No matter if you are born here in Nebraska, or move here, at some point something inside you makes you proud to say, I am a Nebraskan and the Huskers are MY team. I say MY team in the possessive, because that is how WE Nebraskans feel about OUR Huskers. Every last one of us, even if we move away and root for a local team, or go to a different school and root for our school, no matter where we go, or what situation, when we look inside the answer that comes out is, the Huskers are MY team, just as Nebraska is MY home.
Through and with OUR players, of any sport really but in particular OUR football team, Nebraskans and players have developed a sort of symbiotic relationship. Nebraska's pride motivates and invigorates us, and WE inherently expect to see that reflected on the field of play by OUR team. Over time this symbiotic relationship became the foundation for OUR traditions. In honoring OUR tradition, by doing their best on the field of play, OUR teams can be proud of themselves, even through the disappointment of the accessional but rare defeat. By motivated play and invigorating performances, Nebraskans recognize that OUR teams have done their very best, and no matter the outcome, can take pride in OUR teams accomplishments.
This relationship is not an easy one to live with. Obviously it will not always be amicable as our expectations are high for ourselves and our team. But this relationship, this tradition, has given Nebraska and Nebraska's players the confidence to say, no matter how stacked the odds against us, we can win! Together we have created an environment that expects and achieves excellence, and together we will get better day by day, until we can't be beat - we won't be beat!
To our Coaching staff. Coach Bill Jennings had many fine qualities as a man and a coach. He was an excellent recruiter, with excellent players, but he could not find a way to win. Unable to find the winning formula Coach Jennings resigned after the 1961 season. It was an act of honor and gallantry that benefited the team when he resigned. While few remember him as being a winning coach, many respect him for his selfless act that lead to the beginning of the longest winning streak in modern history. Coach Jennings may not have found the way to win, but he did not allow his teams or Nebraska to be embarrassed. Since Coach Jennings resigned we have seen three generations of Nebraskans enjoy success. Since your arrival, we have seen the end of every record that matters, and the worse loss in the 117 year history of this team. Please take the high road and resign for the benefit of our team.
To Nebraskans. Nebraska has lost something far more important than a football game. We have allowed the stewards we put in place to protect our traditions fail. The cause of the failure, be it egotism, ignorance, or incompetence, must be corrected. Nebraskans have a duty to protect and preserve the traditions that have made us great. Namely, to provide our players with the best, so that they can be the best. We have already begun the process of cleaning up this mess by replacing Mr. Steve Pederson with Dr. Tom Osborne. We need to make sure that we do not stop there. It is abundantly clear that the current coaching staff is incapable of providing the instruction and leadership our players need to be successful. If this staff should selfishly refuse to do the honorable thing and resign at the end of this season, we are left no viable option but to dismiss them at whatever cost.
To the players and recruits, it is a distinct honor and privilege to be asked, and to play for Nebraska. Nebraska has a tradition of giving it's players the best in order to become the best. Do not expect that tradition to change. Do not worry about the score nearly so much as the effort you put in to achieving it. Consider the honor that has been bestowed upon you to play for Nebraska, and expect and accept only the best from yourself and your teams. By achieving this goal, by expecting and accepting only the best from yourself and your team, you will always be a winner, and more often than not, the score will reflect that.
To our competitors. We thank you for your words of encouragement and support during our programs darkest hours. We congratulate you for the victories you have won these past four seasons. We look forward to meeting you in our future confrontations on the field of play, and we hope you will not begrudge us when we win.
Some folks may wonder at my game day blogs, do I really come up with my plan of attack before the game, or do I just write whatever down as the game progresses. I admit, I do a bit of both. I set up what I think is a good game plan then adjust as the game transpires. Too bad our coaching staff can't adjust huh?
Anyways, to give you an idea of how I do things, I am going to come up with my game plan for the beginning of the HUSKERS v. JAYHAWKS game ahead of time so you can see if I am on target or just way off base here.
As I stated in my preview, the Hawks have a very balanced and productive attack. This will allow them to take what they are given and win with it. This type of attack is the most dangerous to defend, and your players need to be in position to make the plays, and they have to do it man to man in many cases. The HUSKER defense will need to cover these receivers, while plugging the gaps and pressuring the quarterback. Assignments will be critical, good tackling and coverage are a must to allow the limited number of rushing men to reach the quarterback. Attack the quarterback as often as you can but cover your assignments first. Make sure your home when you need to be. Turnovers will be hard to get, but will really make a difference in this game. In practice, go over assignments, tackling techniques, and how to create turnovers. It might also be worthwhile to work on stamina.
The HAWKS defense has been a dominating beast all season, it is up to the offensive line of the HUSKERS to make their blocks and open the lanes for the rushing game. Without the ability to run, we are forced into a short passing game. We do not need to go for it all in one play, nor do we want to pass for 0 yards. If the play is going no place why take a completed pass for a loss or an interception? The HUSKER offense needs to spread the field, open lanes, get productive ball carrying, then work in the pass. Under normal circumstances I would say go for a deep pass to keep the HAWKS honest, but we pass so much now days, that kind of pass is expected. I say play under the coverage if we must pass, and take what they are giving you. Once they start getting in tighter then drop a bomb on them with a long pass. Patience is a virtue in this game, do not panic or give in to their game plan. Grind the yards and keep the HAWKS offense on he bench. Try not to be one dimensional. If we pass on every down, the coverage will eventually plant our quarterback making him a permanent resident of the HAWKS football field. In practice work on opening running lanes, and the short passing game around the 7 to 11 yard range using as many different looks and routs as possible, backs and receivers carry that ball with you all week, never sit it down, be ready to catch and hold it all day long, work on down field blocking.
Special teams should be ready to make huge hits in coverage, swarm the ball and make good tackles. We have a fine kicker, use him! 3 points is better than none.
Okay, there is my game plan. What do you guys think? Am I off base here? Should I be concentrating on something else? Speak up, who knows maybe ole Dollar Bill read my blogs last week hence the attacking D? I wish huh?
