four new starters on Nebraska's offensive line. And Martinez is not an accomplished passer, which could mitigate UW's biggest defensive weakness so far, its inability to stop the pass.

Washington quarterback Keith Price threw four touchdown passes in last week's victory over Hawaii. And with Nebraska featuring a remade secondary, the Huskies might try to throw the ball against the Cornhuskers more than they did last year, when they completed just 10 passes in the two games. Washington also has Chris Polk to turn to again, assuming Washington's youthful line can stand up to Nebraska's stout defensive front.

A third meeting in a year means there aren't likely to be a lot of secrets. But Washington's win in the Holiday Bowl was widely attributed to motivation, and not any scheme. The Huskies wanted to be there and Nebraska didn't, having higher aspirations and having played in that bowl the year before.

Nebraska players don't deny it. Running back Rex Burkhead said attitude is one thing that is different about this team than the one UW played last season.

"We have great team chemistry this year," Burkhead said, saying he thought that was lacked at times the past two years,. "It's the best it's been since I've been here."

The characterization that Nebraska didn't care about the Holiday bowl, however, chafes at the Huskies.

"Everybody said that game, the Holiday Bowl, they weren't ready," said UW defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu. "I feel everybody is ready, especially in a bowl game."

So while the common assumption might be that it's Nebraska that has the motivation this time, the Huskies say they have a lot on the line, as well.

"This game is a game for us to prove that we can continue where we left off at last year and still play at that level," Ta'amu said.

Note

• This week's uniform twist: The Huskies will wear their black pants.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com

Nebraska is a 17-point favorite for Saturday's game against the Huskies, one of the biggest spreads favoring an opponent over the Huskies in recent years. A look at the largest spreads favoring opponents in nonconference road games since 1985:

Nov. 24, 2001/Miami by 24/Hurricanes won 65-7

Sept. 9, 2006/Oklahoma by 17/Sooners won 37-20

Saturday/Nebraska by 17/#

Dec. 1, 2007/Hawaii by 14/Rainbows won 35-28

Sept. 24, 1994/Miami by 14/Huskies won 38-20

Sept. 26, 1998/Nebraska by 13 1-2/Cornhuskers won 55-7

Gary Dougherty

<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2016227827_uwfb17.html?prmid=head_maintag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2016227827_uwfb17.html?prmid=head_mainSat, 17 Sep 2011 03:06:30 GMT 00:00">Third meeting with Nebraska in a year is a chance for Huskies to prove something

OMAHA, Neb. -- While many of his fans in Nebraska are outraged, Tommie Frazier says he's not upset that he didn't get elected to the College Football Hall of Fame this year.

Frazier said Tuesday that he didn't pay much attention to the selection process and he can't be mad about an outcome he couldn't control.

Frazier and offensive lineman Will Shields were the only former Nebraska players among the 79 candidates on the Football Bowl Subdivision ballot. Shields was among the 14 former players chosen for induction.

Frazier quarterbacked the Cornhuskers to perfect seasons and national championships in 1994-95. He was the 1995 Heisman Trophy runner-up.

Frazier said his feelings aren't hurt. He said it was an honor to be on the ballot for the first time.

<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/15073833/exhusker-frazier-maybe-next-yeartag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/15073833/exhusker-frazier-maybe-next-yearTue, 17 May 2011 23:26:05 GMT 00:00">Ex-Husker Frazier: Maybe next year

LINCOLN, Neb. –  Nebraska draws one of the biggest crowds in the country for its spring game and this year the fans want to see the new offense the Cornhuskers are taking into the Big Ten

<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/04/16/pelini-says-nebraska-wont-fancy-spring-game/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/04/16/pelini-says-nebraska-wont-fancy-spring-game/Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:03:11 GMT 00:00">Pelini says Nebraska won't be fancy in spring game

Cathedral City, Calif. – The University of Nevada softball team (3-9) upset the No. 18 Nebraska (12-2) Cornhuskers in its first of two games Saturday at the Cathedral City Classic.

The Wolf Pack will take on Fordham in its second game, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Weather has been a factor in delaying the start time of games throughout the day Saturday however, which may lead to a late start this evening.

Mallary Darby got the start in the circle for Nevada against the Huskers, going seven complete, allowing five hits and striking out five to improve to 3-5 on the season.

The first two innings went by without much action, as neither team scored a run. The Pack got started in the fourth, exploding for five runs on four hits, including a Lauren Lastrapes grand slam.

Later in the inning, Kortnee Wiley singled to score Megan Fincher after the Pack loaded the bases for a second time in the frame. Bailey Brewer was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on the play to end the inning.

The Lastrapes grand slam was her second homer of the year and the first of the four-run variety for any Pack hitter in 2011. This also marked the second career grand slam for Lastrapes. The first one occurred April 16, 2010 at New Mexico State. This was Nevada’s first grand slam since Lastrapes hit her first career shot against NMSU.

The Huskers scored once in the fifth, as Darby was able to get a groundout to end the inning and leave two Nebraska runners stranded at the corners. She pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth as well, getting back-to-back hitters to ground out after Nebraska put runners at second and third with only one out.

Good defense and stellar pitching from Darby from Nevada squashed any chance Nebraska had for a comeback, and secured Nevada’s third win of the year.

<a href="http://www.kolotv.com/sports/headlines/Pack_Softball_Stuns_No_18_Nebraska_116992163.html?ref=163tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.kolotv.com/sports/headlines/Pack_Softball_Stuns_No_18_Nebraska_116992163.html?ref=163Sun, 27 Feb 2011 02:22:26 GMT 00:00">Pack Softball Stuns No. 18 Nebraska

Aggie men celebrate with their Big 12 trophy LINCOLN, Nebraska ? Texas A&M men rolled to an impressive team victory, scoring 134 points and winning by 28, to claim a first-ever Big 12 Indoor track and field team championship in front of 2,573 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

BIG 12 INDOOR TEAM SCORING
Men: 1. Texas A&M 134; 2. Oklahoma 106; 3. Nebraska 99.5; 4. Texas 95; 5. Texas Tech 57.5; 6. Baylor 53; 7. Oklahoma State 47; 8. Kansas State 42.5; 9. Missouri 40; 10. Iowa State 24; 11. Kansas 23.5; 12. Colorado 17.

Women: 1. Nebraska 115.5; 2. Texas A&M 101; 3. Texas 96.5; 4. Texas Tech 90; 5. Oklahoma 76.5; 6. Iowa State 66.5; 7. Baylor 42; 8. Kansas 40; 9. Kansas State 35; 10. Oklahoma State 30; 11. Colorado 29; 12. Missouri 19.

It's the first conference indoor championship for the Texas A&M men's program since a Southwest Conference team title in 1980. The Aggies have been second twice (1998, 2001) in the Big 12 and third the past two years.

Meanwhile, the Aggie women had its four-year conference indoor winning streak snapped by host Nebraska, 115.5 to 101.

"It's a big win for our men and great meet by our ladies, who just ran out of bullets," Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry said. "On the men's side we really hit well and did the things we were capable of doing. Nebraska did a great job to win the women's title."

Texas A&M's winning total is the second best score in Big 12 history, trailing a 141.67 the Cornhuskers produced in 2004. In three other years the winning tally of 132 was generated by Nebraska in 1997, 2003, and 2005.

A&M generated 86 of its points on Saturday in five running events and the triple jump. That enabled them to pull away from defending champion Oklahoma (106) as well as Nebraska (99.5) and Texas (95).

The Cornhusker women accumulated 40.5 points in four of the field events held on the second day of the conference meet, including 19 in the pole vault. Texas (96.5) placed third in team scoring while Texas Tech (90) finished fourth.

A&M's Jessica Beard and Jeneba Tarmoh shared high-point honors as each totaled 20.5 points on the weekend. Beard also became the first female to claim four titles in an event at the Big 12 Indoor meet as she powered to a commanding 51.68 victory in the 400 meters.

Tarmoh won the 200 in a world-leading 22.88 and finished second in the 60 (7.29). Beard earned silver in the 200 for a second straight year, clocking 23.05.

The duo of Tarmoh and Beard teamed up in the 4 x 400 as the Aggies set a Big 12 meet record of 3:32.85 in winning the event for the fifth consecutive year. Also on the relay were Ibukun Mayungbe and Andrea Sutherland. They broke a meet record of 3:34.67 set by Texas in 2003 and also surpassed the A&M mark of 3:33.20 set on an oversize track in 2010.

Big points for the Aggie men arrived early with Wayne Davis II recording a career best of 7.75 to claim a silver medal in the 60 hurdles. Davis moved past Larry Wade (7.77) on the Aggie all-time list, becoming the No. 4 performer with the No. 7 performance.

Then A&M scored double digits in the 60 (16), 600 (18), 400 (10), triple jump (14), 800 (14) and 200 (14). Then the Aggies closed out the meet with a second consecutive Big 12 Indoor victory in the 4 x 400.

The A&M crew of Bryan Miller, Demetrius Pinder, Tabarie Henry and Michael Preble improved the Aggies indoor winning streak to nine meets as they posted a 3:07.14 to defeat Baylor (3:07.55) and Texas Tech (3:08.46).

Amid those big scoring events for A&M Henry won the 600 yards in 1:08.71 over teammate Preble (1:08.94) and Joey Roberts lowered his school record in claiming the 800 with a stellar 1:48.89.

"We had big performances across the board and had some surprises from a couple of athletes," Aggie coach Henry noted. "The 800 is an area where we are trying to make some improvements.

"Joey Roberts is one guy I'm as proud of as anybody. This time last year he was laying on the track knowing we could have won this meet if he just would have done what he was capable of doing. Then he comes back and wins the race this year. That's big."

Roberts noted: "This has been a process and a learning experience. Finally I have the recognition to know what I'm doing. Finally I got it, and did it when it mattered. What an accomplishment for our team. I'm honored and thankful that I was able to contribute to this team championship."

Silver medal efforts were produced Gerald Phiri in the 60 (6.64) and 200 (21.14), with Tran Howell (21.16) third, as well as Demetrius Pinder in the 400 (46.50) and Julian Reid in the triple jump (52-11).

Additional Aggie points were claimed by Prezel Hardy, Jr. (6.71) and Michael Bryan (6.80) claiming fourth and sixth in the 60. Oscar Ramirez ran 1:50.60 for fifth in the 800. Bryan Miller had a collision at the end of the first lap in his 400 section, but got up and earned two points by finishing seventh.

Behind Reid in the triple jump were Melvin Echard (51-2.75) and Tyron Stewart (51-0.75), who placed fifth and seventh for the A&M. In the high jump Tyler Lee set a career best of 6-11 for fifth place while Cameron Alexander tied for sixth (6-9).

Beard lowered the Big 12 meet record and A&M school record for marks made on a 200-meter track. She topped a 52.23 set by Raasin McInstosh of Texas in 2004 as well as her own mark of 51.77 run during the 2009 NCAA Championship.

Last season Beard recorded a Big 12 Indoor winning time of 51.15, the fastest time by an American on an oversized track.

"Jeneba and I always push each other, so it's special to share the high-point honor with her," Beard said. "We didn't win the team title, but we did our best. I wanted to lower my school record on this size track, so that was the main goal of mine in the 400."

Tarmoh came very close to breaking the meet record in the 200 as her 22.88, the No. 2 performer and No. 5 performance on the Aggie all-time list, just missed the 22.86 that was set by Sanya Richards of Texas in 2004 and equaled by A&M's Porscha Lucas in 2008.

"I didn't reach my PR in the 60, but I was able to in the 200," said Tarmoh. "I still feel like I have a little more there. We'll see what happens at nationals. It's very interesting to know I'm that close to Porscha and Sanya with my time in the 200. It means a lot to me."

This was the fifth consecutive title won by Texas A&M in the women's 200 at the Big 12 Indoor meet. Simone Facey won in 2007 and then Lucas secured three titles (2008, 2009, 2010) and Tarmoh claimed the fifth crown in the event.

In the 60 hurdles the A&M combo of Natasha Ruddock (8.20) and Gabby Mayo (8.33) finished second and third behind an impressive win by Baylor freshman Tiffani McReynolds (8.11).

Dominique Duncan finished fourth in both the 60 (7.34) and 200 (23.25). Mayunbge placed fifth in the 400 with a career best of 53.56. Mayo added a seventh in the 60 while Ashley Collier placed seventh in the 200.

In the middle distance events Sutherland posted a career best of 1:21.30 for fourth in the 600 yards while Erica Parker (2:10.99) placed fifth in the 800 while Aliese Hyde (2:14.49) finished eighth.

Sasha-Kay Matthias (41-7.25) and Tiffany Peters (41-5.75) went sixth and seventh in the triple jump.

<a href="http://www.trackalerts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4002:texas-aam-men-capture-big-12-title-&catid=3806:lead-stories&Itemid=82tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.trackalerts.com/index.php?option=com_content">Texas A&M men capture Big 12 title

Interim Colorado coach Brian Cabral said his team faces one of its biggest challenges of a season that has been filled with them this week at Nebraska, and a huge part of that is preparing for two Cornhusker quarterbacks.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said on the Big 12 Conference coaches' teleconference this morning he doesn't know if freshman Taylor Martinez will be available against the Buffs.

“It's a little too early to say right now,” Pelini said. “He got beat up a little bit the last week, and it's too early in the week to really say. It's probably a day-to-day thing. I would expect by the end of the week he's going to be available.”

Martinez was hurt against Texas A&M when an offensive lineman stepped on his ankle. He returned to the game but the Cornhuskers lost 9-6.

“Without a doubt, we are going to have to prepare for two quarterbacks,” Cabral said. “They've played two quarterbacks throughout the season. Martinez, this much I do know, that's the guy you have to stop. We've got to be prepared for both.”

If Martinez is not able to play against the Buffs, Nebraska could turn to either Cody Green or Zac Lee. Green would be the most likely option. He has played in seven games this season and Lee has played in four contests.

But Martinez is the engine of the entire

Nebraska system, and the Cornhuskers have proven to be much less effective when he is not available. He has run for 974 yards and 12 touchdowns and has passed for 1,435 yards and nine scores.

“You've got to expect his best,” Cabral said. “The most dangerous animal is a wounded animal. Going into this game, I wouldn't doubt that his ankle gets miraculously better for whatever reason. I wouldn't doubt that we'll see his best. He's a great competitor. There is a reason why they've won a lot of games. I will not underestimate the competitor in that guy.”

The setback last week against Texas A&M put Nebraska in a must-win position this week against the Buffs if they hope to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 title and a BCS bowl game. The Cornhuskers are also dealing with the distraction surrounding their head coach, who was caught multiple times by television cameras last week berating officials and Martinez on the sidelines.

Those clips led to Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman saying he planned to talk to Pelini about his behavior and it also led to speculation that Martinez plans to leave the program. Pelini said that rumor is inaccurate.

Pelini said the game is significant for both teams above and beyond the fact it is the final edition in the series and the last as conference rivals.

“It's going to be a heck of a challenge for our football team,” Pelini said. “They're playing well and we have a lot on the line.”

Cabral met with media members at the Dal Ward today instead of the normal Tuesday luncheon because this week's schedule is different with the game on Friday. Much of the focus of his 30 minutes with the media was on his two weeks leading the program, his history with the CU-Nebraska rivalry and how he is learning and evolving in his role as interim head coach.

Cabral said he has proven to himself over the past two weeks what he believed all along, that he can handle the role of head football coach at a BCS school.

“I can lead,” Cabral said. “I can inspire.”

Notable

Colorado tailback Rodney Stewart was named Big 12 Conference offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a career best 195 yards and two touchdowns and also throwing for his first career touchdown in a win over Kansas State. It is the second straight week CU has had the offensive player of the week in the conference. Quarterback Cody Hawkins earned the award last week.

<a href="http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_16680289?source=most_viewedtag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_16680289?source=most_viewedTue, 23 Nov 2010 00:22:24 GMT 00:00">CU Buffs preparing for two Cornhusker QBs on Friday

By Terry Tush
GoPokes.com
October 21, 2010

Bill Young has long been considered one of college footballs top defensive coordinators, and Mike Gundy was fortunate to lure him back to Oklahoma State, Youngs alma mater prior to the 2009 season. Since his arrival back in Stillwater, the Oklahoma State defense has adopted a hit em in the mouth attitude that was missing from previous Cowboy teams.

The Cowboys allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards per game a year ago in Youngs first season directing the defense the first time since 1983 that an OSU squad had held opponents below the 100-yard mark for the season.

Oklahoma State hasnt been as stingy against the run game in 2010 allowing more than 124 yards per game (which ranks No. 36 in the nation) but thats because the pair of Shane Jarka and Chris Donaldson havent been on the field much together.

The two senior defensive tackles were both injured during the first 13 plays of OSUs season opener against Washington State on Sept. 4. Donaldson returned from a sprained ankle the next week and has not missed any games. Jarka, however, had minor knee surgery days after the Washington State game and is slowly getting his strength back. He missed two games before returning to play against Texas A&M on Sept. 30, but then sat out another game prior to last weeks win over Texas Tech.

Young says its critical that Jarka is back for 15th-ranked Oklahoma States showdown against No. 13 Nebraska on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla.

The Cornhuskers enter the game with the nations fourth-best rushing attack, averaging more than 300 rushing yards per game. Although he was held to 21 yards on 13 carries in last weeks loss to Texas, Husker redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez leads the Nebraska running game with 758 yards on 81 carries, an average of more than nine yards per attempt.

Hes healthy enough to play and not hurt himself, Young said of the 6-3, 295-pound Jarka. Hes not 100 percent but hes better than 50 percent, but his 50 percent is a pretty good darn player.

The battle between Nebraskas offensive line and the Cowboy defensive line, namely Jarka and Donaldson, will determine if Martinez and the Cornhusker offense get back on track.

Its going to be critical. The difference in this game is going to be up front, their offensive line against our defensive line. They are very, very good on the offensive line, said Young.

Jarka has seen enough of Martinez to know what he can do. The speedster already this season has accounted for the top four rushing games in school history by a freshman quarterback, including his 241-yard, four-touchdown performance against Kansas State earlier this month.

Theyve got a couple of quarterbacks who can move around a little bit but nobody that really runs it like Martinez does, said Jarka. That boy can run. He can flat fly.

Im sure were going to be watching him the whole game and making sure were on him 24/7 because hes definitely going to make plays because hes so fast. Well definitely be watching him.

Martinez had done most of his damage this season by running the zone read but Texas was able to shut that down by playing man-to-man coverage with its cornerbacks and placing its other nine defenders near the line of scrimmage. The Cornhuskers never found a way to get Martinez loose.

Oklahoma State is ranked 92nd in total defense after playing mostly pass-first, run-second offenses throughout the first half of the season. Thats not what theyll see from the Cornhuskers.

Im looking forward to (a run offense) because thats the type of offense we want to play, said Jarka. We want to be known as a hard-nosed defense and be able to stop the run like we have in the past. Thats what we look forward to doing.

Thus, Young will be counting on Jarka and Donaldson to create havoc in the middle of the line when Martinez or running backs Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead look for running room.

I think its going to be a big part because if they cant run between the tackles then that just kind of shuts down their run game. Since they do run the zone read so much, theyll have to resort to something else. If we can stop the run then we can stop everything, said Jarka.

Jarka said the Cornhuskers shouldnt expect to see anything fancy from the Cowboys as they try to shut down Martinez and his zone read game on Saturday.

Its taking your assignment and playing your gap, and being gap sound is the main key. Whoever has the quarterback has the quarterback, whoever has the dive has the dive. As long as you play your responsibilities, youll shut down the run, said Jarka.

(Terry Tush is publisher of GoPokes.com. Follow the Oklahoma State Cowboys on the GoPokes Facebook page, and the GoPokesmagazine page on Twitter.)

<a href="http://www.foxsportshouston.com/10/21/10/Jarka-back-in-action-for-Cowboys/landing.html?blockID=336411&feedID=3714tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.foxsportshouston.com/10/21/10/Jarka-back-in-action-for-Cowboys/landing.html?blockID=336411">Jarka back in action for Cowboys

By Josh Sumner

The Wauneta Breeze

As hot summer days distill into cool autumn evenings, signs of fall swirl in the serene Nebraska air.

Soon our senses will be treated to the aroma of chili simmering on the stovetop. The leaves on maple trees will crisp and chameleon from emeralds to apricots.

Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers and Digital Natives will bridge the gap between timelines as they press close under blankets and layers of sweatshirts.

Those without the fear of frostbite will paint letters on their chest and yell from the nosebleeds in support of their beloved high school, collegiate or pro football team.

Fall and football — no two seasons go more hand-in-hand.

Here in Nebraska, where the Cornhuskers are the closest thing to a professional sports team, football season is doubly important.

From Bridgeport to Falls City, the locals have patiently waited more than eight months for Big Red football, and now they wait no more.

Over 85,000 fans crammed inside Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the season opener as the Huskers crushed Western Kentucky 49-10. It was the 305th consecutive sellout at the heralded “Cathedral of College Football.”

While they wait for the next game against Idaho to kickoff on Saturday, diehards debate their first impressions of the performance of the team.

“Is new quarterback Taylor Martinez the real deal?” asks one farmer to another.

“Will the Blackshirt Defense be as effective when challenged by the formidable offenses of teams like Texas, Oklahoma State and Missouri?” questions a UNL alumnus.

Yes, Husker football will be the talk of the state for the next several months.

And although it will always be at the forefront of conversation, it’s not just Husker football with which Nebraskans are obsessed.

Regionally, it’s also Mavs football, and Lopers football, and Wildcat football, and Eagles football, and Tigers football. Locally, the conversation will bounce between the Broncos, Longhorns, Cardinals, Bison and the like.

I’ve observed the knowledge and passion Nebraska football fans possess when they speak. Simply put, they know what they’re talking about. They aren’t the type of fan that will jump down your throat when they disagree with you.

Calmly, confidently and with a certain degree of grace, fans can explain to you why they believe the Huskers are the team to beat this season. Reminiscent of the Nebraska athletic director, head coach and players whose attire is scarlet and cream, they exemplify the adage of letting their actions do the speaking.

Yes, football season is upon us here in Nebraska. Join me as I sit back and enjoy the ride.

<a href="http://www.waunetanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2197:sideline-report-football-season-takes-state-by-storm&catid=30:sports&Itemid=54tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.waunetanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content">SIDELINE REPORT: Football season takes state by storm

KU chancellor asks Nebraska to stay The Nebraska-Kansas rivalry in football, lopsided as it is with the Huskers holding a 90-23-3 all-time mark, is a survivor.

The teams played in 1919 during the influenza epidemic. They met in 1920 when every team in the old Missouri Valley Conference refused to schedule the Cornhuskers because Nebraska wanted to play its home games in Omaha. The Jayhawks stood by their neighbor and played to a rare nonloss — a 20-20 tie that helped inspire fund-raising for Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.

Now, Kansas is asking Nebraska to keep alive the relationship as conference members.

Kansas chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little told the Associated Press that she had reached out to Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman and planned to do the same with Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton, urging them to remain in the Big 12 and spurn a potential offer from the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Baylor president Kenneth Starr — yes, the same attorney who investigated Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky — spoke with reporters on Monday and said he “emphatically supports” the Big 12.

KU, Baylor urge status quo The Kansas City Star

The changing landscape of college football may head into a new phase: schedule massaging.

UCLA playing Nebraska in a home-and-home series, starting in 2012, seemed a good fit until last week. Now, it would be a Pac-10 (or Pac-Whatever) vs. Big Ten (will they still refuse to count and continue with the Big Ten brand name?) matchup.

That may have both schools rethinking the plan.

UCLA officials will contact Nebraska officials Monday to see if the Cornhuskers wish to withdraw from the games, according to a UCLA source familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak on the subject.

The Bruins still want the game, but an opportunity to play defending national champion Alabama in a neutral-site season opener in 2012 has developed.

Playing Nebraska and Alabama in the same season would be a brutal nonconference road, especially if Texas and Oklahoma join the "Pac-Whatever." But if the Cornhuskers opt out, the Bruins and Crimson Tide probably will have a date.

-- Chris Fosterchris.foster@latimes.comtwitter.com/cfosterlatimes

UCLA football: Is Nebraska out and Alabama in?