El Paso or bust? The smart money says yes, but two other bowl possibilities seem to remain for the Huskers — the Gator Bowl and the Alamo Bowl.

Of the three bowls, the Gator has first choice, followed by the Alamo and then the Sun.

The Gator Bowl, played on New Year’s Day in Jacksonville, Fla., does have the option of taking a Big 12 team and has expressed interest in NU, an appealing prospect for Big Red fans who for so long were accustomed to their team playing on Jan. 1.

But Notre Dame also has the Gator Bowl’s attention and a knack for drawing big TV ratings. Whether rooting for them or rooting against them, people watch the Irish.

The popular speculation is that the Gator Bowl would take a 7-5 Notre Dame team over an 8-4 Nebraska team, but speculation is where it ends at this point.

The interesting thing about football is the game is played on the field. Notre Dame isn’t 7-5 just yet. They could go 8-4 or 6-6. For that matter, we’re not 8-4 yet.

I’m about to get into my Crush the Buffs stance. Are you with me?

According to Lincoln Star Journal, representatives from the 2008 Brut Sun Bowl were on hand in the press box.

The long awaited issuance of Blackshirts was big news in Huskerland this week.

But not everyone is celebrating their good fortune. Matt O’Hanlon, for instance. According to NE State Paper, O’Hanlon, despite starting nine games and being fourth on the team in tackles, is still practicing in his red No. 33.

He’s locked in a late-season battle with now-healthy junior Rickey Thenarse for the starting free safety spot, and that battle, according to O’Hanlon and secondary coach Marvin Sanders, is what keeps either player from earning a Blackshirt.

“I’ve worked hard and to not get one, it’s tough,” O’Hanlon said. “I guess it’s for a good reason. Me and Rick still have to compete. I’m sure eventually one of us will get one. They’re trying to motivate us.

“It’s still a competition, and nothing’s clear cut, so we don’t really deserve them.”

The article also points out that O’Hanlon has been singled out for unfair criticism on certain fan message boards. That’s lame. My rule of thumb on that is don’t say it online if you wouldn’t say it to the person’s face.

“I’m trying to focus on what needs to happen day by day to get our program where it needs to be, and we’re never satisfied,” he said. “We had higher expectations than (this year so far).”

History — and guys like Frank Solich — remind you that Pelini’s answer is a good one. Because in Nebraska, the honeymoons can be short and, if you’re not chasing championships, your time is often limited.

“Is he doing well overall?” asked booster Roger Brown. “Hell, doing well, he’s doing terrible! He hasn’t gone undefeated yet.”

Then the booster laughed. He was joking.

Sort of.

Blackshirts were quietly hung in lockers during team meetings according to an ESPN report.

Huskers receiving the famed blackshirts were:
Zach Potter
Pierre Allen
Clayton Sievers
Ndamukong Suh
Ty Steinkuhler
Tyler Wortman
Phillip Dillard
Anthony West
Armando Murillo
Eric Hagg
Larry Asante

If Cody Glenn finds his way back to the team - it was labeled a suspension and not a dismisal - I wonder if he’ll be joining the list as well.

A little video goodness to the history of the Blackshirts:

A press release has been issued stating Cody Glenn has been suspended and no further comment of the matter would be available.

This is certainly a blow to the defense. Cody Glenn, Senior Linebacker, has made a name for himself this season after his switch from the crowded running back position to linebacker with 51 tackles on the season.

More information if I can find it. If anyone has any insight, feel free to comment or email to huskers@huskerzone.com.

Toney McCray sat out last year, shaped his game and confidence, all of which was on display for the roughly 4500 fans who came to see this years team.  He did not disappoint, but showed all why he was regarded as a sleeper out of high school.  He showed great range in hitting a three, but looked very smooth in the post as well.  He finished with game highs in points (18) and rebounds (7) in only 18 minutes of work.  Another surprise was true Freshman Eshuante “Bear” Jones, who might end up redshirting because of a lingering foot injury.  Jones came into the game not really looking comfortable on offense.  According to Jones, Paul Velander told him to shoot it.  In a span of just over two minutes,  Jones scored nine straight  points to help NU break open the offense.  Jones finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Not bad for a guy with a bad foot!  He really looked like he can become very streaky when he’s in a rhythm, as did McCray.  You add that to Anderson, Dagunduro, Harley, Henry, and Cookie and this team will be very fun to watch.

One thing that did look alot like last year was NU’s intense pressure they put on defense.  NU was famous for holding teams to long scoring droughts last year and, granted this is a division II team, the Huskers clamped down after falling behind 10-3 early in the first.  NU outscored Chadron State 48-16 the rest of the way leading 51-26 at half.  The Huskers forced 27 turnovers and had 17 steals, but the D seemed a little relaxed in the second half as NU barely outscored the Eagles, 34-28.

Doc Sadler was his usual self when assessing the play of his team:

As far as our players are concerned, I thought all of them contributed somewhat. I was disappointed in our ball movement offensively. I was really thinking that our ball movement would be much better than what it was. Until the last six or seven minutes, I thought our half-court defense was good enough. I thought some of the young guys played pretty well offensively. At least they shot it well. I don’t know how good they played. Defensively, I don’t think they played as well as they shot it. That’s obviously something we’ve got to continue to work on.

Overall, this was an exciting game to watch as the future of Husker Basketball was on display.  I was not disappointed in the least bit.  Buy in a little bit to Coach Sadler’s defensive pressure, and this team could meet or exceed last year’s record.  Next up is the regular season for the Huskers as they host San Jose St.  on Sunday, November 19.  Tip-off will be at 2 P.M. and their are plenty of single game, as well as, season tickets still available.

[Box Score courtesy of Huskers.com]

Solid performance today. A little iffy with putting the ball on the ground, but penalties were down and the offense played soundly.

Here’s to bowl eligibility!

Sanders said KU QB Todd Reesing will make plays on the run. The key is to not allow Reesing to throw outside of the pocket. If he runs, let him run, Sanders said, but not throw. And then get a hit on Reesing.

[via Nebraska State Paper]

During last week’s game against Oklahoma, ESPN television cameras several times showed the Nebraska coach in an unfavorable way.

“I regret that,” Pelini said Tuesday during the weekly news conference.

Personally, I’m not too bothered by it. We need a passionate leader. I just hope he shows respect to those around him. Yellers typically do not.

p.s. The Tampa newspaper names the head coach’s job at Nebraska one the nation’s 10 toughest.