Nebraska Starts the Season Unranked
12 comments so far
August 2, 2008 by
The inaugural USA Today coaches poll was released Friday. To nobody's surprise, Nebraska will start the 2008 season unranked, though NU did receive votes in the poll. Five Husker opponents and five teams from the Big 12 conference are ranked in this first poll of the year. Georgia opens the year in the top spot.
Pleased to Receive Votes...
I can't imagine that there are many Husker fans who are upset or offended that the Huskers open the year unranked. Nebraska was 5-7 last year, and it wasn't a "pretty" 5-7 either. Honestly, fans may be pleased that the Huskers received 17 votes in the poll, good for what would be 36th in the country. Sure, nobody chants "We're Number 36" at ball games. But it is a nice sign of respect from the countries coaches that NU got votes.
Conference Talk
Sure, these preseason polls are pretty far off when you compare them to season's end. But, for now, the Big 12 has plenty to be excited about. Five teams from the conference - Oklahoma (4), Missouri (6), Texas (10), Kansas (13), and Texas Tech (14) all will open the year ranked. For those looking to compare conferences, the Big 12 more than stacks up with the rest of the BCS bunch, including the SEC. Though, Georgia out of the SEC is pegged in the initial top spot.
Tough Sledding?
Now consider that NU is scheduled to play four of the five ranked Big 12 schools as well as preseason #15 Virginia Tech, and it is pretty clear that Bo Pelini will have his work cut out for him as his first year as Head Coach. And that's alright. I think NU's schedule mix is solid for 2008. Remember, NU also gets three of those games against ranked teams at home in Lincoln.
It's Finally Starting!
I really try not to give too much credence to preseason polls. If I had my way, they wouldn't do polls until at least the third week of the season, when we actually might know something about these teams. So, why then have I spent time reviewing and writing about this poll? Because this is the unofficial sign that the season is underway. We finally have something actually related to the 2008 season to discuss. The metaphorical race may not have started, but the lane assignments are in. NU will start from the back of the pack in 2008, but fans can expect them to compete like crazy. And hey, at least we have somethng more to talk about.
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Dwayne Aug 02 08
I agree with the irrelevance of preseason polls coming out well, before the season. I guess I don't mind it if the voters actually rank the teams or position them appropriately based upon performance as the season progresses rather than on where the voter wants to keep them based on where the voter put them initially. It can't start soon enough.
Bob Aug 02 08
Take heart, Huskers fans. I grew up as an Oklahoma fan and, as any good Huskers fans will recall, the Sooners went through a decade of darkness during the '90s (i.e., Barry Switzer resigned, Gary Gibbs was forced out after going 8-3, Howard Schnelenberger lasted only one year, John Blake failed miserably and, finally, Bob Stoops arrived in 1999 to resurrect the program). There is light at the end of the tunnel. I look forward to the day when the OU-NU game is better than the Red River Shootout. I hate Texas!
Greg Morrow Aug 02 08
This website is putting up so many new posts, I can't keep up! Which is great! The story links are good, too.
As a wise Raiders owner says- (used to say) "just win baby."
Nebraska, this year, could go 8-4 during the season and still not be ranked until they win a bowl game. Which would be a fantastic first season.
Nebraska needs a defining W, so much more than anyone's preseason hype. Though I still like to defer to Phil Steele. A defining win over a team with title aspirations puts the players into a "forceful takeover" mentality. That's how teams gain a deserved identity.
That type of victory didn't happen, under Callahan. The '05 game against T-Tech would have done wonders had the team just closed the deal. Same with '06 Texas.
It comes to a point, where the team wills itself to "refuse to lose" ala '94. That team would not let itself tighten up, then choke it.
If the team really believes in it's new systems, they'll defeat Virginia Tech and either Missouri or Kansas. And run Buffy out of the stadium.
Buffy Aug 02 08
Run Buffy out of the stadium?!? The Fuskers were RANKED last year and look what a debacle that turned out to be! Now they're not even ranked and you're predicting wins vs. over VA Tech and Mo. or Kansas? Stop drinking the red kool-aid! It's not happening.
OU7times Aug 02 08
I love it, Buffy. I've been hearing that phrase alot on radio sports and political shows lately. Man, football is so close I can smell it. Smak is back!
redfred Aug 02 08
c'mon Darren
polls after 3 games?
mighty convenient for us when you look at who will have played. We need to get a real schedule for some respect in the BCS computer rankings or from the rest of the league, for that matter. Beat Missouri? hmmmm beat Vtech first then you can talk some smak. When my bookie asks me to pull the trigger on that game I dont know if my loyalty outranks my wallet
darren Aug 03 08
Hi RedFred,
I wasn't trying to me Nebraska-centric with that comment about polls after 3 games. It could be after 4 or 5 for all I care. Or, not until October.
The general point is that the PRE-season polling is based on nothing but speculation and, mostly, last year's results. Consider that NU was ranked early last year. Yeah...not accurate.
I just think everyone is better served not to rush to too much judgement on who is good and who is not so soon. Not being an NU homer on that, I swear.
Greg Morrow Aug 03 08
Buffy-
"Run Buffy out of the stadium?!?"
Okay, maybe I exaggerated. A few buffies are going to be too incapacitated and woozy and will need to be carried out. So yeah, you're right, you make a point.
That was just a closing note, anyway. Something to finish off the post. Otherwise irrelevant to my points. Like Buffy in general.
Buffy elicits about "0" concern, this season and less than zero respect. (Buffy fans having such intrinsic self esteem and dignity issues.)
Also, since you're a little slow with comprehension, I'm not predicting those wins.
"If the team really believes in it's new systems."
I'm saying, if properly coached, the team has the physical talent to beat a diminished Hokie squad and split the Mizzou and Kansas games, since they're played in Lincoln.
But I understand, Buffy. You get a little emotional and have scarce tools to verbally express yourself. Hence, your incorrigible frustration.
"Stop drinking the red kool-aid!"
Really? Then stop dropping the Buffalo chips, fat butt!
tallisall Aug 04 08
"But I understand, Buffy. You get a little emotional and have scarce tools to verbally express yourself. Hence, your incorrigible frustration."?????
Hey Greg, is the woman is this video your sister?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEUmnu0Ia2Y
OU7times Aug 04 08
Jeez... That can't possibly be a Nebraska fan. She must have found that shirt in the dumpster she woke up next to. Oh well, if your team can't win at least you can get free drinks for letting guys wipe their faces off on your feed bags.
Greg Morrow Aug 04 08
"tallisall"
That's funny! I wonder what she thought of Cosgrove?
I've "interacted" with many Buffy trolls, the last few years. I dialed in on their points of emphasis, pretty easily. I try to take an understanding approach with buffy fans, who haphazardly sniff around my posts (on NEBRASKA fan sites). Does it take a rocket scientist to break down their character and motivation?
But, if your going to comment to me, try to make a point you think you can defend. Otherwise, I'll assume your another "guppy," not ready for the deep water.
Full Metal Husker Aug 07 08
Is any surprised by an outburst form a Buffy fan? I mean when Miami is considered to have a more congenial fanbase, then your school has some serious issues!