HUSKER UP: WEEK 10
3 comments so far
November 13, 2009 by
Hey there, I'm back with another fairly random edition of Husker Up for you all. This time, the motivation struck me because NU fans need to gird themselves for a big stretch run in November. The Huskers' goals are intact and the opportunity is right there in front of them. That starts with a win in Lawrence, Kansas. It's something that has been hard to come by in recent trips. So, to help you Husker Up, I offer you a thought from the opposing quarterback, a basic economics lesson (nerd!) and a reminder of horrors past. From all this, you are likely to get fired up, and maybe want to make a quick trip south to Kansas.
Notable Quote: Really Todd? Good Luck With That
This week, KU Quarterback Todd Reesing said Nebraska's defense hasn't been tested yet because they have not faced at veteran Big 12 quarterback. Really? You're gonna go with that? Wow.
Okay, fact - Nebraska has not really faced a veteran Big 12 quarterback this year. Good call.
Now, here's the problem. You just called the #2 ranked defense in America untested. You've had 10 turnovers in the last four games and you are about to play a team that hit you repeatedly in last year's game, and you feel like calling them out. Fine, be my guest.
Economics Lesson
I believe in the wisdom of crowds. And, I think people show their opinions through their actions, not their words. Spending choices are the best example. People "vote with their wallets" all the time. The supply and demand of sports and certain games is best summed up in two market places - the betting lines and the ticket market.
I don't want to get in to how betting lines are set and why they move. That's a whole other topic. Today's economics lesson is about tickets. They are a great study in commodity trading. There is a limited supply, and demand varies wildly. They are also time sensitive, with the game time acting like the de-facto end of a future's contract. If you want to know about a the importance of game, monitor the ticket market. So, what in the heck does that have to with Saturday? Plenty, my Husker friend. And it spells opportunity for you.
The Kansas game tickets started with $90 face value. This price was influence by artificial market factors (i.e. the KU ticket office) in an attempt to maximize profits, prevent NU fans from invading the stadium and limit the amount of ticket re-sale. Here's the thing - the market won't allow that price. As of this afternoon, tickets to the KU game could be found online for $45. That's half off!
Part of this is do to normal market pressure. Few games are really worth $90. But, falling prices also indicate decreased demand. I'm sure there is demand from Husker fans. I know several folks making the trip. So, the lack of demand is coming from the KU side. There are ticket holders who would rather LOSE $45 on their futures contract (the ticket) then go and watch the NU-KU game Saturday. That's a displaced market, folks. Opportunity abounds!
I can only hope it means that the Big Red fans will fill the demand gap and gobble up these tickets. It's an easy trip and Lawrence is a fun town. So, once you have finished reading all of the awesomeness that Big Red Network has to offer, kiss your spouse, significant other and/or children, get in the car and drive to Lawrence. Make that stadium RED!
AV Club Presents: The Worst Defense Ever (and...one of the best?)
The last two times Nebraska visited Kansas for a football game, the Huskers lost. Let that fact creep in to your brain and try not to explode. Now, consider the 2007 game was the worst defensive performance by a Husker team (in terms of points allowed) .... ever. Watch it again. If the score doesn't make you sick, that music should. Once you finish puking, get good and mad.
Now, remember that the 2009 Huskers are giving up fewer points per game than the 2003, 1998 or 1995 Blackshirts, all widely considered some of the finest NU defenses in recent memory. So, you tell me - doesn't something have to give? Maybe one of the great "wrongs" of Husker football history is about to be made right.
Cue the Band!
I hope the Reesing commentary, possible ticket availability and the prospect of undoing a horrible wrong are enough to get you to join me and a band of my friends in Lawrence tomorrow. Hopefully the traveling version of the NU pep band gets to play all day. Hit it, folks!
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WyHuskerFan Nov 13 09
Sounds like TR is trying to rally his own troops instead of egging the Huskers on. They may not have faced a seasoned Big XII QB, but this defense has seen plenty of quality O lines and position players that have put up big numbers on other teams. The game will be won or lost depending on what the Husker offense can do to KU's defense unless the Blackshirts give them a couple of short fields. Could be a big day for Henerey. GBR!
Greg Morrow Nov 14 09
I didn't realize Okie lost 3 guys, last Saturday.
Some brutal "physicalness."
I almost "like" Kansas, to the extent that when they're on tv, I like to see how they're doing and watch for a series or two. They've got the type system, like Boise State and Georgia Tech, that always intrigues me.
With Reesing, Meier, Brisco and the rest... that's about as experienced and savvy as it gets.
Senior day too. I expect them to go down, but I expect them (especially Reesing) to go down "guns blazing."
It's great now, that Pelini's set up the type of team that can bludgeon peeps. Is willing to do so. To me, that means the team's tenacious, resolved- even on offense.
Whether that translates into 1st downs, though...
tom Nov 14 09
I've been watching the Tennessee v. Ole Miss game and I think those teams could be an inspiration of what we need to accomplish today. Tough, hard-hitting defense. Don't give up a huge play. Use a healthy dose of pounding the football, and every once in a while throw in a well-placed play action pass to get a score, unless you're running it in by beating everyone to the edge. Go Big Red!