So you may have heard (in every article about the game) that if KSU wins they play in the B12 Championship game, and then a bowl. So KSU will be extra motivated against the Huskers. I have seen many message boards express concern over this game because of that. On the other hand people have been saying that Colorado will be dangerous since they have nothing to play for but pride, can let it all hang out, and NU is their bowl game.

So which is it? Is KSU the more dangerous team because of so much on the line, or is it CU with nothing to play for?

Lots of links today-

Not these Links...

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Portland star might follow Suh

Odighizuwa ranks as the top high school player at his position nationally. He’s considering Nebraska in addition to offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Southern California, UCLA, Cal and Florida. How did the Huskers get him to visit?
....
NU coach Bo Pelini and assistant John Papuchis have made quite an impression on Odighizuwa, Wood said. "When you connect with him as a person, it far exceeds any impact of the bling," Wood said. "He has connected with them, and that is what’s really sold him to this point."

Yes please.

Husker Mike's Blasphemy: Suh Falls to #2 in Fan Voting for Heisman

I'm calling shenanigans here. They removed Suh from the choices, so you have to write him in, and then Spiller takes off. I'm willing to bet that someone is running a script to get Spiller's votes up. BOOOOOO Nissan.

Speaking of Suh-

Ndamukong Suh Website

Nebraska Previews Kansas State - Burnt Orange Nation
Talking With the Enemy: Q&A with a KSU Blog - Nebraska Football

TB and Bring on the Cats talks Huskers

Kansas State Previews Nebraska - Burnt Orange Nation

Corn Nation talks Cats

K-State-Nebraska football preview - KansasCity.com

Basic overview of the game, I like to read them every Fri.

Playing Nebraska means something to K-State’s players again - KansasCity.com
Cats know Black Shirts are back | CJOnline.com

So yeah Nebraska used to be good, and KSU used to be good, and now they are both kinda ok. I'll be happy when this stops being a story.

Life in the Red's Blog | Breakfast with Beck

Beck also showed the crowd a psyche-up video coaches will show the team before the game. The video begins by showing the definition of "opportunity." Then you see the words: "Goal #1: Dominate the Big 12 North."

Sounds like Helu is still not 100%, but Rex is back

Rivals.com College Football - Weekend preview of the Big 12

Scout.com: 2009 Big 12 Fearless Picks - The North Title

What will happen: The Husker defense will pitch a near-perfect game to overcome a shaky performance from the offense. The turnaround won’t be complete under Pelini, but it’ll be a big step forward.

Steven M. Sipple: Keeping an eye on the coaching carousel

Sipple's weekly column where he covers what he wants, from NU football, to KSU, to the Heisman race; this week he neglects to mention when it's ok to put up your Christmas lights.

Ex-Kansas Jayhawks players: Coach Mark Mangino said 'hurtful' things - ESPN

Former KU players air their dirty laundry about Mangino. (Husker Mike: The concerns about physical abuse fall flat with me. You're football players; far worse happens on the field. But some of the things Mangino is alleged to have said are outrageous, to say the least.)

Source: A.D. 'undercutting' Mangino

Another story by John Taylor at NBC Sports has a source talking about how KU athletic director is behind all the bad stuff about Mangino. Is this a blood bath for KU or what? How much worse can it get than this? - CB

Joc Crawford is Willing to Drive The Bus Over Mangino

More Mangino? You bet. Joc Crawford was a JUCO transfer who left this season, obviously over playing time. There's no credibility here, only another angle of a train wreck. - CB

Sweet Lew Just Might Be an Evil Genius

Regarding Mark Mangino, Lew Perkins, and how this all might have happened. Worth a look. Really. Unless you're already tired of the Mangino thing, but hey! This is like a soap opera for dudes (okay, I can't take credit for that line, It was BRN's Brandon Vogel on twitter), completely stolen. - CB
Please note that Sweet Lew is not related to me, though I may be an evil genius as well - JLew

Really a quiet week still, and it's Thurs. Could be the respect from NU fans to a Snyder coached team. KSU fans have been mostly quiet as well. Either they accept that they don't have a good chance against us, or they are just biding their time. Maybe we need to declare this a Hate Week, find a purple blogger that hate, hate, hates NU and it's fans, and tell KSU they are not our rival... What do you guys think?

Practice report: Freshman Burkhead returns
Superman Returns! KSU has a good O-Line, and Pelini gives the D-Line a grade higher than Suh's F

Superman Returns, or is this SUH-perman?

Kansas State insider
LJS breaks down KSU

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Nickel and diming its way to success
Hagg and Gomes have played great this year. A look at NU's nickle and dime packages.

Snyder has united the Wildcats - KansasCity.com
Another long article about how great Snyder is. I really hate for NU to end their season.... oh wait no I don't

Big 12 predictions, Week 12 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Nebraska 28, Kansas State 17: The North Division title is up for grabs in this winner-take-all battle. The Cornhuskers’ running game will be tested by Kansas State’s gritty defensive front which has overachieved all season. Roy Helu Jr. has been Nebraska’s key offensive threat in recent weeks, but Zac Lee needs to continue to build on his strong effort of last week against Kansas to balance the Cornhuskers’ attack. Kansas State figures to struggle against the Cornhuskers’ defensive front and will need to stay ahead of the chains to keep Grant Gregory from too many long-yardage situations. Bill Snyder will try to dictate the pace by shortening the number of possessions and keeping the game away from the Cornhuskers as much as possible. But Nebraska has too much defense to let the division title slip away.

Week 12 College Football Picks From WhatIfSports.com
They ran many prediction models and....

Nebraska Cornhuskers win 75.6% of the time with an average score of 24-13

Dave Rimington Podcast: Trophy a True Honor – LostLettermen.com
Nice conversation with Dave Rimington about the trophy that bears his name.

What to watch for in the Big 12, Week 12 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Can Roy Helu Jr. continue his recent running binge? Helu has bounced back from an earlier shoulder injury to become the Cornhuskers' most consistent offensive threat, averaging 147 rushing yards per game in his last two games. His strong effort last week seemed to perk up the Cornhuskers’ entire offense in a 31-17 triumph over Kansas. Another big game will be important as the Cornhuskers attempt to claim their first championship game berth since 2006.

Nebraska sweeps Baylor for fourth straight win

Coach John Cook described his team’s overall effort as rough around the edges, but thanks to 32 digs from Banwarth, the No. 9 Huskers rolled to a 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of No. 24 Baylor at the sold-out NU Coliseum.

Looking like it should be a nice day on Sat, and I'm hearing that tickets are getting hard to find.
If you want tp probe the depths of a K-State fan you can Ask TB in a fan post. Just be nice, he didn't choose to be a Wildcat, well he did, but he is from Nebraska and some people just have to be different. (Join us TB! Come back to the Red Side it's not too late...)

This is how KSU plans on blocking Suh. Power Fat Cat. Hmmmm maybe two fat cats would be better?

Steven M. Sipple: Osborne's influence shows Bo's desire to grow
Sipple looks at the relationship between Pelini and Osborne

Practice report: Suh gives line play a failing grade
McNeill is questionable after he got blown up after a catch against KU as well

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - KSU offense expected to run at Suh

The run-oriented Kansas State offense is exactly the type of unit that senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh would prefer facing.

When Suh's happy, I'm happy. More notes about practice at the link as well-

NE StatePaper.com - The Swagger Returns

Among the many conversations Bob Lee had with his son, Zac, about playing quarterback, the former NFL signal-caller once said this: You're not a true quarterback until you've been run out of at least one town.

Zac could have shut down after being benched, but he didn't. That's quality right there folks, and it's another reason this team is on the rise.

Wildcats embrace all-or-nothing attitude - KansasCity.com
Does KSU have more to lose than NU? Will that affect their mindset in the game?

Hey Husker Fans: Admission, Not an Apology | Campus Corner

I ADMIT I was wrong to say that people picking Nebraska to win the Big 12 North were "abso-tooting-lutely nuts."

Blow it out your ass. I don't care what you think or what your reasoning is that NU isn't really that good.

Husker Mike's Blasphemy: Nebraska vs. Boise State: Scheduling I Can Believe In
Husker Mike likes the idea of playing Boise State, sometime soon.

Tuesday mailbag: Who should be the Big 12's Coach of the Year? - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Ashtyn Beek of Jefferson City, Mo., writes: A lot of different people and sports websites are predicting Nebraska to meet Stanford in the Holiday Bowl. I think this would be a great match-up between two physical teams, led by two confident, competitive coaches. Suh/Crick vs. Gerhart would be a great battle. Anyway, I can think of Nebraska playing just about everyone from the Pac-10 in recent history, except for Stanford. What's the history between these two teams?
Tim Griffin: These two teams have met only once and it is the fewest times that the Cornhuskers have played any Pac-10 opponent. Their only game came in 1940, when Stanford notched a 21-13 home victory over the Cornhuskers. Also, I agree with you. A matchup between Bo Pelini and Jim Harbaugh would be intriguing. And, the matchup between the bullish Stanford running game and the dominant Nebraska defensive front would be a good one, too.

Headlinin': Don't bother tracking the friendly skies for Flying Irish - Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports

• Weis Watch. Another sign of Charlie Weis' impending demise: Notre Dame has blocked the university plane from appearing on flightaware.com (see for yourself), a proactive effort at cutting off the breathless surfers intent on tracking its path to Cincinnati or Gainesville or Vatican City or wherever ND's next coach is waiting. That comes on the heels of the athletic director assuring reporters that Weis' huge buyout won't affect whether he stays or goes and the two most notable Irish-centric newspapers both calling for his head almost simultaneously, completing the Holy Trinity of "You're Fired." [South Bend Tribune]

Oh that's not good at all...

Ugh the Tuesday lull. When everyone has covered the Bill and Bo fought in 2003! angle they are left with nothing for a day or two.

I'm late with this so no cats. I tried to pose my cats last night to take some pictures, but cats don't like to be posed. I guess they are not fans of lolcats.

Blackshirts know they need to keep raising the bar
See this is what you get on a Tues. A story about how the defense needs to keep improving. You may have seen similar stories all year.

Practice report: Burkhead could be back in couple weeks
This is great news, but without practicing you have to wonder if he'll even be good to go by a bowl game. Can he get a medical redshirt?

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Power surge igniting Husker offense
Yep power formations are all the rage. See Husker Mike's story below this one for more info.

Nebraska vs Kansas State & Big 12 Lines
NU is a 16 favorite at home. Does this seem too high? NU has covered the last couple of games...

With Apologies to Coach Ekeler
This should be entered into Amercia's Funniest Shots to the Nuts.

The Wiz of Odds: Hitting a Wall

Here is the violent collision between Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson and Texas Tech cornerback Jamar Wall. There was no penalty on the play, even though it was a helmet-to-helmet hit. Robinson is expected to play Thursday night against Colorado.

Wow what a hit.

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - NU-KU match time shifts to 3 p.m.
Because of the late football game

It's K-State week. Win and NU has a chance at the B12 Title. Look for KSU to bring their A game. They are a tough team that wins by playing solid football, not making mistakes, and taking advantages of other teams mistakes. Be ready for that Power Cat growl as well.

Wilie the Wildcat has really let himself go...

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - NU finds success on first drive
A look back and a breakdown of the KU game from the OWH

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Getting to know Kansas State

Life in the Red's Blog | Kansas State-Nebraska set for ESPN
A 6:45 kickoff.

Steven M. Sipple: Carl Pelini deserves kudos, too
Sipple looks at Carl's influence on the defense, talks about Lee's resiliency, what to do about Green, and the O-Line

The Wiz of Odds: So What Did Carroll and Harbaugh Talk About?

"What's your deal? What's your deal?" Carroll said, according to two sources near enough to hear. "What's your deal?" Harbaugh retorted, and that was that.

Here's the deal when you get USC down you kick them.

NE StatePaper.com - Husker Monday Review: Kansas
A look back, and then forward from McKewon

Husker Mike's Blasphemy: Sunday Night Beer: Not Underestimating the Wildcats

Big 12 power rankings settle with two weeks left - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

3. Nebraska: Roy Helu Jr.’s return has finally given the Cornhuskers an offensive weapon they can lean on and Niles Paul gives them an emerging game-breaker. The results have pushed them into the driver’s seat for the divisional championship. The Bo Pelini vs. Bill Snyder rivalry will have an intriguing first matchup when they meet Saturday with the North title at stake.

Is it time for Mangino to Go? (CoachesAid.com)
(HT: RockChalkTalk) Apparently this blogger hasn't seen KU's running game (Jake Sharp injury) or the woeful KU offensive line this season. Fire Mark Mangino? This one has to be a trick.

Scout.com: Nebraska gets one step away from North title

What It All Means: Nebraska might have had some rocky moments a few weeks ago, and the offense continues to stink with Roy Helu isn’t carrying the attack, but now it’s one game away from playing for the Big 12 North title. The Huskers are in the championship game if they can beat Kansas State next week, and they can make a statement that they’re the dominant team in the North, as if that’s something special, but beating the Wildcats and closing out with a win over Colorado. The defense continues to be special, and it gave Kansas problems at times, but to beat KSU, Helu has to keep running well and QB Zac Lee, who got the start after being benched last week, has to do a better job in the red zone.

NU made a statement last night. The defense was challenged, and the offense responded. Now we get a night game against KSU for the B12 North title. Yep NU football is good, and fun again.

Steven M. Sipple: NU on brink of North title, warts and all

Report card: Nebraska vs. Kansas

Husker Mike's Blasphemy: Lee, Helu, and Watson Bail out the Blackshirts Against Kansas

Life in the Red's Blog | Osborne's input

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Blackshirt armor is dented

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Chatelain: Watson adjusts, the offense returns to form and a white-haired wizard waves his wand

Scout.com: 2009-2010 Bowl Projections ... Nov. 15
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl December 30th, San Diego CA, 8 pm ESPN Big 12 No. 3 vs. Pac 10 No. 2 Projection: Nebraska vs. Stanford

KU-Nebraska game report - KansasCity.com

Finally, some North Division clarity - KansasCity.com

BIG 12 Bowl Analysis | Upon Further Review
NEBRASKA – KANSAS STATE The North boils down to this. If Nebraska wins, they go to the Big 12 championship. If they lose, they still go to a bowl. If K-State wins, they go the Big 12 championship. If they lose, their season is over. And, since the game is at Nebraska and since NU will be favored (I’m guessing by 6.5), the odds are NU will win and will represent the North. Their final game is against Colorado. If the Huskers win that as well, they will be 9-3 and 6-2 going into the Big 12 championship game. And what that will mean is that after all the confusion of the North, it will have ended pretty much exactly as many people expected – at least with respect to NU winning it with a decent record.

Big 12 helmet stickers, Week 11 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Nebraska I-back Roy Helu Jr.: Rushed for 156 yards on 28 carries and scored three touchdowns to pace the Cornhuskers’ 31-17 victory over Kansas. Helu scored on touchdown runs of 20 and 14 yards -- both in the fourth quarter -- and also added another touchdown when he recovered a fumble by Zac Lee in the end zone earlier in the game. Helu accounted for 86 yards in the fourth quarter to pace Nebraska’s comeback, pushing his season rushing total to 962 yards.

Nebraska and KU Provide Offense - Nebraska Football

So do KU fans care about the football team anymore? It is basketball season after all. Watch out though it's senior day.

This is a statement game of sorts for NU. It's a statement that NU can handle some momentum, that NU is ready to take the next step in being back, and a statement that the offense can score some points?

Curt McKeever: There is no way NU can overlook Kansas
McKeever says that the KU is very important for NU, and looks at the offensive production of late.

KU looking for healthier Sharp to help running game - KansasCity.com
To have a chance KU wil have to get a running game going. I rally don't think that hey will be able to.

Steven M. Sipple: Henery the unsung hero for Huskers
Hmmm someone here was saying the same thing earlier this week.

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - A three-step program
3 steps for 3 games. Win them all? Do you think it will be that easy? Blight mentioned chaos in a past this week. Would you expect anything different?

NE StatePaper.com - Five Keys: Kansas
1. Use both QB's effectively, 2. Is Reesing done? 3. Watch for KU to take deep shots 4. V for Vengeance 5. O-Line playing together 6.?!? (Can't they count?) Use Beck's experience as an advantage

3 things to ponder on game day: NU vs. Kansas
Will NU get a long scoring drive? Will Holt and Gilleylen make the most of getting called back up? How will the QB's be used?

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Metro/Region - Collins delivers parting shots

Facing a mandatory life sentence for first-degree murder in the killing of California drug dealer Timothy Thomas, the 30-year-old former Husker wasn't about to let a group of kids steal his, um, moment. Against a backdrop of plaid skirts, headbands and school sweat shirts, Collins said his piece by quoting that former leader of young people, retired basketball coach Bobby Knight. But before he did so, Collins — perhaps the most polite convicted killer in recent Douglas County history — told the kids to "cover your ears." He then recited the Knight line in which the coach asks to be buried upside down. "So all my critics can kiss my (expletive)," Collins said. And then things really got surreal. .... He reiterated his stance that he's no snitch — saying that was part of the reason he left the Nebraska football team as a senior. Collins, a running back, said he took the fall rather than snitch about what he now claims were $1,000-a-month payments from boosters.

No jokes this is just sad.

Cooper leads surging Huskers past Aggies

In September, Nebraska had a set point against it and crumpled against the very same Aggies. This time, the No. 9 Huskers stared defeat in the eye and never wavered in a 29-27, 25-17, 25-15 victory.

So how will they Volleyball team handle the post season? Looks like they are improving.

So this question comes from a "discussion" I had with a KSU "fan" at last years KSU/NU game. To be fair she may have been drunk, and she was kinda an idiot. I blame the idiot part on watching a Ron Prince coached team for several years. Anyway after (another) Nebraska TD we started "Waving the Sea of Red" and the woman claimed that we were "Waving the Wheat" and that we stole it from Kansas. I told her NU would never steal anything from KU, but I wasn't sure what came first. They are similar. So anyone know the story?