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There are going to be all sorts of statements made this Saturday on the surface of Bill Snyder Field in Manhattan, KS. More will be of the physical nature than verbal. The college football rivalries that we have grown up with and are engraved in our heads are those with longevity which have been around for decades. Since the BIG 8 and the SWC combined to form the BIG12 in 1996, it's tough to argue that this annual meeting hasn't become one of the most important dates on each team's calendar. Gone are the above mentioned Snyder, and the man he tortured, Frank Solich. These schools are just 135 miles apart and there's a lot of hatred along that stretch of I-77 which connects them. It used to be a common joke in the heartland that Snyder was responsible for the crumbling of the "Lincoln Wall," referring to the fact that he was the first outsider to crowbar his way into recruiting the corn state. Back in '03, then Nebraska Def. Coordinator Bo Pelini (now DC at LSU) was so irate that KSU was running up the score, showcasing Elle Roberson for the Heisman, that he had to be separated from Snyder at midfield. And folks, it was never a coincidence that KSU's rise and Nebraska's fall were at the same time. At one time in the early '90's KSU was the #112 ranked team in the country, and what he did there was unbelievable. That is now in the past and it's time for the Wildcats to pay the piper. Nebraska won last year's game in Lincoln, 27-25, on a last second field goal, ensuring bowl eligibility. If the Huskers ever do climb back to the top of the mountain, that game will be looked upon as the turning point. They went on to embarrass Colorado as 16 point 'Dogs and beat Michigan in the Alamo Bowl as double digit dogs once again. In fact their only loss since that KSU game was in week two of this year at USC. The Huskers travel to Manhattan on Saturday averaging 39 points per game, 253 yards through the air and 210 yards on the ground. They have outscored opponents 62-7 in the first quarter this year, scoring first in all six of their games. Lead by Zack Taylor (13 TD.'s and 2 INT's) maybe the best quarterback you haven't heard of, they rotate four backs who could play anywhere. And at wide outs, Callahan has brought in athletes who would never have dreamed coming there five years ago. It has taken three years, but "Raider Bill" has put together an offense that finally has some bullets in the chamber. There are a few very important sidebars to this game as well. Last summer a Five-Star Quarterback from Kansas City, MO. named Josh Freeman gave a strong oral commitment to Bill Callahan that he was headed to Lincoln. Freeman even attended Nebraska's quarterback clinic last year. Then last December, KSU's new head coach, Ron Prince, used what some would call "dirty tactics" to lure Freeman to Manhattan and renege on his prior Nebraska commitment. Those who know Callahan know that he will not forget that for the next four years. In an age where "bulletin board" material is a no-no, Callahan was quoted earlier this week saying, "If you're a prima donna or a drama queen, there's no room for you at Nebraska." Freeman, a true freshman, will make his second career start on Saturday against the Big Red. Do you think he'll have a peaceful day? To make this rivalry even juicier, ex Husker star Scott Frost is now an assistant at Kansas State. Coach Prince has asked Frost not to wear any of his Nebraska Championship rings around the team. Frost could wear that pink bunny suit from the movie A Christmas Story this week and it's not gonna matter! Where's the Money? Callahan knows he has a chance to make a statement this weekend and turn the tides in the Big 12 North as well as in recruiting for years to come. Kansas State has some big recruits flying in this weekend for official visits and Callahan would love nothing more that to embarrass the Wildcats on their home field, and now he's got the arsenal to do it. The rout will be on by halftime. Folks, lay the points here and unload your bankroll! There's a new Sheriff in town and he's not into drama!! Sweeps, Screens and Tackle Traps
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