NU Death March Will Be Televised
3 comments so far
October 26, 2007 by
Earlier this season, I talked about NU's "Return to Relevance". NU fans have been craving the opportunity for their team to be part of the national story again. Well, it looks like that may have been a case of "careful what you ask for." Nebraska football is nationally relevant again...for the wrong reasons. Nebraska's next two games (at Texas and at Kansas) are scheduled to be televised, giving the football-watching public a chance to rubber neck and watch the NU train wreck.
Things to Point the Camera At
People in television are in the business of telling stories. The more people who watch those stories, the more money they can make. And for sports TV, storytelling unfolds both on and off the field. The games don't necessarily have to be competitive to be interesting. And there are many compelling reasons to televise Husker games with Texas and Kansas. Some have to do with the opponents and some have to do with NU.
First, there are good stories about the opponents. Any time Texas plays, there is a really good chance it will be on television. Some of this has to do with football. And some of it has to do with Texas' population and popularity. In both regards they are the Big 12 big boy. Good for them. Good for the conference.
And, Kansas is one of the "surprise" or "feel good" stories of the 2007 season. Fans inside and outside of the geographic area have a real interest in what the Jayhawks are doing. They are a reason to watch, no doubt.
Rubber Neck Effect
Then, there is the case of Nebraska. There are people who will tune in to these games not because the like UT or KU, but because they wonder what in the name of Bob Devaney is happening in Lincoln. They are morbidly curious to watch the death march of one of college football's big brand names.
I'm not calling out the media. They have a story to tell, and a job to do. And, I'm glad NU is getting TV revenue. But, the sometimes likeable, sometimes hatable Mike Lupica says...There are only two real stories in sports - 'Big Guy wins' or 'Big Guy loses.' And, while I hold out hope for the game, it pains me to know that the Huskers are likely being put on the tube for the latter.
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James Moore Oct 26 07
Darren the article's title got a sarcastic smile on my face & the "what in the name of Devaney is happening in Lincoln" got a chuckle. Despite our problems this MIGHT be the game to get us back. Over the past 2 years I've never seen a team with more busted coverages than the Longhorns. Texas LB's are suspect to mental lapses so we have an opportunity early in this game to get them on their heels. Hopefully we'll come out with the same sort of playcalling & tempo that had us up 10-7 in the USC game. Keep up the great work at the site & thanks for all the efforts to keep it going.
Wan Oct 27 07
10-7 vs. USC? What team have you been watching this season? Whereas I appreciate the optimism, the reality is Texas should walk all over Nebraska.
James Moore Oct 28 07
Wan,
Before the wheels came off we were BRIEFLY up against USC in the 2nd. We went up 10-7 & when we had to wait nearly 15 some-odd minutes to get one of their players off the field due to an injury on the ensuing kickoff is when the wheels came off and the Trojan onslaught started. . .