Bob MolinaroCross country: Virginia Tech took a long plane ride to reach tonight's game in Lincoln, Neb., but the Hokies would need to board a time machine and travel back to another decade to face a Cornhusker team that was still worthy of the Nebraska name and reputation. There's no reason Tech shouldn't win this game.
Ka-boom Did you see where a bomb squad at the Phillies' stadium blew up three suspiciously-wrapped packages only to discover that they were hot dogs? At some of the stadiums I've been to, all sausages should be approached with extreme caution.
Local ties The surprising and terrific article in the current Sports Illustrated titled "Virginia's Boy Wonders" features big-leaguers this area has recently produced, familiar names like David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Cuddyer and the Upton brothers, but the primary focus is the late Towny Townsend, who turned South Hampton Roads into "America's most unlikely baseball hotbed." Must reading for local sports fans.
Souvenirs Enough sentimental twaddle about Yankee Stadium. When the Yankees move to their new stadium, who gets custody of the rats?
Numbers game Duke is a touchdown favorite over Virginia. To put that in perspective, Blue Devils football teams have been favored only twice since 2003, and both times by only three points.
Oops Can you blame U.Va. fans if they're already thinking about basketball? Then again, I picked up a pre-season college hoops magazine the other day, and turned to the ACC's predicted order of finish. The Cavaliers were picked 12th. That's last place, in case you were wondering.
In-box E-mailer Fritz Kuhn writes, "With all the problems that Papa Joe Paterno has had (off the field) with his team this season, maybe they should be called the Lions of State Penn."
In passing Apparently Matt Millen was the worst thing to happen to the Ford family since the Pinto.
Futurewatch When late-30-somethings like Gus Frerotte, Trent Green and Kurt Warner are starting at quarterback in the NFL, is there any doubt that there will be room for a rusty Michael Vick when he becomes a free man?
Arms race The early leader in the Heisman Trophy chase is Missouri's Chase Daniel. Last week, while Heisman holder Tim Tebow threw only 12 passes for Florida against Tennessee, Daniel completed 20 passes in a row.
Interrupted It was fun anticipating North Carolina's football resurgence - the ACC could use another decent team - but with quarterback T.J. Yates out six weeks with a bad ankle, it's a case of wait until next year for the Tar Heels. Call it a twist of fate.
Formidable Wishful thinking being what it is - I mean, who wants to see Tampa Bay and its depressing Tropicana Field in the World Series? - it's tempting to discount the Rays' postseason chances. Don't. The Rays at home this season are 8-1 against the Red Sox and 5-1 against the Angels.
Comebacker When the Washington Post said it wouldn't cover his quixotic presidential campaign because he has no chance of winning, Ralph Nader replied: "Then why are you covering the Nationals?"
Empty feeling A stat that helps make Ralph's point - the Nationals averaged 29,005 per game in the inaugural year of their new park. That's the lowest first-season attendance of any of the 18 parks opened since 1991.
Drink order NASCAR will begin testing its drivers and crews for narcotics, beta blockers and steroids, but not, presumably, for Mountain Dew.
Bob Molinaro, (757) 446-2373 or bob.molinaro@pilotonline.com
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VT Lucky to Win
I accept the fact that we shot ourselves in the foot in the fourth quarter of the NU-VT game with the personal foul on the Nebraska sideline that was quickly followed by the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That gave VT the ball at the NU 10 and a first down. And VT scored what proved to be the winning tally.
Had that 3rd down play finished with no penalty, VT would have kicked another field goal to make the score 31-23. The Huskers drives the ball down the field for a late score. It's now 31-29. Huskers would have gone for two and tied the game. Overtime. Winner? I don't know.
On the other hand, VT would have tried going on 4th and short. NU defense holds and the Huskers drives down the field for the game winning score, 31-28. VT throws a last gasp pass...incomplete.
I think Missouri will feel like they can roll into Lincoln NE next Saturday and beat up the Huskers like they did last year. By the time the game is over, Misso will be sorry that the Huskers played VT!!
Congrats on making it back into the Top 20. Better move over because the Huskers will be coming up. Go Big Red!! LJK.
Faded Nebraska?
What an idiotic thing to say. Talk about bulletin board material. I find it amazing how the occasionally desperate writer tries to stir up readership with ill-condidered comments. Then, upon reading your blog further... "twaddle"??
You need to do (at least) 2 things: 1. Update your thesaurus. 2. Read any of Jim Murray's books for inspiration.
To paraphrase a not-so-recent debate: Jim Murray was a friend of mine and you are no Jim Murray.
Pokies
Nice capsule Primavera. Let me tell you that V Tech's whopping 99 yards per game passing has us Cornhusker fans REAL nervous (note my sarcasm). And even though the Pokies had an impressive comeback victory over a solid North Carolina squad (more sarcasm), you apparently have never been to a game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Go back to reporting on the opera Alfredo
Not worthy of the Nebraska
Not worthy of the Nebraska name? Inscribed in Memorial Stadium here is a saying that reads, "Not the victory but the action. Not the goal but the game. In the deed the glory." So as long as these student-athletes put forth the hard work and do the right things, they will always be worthy of the Nebraska name. While they may not put up as many wins as Husker teams of the past, they can certainly be worthy of the Nebraska name, and a majority of the fans will be proud to have them represent the state.
VaTech beating Nebraska
There's no reason Tech shouldn't win this game Bob? How about Tech has one of the worst offenses in college football. Would that be a reason? You obviously don't follow college football. You've got your programs confused. NU is a program on the rise. Bo Pelini has energized the players and the fans, and has coached the current players, what were the most talented group of recruits ever to commit to NU. Tech would be the program that's a mere shadow of what it once was. Running an antiquated offense with little talent at the skilled positions, an experienced but average offensive line, and a defense lacking in size, talent, and experience. On paper this is a blowout, and in this instance, I believe that blowout translates to the field. Remember LSU last year? This game will feel eirily similar. NU 38, VT 13.