Nebraska has rare walk-through
"Last I saw, every field is basically 120-yards long," Pelini said. "I’ve never got the idea of walking around the stadium, taking your shoes off, walking around on your bare feet. I never understood that ritual, so I don't choose it. I think our guys would rather get to the hotle and get their minds right. This was a little different and we wanted them to see it before Saturday."
Mack Brown talks about TCU
Brown, jokingly, said he wasn't surprised by the question noting that Brown writes for the TCU paper.
"I think that's a great question," Mack Brown said. "[Gary Patterson] has done a tremendous job coach and has done as good a job as anyone in the country. The way our system is set up, who knows until we see how it plays out? And we can all sit around and say, ‘Was Ricky Williams better than Jim Brown?' and nobody will ever know. We can speculate on what is the best team and the ones that like the purple will say they are, and the ones that like the orange will say they are.
"So unless the two teams play on Saturday, you don't even know who the best programs are. You have to figure out who the best team on that day is. And TCU has earned the right to be considered as good as anybody in the country. They've done a tremendous job. I'm really proud for them."
Brown, a moment later, added that his team is not out to prove who's the best in Texas.
"We're trying to prove who is the best team in the Big 12," Brown said. "That's what this is about this weekend."
Can title game help Huskers recruit Dallas?
Running back Rex Burkhead, from Plano, rushed for 100 yards last week against Colorado. Another running back -- Dontrayevous Robinson -- is from Euless. Defensive end Josh Williams is from Denton, free safety Courtney Osborne played in Garland and kicker Adi Kunalic came to Nebraska from Fort Worth.
The fact that the game is in Arlington gives both teams a chance to showcase their programs in front of the local audience, besides all the build-up nationally.
"Hopefully it will give us some exposure and help us in the city of Dallas," Pelini said. "We get a chance to play in the game against a tremendous football team like Texas, whose getting the publicity they've gotten. That can do nothing but help your program."
TCU ready for big BCS party on Saturday
The details (according to the TCU media relations department):
* The annual “Meet the Frogs” autograph session will kick things off in the afternoon, followed that evening by a watch party for the BCS Selection Show inside Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. Fox will be in attendance capturing video of the crowd and celebration from inside the arena to air live on its BCS Selection Show, so fans are encouraged to pack the DMC for the occasion. The “Meet the Frogs” even is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. inside the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility. Frog fans will be able to get autographs from their favorite players and coaches, in addition to SuperFrog and other members of the TCU spirit squad.
*All fans who attend the "Meet the Frogs" event will receive a souvenir poster commemorating the 2009 Mountain West Conference Championship, while kids will have the opportunity to either take part in a special field-goal kick challenge or just play around on the Frogs indoor practice field.
* Fans are then invited to go inside Daniel-Meyer Coliseum for the BCS Selection Show watching party. Doors to the DMC will open at 5 p.m. Concession and TCU merchandise stands will offer items for purchase, which will include MWC championship gear.
* The TCU band and spirit squads will join the gathering prior to the start of the BCS Selection Show on FOX at 7 p.m. Following the bowl announcements, head coach Gary Patterson and select members of the team will address the crowd inside the DMC.
Prediction time: This week's football picks
It's championship weekend in college football, so we'll pick a handful of games here, even some that may not feature teams in our area (but could impact some teams in our area):
Texas vs Nebraska (7 p.m., ABC, Cowboys Stadium): You can tell by the comments that Nebraska quietly believes it can win this game. But to do it, they have to run the ball (much like Texas A&M did on Thanksgiving) and find a way to put pressure on Colt McCoy. Neither will be easy. McCoy has the Texas offense rolling, spreading the ball around and using his feet as another way to breakdown the defense. And the Longhorns' defense will be even more motivated than usual after a sub-par performance against the Aggies. I think Texas just has too much for the Huskers. Prediction: Texas 31, Nebraska 17
Florida vs. Alabama (3 p.m., CBS, Georgia Dome): College football fans, particularly those in the SEC, have waited all year for this, haven't they? Last year, Florida came back from a halftime deficit to win the game. This year, I think that's exactly what Alabama does. I know it's risky to pick against Tim Tebow and the Gators. But I do think, even with Mark Ingram's iffy hip, that the Tide will find enough running room. And Greg McElroy showed against Auburn last week that he can take his team on a big drive late. I'll take Alabam in an upset. Prediction: Alabama 20, Florida 17
Georgia Tech vs. Clemson (7 p.m., ESPN, Tampa): Both teams come into this game after disappointing losses to rivals (both losing to a SEC team). Both teams have a key playmaker -- Georgia Tech has QB Josh Nesbitt and Clemson has RB C.J. Spiller. Clemson fell behind 24-0 to Georgia Tech on the road early in the year, stormed back to tie it, and then lost late. This time, the Tigers don't get too far behind early and they're able to get past the Yellow Jackets. Prediction: Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 20
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (11 a.m., ABC): Despite losing to West Virginia last week, Pittsburgh can win the Big East with a victory. I wonder how distracted the Bearcats are with all of this talk about their coach maybe going to Notre Dame. Still, this team has an undefeated season on the line and even on the road, I think they'll find a way. It will be a shootout, of course. It seems that most games Cincinnati plays are shootouts. Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Pittsburgh 34
Houston at East Carolina (11 a.m., ESPN2): Just a few weeks ago, there was a chance SMU could have hosted this game if it won out. Oh well. The Mustangs, headed to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, will watch on TV to see if Houston's Case Keenum can get the job done for the Cougars. I think he does. Prediction: Houston 38, East Carolina 34
New Mexico State at Boise State (2 p.m.): I only throw this game out there because the Broncos are still in the mix for an at-large berth. In fact, I don't see how they don't get one unless Nebraska pulls off the upset. Once again, Boise State is playing a really inferior team. They won't have any trouble finishing off an undefeated season. Boise State hasn't lost since the Poinsietta Bowl last year to TCU. Prediction: Boise State 55, New Mexico State 10
Texas Tech looking strong early
Texas Tech, now 8-0, should find their way into the rankings now. Good for Pat Knight. The highlights I saw made me a believer in John Roberson. He finished with 25 points and certainly looked like he played with confidence.
Texas Tech's next game is Monday at TCU.
Big 12, TCU players on AFCA team
Texas center Chris Hall (from Irving), quarterback Colt McCoy and defensive back Earl Thomas made the list. Other Big 12 players: Oklahoma State offensive lineman Russell Okung, Oklahoma offensive lineman Trent Williams and Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh.
Forde talks about TCU in power rankings
I wondered why. Some of you did too. So here's what Forde gives as his reasoning:
"I went with TCU based on consistent dominance week after week. Texas wobbled more than I expected against Texas A&M and, if you look at the Longhorns' entire body of work, hasn't beaten a single Top 20 opponent all season. So I'm giving it to the Horned Frogs (this week) (by a small margin) (and may change my mind if Texas clobbers Nebraska)."
Your thoughts? Do you agree with Forde's thinking?
Let's chat about colleges at 1 p.m.!
You can go ahead and post some questions by clicking here.
College Football Live's Rece Davis and Trevor Matich preview the Big 12 Title game between Texas and Nebraska.
Brown, Patterson earn AFCA honors
Brown, the 2009 Big 12 coach of the year and winner of national coaching awards in 2008 and 2005, has led his team to a 12-0 record. He will likely get another shot at a national title if his Longhorns can beat Nebraska in Saturday's Big 12 championship game.
Patterson, one of three finalists for the George Munger Award honoring hte nation's top collegiate coach, has his team at 12-0 and No. 4 in the BCS, the highest ranking for TCU since the BCS was created. The Frogs are expected to learn Sunday which BCS bowl they are playing in and the opponent. Should Texas lose, TCU is hoping for a chance to play for a national title.
Key plays help TCU beat SMU, 60-53
The Mustangs cut a 12-point deficit in the second half to one and got the ball with 43 seconds left off a TCU turnover. But the Mustangs missed two free throws and on the second miss were whistled for over the back. That put TCU at the free throw line and they made both to go up by three.
With 28 seconds left on the ensuing possession, TCU's Ronnie Moss blocked a shot and TCU then convered two more free throws to essentially ice the game.
TCU's Edvinas Ruzgas led all scorers with 22. Zvonko Buljan added 14 points and nine rebounds and Moss also had 14.
SMU's top scorer was Derek Williams, who had 16 points. Mouhammad Faye had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
TCU picked up the DFW Duel trophy for winning the game for the second consecutive season.
SMU making furious comeback
SMU has been more aggressive on defense and is making baskets in transition. It helps too, that TCU has gone a bit cold from the field.
Who can make the plays in the final few minutes?
Can TCU hold 10-point lead late in 2nd half?
TCU has a 10-point lead with eight minutes left. Can they finish it off or will SMU get a chance to claw back into it?
TCU's Ronnie Moss has 10 points -- all in the second half -- and Edvinas Ruzgas is 4-for-5 from the 3-point stripe.
SMU's leading scorer is Papa Dia with 12 and Mouhammad Faye has 11.
Edvinas Ruzgas has eight points in the second half and 18 for the game.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Acting Big 12 commish Chuck Neinas dishes on the deal that pits SEC and Big 12 champions in a New Year's Day bowl game.
Play Podcast Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill talks about his knowledge of Miami's offense, playing time, Dan Marino, trying to be a leader as a rookie signal-caller and more.
Play Podcast Cowboys fifth-round pick Danny Coale talks about his road to the NFL and his chances of competing for a starting wide receiver spot in training camp.
Play Podcast Cowboys first-round pick Morris Claiborne recaps his draft experience and talks about growing up a Cowboys fan and his expectations playing in Dallas.
Play Podcast New SMU basketball coach Larry Brown discusses his new job, recruiting in Texas, one-and-done athletes, why he would like a coach in waiting and more.
Play Podcast Alabama coach Nick Saban talks about the draft prospects coming out of his program, how they could potentially help the Cowboys, his discussions with Jason Garrett and more.
Play Podcast Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt shares his thoughts on the Big 12 landscape, his desire to play Texas every Thanksgiving and more.
Play Podcast New Orleans Saints QB Chase Daniel talks with ESPN Dallas's Jeff Platt about how the Saints have reacted to the recent bounty penalties, and how Drew Brees's holdout has affected him.



