Afternoon Coffee - Need More Caffeine Edition

Yeah, it's afternoon coffee today. You got a problem with that? Have to prepare for rebuilding a nice-sized server for someone and moving data around really sucks. It always takes longer than people expect. The initial testing hasn't gone that well, so I'm a little keyed up and plan on staying that way.

Nebraska gets exactly zero players in SI's list of the Top 10 players of the Big 12.

Hate to spoil things, but here's the list:

1. Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State - hard to argue with this

2. Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma - probably the defensive player of the year

3. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas - six interceptions last season.

4. Colt McCoy,QB, Texas  - everyone's love-fest continues for Colt. I don't blame them.

5. Frank Okam, DT, Texas - Best defensive player on the best Big 12 team?

6. Alvin Bown, LB, Iowa State - lead the NCAA in tackles per game last season w/12.9.

7. Chase Daniel, QB, Mizzou - Known quantity, much experience.

8. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas - Big-time receiver for what many consider the best team in the conference.

9. Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma - 62 catches for 993 yards and 10 TD's.

10. Ian Campbell, DE, Kansas State - 11.5 sacks last season, hard to argue

Does that bother you?  It's hard to argue that Nebraska has a player than belongs on this list because these are some great players. Not that the Cornhuskers don't have some great players.  Due to the way we play football now it's going to be hard for Nebraska players to get on award's lists.

Consider that last season Zac Taylor completed passes to 10 different receivers in the xxx game. We ran Brandon Jackson, Marlon Lucky, Cody Glenn, and Kenny Wilson. The point? Other than quarterback, the ball is spread around enough in our offense that you may not see one guy with huge numbers. I find it pretty cool, myself, but it ain't going to get a lot of our guys noticed for awards. Do you care?

On the upside, at least one blogger picks us to win the Big 12. Not just the North, but the Big 12.

 Hi-Plains Drifter has the first of a two-part interview with Matt Perrault, who hosts "The Big Show" on Omaha's Big Sports 590.

The Volleyball team will be staying with last year's one-setter scheme. Rachel Holloway will be that setter. I'm guessing that Nebraska will be switching around, much like the football team, where we should expect to see a 4-3 and a 3-4 on defense whenever the need arises.

On a sad note, Maurice Purify's 29-year old brother was killed in Oakland, CA. Purify is leaving the program to attend his funeral. A truly tough thing to face, so remember him in your prayers the next few days.