I'm sure there are a number of fans that wondered what happened last Saturday, and why the Huskers didn't bring their West Coast offense to the West Coast. Don't ask me, I'm puzzled too...but you can check the post-game comments at the links below for some explanations. But it was apparent to those of us in the stands that we were outmatched for most of the game. We had a few glimmers of hope in the first and third quarters, but mistakes by the Huskers and error free football by USC were part of the reason for the 28-10 loss. Of course we get another shot at them next year when they come to our house!
This Saturday's game against Troy should result in a different outcome, but remember this is also a team that really shook up the Seminoles when they almost beat them a couple of weeks ago, and has given us fits in past years too. Definitely not an offense to take lightly. Lets hope the secondary tightens up and keeps this team of Trojans from outscoring the Huskers.
Lots to read below so I'll cut this short. Suffice it to say that those who went to the game still had a great time and we brought back some good photos and great memories of the other festivities leading up to the game.
Go Big Red (White and Blue),
Carl
Watch Sites for the Troy Game:
According to Steve Curry, our watch site coordinator for Final-Final, it doesn't look like the owner of this watch site in San Francisco will be paying for the $400 PPV feed for the game. I also doubt that Knuckles in Monterey will pay for it either.
But I talked with Kurt at Jack's Brewing Company in Fremont and they will definitely be showing the game at their brewpub. And since the game is on during Dinner, they will also add Prime Rib to the menu again just for us beef-eatin' Husker fans. In the past Legends in Concord has picked up the tab for the PPV so I will assume they will have the game on too. So if you don't want to pay the $30 for your own PPV subscription at home, come on out to Jack's or Legends to watch the game with other Husker fans. We'll be passing the hat again to help the owners of these great watchsites defray their expense for showing the game. Kickoff is at 4:10 Pacific time, so get there early to grab a good seat.
See you there!!!
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BIG RED REVIEW: HUSKERS FIGHT TO FINISH AT USC...
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
Zac Taylor pulled the Huskers within 21-10 in the fourth quarter on his one-yard touchdown run.
Big Red Review is your source for a complete postgame recap of No. 19 Nebraska's 28-10 loss at No. 4 USC on Saturday. Huskers.com provides a complete game story, statistics, notes, quotes and photos from the game.
Nebraska vs. USC Recap
Nebraska vs. USC Final Game Statistics (HTML)
Nebraska Head Coach Bill Callahan Postgame Quotes
Nebraska Player Quotes
Nebraska Postgame Notes
USC Postgame Notes
USC Head Coach Pete Carroll Postgame Quotes
USC Player Quotes
Nebraska Season Statistics
2006 Season Photo Gallery
Here's part of the recap to get you started...
Los Angeles - The No. 19 Nebraska football team battled No. 4 USC to the end, but the Huskers came up short in a 28-10 loss to the Trojans at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday.
Playing in front of a sellout crowd that included between 25,000 and 30,000 Big Red fans and an ABC national primetime television audience, the Huskers kept the Trojans within striking distance. Nebraska trailed just 21-10 after senior quarterback Zac Taylor went untouched into the end zone on a naked bootleg on fourth-and-goal inside the USC 1.
But the Trojans, who have played in the last three national championship games with titles in 2003 and 2004 and opened this season with a 50-14 victory at Arkansas, closed the door on Nebraska's upset hopes with a 14-play, 81-yard drive that consumed more than six minutes of the clock on the ensuing drive to produce the final result.
Nebraska slipped to 2-1 on the season with the setback, while the Trojans improved to 2-0.
Nebraska Head Coach Bill Callahan said he was proud of the Huskers' effort and determination against the Trojans, but added that Nebraska was unable to come up with any big plays offensively or defensively against USC.
"I want to congratulate USC on an outstanding game. We have great respect for them. You saw an effort by Nebraska that was outstanding in so many respects," Callahan said. "I thought our special teams were excellent. At times, we ran the ball physically. Our defense played well at times, but we didn’t come up with the big plays when we needed to.
"Our guys competed hard against one of the best teams in the country, but when you compete against teams like this, the margin for error is minute. We had critical penalties and mistakes."
USC COACH PETE CARROLL'S POST GAME COMMENTS
...Opening Statement
"We’re really proud of this win tonight, to win like that. The Coliseum was just beautiful tonight, just a real special place tonight. It was a good game to win."
(On the play of the defense)
"Just a great effort on their part. The D was great all night. We had a really good style. The defense really sent a message tonight. Everyone was out there flying and contributing. It is a young unit, but it’s really building. If we take care of the ball on offense, we have a chance to be really good."
(On the play of the defensive front seven)
"The whole group was swarming out there. The front seven really got after it. They played with great emotion and a ton of intensity. It’s just a great group up front."
(On the play of the safeties)
"Taylor (Mays) survived out there. He did a heck of a job for us out there. (Kevin) Ellison really answered the call for us. Nothing was going to stop him from playing tonight and he really helped Taylor out there with the calls."
(On the play of WR Dwayne Jarrett and QB John David Booty)
"Jarrett was just great tonight. You could see him really coming this week in practice. John David recognized the coming as well. They were just on fire. Both of them played really well. I’m proud of them."
(On the loss of FB Ryan Powdrell)
"It is just a sad, sad injury. It is a big loss to this team. We are really going to miss him out there. We send our love out to him."
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HUSKER MIGRATION AND HUSKERPEDIA EVENTS MADE UP FOR THE LOSS...
As my wife Karen said, the price of the trip and the pain of the loss were more than made up by the opportunity to enjoy some pre-game festivities, visit with a number of former players, coaches, and cheer on the team with a bunch of great Husker fans. Our hats are off to David (Big Red) Max and his family who put the whole thing together...fantastic events...THANKS DAVID! See the link to his Thank You message and a couple of Karen's photos (we got the skipper of John Wayne's boat to put our autographed flag on the bow mast of the Wild Goose)...
Thank you to all the people who participated in the HuskerPedia USC events.
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HUSKERS FALL IN POLLS...
Nebraska drops to #23 in the AP poll and #24 in the coaches' poll.
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HUSKERS PREPPING FOR WIDE-OPEN TROY OFFENSE...
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
Stewart Bradley (34), a key force behind the Blackshirts in 2006, had 10 tackles against USC.
In a two-hour, full-pads workout inside Memorial Stadium Wednesday evening, the Nebraska football team continued preparations for Saturday night’s game against Troy. As the game draws closer, the Huskers continue to focus on the Trojans’ spread offense, which passed for 271 yards in a 24-17 loss at Florida State on Sept. 9
“They’re very similar to Texas Tech,” head coach Bill Callahan said. “They have big line splits, they’re very vertical in their pass routes, and they have a lot of three and four-wide receiver sets. Overall, their general philosophy is to put skill people in space, get the ball to them and let them make plays. We’re very familiar with that. We have to be really alert this week, not only with coming out and making plays on those very simple plays that are executed, but also the trickery off those base plays.”
With the Trojans sending more wide receivers onto the field, Nebraska defensively may look to feature more nickel and dime defenses.
“You certainly can run more nickel and dime,” Callahan said. “It’s predicated on the down and distance and how you want to match up and what coverages you want to feature.”
Among the key players in the Huskers’ defense is senior linebacker Stewart Bradley, who has recovered from a knee injury that forced him to miss the last seven games in 2005, to be tied with Corey McKeon for the team lead with 17 tackles. Bradley led the Huskers with a season-high 10 tackles against USC last Saturday.
“I think he’s done a lot better in some respects this year,” Callahan said. “He’s shown the ability to play the coverages that we’ve asked him to. He’s coming off the edge well. He’s a lot stronger.”
On offense, Nebraska will continue to rely on the strong of junior center Brett Byford, who will make his third straight start in the place of Kurt Mann.
“Brett’s done a really nice job for us,” Callahan said. “He’s stepped up at the center position since Kurt’s gone down. He’s handled everything including the communication at the line. He’s competed at a high level. He’s been really consistent for us. We’ve been fortunate that he’s done well. It’s a tribute to Coach (Dennis) Wagner and the job he’s done.”
Nebraska will continue preparations for the Troy game with an afternoon practice tomorrow at Memorial Stadium.
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KANSAS GAME TO BE TELEVISED ON FOX SPORTS NETWORK...
The University of Nebraska Athletic Department announced that the kickoff for the football game against Kansas on September 30 is scheduled for 4 p.m. (Pacific). The game has been selected by FSN for a national telecast by the network.
The game will mark Nebraska’s second consecutive night game, following this week’s 4:10 p.m. kickoff (PDT) against Troy at Memorial Stadium on FSN Pay-Per-View. In addition, it will mark Nebraska’s third national telecast in its first five games of the season, joining the Louisiana Tech game (FSN) and last weekend’s game at USC (ABC). A fourth game is scheduled for a national telecast as the Nov. 24 game against Colorado can be seen nationwide on ABC.
Other Big 12 games selected for telecast on Sept. 30 included Colorado at Missouri (FSN Regional, 9:30 a.m.) and Texas Tech at Texas A&M (ABC Regional, 12:30 p.m.) Pacific.
Our watch sites have the Fox Sports Package so expect to be able to see the game at your favorite watch party site.
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HUSKER VOLLEYBALL WEDNESDAY NIGHT (don't have the results yet)...
No. 1 Nebraska (9-0, 2-0 Big 12) vs. Iowa State (9-2, 1-0)
(Nebraska Coliseum Seating Chart)Wednesday, Sept. 20 , 7p.m.
Roster
Coaches
Schedule
Match Notes
Match InformationLive Stats Radio
Husker Volleyball Radio Show
Roster
Coaches
Schedule
Notes
Watch Live on HuskersNside (subscription required)
CSTV/AVCA Coaches Poll NCAAsports.com Big 12 Stats NCAA Stats
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HUSKER SOCCER TEAM SHOOTING BARRAGE SHUTS DOWN TCU...
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
Brittany Timko added a pair of goals in Nebraska's 4-0 shut out over TCU.
Lincoln – The Nebraska soccer team (5-1-2) capitalized on a 23-8 shot ratio and 9-3 shot on goal advantage for a 4-0 shutout of TCU (4-4-0) in front of more than 400 fans at the Nebraska Soccer Field on Sunday.
The win follows NU’s first loss of the season to Central Michigan on Friday. However, in both games the Huskers dominated the pitch, outshooting their opponents by a margin of 48-14 and allowing just three corner kicks to Nebraska’s 25.
“I thought we played well in both games this weekend,” Head Coach John Walker said. “We’re competing at a higher level each time we play. If you look at the number of shots and corners we took over the last two games, those are the numbers you want to see. Sometimes you play well and it just doesn't go your way, but that's how the game goes. The important thing is that we're getting better every game.”
NU’s 16 corner kicks against Central Michigan set a new Nebraska Soccer Field record, while the Huskers’ aggressive play against TCU also set a new facility record for fouls with 21.
The Huskers were led in the win over TCU by senior Brittany Timko, who scored her fifth and sixth goals of the season. With six goals, Timko has now netted just over half as many balls as her 2005 season total of 11, just eight games into a 19-game regular season.
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TIMKO SELECTED TO SOCCERTIMES.COM HONOR ROLL...
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
Senior Brittany Timko was selected to the SoccerTimes.com Honor Roll this week.
The Nebraska soccer team hasn’t even begun its conference season and already senior forward Brittany Timko is racking up awards. After being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday, Timko was also placed on the SoccerTimes.com Honor Roll, which honors the week’s most impressive collegiate players.
Timko was one of four players named to the honor roll this week, including North Carolina midfielder Jessica O’Rourke, Indiana midfielder Carrie DeFreece and West Virginia forward Deana Everrett.
Timko’s award-filled week follows an outstanding string of games at the Nebraska adidas Invitational last weekend where she earned four goals and one assist, including three goals against North Texas on Sept. 8, to lead the Huskers to a 3-2 win. The feat was the fourth hat trick of Timko’s career, leaving her just one short of tying the Husker record of five set by Kim Engesser.
The Coquitlam, British Columbia, native also scored a goal against Drake on Sept. 10, and went on to record the game-winning assist in Nebraska’s 1-0 double overtime win over Western Carolina on Sept. 12 to keep the Huskers unbeaten on the season.
Timko has now notched either a goal or an assist in nine straight matches dating back to 2005 and is just three contests short of tying the school record for points in consecutive games. The 5-7 forward will look to continue that streak this weekend as the Huskers take on undefeated Central Michigan on Friday at 5 p.m., followed by TCU on Sunday for in a 1 p.m. kickoff.
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HOST COMMUNICATIONS PURCHASES PINNACLE SPORTS PRODUCTIONS...
Host Communications, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Pinnacle Sports Productions, LLC, a sports marketing firm based in Gretna, NE that holds radio and multi-media rights to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Pinnacle Sports sells produces and distributes radio broadcasts for Nebraska sports teams. It also produces a daily statewide radio program on Huskers' sports. Founded by Paul Aaron and Dale Jansen, Pinnacle is involved in marketing Nebraska's coaches' radio and television shows, game programs, and select television game broadcasts and events.
"We are very excited to add a top collegiate program like the University of Nebraska to the outstanding list of major universities we represent," said Tom Stultz, president and chief executive officer of Lexington, Ky.-based Host Communications, Inc. and its parent company, Triple Crown Media, Inc.
"Nebraska is extremely dominant in its state and region and is recognized as one of the top athletics programs in the nation," Stultz explained. "The passion and appetite for Huskers' sports programming is alive and well 365 days a year."
HOST also holds marketing rights at the University of Arizona, Florida State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Michigan, Oklahoma State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Texas and the Southeastern Conference. In addition, Host manages NCAA Football and sells, produces and distributes all championship souvenir programs for the NCAA.
"Host Communications has a long history in college sports," said Steve Pederson, athletic director at the University of Nebraska. "They are aligned with other top programs and that is significant to us. We are anxious to begin working with Host to continue to bring great radio broadcasts to our Nebraska fans."
In explaining the decision to sell the company, Paul Aaron, president and management member of Pinnacle Sports Productions, LLC said, "We feel selling to HOST makes perfect sense for the University and all Pinnacle employees as well as to the Huskers' incredible fans. HOST has the expertise and resources to take Pinnacle Sports to even higher levels and we are excited they have requested that we work with them as part of the growth and expansion process. The transaction also makes a lot of sense for us from an estate planning standpoint."
Stultz said Aaron and Jansen will remain active in the Nebraska property as shareholders in HOST's parent company, Triple Crown Media, Inc. Aaron will also work with HOST in a consulting role. While financial terms were not disclosed, Stultz said the transaction included cash and TCMI restricted stock.
Stultz said current Pinnacle General Manager Kevin Moore will continue in that role with HOST. "We feel Kevin will be a great addition to our management team. Not only does he have intimate knowledge of the Nebraska property but he also has extensive experience and connections throughout the collegiate arena from his previous work as head of sports syndication for Clear Channel Radio." Moore has been with Pinnacle since December 2004. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Moore served as vice president and general manager for Clear Channel Sports and president of Paxson Sports. He also served as vice president of sales for the American Network Group. Stultz said HOST plans to retain all existing Pinnacle employees and talent.
About the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska boasts a 23-sport athletic program that competes in the Big 12 Conference. Nebraska athletic programs have won 22 national team championships, including five on the football field. Nebraska also has a history of producing some of the nation’s top collegiate student-athletes, leading the nation with 233 Academic All-Americans.
About Host Communicatons, Inc.
Host Communications Inc. has marketing agreements with seven universities as well as the Southeastern Conference and NCAA Football. The Lexington, Ky.-based company also manages five associations, more than 30 Web sites and has a printing and publishing division that produces more than 700 publications annually including all of the NCAA championship game-day programs. Additional information may be found online at http://www.hostcommunications.com/?DB_OEM_ID=100.
About Triple Crown Media, Inc.
HOST is a subsidiary of Triple Crown Media, Inc. TCMI owns and operates six daily newspapers with a total daily circulation of approximately 120,000 and owns and operates GrayLink, a wireless communications company based in Tallahassee. TCMI is a public company traded on NASDAQ and based in Lexington, Ky. Additional information may be found online at http://www.triplecrownmedia.com/?DB_OEM_ID=100.
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TICKET EXCHANGE:
Nothing listed this week.
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NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND...
* Heavican Will Be Nebraska's Next Chief Justice
U.S. Attorney Mike Heavican is a quiet fellow with a great, great deal of experience as a prosecutor. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART
/2006/09/20/45116b2568e51
* High Court: It's Craps For Casino Proposal
The Supreme Court says the 3 Casino deal has to wait until '08 to get onto the Nebraska ballot. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART
/2006/09/15/450b0f9a9e8f6
* Senator Beutler Seeks To Become Mayor of Lincoln
A veteran lawmaker looks to city hall. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART
/2006/09/15/450aff1ca17f7
* Could Sand Hills Be Born Again As A Desert?
An interesting study on a subject of much debate over the years. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART
/2006/09/15/450b0141f1803
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