Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Moved

Hi folks!  Thanks for stopping by.  I want to make sure everyone is aware of the recent move that we (@DaGoodOlBoys) have done just yesterday!  Please check out our new and improved site: http://www.dagoodolboys.com .  New location, same great people!

Kevin, and the rest of the #gobs

Monday, October 3, 2011

Colts vs Buccaneers: Colts lead 10-7 Near the End of Second Quarter

This has been one hell of a game thus far.  Only through one half and we have already seen two marvelous punts by Michael Koenen (#9).  He is averaging 49.5 yards per punt, and over 50 if you include the -2 yard return by the incredibly foolish Blair White.  How foolish was he not to fair catch.  Wouldn’t you?  To give the respect that Koenen’s leg demands as he masterfully knocked the brick deep into Colt territory.

To praise Michael Koenen alone would only showcase half of this game’s stars.  Pat McAfee, with a career average of 43.6 gross yards per punt, has lobbed two grenades to the tune of 92 total yards.  So masterfully have these two punts executed, that we have seen no return from either punt.  What a game folks, to think it’s only half time.  I can’t contain the excitement as I watch these two young men perform. 

Painter (5/13 130 yards 101.4 rating) has been a laceration to the Buccaneers.  Early on in the first half he showed some poise as he marched his troops down field; completing his first two passes.  The Bucs initially couldn’t stop the onslaught that was upon them.  They recalled their mandatory first aid training at the beginning of the season and were able to stop the blood loss and 3 points the only sacrifice.  They applied pressure, and put a coverage band-aid on the Colts aerial assault.  With enough pressure, the bleeding stops.  Save for one 87 yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon with 8:47 left in the second quarter, the bleeding has stopped.  

It isn’t entirely Painters’ fault however.  Please don’t take me the wrong way.  Pierre Garcon has dropped two passes thus far, and although Addai has been putting up some numbers on the ground (8 rushes for 31 yards), I would like to attribute Painter’s fumble to a missed block by Addai, and it wasn’t a near miss either. 

Unfortunately for the Bucs, their offense has been pacified as well.  An unfortunate incident involving a very long TD pass to Arrelious Benn that was called back (he caught the ball out of bounds) leaves a lonely 0 on the scoreboard.  Painter took notes on that play, as his pass to Garcon looked eerily similar, although he was smarter, evident by the fact that his TD wasn’t recalled.

The Bucs showed life late in the 2nd quarter.   Driving down field probably reminded Gruden of the Super Bowl XXXVII drive the Bucs had to close out the first half against the Raiders in which Alstott would not be stopped.  The difference was their Super Bowl drive put the Bucs up 20-3 as opposed to tonight, where the TD brought them within 3 of the 0-3 Colts.

Kevin

Indianapolis Colts vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Indianapolis Colts(0-3) take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers(2-1) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay tonight, with 7:30CST kick off, televised on ESPN.  The Peyton Manning-less Colts are shown for the team people thought they were with Peyton artificially holding up the shell of the team they were just five years ago.  The 2006 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a situation very similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys last year.  Both teams were hopeful to play for the Lombardi trophy in their home stadium, with a franchise quarterback.  Both teams lost their franchise quarterback, and although the Colts still have time to salvage their season, it appears that the Colts will follow the path the Cowboys went in their abysmal six win 2010 season.


Jon Gruden will be announcing the game tonight, announcing the team that he, himself brought to the Super Bowl in 2003 (2002 season).  You might wonder whether he will be rooting for the team he once led, or against the team that fired him in 2009.  Some say the Super Bowl victory against his old team, the Oakland Raiders was largely due to the team that Tony Dungy built before him.  Gruden was fired in 2009 after getting knocked from the playoff hunt by the team he defeated in the Super Bowl six years before.

The post-Gruden Buccaneers surprised the football world, by going 10-6 without him.  The young talent, featuring rookies LeGarrette Blount (1,007 rushing yards in 2010) and Mike Williams (964 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns in 2010), largely made this happen. 

If Josh Freeman can prevent turnovers (to date he has 4 picks and 2 fumbles), and get the ball into Mike Williams hands, they should be able to defeat the deflated Colts easily.  If the Bucs O-Line can't contain the two weapons the Colts did not lose this year, Dwight Freeney (3 Sacks in 2011) and Robert Mathis (2 Sacks in 2011), we should have another one of those games that are fun to watch, but not because of expert play. 

Kevin

My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Five -- Rewind

Season Record 12-8
This Week’s Record 6-4

Review my week five picks here!

All game times are Central Standard Time

#16 South Florida (4-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-2)

Thursday, September 29 7:00 pm ESPN

I almost had the right score just with the teams switched. I was very disappointed in the energy level of South Florida. Pittsburgh came out and imposed their will on the Bulls and didn’t look back. Pitts Ray Graham had 226 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns and gave the Panthers a much needed boost.

Prediction: #16 South Florida 45 Pittsburgh 17 Actual Score: Pittsburgh 44 #16 South Florida 17

Minnesota (1-3) vs. #19 Michiagn (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am Big Ten Network

The Little Brown Jug will remain with Michigan after a massive beat down in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Denard Robinson threw the ball extremely well and wasn’t asked to be the entire offense for once. Vincent Smith ran for a touchdown, threw for one, and caught one for the 5-0 Wolverines.

Prediction: #19 Michigan 38 Minnesota 20
Actual Score: #19 Michigan 58 Minnesota 0






#3 Alabama (4-0) vs. #12 Florida (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm CBS

The Alabama defense came to play in the Swamp and showed the country why they are a top team. Trent Richardson also had a big game for the Tide, who defeated Florida for a third straight year.

Prediction: #3 Alabama 23 #12 Florida 12 Actual Score: #3 Alabama 38 #12 Florida 10

Nevada (1-2) vs. #4 Boise St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 1:30 pm Versus

The Broncos were up 30 to 0 after three quarters on Saturday. They destroyed Nevada at the line of scrimmage and dominated in all phases of the game. Kellen Moore has to be mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Prediction: #4 Boise St. 55 Nevada 21 Actual Score: #4 Boise St. 30 Nevada 10

#17 Texas (3-0) vs. Iowa St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 6:00 pm FX

Terrible, terrible pick by me in this one. Iowa St was manhandled and blindsided by a good, growing Texas team. Texas was relentless and avenged a terrible loss against Iowa St. from last season.

Prediction: Iowa St. 28 #17 Texas 17 Actual Score: #17 Texas 37 Iowa St. 14

#8 Nebraska (4-0) vs. #7 Wisconsin (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ABC

Wisconsin is a BCS Championship contender after their shellacking (follow link for very entertaining play by play) of Nebraska on Saturday evening. Russell Wilson is the real deal at quarterback and the victory puts the Badgers in prime position to win out and have a shot at playing in the BCS Championship Game.

Prediction: #7 Wisconsin 30 #8 Nebraska 20 Actual Score: #7 Wisconsin 48 #8 Nebraska 17





#13 Clemson (4-0) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 5:00 pm ESPN2

I thought this game would be closer than this. Virginia Tech was outplayed and outmatched on offense and defense by a great Clemson football team. Tajh Boyd was effective and the Clemson defense was suffocating. The win snapped Virginia Tech’s 12 game ACC winning streak.

Prediction: #13 Clemson 31 #11 Virginia Tech 24 Actual Score: #13 Clemson 23 #11 Virginia Tech 3

#14 Texas A&M (2-1) vs. #18 Arkansas (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am ESPN

That’s it, I am not picking Texas A&M again, they have screwed me for the last time! For the second straight week the Aiggies have blown a big second half lead. The defense in College Station has got to improve after giving up 510 yards passing to Tyler Wilson.

Prediction: #14 Texas A&M 32 #18 Arkansas 14 Actual Score: #18 Arkansas 42 #14 Texas A&M 38

Michigan St (3-1). vs. Ohio St. (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN

You can stick a fork in Ohio St. because they are done. Their offense brings college football back to the 30s with the way they play. They cannot move the ball. Michigan St. played good defense but Ohio St. couldn’t hold blocks or hold on to the ball.

Prediction: Ohio St. 27 Michigan St. 21
Actual Score: Michigan St. 10 Ohio St. 7






Notre Dame (2-2) vs. Purdue (2-1)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ESPN

This game was over at half time when Notre Dame went into the dressing rooms with a 21 to 3 lead. Michael Floyd is a big time playmaker and will be making those plays on Sunday’s next year.

Prediction: Notre Dame 48 Purdue 14 Actual Score: Notre Dame 38 Purdue 10

Welcome to the Aaron Rodgers Show, Packers Improve to 4-0



Aaron Rodgers seems to be playing on a different planet for the first four games of the 2011 season.  On Sunday against the Broncos, Rodgers was at his best in a 49 to 23 win.  For the first time in his career as a starting quarterback Rodgers is 4-0 and is on an MVP pace.  Rodgers was 29 of 38 for 408 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He also had 36 yards rushing with 2 rushing touchdowns.  That was the first time in Packers history that a quarterback threw for 4 touchdowns and ran for 2 more.  His pin-point accuracy was on full display all afternoon and he was on the top of his game.  With all of those good numbers the first thing Rodgers will tell you about is the one interception he threw in the third quarter.  The Broncos were without starting cornerback Champ Bailey and that opened up Greg Jennings for a 7 catch and 103 yard day.


The Broncos got the lead first with 5:22 to go in the first quarter on a 27 yard field goal by Matt Prater.  The Packers came back with 21 unanswered points which included a 50 yard touchdown completion to Jordy Nelson, an interception return for a touchdown by Charles Woodson, and an 11 yard touchdown run by Rodgers.  He was on fire with his receivers and checked into the right play all night.  The Broncos made a game out of it, producing back to back touchdown drives that brought the score to 21 to 17 but were outmatched the rest of the game.  Turnovers doomed the Broncos, as well as their defenses inability to stop Rodgers and the Packers offense.


Rodgers displayed his leadership fully on two drives for the Packers.  The first was the final drive of the first half.  The Packers were on top, but only by 4, 21-17, and had the ball at their own 20.  Rodgers led a methodical drive down the field, slicing the Broncos defense apart and keeping them off balance with the hurry-up offense.  Rodgers capped off the drive with a 17 yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings with 21 seconds to go in the half.  The sign of a good team is scoring inside of 2 minutes of the half and at the end of a game, and Rodgers made it look easy.  The second drive of leadership for Rodgers was the first drive of the second half.  It was the kill shot.  The Pack had their foot on the Broncos throat and looked to put them away.  Rodgers lead a brilliant 12 play 80 yard drive that took 6:34 off the clock, culminating in an 8 yard touchdown run by Rodgers.  Rodgers finished with 4 passing touchdowns to four different receivers (Nelson, Jennings, Jones, and Driver) and a quarterback rating of 134.5.
The really encouraging thing for Packers fans is that Rodgers looked comfortable with guys in his face.  The Pack were playing without starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga and had second year pro Marshall Newhouse starting in his place.  Newhouse played alright but gave up pressure and two sacks to rookie linebacker Von Miller(pictured below with Aaron Rodgers).  On the other side of the line, Pro Bowler Chad Clifton was having trouble with Elvis Dumervill.  Rodgers stood in the pocket all afternoon and took all the hits and delivered great passes to all of his mates.  James Starks had a bounce back game after last week’s pedestrian numbers.  Starks had 16 carries for 63 yards and also 5 catches for 38 yards.  The Packers rushed for 111 yards as a team, their fourth straight game over 100 yards on the ground.


The Packers defense struggled on the other side of the ball.  They have given up a ton of big plays and that continued yesterday.  Green Bay’s defense can hang their hat on the fact that they caused 4 turnovers and only allowed 6 second half points to the Broncos.  They are just not generating enough pass rush and are giving the opposing teams quarterbacks way too much time to throw the ball.  They are able to get away with giving up big chunks of yards to teams like the Broncos and Panthers because they can take the ball away from those teams.  Against good teams the Packers defense may not be able to get those takeaways.  Clay Matthews continues to get double and triple teamed on the outside.  The Packers need someone to step up opposite of Matthews to generate some pass rush.  The defensive line should be able to get more pressure on the quarterback once Mike Neal recovers from knee surgery.  Neal should be ready to go in 4 weeks.

The Packers end the first quarter of their season undefeated at 4-0.  They are an offensive juggernaut that looks unstoppable.  Their defense needs some work but will get healthy soon with the additions of Neal and linebacker Frank Zombo.  They have not come close to playing a perfect game but are still 4-0 and tied with the surprising 4-0 Detroit Lions.  This victory was sweet but now the attention is on to their week five showdown in Atlanta with the Falcons.  This will be a huge test and a battle of two of the NFC’s top tier teams.

Matt

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Good Ol Boys ( #gobs) on Perception


When I was 16 years old, I worked at Erbert’s & Gerbert’s in West De Pere.  Right at the heart of the St. Norbert college bars.  I learned a lot of life lessons from my co-workers, many of whom were much older than I.  I’m not in touch with any of them anymore, but sometimes I really with I was.  They also enabled me to have an occasional cigarette while on break.  I never smoked more than a pack a month, but every now and again it’s nice to have one.  Any ways, on break, I went out to the side of Erb’s and had a cigarette.  Someone yelled from their mini-van “Put out that cigarette young man!”



“Ha,” I thought, “they should MTOB (mind they own business(typo intentional))!”  Ma calls me not one minute later, “what are you doing smoking!”  Turns out that mini-van had my parents in it, my uncle driving, and a couple other relatives, as they drove to a restaurant near Erb’s.  What are the odds of that?

I don’t want everyone to know that I smoke an occasional cig.  What if I want to run for office someday, know what I mean?  Much like, I don’t want everyone to know that on a Tuesday night, I might have more to drink than I should watching the Brewers.  It’s tough when the neighbors below have a persistent, very adorable, seven year old who will make frequent unannounced visits (door bell – “ding, ding, ding, ding, ding”).  

If I want to have a cig now, we have a balcony from our apartment.  This ‘man-cave’ area of seclusion overlooks the entire apartment complex.  There is no seclusion in this man-cave.  In all honesty, it’s probably a good thing because it may end up stopping me from smoking entirely.  But it probably won’t.

I got back inside this morning after having one, brushed my teeth (not in the kitchen sink), washed my hands, and then enjoyed a piece of gum: Ice Breakers Spearment Ice Cube, to be exact.
It is all about perception.  



Well, now it’s time to finalize my fantasy football picks and get ready for the Pack!

Kevin


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