NEBRASKA vs. Oregon Pre-Game Vibes: Made Oregon Friends, Now Stomp These Ducks!

No, I don’t think a 3-2 start plus the 8pm kickoff – which the ones I talked with today didn’t seem too excited about either – will keep Ducks fans away in droves by any means.

But, according to an article I skimmed this morning, the ticket prices on StubHub began dropping when the kickoff time was announced and had settled at around $40 each or so. Or maybe it was tweet. Who cares? Has Husker volleyball made its way to Eugene yet and, if so, did their fans have the same sticker shock as, say, Los Angeles and Bloomington, IN?

Of course, I exaggerate as football has a slightly higher capacity than volleyball, but $40? Let’s just say that the majority of those are getting snapped up by the folks in their scarlet and cream, I’d wager.

Quick note – the Ducks fans I met pre-game were fantastic. It should be added that most were met in a sports bar, which was overrun with Husker fans. The loudest reaction to early games was the roars for the Nebraska volleyball match which was on the four big screens directly over the bar. We are all Nuke Laloosh wanting to announce our presence with authority, gimme a Bull Durham “Hell yeah!” if you would, please.

Let’s get to it, shall we? It’s a beautiful and cool crisp PNW evening. The press box is open air and the only other time I experienced that was Yankee Stadium on a much cooler, damper afternoon which found me more bundled up. Tonight?

Shorts, cap and hoodie. The way Nebraska rolls with temps in the 50’s.

Will we see Dylan tonight? I certainly hope so, but not necessarily for the reason you think. The way I figure it, his presence would likely mean the Blackshirts have worked over Brock Thomas to the point where his removal was deemed crucial if Oregon was to have a chance to win. Then I would be happy for Raiola to experience more of the same pressure. That’s all.

But…kickoff nears and here are your vibes. Go Big Red:

• The final availibility chart is out and so are Conn, Guthrie and Van Poppel. Next men up.

• Oh, will he? Are ya’ sure about that?

• Seriously, good to see Dante Moore recovering and working his way back.

• Is this group the one which will finally win the close one against a quality squad?

• I can confirm this BTW. Maybe our fans were just jonesing to get in here early, but the early cheers for their team winner was Nebraska. Yeah, I know it means even less than the “off-season titles”…but I love they’re coming to Autzen oiled up and ready to make their own noise.

• Dude, if I meet you, Imma just mind my business and keep walkin’.

• Finally, a couple pre-game shots from photog Stephen Bruce

Alright, let’s do this. Recaps coming at halftime and postgame.

And remember the words of Dan Fouts – got a chance to win a big one on the road. Can’t hold anything back.

GO BIG RED.