It was a busy couple of days for Scott Frost. Nebraska's head coach made the media rounds on Wednesday and Thursday before throwing out the first pitch at last night's Lincoln Saltdogs game.
Scott Frost throws out the first pitch for @saltdogsball season opener. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/lof3TQZ6yf
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) May 18, 2018
Perhaps the most interesting note to come out of yesterday's availability was that sophomore quarterback Noah Vedral has received a scholarship release from UCF. That wasn't the case when Vedral announced his decision in January. He made the decision to walk-on at Nebraska under the thinking that UCF wouldn't grant a release for transfers to other AAC schools or Nebraska. In Vedral's case, the Knights eventually relented and Frost said he'll go on scholarship this summer.
No word yet on Vedral's appeal to the NCAA for immediate eligibility, however.
If he is in good academic standing why shouldn't he be eligible right away? – what has he done wrong? He now he has the opportunity to go to Neb. He would rather be at Nebraska – whats wrong with that? Who suffers if he is eligible immediately? Outdated rule – Change it. https://t.co/d0NGMM0SuD
— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) May 18, 2018
In other Frost related "news," I received an ESPN push notification Thursday morning. "Alabama-UCF back-and-forth continues as Scott Frost says not all of Tide's 17 claimed titles are legit," it read, citing an interview with Omaha station KETV. Apparently this is the story that will never end, which is a bit strange considering that everyone, minus Tide fans, says that Alabama's claimed-title count is a little inflated.
But if this particular road goes on forever, might as well step on the gas. If this manufactured "back-and-forth" eventually leads us to a Nebraska-Alabama game in the near future, I guess it will be worth it. The Huskers and Tide played five times between 1966 and 1978, but never outside that 13-season window so we're due. The timing would be perfect if it were to happen in the next few years (which isn't realistic, but one can dream).
Under college football imperialism rules (coach edition), Frost already owns Auburn thanks to UCF's win over the Tigers on Jan. 1. He can conquer Troy on Sept. 15. The Huskers' opener next year is against South Alabama. Win that, and Frost adds Mobile to his rapidly expanding Alabama empire.
Of course, the Tide's chunk of the state is the largest, which is why we need that game on the schedule. If Nebraska were to play Alabama and win, the only thing Frost would need to make Alabama the Republic of Scott would be a win over Alabama-Birmingham.
Here comes the Machiavellian twist. (And it should be noted here that the Huskers are extending a lot of offers in Alabama of late.) Rather than simply getting the Blazers on the schedule and beating them to complete Nebraska colonization of the state, if I were Frost I would turn over full control of the conquered territories to UAB. Nothing would roil the Tide more than being ruled by the football program it tried so hard to kill. It's a long play, but the best one.
Happy birthday Niccolo Machiavelli 5-3-1469 to 6-21-1527. “The answer is, of course, that it would be best to be both loved and feared.” The Prince
— Mario A. F. Verduzco (@Coach_Verdu) May 3, 2018
The Grab Bag
- But wait, there's more Alabama news. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa told HawaiiNewsNow that he was prepared to transfer at the end of last season. Then he came in and saved the Tide, delivering the national title not recognized by UCF.
- A not-so-brief discussion of the latest batch of college football odds.
- The NCAA has temporarily suspended its ban on hosting championship events in states that allow sports wagering.
- The 10 biggest wildcard teams in college football this season.
Today's Song of Today
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
