Pardon My Lack Of Enthusiasm
2 comments so far
December 28, 2006 by
Hey, there are lots of reasons why NU's players, coaches and fans should be very excited to be playing in this year's Cotton Bowl Classic. It's on New Years Day against a big-time school, and NU is seeking its 10th win of the season. What's not to love? For me, quite a bit. And judging by the plunging ticket prices, I don't think I'm alone.
I'm just not that excited about this game. Maybe it is just me - and the stress of my day job workload or caring for a sick child leaves my brain little spare energy for football. But, I don't think it is just that. There are good rational reasons why I'm not geeked about the Cotton Bowl. Before everyone gets too jacked up about me being a naysayer - everything I said in the intro is true. This game matters a lot. And, I have big respect for Auburn, the Bowl committee and anybody else pouring themselves in to this game. Just pardon my lack of enthusiasm for the following reasons.
Long Supply Short Demand
The near-perfect effect of supply and demand tells me just how unenthused people are about this game. You can get a ticket for $20 when face value is $90. I think this is for a few reasons. First, NU fans seriously go crazy when it comes to following the team. Many - myself included - spend their vacation budgets to go to games. But, this year saw two big travel opportunities for Huskers - the game at USC, and the Big 12 title game. In a state like Nebraska, those kinds of travel funds are finite for many. On some level, folks are just tapped out.
Next, it is in Dallas and not in Arizona. So great was Husker Nation's desire for at BCS bid that I think even a high quality game like the Cotton Bowl lacks luster. And while NU's folks are saying all of the right things about Dallas, it is still subject to cooler weather than you ideally want for a bowl/vacation. People want to go to the beach, or golf or just be in the sun. Nebraska winters aren't easy. And, the Dallas metro traffic leaves much to be desired.
Tough match up
On a more practical football level, I'm reluctant to face this game because our opponent is GOOD. Auburn isn't in the top 10 by accident, folks. The Huskers had better come ready to work and the game plan had better be vigorous and rigorous, or it will be very tough sledding. Lest we forget, NU is 0-3 against top-10 teams this year. And Auburn beat two BCS qualifiers (Florida and LSU) this season. Vegas and the college football sooper geniuses think NU has a legit shot (line is 2 to AU). But, I see an opponent that is getting healthy during their bowl preparation time, and fear a reprise of the UT or OU games. That, and I just can't help but imagine how much better it would be to be playing Boise State this week.
In the interest of total transparency, I thought NU would get romped on my Michigan in the bowl last year. So, I may just be pessimistic about bowls. A childhood haunted by Orange Bowl losses will do that to a person. Make no mistake, I want NU to win and will be cheering my guts out with my core group of usual suspects in front of the tube.
Early Kick Time
Speaking of watching the game, that early kick puts a damper on many folks. I laugh when I think about how many people have said they will either alter their New Year's eve plans or just suffer through the hangover to be in front of the television at 10:30 a.m. My favorite strategy so far was one person talking about trying to be "drunk over", which requires a feat of body chemistry that I won't try to describe here.
There is some nostalgia for me with this early Cotton Bowl kick. It was funny for me to hear Courtney Grixby talk about how as a kid his dad would be in front of the early games at 10:00. That's how it was at our house. My mom typically made excellent cornbread on New Years day. The Cotton Bowl kicked off the day of football. So, my brother and I sort of thought of this game as the cornbread and honey game.
Maybe the site of Crimson and Cream coming out of the tunnel and stories of Brandon Jackson gutting it out on a broken hand will reinvigorate my Husker spirit. Or, maybe I should just eat some cornbread. Regardless, I hope it can be the start of a very happy "NU Year" for Husker fans.
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steve Dec 28 06
Darren,
First, how this article made it to my home page is a mystery. Being from Dallas I can think one many reasons the Callahuskers should be thankful they are there. Along with "the best fans in college football".
First, it's the Cotton Bowl. Playing Auburn out of the best conference (not imo). If your are a true college football fan you will follow your team anywhere. If you want to go play then plan a golfing vacation.
I know the Cotton Bowl itself needs work, but hanging your pads before Jan.1 bites. Ask the players.
While you are here go see the Mavericks or the Stars. If you don't like the traffic call a cab.
When was the last time you paid less than face value for a college football bowl game? Stop bitching!
As far as the 10:30 start on New Years Day. If you are gonna run all night with the Big dogs then you had better be ready to hunt come morning.
Good Luck to Y'all!
HOOK'EM
darren Dec 28 06
Steve,
Thanks for reading. A couple of things. The Cotton Bowl is a good game. Auburn is a great opponent - both in name and talent. I'd just rather be in the BCS, and I'd prefer sunny AZ over the Dallas freeways. Sorry. Hey, there has to be a reason it didn't make the BCS cut...
None of that has anything to do with my love or anyone's love of the team or willingness to follow them. I've been from sea to shining sea. And more than a few Huskers went to spectacular Shreveport in 2002. My one point in that post is simply that folks only have so many bucks to travel with the team. And, LOTS of people went to USC and KC. (where, by the way, we froze our butts off to support the team).
And, I wasn't "bitching" about the ticket price. I was just pointing out that supply far exceeds demand for this game.
Enjoy San Antonio with your Horns.