First pick of the year

[DNOMYAR_5791]

Arizona State +22 vs. Nebraska. I will have a writeup later on for all of you crybabies that need to see why, because a pick is useless to you. Then again, some of you can put the names of teams in a hat, pick them out and bet that way. You might have better luck.

 

[acehistr8]

So far my play here is on Nebraska, simply because I think ASU lost too much to compete in this game. They return just 4 starters on offense, though I dont recall exactly which 4. Both of their running backs are gone as well as a couple of other key players. ASU last year lost all four of their games on the road and covered only once, by one point.

Sorry I dont have much done on NEB right now, will get to that later today and will post here. Looking forward to your writeup.

 

[DNOMYAR_5791]

ACE, first of all want to say I love your page. Very well done. I need your html knowledge.

A few notes I will pass on in regard to the Huskers:

In their first scrimmage Saturday, the Offense failed to score a TD and allowed 10 sacks. People who watched the scrimmage said it was very ugly. And while the offense is usually behind the curve early on; this scrimmage caused some bells and whistles to go off.

Arizona State returns 8 defensive starters. Nebraska breaking in 3 new OL starters, new QB, new TE's.

Starting RB Dahhran Diedrick as of right now will not play in the game due to reasons I cannot elaborate on right now.

While ASU has their share of offensive problems right now, they still have speed to exploit the NU secondary. The ASU O-line is weak right now and the Nu Dline figures to cause them problems but the Husker offense will not be very good early on.


Much more to come.

 

[mw]

Just giving a pick by itself is NOT useless if we know it's coming from an expert. And you're an expert on Nebraska.

Thanks for the analysis.

 

[Chenker]

I agree, I think it will be a low scoring game with the Huskers winning by a 17-21 point margin. I will take the points but think the line will close around 24. so I will probably wait a little bit.

 

[DNOMYAR_5791]

Thanks for understanding guys

Thanks for understanding guys

One thing, I have not seen a total on this game but I absolutely agree with you Chenker that the game will be very, low scoring. I would grab an under if I can find it very early. My guess would be that the public will be on NU, but I grabbed it at 22. When they find out Diedrick is not playing it could cause the line to fall. Arizona State will be hanging around all day like a bad case of herpes and then fall by the wayside. I see the Huskers winning by 13-17. Solich tends to get very conservative if he has any kind of lead, and the Huskers will run as many bodies into this game as possible: particularly on defense where they look to gear themselves up for the Big 12 this year. That could make for a big play or 2. The game is also being played at night, so I don't think that fatigue will be much of a factor for ASU. The Husker O-line will not be a dominant group on August 24, but they could be by the end of the year.

My writeup is coming, my writeup is coming, The British are coming.

Pornstars yell "I'm COMING" but they get paid.

Anyway I will have plenty of ammo for this one up

 

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Dino:

Total 58 at oly as of 2 days ago.

 

[BobbyBlueChip]

Always interested in what you have to say, so I would enjoy a writeup, but don't need one. Especially with everything that you've already said.

I am impressed that your bitterness is already in midseason form. Don't let the bastards get you down.

 

[Murph29]

NU

NU

From what I've been hearing, the Skers will start the season relying heavily on the D. I agree that they will trying different things on D in the beginning, but I think the will prove to be better as the season goes on.

Is this a minor deal with Diedrick? Haven't heard about it. Been hearing real good things about Collins. I think they head more at WB but it sounded like he was now the backup to Diedrick. Collins now weighs in at 205, a lot bigger version than lasts year's Thunder. Is he as capable at 205 as Diedrick. I had also heard Solich was toying with different sets to get all 3 running backs in the game at the same time. The #3 RB had also been doing well, too, the kid from Davenport, IA.

My buddy seemed confident that Lord will be good sooner than a lot in the public think (I know you are not the general public). I think the O will be a little less predictable this season. For example, if it was 3rd and 2 last season, you had a pretty good idea you were gonna get Crouch in some manner ( Probably an option keep).

I think the under is a good play in the ASU game. I believe that ASU will get tired on D because NU will be running the ball a lot, even without Diedrick. It will still be hot in Lincoln even it is a night game, and ASU is not used to the humidity. Like u said, NU will allow ASU to stay in it for awhile, but I think if the D plays well, this could be a cover for NU.

Also heard that ASU's best D Lineman is suspended for this game as well. Any knowledge on that.

Thanks 4 all your input. Hope this helps if at all.

Go Big Red

 

[CrazyHorse]

Devils DT suspended 2 games after weapons charge
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 31, 2002

Arizona State defensive tackle Danny Masaniai was suspended for the first two games of the season Tuesday, a day after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct with a weapon.


Masaniai, a senior who was projected to be a starter, was originally facing a "Shannon's Law" felony of disorderly conduct with a weapon after a May 10 incident at a Tempe bar.



...I don't think the loss will have too much impact as he was out with and injury all of last year. From what I have read Terrell Suggs is by far their best D-lineman and there is a short article about their DL here which makes it sound more like the loss of Masaniai for 2 games will not be much of an impact:


Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 13, 2002

CAMP TONTOZONA - It was hard for Arizona State coaches to imagine junior Brian Montesanto or sophomore Jimmy Verdon off the field, so they found a way to play both.

Bolstering the defensive line with its best people, ASU will start a front four of senior Terrell Suggs and Verdon at ends and Montesanto, a former end, at one of the tackles alongside senior Phil Howard or junior Shane Jones.

Montesanto is listed at 6 feet 5 and 256 pounds but is playing at about 265 now.

"(Montesanto) is moving there because he's the toughest guy we've got," ASU defensive line coach Ted Monachino said.

Still, Montesanto, Howard and Jones will likely see others back them, such as Glendale Community College transfer Matt Mason, who has recovered from a concussion.

Mason deflected a pass on his first play in Sunday's scrimmage.

"We're going to have to play defensive tackle by committee," ASU coach Dirk Koetter said. "That's pretty evident. Shane is probably the biggest play guy. But by making the most plays, sometimes he gives up too much."

Monachino also is issuing a challenge to the defense's star.

"Terrell (Suggs) was very productive but very undisciplined at times," he said. "We don't want to take the fun out of football for him. But he also needs to understand that a lot of people are counting on him."

 

[taoist]

Total 58 at oly as of 2 days ago.

...also saw a 59 hung on this game at a couple of offshores today. (can't say the names b/c they're not sponsers)

...thinking of hitting this UNDER pretty hard. good luck, RAY...and keep that husker info flowing.

 

[acehistr8]

Really looking forward to the writeup. Also interested to hear why Diedrick will not play. Is it related to the court appearence he missed? The paper seems to indicate no warrant was issued, and failure to appear is only a small fine.

Some line notes, FWIW:

- In the last 10 years, Nebraska is 8-2 ATS in their first home lined game, their two losses coming in the last two years.

- ASU is 0-4 ATS last 4 years, 4-6 ATS last 10Y in first away game.

Another reason I also like the under is the apparent way in which the defense has developed quickly this year. From SN re: the scrimage: "Solich was pleased with the defense's ability to keep the offense out of the end zone. The defense gave up less than 300 yards on more than 100 offensive snaps, while forcing four turnovers and sacking the quarterback 10 times."

Will have more later on.

 

[buddy]

At first, I didn't know what to think about this game.

side or total.

It hurts, because I may be the nations biggest fan of Arizona State's WR, Shaun MacDonald.

But as good as this kid is, it's nowhere near enough.

ASU has serious QB problems. They're saying Christensen, a redshirt freshman, is terribly inconsistent and sophomore Andrew Walter, is also inconsistent and inaccurate to boot.

Despite the QB woes, the offensive line is in worse shape.

ASU's Shaun MacDonald is a fabulous receiver, but this poor kid ain't gonna see the ball in this game.

They say Nebraska's secondary is depleted, but I don't think it will make a difference.

The sorry shape of ASU's offensive line will be more of a difference.

ASU's QB will be running for his life.

I see sacks, fumbles and interceptions galore.

Strong lean to NEBRASKA -22.

 

[DNOMYAR_5791]

Bobby, bitterness is a good thing as it keeps you ever vigilant


There is nothing more I would like to see than a 40 pt Husker win and that line looks like a gift.

Believe me, I am very aware of the absolute mess that ASU is all over offense. And while their defense was absolutely horrible last year and this is mostly the same cast and crew..."how could they possibly stop the Big Red Machine???"

Believe me, Nebraska will have their share of offensive problems especially early on in the season. Their defense does have a chance to be dominant--(depleted secondary or not) by season's end but the talent NU has on defense is very very young and there are a couple of key injuries on defense already that could hobble a couple of their starters for the opener. The Huskers are hoping and praying that freshman CB Fabian Washington will be the starter on the other side of Groce, because if they are playing with Pat Ricketts they could be in serious trouble. (although he is the fastest man in the Nu secondary right now)

To answer the question about Diedrick: Yes, it has everything to do with his court date and the decision has not been made public yet. However with another player recently getting in trouble and Diedrick screwing the pooch before last year's opener, don't expect to see him toting the rock opening night. Solich is taking a very hard stand with disciipline.

NU will be pretty vanilla on offense in this game. NU has already installed their entire offense in only 15 practices which means that early on things will be simplified. Furthermore they are not going to tip their cap for what they have in store for Penn State.

Nebraska could very well dominate this game and not have it show up on the scoreboard. I had a similar prediciton last year for the TCU game as NU was favored by 28. Line looked like a gift and with Heisman Trophy winning QB Eric Crouch and an experienced offensive line the Huskers sputtered to a 21-7 win.

Murph: The kid from Davenport---Marquess Simmons is looking great and will get his fair share of carries. However Diedrick and Collins are clearly the Number 1 guys and Josh Davis has been very impressive as the No 2 IB. Eventually they will try to get these guys in the backfield all at the same time but that will take some time and getting the O-line gelled and etc. As a coach I think you can relate to what I am talking about there.

Lord is going to be very good as he has all the measurables. However they are not going to ask too much from him early on, and Diedrick or Collins may not necessarily be a better option on 3rd and 2 than Crouch was but we will see. (I certainly hope so as a fellow Husker).

Ok, much much more to come. I have a gig writing for College Football digest so when the my work is published I invite you all to take a look.

Talk to you all soon. Let's win some money!!!

 

[acehistr8]

Great info. Dont know where you get it but great info. Everything I read online seems to indicate he will play. I will stick with Neb -22 for now but look forward to reading your writeup.

------ updated from the independent

"On Monday, Nebraska's starting running back Dahrran Diedrick did not make a scheduled appearance in traffic court.

A judge charged Diedrick for failure to appear. He could be fined up to $35 on the charge, the spokeswoman said. No warrant was issued.

Diedrick still has the option of pleading guilty to the charges and paying the speeding ticket should he wish to not appear in court, she said.

Last summer, Diedrick was fined $100 for failing to disperse during a disturbance outside a Lincoln bar.

Nebraska Coach Frank Solich suspended Diedrick from the 2001 season opener against Texas Christian in the Pigskin Classic as punishment for the incident."

 

[acehistr8]

Still havent read or hear even a whiff of Diedrick being out.

Probably should have been working more today, but read as much as I could on this and not a whiff. This is going to be a real bomb drop if it turns out to be true.

 

[DNOMYAR_5791]

You probably won't hear about Diedrick's Status until early next week after the Unity Council Meeting. But reliable sources say he ain't playin.

Good Luck

 

[acehistr8]

Dnomyar, I am embarrased to ask what the Unity Council is, but since I imagine I am not the only one I will ask.

Looking forward to a great year.

 

[DNOMYAR_5791]

ace

ace

It is ok. The Unity Council is a group of players that votes on team decisions. It is a mix of scholarship, walk-on and backup players. They make some of the more difficult decisions on the team and it gives many a chance at leadership and it has a lot of pull with the Coach. They were created in the Early 90's when it looked like NU was going to slide and we have all seen what happened since 1993. Good luck!

 

[acehistr8]

Dude, you're f*&^ing Batman.

Great info.