Bay Area Husker ENews 10-22-09

Hey Bay Area Husker Fans!

Haven't written since before the Mizzou game. The last couple of weeks have seen the Huskers celebrating wonderful highs and crashing to gut wrenching lows after the last two games. I didn't get to see the Texas Tech game (probably a good thing), but I could hear score updates on ESPN radio and I was stunned to hear how quickly we got behind. I have a feeling there were some serious locker room 'discussions' after that one. I wouldn't want to be the Cyclones this weekend in Lincoln. I have a feeling the defense is going to open up a big can of Whoop A%* for this one, and I predict Suh will have a career day for tackles and sacks. And don't forget to vote for Suh for Heisman (see below).

Lots of other stuff to read including info from the University Foundation, an invitation to the next Mission Chamber Orchestra event, and some Husker humor at the end of the email. Enjoy.
Go Big Red (White and Blue),

Carl

Watch Parties:
The game this Saturday against Iowa State is an early one as kickoff is shortly after 9:30 a.m. The broadcast is on Fox Sports Network so if you don't have access to all their regional channels, come on out to one of our four watchsites to enjoy the game with fellow Huskers. They will all be open early for the game. And Jack's in Fremont will have their famous gridiron breakfast menu available for those that want a hearty start to the day while they watch the Huskers turn the Cyclones into a mild autumn breeze. Hope to see you there!

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HUSKERS LOOK TO CONTAIN ISU RUSHING ATTACK...

The Matchup
Nebraska remains at home this weekend for a Big 12 North matchup with Iowa State. Kickoff for the clash with the Cyclones is set for 9:40 a.m. PDT at Memorial Stadium, with Fox Sports Net supplying the television coverage of Nebraska’s 302nd consecutive sellout.

The Huskers are coming off a 31-10 home setback against Texas Tech that dropped the Huskers to 4-2 overall on the season and 1-1 in Big 12 Conference play. Nebraska must rebound quickly against a vastly improved Iowa State squad that will come to Lincoln with a 4-3 overall record and a 1-2 mark in the Big 12.

Iowa State is coming off a 24-10 victory over Baylor on Saturday night in Ames. Under first-year head coach Paul Rhoads, the Cyclones have been very competitive with their two Big 12 losses coming by a total of six points. ISU’s strength has been its running game, which leads the Big 12 and ranks 14th nationally at 213.4 yards per game.

The game is another key matchup for positioning in a wide-open Big 12 North Division. Kansas State currently holds the division lead at 2-1, but the winner of Saturday’s game will put itself into a strong spot in the race.

The Series
The game will mark the 104th all-time meeting between the schools, with Nebraska holding a commanding 85-16-2 edge. The Huskers own a 49-6 edge in games played in Lincoln, including 15 straight victories at Memorial Stadium dating back to 1977. Nebraska has won four straight overall in the series, including a 35-7 victory in Ames last season.

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PELINI FOCUSED ON IMPROVEMENT...

Lincoln - Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini met the media on Tuesday at Memorial Stadium to discuss the Huskers' upcoming game against Iowa State on Saturday.

The Huskers (4-2 overall, 1-1 Big 12) and Cyclones (4-3, 1-2) will clash on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. PDT at Memorial Stadium in a game televised nationally by FSN.

Pelini said the Huskers are focusing on improvement each day in practice across the board after last Saturday's home loss to Texas Tech. Much of the time spent at the press conference involved Nebraska's starting quarterback competition between junior Zac Lee and true freshman Cody Green.

Lee has started each of Nebraska's first six games, while Green saw his most extensive action of the season during the fourth quarter against Texas Tech.

Pelini emphasized that Saturday's starting quarterback would be decided by "execution" at the position in practice, just like every other position on the field. He also said nothing had changed at the position.

“Execution. It’s always across the board at every position we have, it’s always in essence a game-time decision. We don’t make announcements and things like that," Pelini said. "You earn your playing time by how you play during the week and your execution during the week. Right now at that position nothing has really changed. That’s where it stands right now.”

While much of the conversation involved Nebraska's productivity on offense, Pelini emphasized that Iowa State was an improved football team from a year ago.

"I think they’re playing harder. Right now they are a lot better football team then they were a year ago," Pelini said. "Obviously, that has to be attributed to Paul (Rhoads) and his staff. They’re doing a good job. They’re going to run the football. They’re going to be committed to running the football.”

For a full transcript of Coach Pelini's session with the media, and quotes from quarterbacks Zac Lee and Cody Green, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, see www.huskers.com

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HUSKERS FALL TO RED RAIDERS...

Lincoln - No. 15 Nebraska outgained a potent Texas Tech offense, but two long scoring drives and an 82-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first half were enough to give the Red Raiders a 31-10 win over the Huskers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

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

Playing in front of 86,107 fans in the NCAA-record 301st consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium and an ABC regional television audience, the Huskers penetrated the Red Raider red zone three times in the first three quarters without scoring points. One of the red zone stops came in the first quarter, when Daniel Howard scooped up a fumble by Niles Paul on a backward lateral from quarterback Zac Lee and raced 82 yards for a touchdown with 4:52 left in the quarter.

That play provided the winning score for the Red Raiders, who began the game with a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive on the opening possession. Baron Batch scored Tech's first touchdown on a 16-yard screen pass from Steven Sheffield. The Red Raiders' opening drive included a pair of third-and-long conversions when the Blackshirts appeared to have Tech on the brink of a punt. The first came with a 34-yard pass completion after NU deflected the pass to convert on 3rd-and-13. The second came with a 22-yard completion on 3rd-and-17, which allowed the Red Raiders to overcome a pair of Husker sacks on the drive.

The Red Raiders carried a 14-0 lead into the second quarter that increased the lead to 21-0 on Sheffield's one-yard touchdown run to cap a 65-yard drive. Nebraska managed a field goal to trim the lead to 21-3 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half, but Sheffield marched the Red Raiders into scoring position again, culminating with Matt Williams' 32-yard field goal with three seconds left.

The Huskers went to the halftime locker room trailing 24-3, then dominated the third quarter, but NU was unable to put points on the scoreboard. Nebraska outgained Tech 72-(-3) in the third quarter, as the Red Raiders never approached the Huskers' half of the field.

Nebraska finally found the end zone with 8:03 left in the game, cutting Tech's lead to 24-10 when freshman quarterback Cody Green hit Khiry Cooper on a 13-yard touchdown pass to cap a seven-play, 40-yard drive. It was Cooper's first career touchdown catch, and he finished with three receptions for 23 yards.

Texas Tech put together its only successful drive of the second half on the ensuing possession, marching 54 yards in nine plays capped by Sheffield's second one-yard touchdown run of the day to make the final margin.

Sheffield closed the day completing 23-of-32 passes for 234 yards and one score. He did not throw an interception, and Texas Tech played nearly error-free football, going without a turnover while being whistled for just four penalties for 40 yards. Detron Lewis led the Red Raider receivers with five catches for 100 yards, while Batch added six catches for 25 yards to go along with his 12 carries for 38 yards on the ground.

Green finished the day by completing 7-of-16 passes for 87 yards and a score in the second half, but did throw a late interception after driving the Huskers deep into Red Raider territory. Lee completed 16-of-22 passes for 128 yards, before giving way to Green in the final quarter.

Roy Helu Jr. led all rushers with 16 carries for 68 yards, and added one reception for 27 yards. Chris Brooks led the Husker receivers with 66 yards and five receptions, while I-back Marcus Mendoza added five catches for 32 yards.

Nebraska finished the game with 285 yards of total offense, including 215 passing and 70 rushing, while Tech managed just 259 total yards including just 25 yards rushing on 25 carries. In the second half, the Huskers outgained the Red Raiders 182-43, but settled for a 7-7 stalemate on the scoreboard in the second half.

The Husker defense notched five sacks among their 12 tackles for 61 yards lost on the day. Senior linebacker Phillip Dillard led the defenders with 12 total tackles, including eight solos and a career-high four tackles for loss.

Brandon Sharpe led an aggressive and effective Red Raider defense with four sacks for 19 yards loss among his seven tackles.

Nebraska returns to Big 12 home action next week when the Huskers play host to Iowa State. Kickoff with the Cyclones is set for 9:30 a.m. (PDT) with live national television coverage provided by FSN.
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NEBRASKA-BAYLOR GAME TO BE TELEVISED BY VERSUS...

Nebraska's Oct. 31 game at Baylor will be televised by Versus, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday. Kickoff for the game is set for shortly after 9:30 a.m. PDT from Baylor's Floyd Casey Stadium.

This will mark the second consecutive year the Nebraska-Baylor game has been televised by Versus, and the fourth time Nebraska has appeared on the network over the past three years. NU also had a home game with Kansas State on the network in 2007, as well as last year's contest at Iowa State.

Other Big 12 games selected for telecast on Oct. 31 include Missouri at Colorado (10:30 a.m., FSN), Kansas at Texas Tech (12:30 p.m., ABC), Kansas State at Oklahoma (4 p.m., FSN) and Texas at Oklahoma State (5 p.m., ABC or ESPN2) (all times Pacific).

Nebraska's matchup with Iowa State this weekend will be seen on FSN, with kickoff set for 9:40 a.m. PDT.
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RANDY YORK - PELINI ON WHETHER BEATING MIZZOU WAS A WATERSHED MOMENT...

Of course, it's premature to call Nebraska's win over Missouri in a Thursday night rainstorm a watershed moment. Then again, maybe when all is said and done, the 27-12 triumph will be considered a critical point that marks a change of course or a turning point in the Huskers' fabled football program.

If you don't attend home games at Memorial Stadium, you may not have noticed the years that scream at you every time you look at the West Stadium . . . the list that recognizes Nebraska's conference football championships . . . the list telling us that our last Big 12 title was 1999.

That's a drought of epic proportions, especially for one of college football's top five all-time programs.

Some would say that Nebraska has been looking for a win like this one since Colorado rained on our 10-0 parade in 2001 - a lopsided loss that kept the Huskers out of the Big 12 title game that season, but in a national championship game that only continued the freefall, especially defensively.

Yes, watershed moments demand historical context because they imply a dividing line - a moment in time that marks a momentous transition . . . a time that forever changes the attitudes of those who have especially good reasons to notice.

And using that definition, I can't help but think about the irony of a possible watershed moment in the midst of a full-day's downpour of rain . . . a moment when everyone had every reason - at least for three quarters - to think things hadn't really changed at Nebraska.

Think Kansas fans saw a bit of watershed in a rain that wouldn't quit and a Husker team that wouldn't quit either? How about Oklahoma fans? If Nebraska can transform a 52-17 loss to Missouri in Lincoln into a 27-12 win in Columbia one year later, why can't a 62-28 loss to the Sooners in 2008 in Norman become a similar reversal in 2009 in Lincoln?

Pelini Would Be the Last to Get Ahead of Himself

We interrupt this column to inform you that Bo Pelini, in his second season as Nebraska's head coach, would stop the writer right here, not to mention everyone reading what he's about to say.

So before you fully buy into this premise of a watershed moment, please consider these two important points:

-- Bo doesn't "get into" bold, broad-sweeping statements because he knows they can't even be considered until at least seven more questions - called regular-season games - are answered.

-- The Missouri win is "just part of the process, part of where we are," Pelini said. "We're not going to address or handle this win any different than we do any other week."

So it's on to Texas Tech, where Pelini plans to "fix a lot of things that need to be fixed" and the Huskers can "get better as a football team."

Still, let the record show that Bo has been somewhat of a miracle worker already, transforming Nebraska's defense from one of the nation's absolute worst in 2007 to what Husker quarterback Zac Lee Thursday night called the nation's best defense in 2009.

Move over, Ty Pennington, the emotionally charged host of one of television's most popular shows. Even you couldn't execute an Extreme Makeover of this magnitude as fast as turbo-charged Bo can.

Emotion, Passion, Belief Fuel the Transformation

Make no mistake. Emotion, passion, belief - and any other noun you want to throw in there - are the fuel for Nebraska's quick-fire transformation, a turnaround that is being fully choreographed by Pelini with full support from his talented and dedicated staff.

All who had doubts Thursday night, fess up and fess up now. How many of you were ready to wave a white flag after three quarters of an unproductive offense in a rain that washed away every bit of the confidence you'd gained in Pelini since he arrived?

Don't lie and while you're at it, erase those nasty text messages you were sending to friends and family insisting that Lee needed to be replaced by a true freshman.

Remember Husker "loyalists", you may read and watch everything you can about your favorite team, but coaches, very smart coaches, tell their players to focus on the process and compete every day. And unlike you, they watch players, evaluate film and make every decision in the best interests of the team.

True, Zac Lee has struggled in a couple of tough college football venues this season, but he found his groove Thursday night at the same time most of us were losing hope.

Thankfully, Lee had a whole locker room of teammates who knew he was ready to break out.

"We all trust Zac. We knew once he calmed down, we were going to be real proud of him," said Niles Paul, who caught two of Lee's three fourth-quarter touchdown passes. "He showed what a real man's about. He went through some adversity, and he still made the big plays."

Ndamukong Suh says he never lost hope that the offense would emerge when needed most.

"They came through like I knew they would," he said. "At some point in this game, we knew they would come along and be where they were supposed to be."

Suh Knew It Was a Wrap After First Touchdown

When Suh saw Lee hit Paul on a post route and get into the end zone for the first touchdown, "I knew it was a wrap," Suh said. "I knew we were going to take care of this win. They got us rolling, and there was no looking back."

Nebraska's defensive gem - in line with the Huskers having the nation's best scoring defense - "gave us a chance to do what we did offensively," Lee said. "We have guys who never give up, and I think that showed. We knew we were going to get our chance, and we'd better be ready to take advantage when given that chance.

"I love our defense," Lee said. "They keep us in every game. They're doing a great job. There's no better defense in the country."

Pelini isn't ready to go that far, but he acknowledged the defense kept Nebraska in position to win so Lee's first touchdown pass could jump-start an offense that he said had spent the first three quarters "sleepwalking."

"We just didn't play well," Pelini said. "It wasn't just any one guy. It was a unit. When you're in a game like that and conditions were what they were, you got to get a spark, and that post route got that spark. And we took off from there."

Greg Sharpe, the voice of Husker football, asked Pelini in the locker room if his first team a year ago would have been able to come back in a game like Thursday night's.

"No, I don't think they do," Pelini said candidly, making sure that he recognized last year's seniors for "setting the table" and developing a culture that enables "our program to be what we want it to be."

That's the closest Pelini came to acknowledging even the possibility of a watershed moment.
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DR. PEPPER BIG 12 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TICKETS GO ON SALE...

Tickets for the 2009 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will go on sale Thursday, November 5 at 10 a.m. CT.

This year's game is scheduled for 7 p.m., Saturday, December 5.

Tickets for the game can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (800) 745-3000, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Cowboys Stadium ticket office. Tickets will not be sold through the Big 12 Conference office.

Championship game tickets are $120, $80, $70, $60 and $50 each, based on location. Prices do not include state and local taxes, and additional ticket convenience and handling fee charges.

For suite information, please contact the Cowboys Stadium Suite Department at (817) 892-4470 or suites@dallascowboys.net.

Each participating university is allotted up to 12,000 tickets, which will become available upon qualification for the championship. These tickets and all other information will be distributed by the respective participant's ticket office.
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SUH NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR LOMBARDI AWARD...

Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been selected as one of 12 semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award.

The Lombardi Award is given annually to best college offensive or defensive lineman, who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi. The semifinal list will be trimmed to four finalists on Nov. 10 and the award will be presented in Houston on Dec. 9.

The 6-4, 300-pound Suh is the cornerstone of the Nebraska defense. After leading the team in tackles in 2008, Suh is again leading the way this fall with 32 tackles through five games. He also leads the team with seven tackles for loss and has recorded three sacks. Suh also has a remarkable seven pass breakups, easily the most of any defensive lineman in the country, and has added an interception, a fumble caused and five quarterback hurries.

Suh's dominant early season play was punctuated by his performance at Missouri last Thursday. Suh racked up six tackles, including a first-quarter sack that forced a fumble. He also had an interception that set up Nebraska's go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, added another pass breakup and had three quarterback hurries.

In addition to being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his effort, Suh has also earned national defensive player-of-the-week honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, the Football Writers and was the Lott Trophy Impact Player of the Week.

Suh is one of four Big 12 players on the Lombardi Award Semifinal List, joining Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma State offensive lineman Russell Okung and Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Nebraska has had four players win the Lombardi Award, including Rich Glover in 1972, Dave Rimington in 1982, Dean Steinkuhler in 1983 and Grant Wistrom in 1997.
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SUH FOR THE 2009 HEISMAN...(thanks Rita!)...

Here's our chance to vote for SUH for the 2009 Heisman! As the sponsor for the Heisman trophy, Nissan gets to cast one vote and they are voting based on fan input. Make your voice heard!! SUH!!!! You will have to type his name in (Ndamukong Suh), but he's currently the frontrunner with nearly 60,000 votes (32% of the total votes)!
http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/theheismanvote/2009/

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HUSKERS IN THE NFL - WEEK 6...

Lincoln - A total of 19 former Huskers saw action during Week 6 of the 2009 NFL season, while one was off with a bye. Four former Huskers played in to two primetime games, as the Bears’ Zackary Bowman and Josh Bullocks dropped a close game on the road in Atlanta on Sunday night, while Correll Buckhalter and Russ Hochstein helped the Denver Broncos move to 6-0 with a win over San Diego on Monday Night Football.

After missing last weekend’s game against New England with an ankle injury, Buckhalter returned to the Broncos’ backfield to carry the ball 10 times for a team-high 46 yards. Buckhalter was also third on the time with four catches for 29 yards. Hochstein helped pave the wave for the Denver rushing attack to rack up 101 yards, while quarterback Kyle Orton completed 20 of 29 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns, while only being sacked once.

Following a bye week, Bowman and Bullocks traveled to Atlanta where Bowman intercepted his first pass of the season. Even though the Bears’ defense held the Falcons to just 68 yards on the ground and intercepted Matt Ryan twice, the Bears’ offense turned the ball over three times in a 14-21 loss.

In an overtime thriller at the Meadowlands, Chris Kelsay had a career day for the Bills as Buffalo handed the Jets their third straight loss of the season with a 16-13 win. For the first time in his career Kelsay produced double-digit tackles from his defensive end position, totaling 12 tackles. The Bills’ defense caused the Jets’ passing attack trouble all day as they intercepted six passes, including five from Mark Sanchez, and only allowed 119 yard through the air.

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RANDY YORK'S NSIDER....LEGENDARY RECRUIT TURNER GILL KNEW OSBORNE "WOULD MAKE ME A BETTER MAN"...

Turner Gill will never forget Oct. 3, 1981, the day after Nebraska had beaten Auburn, 17-3.
In his usual understated style, then Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne told Gill, a sophomore, that he would be Nebraska's starting quarterback for the Big Eight Conference opener against Colorado.

Gill, after all, had earned the job after leapfrogging Mark Mauer and Nate Mason on the depth chart. With Nebraska trailing Auburn, 3-0, at halftime, Osborne took a chance on Gill, and one of the Huskers' most prized recruits ever from the state of Texas disappointed absolutely no one.

Taking immediate control and leading Nebraska to a 59-0 win over the Buffs in Lincoln, Gill never looked back on his way to becoming one of the Huskers' most popular leaders in the history of the program.

Sure, he led Nebraska to six wins that sophomore season before the Huskers lost to Clemson in a national championship Orange Bowl game.

That was followed by a 12-1 finish in 1983, the only loss being a controversial 27-24 decision at eventual national champion Penn State.

Then, of course, came Nebraska's NCAA record-breaking Scoring Explosion team of 1983 that went 12-0 before Gill's two-point conversion pass just missed Jeff Smith's fingertips in that gut-wrenching 31-30 loss to national champion Miami.

The Huskers averaged 52 points a game and 400 yards rushing that season. Overall, Gill finished with a 28-2 record as Nebraska's starting quarterback. Under his leadership, the Huskers won three consecutive outright Big Eight championships, including its first outright title in 10 years.

Gill was 20-0 as a Big Eight starter. He was also a winning leader and teammate. That's why Osborne hired him as his quarterback coach, so he could join a staff that just kept on winning and winning. Gill was part of a Husker program that won three national championships and just missed two other ones in a five-year span.

For Gill, Winning is Defined in Spiritual Terms

But here's the deal with Turner Gill. He doesn't measure "real winning" in terms of wins and losses. He measures it in terms of values and what you become as a man, a husband, a father, a friend and yes, even a citizen of this great country.

"I knew the minute I met Coach Osborne when he was recruiting me that he would help make me a man," said Gill, now the head football coach at the University of Buffalo.

Gill was so immersed in Osborne's style of leadership and became so close to him personally that he asked his head football coach to be one of the five groomsmen in his wedding.

"Whether it was as a player or a coach at Nebraska, the thing that gave me the greatest pleasure was learning how God can be involved in your life," Gill said. "Seeing Tom in his last few years of coaching was really exciting for me. Scoring touchdowns and winning national championship were important, but the thing I found most enjoyable was hearing a coach stand up there and talk about Scripture. That was a truly defining moment for me."

It represented the last bit of polish that Gill needed to become a head coach - the kind of wisdom he uses in his own daily journey at Buffalo.

Osborne teaches all players and associates to begin with the end in mind, and that's what Gill has done in building Buffalo from one of college football's biggest losers into one of its most respected up-and-coming programs.

Buffalo's vision is to provide a positive, motivating environment that encourages excellence, growth and balance in the lives of all staff and student-athletes.

"We've defined the behaviors we're looking for and what we want our staff and our student-athletes to do," Gill said. "They have to understand our mission. They have to feel it, and they have to believe it."

From Believing in Each Other to Enjoying the Experience
Gill was so inspired by the word "Believe" that he built his program's mission around it. Here are the behaviors he values and prioritizes:

Believe in each other and the things not yet seen.

Empower people by encouragement.

Learn and push toward the goal.

Influence by being a positive role model.

Expect great effort all the time.

Visualize success.

Enjoy the college football experience.

"That's our mission statement for the University of Buffalo football program," Gill said. "I could go more into the details and explain the hows and the whys, but if you came here and asked anybody about our mission statement, they should be able to tell you what it is because we talk about it every day."

Gill points out there are seven letters in "BELIEVE" because he wanted the word to be relevant for all seven days in the week.

"B is for Sunday and the last E - enjoy the college football experience - is for Saturdays," he said.
For Gill and for Buffalo, it works.

It works because in Tom Osborne teaching him that football is about more than winning, Turner Gill became the man that he always knew he could be.
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Scholarship Name Change

Upon the death of Dr. Robert "Buck" McCoy, past chapter president Jim Gwynn suggested the Bay Area Huskers chapter scholarship be renamed in Buck's honor. Buck was an integral chapter member for many years, was chapter president, and he and his wife Norma began the annual Husker picnic by providing funding and food.

With permission from Hobart Davis Jr., whose father's name was on the fund, it is now been changed to THE DR. BUCK MCCOY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. The fund is still number 4148. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund should write to:

University of Nebraska Foundation
1010 Lincoln Mall, Sute 300
Lincoln, NE 68508

Please be sure to specify the fund name and number and help provide scholarship money for students from our chapter area to attend UNL.

Thank you.
Dave Pegg, Chapter President

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BAY AREA BIG 12 SOCIALS...
Although the Huskers weren't well represented at the last rally of Bay Area Big 12 Alums last month in San Francisco, there are plans to have another event during the holidays. We will try to get the word out well in advance to give everyone a chance to plan ahead and prepare to attend. More soon...

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HUSKERS CLIPPED BY CYCLONES...

Lincoln – Despite a career night from All-American middle blocker Kori Cooper, fifth-ranked Nebraska dropped a five-set heartbreaker to Iowa State, losing 3-2 (18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20, 15-12) to No. 14 Iowa State Wednesday evening in the NU Coliseum.

Cooper led four Huskers in double figures with a career-high 16 kills on .414 hitting and four blocks, but the Cyclones overcame a 2-1 deficit to take their first-ever win over Nebraska since the all-time series began in 1975.

Cooper’s previous high in kills was 14 at Missouri during her sophomore season and her performance against ISU marked the third time this season the senior finished in double figures. It was also the fourth time in the last six matches that Cooper hit at least .400.

Hannah Werth, Lindsey Licht and Brooke Delano all had at least 12 kills apiece for Nebraska (14-5, 7-3 Big 12), which saw its five-match win streak snapped. The Huskers were held to .160 hitting, including .000 in the finale, as the Cyclones (16-3, 8-2) recorded five blocks in the decisive fifth set.

Rachel Hockaday led three Iowa State players in double figures with a match-high 18 kills, while Victoria Henson and Jamie Straube chipped in 14 and 11 kills respectively. The Cyclones block was a major key, as ISU totaled 15 on the night, including eight by Straube and seven by Henson.

Nebraska out-dug Iowa State, 93-87, as Kayla Banwarth totaled a team-high 23 digs and Gina Mancuso added a career-high 16 off the bench. It marked Banwarth’s fourth straight match with at least 20 digs and the ninth time this season she eclipsed that total. Both Sydney Anderson (56 assists and 10 digs) and Werth (13 kills and 17 digs) posted double-doubles in the loss.
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HUSKER VOLLEYBALL WINS FIFTH STRAIGHT...

Columbia, Mo. – Sydney Anderson tied her career high with 57 assists, while No. 7 Nebraska hit over .300 for the third straight match in defeating Missouri, 3-1 (25-17, 25-15, 21-25, 25-13) Saturday night.

With the win, the Huskers (14-4, 7-2 Big 12) became the first team to win in Columbia this season, snapping Missouri’s eight-match home win streak, and moved into a tie with Iowa State for second in the Big 12 standings.

Anderson’s 57 assists tied a career high set against Washington in last year’s NCAA Regional final, as she helped three Huskers finish in double figures. Outside hitter Hannah Werth tied a career high with a team-best 17 kills and added 15 digs, while right side hitter Lindsey Lich added 13 kill on .367 hitting and two solo blocks. All-American Tara Mueller was the third Husker to finish in double figures with 10 kills and 11 digs for her fifth double-double of the year.
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HUSKER SOCCER TEAM GOES ON THE ROAD FOR BIG 12 NORTH BATTLES...

Game 17: Nebraska (9-3-4, 3-2-2) vs. Kansas (10-6-1, 2-5-0)
Live Blog: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here
Date: Friday, Oct. 23
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Location: Jayhawk Soccer Complex, Lawrence, Kan.

Game 18: Nebraska (9-3-4, 3-2-2) vs. No. 23 Missouri (10-4-3, 5-0-2)
Live Video: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here
Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
Time: 1 p.m. CST
Location: Audrey J. Walton Complex, Columbia, Mo.

With momentum spurring from an upset over No. 14 Texas A&M, the Nebraska soccer team looks to build on its success as the Huskers hit the road for a pair of challenging Big 12 North matchups at Kansas and No. 23 Missouri this week.

Nebraska meets the Jayhawks in Lawrence on Friday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m., before heading east to take on the Tigers in Columbia on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. A live blog will be available for Friday's game on Huskers.com (NU Soccer Blog) in addition to live stats at www.kuathletics.com.
Fans can watch Sunday's game with the purchase of a monthly subscription ($9.95) to Mizzou All-Access on www. mutigers.com. Free live stats will also be available.

Last September, Nebraska's matchups with Kansas and Missouri were two of the most exciting games of the 2008 season, as the Huskers defeated both the Jayhawks and Tigers in back-to-back overtime contests at the Nebraska Soccer Field. Kansas was ranked No. 25 at the time of the meeting before it went on to reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Huskers have risen to a tie for fourth place in the Big 12 standings with a 3-2-2 conference record (11 points). Freshman Morgan Marlborough scored both goals in Nebraska's 2-1 win over the Aggies on Sunday to increase her NCAA-leading total to 21 and earn Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. As a team, the Huskers' 53 goals rank third in the nation.
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MARLBOROUGH CLAIMS BIG 12 HONOR...

Forward Morgan Marlborough continues to garner national recognition through a spectacular freshman season as she has been named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and one of College Soccer 360's "Primetime Performers of the Week" following her clutch play in Nebraska's 2-1 upset over No. 14 Texas A&M on Sunday.

The Big 12 award is the third of the season for Marlborough, as she was also won offensive and newcomer honors on Sept. 15. Marlborough is just the third freshman in Big 12 history to win three awards in a season, joining Texas A&M's Ashlee Pistorius (three in 2004) and Colorado's Nikki Marshall (four in 2006). Her three awards in 2009 lead the conference.

Marlborough has a nation-leading 21 goals this season and her two-goal performance against Texas A&M was her seventh multiple-goal game this year. She ranks in a tie for fourth all-time among single-season goal leaders in school history, trailing only Kim Essenger (27, 1998; 26, 1997) and Christine Latham (23, 2000).
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WHITES TAKE FINALE WITH 5-4 WIN...

Lincoln – The White team scratched across single runs in the seventh and ninth innings to pull out a 5-4 victory in the final day of the Red/White Series at Hawks Field Monday afternoon.

Trailing 4-3, the Whites used a two-out rally against reliever Matt Freeman to knot the score. After an infield single by Pat Hirschberg, Luke Bublitz kept the rally alive with a single to left. John Mulgrue then reached on a fielder’s choice, as the throw to get Bublitz at second went wide of the bag to tie the score.

The rally spoiled a great relief performance from Freeman, who allowed two runs on four hits over 5.2 innings in a no-decision. The junior fanned seven and walked one to continue an impressive fall campaign.

It was the bottom of the lineup that came up big again in the ninth inning off of freshman Kurt Giller, who took the loss in relief.

Hirschberg coaxed a leadoff walk and stole second before Bublitz laid down a perfect sacrifice to get Hirschberg to third. With the infield playing in to get the runner at the plate, Mulgrue hit a ball to Kale Kiser at second, but his throw home was wide of home, allowing Hirschberg to slide in with the go-ahead run.

That was more than enough for the White bullpen, as Mike Nesseth set the Reds down in order in the ninth. The junior right-hander tossed 2.1 innings of no-hit relief for the win, as he allowed only two balls out of the infield.

The White bullpen was stout in salvaging the final game of the three-game series, as Michael Mariot and Nesseth combined to allow one run over 5.2 innings of relief.

Cody Asche was the only White starter with two hits, going 2-for-5 on the day, while Hirschberg and Boomer Collins score twice apiece.

The Whites jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, getting a two-out RBI double from Asche in the first before DJ Belfonte’s second homer of the series in the third made it a two-run lead.

The Reds would fight back, getting one of the runs back in the third, as Farst opened the frame with a double and eventually scored on a fielder’s choice from Kiser.

In the fourth, the Reds broke the game open, scoring three times, including an RBI double from Josh Scheffert and run-scoring singles from Farst and Kiser. Farst finished the day going 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Kiser had two hits and two RBIs.

Patric Tolentino continued to swing a hot bat for the Reds, getting three hits on Monday and finishing the three-game series with a team-best .417 average.

The Huskers will wrap up fall drills this week and begin preparations for the 2010 season, which begins on Friday, Feb. 19, as the Huskers will open a four-game series at Fresno State. A complete schedule will be announced in the coming days.
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CAMPAIGN FOR NEBRASKA TO RAISE $1.2 BILLION FOR NU...

The public phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign led by a prominent team of volunteers was announced today by the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska Foundation. The Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities seeks to raise $1.2 billion to meet high-priority opportunities and needs for the university’s four campuses.

It is the most ambitious fundraising effort in the 73-year history of the foundation. Fundraising for the campaign began in 2005 and concludes in 2014; more than $642 million has been raised so far in gifts and pledges.

Nebraska native Jeff Raikes, a campaign leadership volunteer and chief executive officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said he’s involved because of his family’s strong ties to the state and university.

“I grew up with a real sense of how important the university was to our work, to our family, and the valuable role the university plays in Nebraska,” Raikes said. “Each of my fellow campaign volunteers enjoys a personal connection to the university, and we believe in the unlimited possibilities this effort represents for students and for the areas in which the university is excelling.”

Omaha business leader and philanthropist Walter Scott, a campaign leadership volunteer, said he’s supporting the Campaign for Nebraska because of the opportunities the university offers to future generations.

“The University of Nebraska is all about our children and giving them the education and skills that will prepare them to fulfill their dreams of being future leaders for our state,” Scott said. “To keep them in Nebraska, there has to be attractive career opportunities; the university has a crucial role to play in ensuring those opportunities will be here for each new generation, and that is why I am supporting this campaign.”

James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska, said the primary goal of the campaign is to enhance the university’s ability to serve Nebraska.

“We want the University of Nebraska to be the best public university in America in terms of the impact we have on the people we serve,” Milliken said. “That’s what motivates us, and it’s what we’re working to achieve.”

The priority areas supported by the campaign include:

Student support—The highest priority of the campaign is to help ensure that the university remains accessible by increasing private support for student financial aid, including the Collegebound Nebraska tuition assistance program, and for premier academic programs that attract top students. The university also plans to expand student opportunities for global engagement, offering undergraduate students the opportunity to have a meaningful international experience through study abroad opportunities, international internships or research programs.

Research and academic program support—The campaign focuses on priority areas where the university has the greatest potential to excel. These areas include cancer research and treatment; agriculture and life sciences; water and natural resources; early childhood education; information technology; and architectural engineering and construction.

“The priorities for the campaign are areas that will matter to the future of Nebraska; they are also areas in which the university has traditionally excelled, and in which we believe we can have a global impact,” Milliken said. “With the momentum we’ve enjoyed over the past few years, we can achieve these goals.”

Milliken said the campaign builds on recent successes, including the highest enrollment in 14 years, record high test scores for incoming freshmen, success in keeping more of the state’s top scholars in the state, and a more diverse student population with larger numbers of out-of-state, international and minority students. He also pointed to the great strides made in the university’s research enterprise, with a record $229 million in external funding in 2009—a 22 percent increase over the previous year.

Clarence L. Castner, president of the University of Nebraska Foundation, said the university’s history of successful campaigns is beneficial and is attributed to individuals and organizations in Nebraska and across the nation who care about the quality of the institution.

“Private support has been instrumental in helping to move the University of Nebraska from good to great,” Castner said. “And now we’re seeking another investment to move from a great to a premiere institution in the world.”

The Campaign for Nebraska also represents the university’s largest endeavor to involve volunteers in all areas of the campaign. More than 100 volunteers are serving in various roles, including on the executive committee, campus committees or college committees. The executive committee includes: James Abel of Lincoln, Susie Buffett of Omaha, James Clifton of Washington, D.C., Michael Dunlap of Lincoln, John Gottschalk of Omaha, Larry Hall of Grand Junction, Colo., Howard Hawks of Omaha, Bruce Lauritzen of Omaha, Raikes of Seattle and Ashland, Neb., Walter Scott of Omaha, Ronald Williams of Denver, Gail Walling Yanney, M.D. and Michael Yanney of Omaha, and James Young of Omaha.

The campaign is the university’s third comprehensive campaign. The Nebraska Campaign between 1977 and 1980 had a goal to raise $25 million and surpassed it by raising $51 million. The university’s last major campaign, Campaign Nebraska: One University, One Nebraska between 1993 and 2000 surpassed its initial goal of $250 million by raising $727 million.

More information about the campaign is available at campaignfornebraska.org.

Fundraising year announced

The University of Nebraska Foundation also announced fundraising results of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. During the last year, more than $128.1 million was raised in total gifts, bequests and life insurance proceeds. During the same period it transferred $102.8 million to the University of Nebraska’s four campuses, including support for students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus capital improvements.

According to Castner, it was the foundation’s second best fundraising year. The previous fiscal year (2007-08) was its best year with $166.5 million raised.

“Given the recent recession, we are especially amazed by the generosity of donors, no matter the amount they’re able to give or the area they enjoy helping,” Castner said. “We strongly believe their passion for the university is because they understand the opportunities a premier education and research institution can offer to the state’s people and to the economy.”

The market value of the foundation’s assets for the fiscal year totaled $1.37 billion, down $228.7 million from the previous year. The endowment managed by the foundation totaled $964.9 million. The total return on the endowment was –21.3 percent for the year.

In other news, the University of Nebraska Foundation announced Omaha native Nancy Keegan of Los Angeles as the new chair of its board of directors. She replaces Harley Bergmeyer of DeWitt, whose two-year term as chair expired. Keegan, a Harvard Business School graduate and retired investment banker, is past managing director of Crosshill Financial Group in Washington, D.C.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that has been raising private gifts to support the University of Nebraska for more than 70 years. Last year, $102.8 million was transferred to the university to support students, faculty, academic programs, research, and for campus capital improvements. More information is available at nufoundation.org.
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MISSION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA EVENT...

November 7th, 7:30pm - Classic Treasures

MCO is thrilled to welcome back “poet of the keyboard” Jon Nakamatsu, with his spellbinding artistry and awe-inspiring technique, in Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 23. This program of treasured works from the classical period and beyond includes Beethoven’s buoyant, tongue-in-cheek Symphony no. 8 with its many surprises. And a quick trip to Jordan via Michael Senturia’s Petra offers a few more!

“Nakamatsu’s brilliantly engaged performance paints a portrait of a remarkably wide-ranging and stylish artist.” - Gramophone“A pianist of substantial gifts.” – Metro Times Forward this to a friend

Have some questions about the Mission Chamber Orchestra?
Please join our mailing list or request information by sending us e-mail at webmaster@missionchamber.org

Music Director Emily Ray

CLASSIC TREASURES
pianist Jon Nakamatsu

When: Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 7:30PM
Where: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th St., San Jose, CA 95112
Title of Event: Classic Treasures

Program:

Beethoven "Symphony no. 8"
Mozart "Piano Concerto no. 23"
Faure "Pavane"
Donizetti "Allegro for strings"
Senturia "Petra"
Guest Performers: Evergreen Valley High School
Strings

Le Petit Trianon Theatre - 72 North Fifth Street San Jose, CA 95112

The Box Office opens at 6:30pm
Buy your tickets early as we anticipate a sellout crowd!
Free parking in the city garage across the street from Le Petit Trianon!

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NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND...

* Back To the Rockies
Grand Island's airport is back in the Denver business. The Central Nebraska Regional Airport will resume westbound flights to Denver starting Dec. 1, the Department of Transportation approved. Flights from Denver will land in Grand Island,... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/10/20/4addc5d0df603

* Bound for the Ground
Jacob Hickman doesn't like the circumstances that brought Nebraska's football team to a defining moment in its season. But the NU center isn't about to argue with the new offensive game plan. "They're gonna shift it onto our shoulders this... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/10/19/4add08764a054

* Huskers' Offense Blows a Fuse in Loss to Tech
It was a simple bubble screen gone bad. But it was the wrong time – the wrong game – to commit such an error. Inside Texas Tech's 20-yard line, still in the first quarter, Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee flipped wide receiver Niles Paul, who... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/10/17/4ada4a7d37df1

* Whiteclay Film Heads to Big Apple
A film detailing the controversial practice of selling alcohol in Whiteclay, Neb. - just across the border from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota – will be getting a special New York showcase, courtesy of former Sen. Bob Kerrey.... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/10/19/4adc78173b9d5

* Husker Monday Review: Texas Tech
We've hit the midway point of Nebraska's season, and two things seem obvious.

*The first 45 days of college football whisked by us like a thief out of a Vegas casino. These seasons are fast, furious, and full of twists.

*NU, once again,... http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2009/10/18/4adbf0a1e14e1
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HUSKER HUMOR...

Columbia storm (Thanks Mac and Donna)

Did you hear about the huge storm that hit Columbia, Missouri? It caused a lot of damage; damaged pride, damaged confidence, & damaged quarterbacks.

They call it a Suhnami

Visit our Bay Area Huskers website for additional Husker information, Links, Upcoming Events, Past Events, Watch Sites, and the Schedule of Games. Also order Merchandise online, and get information on Husker Scholarships. Check out the History of the Huskers and meet our Directors.

Say hello today, email us, sign up for our newsletter, and become a member of the Bay Area Huskers Alumni Chapter.