Nebraska Dominant at Home, For Once...

AP Photo/Nati Harnik

Nebraska finally showed yesterday what their fans had been waiting for, dominance at home.  Until yesterday NU’s biggest and most convincing wins had come away from Memorial stadium.  With their last home a showing an enormous disappointment against Texas, this was something many a fan was hoping and praying for in their final Big 12 conference showdown vs Missouri, an undefeated Missouri.

Three things to watch for against Missouri

This week's Nebraska vs Missouri game will probably decide the Big 12 North Champion.  Nebraska will need to bring both the offense and defense if they expect to win.  Missouri is undefeated and would like nothing more than to torture Husker fans one last time before Nebraska departs to the Big Ten.

Here are three things to watch:

1.  The Nebraska offensive line.  Will Mike Caputo and gang be able to effectively run block and pass protect like they did against Oklahoma State?  Or will they lose the trench battle like they did against Texas?  If the O-Line can get an effective push against Missouri's No. 23 rushing defense it surely will play to the Huskers advantage.  Keep your eyes on the line push throughout the game.    

Red vs Red ATS Pick Challenge Week 9

Nick King Photo

Each week Red vs Red will bring you our prognostications, plus one guest picker each week, on what we deem to be the most interesting games of the week (or the easiest pick).  A huge thank you goes out to Uncle Vince our guest picker this week.

Week 8 ATS Results

This week pick'em results:  Bugeater 3-3, Badger 3-3, and Jeff 2-4.

Thank you to Jeff in St. Joseph, MO for picking this week.

Thanks for checking out Red vs Red.

Taylor Martinez shines in 51-41 Nebraksa win over Oklahoma State

Martinez matures against Okie State (Photo Ben Renyolds)

Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez put to rest any questions about the strength and accuracy of his arm by passing for 323 yards and five touchdowns in the 51-41 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday in Stillwater.  Martinez added a 112 yards rushing and showed some new-found maturity in leading the Huskers to 540 yards of total offense.

Martinez showed a different level of poise in the pocket, waiting to throw the ball until a receiver got open, then throwing to spots only his guy could make the catch.  On multiple occasions, he shook off would-be tacklers and threw down field for a positive gain, instead of simply tucking the ball and running like he's done most of the season.

Martinez was asked about the emphasis on the pass, "In practice we always pass like that," he said.  "Today we just showed everybody else that we can throw the ball instead of dropping back and running."

Red vs Red ATS Pick Challenge Week 8

Each week Red vs Red will bring you our prognostications, plus one guest picker each week, on what we deem to be the most interesting games of the week (or the easiest pick).  A huge thank you goes out to our guest picker this week Jeff from Saint Joseph, MO.

Week of October 23 

No. 8 Michigan State -5.0 @ Northwestern 

Badger: Until they lose Michigan State is the best team in the Big Ten. 
Michigan State 31 Northwestern 14

Texas smacks Nebraska in the face

Gilbert looks to pass (Photo LJ)

Damn Texas did it again.  The Longhorns came into Lincoln and put enough points on the board to win 20-13.  It's the second time in as many years Texas has beaten Nebraska by making more plays and executing better.

It wasn't a pretty game for either team and Texas definitely made the best effort on both sides of the ball.  Lead by QB Garrett Gilbert, the Texas offense made plays when they needed to and didn't turn the ball over.  Gilbert caught the Husker's defense off guard by rushing 11 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns.  The Longhorn defense had no trouble stopping Nebraska's zone read offense, allowing only 202 yards in the game.

5 Keys to Wisconsin's Victory Saturday Night vs Ohio State

1.  John Clay -  Clay finally ran the ball like a running back contending for the Heisman trophy.  Clay amassed 104 yards and two touchdowns against an OSU defense that hadn't allowed a 100 yard rusher in their previous 29 games.

Week 7 ATS Pick Results

Redemption for the Bugeater 5-1,  Badger 3-3, GatorFanJames 1-5.  Thank you very much to this week's guest, GatorFanJames.    

2010 Standings:


Badger:  17-13  
Bugeater:  14-16
Guest:  10-20  

Thank you for visiting Red vs Red.

Red vs Red ATS Pick 'em Week 7

Each week Red vs Red will bring you our prognostications, plus one guest picker each week, on what we deem to be the most interesting games of the week (or the easiest pick).  A huge thank you goes out to our guest picker this week, 

Week of October 16 


Illinois @ #13 Michigan State -7.0
Badger:  MSU is quickly proving that they belong in the conversation with OSU, Wis, and Iowa.  A great defense and strong running game give them this one going away.  MSU 38 Illinois 17

Bugeater:  The Spartans and Kirk Cousins looked really good against Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Illinois beat Penn State last week, but I'm not sure that tells you anything.  6-0 State will pound the ball on the ground and Cousins will throw a couple TD's.  Michigan State 30 Illinois 21   


GatorFanJames: Michigan State 24 Illinois 21

College Gameday in Madison

ESPN announced that Chris, Kirk, Lee, Desmond and ERIN ANDREWS!! will be in Madison this weekend for the showdown between and #1 Ohio State and #16 Wisconsin at 6pm CST.  It's nice to see Gameday recognizing the Big 10 after choosing South Carolins over the Michigan State v. Michigan battle in Ann Arbor.

Nebraska moves up in rankings after win and Alabama loss, Wisconsin in top 20

Nebraska is now ranked 4th in the Coaches Poll and 5th in the AP Poll after week 6.  The loss by No. 1 Alabama, an off week for Oklahoma, and a nationally televised 48-13 victory over Kansas State placed Nebraska to it's highest ranking in years.

Wisconsin remains in the top 20 in both polls.  They are 16th in the Coaches Poll and 18th in the AP.

Week 6 ATS Pick Results

Badger continues to straight pick 'em right, 4-2 in week 6.  Our guest Michelle from Bellevue, NE did ok picking 2-4, and the Bugeater zero games correct this week, ZERO, ZIP, Nothing.

Red vs Red ATS Pick'em Week 6

Each week Red vs Red will bring you our prognostications, plus one guest picker each week, on what we deem to be the most interesting games of the week (or the easiest pick).  A huge thank you goes out to our guest picker this week, Michelle from Bellevue, Nebraska.


Week of October 9
#10 Utah @ Iowa State +6
Badger:  Last week’s performance was an anomaly.  Iowa State cannot hang with Jordan Wynn, Eddie Wide and the rest of the Ute’s wide open offense.  Utah 31 Iowa State 13


Bugeater:  Austen Arnaud has played great at home and showed his ability to play great in big games by beating Tech last week.  Utah is a tough physical team and will wear down State.  State keeps it close.  Utah 30 Iowa State 25


Michelle:  Utah 35 Iowa State 10

Taylor Martinez Leads Nebraska Huskers to Victory Over Kansas State in Big 12

The Nebraska Huskers completely dominated the Kansas State Wildcats 48 to 13 Thursday night in Manhattan, KS.  Taylor Martinez showed why they call him T-Magic, rushing 15 times for 241 yards (new school record) and 4 touchdowns.  He passed for 128 yards and touchdown.  Martinez pulled out the razzle dazzle, breaking several arm tackles on several occasions then scoring on plays of 14, 35, 80, and 41 yards.  

The performance proves that this young man can play football at a very high level.  He seems to be the fastest kid on the field, running away from all pursuers.  The defense has to spend so much time worrying about Martinez, the game open ups for the other skill players like running backs Roy Helu, Jr. (110 yards rushing) and Rex Burkhead (57 yards rushing).  When the safeties started cheating up in run support, Martinez found Tyler Reed wide open down the middle. 

The Nebraska Huskers look poised to dominate the Big 12 and possibly compete for a national championship.  If the offense can continue to score 40+ points a game, and the defense less than 13, this team will be near the top in the end.  

Up next for the Martinez and the Huskers, Texas on October 16th.

A Quick Look at the Kansas State Offense

Here’s a quick look (for the final time) at Kansas State’s offense.  Yes they do have 10 other guys in the fields besides Daniel Thomas, although I’m not sure if they do anything.

1.  Carson Coffman - Coffman’s struggles this year (12^th in the Big12 in passing) have been overshadowed by the incredible performance of Daniel Thomas.  Luckily for him (and Kansas State) they don’t expect him to do a lot.  If he’s able to manage the game and limit turnovers against arguably the best secondary in the country Kansas State will keep it close.  I don’t see that happening, and if the game ends up in his hands things will get ugly quick.

2. Kansas State O-line- This unit is as one dimensional as the Wildcat’s offense.  This experienced group of three seniors and two juniors has had no problem paving the way for Daniel Thomas and the rest of the rushing attack averaging 216 yards a game.  Pass protection has been a different story; they have surrendered 11 sacks in already four games.

3. Daniel Thomas- You knew this was coming.  Daniel Thomas is one of the country’s top backs and a bona fide NFL prospect.  Thomas has six rushing touchdowns averages 157 yards a game and is on pace to top the 1800 yard mark.  NU has had their troubles stopping the run this year, especially up the middle.  It will take a huge day from Eric Martin and Levante David to contain Thomas and keep him from breaking a big one.

Should be a great one tomorrow night as NU takes their final trip to Manhattan Thursday.  Both teams' emotions will be full tilt, I cannot wait. Look for twitter updates from Redvred throughout the game, and please stop by to leave us your comments.  Thanks for reading redvsred.com

A little bit about the Kansas State Defense

We should learn more about Nebraska's ability to perform on the road this season after Thursday nights conference opener against Kansas State.  Will the Huskers play like they did in their first road test, putting up 56 points against Washington?  Or will they look lethargic again as they did for homecoming and South Dakota State.  Whichever team shows up, they will face a formidable Kansas State defense that is ranked 4th in points allowed in the Big 12.

K-State has allowed only a pair of touchdowns in their last two games.  Lead by LB Alex Hrebec with 39 tackles the K-State defense has given up plenty of yards to opposing teams, but have been tough when their backs are against the wall.  "We don't want anyone to score on us," Defensive end Antoino Felder told The Mercury, "When they get anywhere close to the red zone, you have to step up.  It's a must."

Week 5 ATS Pickem Results

This was the home team’s redemption week.  Not really much else to say, I kicked their ass, but they spent the weekend in Vegas and I in Nebraska.  Who’s the real winner??  Thanks to Greg for being our whipping boy this week, we look forward to doing it again real soon.

Bugeater 4-2

Badger 5-1

Greg 2-4

Thank you for checking out redvsred.com

Red vs Red live from the Sports Book at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

The Sports Book Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (LJ photo)

The Sports Book at Mandalay Bay is full of spectators as the day's college football action is in full force.  I always find it funny when you see guys leave in a fit apparently the tide of the game going against them.  On Thursday dring the Texas A&M and Oklahoma State game a guy was sitting near us at the bar watching and just getting irate as Texas A&M tied the game late, he pushed his chair back, grumbled and got up and left pissed off.  When Okie State came back and marched down and scored in the final minutes, the guy returned with a smirk on his face, as if to say, I knew that was going to happen.  With a full slate of games and plenty of action taking place, the Sports Book  is the place to be during game time.

Hoyle Casino Games 2012 - PC/Mac - PC Games

Red vs Red ATS Pick'em Week 5

Each week Red vs Red will bring you our prognostications, plus one guest picker each week, on what we deem to be the most interesting games of the week (or the easiest pick).  A huge thank you goes out to our guest picker this week, Greg from Bellevue, Nebraska.