I'm not sure how their current Holiday Bowl game will end against Washington, but I'm extremely disappointed in how Nebraska finished their 2010 season.
It's not about losses, it's the demeanor of the team.
Bo Pelini teams always play hard, but they weren't always "there," in my opinion, almost since they won at Oklahoma State.
They have been so inconsistent, and it's just something I've always hated about any team.
I was as loud as anyone about the "Big 12 Conspiracy" during the A&M game, but Nebraska has continued to make mistakes and ridiculous pre-snap or dead ball penalties.
They're doing it again tonight in falling behind Washington, 10-0.
Nebraska just scored to cut the lead to 10-7, but here are some obvious questions.
1) When was the last time Taylor Martinez really made a big play with his legs? Yes, I know he had the ankle sprain, but football is a physical game, get over it or let someone else play.
2) I know he's an easy target with his personality and sideline antics, but I love his passion. Yes, he needs to back off, calm down, grow up and mature. Hell, I did too throughout my lifetime. Those complaining about his stalking the sidelines and semi-tantrums were the same one's begging for some fire and energy and passion under Bill Callahan.
I know Nebraska football may never reach the greatness under Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne, but I sure would like to see them beat a handful of Top 25 teams each season.
But, who wouldn't?
They started winning some big games under Pelini, but they weren't winning big games on the road...so this season they go to Oklahoma State and beat a really talented and eventual 11-win team in a wild shootout.
I'm not sure the 'Huskers have played well on offense for 4-quarters since then. In fact, they haven't. And, whipping Colorado doesn't count.
They appeared to have everything straight with their 17-0 start against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game, but they went brain dead for the last three quarters.
Tonight, against Washington, they start down 10-0 with numerous penalties, including one late hit that kept a drive alive and two....CONSECUTIVE...delay of game penalties. Seriously?
This was a no-win game for Nebraska, they pummeled Washington in Seattle back in September and I mean whipped their...well, you know.
The rematch was going to be very difficult for Pelini & Company, and---if you don't mind another Big 12 conspiracy theory, Dan Beebe and his minions knew it. Nebraska was originally scheduled to play Iowa in the Insight Bowl in Phoenix. The Big 12 knew it would be a 3-4 hour Big Ten preview, love fest...they forced Nebraska to the Holiday Bowl. Not only did that keep the Big Ten love fest from happening, it put the 'Huskers in a tough situation against a team they thumped.
I don't blame any of this on the Big 12, I blame it on Nebraska for not taking care of business against Oklahoma when they led 17-0.
David Smoak
Thursday, December 30, 2010
What a difference a year makes...
Here I am on the deck of our house in Tyler, relaxing with my wife Cindy, our son Craig and his girlfriend, Mandee.
I'm enjoying a cigar, some Crown and Diet Coke, and about to watch Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.
I hosted "You Make The Call" this afternoon from here on our back deck, took a lot of great calls and opinions, and tried to help wrap-up the 2010 Baylor football season.
We'll digest and discuss and even dig into more of the program throughout the upcoming off-season.
Obviously, after their loss to Illinois in the Texas Bowl, there's a lot of frustration and emotion from the Baylor fan base.
Today's show was their show, as it should be---although I hope that's the case every show.
Like any evening after the show, there's a little adrenalin rush, and then a little crash...a chance to decompress.
Now that I've had time to reflect back on the year, I'm glad it's ending yet sad at the same time.
A year ago at this time I was trying to figure out my future, knowing there was a chance coming up with ESPN Radio-Dallas, but not knowing exactly what those plans would be---part-time, weekends, full-time, no one was sure, especially not me.
But, after some quality time working with ESPN-Dallas Program Director Tom Lee and many others throughout the spring and into the early-summer...my opportunity came with a phone call from the owner of M&M Broadcasting, Gary Moss.
It was a Wednesday morning, it was before 8:00am, and he wanted to talk about their opening as program director at 1660ESPN Radio in Waco.
We talked for just a little while, decided to meet the following Monday, and within a week, everything was signed, sealed and delivered.
I started at 1660ESPN on June 22nd, went on the air for the first time on Monday, June 28th, and it's been one helluva ride ever since.
In fact, things have changed quite a bit, we're now 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.
1660 is a powerful frequency that at times can stretch from Dallas to Austin on I-35, but 106.9FM gives us coverage in the Killeen, Fort Hood, Kempner, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Gatesville at night---when our signal is affected during the late-fall and winter with the time change.
We have more changes (additions) coming down the pipeline, including another FM signal/translator in Waco and then Temple. It's just another chance for us to truly cover Central Texas.
Unlike most radio ownership groups, national groups or otherwise, M&M Broadcasting is looking to expand, to grow, and from all indications, we're not done.
It's been a nice ride since late-June and I can't wait for what we can accomplish as a station in 2011.
Happy New Year!
David Smoak
I'm enjoying a cigar, some Crown and Diet Coke, and about to watch Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.
I hosted "You Make The Call" this afternoon from here on our back deck, took a lot of great calls and opinions, and tried to help wrap-up the 2010 Baylor football season.
We'll digest and discuss and even dig into more of the program throughout the upcoming off-season.
Obviously, after their loss to Illinois in the Texas Bowl, there's a lot of frustration and emotion from the Baylor fan base.
Today's show was their show, as it should be---although I hope that's the case every show.
Like any evening after the show, there's a little adrenalin rush, and then a little crash...a chance to decompress.
Now that I've had time to reflect back on the year, I'm glad it's ending yet sad at the same time.
A year ago at this time I was trying to figure out my future, knowing there was a chance coming up with ESPN Radio-Dallas, but not knowing exactly what those plans would be---part-time, weekends, full-time, no one was sure, especially not me.
But, after some quality time working with ESPN-Dallas Program Director Tom Lee and many others throughout the spring and into the early-summer...my opportunity came with a phone call from the owner of M&M Broadcasting, Gary Moss.
It was a Wednesday morning, it was before 8:00am, and he wanted to talk about their opening as program director at 1660ESPN Radio in Waco.
We talked for just a little while, decided to meet the following Monday, and within a week, everything was signed, sealed and delivered.
I started at 1660ESPN on June 22nd, went on the air for the first time on Monday, June 28th, and it's been one helluva ride ever since.
In fact, things have changed quite a bit, we're now 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.
1660 is a powerful frequency that at times can stretch from Dallas to Austin on I-35, but 106.9FM gives us coverage in the Killeen, Fort Hood, Kempner, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Gatesville at night---when our signal is affected during the late-fall and winter with the time change.
We have more changes (additions) coming down the pipeline, including another FM signal/translator in Waco and then Temple. It's just another chance for us to truly cover Central Texas.
Unlike most radio ownership groups, national groups or otherwise, M&M Broadcasting is looking to expand, to grow, and from all indications, we're not done.
It's been a nice ride since late-June and I can't wait for what we can accomplish as a station in 2011.
Happy New Year!
David Smoak
Monday, December 27, 2010
"Live" from the Westin Galleria, Houston on 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas
Paul Catalina and I are broadcasting right now from the Westin Galleria in Houston, near and/or off Westheimer, Alabama and Sage Streets in Houston.
Great atmosphere, good discussion and topics, giving out hundreds of Bowl Towel's, mini-Baylor footballs and Baylor Nation arriving in full force.
Baylor AD Ian McCaw will join us at 4pm, former BU wide receiver, the "Ice Cube" Gerald McNeil in the 5pm hour, along with BU QB Robert Griffin III and RB Terrance Ganaway.
Oh yea, and Jennifer Floyd-Engel and Brad Sham talking Cowboys.
David Smoak
Great atmosphere, good discussion and topics, giving out hundreds of Bowl Towel's, mini-Baylor footballs and Baylor Nation arriving in full force.
Baylor AD Ian McCaw will join us at 4pm, former BU wide receiver, the "Ice Cube" Gerald McNeil in the 5pm hour, along with BU QB Robert Griffin III and RB Terrance Ganaway.
Oh yea, and Jennifer Floyd-Engel and Brad Sham talking Cowboys.
David Smoak
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas from the Smoak Family!
Cindy, Craig, Jennifer and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas on this special day.
We appreciate your time, loyalty, support and commitment to our family and those who've made my first six-months in Central Texas so special.
Also, we appreciate all 23,600+ members to our website, Smoaky.com, and although my name is on the site, it belongs to those of you who are registered.
For the ninth consecutive year since the site was launched in July, 2002, we broke various records, including most online, along with the number of unique visitors, hits, views, and you name it, we accomplished it.
We couldn't have the success without each member, even those who make it a little more challenging for our mods and admins.
And, special thanks to our mods and admins who keep everything running with their hard work and tough decisions, our web host, Brian Welch and his staff at Perfect Presence, and our newest "Li'l Genius" Cesar Najera, from McLennan Community College who is about to help launch some subtle changes to our site.
Special thanks as well to my newest family, everyone within the walls of M&M Broadcasting and especially to those who have helped me at 1660/106.9ESPN Radio.
I cannot explain how much I've enjoyed Waco, Texas with real people, people who care, people who love sports and people who give back.
And finally, we all learn valuable and sometimes very tough lessons in life but through it all, we learn the value of our friends and family.
We consider all of you a part of our family.
Thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
David Smoak
We appreciate your time, loyalty, support and commitment to our family and those who've made my first six-months in Central Texas so special.
Also, we appreciate all 23,600+ members to our website, Smoaky.com, and although my name is on the site, it belongs to those of you who are registered.
For the ninth consecutive year since the site was launched in July, 2002, we broke various records, including most online, along with the number of unique visitors, hits, views, and you name it, we accomplished it.
We couldn't have the success without each member, even those who make it a little more challenging for our mods and admins.
And, special thanks to our mods and admins who keep everything running with their hard work and tough decisions, our web host, Brian Welch and his staff at Perfect Presence, and our newest "Li'l Genius" Cesar Najera, from McLennan Community College who is about to help launch some subtle changes to our site.
Special thanks as well to my newest family, everyone within the walls of M&M Broadcasting and especially to those who have helped me at 1660/106.9ESPN Radio.
I cannot explain how much I've enjoyed Waco, Texas with real people, people who care, people who love sports and people who give back.
And finally, we all learn valuable and sometimes very tough lessons in life but through it all, we learn the value of our friends and family.
We consider all of you a part of our family.
Thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
David Smoak
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Closing in on a "Merry Christmas"
Christmas Day is three days away and I'll be returning to Tyler after our talk show on Thursday afternoon.
Our station and those I work with have been hammering away since my arrival on June 22nd, so it will be nice to get a little "break," before heading to Houston to cover the Texas Bowl.
Paul Catalina and I will meet in Houston on Sunday evening and host our talk show from the Westin Galleria (Baylor Team Hotel) on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. John Morris will also host his 2pm-3pm show from the same location on those days.
We'll all broadcast live from Reliant Stadium on Wednesday, "Game-Day" with our special broadcast (You Make The Call) coming on Wednesday from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
As we approach Christmas, and like I mentioned during Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for and the holidays bring out all the emotions.
My family, my friends, those who I've met and gotten to know here in Central Texas have been amazing to me and supported me through thick and thin and now through the increasingly good times in Waco with 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.
Please enjoy the holidays with family and Merry Christmas!
David Smoak
Our station and those I work with have been hammering away since my arrival on June 22nd, so it will be nice to get a little "break," before heading to Houston to cover the Texas Bowl.
Paul Catalina and I will meet in Houston on Sunday evening and host our talk show from the Westin Galleria (Baylor Team Hotel) on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. John Morris will also host his 2pm-3pm show from the same location on those days.
We'll all broadcast live from Reliant Stadium on Wednesday, "Game-Day" with our special broadcast (You Make The Call) coming on Wednesday from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
As we approach Christmas, and like I mentioned during Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for and the holidays bring out all the emotions.
My family, my friends, those who I've met and gotten to know here in Central Texas have been amazing to me and supported me through thick and thin and now through the increasingly good times in Waco with 1660/106.9ESPN Radio-Central Texas.
Please enjoy the holidays with family and Merry Christmas!
David Smoak
Saturday, December 18, 2010
2010 has been the "Year of the Dynasty"
Although 5-A perennial power Euless Trinity lost to Pearland, 2010 will go down as the year of the "Dynasty" in my opinion.
Lake Travis won their fourth straight state title, Aledo won their second straight, Carthage won their third straight, as did Daingerfield and Mart won their 5th state title overall.
David Smoak
Lake Travis won their fourth straight state title, Aledo won their second straight, Carthage won their third straight, as did Daingerfield and Mart won their 5th state title overall.
David Smoak
"Live" from Newsom Stadium, Mansfield, Class 1-A, Division I State Championship Game
1660/106.9 ESPN Radio-Waco is "Live" on this gorgeous Saturday from Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, Texas for the Class 1-A, Division I State Championship Game.
(12-2) Mart vs. (12-2) Goldthwaite, in a rematch of an earlier non-district game (Goldthwaite won 29-23).
Broadcast Team includes:
Producer: Zach Burke
Sidelines: Lark Smith
Stats: Rich Richardson
Color Analyst: Paul Catalina
Play-By-Play: David Smoak
David Smoak
(12-2) Mart vs. (12-2) Goldthwaite, in a rematch of an earlier non-district game (Goldthwaite won 29-23).
Broadcast Team includes:
Producer: Zach Burke
Sidelines: Lark Smith
Stats: Rich Richardson
Color Analyst: Paul Catalina
Play-By-Play: David Smoak
David Smoak
Thursday, December 16, 2010
And the chemistry continues to grow...
It's always difficult to mix in someone new, and in my case, I was the new kid on the block when I arrived at 1660ESPN Radio in late-June.
There was a lot of speculation about decisions I'd make involving "You Make The Call" and I was amused at some of them.
Bottom line, here we are nearly six-months later and I've had a lot of people tell me they can sense and hear the chemistry and camaraderie that we've developed...
I have to give almost all of the credit to Paul Catalina and especially Butch Henry.
Butch has been apart of our show from it's inception, 13-15 years ago. And, although I made some subtle and not so subtle changes to our format---Butch has done a great job of "give and take" throughout the first six-months.
While he hasn't always agreed with my decisions, he's given me time to prove why I felt they were important and necessary.
It's like we've been doing a show for much longer and I can't wait to be involved with Butch and Paul every day. And, Jason Barringer, our young but talented producer has come a LONG way during the six-months. In fact, Jason has really taken control of the show (well, unless you hear everyone talk about me running late into the commercial breaks).
Jason was a shy, sometimes nervous young man when we promoted him to producer.
He's learning the ropes, very well and extremely fast.
There are a lot of bullets flying when you're hosting or producing a talk show on the radio--but Jason has taken some of those bullets and gotten back up and kept fighting.
He's going to be very good, if not already.
David Smoak
There was a lot of speculation about decisions I'd make involving "You Make The Call" and I was amused at some of them.
Bottom line, here we are nearly six-months later and I've had a lot of people tell me they can sense and hear the chemistry and camaraderie that we've developed...
I have to give almost all of the credit to Paul Catalina and especially Butch Henry.
Butch has been apart of our show from it's inception, 13-15 years ago. And, although I made some subtle and not so subtle changes to our format---Butch has done a great job of "give and take" throughout the first six-months.
While he hasn't always agreed with my decisions, he's given me time to prove why I felt they were important and necessary.
It's like we've been doing a show for much longer and I can't wait to be involved with Butch and Paul every day. And, Jason Barringer, our young but talented producer has come a LONG way during the six-months. In fact, Jason has really taken control of the show (well, unless you hear everyone talk about me running late into the commercial breaks).
Jason was a shy, sometimes nervous young man when we promoted him to producer.
He's learning the ropes, very well and extremely fast.
There are a lot of bullets flying when you're hosting or producing a talk show on the radio--but Jason has taken some of those bullets and gotten back up and kept fighting.
He's going to be very good, if not already.
David Smoak
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Jerry's World is truly one of a kind...
Believe it or not, my first trip to Cowboys Stadium for the Sunday night game with Philadelphia.
The amenities, space, and access within the press box is truly insane.
It's like I had my own place and a great angle.
Really enjoyed it, most of all, good game and even better seeing a lot of people in my profession who I respect and have known for years.
Smoaky
The amenities, space, and access within the press box is truly insane.
It's like I had my own place and a great angle.
Really enjoyed it, most of all, good game and even better seeing a lot of people in my profession who I respect and have known for years.
Smoaky
Great weekend with family...
I drove in from Waco to spend the weekend with Cindy's parents and family in Plano, and our daughter, Jennifer, who also lives in Plano.
Our son, Craig and his girlfriend, Mandee also came up.
Had a really good time, need to do these more often, except too much good food, and I'm losing battle with the waist-line again.
David Smoak
Our son, Craig and his girlfriend, Mandee also came up.
Had a really good time, need to do these more often, except too much good food, and I'm losing battle with the waist-line again.
David Smoak
1660 will broadcast Class 1-A Division I State Championship Game
Mart I.S.D. has asked 1660/106.9 ESPN to broadcast their state championship game against Goldthwaite. Broadcast is 11:30am pregame, 12:00pm kickoff at Newsom Stadium in Mansfield.
I will handle the play-by-play, Paul Catalina color and we'll someone on the sideline as well.
David Smoak
I will handle the play-by-play, Paul Catalina color and we'll someone on the sideline as well.
David Smoak
Friday, December 10, 2010
Not a good day to be former University star Perrish Cox
Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox, a rookie starter, is in Douglas County Detention Center today on charges of sexual assault. He was arrested around 10 p.m. Thursday by Lone Tree police.
The bond on Cox's case has been set at $15,000, according to Casimir Spencer, spokeswoman for Douglas District Attorney Carol Chambers.
All records in the case have been sealed. Cox will make his first appearance this morning in Douglas County District Court to be advised of the complaint.
According to a statement by the Lone Tree Police Department, the department was notified on Oct. 28 that a sexual assault had occurred in the City of Lone Tree.
After a lengthy and detailed investigation, a case was presented to the district attorney's office. After review by that office, charges were filed and an arrest warrant was issued against Cox, 23. He was arrested without incident, and transported to the Douglas County Jail.
The case filing has been sealed by court order at the request of the district attorney's office to protect the identity of the alleged victim.
"We are aware of the reports and are currently in the process of gathering information and reviewing the facts," said Broncos media relations director Patrick Smyth. "We are taking this matter very seriously and are fully cooperating with every aspect of the process."
Cox was drafted out of Oklahoma State in the fifth round by the Broncos. The team had him rated as a first- or second-round talent, but he fell in the draft because of character concerns. He was suspended from Oklahoma State's Cotton Bowl game last season because of curfew violations.
Cox was scheduled to make his ninth start at right cornerback Sunday at Arizona. It's possible he will be replaced by veteran Andre' Goodman, who is returning after a long absence from a thigh injury.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Not a bad list of upcoming guests on "You Make The Call"
Friday will include all four of the greater-Central Texas high school programs left in the state playoffs, Cameron Yoe's Rick Rhoades, Mart's Rusty Nail, Lexington's Jason Holcomb, and Bremond's Bruce Brignac.
We'll also have Baylor WR Lanear Sampson and S Tim Atchison.
And, we have Gene Stallings on Friday as well.
Plus, we'll talk about the Cliff Lee Sweepstakes.
And, don't forget next week's list of guests is loaded up too:
Scott Drew, Baylor Men's Basketball Coach
Kim Mulkey, Baylor Women's Basketball Coach
Tim Few, Gonzaga Men's Basketball Coach
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Analyst
Robert Griffin III, Baylor Quarterback
And more to come...
David Smoak
We'll also have Baylor WR Lanear Sampson and S Tim Atchison.
And, we have Gene Stallings on Friday as well.
Plus, we'll talk about the Cliff Lee Sweepstakes.
And, don't forget next week's list of guests is loaded up too:
Scott Drew, Baylor Men's Basketball Coach
Kim Mulkey, Baylor Women's Basketball Coach
Tim Few, Gonzaga Men's Basketball Coach
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Analyst
Robert Griffin III, Baylor Quarterback
And more to come...
David Smoak
We'll have Gonzaga vs. Baylor tickets over the next week...
We'll give everyone a chance to register to win some free Gonzaga vs. Baylor tickets on "You Make The Call" from Friday, December 10th through Friday, December 16th.
Just to check on who is reading this blog...
First five (5) of you to send me an email, will get a pair of tickets.
David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com
Just to check on who is reading this blog...
First five (5) of you to send me an email, will get a pair of tickets.
David Smoak
smoaky@1660espn.com
Texas Bowl coverage sponsors continue to rise...
Paul Catalina and I will broadcast "You Make The Call" from the Baylor team hotel, apparently the Westin Galleria on Monday, December 27th and Tuesday, December 28th, and from Reliant Stadium on game-day, Wednesday, December 29th.
Our show on Wednesday will be a special time, 12:00pm-3:00pm, which is earlier than normal due to the pregame and game broadcast of the Texas Bowl on 1660 and 106.9FM ESPN Radio.
Our sponsors to date include:
*Belfor Restoration Company
*Salty Dog Sports Bar & Grill
*Fuddrucker's
*Target Restoration
*First National Bank of Central Texas
Our show on Wednesday will be a special time, 12:00pm-3:00pm, which is earlier than normal due to the pregame and game broadcast of the Texas Bowl on 1660 and 106.9FM ESPN Radio.
Our sponsors to date include:
*Belfor Restoration Company
*Salty Dog Sports Bar & Grill
*Fuddrucker's
*Target Restoration
*First National Bank of Central Texas
Monday, December 6, 2010
What a nice surprise on today's show...
We had several topics up for discussion today but every caller had something to say about the late-great Don Meredith, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 72.
We had Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys" already scheduled as we always do on Monday, but I started flipping through my iPhone Rolodex and found the perfect person to discuss the passing of Don Meredith, Bob Lilly, "Mr. Cowboy."
I spoke with his wife Ann earlier this afternoon and she confirmed Mr. Lilly's availability in our 4pm hour. I've interviewed Bob Lilly a handful of times and he was at his best today talking about his former teammate and friend.
The interview will be available on http://www.1660espn.com/podcasts/ under our podcast link.
David Smoak
We had Brad Sham, "Voice of the Cowboys" already scheduled as we always do on Monday, but I started flipping through my iPhone Rolodex and found the perfect person to discuss the passing of Don Meredith, Bob Lilly, "Mr. Cowboy."
I spoke with his wife Ann earlier this afternoon and she confirmed Mr. Lilly's availability in our 4pm hour. I've interviewed Bob Lilly a handful of times and he was at his best today talking about his former teammate and friend.
The interview will be available on http://www.1660espn.com/podcasts/ under our podcast link.
David Smoak
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wrapping up a weekend...
where I watched my favorite college football team, Nebraska, blow a 17-0 lead against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Where I watched my favorite golfer, Tiger Woods, blow a four-shot lead in the final round of the Chevron Challenge. It was great theater and I think most everyone thought Tiger sealed the win with the approach shot on the final hole within 3-4 feet up the cup. But, Graeme McDowell capped off an amazing year by draining a long birdie putt and then another one in the playoff to complete Tiger's winless year.
And, I then blew a gasket watching the Redskins stink it up against the NYGiants, losing, 31-7.
These next four games will test Mike Shanahan's leadership and patience.
And, I ended the weekend on a positive note, recorded my one-on-one interview with Baylor football coach Art Briles on their Texas Bowl berth. And, then...erased whatever was left from the Crawfish and Shrimp Etoufee I had left from the night before.
Looking forward to a really good week...
David Smoak
Where I watched my favorite golfer, Tiger Woods, blow a four-shot lead in the final round of the Chevron Challenge. It was great theater and I think most everyone thought Tiger sealed the win with the approach shot on the final hole within 3-4 feet up the cup. But, Graeme McDowell capped off an amazing year by draining a long birdie putt and then another one in the playoff to complete Tiger's winless year.
And, I then blew a gasket watching the Redskins stink it up against the NYGiants, losing, 31-7.
These next four games will test Mike Shanahan's leadership and patience.
And, I ended the weekend on a positive note, recorded my one-on-one interview with Baylor football coach Art Briles on their Texas Bowl berth. And, then...erased whatever was left from the Crawfish and Shrimp Etoufee I had left from the night before.
Looking forward to a really good week...
David Smoak
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Ultimate Fan Catch-22
Well, the Big 12 as we knew it in football officially ends tonight, the Championship Game at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Nebraska vs. Oklahoma.
I am a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but my wife Cindy and our son Craig are both HUGE OU fans.
Cindy's entire side of the family is Boomer Sooner, and I'm the minority, but, I've had my pretty good moments along the way.
However, Cindy and I decided to remain apart for this one tonight. Marriage is tough enough so we decided it would be better for everyone involved if we remained 2 1/2 apart.
Seriously, this is what I wanted for the final Big 12 Championship Game for the conference as we knew it.
I predicted Texas-Nebraska at the beginning of the season, but we know what happened in stunning fashion to UT...and I'm still shocked by their sudden fall.
I love the 'Huskers in football and my place is loaded with Nebraska helmets, jerseys, pictures and glasses and signs and old SI covers, including the "Game of the Century" in 1971.
Anytime I bring that one up to Cindy, "Well, there was an obvious no-call on a block in the back on the Johnny Rodgers punt return for a TD."
She's wrong.
There were two block in the back calls that were missed, but oh well....
We've enjoyed the rivalry throughout the time we met, and although OU had the upper-hand through most of the 70's (except '70 and '71 and '78), Nebraska has held their own with the mighty-Sooners throughout the past 30-years.
I love the rivalry and I hate that it didn't remain an annual game once the Big 12 was formed.
Tonight, the rivalry takes another step, but no matter what's on the line, I don't know how it can ever match the intensity and respect from the old Big 8 days.
David Smoak
I am a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but my wife Cindy and our son Craig are both HUGE OU fans.
Cindy's entire side of the family is Boomer Sooner, and I'm the minority, but, I've had my pretty good moments along the way.
However, Cindy and I decided to remain apart for this one tonight. Marriage is tough enough so we decided it would be better for everyone involved if we remained 2 1/2 apart.
Seriously, this is what I wanted for the final Big 12 Championship Game for the conference as we knew it.
I predicted Texas-Nebraska at the beginning of the season, but we know what happened in stunning fashion to UT...and I'm still shocked by their sudden fall.
I love the 'Huskers in football and my place is loaded with Nebraska helmets, jerseys, pictures and glasses and signs and old SI covers, including the "Game of the Century" in 1971.
Anytime I bring that one up to Cindy, "Well, there was an obvious no-call on a block in the back on the Johnny Rodgers punt return for a TD."
She's wrong.
There were two block in the back calls that were missed, but oh well....
We've enjoyed the rivalry throughout the time we met, and although OU had the upper-hand through most of the 70's (except '70 and '71 and '78), Nebraska has held their own with the mighty-Sooners throughout the past 30-years.
I love the rivalry and I hate that it didn't remain an annual game once the Big 12 was formed.
Tonight, the rivalry takes another step, but no matter what's on the line, I don't know how it can ever match the intensity and respect from the old Big 8 days.
David Smoak
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Man, this week has flown by...
Last week seemed quick because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but this week is almost over and I don't know where it went.
I've enjoyed it by watching two good basketball games at the Ferrell Center, the Lady Bears beat Notre Dame on Wednesday, Bears wrapped-up a win against Arizona State earlier tonight.
And, there's still a weekend of high school football playoff action, and the Big 12 Championship Game.
I'm a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but I'm one of the few that was upset when they decided to leave for the Big Ten. But, it's time and they have one game left and I can't think of any better team to play than former Big 8 rival, Oklahoma.
I noticed the Sooners are favored by about a touchdown, and that doesn't surprise me. As a 'Huskers fan I'm concerned about their lack of firepower without a healthy Taylor Martinez at QB and Niles Paul at WR. I don't know who will stretch the field without Paul, even though he's had a case of the drops in some of the bigger games.
Nebraska is going to have to pound the rock and slow down the game like they did a year ago to beat OU. I can't imagine Landy Jones playing worse than he did up in Lincoln.
But, since my wife Cindy and son Craig are both huge OU fans, if the 'Huskers are going to lose I'd rather it be to the Sooners. But, don't get me wrong, I won't be a happy-camper.
I know a lot of has been written about the 'Huskers wanting to win even more so because they're leaving the conference.
No, I completely disagree.
I think it's about breaking a long drought, a way too long of a drought without a conference championship!
David Smoak
I've enjoyed it by watching two good basketball games at the Ferrell Center, the Lady Bears beat Notre Dame on Wednesday, Bears wrapped-up a win against Arizona State earlier tonight.
And, there's still a weekend of high school football playoff action, and the Big 12 Championship Game.
I'm a lifelong Nebraska football fan, but I'm one of the few that was upset when they decided to leave for the Big Ten. But, it's time and they have one game left and I can't think of any better team to play than former Big 8 rival, Oklahoma.
I noticed the Sooners are favored by about a touchdown, and that doesn't surprise me. As a 'Huskers fan I'm concerned about their lack of firepower without a healthy Taylor Martinez at QB and Niles Paul at WR. I don't know who will stretch the field without Paul, even though he's had a case of the drops in some of the bigger games.
Nebraska is going to have to pound the rock and slow down the game like they did a year ago to beat OU. I can't imagine Landy Jones playing worse than he did up in Lincoln.
But, since my wife Cindy and son Craig are both huge OU fans, if the 'Huskers are going to lose I'd rather it be to the Sooners. But, don't get me wrong, I won't be a happy-camper.
I know a lot of has been written about the 'Huskers wanting to win even more so because they're leaving the conference.
No, I completely disagree.
I think it's about breaking a long drought, a way too long of a drought without a conference championship!
David Smoak
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