HawkeyeHusker

The End Is Near

2011-06-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

In mid-January I launched this blog not really knowing what I was getting myself into. This was a new venture where I could continue to write and entertain as well as test the waters and the interest in a blog not dedicated to one team, but rather a rivalry.

I am happy to report that since this blog launched our readership has increased dramatically month to month, more than I could have ever imagined. Readers not just from Nebraska and Iowa but all around the world! 12 different countries to date, I can only assume our great military men and women who are looking for information about their favorite team.

Well the end of this blog is near, it's time to take this little project to a different level. It's time to offer more features, more information a better fan experience. Tomorrow at 2:00 PM CST this blog will shut down and you can officially visit www.HuskerHawkeye.com.

We'll be offering:

Message Boards and Forums
Easier Access To Blogs
Video
Links to our favorite Iowa and Nebraska information sources
Our featured writers

Like this blog, we are going to play smart and simple and grow as we learn.

The end is near, but with the promises of a new beginning!

New Conference New Territory

2011-06-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

There's No Place Like Home

When Nebraska was a member of the Big 12 (okay it still is at least until Friday) there was a strong recruiting presence in California, Texas and Florida. I don't expect that to change.

Last month Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz told me he expects to see the Huskers make a stronger push in traditional Big 10 recruiting battle grounds. Is words are so true and it's not taking long for the Big Red to make an impression.

This story in the Lincoln Journal Star talks about how Nebraska is making strong in-roads in Ohio. This shouldn't be that big of a shock considering Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini is from Youngstown, Ohio. This is a sure sign Nebraska is not going to just walk into the Big 10 but rather a full sprint!

The Tale Of Two Quarterbacks

2011-06-29T16:03:00.000-05:00

James Vandenberg

All eyes are always on the quarterback. It's the most high profile position on the football team and it's easy to find people who hate the quarterback just as much as they love him.

When it comes to the quarterback situation at Iowa and Nebraska, it's two different tales. At Iowa, James Vandenberg is and unproven commodity. He's an Iowa kid now in charge of the Hawkeye offense, read the story in today's Des Moines Register.

T-Magic

At Nebraska, Taylor Martinez has a ton of speed and talent. But he's hated in some circles because of his attitude and leadership skills. Bo Pelini about ripped his head off at Texas A&M and Martinez talks to Dennis Dodd of CBSsports.com about that day.

I sure hope Pelini understand why his quarterback is telling this story now.

The tale of two quarterbacks. A kid from Iowa playing under center, big shoes to fill. A California kid with all the talent in the world who just has to avoid being a tool.

Iowa's Answer: Beer?

2011-06-28T21:17:00.000-05:00

Last week I showed you the T-shirts Nebraska fans are sporting when it comes to the new rivalry with Iowa. The Huskers boast about their 5 national championships and being a college football dynasty.

I called for the Hawkeyes to rise to the challenge. What do they come up with, beer! Seriously this is the best you can come up with? I know Iowa City is full of great tailgating but as this rivalry gets stared you better come to the table with something better than a great party.

The Rebuttal?

The Challenge

Is the Big 10 Already Sick Of Nebraska

2011-06-27T19:10:00.000-05:00

We all know the Huskers have been talked about for the past year. I don't think there's been one part of the schools switch to the Big 10 that hasn't been covered. If members schools and their fans aren't sick of it by now, they certainly will be this weekend.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Big 10 Network is devoting a lot of time to welcome Nebraska to the Big 10. Including live "chat's" with former players like Ahman Green and Tommie Frazier. The program I think will touch a nerve, "It's Chrystal Clear" Nebraska's 1997 National Championship. Hmmm I wonder what Michigan will think about that show? It's a love fest! Which will make other schools just hate the Huskers more.

Big 10 Throws Nebraska A Bone

2011-06-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Nebraska is not officially a member of the Big 10 yet, the formality will take place on Friday. The conference is not waiting to make Nebraska feel right at home, throwing the Huskers an early bone.

Nebraska will host the 2012 Big 10 Indoor Track and Field Championships. A good move for the Big 10 as Nebraska traditionally supports non-revenue sports, not just internally but with fan support as well. The Huskers are competitive in the sport and have the best facility to host.

The Long Goodbye

2011-06-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

Get ready for the LOOONG goodbye. This is the last "official" week Nebraska is a member of the Big 12, the Huskers "officially" join the Big 10 on Friday.

In reality, this has been an ugly divorce and there will be no love loss between the Big 12 and Nebraska for years to come. But expect the ending to be done with civility looking back at the positive instead of the negative. Let's be honest, the last 11 months have focused on the negative.

It' starts today in the Lincoln Journal Star as it looks back at 15 years of memories for Nebraska and the Big 12.

The Power Of The Blog

2011-06-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

I'll be the first to admit that we have not reached elite status when it comes to sports blogs and websites. I hope those of you who read this everyday enjoy the content that we provide and tell others to check us out. I promise we will be a lot easier to find on July 1st!

Independent sports blogs were the future, and now the future is here! Newspapers and I am talking newspapers of substance are not only taking notice they are extending the olive branch!

Score for the Hawkeyereport.com as it is now sharing information with The Cedar Rapids Gazette. I don't know Mike Hlas personally but I have to believe that was pretty hard to write for a newspaper guy, almost and admission of failure. But as resources continue to be cut at newspapers (see the Des Moines Register) they will fill the void with sports blogs and won't have to pay them a thing. It doesn't matter as driving serious traffic to the Hawkeyereport.com is worth a lot of money.

The Gazette isn't the first to do this. The Omaha World Herald now has a link to HuskersIllustrated.com on it's website in what appears to be a sharing agreement.

The Des Moines Register uses Chris Williams of Cyclonefanatic.com on a regular basis and ah no problem pimping his website as well.

This is the power of the sports blog! Fans want information 24 hours a day and they will surf the web for as long as it takes to find something new. Feel free to tell your friends about HuskerHawkeye.com.

By the way there are great sports blogs out there that cover the Hawks and Huskers that may not get as much love as the others. My favorites include:

Inside Information

2011-06-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

Scott Spreitzer

If you are looking for some inside information about the upcoming season, you will NOT want to miss my interview with Scott Spreitzer tomorrow at 7:30 on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines. Scott writes the Views From Vegas for HuskerHawkeye.com and also is regular on radio shows across the country.

Don't worry if you aren't in Central Iowa, you can listen everywhere the world at www.kxno.com. This blog has been viewed in 11 different countries around the world so I have to tell everyone. If you can't wake up for the live interview you can always find it on the Travis and Tim podcast page of KXNO.Com.

B1G Hoops: Iowa Renovates; Nebraska Rebuilds

2011-06-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

By Michael J. Malone

HuskerHawkeye.com contributor

Last week, we looked at the football stadium wars where Nebraska and Iowa have continued to make improvements to venerable stadiums. This week, the focus shifts to basketball where both schools are also upgrading, but in different ways.

Carver Hawkeye Renovation

Iowa has played in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since January of 1983. When it was built, it was considered a state-of-the-art building, but in this era of new arenas with club seating for boosters and upgraded practice facilities, Iowa was falling behind. Former Iowa men's basketball coach Steve Alford often lamented the lack of a practice facility which forced his team and others to practice at off hours due to the heavy usage of Carver.

Basketball will always play second-fiddle to football at Nebraska. That said, the Huskers were in great need of an upgrade for a facility that opened in 1976, especially coming into the Big Ten where basketball is held in a higher regard than it is in the Big 12 (with apologies to basketball-crazy Kansas of course).

So the two schools took different approaches in search of the same result. At Iowa, it will be in the form of renovation and addition. At Nebraska, a new arena in Lincoln went to a vote of the people and was approved. The work in Iowa City will be done by the end of the summer. The Lincoln Haymarket Arena is set for a fall 2013 opening.

The Carver-Hawkeye Arena Addition and Renovation Project is nearly complete. The project cost will be in excess of $40. It includes a practice facility immediately north of the Arena for use by the men's and women's basketball teams and the volleyball team. The project also includes renovation and expansion of the wrestling room and fitness space for all of the university's sports programs and the renovation of existing and the creation of new office, meeting, and storage space.

The revitalization of the arena will also extend into spaces used by the general public on game days and nights, including renovation of select concessions and restroom facilities, and the creation of hospitality and meeting spaces combined with club facilities for fans of the Hawkeyes who choose to participate in a variety of premium seating options.

Haymarket Arena

Where all of Iowa's improvements were done without taxpayer dollars, Lincoln's new arena was in the hands of the voters, who approved the proposal to issue $25 million in bonds to help build the new downtown sports and concert arena in 2010. The arena will cost $168 to build and will give the Cornhuskers one of the top facilities in the Big Ten.

The vision shown by the people in Lincoln was impressive, especially in a football-crazy state. Nebraska fans want to have a complete sports program. They have long prided themselves in having success in all sports. Building this arena is just another step in that process.

Neither school has experience much men's basketball success recently. Iowa's program appears to be on the rebound and Nebraska had some good moments in its last Big 12 season. The Hawkeyes will reap the benefits of their new facility this year. Nebraska will play two more years in the Devaney Center before moving to the downtown arena.

Bottom line, both schools recognized what had to be done to compete in today's Big Ten and have taken the necessary steps.

Look for those steps to pay dividends on the court.

Have A Drink On Me

2011-06-23T09:58:00.001-05:00

Barry's Fine Red

Okay, I'm way to cheap to buy everyone a round but former Oklahoma Coach Barry Switzer might not be. It seems the bootleggers boy is living up to his reputation. Introducing the Switzer Family Vineyard and his vino is already a big hit. There's a wide variety of possibilities:

Red Clay Cabernet
Marcus Dupree Merlot
Billy Sims Zinfandel
Barry Grigio

I never really took Barry for a wine guy, more of a bourbon drinker. I wonder if the demand will ever be as high for Barry's wine as it is for Templeton Rye?

Want To Make Money? Bet On The Hawks

2011-06-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

Big 10's Best Bet

The thing about sports wagering is you have to be able to ride the highs and lows. Teams are a lot like stocks and you have to look at the overall performance over a course of time, not just one week.

Are you going to win every week with one team? I doubt it but any good financial adviser will tell you invest for the long term not the short. Check out this blog post by Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Before the Husker fans get fired up, Bo Pelini is a pretty safe bet as well.

When it comes to handicapping information look for our "Views From Vegas" column from Scott Spreitzer. You can also hear Scott Friday morning on my radio show, TNT in the mornings on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and listen live at www.kxno.com

Glad To Know It's Not The Turkey Legs

2011-06-22T13:24:00.001-05:00

Party!

"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son."

But it is a way for some to go through college. Here's a shock, the vendors on Melrose Avenue on game day aren't really the problem, it's fat, drunk and stupid fans. Read the article in today's Iowa City Press Citizen.

So what happens? Well vendors, hard working business people now have to go through a permit process in order to have a stand on Melrose ave. Fine! But this won't stop fans from pissing, puking and sh--ing everywhere which is the real problem.

So when the season is over and the neighborhood association has the same complaints then what? If there's a game on Saturday's there is going to be party with or without turkey legs.

Reader Feedback

2011-06-22T10:05:00.001-05:00

When HuskerHawkeye.com is launched on July 1st it will have a message board for fans to throw smack at one another. Even though there is a place to leave comments on this blog, most readers tend to leave them on my Facebook page.

Below is some reader reaction from a post I had the other day about Iowa replacing Texas as Nebraska's most hated rival.

Becky: I am a huge Husker fan, but as an Old Market resident, I had become quite a Hawkeye fan as well. (There are TONS of them who live here and who frequent the sports bars in the area.) I've always been polite and interested. I can say with no hesitation that the sentiment was never returned from Hawkeye fans regarding the Huskers.

Curt: Um.....no! The hawks have achieved virtually nothing in their football history. I'd compare them to another Texas school...Baylor!

Lee: I say build a fence, bring in the National Guard to the Riverfront, and ban Hawkeye yellow from the state, and yes that includes flowers and crayons of that color. Let the games begin! LOL

PS It will be great for both states and their economies. May take us a few years to work up a strong healthy dislike for our neighbors but we can do it if we try!

Jim: Don't dirty the welcome mat yet. It's not nice. And to come into one of the biggest traditions in college football, I wouldn't try and start throwing punches just yet. Remember the Huskers RAN from their conference because they were getting bullied.

James: I am a husker, but if you look at it, the IQ of people in iowa is higher (well maybe not in council bluffs), and they have the same corn fed stock as us. Its all up for grabs. Thanks to Tom Brady vs. the NFL I can see the people now all hyping it up and making it the focus of their unaware lives, having said that, I cant wait. (Hears a retort from the crowd) " You dont know nuthin." I rest my case.

about a minute ago.

Mark: Other than a football history (the last century) they don't add anything to the Big Ten sports resume.

Jeremy: Well the history making Wrestling teams over the years put Iowa on the map as one of the best if not the best program in college! Now the Football team is making some noise.

Omaha World Herald Writing More Iowa Stories

2011-06-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

It sure seems that way. The Hawks had a huge spread in last Sunday's pager as well as a column by Tom Shatel on Tuesday.

The World Herald has always given a "little" love to Iowa (It has to since a good portion of its readers are in Western Iowa) but never as much as they are now. Is the Big 10 or is it the rivalry? I can tell you this so called "love" is going to get under the skin of Nebraska fan.

Today there's a story about the Hawks pre-season expectations and believe it or not, the W-H reporter even drove to Iowa City to get the interviews in stead of just picking up the phone. Glad to see that is in the budget instead laying people off.

A Husker Says He's A Hawk

2011-06-21T19:41:00.003-05:00

Drew Ott from Giltner, Nebraska has given his verbal commitment to play for Iowa. This kid is definitely a project but one that fits the Kirk Ferentz mold. Look at his size, I'm willing to be he's playing on the offensive line in about 2 years. This is enough time to add about 70 pounds.

Taylor Martinez

Nebraska fans are cheering for Brion Carnes, I think all fans cheer for the 2nd team quarterback. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Taylor Martinez, ESPN ranks Martinez as the 5th best quarterback in the Big 10. James Vandenberg is right behind him at #6, not bad considering he's never been a full time starter. Vandenberg gets high marks because he has great targets to connect with. Good news about Marvin McNutt as we get closer to the season.

More proof that newspapers suck! The Des Moines Register lays off 2% of its workforce on Tuesday, including columnist Sean Keeler. Now I know why I left TV when I did, it's a brutal business.

Message boards continue to crack me up. Hawk fans think I'm a Husker lover. I hope this post on HuskerOnline.com tells you exactly what Nebraska fan thinks of me. The funny thing "Gold" member Brad Wesley must forget that I was the only one that called the fall of Steve Pederson and Bill Callahan from the beginning. That might not be brain surgery but you think they would give me a little credit.

Does Iowa Replace Texas As The Huskers Most Hated?

2011-06-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

That's a tall order, Nebraska's hatred of the Horns runs deeper than just football. Husker fans always had penis envy when it came to Texas in the Big 12. The Horns were always bigger and seemingly better in everything.

Those days are over now that Nebraska is joining the Big 10. I have said before that the new Nebraska-Iowa rivalry would be intense, it's the reason I started this blog. Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald is suggesting the same thing in Tuesday's column.

Either it was a really slow day at the College World Series or Tom sees the real potential in the Big 10 Clash. It's and even fight, something Nebraska never could get when it went up against Texas. But I wonder if it's a fight the Huskers are ready for?

Clearing up The Message Board Rumors

2011-06-20T16:08:00.001-05:00

www.hawkeyereport.com

I love message boards, but when I am the topic of conversation I wish people would just ask me directly instead of making assumptions. I'm pretty easy to get a hold of, huskerhawkeye@gmail.com or if Iowa fans insist the on being first, hawkeyehusker@gmail.com .

One of the message boards on HawkeyeReport.com is trying to figure me out as well as this blog and future website.

First of all, HawkeyeReport is a great site! The Rivals network is unmatched and really set the standard in my book when it comes to college sports and social media.

Now to answer a couple of questions on the boards. I am not pimping the Nebraska shirts that you see. They are being sold at the CWS in Omaha and I wanted to point out that this rivalry is heating up. As soon as I see one from the Iowa side I will be more than happy to publish it.

What is my website all about? The goal when the full site is officially launched on July 1st is to be a porthole for fans to come from both sides to get the latest news, information, opinion and yes message board information. Do I expect this to be the only place you visit on a daily basis? No way! I surf the net, I look at tons of fans sites and newspaper sites everyday. I just want HuskerHawkeye.com to be one of your daily stops.

The site will be free and feature lots of video as well as podcast. I have three writers on my staff already so you will get a lot of different opinions from very talented people. You can't go wrong with two journalist, a handicapper and a former player.

As for me being a fan. I've said this on my radio show on KXNO in Des Moines. I grew up an Iowa fan. However I have covered Nebraska for the last 20 years. Am a I fan? No do I respect the program? You bet. Do I see what Nebraska brings to the Big 10? Yes indeed. Do I sound conflicted to you? Probably but that's what makes this so much fun.

Bo Pelini Interview

2011-06-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

Bo Pelini is now doing internet interviews. The power of a "network" that focuses on recruiting like 24/7 Sports. Hey, you have to reach them anyway possible right?

You can listen to the interview below. I have to be honest these are pretty much stock answers Bo has been giving for months but I'm not a fool, I know fans want their fix.

Thinking of Dan Gable

2011-06-20T09:46:00.002-05:00

If you have have read "A Season On The Mat" you know how the murder of Dan Gable's sister played a big part in who he was as a competitor and a coach. If you haven't read the book, you must! You don't have to be an Iowa fan to appreciate the story.

I can't help but think of Dan Gable and what he's thinking as the man who killed his sister back in 1964 has died. Read story about John Thomas Kyle who died in a Kansas prison serving a life sentence.

The First Shot Fired Across The Missouri River

2011-06-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

It was just a matter of time, it has finally happened as the HuskerHawkeye rivalry is now a war. Nebraska fires the first shot across the Missouri river, how convenient with all of the flooding. It will just be a matter of time before Hawk fans retaliate.

I want to thank my good friend and WHO-TV Sports Director Kieth Murphy for providing these pictures. They were taken at the College World Series in Omaha, close enough to hurt but not many Iowa fans in attendance. What say you Hawks fans? Do you have an answer?

Larry Station The First HuskerHawkeye

2011-06-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

These days Larry Station keeps to himself, staying out the lime light in Omaha. Don't be surprised if you start hearing the Station name pop up again in athletic circles as Larry's son is said to be just as good if not better that his dad.

In the early 80's Larry surprised many when he chose Iowa over Nebraska. How could a kid from Omaha do such a thing? Larry really was the first HuskerHawkeye. It worked out for him no doubt has he still one of the best ever to wear the black and gold.

Today the Omaha World Herald started 11 days of Big 10 coverage leading up to July 1 when Nebraska officially becomes a "member". The paper has a good interview with Larry and you can ready it here.

Sunday HuskerHawkeye Links

2011-06-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

First of all, happy Fathers Day! As a father of four myself I know it can be hard to juggle all the responsibilities in life. Please know that you are truly making a difference in the lives of those around you.

My gift to all the fathers out there today, a reminder that football season is right around the corner! Also the launch of www.huskerhawkeye.com is coming on July 1st. Yes the same day Nebraska becomes an "official" member of the Big 10. I can't let the Huskers have all the glory on that day:)

A couple of good reads for your Sunday, the first comes from Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, his column is republished in the Omaha World Herald, I can assure you this is the first of many about this rivalry and the whole reason this blog was created. Notice Hlas takes some shots at Nebraska's "other" sports, this rivalry just isn't about football. Well at least in Iowa. I have news for Hlas and Iowa fans, you can brag all you want about basketball, wrestling, field hockey and such. The only scoreboard that matters to Nebraska fan is that on the football field. Football trumps everything else.

Of course we wouldn't even be talking about this rivalry if it wasn't for Big 10 Commissioner Jim Delaney. The Lincoln Journal Star has a profile of the commish that really gets to the heart of who he is. Iowa fans think the Hayden Fry family tree is impressive, I think we need to take a longer look at the Dean Smith family tree.

Speaking of Delaney, he talks about the naming of the Big 10 Divisions, Legends and Leaders. I'm in the minority here, I love the names and have from the beginning.

Michigan Joining The Mascot Game?

2011-06-18T12:04:00.001-05:00

Big 10 Family Photo

There are three schools in the Big 10 that don't have official "mascots" the roam the sidelines during games, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

Illinois was forced by the NCAA to get rid of Chief Illiniwek in 2007. A Crying shame since it was the BEST mascot in the league. Damn political correctness!

I still don't know what the hell a Hoosier is, Indiana might be a lost cause.

There is potential to make a lot of money with Mascots and now it looks like Michigan is at least thinking about cashing in. Check out this story on the Yardbarker Network. Here are our top Big 10 mascots:

Sparty-Michigan State
Bucky-Wisconsin
Brutus-Ohio State
Herky-Iowa
Pete-Purdue
Willie-Northwestern
Goldy-Minnesota
Nittany Lion-Penn State
Lil'-Red-Nebraska (Sorry you can't a have a blow up doll for a mascot) I know you are going to tell me Herbie is also in the mix but I think Nebraska uses Lil Red more than Herbie. You don't know how many times I wish I had a pin on me what he walked by me on the sidelines so I could watch it deflate.

I think the Maze and Blue should go more on the human route than with the live animal.

Wolverine


Wolverine

Does Everyone Cheat In College Sports?

2011-06-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

YES! Not to the degree of USC, Ohio State or SMU years ago. The NCAA rule book is thick and very confusing and if you call breaking the rules written down by the almighty (NCAA) then everyone cheats! It's a lot like our tax code in this country, long, complicated and not easy to understand. It's easier to cheat than follow the letter of the law. Did you or have you every cheated on your taxes? It's amazing how many "Goodwill" receipts my friends come up with :)

Now for most schools when they cheat it's a minor infraction. and sometimes schools don't even cheat on purpose. What I have found in my 20 plus years of journalism and covering college sports is that everyone "bends" the rules it's just how far and how long until they "break".

Check out this story about the University of Georgia. Even a butt dial is a violation according to the NCAA. There's a reason the NCAA is the butt of a lot of jokes.

Keep in mind that cheating doesn't always lead to probation. NCAA has a total of 47 schools in all divisions on probation in the last two year period. That number is sure to grow with Ohio State and Tennessee. These are what we call the super cheaters.

There's a good discussion in the Cedar Rapids Gazette about cheating? I think if we started scratching the surface we would find a lot secrets.

More:

After getting several emails about this, I feel I need to clarify my opinion. I think all schools cheat based on what the "NCAA" rule book says. I don't however believe they are all cheaters. Secondary violations like that of Iowa and it's video tape mishap on www.gohawks.com or the Georgia butt dial violation is not intentional. My point is the NCAA blows and it's become more and more difficult for even the schools with compliance officers to police what is going on.