SALUTE TO STOOPS

Loved the fact that Arizona coach Mike Stoops, a defensive guy, allowed Nebraska to earn a shutout the old-fashioned way rather than go for the cheap field goal late in a blowout. That was a gesture to an old friend, fellow defensive guru Bo Pelini. Stoops is a class act. He said Pelini showed mercy on his team. Well, the old chum returned the favor.

WELCOME, WILDCAT

I’m not going to call Shawn Watson a sandbagger, but where was this “Wildcat” formation all season? To be fair, Rex Burkhead, the Wildcat himself, missed several games with a foot injury and hasn’t been healthy until recently. Just more of what NU has to look forward to — Burkhead running more out of the Wildcat and Watson getting creative with his offensive personnel. Good stuff.

ZAC’S DAY

I thought Cody Green would get more playing time, but with the way Zac Lee was running the offense — and running the ball, period — it made sense to keep this going. At some point early in the game, when it was obvious this could be a big night and an easy one, it became apparent that a blowout win would be better for this team’s psyche heading into the offseason than trying to give Green playing time. And who’s to say Lee won’t keep that job? We’ll find out in the spring. But this is the Lee the coaches expected all season, running with authority and leading assertively.

BAND PLAYS ON

The only area Arizona had the edge over Nebraska was that it brought a college band to the dance. But let’s call that battle of the bands at least a draw. The pride of Lincoln Southeast did itself proud. And, as one press wag said, “It was nice of Arizona to reciprocate by bringing a high school football team.” Ouch.

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