Bill’s goodbye?

The waiting game continues. Thankfully, we’re getting close to the front of the line. Saturday we get there. Then we should get the answer.

It’s widely assumed Bill Callahan will be fired as Nebraska’s football coach. Whether that happens or not, the important thing is that we’re almost through hearing that question: “They going to fire Callahan?” That’s good for everybody, Husker coaches and their families included.

The last few weeks have seemed to drag on. Rumors have dominated days. Childish behavior has been on display by a few. There is no joy in seeing another person struggle. Callahan logged long hours here. He wanted what the people wanted.

In September, no one could have envisioned this. Many thought today would be the day he wrapped up a second straight Big 12 North title. Instead, it seems likely to be his final game on a Husker sideline.

Four years ago, a day before he was fired, Frank Solich’s team played inspired football and beat Colorado. Will players rally around Callahan in the same manner?

No average Joe

You would have thought those Colorado Buffaloes were talking about Joe Montana this week, not Joe Ganz. Respect was oozing out of their comments leading up to today’s game.

Ganz has just started two games, but plenty of people seem to have caught wind of him. One supposes a 510-yard, seven-touchdown passing performance will do that for you. No one should expect those kind of numbers today. The weather won’t be friendly. The Buffs won’t be, either.

Ganz is no longer under the radar. He needs to stay cool, not force any balls into coverage. CU is banged up in the secondary. Ganz should be able to make some hay. But probably his biggest goal this week: no interceptions.

A last stand for Coz

This also figures to be the last game as a Husker coach for defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. His defense has been handled by offenses all season. But can his defenders rise up on this day, perhaps Coz’s last day, to deliver the best game of their season?

Some good news for Nebraska is CU freshman quarterback Cody Hawkins is not fleet of foot. He’s also prone to interceptions. He’s thrown 15 of them already this year. As a team, the Buffs rank only 75th in the country in rushing offense, 79th in total offense and 82nd in scoring offense. You’d think Nebraska would have a chance against that.

I hear Shreveport is quite lovely

Anybody up for a trip to Shreveport? Hey, you take what you can get in a season like this.

No, it doesn’t really seem like a 6-6 team should go to a bowl game. But the offer will be on the table if the Huskers can get it done today.

As tough a fall as this has been, a win gives Nebraska the chance to finish with a winning season. The Huskers have only one losing season (2004) since 1961. A bowl game also gives the younger players 15 extra practices they wouldn’t otherwise get.

So, yes, a bowl game does matter. And it certainly matters for 29 Husker seniors who don’t want to have their careers squashed by Ralphie.

— Brian Christopherson