As normal, a lot of Husker fans have read this blog and are making arguments against what I have written about the CU vs. NU game. To be fair, that's the point of arguing and it's why I love my job. However, some people are saying that I'm being wishy-washy on some things which bothers me. So, I'll state some things again:
1. The Devaney Center, when full, is a tough place to play. Too bad that's it's only full for Creighton and Kansas. Thus, Husker fans don't really like basketball. They like to root against teams that come into their building. They appear to get more satisfaction out of seeing the opponent lose then to see their own team win. Again, the crowd was loudest in the 1st half for the football team and attendance is weak on most nights in Lincoln.
2. Playing on the road at a rival's is good for CU to develop their young players. It was good to play at Little Rock and good to play at Nebraska. They played like crap and lost by a total of 4 points. That shows the ceiling of where the team could be in February. They are 3-2 but very easily could be 5-0. They have learn to play 40 minutes before that can happen however. I never said the Devaney Center is an easy place to play when full. I simply stated the facts that the fans don't show up consistently and aren't really into basketball.
3. The Creighton-Nebraska game is great for the state and should be played twice a year. It doesn't stand for anything EXCEPT pride and unofficial title of who was better on that given day. Is Western Kentucky better than Louisville? Not over the whole year but yesterday they were. It's for bragging rights. Dana Altman understands this. Doc Sadler does too but he chooses to lie about his true feelings publicly in order to make Nebraska appear to be looking down on little Jesuit school in Omaha. It's insulting and just not true. See the half court dance he did while leading the band on Saturday night.
4. P'Allen would have made a difference for sure. After watching the game again, NU did a great job of rolling to the side that Booker Woodfox was on and getting out to put a hand in his face. Book is a pick and pop kinda guy. Rarely can he create his own shot. What P does is break down defenses. Thus, he forces teams to get out of position on D, opening up shots for Booker. Without P, Book can be shut down - which is what happened on Saturday. 2 point game - P'Allen Stinnet would have added a lot to attack in the 2nd half when CU was really struggling to find shots.
Just wanted clarify a few points. Thanks.