Sunday, October 2, 2011

Badgers / Cornhuskers Running Diary 10/1/11

In honor of Wisconsin hosting Nebraska in the Cornhuskers’ first Big 10 contest, I figured I’d keep a running diary of my thoughts and observations of this huge game. I’m borrowing the running diary gimmick from Bill Simmons of ESPN / Grantland fame because I enjoy his work so much. Check him out! Meanwhile… #7 Wisconsin, #8 Nebraska…live from Camp Randall in Madison!

All times Central PM

7:07 Jesse Palmer, a failure as a quarterback in his own right, picks Wisconsin to win tonight. As a Badger fan, I feel good about this. I guess.

7:08 The Badgers run out into a sea of red at Camp Randall which is packed. What a hot ticket tonight’s game is!

7:09 A commercial takes us to the Nissan Heisman House, where we see Heisman Trophy winners such as Doug Flutie, Mark Ingram, Eddie George, and Marcus Allen goofing around. My complaint: foreign automakers are taking over everything! Really Ford, Chevy, and Dodge? None of you could step up and claim this? Gah!

7:11 Brent Musberger points out that Lincoln, Nebraska and Madison, Wisconsin are over 400 miles apart. I’d like to point out that all 400+ miles are corn fields. Thank you.

7:12 First Erin Andrews sighting! She’s looking great in a navy blue button-up jacket with purple scarf. TAKE IT OFF!!!!

7:13 Opening kickoff: Sea of red, cameras flashing, feels like a huge game. Giddy so far.

7:16 Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson sidesteps a stream roller (Nebraska #94 Crick) and finds and open Jared Abbrederis for a first down.

7:18 Wilson sacked on 3rd down. Nice blitz by the Huskers.

7:21 ABC shows a commercial for it’s new series, Pan-Am. The show looks appealing, but it airs during that Sunday at 9:00 PM time slot occupied by AMC’s Breaking Bad. Sorry ABC, but priorities are priorities. Also, Mad Men looks better.

7:23 Wisconsin defense tackling poorly on first few Nebraska plays. Huskers no-huddle setting tone.

7:26 Badgers come up with big stop on 3rd & 8.

7:27 Nice punt return by Abberderis. Unfortunately he fumbled. Nebraska ball at WI 39. Well, then.

7:31 Nebraska converts a 3rd down, the ball squirts out, but our defenders didn’t see it. Nebraksa recovers. Dang. Missed opportunity.

7:32 Huskers QB Taylor Martinez goes left, finds the end zone – Touchdown Huskers.

7:33 Play under review. Brent Musberger assures us, “We have a VERY GOOD replay official.” I’m glad he’s here Brent, I’m glad he’s here.

7:36. Play overturned. Instead, Martinez dives in from the ½ yard line. 7-0 Nebraska.

7:39 Badgers put themselves in hole with holding on poor punt return.

7:42 Montee Ball with an 11 yard burst – 1st down! Here we go!

7:43 Wilson with a 21 yard scramble on which several Husker defenders broke their ankles and will be suing Mr. Wilson for assault and damages.

7:44 A graphic points out that the Badgers’ offensive line average size is 6’5” 322 pounds while the Packers o-line averages 6’4” 314 lbs. Wow! Let the big guys eat!

7:45 Ball off left tackle for another 1st down! Love the rhythm right now.

7:45 LET’S GO RED OOOOHHHHHEEYYYYOOOOO !!!

7:47 Ball powers in for a TD to cap a 91 yard drive. Answer!!

7:49 It’s Colts / Bucs on Monday Night Football! Musberger points out that the Colts were given prime time games before anyone knew Manning would miss so many games. Colts fans nod grimly.

7:52 Nebraska’s nicely designed 10 yard sweep play is negated by a holding call. 2nd and 21 – not operating territory for the Huskers’ offense.

7:53 First down on a nice pass from Martinez. Badger DBs looked confused. Nevermind!

7:54 Off to fridge for first beer of the game #winning

7:55 Went with Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest. Very smooth, tasty, and seasonally appealing. I personally love Leinenkugel’s beer; the pride of Chippewa Falls, WI.


My top 5 Leinie’s beers:

1. Red   
2. Oktoberfest   
3. Creamy Dark   
4. Honey Weiss   
5. Sunset Wheat



7:59 Martinez hits Cotton for a long play down to the 1 yard line. For a QB struggling to complete passes this season, UW making Martinez look like Aaron Rodgers so far.

8:00 Nebraska touchdown run by Rex Burkhead. Sweet name.

8:01 College football’s commitment to reviewing every touchdown is infuriating. Play the damn game! You lose all the momentum / excitement / pace with these friggin’ reviews!!





8:02 In terms of Cheerleader Hotness: Edge Nebraska. (Hint: they’re more scantily clad).

8:03 “I don’t feel like I’m under arrest” – the immortal Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel). Fast 5 on DVD Tuesday 10/4!

8:04 Chick-Fil-A commercial. Food chains I really wish Wisconsin had: Chick-Fil-A, Jack in the Box, Bo Jangles Chicken & Biscuits, and more Wafflehouse!

8:06 Wilson drops back, hits Nick Toon in double coverage! TOOOOOOOOOONNN!

8:08 Badgers on the march. Great back & forth game. Living up to hype thus far.

8:09 Wilson 22 yard TD scamper called back because of a hold. Dang it. Showed Wilson’s elite athleticism though.

8:11 Montee Ball powers in for his second TD on the same play as before. On Wisconsin! On Wisconsin!

8:12 Extra point attempt blocked, nearly returned for 2. Don’t see that everyday. Nebraska 14 Wisconsin 13.


8:13 Just saw a clubbin’ dance party Dr. Pepper commercial. There better be whiskey in those cans, otherwise that’s the lamest party ever.

8:17 Back to back sacks for the Badger defense! 3rd & 16, and the Badgers force a punt.

8:21 Over the commercial break, Chevy runs two ads showing us how awkward and annoying it could be to own a Chevy Volt. Uhhh…great marketing!!!


8:22 Erin Andrews reports that Nebraska coach Bo Pelini “lit into his secondary.” Erin, don’t paraphrase. I want direct quotes, profanity and all! Censors be damned! USA! USA! USA!




8:24 Ally Bank offers us an ad with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony playing in the background. Thanks UW-La Crosse liberal arts degree Music Appreciation course for helping me identify that tune! I KNEW I’d use that someday!

8:25 Not a huge fan of Coors, but I love that they use Sam Elliott to endorse their product. Incredibly manly / badass voice.

8:29 After Nebraska gets good field position, Martinez throws an interception! Pressure got to him there, let’s get it!!

8:30 Russell Wilson with the most exciting scramble and 5 yard completion you’ll ever see! I’m tired just watching!

8:32 …still catching breath…

8:33 Play fake and touchdown Bucky! Beautiful toss and great catch by Abbrederis, first lead of the night! Of course it’s under review. Again, what a stupid rule. Upheld 20-14 Badgers.





8:36 Time for beer #2 of the game

8:37 Went with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, still had left over from this summer. It’s a sweet lemonade-flavored beer that hits the spot from time to time.

8:39 A Badger was hurt on the play, but one of the medical chicks looks cute, so it’s not a total loss.

8:41 Martinez with an ill-advised throw into double coverage picked off!!! Glad to have you in the Big 10 Taylor! I have you penciled in as the Jay Cutler of the conference!

8:43 Nice shovel pass to James White for a 1st down, could have been huge if not for a shoe string tackle.

8:45 Wilson books up with TOOOOOOOOOOONNNN! Touchdown Badgers! Beauty of a pass, 46 yard TD. Wilson: 12/16 233 yds, 2 TDs. We have NEVER had a QB like this at Wisconsin! I used to think it would never get better than Brooks Bollinger, but this is unprecedented!


8:46 27-14 Badgers. Both Martinez INT’s converted into Badger touchdowns is the difference in the game.

8:53 Huskers kicker wide right on 50 yard field goal attempt, Badgers kneel and take 27-14 lead into half.

Let’s take a moment to talk Heisman Trophy 2011. As of this moment, my prediction for the 5 finalists for the award includes Stanford QB Andrew Luck, Oregon RB LaMichael James, Oklahoma QB Landry Jones, Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson, and Alabama RB Trent Richardson. I also feel that Baylor QB Robert Griffin III is a sleeper here. I gotta say, if the Badgers keep rollin’ I like Wilson’s chances. Who knew?

9:15 And we’re back from Madison!

9:15 LMFAO – first play of the half and Martinez throws an INT. Make that 3 picks on the night, 3 turnovers in 12 plays for Nebraska. Yikes.

9:17 Erin Andrews, I don’t want to just hear your voice; I want to see your pretty face!

9:20 Nebraska timeout leads to commercial. Time for beer #3.

9:22 And the choice is…drum roll please….Leinie’s Honey Weiss!

9:23 Badgers exert their will, convert a 4th & 1.

9:24 Wilson on a bootleg runs left and has the touchdown! Is anyone playing better at the QB position in the NCAA right now than Wilson?! 34-14 Badgers. Jangle them keys! Go back to your cornfields!

9:29 3rd & long, Badgers force punt. Playing outstanding D since start of 2nd quarter.

9:35 Just audibled to Nachos for snack. Great choice I might add.

9:37 Hearing Musberger talk about how Brett Bielema recruited Russell Wilson to play in Madison has me crossing my fingers and hoping that Charles Robinson stays away.

9:39 Musberger and Herbie talking about the Wisconsin sports scene this weekend. Badgers tonight, Brewers up 1-0 in NLDS with game tomorrow, and Packers hosting Broncos Sunday. Could Wisconsin sports be the Boston of the 2010-2020 decade? Here’s to hoping.

9:41 After all this gushing over Russell Wilson, I’m confident that he nurtures sick puppies back to health, helps little old ladies cross the street, and would solve the financial crisis if Obama asked him politely.

9:45 We’re reminded of the stupidly named Legends & Leaders Big 10 divisions. Wisconsin in the Leaders, Nebraska in the Legends, so technically we could rematch for Big 10 Title Game.

9:47 Montee Ball looked to be stuffed, bounces off, and scores his 3rd touchdown of the night! Will of Nebraska defense obviously broken as Husker #90 unintentionally captured screaming “F***” as he came to sideline. 41-14 Badgers!

9:54 Commercial for Guinness Black Lager. (Mental note to try this)
9:55 ABC ad for Once Upon a Time looks bizarre. Some kind of twisted take on fairy tales. Who’s the target audience? Ahh, it’s doesn’t matter – it will be canceled at midseason.

9:56 Cut in to student section ‘Jump Around’ between 3rd and 4th quarter. What a great night to be in the Camp Randall student section. Very jealous of those who are!

9:58 Nebraska gets a field goal, 41-17 Badgers.

10:01 Mmmhhhmmm…nachos

10:02 Mmmhhhmmm…beer

10:04 A rare misfire by Wilson negated by defensive holding. 1st down Badgers. Penalties so far: Huskers 8/65, Badgers 2/18. Mentally disciplined.

10:06 Yet another hard run by Montee Ball. First down. What a performance.

10:10 Slow motion Wave through the Camp Randall Crowd. Yep, it’s still 1993 here in good ‘ol Wisconsin!

10:15 I approve of Chrysler billing their new cars as “Imported from Detroit,” which is in fact a 3rd world country.

10:16 Camp Randall crowd singing “Build me up Buttercup” – Classic!

10:17 Montee Ball bounces off another tackler and scores his 4th TD! Musberger says Ball is on watch for Doak Walker Award. Vigorous co-sign! 48-17 Badgers. Ball stat line: 30 carries, 151 yards, 4 TD’s. Wow.

10:20 So Tim Allen has a new show on ABC. Hey, I loved and grew up with Home Improvement, but come on – is ABC really that desperate?? ABC Execs probably don’t want to hear the true answer.

10:26 Martinez leveled as he threw it, receiver drops pass in end zone. Not getting much help.

10:27 Herbstreit points out that the Badgers’ cream-puff non-conference schedule and one remaining game vs. a current ranked opponent may keep them out of the BCS title game. Yeah, but…you saw them tonight right???!!!

10:28 With 12 seconds left in the game, Huskers take a time out on the ½ yard line. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! YOU’RE DOWN BY 31!!!

10:31 Cut in to crowd singing “Sweet Caronline” So Good! So Good! So Good!

10:32 Martinez stuffed at goal line while clock runs out. Final score from Madison: Badgers 48 Cornhuskers 17. Great all-around game for Wisconsin, especially the final 3 quarters. Badgers spoil Nebraska’s Big 10 debut. If the Huskers need an ass-kickin’, they know where to find it!

On Wisconsin!

- Dan

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