If you missed Sunday night's USA/Canada Olympic hockey game, shame on you...unless you don't get MSNBC, of course. Yes, I know some people don't "get" hockey...but that doesn't stop most people from watching luge, ski cross, or curling when it's Olympic time. It was a classic game; with great action right from the opening face-off (The USA scored in the opening minute), and the unbelievable final four minutes as Canada tried to fight back. The game was MSNBC's second most watched program ever. Some people point to the higher rankings of ice dancing on NBC as proof that the Peacock network made the right call, but you are comparing apples and oranges. Many people were unaware where the game was being broadcast; I've even heard from hockey fans who thought these games would be on the NHL Network. I also wouldn't be surprised if some people refused to watch any programming on the network that brings you Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow.
KOZN radio's Kevin Kugler is working the Olympics for Westwood One, and he reported today that in his conversations with other American reporters, many people expect Nebraska to be a prime target of the Big Ten if they pursue expansion. Just idle rumor and speculation, mind you, but if Notre Dame and Texas aren't interested, Nebraska is the biggest name on the list. Yes, Nebraska doesn't bring local media markets to the Big Ten, but they do bring a national following in football that enhances rather than waters down the total package. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel interviewed Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez, who suggests that fifteen schools are on the Big Ten's list. (H/T: Lincoln Journal-Star) The rumor mill suggests that Nebraska is in the upper tier of that list, for what it's worth.
It's official, Rickey Thenarse got his medical redshirt and will be eligible to play for the Huskers this fall. He's still rehabbing the injury, and estimates he's about 90% recovered. I found it interesting that the doctors are taking his rehab slowly, holding him back. Good move, considering the track record last year with rushing basketball player Christopher Niemann and quarterback Kody Spano back last summer, only to have the ACL fail again. I'd like to see how Thenarse worked on the mental aspects of the game while he was on crutches; he's always had the physical tools, just needs to put it together on the field.
Hopefully he spent some of his time watching Matt O'Hanlon who showed that the mental aspects of the game are almost as important as the physical aspects. O'Hanlon has his eyes set on playing in the NFL, and I wouldn't put it past him. He probably won't get drafted, but someone will give him a shot, and he'll make the most of it. He might only be on the practice squad, but I think he'll stick eventually.
Finally someone mentions the fact that they've had TWO players last year that "recovered" quicker than expected from major knee injuries then go on to hurt them again. I was a little nervous Thenarse would play before he's well enough, but I think they've learned their lesson.
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