The report this week comes in short form, due to an overload of capping with the NBA this week, but a subject near and dear to my heart, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are on the table this week. As an Alum, and living in Lincoln, fallout is abundant with a horrific 40-15 loss that the hands of the Kansas Jayhawks last week, another first in the Bill Callahan era at Nebraska. The first time in 36 years NU lost to KU, and I am talking football here, not hoops, which is always a given. So what is wrong with the once powerful dynasty and major bowl game staple, Nebraska?

It is a long list, but one I will shorten. A learning curve to the West Coast offense is the excuse, no talent at skill positions and especially at QB is another excuse, loss of NFL caliber talent on defense from last year class, another excuse. Lots of scape goats, no solutions for this weeks upcoming crucial game for the title of second to last bottom feeder in the Big 12 North division, which is clearly Colorado's to win or lose in the next 2 weeks with Iowa State on the road and then Nebraska in Boulder the day after Thanksgiving, which should be a cakewalk for the Buffs.

The once mighty and well oiled load option offense, feared by all in College ball from Nebraska is gone, and in the past 3 games they have attempted 75 rushing attempts for 35 total yards. To say that is embarrassing is an understatement. Nebraska is a run of the mill team with no attitude for destruction as in days past, and quite frankly, the players are not responding to a complicated West Coast offense by ex-Raider coach Bill Callahan, whose leash is short in Lincoln right now, along with AD Steve Peterson. Remember, the Huskers AD fired Frank Solich, a 19 year assistant and 3 year head coach after a 10-3 season!

The Huskers are young and not all on the same page, as fundamental mistakes in terms of pass route running, pass coverage's, blitz schemes against running teams, they do not force turnovers, they lack big play capabilities and the offensive line is not near what it needs to be in terms of run blocking. This is Nebraska we are talking about right? Last week they looked lethargic and lacked any sense of urgency against a beatable Kansas team. Look for NU to sit at home in December unless a miracle occurs, and if by some chance they can muster 1 win in the next 2 weeks, they may get a chance to get buried in a bowl game on national TV, which always helps in recruiting top talent. Lets get to it with this weeks game.

NEBRASKA vs. K-STATE (+6)

Nebraska starts 2 freshman at tackle on the offensive line this week. They are off a 25 point loss to the hands of Kansas, and their QB is beat up. The Huskers are off 3 straight losses including a huge blowout loss to hated Missouri were Tiger QB Brad Smith had almost 500 yards running and throwing against the once highly ranked Husker defense all by himself, a defense that gave up over 428 yards to a Kansas offense that is deplorable, and in the process managed less than 150 yards themselves of total offense. This team is laying 6 points to anyone?

Kansas State on the other hand is not much better, but with a decent offense that can at least muster up 200+ yards of offense, and beat Nebraska last year 45-21, it looks to be a good game between bad teams. K State has had major trouble on the road being blown out at Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Texas Tech, and they have no running game whatsoever, but neither does Nebraska. A comedy of errors in Lincoln this Saturday and while Nebraska is sliding quickly, with a mere win they become bowl eligible, because there is no way NU can win at Colorado, so it is a must win on Senior day in Lincoln. The lesser of two evils here, take NU to win but not cover in what might be a low scoring affair, even low than my prediction.

NU 17 K-State 14

Back up next week with a full report and the season's ending takes for the North and South Divisions folks, and it looks like Texas all the way the national title game. I have a featured Big 12 Game of the Week again this week, so be sure to check out my page and make some more cash. as I am 6-3 ATS this season with my Big 12 features!

Tony George is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Tony_George.htm