The Upside Down World of T.J. O'Leary

Throughout the 2008 season, Nebraska long-snapper T.J. O'Leary will offer his insights into Husker football through his weekly blog - The Upside Down World of T.J. O'Leary. If you would like to offer a suggestion for a future topic or ask T.J. a question, choose the "Contact Us" link on the bottom of this page, then choose "Upside Down World" under "Area of Interest." We may share your message with T.J., but he will not respond directly to your e-mail.

Welcome back for another edition of the Upside Down World. Last week really flew by with it being game week and the first week of classes. Now we are on to another week and another opponent, San Jose State.

Overall I would say that the team is pretty healthy after last week's game. The team was really excited about the win and now we have moved on and are preparing for another. It's just the typical weekly routine that is the college football season.

The saying goes that a football team makes its largest improvements between week one and two. So I am really anxious to see what we can do for this week.  

On game day one of my favorite things is, of course, the Tunnel Walk. I can't begin to explain the atmosphere after we say the "Day by Day" team prayer and you hear the loud speakers play "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project. It's really exciting and I love seeing all the fans erupt as we take the field. It lets me know that I am part of something special.

Another favorite part of last week, for me, was the first Unity Walk. 

The Unity Walk started in front of the East Stadium, where fans were there to greet the bus and to cheer as we unloaded. From there, we walked down to the northeast gate and into the stadium with fans lined up on both sides cheering as we walked by in a single-file line.

It was great seeing all those fans cheering us on. It was a big hit among players and everyone really seemed to appreciate our fan support. It was also a good opportunity to see some family and friends before the game. We normally don't get that chance.

Thanks for reading! Keep the e-mails coming with all the great questions and comments I will be responding to some of them soon in a blog.

Until next time, T.J.