Thursday, November 02, 2006

2006/2007 Football Season Husker News #10 11-2-06

Hey Bay Area Husker Fans,

Ouch!! That one really hurt. Definitely not our best showing of the season. Lets hope the Huskers rally this Saturday and beat the Tigers of Mizzou to virtually clinch the Big 12 North. Speaking of the Mizzou game, we will need to get up early again this Saturday to see the game...ABC has it on as a regional broadcast at 9 a.m. our time. We won't be able to see it on any of the west coast affiliate stations, so lets gather again at our favorite watch sites for the game where they will have it on the ESPN Sports Package. Jack's and Final-Final confirmed that they will open early for our crowds, and Legends and Knuckles will be open early as usual. Jack's will have their breakfast menu ready for us. We also ask that you support our watch site partners, and purchase your food and beverages at these establishments while you are there for the game. They may not have the exact type of frapalatte or burger you want, but we need to support them so they can continue to support us. Get there early, grab a seat, get some grub and get ready for another big game for the Huskers. There's a great piece near the bottom about respect from the Texas side, and another funny Husker Humor item at the end of the email (thanks to whomever sent it along).

Go Big Red (White and Blue,
Clothing Drive for Iraq...

We have a chance to help out war-torn Iraq this weekend. Please bring a new or "nicely used" piece of clothing to the watch sites this Saturday for the Mizzou game. We will send the dontations off to our Husker connection in Baghdad, Tom O'Hara, and he will get it to the right military folks in Iraq for distribution to families in need. It gets pretty cold in Iraq in the winter and there are a number of impoverished areas of the country that can really use some warm clothing (especially for the infants and children). What we are specifically looking for are mittens, shoes, sweaters, sweatshirts (Husker ones are OK too) kids PJ's, jeans and other warm clothing. Remember that most of the clothing will probably be covered with traditional religious wear...especially the women. Our watch site clothing drive coordinators will gather it all together, and we'll let everyone know how much we donated and when it gets sent to Iraq. The only watch site that doesn't have a designated "clothing donation coordinator" is Knuckles in Monterey. If someone who attends there would be so kind as to assume that role and let me know what you gather, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your generous contributions.

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IMPORTANT POLITICAL ISSUE IN NEBRASKA...

Some of you may have seen recent news about Initiative 423 back in Nebraska. The basic gist of the proposed initiative would be to put a cap on the amount the state funds the university. University officials (including President Milliken and Chancellor Perlman) have indicated that if it passes the university will struggle to meet its goals without raising tuition by as much as 50%. Even though we are expatriated Huskers living in California, and we probably don't care about most of the elections in the homeland, your chapter board thinks it is important for all of us to understand the impacts of this particular issue on our alma mater. We suggest you read up on the subject and contact your relatives and friends in Nebraska to discuss the issue with them too. Lets hope the voters in Nebraska make the right decision to ensure the University is on sound financial footing for the future, and won't have to dramatically raise tuition to make ends meet. See the article below (News from the Homeland) about the controversy.

HUSKERS CONCENTRATE ON FUNDAMENTALS IN PREP FOR MIZZOU...

Zac Taylor is one of just five quarterbacks nationally with at least 225 pass attempts and three or fewer interceptions.

Lincoln – The Huskers escaped cool temperatures outside with a two-hour, half-pad practice inside the Hawks Championship Center in preparation for its sixth straight Big 12 matchup against Missouri on Saturday. The game marks just the second home contest in five games and the first time the Huskers have hosted the Tigers since the 2004 season.

Head Coach Bill Callahan cut practice about 20 minutes short for the second day in a row as the team prepares to taper down in their physical preparation to accommodate for the long season.

“We’re at that point in the season where we’re off the field a little bit earlier,” Callahan explained. “We’ve extended the meeting time, so we’re getting a little bit more mental preparation, and we’ve backed off from the on-the-field work. We always do this right at this time of the year. We’ll cut about 20 minutes off of field time and tack it on to meeting time.”

Callahan additionally explained why starting junior linebackers Corey McKeon and Steve Octavien did not physically participate in practice.

“They’re both backed down, but they were a part of practice, being here to get the mental reps,” Callahan said. “It was our decision to back them down, to keep them healthy, so that they can practice tomorrow and be ready for Saturday’s game.”

Missouri’s athletic defense has been a focus during this week’s practice, as Callahan and the staff have worked to prepare the team for the Tiger’s talented pass defense.

“(Senior defensive end Xzavie Jackson), he’s really a good player,” Callahan said. “(Senior defensive end Brian) Smith, who got hurt, was an impressive guy. That injury hurts them. (Sophomore defensive lineman) Styker Sulak. I like their defensive ends. They’re fast, they’re quick, and they’re well-versed in pass rushing. They do a heck of a job, and they’ll really be a challenge for us.”

The Huskers continue practice for Saturday’s match-up with the Tigers with a workout Thursday afternoon.

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BIG RED REVIEW: HUSKERS FALL IN SHOOTOUT AT OSU...

Brandon Jackson produced a career day with 182 yards and two scores against Oklahoma State.

Big Red Review is your source for a complete postgame recap of Nebraska's clash with the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday in Stillwater. Huskers.com provides a complete game story, stats, notes, quotes and photos.

Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State Recap
Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State Final Game Statistics
Nebraska Coach Bill Callahan Quotes
Nebraska Player Quotes
Nebraska Postgame Notes
Oklahoma State Postgame Notes
Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy Quotes
Oklahoma State Player Quotes
Audio Highlights from the Husker Sports Network
Nebraska Season Statistics
2006 Season Photo Gallery

Excerpt from the Recap...

Stillwater, Okla. - Brandon Jackson rushed for a career-high 182 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, but three fourth-quarter touchdowns by Oklahoma State gave the Cowboys a 41-29 win over No. 20 Nebraska at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday.

The Huskers slipped to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12 despite leading 23-20 at the end of three quarters. The loss was Coach Bill Callahan's first Nebraska loss when leading at halftime, as NU was 17-0 the past three seasons when leading at intermission. Oklahoma State improved to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.

Callahan said Oklahoma State deserved the credit for the victory, but the Huskers could have played better football.

“Give them a lot of credit today, they were outstanding in the second half. We just did not respond and make the plays we needed to make in the second half. Give them credit, they are a fine football team, and they definitely deserve the win," Callahan said. "We just have to get better. I am not pleased with our efforts today. We can play better, we can coach better and that was pretty evident today. I felt coming into today that special teams was an area that we had to at least match, and we failed to do that. I was not satisfied with our fielding decisions, our coverage and our kicking.”

In a game that featured nearly 1,000 yards of total offense by both teams, Nebraska managed 452 total yards, including 242 yards passing by Zac Taylor, who completed 21-of-39 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Husker offense also maintained control of the ball for 34:59.

Quarterback Bobby Reid led the OSU offense to 496 total yards by completing 13-of-21 passes for 229 yards and two scores. Reid also rushed eight times for 61 yards to account for 290 yards of total offense by himself. Dantrell Savage led OSU with 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.

NU-MIZZOU GAME SET FOR EARLY KICKOFF...

Nebraska will host Missouri at 9 a.m. (Pacific) next Saturday in the 281st consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium.

The Big 12 Conference and ABC Sports announced late Saturday that next Saturday's Nebraska-Missouri game in Lincoln will kick off at 9 a.m. (Pacific), with the game regionally televised by ABC.

The matchup will determine the front-runner for the Big 12 North Division crown. Both Nebraska and Missouri enter the contest at 3-2 in Big 12 play, one game in front of third-place Kansas State. The winner will take a one-game advantage and own the tiebreaker in the North Division race with just two games to play.

ABC also announced on Saturday that it will televise the Oklahoma-Texas A&M game in prime-time on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. (Pacific)

Nebraska is coming off a 41-29 loss at Oklahoma State on Saturday. The matchup with Missouri will be Homecoming for Nebraska.

The game against Texas A&M has been selected for television will be scheduled for either a 12:30 p.m. (ABC) , a 4 p.m. (FSN) or a 5 p.m. (ABC) kickoff (all times Pacific). The final decision will be announced the week of the game.

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NU TO PUT BIG 12 NORTH TITLE HOPES ON THE LINE...

Maurice Purify and the Huskers will look to get back on the winning track on Saturday against Missouri.

Nebraska (6-3, 3-2) vs.
No. /25 Missouri (7-2, 3-2)
Saturday, Nov. 4 - 9:10 a.m. Pacific

Memorial Stadium (81,067) - Lincoln, Neb.
Surface: FieldTurf
Series: NU leads, 62-34-3
Last Meeting: Missouri won, 41-24, last year in Columbia
Television: ABC (Regional)
Radio: Husker Sports Network (51 stations)
Sirius Satellite Radio: Channel 146
Special Events: Homecoming; 100th all-time meeting; Veteran's Salute

Lincoln -- Nebraska begins its November stretch run with a Big 12 North Division showdown against Missouri on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The winner of the 100th all-time meeting between the schools will take a huge step toward representing the North Division in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 2 in Kansas City. The Nebraska-Missouri matchup will be televised to a regional audience by ABC Sports with kickoff set for shortly after 9 a.m. (Pacific)

The Huskers and Tigers enter Saturday’s matchup tied for the North lead at 3-2 in conference play, one game ahead of third-place Kansas State. Both Nebraska and Missouri have already recorded victories against the Wildcats, meaning the winner of Saturday’s game will own a one-game advantage and the tiebreaker with just two games remaining.

Both Nebraska and Missouri must regroup following losses last weekend. The Huskers dropped a 41-29 decision at Oklahoma State. The loss was Nebraska’s second straight setback after a 22-20 loss to fifth-ranked Texas on Oct. 21 in Lincoln, and dropped Nebraska to 6-3 overall. Nebraska will enter Saturday’s game unranked after being in both national polls for each of the first nine weeks this season.

Missouri also missed a chance to take the divisional lead, losing 26-10 to Oklahoma in Columbia, marking the Tigers’ second loss in three weeks. Despite its recent losses, Missouri boasts an impressive 7-2 overall record and No. 25 national ranking (Coaches) entering Saturday’s game. The Tigers own league home wins over Colorado and Kansas State and picked up a road victory at Texas Tech. Missouri has one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking third in the Big 12 in passing at nearly 260 yards per game.

Nebraska hopes to use the home field to its advantage against the Tigers. The Huskers have won the past 14 meetings against Mizzou in Lincoln, dating back to a 1978 Tiger win. Saturday’s game will also include Homecoming festivities in Lincoln. Nebraska lost its Homecoming contest to Texas Tech last year, but had won its previous 36 Homecoming games.

HUSKERS IN THE NFL WEEK 8

Green had two touchdowns in the Packer's 31-14 win over Arizona.

Demorrio Williams (Atlanta)—Williams collected four tackles, including two solo, in the Falcons 29-27 win over Cincinnati. Williams has 50 tackles, including 36 solo, and one interception in seven games this year.

Sam Koch (Baltimore)—Sam Koch averaged 43.2 yards on six punts and pinned two inside the 20-yard line in Baltimore’s 35-22 win over New Orleans. The Seward, Neb., has averaged 43.8 yards on 43 punts this season, including pinning 13 inside the 20-yard line, as the Ravens stand at 5-2 to lead the AFC-North 5-2.

Cory Ross (Baltimore)—Ross did not see action in Week 8 as the Ravens beat the Saints 35-22.

Chris Kelsay (Buffalo)—Buffalo enjoyed a bye week and will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. Kelsay has racked up 30 tackles, including 18 solo, and added five sacks through seven games.

Mike Minter (Carolina)—Minter snagged a near career-high 15 tackles, including 10 solo, as the Panthers fell to the Cowboys 35-14. Minter has 51 tackles, one interception and three pass break-ups through eight games this season. Minter’s 51 tackles places him in the NFL’s top 30 through Week 8.

Mike Rucker (Carolina)—Rucker had three tackles, including one solo, and one sack during Carolina’s 35-14 loss to Dallas. Rucker has 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass break-ups through eight games this season.

Kyle Larson (Cincinnati)—Larson averaged 45.0 yards on four punts in the Bengal’s 29-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The former Husker specialist also had a long of 49 yards and pinned two inside the 20-yard line. Larson has averaged 43.9 yards on 39 punts through seven games this season, while pinning 14 inside the 20-yard line.

Ralph Brown (Cleveland)—Brown had one tackle in Cleveland’s 20-13 win over the New York Jets.

Daniel Bullocks (Detroit)—Bullocks and the Lions enjoyed a bye week as Detroit prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9.

Dominic Raiola (Detroit)—Raiola will enjoy a bye week before making his 71st consecutive start at center for the Lions in Week 9 against Atlanta. Railoa, a Rimington Award Winner in 2000, has anchored a Detroit offensive line that has allowed running back Kevin Jones to rack up 474 yards on 110 carries for four touchdowns through seven games this year.

Cory Schlesinger (Detroit)—Schlesinger will play in his 175th career game at fullback against the Falcons in Week 9, following Detroit’s bye in Week 8.
Ahman Green (Green Bay)—Green had two touchdowns in under eight minutes to put the Packers up 21-0 over the Cardinals in the second quarter in Green Bay’s eventual 31-14 victory over Arizona. Green finished with 21 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 439 yards on 97 carries through five games this year after bouncing back from a tough injury.

Kris Brown (Houston)—Brown snagged one 27-yard field goals and one extra points in Houston’s 28-22 loss to the Titans.

Zach Wiegert (Houston)—Wiegert anchored an offensive line that allowed Texans running back Wali Lundy to rack up 116 yards on 18 carries, including a long of 35 yards, in Houston’s 28-22 loss to Tennessee.

Will Shields (Kansas City)—Shield’s recorded his franchise-record 215th consecutive start at right guard for the Chiefs in Kansas City’s 35-28 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Shields contributed to the blocking that led to a 17-25, 312-yard, one-touchdown Damon Huard performance as the Chief’s snagged its fourth win of the season with a touchdown-drive led by Huard with just two minutes remaining.

Russ Hochstein (New England)—Hochstein played center for a New England offensive effort that included 430 yards on offense and a 29-43, 372-yard, four-touchdown performance from quarterback Tom Brady as the Patriots rolled over the Vikings 31-7.

Le Kevin Smith (New England)—Smith was not active for New England’s 31-7 win over Minnesota.

Josh Bullocks (New Orleans)—Bullocks tallied seven tackles, including three solo, in New Orleans’ 35-22 loss to the Ravens. Bullocks has racked up 40 tackles, including 31 solo, one interception and two pass break-ups through seven games this season.

DeJuan Groce (New Orleans)—Groce played but did not register a tackle in New Orleans’ 35-22 loss to Baltimore. Groce has had one tackle after being active in three games this season.

Scott Shanle (New Orleans)—Shanle snagged eight tackles, icnlduing five solo, in the Saint’s 35-22 loss to Baltimore. Shanle has snagged 44 tackles, including 32 solo, through seven games this season after totaling 45 through the entire year in 2005. Shanle has also added two sacks so far this season.

Adam Treu (Oakland)—Treu played in his 151st career game with Oakland, serving as the squad’s long snapper, as the Raiders snagged their second win of the season with a 20-13 win over the Steelers.

Fabian Washington (Oakland)—Washington recorded three solo tackles and one interception in the Raider’s 20-13 win over Pittsburgh. Washington has recorded 11 tackles, including 10 solo, while also adding three pass-breakups and one interception, through five games this season.

Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia)—Buckhalter had 10 yards on two carries and five yards on three receptions as the Eagles lost to the Jaguars 13-6. Buckhalter has 183 yards rushing on 45 carries as well as 10 receptions for 87 yards through eight games this season.

Ryon Bingham (San Diego)—Bingham did not record a tackle but was active in the Chargers’ 38-24 win over St. Louis.

Carlos Polk (San Diego)—Polk snagged one solo tackle in San Diego’s 38-24 win over the Rams. Polk has 11 tackles, including 10 solo, through seven games this season.

Josh Brown (Seattle)—Brown scored four extra points as Seattle fell to Kansas City 35-28.

Grant Wistrom (Seattle)—Wistrom had three tackles, including two solo in the Seahawk’s 35-28 loss to the Seahawks. Wistrom has 15 tackles, including 12 solo, and one sack through seven games this season.

Barrett Ruud (Tampa Bay)—Ruud played but did not record a tackle as Tampa Bay fell to the New York Giants 17-3. Ruud has 22 tackles, including 14 solo, through seven games this season.

Kyle Vanden Bosch (Tennessee)—Vanden Bosch recorded six tackles, including five solo, and added two sacks in the Titans 28-22 win over the Houston Texans. Vanden Bosch has totaled 33 tackles, including 25 solo, through seven games this season, while also adding four sacks.

HUSKERS SWEEP RED RAIDERS IN THREE...

Sarah Pavan had 16 kills in Wednesday's win over Texas Tech.

Lubbock, Texas – Sarah Pavan had 16 kills, while Jordan Larson totaled her 16th double-double of the year, leading No. 1 Nebraska to a 3-0 sweep (30-16, 30-21, 30-24) over Texas Tech at the United Spirit Arena Wednesday evening.

The Huskers, who improved to 21-0 overall and 13-0 in the Big 12, hit .318 as a team and totaled 10 blocks, holding Texas Tech (11-12, 4-10 Big 12) to just .102 hitting in their posting 17th sweep of the season.

Pavan, who had seven of her kills in the opener, finished with a match-high 16 kills and two blocks to pace NU. Larson joined Pavan in double figures with 11 kills and 12 digs, while Tracy Stalls matched her season best with eight blocks and added six kills on .455 hitting.

Nebraska Coach John Cook credited Stalls, who was in on eight of NU’s 10 blocks, with making the big plays down the stretch to complete the sweep after Tech made a furious comeback in game three.

“We played really well the first two games,” Cook said. “When we got to a big lead in game three, we relaxed a bit and let them in the match. When they got close, Tracy made a couple of big plays to get us going and close out the match.

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NO. 1 HUSKERS SWEEP WILDCATS...

Jordan Larson posted her 15th double-double of the season in Nebraska's sweep of Kansas State.

Manhattan, Kan. – Behind Jordan Larson’s 15th double-double of the season, No. 1 Nebraska improved to 20-0 on the season with a 30-21, 30-24, 30-22 sweep of Kansas State Saturday evening at Ahearn Field House.

Larson, who had a career-high 20 kills in the first meeting on Oct. 4, totaled 16 kills and 10 digs to lead the Huskers (20-0. 12-0 Big 12) to its 16th sweep of the season. Sarah Pavan joined Larson in double figures with 12 kills, while Tracy Stalls and Dani Mancuso chipped in nine and seven kills, respectively. Stalls finished with nine kills on .643 hitting with four blocks, while Mancuso established a season high for the second straight match with her .455 effort.

While the Huskers enjoyed a balanced offense, NU shined on the defensive end, recording 12 blocks and holding Kansas State to a season-low .050 hitting percentage. Dani Busboom tied her career high with 23 digs, while Rachel Schwartz added 13 digs and turned the momentum with a key serving run in game two.

“It was a very workmanlike effort tonight,” Cook said. We did some really good things tonight with our serving, especially with Maggie (Griffin) and Rachel (Schwartz). They broke all three games open, and they struggled with our serve. I also thought our blocking did a good job of terminating for points, which was good to see.”

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NEBRASKA-OKLAHOMA VOLLEYBALL SET FOR 5 P.M. (Pacific)....

Lincoln -- The Nebraska Athletic Department announced Monday morning that Saturday’s volleyball match against No. 20 Oklahoma at the NU Coliseum will start at 7 p.m. Prior to today, the start time for that match was TBA, depending on the kickoff time of the football Homecoming game between Nebraska and Missouri.

Saturday’s match, which will be the 85th consecutive sellout at the NU Coliseum, will be carried on selected Husker Sports Network Stations, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and Omaha. In addition, the match will be carried state-wide on Nebraska Educational Television.

Saturday’s volleyball match caps a busy day on campus, as the football team will take on Missouri in a pivotal North Division matchup at 11 a.m., while the Husker women’s basketball team hosts Nerbaska-Omaha in an exhibition contest at 4 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Tickets for the NU-UNO women’s basketball contest can be purchased at Huskers.com or at the Devaney Center ticket office on Saturday.

NU Athletics Schedule for Nov. 4 (all times Pacific)
Football vs. Missouri (9 a.m., Memorial Stadium, ABC)
W Basketball vs. Nebraska-Omaha (2 p.m.)
Volleyball vs. Oklahoma (5 p.m., NET and NET-HD)
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HUSKER SOCCER TEAM FACES HORNS IN BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP...

Nebraska and Texas will face off for the second time this season in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament.

Lincoln – The Big 12 Conference announced Saturday the pairings for the opening round of the 2006 Big 12 Championship in San Antonio, Texas. Nebraska finished sixth in the conference during the regular season, drawing third-seeded Texas at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The Huskers and Longhorns met late in regular-season league action, with Texas mounting a 2-1, come-from-behind win on Oct. 15 at the Nebraska Soccer Field. NU is now 8-7-0 all-time against the Horns heading in to next week’s contest.

Texas A&M took home its third consecutive Big 12 regular-season crown with a record of 9-1-0. The Aggies’ lone loss on the year came on a recent 1-0 shutout by the Longhorns on Oct. 27.

Oklahoma State grabbed the runner-up seed, followed by Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Baylor. These top eight teams qualified for the Big 12 event, with Texas Tech, Iowa State and Missouri failing to advance.

The Big 12 Soccer Championship will be held at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio, Texas, for the 10th consecutive year.

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HUSKERS FALL IN OVERTIME...

Sophomore Jamie Klages helped send the Huskers to overtime by recording seven saves in the loss.

San Antonio, Texas - The Nebraska soccer team hung tough with the league's hottest team, but Kelsey Carpenter broke a scoreless tie with the game-winning goal in the seventh minute of the first overtime period to lift Texas to a 1-0 win in the opening round of the Big 12 Championship on Wednesday night.

The win was the seventh straight for the third-seeded Longhorns (16-3-1), who advanced to Friday's semifinal against No. 2 seed Oklahoma State. The loss eliminated Nebraska from the Big 12 Championship in the opening round for just the second time in program history. NU's only other first round loss also came to the Longhorns in 2004

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TIMKO EARNS THREE-PEAT AS BIG 12 PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR...

Senior Brittany Timko earned her third consecutive Big 12 Player-of-the-Year honor on Monday.

Senior Brittany Timko became the first player in league history to earn three consecutive Big 12 Soccer Player-of-the-Year honors when the conference announced her as co-winner of the 2006 accolade on Monday. Timko shares the award with Oklahoma State’s Yolanda Odenyo.

In addition to becoming the first player to receive three nods in the history of Big 12 soccer, Timko also joined an elite group of athletes in any sport to ever welcome such an honor. She joins Texas’ Cat Ostermann (Softball) and Sarah Wanezek (Swimming), Oklahoma State’s Maria Boden (Golf) and Baylor’s Benedikt Dorsch (Tennis) as the only five athletes in Big 12 history to notch three or more player-of-the-year awards in their career.

Timko was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection for the third consecutive season, while senior Tanya Dennis and sophomore Aysha Jamani both earned repeat nominations with selections to the All-Big 12 second team. Dennis earned her first Big 12 award as a first-team selection in 2004. Jamani earned her place on the second-team last season. Freshman Carly Peetz rounded out the Husker honorees, representing Nebraska as an All-Newcomer selection.

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HUSKER SOCCER PLAYERS EARN ACADEMIC ALL-BIG 12 HONORS...

Seven Nebraska soccer players were honored for their work in the classroom, earning academic All-Big 12 honors the league announced on Tuesday.

The Huskers were well represented by the sophomore class with sophomores Jessie Goodell, Selenia Iacchelli, McKensie Kirchner, Ali Lokanc, Sari Raber and Lindsay Poehling all earning first team honors, while senior Tanya Dennis was selected to the second team.

All six of Nebraska’s academic honorees were selected for the first time in their careers. A psychology major, Dennis is also a two-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and was also recently named second team All-Big 12. Goodell (undeclared), Iacchelli (nutritional science and dietetics), Kirchner (undeclared), Lokanc (undeclared), Raber (psychology) and Poehling (undeclared) are also previous members of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the soccer academic all-league squad consisted of 67 first-team members and 21 second-team honorees. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, while the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
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THIS IS A GREAT PIECE WORTH PASSING ALONG... (thanks Mac)...

Level of respectThomas Stepp, Texas Media Relations
10/23/2006

Two of college football's great programs met in Saturday in Lincoln for only the third all-time meeting of 800-win teams, and what was left at the end was nothing.For only the third time in college football history, two teams with 800 or more wins in their histories met when Texas and its 806 wins visited Nebraska with its 800 wins on Saturday in Lincoln.It was a game with two of the great programs in college football showcasing their abundant tradition in a setting where both teams and their fans could not help but share a profound respect for what each has accomplished."With two teams like that, you've got to have respect," said Texas RB Selvin Young. "Both of us expect to win and hold up the tradition you're a part of. When you talk about 800 wins, you feel like you're a part of that, and you've got that in the back of your mind as extra motivation, extra push, which also makes for a great game with two teams with so much respect and pride. Those games always come down to the end."And come down to the end it did, as the Longhorns converted a field goal with 23 seconds remaining for a 22-20 win. The margin of victory was a representation of how closely the programs mirror each other, and with such a dramatic ending, it would be understandable for the team that came up short to have bitter feelings, but not in this case."They do a good job of recruiting classy kids," said Texas OT Justin Blalock. "It would have been easy for them to go running off the field and not talk to us or not shake our hands, but they were good guys who came up, looked us in the eye and shook our hands, and we would have done the same if the tables were turned."In fact, the tables did not have to be turned for the Longhorns to show their level of respect. They made their feelings clear as the teams met at midfield after the game."They were saying to us, see you in Kansas City [site of the Big 12 Championship game]," said Nebraska DE Jay Moore. "They showed a lot of respect in the game. They didn't play dirty or make any cheap shots. I would love to play these guys again."The Texas players echoed those feelings, and just might have the opportunity, as both teams are still in position to be able to reach the Big 12 Championship game on December 2."They stood and looked in our eyes and still had pride and respect, because they knew they let it all hang out," Young described. "We did the same, but they showed us a lot of respect after the game, saying things like, 'Hopefully we'll get to see you guys again,' but not in an arrogant way, in a respectfully way, like, 'You keep doing what your doing, and we'll keep doing what we're doing so we can meet again.'"What both teams were doing was letting the pride and respect of their programs reflect in their play. Just as Moore described clean play from Texas, the Longhorns matched the description for Nebraska."I could just tell from the first play of the game, battling out there, a lot guys had respect for each other," said Texas DE Tim Crowder. "There weren't dirty plays, and everyone was helping each other off the ground, and that's just the respect we have for each other.""When there are that many good players, you want to play against the best fairly to test yourself and see what you've really got," Blalock added.It is also no wonder the Huskers would act as they did once you take into account the atmosphere that is bred in Lincoln and the respectful nature the Nebraska program has surrounding it from the fans to the staff to the coaches to the players."They have one of the greatest groups of fans I've seen in the country," Crowder said. "Just the fact that even after they lost a hard game like that, they stay after the game and cheer, 'Go Big Red.' That was a highlight for me."The quality of the fans was not limited to their own team. Both on the way in and the way out of Memorial Stadium, the Longhorns found themselves welcomed every step of the way.
"The administration and support staff at Nebraska treat you better than anyone in America," said Texas head coach Mack Brown. "They really make you feel like they are happy you are there and want you to have a great visit. I've been to Nebraska with Iowa State, Oklahoma and Texas, and they've been very consistent. No matter where I was, they always treated us the same way, with kindness and respect."As the game approached, the Longhorns made the walk from the visitor's locker room, down a hallway with year-by-year results displayed on the walls documenting most of Nebraska's 800 wins and were greeted with smiles from the security staff.Once through the long hall, in order to reach to the field, the visiting team has to pass through the concourse under the stands where only two thin ropes held by the staff separate players from fans. It is a situation that in most places could potentially cause problems, but not in Lincoln."We were coming out to warm up, and there are Nebraska fans wanting to shake our hands and wish us good luck," Blalock recounted.And returning down that path after the game, it was no different."Everyone from the people running the stadium to the fans, they were all saying, 'Great game; you play hard. You're a great group of guys, and we love having you here,'" Young described. "It was a lot of respect for us that they had, and we have the same for them."Despite the bitter cold of the day, which was joined by fourth-quarter snow flurries, Brown described the trip to Lincoln as a wonderful experience, and would have been regardless the outcome of the game."The fans are loud and cheer hard, but in the end, they applaud the performance of the opponent and make playing in Memorial Stadium a memorable experience," Brown said. Walking off the field on Saturday, I was reminded of what great people they are when they applauded our team, and that was after a very tough loss."The programs are separated by just seven wins, and a margin that small might be the only difference."They're a lot like us," Blalock said. "They have a great storied tradition, a great program that's back on the national scene now, and we're both in that position. They have talented kids, great coaches and that's shown by the 800 wins and the great history of success."As Brown would after the game, when two programs with more than 800 wins and among the proudest and richest traditions in college football history get together, you would expect a hard-hitting, physical and competitive game, but when it's over what's left is mutual respect."That's what we got on Saturday," Brown said. "It was one of the best games in the country this year between two of college football's premier programs."

NUz FROM THE UNL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION...
MEMBERSHIP
When university rankings, bowl game selections and grant decisions are made, the collective power and voice of alumni can move Nebraska up. Join us today. Support athletics, academics and students with our Alumni Power.
http://www.huskeralum.com/forms/membership_form.htm

UNL SCIENCE TEAM TO ANTARCTICA
seven individuals from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be on the ice in Antarctica, joining a team of world-class international geoscientists and science educators for a three-month expedition to investigate the continent's role in global climate change.http://andrill.org

MORRISON, RESEARCHERS BREAK GROUND FOR NEW VIROLOGY RESEARCH BUILDING
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln celebrates today the ground breaking of a new virology research building, the Ken Morrison Life Sciences Research Center.http://ucommxsrv1.unl.edu/unlnews/

UNL SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN HIGHER ED TEACHING ASSESSMENT PROJECT
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Peer Review of Teaching program has been selected by the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to participate in a national program to improve undergraduate and graduate education.http://ucommxsrv1.unl.edu/unlnews/

UNL’S $1.99 MILLION GRANT TO TEAM UP ENGINEERING ED, COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering has been awarded a $1.99 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support an engineering education partnership with Nebraska’s six community colleges. The collaborative project called “Strengthening Transitions into Engineering Programs” enables students to complete selected freshman and sophomore engineering courses at the state’s community colleges and transfer seamlessly into the UNL College of Engineering.http://ucommxsrv1.unl.edu/unlnews/

OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL ALUMNUS AWARD ESTABLISHED
The Nebraska Alumni Association seeks nominees for a new international award to be presented next spring. The association's board of directors voted to add the Outstanding International Alumnus Award to the organization's awards program at their fall meeting in September.
http://www.huskeralum.com/programs/awards/awards.htm

NEW UNL COMPUTER SCIENCE CENTER NAMED FOR SCHORRS
University of Nebraska alumni June and Paul Schorr III of Lincoln have been honored by their son and daughter, Paul "Chip" Schorr IV and Melissa Condo, both of New York City, with the naming of a new computer science center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Schorr children provided a significant contribution to the University of Nebraska Foundation toward a project to redesign and renovate the former South Stadium Building at the south end of Memorial Stadium for the Paul and June Schorr III Center for Computer Science and Engineering.http://ucommxsrv1.unl.edu/unlnews/

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NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND...

* NU Prez Notes Higher Tuition Likely If 423 Is Adopted

It just a 'these are the numbers' thing, he said.
http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/31/4547b5a494319


* There Could Be More To Halloween Than Goblins And Candy

What might it be, if it were more than costumes, candy and other stuff? http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/31/4547b6979e9d9


* The Most Convincing Costume Of The Night Was Worn By ....

There are a number of young people who no doubt will recall thisepisode with gusto and laughter in the years ahead. But for now ... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/
vnews/display.v/ART/2006/10/31/4547b763ad51a


* GOP $$$ Proves It Is A Real Race In The 3rd District

When national GOP money starts pouring into the 3rd District, you know it is a close race. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/30/45463b5c8d606


* Heineman Agrees To Deal For Managing Platte River

It's as good as it is going to get. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/30/45463f6dd31c9


* Thousands Welcome Norfolk Guard Troops

As do we. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/30/454642160967d


* The Loss At Oklahoma State Was Not An Upset

Nope. Not an upset. Just a bothersome kick in the butt. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/29/454520f22520b


* The Loss To Oklahoma State Might Have Been A Good Thing(?)

And there is always more than one way to look at a thing. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/
2006/10/30/4546447ccf019


* Anderson Will Be First Nebraskan In Space

Homegrown and one of our own. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/
2006/10/24/453e5254dcedf


* Mountain Lions In Nebraska Reflect A Territorial Thing

It's the boy-girl thing. The big boys don't want the younger boys hanging around the girls - so the little guys get chased away. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/24/453e4345e1651


* Education Commissioner Cites Good Reading, Math Scores

This news story has a lot of StatePaper.com readers commenting on the worth of Nebraska's test, and other things. Your thoughts are encouraged. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/10/23/453d1deeb8ae2


* Huskers Need Something Special From Special Teams

Otherwise, the guys from the "Show Me" state might be able to show the Huskers a bad day. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2006/11/01/45490566de22e

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HUSKER HUMOR...

Bob Stoops, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Sooners flag in the window.

"This house is yours for eternity, Bob," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."

Bob felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a Scarlet and Cream sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flagpole with anenormous Nebraska Cornhusker flag, and in every window, a Cornhusker. Bob looked at God and said "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was a good coach, I went to three consecutive bowl games, won a national championship, and turned around Oklahoma's entire program."

God said "So what do you want to know, Bob?"

"Well, why does Bill Callahan get a better house than me?"

God chuckled, and said "Bob, that's not Bill's house, it's mine."

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