Should Missouri Be Considered Nebraska's Rival?
by corn blight on Oct 1, 2008 9:04 AM CDT
in Football
34 comments
Blasphemous, isn’t it, mentioning that the idea that Missouri should be considered Nebraska’s rival? Nebraskans cling to Oklahoma as our chief rival as heartily as we cling to the past. Those were great days of Husker football when evil stalked the Sooner sideline in the form of Switzer and Bosworth.
Alas, the concept of a ‘Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry’ should have passed away with the good ol’ Big Eight conference. When the Big 12 was born, the fools that built it decided that they wouldn’t adhere to a schedule that kept one of the best rivalries in football intact (or determined that this was another way they could damage Nebraska). The unfortunate fact is that it died for everyone else but we remain in denial and we gain nothing by keeping it alive.
Furthermore Oklahoma doesn’t need us as a rival. Their rivalry with Texas remained intact (funny how that worked out so well for the both of them). They’re more than happy to have us show up in Norman this year and pretend that it’s 1971 and ‘The Game of the Century’ all over again. Don't kid yourself that this is about re-establishing some relationship - it's more diabolical than that. It's about keeping us clinging to aged romanticism. The more we do that the less apt we are to establish a rivalry with someone else and therefore the more we remain stuck in the past.
Something else you don’t want to hear - Missouri doesn’t need us as a rival. They already have Kansas. Their hatred of Kansas dates back to 1863 when Captain William Clarke Quantrill lead a group of men into Lawrence and burned it while killing a whole bunch of people. Unless we’re planning on driving into Columbia and committing a heinous act of terrorism in the name of Husker football, we’re not going to compete with that by several miles.
We need a rival. We need someone to hate that we play on a consistent basis. It gives us something to look forward to, somewhere to focus our angst besides ourselves. Nothing like someone you hate coming to town to stop the constant Frank-Tom-Steve-Bill arguments from breaking out. From a pragmatic viewpoint, it allows us to create a ‘big game’ that increases the focus for recruiting, for television, and for public relations.
For those who may wish to stay in denial, what’s wrong with having more than one? Seems like every team in the SEC has everyone else in the SEC as their rival and it doesn’t appear to have done them any harm. This isn’t marriage - there are no rules about having a single ‘designated’ rival. If that’s the case you need to recognize that Oklahoma has left us for someone else long ago. Someone needs to slap you and scream "Wake Up! You’re pinin’ away for Oklahoma, for crying out loud!". There are other fish in the sea, other opportunities, but before you can go after them you have to give up the one that left you and move on.
Back to Mizzou.
There’s already a rivalry trophy at stake, the Nebraska - Missouri Bell. I confess I never knew about until I was playing NCAA Football 2004 and it showed up in the game. That’s likely a by-product of not having lost to the Tigers for 24 straight years between 1979-2003, but times have changed. On our last three trips to Columbia, the Tigers have put up 41 points on our beloved defense, winning all three contests. While they haven’t won in Lincoln since 1978, the chances of keeping that streak intact are certainly in danger this time around.
If it’s longevity you need, you can go back to 1892 when Missouri refused to play Nebraska because of our having a black player on our roster by the name of George Flippin. The result was a forfeit. Consider that this occurred only 29 years after the incident that established the Missouri-Kansas rivalry and all of a sudden we’re not looking so bad in a historical sense. Add to that the Kansas-Nebraska act and you’ve got plenty of historical evil on which to base a rivalry.
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If you need something more current, their main export is rumored to be meth. You can't get more evil than that. It's far more evil than Barry Switzer's bootlegging heritage - what are you waiting for?
Missouri has hated us for years, it's time we return the favor. Stay in denial if you want, but if Missouri beats us this weekend, I’m ready to call them a rival. I'm moving on with my life, perhaps it's time you do the same.
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I suppose
Missouri is a better choice than say Iowa State.
But whatever happened to the rivalry between Nebraska and Minnesota? That one kinda died out too. Not that the Golden Goofers have been any good recently, it would have provided a “W” for Nebraska if nothing else.
Then also you have the sCUm fans trying to play up Nebraska and sCUm games.
by 96operator on Oct 1, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you beat us too bad
Minnesota got tired of 84-13, 54-0, 56-0, etc in the 80s. The Gophers still hold the series advantage despite losing the last 14 meetings. But it would be awesome to get Nebraska on the schedule again.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you
by GopherNation on Oct 1, 2008 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rivalry
If it’s longevity you need, you can go back to 1892 when Missouri refused to play Nebraska because of our having a black player on our roster by the name of George Flippin. The result was a forfeit. Consider that this occurred only 29 years after the incident that established the Missouri-Kansas rivalry and all of a sudden we’re not looking so bad in a historical sense. Add to that the Kansas-Nebraska act and you’ve got plenty of historical evil on which to base a rivalry.
It really sucks when you have all these rivalries and in all of them you come off as a complete dick in the situation. We’re not even the cool bad guys that just played dirty a long time ago or anything, or took steroids. No, no, we’re just historically racist hatemongers. Sigh.
Oh, and die. You’re going to get annihilated this week, etc.
Bones. It's not just a noun it's a verb. Not just a nickname, a movement.
by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 1, 2008 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What can I say?
It’s a part of history, all the way back to the beginning of football, there’s been some animosity between Missouri and Nebraska. If that doesn’t establish it, what does? I am expected to leave that part out????
Oh, yeah, and you sunsabitches did play dirty. Wasn’t it Randy Jostes who was responsible for a late hit on Turner Gill in the 1982 game? Yeah, I believe it was. There. Feel better?
Go Big Red Nebraska!
Our Cobs Are Bigger Than Yours!
Corn Nation!
by corn blight on Oct 1, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't calling you out on it.
Of course you should mention it, that’s the whole point of the post. I wasn’t being bitter or sarcastic in my comment. I really was lamenting the fact that Missouri has such a pro-slavery history and it’s obviously embarrassing in this context.
Man, you are fired up for this one. That’s really cute! I hope you get to keep your enthusiasim longer than you did last year. Reading that open thread from Corn Nation last year was like watching a soul melt. You started so enthusiastic about your chances and by the end of it I think you guys called for the removal of the water boy, the concession salesmen, and the head of the Anthropology department. The best part was where after halftime you were trying to convince yourself it was okay, that you could come back, like Homer Simpson with the airborne pig. “It’s just a little airborne! It’s still good! It’s still good!”
Ah, memories. Recent, recent memories.
Bones. It's not just a noun it's a verb. Not just a nickname, a movement.
by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 1, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was shock
the USC game last season was an eye-opener with regards to what they did to our defensive line, but the Missouri game was really when it set in that we weren’t even going to try anymore. It was depressing. Glad you enjoyed the game day thread!
I am fired up for this one. I have hope. My hope may be dashed by halftime, but what the hell. I lived through last year. I don’t think it could get worse, even if the score is.
Go Big Red Nebraska!
Our Cobs Are Bigger Than Yours!
Corn Nation!
by corn blight on Oct 1, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact
that I feel so confident about playing Nebraska IN Lincoln is disconcerting to the point of fear. I mean, you talk about the Pinkel factor? This would be the biggest letdown of them all.
That said, I rewatched the Va Tech game last night. Your zone has gigantic holes in it and your safeties sometimes act like they’re on mescaline.
You should feel better. If you get crushed, you were supposed to get crushed. If you hang, hey, you did better than expected. If you win, you’ll have destroyed our season and cemented yourselves with a chance for the North title. And no matter what, this is year 1 of the rebuild. You’re ahead of schedule.
Bones. It's not just a noun it's a verb. Not just a nickname, a movement.
by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 1, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that
what got Mizzu fans through all those years? If you got crushed oh well you were supposed to….And that was by more then just NU I am sure.
by taflorom on Oct 1, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That and our basketball program used to be good.
Now, now so much.
…Graduation rate is good!..?
Yeah, I got nothing. Mostly it was disappointing but you have to reach a level of excellence before you can demand it and we hadn’t hit that point until now. And it’s only been two season of real greatness for us.
The reason this rivalry is so big for me is that it’s personal. My wife’s a Nebraska girl that went to Mizzou, yet she still roots for Nebraska. Says it’s in her blood. I say that’s sports betrayal on a grand scale and fuels the hatred even more.
We have to enjoy this win in Lincoln because if we do win, it’ll be our last one for a while. Hopefully not 30 years. But a while.
Bones. It's not just a noun it's a verb. Not just a nickname, a movement.
by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 1, 2008 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is why
most people dont understand Husker fans….IT IS IN OUR BLOOD. We are born with it there and it wont ever go away. Its not about going to another school, or living somewhere else or whatever. People are so passionate about Husker football that we grow eating, sleeping, LIVING Husker football. It is hard to explain to fans of other teams but that is the way we are. You will never change who she roots for….never.
by taflorom on Oct 1, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont
think that Mizzu is our rival. If it is anyone other then OU I would have to say it is CU. Both teams fans hate each other and that is appearent everytime we play. Why try to suck Mizzu into something like that? No not Mizzu.
by taflorom on Oct 1, 2008 12:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think...
… most Missouri fans consider Nebraska “a” rival, but when Tim Griffin of ESPN.com tries to tell us that we’re “arch rivals,” that’s where we’re going to draw the line.
Pinkel may not count it as a rivalry, but the fans certainly will.
http://www.RockMNation.com
Chance McDanielson for Heisman
by RPT on Oct 1, 2008 12:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You can't just declare a rival...
I don’t think it works that way. It has to be developed over time, through the history of the teams and the meanings of the games they play.
Unless there was a singular event between OU and NU that I’m not aware of, that rivalry developed because of years (decades) where both teams were damn good, and it was always either OU or NU for the Big 8 Championship. Sure, there was an odd year here and there where CU or MU would win it, but really, there was a long time dominance between OU and NU. Our rivalry wasn’t a “border war” or “civil war” (or even a huge cocktail party), it was two great teams trying to establish dominance.
And yeah, I’m being romantic about the whole thing.
Really, if you’re going to say OU isn’t our rival anymore since we don’t play them every year, then I say we don’t have one. Now, if NU gets it’s **** together, Mizzou stays as good as they are, and over the next 10 years it keeps coming down to the Tigers or Huskers for the North, then I think a rivalry develops. The games will take on a meaning beyond “just” a conference game. But if NU continues to sputter, and/or Mizzou goes back to “Misery”, then I say “no rivalry”.
Oh, and if everyone in the SEC considers the rest of the SEC their rivals, that pretty much dilutes the effect of the word.
p.s. No, Colorado is just another conference game. Just because ABC and the Big 12 says otherwise, doesn’t make it true.
by Wolvie on Oct 1, 2008 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But
it coming down to CU and NU in the nineties is why I would consider it CU instead of MU and then the last 4 years the loser not going to a bowl game….well there again it came down to CU/NU. If that is what it takes to have a rivalry then I would say CU is far more qualified then MU.
by taflorom on Oct 1, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to say it but....
I think CU is the rival you speak of above. I have thought about this long and hard, and have come to this decision. I dislike CU so much, I don’t want them to become “THE” rival of the Huskers because that would give them too much attention. I just want to beat the hope from them every year and move along. My vote is CU – as much as I hate to say it.
by VarangianGuard on Oct 1, 2008 1:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i have to agree
Growing up in western Nebraska i didn’t realize that OU was our rival until i moved to Omaha. CU hates us, with a passion. And we LOVE beating them, we are nice to them when they come to Lincoln, I was always afraid to drive my Nebraska plated car in Colorado the month of November…..I never thought I would be voting for CU, but a lass here i am…..
by ~OnlyJade~ on Oct 1, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mizzou a Rival?
No, Mizzou could careless about the Huskers being a rival….It will always be the slime buzzards from Lawrence……The Tigers burnt Lawrence to the ground once, went across the border several times just to kill and rape and plunder their women……….that’s still the attitude………….Mizzou doesn’t have time for another rivaly when that one is so intense….but, however, Mizzou will never forget the 30 years of whoooopings the Huskers put on them………….and each and everyyear they can it will be payback…..as like 3 out of last 5 and soon to be 4 of 6…………..Mizzou 63 ….. Huskers 17…………….
by Red Realist on Oct 1, 2008 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Only One
I couldn’t agree more – I, as a fan, don’t want a rivalry that…
1. We only play once every few years (OU)
2. Already has an hated nemesis (MU vs KU)
CU fans HATE the Huskers and I, for one, loathe the Bluffaloes. In my book – CU is it.
by VarangianGuard on Oct 2, 2008 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then by your qualification, CU isn't it either
CU and CSU are rivals.
by Wolvie on Oct 2, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
but I believe if we ask, a majority of CU fans would rather beat Nebraska then CSU if the decision came between one or the other. CSU is in-state, but NU makes the better rivalry. This, of course, is one fans thought, and I’m sure many will disagree.
by VarangianGuard on Oct 3, 2008 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mizzou will never forget the 30 years of whoooopings the Huskers put on them………….and each and everyyear they can it will be payback
That’s exactly why this is escalating into a rivalry. The changing of the guard is completely flipping the hostility.
http://www.RockMNation.com
Chance McDanielson for Heisman
by RPT on Oct 2, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
We have a trophy and EVERYTHING!
Of course Nebraska and Missouri are rivals.
by Blankman on Oct 1, 2008 7:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's still OU...
It’s funny that this topic should come up today, but I’m currently in Oklahoma City interviewing for a job, and most of the people I’ve been interviewing with are OU alums. All day, I’ve wound up talking football with OU people, and they certainly still consider Nebraska their Rival (Texas is also their UU’s, though…).
Remember, the winner of Nebraska-Oklahoma has either won the Conference title or played for the national championship following all but 3 of the last 38 meetings (not counting that weird Orange Bowl matchup). Heck, the game was huge just 2 years ago (Big XII Title game, after all).
I think Nebraska and Missouri are rivals in the since that they play a lot, are in the same conference, etc., and there is some bad blood, but it’s not a capital-R Rivalry yet. But, it could become a Rivalry, if Nebraska can recover to be a perennial favorite in the North and Missouri can maintain its momentum. After all, that’s how Rivalries happen.
Got Corn?
by huskerlibrarian on Oct 1, 2008 9:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think
the idea is that this COULD become a rivalry whereas KSU and CU are mere annoyances. Also, I knew about the Bell way before 2004. I’m sure others did, too.
by Blankman on Oct 1, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
K-State
Was a lot more than an annoyance pre-2004.
We'll carry the banner high!
by TB on Oct 2, 2008 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we
take a long-term view of everything. At least 10 years or more.
you believe that??? Ha!!!
Go Big Red Nebraska!
Our Cobs Are Bigger Than Yours!
Corn Nation!
by corn blight on Oct 2, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
your rival is...
Colorado. I say that not out of some desperation that Huskers fans seems to think exists among Buff fans. I say that out of fact.
Face it, since 1989 (up until 2002), the CU-Nebraska game has decided either the National Champion, Conference Champion, or Division Champion. The games have (nearly) always been close. The fans abhor one another. I understand that the day-after-Thanksgiving slot seems a little contrived by ABC, but there is a reason – the game is important. Even when the teams are unranked, there are usually bowl implications involved. And each school has had coaching casualties as a result of the game.
K-State doesn’t qualify – other than flrting with greatness in the late ‘90s, and beating Nebraska a few times, there is no rivalry there. I know there is a “trophy” involved when Nebraska plays Missouri, but the series is so one sided in the last 5 decades that it can’t possibly be constituted a rivalry. Oklahoma has a rival – and its not Nebraska (nor do you play them every year).
I grasp that, historically, Nebraska holds a huge series advantage over Colorado. But Colorado holds the series advantage in recent years, and in the ’90s, losing to Nebraska (by a few points each time) cost the Buffs numerous National Championship opportunities.
PS – Colorado is also single-handedly responsible for killing the Nebraska dynasty (62-36).
by BuffsFan99 on Oct 2, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Colorado is not responsible for killing the Nebraska dynasty
Frank Solich (or perhaps Tom Osborne for chosing him?) is.
Colorado isn’t a rival. They’re just funny to watch scream for a rivalry and have been since their coach started back in the early 90’s.
by Blankman on Oct 2, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s funny that you and other Cornhusker fans blame Solich for anything. Coming from a Buffs fan, the guy was a pretty darn good coach – his greatest flaw was that he wasn’t Osborne. The Nebraska Collapse occured under his watch, but it wasn’t his fault – the game changed to Nebraska’s disadvantage.
Anyway, while you are obviously stuck in the past, here are some of your own blood’s thoughts on how Colorado isn’t a rival, in 11 parts (http://doubleextrapoint.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html). Some of the highlights:
-Osborne almost taking the Colorado job after nearly being driven out of town by petulant fans like you.
-“Sal is dead, Go Big Red” – uhh, not classy, and the type of vitriol typically reserved for your worst enemy
-“Restore the Order” t-shirts that NU players chose to wear for the CU game in 2005 – I’m sorry did your players wear those shirts for anyone else? Was there something on the line there?
-A very thorough desciption of how close the games typically are, and how much is typically on the line
Still not convinced? Probably not. You probably never will be. That’s why you’ll spend the rest of your life being annoyed at the Buffaloes as they take control of the series. Colorado doesn’t need to “scream for a rivalry.” We hate you enough as it is.
PS – Have fun this weekend MU 66 – NU 13
by BuffsFan99 on Oct 3, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would
actually rather have CU as a rival then MU. It has been a good fight between the two for a while now. The CU students getting kicked out is a classic. The snow balls in Boulder when we tied. ETC. Yeah if we have to have another rival other the OU I would rather it be CU.
by taflorom on Oct 3, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
rivalry
I think OU will always be the true NU rivalry…but here in the north with a yearly common opponent the nod will have to go to CU as NUs seasonal rivalry…MU will be back to mediocre-ville next year…they just dont have the tradition to attract the players and talent NU has…the fact CU plays NU every year @ the end of the season gives CU the edge when it comes to rivalry…
by NUDEVIL on Oct 23, 2008 5:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
rivalry
also…i do believe with BOs and Stoops close relationship…that will give the NU-OU match ups a little more salt…
by NUDEVIL on Oct 23, 2008 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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