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HUSKERS' "GREAT ESCAPE" PREVAILS IN OT, 31-30
It was a feat that would have made famed escape artist Harry Houdini envious. The 18-point underdog Iowa State Cyclones were about to catch the Huskers napping by eschewing a "safe" extra point kick, opting instead for a fake attempt. But unfortunately for Iowa State, Daniel Kuehl, a senior from Heelan High in Sioux City, Iowa, tossed a dying-duck pass that was intended for senior TE Collin Franklin. The play was there, but Kuehl's pass floated into the hands of Husker senior DB Eric Hagg. And in a Verdigre second, game over. Huskers win.
 
TWO TOO
Kuehl joins Iowa State nose guard Nick Leaders (former Omaha Creighton Prep standout), who in 2005 dropped a sure interception of a Zac Taylor pass in overtime that would have preserved the win for the Cyclones. Iowa State lost 27-20 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Two OTs, two Cyclone players, two Iowa State losses. Too bad.
 
RANDOM THOUGHTS
*If the 'Clones couldn't stop the Huskers' Wildcat offense, why wasn't it run more?
*Why was it that Cyclone QB Austen Aurnaud was able to get back into the game right after he limped off the field and Husker QB Taylor Martinez, who was able to ride a stationary bike during the game, played only one snap?
*I know, I know, different injuries.
*The drama of a near loss to Iowa State was lessened later that night when Missouri lost to Texas Tech. Now the Huskers have the luxury of having to win only two of the final three games to represent the North in the Big 12 championship.
*With the Tigers' loss, the night game at Texas A&M on November 20th doesn't look to be as critical.
*Nebraska's loss to Texas last month becomes more and more painful every time the Longhorns lose. How the *&^! did this happen?
*Had the Huskers not lost to Texas, they might be in position to make appearance in the national championship game.
*I know, if my uncle had breasts, he'd be my aunt.
*Lee Corso may have nailed it when he was making his predictions Saturday on "College Game Day" when he said of Texas head coach Mack Brown, "It's one thing to lose a game, but it's another thing to lose your team." He accurately predicted a Kansas State win over the 'Horns Saturday night in Manhattan, Kansas.
 
VETERANS DAY
In honor of Veterans Day, please watch this tribute. It's focuses on the Marines but is applicable to all our men and women who have served or who are still serving our country in the armed services. God bless every one of you who has proudly worn the uniform of your country!
 
BIG RED EXPERIENCE
Several weeks ago, I posted a letter I received from Jim Stanford, a career Army officer who is bringing his family to Lincoln for their very first Husker home game (Colorado). He asked if I could offer some suggestions on how he could maximize his first Husker Experience. Here are some of your suggestions. (I took the liberty of editing these letters.)
 
Husker Dan:
The best coffee is at The Coffee House at 13th & P. The best burgers by far are at the Watering Hole at 13th & O Street. And farther out on O Street is a place called Hu Hut Mongolian Grill. It's an all you can eat place. The Haymarket park has a number of excellent shops to visit. They even have a couple of train cars for the kids to play on. If they have time, they can visit the SAC Museum which is located just south of the Platte River on I-80. It's about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The Children's Museum and Lincoln Zoo are great. They should also visit the Capitol Building and Morrill Hall, which is right on campus.
Beth Kingsley
 
Husker Dan:
The soldier and his family need to get to Lincoln early to experience "Husker Game Day." I'd recommend the Sidetrack with"Joyce and the Sidetrack Band," but it's not for kids. The band is hilarious, but the lyrics are naughty!
 
Husker Dan:
Tell your Army guy to be sure to watch the Husker Marching Band do their half time show before the game. They play about an hour before kickoff, right outside the band building just north of Kimball Hall. Then the band lines up and marches to the stadium. They must hear the band play "Hail Varsity" just as they get to the stadium. Tell them not to miss this one, no way!
Claudia "Kitten" Kaboodle
 
Husker Dan:
I would highly recommend that Jim take his family to dinner the night before the game at Misty's in downtown Lincoln. The food is fantastic and the Husker memorabilia are the best! Good luck!
D. James
Omaha, NE
 
Husker Dan:
If his children are young, they would really like the Husker Pavilion, which is located just north and east of the stadium. Kids can throw and kick footballs on a real football field. My kids love it!
B.J.
Husker Dan:
Tell your guy to be sure to get his family's picture taken by the football bronze that is just east of the stadium. Also, the bronze of Tom Osborne and Book Berringer on the north side of the stadium is a must! Good luck!
LKM
Omaha, NE
Husker Dan:
Of course the Army guy and his family should not miss the Tunnel Walk that takes place just before the team comes on to the field. Make sure they're in their seats in time to enjoy one of the best Husker experiences ever!
Tom from Blair, NE
Husker Dan:
Tell them not to miss the Nebraska Bookstore that is on the corner of 13th & Q Street. There are tons of great Husker apparel! Go Big Red!
Don
Seward, Nebraska
 
Husker Dan:
I always take my kids down to the tunnel way where the team comes through before they take the field. My kids like to high-five the players as they walk by! Tell them not to miss this!
Mike Lincoln, NE
Dear Jim:
I would encourage you to go to the HuskerMax tailgate party that starts four hours before kickoff. To register, go to [email protected]
Husker Dan
Readers:
Thanks to all of you who responded. If you have any more suggestions on how Jim and his family can make the most of their visit to Husker Game Day, write me at: [email protected].
 
THE KANSAS MATCH-UP
This is a game that, if the Huskers have a healthy Taylor Martinez, the Huskers should win in a blowout. But Martinez, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, probably won't play. And his backup, Zac Lee, is not much better. Look for Cody Green to get the start.
And Nebraska should be able to win comfortably with Cody Green running things. He played well at times at Ames last Saturday, but the game still appears way too fast for him. The offensive philosophy is going to be to run right at the Jayhawks and Green should be able to manage that part pretty well. Kansas is coming into Lincoln with a bit more confidence knowing that they staged one of the all time great comebacks in college football history by beating Colorado Saturday 52-45. The Jayhawks scored 35 points in the fourth quarter to win the game. But that was Colorado, not Nebraska. If Alfonzo Dennard and Taylor Martinez are 100%, the Huskers will dominate. If not, look for a closer game. Because of the inconsistent play of the Huskers this fall, Nebraska can ill afford to overlook any team on their schedule.
HUSKERS 41, KU 10

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