Oct. 11, 2005

Journal Week 6

I almost don't know where to begin this week. Should I start with mentioning that we are now 4-1 and have already won more games then I have ever won in a single season at Baylor? Or should I begin by discussing Baylor football's first-ever Big 12 road win?

The Iowa State win was a milestone, make no mistake. Maybe years from now, when I am long done with my years as a Bear, people will look back on this win and say that this win was when the program broke out of the Big 12 cellar. I really wish this game had been televised, so that the rest of the Baylor Nation could have seen how we handled 45,000 Iowa State fans and the defending co-Big 12 North champions like a group of veterans.

As the only player left on the team who traveled to Iowa State last time, four years ago, I can personally attest to the difference that Coach Morriss and his staff have meant to this team. I am really happy to have won the game, but I am also so proud to hear Coach Morriss and his staff getting some of the national attention that they deserve.

The amazing thing is that we still could have played so much better on all sides. Our best football is still ahead of us, and that is pretty exciting. In the second half when the game was on the line the entire team stepped it up and made the plays we had to pull out the win.

Our special teams play was once again great. Ryan Havens nailed three huge field goals, Daniel Sepulveda flipped the field as he has done so often with a perfect punt, and Willie Andrews and the punt return team came up with three really game-changing returns. Offensively we once again played well and Shawn Bell continued to show his ability to manage a close game. We have had better games defensively, but we came up with two big fumbles when we really needed them, and didn't let the Cyclones score in the second half.

This week we turn our attention to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This will be the biggest game of my career, and is the most important game played in Floyd Casey Stadium in a long time. I really hope to see Floyd Casey sold out, and packed with Baylor fans wearing gold.

Nebraska is a lot like us. They are 4-1 and 1-1 in conference, but this is the Huskers' first road game of the season. I would love to see Baylor come out in force and make their first road trip a tough one. If you don't think coming to the game will have an impact, then you are wrong. We have worked hard and could really use a boost from a big and rowdy crowd.

So make sure you make it to the game this week in your green and gold. We need you!

Sic `Em Bears!