Here we go again?

Plenty of silver, who says we're not in regular season form?

While 81,000 were expected to witness the beginning of the Bo Pelini era in Nebraska, I took in the spring game with two of my fellow tailgating buddies. As you can see from above, leg room was not an issue. For some real analysis, check out what Axe has to say and Donnie's usual good stuff. Daryl Gross's propaganda machine spit this out for your review. For an idiot's perspective continue reading. You were warned.

A beautiful 80 degree day in Central New York, which is rare in July let alone April, had me worried that I'd be sweating worse than Gary Williams under the Dome's teflon big-top. Surprisingly enough it was rather pleasant inside.

Luna Halo was rocking away as the team warmed up. Some quick takes on Luna Halo:

• Going in to this game I had no idea who they were
• Leaving this game I have no idea who they were
• I did not recognize one song they played
• They did intro one song saying it was featured in "NHL 2008"
• They promised to come back one day and headline in the Dome

Moving on, game time was announced as 2:00. Well after some 7 on 7's and "thud" action, the "srimmage" did not start until 2:45. Mike Williams made a nice grab right in front of us during the 7 on 7 action, hauling in a long ball from Cody Catalina.

We were treated to "Special Coaches" Gomez and Dave who mc'd this whole thing. For you out of towners, Gomez and Dave are two local radio guys who host a morning show on TK-99. Another good reason to get Sirius radio.

Step right up, step right up. There were plenty of breaks during the game for contests. The first one featured a guy having to throw a Nerf ball 30 yards into a window of a truck for $10K. I don't know about you, but I think it's impossible to throw a Nerf ball 30 yards. This was not one those new, modern Nerf balls with wings, we're talking old school regular style. Needless to say this guy did not walk out with 10 large.

Another contest featured fans getting the opportunity to catch 3 punts from SU punter Rob Long. Every catch was worth $99. They did this twice with disasterous results. One guy did manage to pocket $99.

Finally, a fan was given a chance to kick a 40 yard field goal for $10,000. Field goal, no good.

Carter and Boonah did participate in the "thud" drills. Delone received a warm round of applause from the Cuse faithful. Both sported yellow pinnies, you remember those from gym class, with a big red cross on the front. They looked like Red Cross volunteers in the third world somewhere. Check them out here in the SU gallery.

Game thoughts: tough to tell. There really weren't enough plays to judge from. I can't say the offense looked noticeably different under the Browning regime. I know technically this is only practice. Lots of runs, and a lot of mixing QB's stand out in my mind. It's really tought to gauge either the offense or the defense in this setup.

While we were out inquiring about upgrading our season tickets, GRob announced to everyone "Thanks for coming." This was about 3:30. With all the interruptions for contests, I'm guessing there was about 20 minutes of actual football played. Bizarre.

Random thoughts:

• Why can't the Dome box office tell me what seats are available in my section? Isn't there an invention called the computer that makes this possible?
• My adopted favorite Oragnemen for 2008: Frosh WR Chaz Cervino. Chaz is one cool name in my book. By the way, Chaz got absolutely flattened on one pass play by Ryan Howard. You're my boy Chaz.
• I was blown away when I went to the snack stand to order my ice cream chipwich and was informed I had a choice of ice cream: vanilla or chocolate/vanilla. Forget winning football games, this is real progress damn't. By the way, I went with the chocolate/vanilla.
• The marching band was in attendance, that added a nice touch.
• David Tyree was in attendance, he got a nice hand.
• 1987's deserving Heisman trophy winner was also on hand and introduced
• The free schedule posters they give away this year feature an Ernie Davis/Express theme.
• Dome ATM was out of order. Didn't someone think to check this before the game? Isn't this on someone's "to-do" list?
• Lots of little kids at the game, you can't blame them they don't know any better.
• Grob works the mic about as well as he does a presesr.

Next stop Northwestern. Buckle up gang.

Idiot Photo Gallery:

Delone runs along with the rest of the RB's in pregame

Frosh Marinovich (#54) telling his teammates where he put the keys to Manley Field House.

Rob, you'll get plenty of action again this year.

The Blue Team watches the "thud" drills.