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Shooting Point Blank

A series of articlesby Brandon "Blankman" Cavanaugh.

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I had a different vantage point of Nebraska/Colorado in the 2003 season. It turns out that Ol’ Blankman was called in to work today, but he feared not as he had the services of several television sets tuned to the game, now he just needed the cooperation of several clientele around the country. With a little bit of luck and with the knowledge that today was the busiest shopping day of the year, I was provided an uninterrupted (for the most part) view of a game that supposedly could’ve turned the tide a number of ways for the program. As I watched the game unfold from my Scarlet and Cream-covered office domicile, I felt like a little kid again as I watched the ‘Husker scheme their way to victory and I remember what was uttered during a Kellen Huston fake that was so pretty its last name had to be Jolie, “Cool!”

I heard it all from Colorado “fans” over the past few years. Nebraska is this, Nebraska is that. We own Nebraska now. Then came this year. “We started the downfall of Nebraska in 2001 and now we’re going to finish it!” they cried. The Buffaloes were sure they would knock off the ‘Huskers three straight times for the first time since Da Fitties. There’s only two games the CU faithful truly care about and that’s Colorado State and these Nebraska Cornhuskers, records be damned. The Buffs were going to slam the final nail into the coffin today. Eh…not so much. Just when it seemed like maybe the NU road woes would continue, something sparked within the hearts of the Men of Corn. A little something called “pride”. This game suddenly wasn’t just about winning or losing, it was for all of the trials and tribulation that had led up to it. This game was for Jammal Lord, Josh Davis, The O-Line, Demorrio, the Bullocks Brothers, but specifically, it was for one man: Frank Solich.

Indeed, this one was all about winning one for the Gipper, or in this case, Fearless Frank Solich. You almost get the idea in your head that Frank just kinda shrugged off the rumors flying about like cheese at a dairy festival and said to Barney and the Boys, “Just have fun.” And fun they had. The play-calling was impressive, stylish, fun to watch and, I would imagine, fun to play in. Everyone got into the act, quarterbacks, I-backs, fullbacks, receivers of all alphabetical denominations, heck even the HOLDER got to bolt for a first down (nicely done, Kellen). It was the kind of offense that makes you want to try out for spring football even if you are 55 and nursing a titanium hip. In regards to the game, I congratulate everyone associated with the program for this one and Coach Solich? I tip my hat to you, sir.

Blankman’s Half N’ Half Offensive Player of the Game Award goes to Jammal Lord and Cory “Pohkchop” Ross. Jammal had a solid game going 8-fer-18 for 146 with a SAH-WEEEEET bomb to Pierce’s favorite son. He also managed 68 yards on the ground with a touch and that ain’t not bad (or so I’m told). I was particularly fond of the way good ol’ J reached the pigskin over to break the plane when the situation called for it. That there’s some mighty fahne footballin’. Cory had himself a day eclipsing the 100-yard mark and notching a 4.7 yard per carry average to compliment his TD. Cory’s looking more and more impressive as his carries increase and with some solid work in the weight room come the offseason, he could be just what the WHOOOAAA DOCTOR ordered for Dear Ol’ Nebraska U. Sorry, it’s an affliction I get from watching Keith.

Blankman’s Timely Turnover Award goes to one T.J. Hollowell who had himself a very crucial interception and was damn near close to a few more. T.J. actually only had two other tackles on the day but man, when the game needed to be saved, #2 did it and did it in solid fashion snagging the pigskin like it was chasing his sister and returned it for 25 yards setting up a score for the good guys. Honorable Mention goes to Pat “YES! NO! YES!” Ricketts whose exuberance I am more than happy to forgive because, honestly, I could see myself doing the same thing and I don’t like having balloons full of dried cement lobbed at my head, either.

I would like to send a shout out back to Kellen Huston, #29 for a minute because I gotta tell you, I was faked out worse than Ray Charles in a mosh pit on that fourth down. I said to myself, “Self, Dyches COULD make this kick, I suppose. Thin air and all, ha ha ha!” and just as the play clock almost expired, it was as if someone in the stands was wearing a Missouri student mask and Kellen took off for the sidelines, netting not only a first down but a good 5-7 yards after the fact. My mouth fell agape and I truly did not know what to do. I leapt into the air, I pumped my fist, I spiked my plush football as to not harm any of the several thousand dollar pieces of equipment surrounding me and I felt like, damnit, this was OUR game. Indeed, it was.

So, after a week or two of concentrating on things we might want to change, how about some positives? Let’s see here. Jammal had a solid game, which was stated. A 100-yard back is always a good thing to take out of Boulder. A Holiday Bowl berth, perhaps, and while we’re on that topic, 9 wins. Yes, the High Holy Standard of Seasons has graced us again with its presence, Husker fans, no matter what, Nebraska will have at least 9 wins to end out the season. Feels good to read that, doesn’t it? It feels mighty fine to type it on this end as well. Also, a big positive was for Coach Solich. I’m VERY glad this game was a win for him because he deserved something to smile about. He’s a good man with a good heart and we, as NU fans, owe him a lot for his service.

So now? We wait and see just where the Bowl Demigods will place Nebraska. Many speculate over a Holiday Bowl berth and I hear San Diego is lovely this time of year. As for the Buff fans? Take heart, it was a difficult year. There was a very arduous schedule to navigate, some young players all across the board, many different factors that come into play. Look on the bright side though, because some day in the future when the sun rises over a crisp autumn afternoon, the birds sing their songs and the icicles hang from the tree, maybe, just maybe, you’ll be our rival.

Questions, commentary and plays under further review can be sent, per usual, to: [email protected]

===Brandon a.k.a.Blankman #71===

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