You are not our rival, Colorado!

Colorado, you need to learn something. As our good friend, J.T. alluded to, Bill McCartney decided to focus all your hate and rivalry towards the Huskers.

This is not a rivalry game to us in Lincoln any more than Kansas State or Texas is. Maybe the air is too thin up in the Rockies to comprehend this. Certainly not enough oxygen is getting to the brain of people like Gary Barnett and his sexism, and his players with their affinity for sexual assault.

Here are examples of real rivalries:

Alabama and Auburn- These teams absolutely hate each other as evidenced by a Bama student stabbing 5 Auburn fans after last weekend's loss. Although this isn't what I would consider the makeup up a healthy rivalry, it makes sense. They are in-state rivals who reside less than three hours away from each other.

Ohio St. and Michigan- I'm assuming Ohio St. fans and Buffaloes fans have something in common from the stories I've heard out of Columbus, but this is a true rivalry. These schools care more about this game than any other. Perennially, this is the game that matters. I think John Cooper can attest to that.

Oklahoma and Nebraska- Yes, I am sorry to tell you that this is the team that is considered our rival. It has had the Game of the Century (in both the 20th and 21st centuries, thanks Mike Stuntz!) and a rich tradition. While OU fans are certainly less than exemplary with their behavior, there is a general respect between both schools that dates back for decades. Plus Oklahoma produces things that are good for our program.

I understand the fact that you want to be considered on the same plateau as the Huskers, but you are not. Sure, Colorado has been reasonably successful for the last twenty years and you even "won" a national championship b/c of a little unknown rule that a team can get an extra down sometimes, but we all know that was a fake share of a title and that Georgia Tech would have probably smoked you that year.

Now here's the reason why Colorado and Nebraska can't really be rivals. Colorado Buffalo football attendees are not real fans. Games rarely sell out, fans don't travel well to bowl games, and worst of all, the behavior is absolutely deplorable. I have been to two games out in Boulder and have been flipped off by a ten year old passing on a bus, yelled at and taunted by multiple fans, and had the car I was riding in beat on as we passed down a campus road, among other atrocities. Today the game had to be stopped multiple times b/c of students throwing things on the field (I notice they didn't throw stuff when the clock operator totally screwed Nebraska at the end of the half and the refs let it slide).

Nebraska fans pride ourself on treating opposing teams with respect. We clap for their efforts whether we win or lose as they head to the locker room and are generally hospitable to visitors and tailgaters. We have our share of drunken idiots who hurt the reputation, but it is no secret that Nebraska fans are known for their class. Colorado football patrons can't seem to understand what college football is all about.

It takes two teams to acknowledge a true rivalry. I'm sure CU fans will continue to try to force this rivalry by instigating dislike from us through acts of hatred and incivility, but it's time to learn that we do NOT consider you our main rival. Until the program and fans take the time to reverse their conduct I don't see that happening.

J.H. Naners