Nebraska's Party Bus From Manhattan

A new book by former Nebraska offensive lineman David Kolowski paints a picture of a Cornhusker program under Frank Solich spinning out of control before Solich was fired. Kolowski, who walked on to the team in 1998 and eventually became the starting snapper for placekicks in 2002, kept a journal of his five seasons in Lincoln, chronicling his evolution from wide-eyed freshman to disgruntled upperclassman.

Although the 491-page "Diary of a Husker" alleges no NCAA violations, it details incidents surrounding the fall of the team from its berth in the 2002 BCS title game to next season's 7-7 finish that concluded with a loss to Mississippi in the Independence Bowl. A year later, after Kolowski had completed his eligibility, Solich was fired.

Arguably the most embarrassing incident Kolowski writes about came after the Cornhuskers lost, 49-13, to Kansas State in 2002. On the ride home from Manhattan, offensive linemen consumed pre-made Long Island Iced Teas and whiskey and cokes that players carried onto the team bus.

Kolowski also says that Jason Peter, a defensive captain from the 1997 team, spoke to the Cornhuskers before their 37-14 loss to Miami in the 2002 title game. Peter, according to Kolowski, offered a $1,000 reward to any defender who could knock Hurricane quarterback Ken Dorsey out of the game.

Predictably, the book is getting a lukewarm reception from Nebraska fans.