A Game of Substance

Beam Team

Yesterday I was awash with uncertainty as the announcement came over the wire that the Nebraska v. Mizzou game had been moved to ESPN primetime. My mind immediately wandered to last years debackle; a painful day that laid the foundation for an even more painful and empty conference season. Today, I'd like to say that Im more certain about the saltyness of the 2008 'Skers and their ability to overcome not only this weeks foe, but to hand Mizzou a loss. But the reality is that I'm still not over yesterdays flashback. I tremble with trepidation when I feel, not just remember, but feel the sting of last years game. In my youth I cried over Husker losses. The raw emotion was too overwhelming for a 21, eh, I mean 11 year JuDa. Last year I treated my pain with wine, or women (which is a great way to deal with big losses); but this year I planned on using wine, or women as celebratory enhancements, and not loss-therapy. I hope yesterdays moment of uncertainty is exclusive to this sad, sorry excuse for a fan, and isnt shared by Bo's Boys. If so, we're in for a long evening Oct. 4th.

On to VA Tech. Beamer Ball is fun to watch, and his always-salty squad rolls into Lincoln off consecutive conference wins against well coached teams. They toppled GA Tech two weeks ago, and then came from behind to punch Butch Davis in the mouth and steal a win in Chapel Hill last Saturday. Tyrod Taylor is the teams offense, a dynamic QB he is a Mike Vick clone. What he does behind a veteran offensive line dictates the tempo for the offense. The blight on the team is inexperience at both RB, and WR. Last years leading rusher, Brandon Ore, and his back-up Jahre Cheeseman, are no longer viable options in Blacksburg, and the receiving corps features a 5-10 white-boy starter. Yeah, you read that right, and No its not Wes Welker.

The defense is led by the teams best player, and in my opinion, the best defensive back in all of college football - Macho Harris. At 6-2, 210, Harris reminds me of Antonio Cromartie. He hits like Felix Trinidad, shuts down one side of the field, and runs like a gazelle. The defense takes their que from him. Look out for Macho on select offensive plays and returning kicks as well.

This game will be a hell of a challenge for the Big Red. Finally, a Game of Substance to alleviate my trepidations about our preparedness for Oct. 4th.

(Im having trouble maintaining focus right now because Michael Irving just came on ESPN radio

plugging his new afternoon show in Dallas. This man was/is an amazing addition to Americana pop/sports culture. If I had a Delorion, and a magic Geenie to grant me three wishes, my third and final wish would be to hang with Irvin, Nate Newton, Deion, Leon Lett, and the rest of the knucklheaded Cowboys at their "whitehouse," circa 1995. Deion, and Micheal are now outspoken Christians. Fellas, some of the shit that undoubtedly went down in that house simply cannot be forgiven). Oh, my first two wishes involve some combination of gummy worms, a bowling pin, one size 9.5 Chuck Taylor shoe, and my favorite WVU soccer player featured below.)

Slac 10

USC currently has ZERO ranked opponents for the remainder of the year. Their toughest opponent - Notre Fucking Dame. Pencil Petey C. in against (blank) for the NC in January. This boggles my mind. How can a region that feeds off California talent be so bereft of qaulity players. As it stands, I'd rather see USC play the Mountain West than line-up against the likes of ASU, Oregon, and Washington.

Big yEast Infection

I chose today to feature Miss WVU soccer to remind everyone why the Big East desereves a BCS bid. God knows their collective play has yet to merit anything other than ridicule, and a series of pre-christmas bowl births. This conference has a yeast infection... and its spreading. Remember when Louisville came into last season with bountiful promise, and WVU, along with Rutgers were all looked at as legitimate title contenders. What a sham. Last Thursdays Colorado blunder for the Mehtaneers is what we can expect from the worst conference in the game for the foreseeable future.

Ohio State Seniors, your legacy is at stake...

If you had to choose the most under-acheiving unit four weeks into the season the answer is clearly the Ohio State offensive line. What the hell happened to Alex Boone and crew? I know Chris Wells was a hell of a running back, and his loss was a detrimental blow to the running game. But against marginal competition OSU should manufacture 100 yard rushers. The OSU offensive line, and the entire Senior class for that matter, needs to wake-up and remind the Big Ten that they are the only true football factory left standing.

To All heading to Bloomington - be safe, and pour one out for JuDa!