Tony

Why would I think that Nebraska would be favored in the game? That is absurd. Creighton would be a significant favorite if the game were played today. Well, how"soft" is Creighton? And does"soft" always translate to a negative? Is Wisconsin considered soft? If not, I would rather watch a soft Creighton than a "not soft" Wisconsin. How far did Creighton drop or deteriorate as the season went on last year according to your data? I don't know if you can base it all on RPI, though. Didn't Nebraska (and other teams) improve in RPI even when they lost some games and Creighton (and other teams) sometimes drop in RPI even though they won some games. I'm just curious, also, on what effect, if any, playing all the teams in your league twice may have? (Of course, once at home and once away?) I don't expect you to take the time to answer all these; questions just kept popping into my head.

royalfan, I'm just curious; you, being a professional gambler, how many points do you think Nebraska will be favored by when they play Creighton this year?

Sorry, not to keep chirping, but being mid-major actually made every game meaningful. When your league may only be a one-bid league, there is not much, if any room for mistakes (losses). Your goal had to be to win your conference or tournament. Even winning your conference didn't guarantee a bid if someone else rose up and won the conference tournament. It will seem weird possibly being third, fourth, or fifth in your league and still getting a bid. Being in the major conference that you guys are in, does it sometimes seem like your goal is just to settle for fifth or sixth place, because that could get you a bid? This is a serious question and not a knock against anybody.

As long as basketball is being played, I"ll be happy. It never bothered me that the Valley was labeled "mid-major." It made no difference to me once the opening buzzer sounded.

Agreed. That's what I've been saying. Not saying we beat CU this year but I think we make more of a game out of it. Much better match-up against them this year. Norm, I really don't think that there is anyone, even CU fans, that would disagree with you. How could NU not make more of a game out of it compared to last year? However, there will be one team with tons of experience versus a team with not a whole lot of experience. It won't be anything new for Creighton to be playing a team with more "athleticism." But, anything is possible.

Then my wish and hope have been fulfilled. I can sleep tonight! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I do wish that the Jays do schedule at least one high mid-major team a year. I hope we don't forget how hard it was to try and schedule these games. And, I wouldn't mind playing some of them on there courts. Buck the system of what most majors do. 49r, thanks for posting "one" persons response from a thread above.

Let's not forget that CU had one of their leaders/ best players almost die on the court before the game.

Norm, I have to say also, regarding your second post, that I used to be a fan of both schools (always CU first, though), until I bought my first season tickets to CU in 1982. Then I would see that whenever NU came to Omaha to play, the same type of arrogance from NU fans that you mention about CU fans. Of course, CU fans were very far from packing the arena at that time and many NU fans would show up. But even when Kyle Korver was there, I had an NU fan sitting next to me that just kept telling me that Korver stunk, could not guard the side of a barn, and could never play for NU. But, I also agree with "Creighton Fan" above. I remember being more pissed about Collier wanting to drop the series completely than the "Mid-Major" comment. I do wish NU the best but the rivlary has become pretty ugly.

Best of luck with this next chapter in your life. I like your leap of faith. Remember, the waters of the Jordan did not part until the Isrealites set foot in the water. And no matter how it turns out, you will still be blessed. Where is Hampton? I guess I am more familiar with Northwest and North-Central Nebraska.

I guess we'll just have to play the game. But I agree, you guys will be more athletic this year. I would worry about the amount of experience for the Huskers, though, going into this year.

I agree, Norm. But, you are only seeing a small, small fraction of the fan base on your link. I, myself, am glad that Creighton has moved to the Big East (where basketball is the main sport) but will also miss the Valley (where basketball is the main sport). I always enjoyed the basketball played in the Valley. And, yes, I agree, that in terms of the number of elite "athletes", it was below the highest tier conferences. But, in terms of "team" basketball, it was often a pleasure to watch. As was seeing players develop over their four years at their schools. It saddens me to see some CU fans now "mock" the Valley. I am not saying this to be confrontational, but it sounds like stuff Husker fans would say. (And please, everyone, I do not want to start a debate about the level of basketball in the Valley.)

Heh. Thanks guys. How a fan base that gets their jollies off on calling us "Delusional" can be so persistently ignorant, I just don't think I'll ever understand. Yeah, they probably should have named that thread Husker Klitter Klatter or something like that.

When he coached at Northern Iowa and then, the weaker Iowa State, we called him Chewbacca. But not when he coached in Nebraska (Wayne State and Creighton). But you guys probably should come up with an original one.

Good question, Norm. You cannot replace an Echenique, however there are players who are definitely capable of stepping up. It may be a "by committee" position. What helps is that whoever it is, they will be part of a very experienced, often very well -tuned team with some very capable newcomers thrown in the mix. Artino and Doug work very well together on the high low post. McDermott is going to have to be double teamed by most teams, which should open it up for Artino' with Groselle and Hanson providing capable backup duty. Gibbs will be able to feed the ball to where it will do the most good. Team chemistry/experience should be a positive from the start, along with the unselfishness.

Apparently, it is better than watching certain football games.

Wow! Go Jayz!

Husker >> Jaysker >> JayFan >>>>>>>> JayFan from Nebraska who hates Nebraska football just to be a jerk >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>me

I think that Nebraska will win the Big 10 this year after their stellar season last year, and with their leading scorer and rebounder returning. I don't see Creighton winning any Big East games this year without having a top 150 recruit in their starting line-up. Did they even have ANY recruits over the last three years? If the 'Skers can score as many points as Wisconsin did in the Big 10 championship football game, it's a no brainer.

As I am in yours.

You may be right; you sound really smart. But, as we know, only time will tell. Although, I do think Artino is pretty good for a sophomore. It is nice to know, though, that I root for a team that can possibly make a run.

MVC shouldn't have any teams ranked on Monday. Yeah, it's been a rough stretch, but hey that happens. Wisconsin winning should help the Jays RPI. I'm not saying this to argue with anybody or to ruffle any corn stalks, but don't be surprised if there are three Valley teams in the dance this year. Should be a great tourney in St. Louis. Congratulations on the Husker's win. It looks like you guys are ready to make a run; a lot of the upper Big 10 teams have been losing lately. Go get 'em.

To each their own. I prefer going to the games.

Doug may get beat around a little bit, but sometimes you have to man up... Doug likes to make things look a lot worse than they actually are. Some like to call it a flop, but his is more than that. He is continually crying for a foul or falling over or making noises as if he just took a blow that broke his ribs. Sorry but the boy who cried wolf did not get any help, and the boy who cries foul does not get any calls. You may be right. I have not seen all the games as my son and I share a season ticket. You must have great seats at the C-Link; where we sit, all you cam hear from the floor are the ref's whistles.

Should Wichita State be overly concerned about losing 3 out of their last 6 MVC games? Yes, as should Creighton.