Any Husker fan that has been witness to this years (2007) Callahan travesty has had more questions than answers. Since Dr. Tom Osborne is the guy who will ultimately have to decide the future of the Husker Football team, I found it interesting to listen to his comments on the subject.
Some things that stood out to me, are the results that Dr. Tom takes into his evaluation of a coaching staff. I realize that we have a fairly Husker and Internet savvy crowd here, so I thought, what if I could bring together some of the highlights of the Callahan Huskers. As I got into it, I realized there was such an overwhelming amount of negative information available, that I could spend 100's of hour compiling it all for presentation.
Thankfully, I found a Husker fan out there who obviously had more time and energy than me to compile a small portion of the Callahan highlights. Below is an interesting short list of special records compiled by Callahan's Huskers. A special thanks to a devoted Husker fan, NebraskaHusker23, for this compilation.
Since Bill Callahan has spent the majority of this season throwing his players under a bus by stating they have not been doing their job, I found it interesting to hear his comments regarding the win last week. As you could expect, it had nothing to do with the players doing a fantastic job in every aspect of the game, it was he, himself, that should get credit for the fantastic play of the players on senior day. With ego like that, I'm surprised one of these guys (players) hasn't body slammed his self serving rear end into the practice field. Callahan refuses to accept the heat when the games are lost, and refuses to credit positive actions of his players. It really is all about Bill Callahan.
Well, Bill Callahan can go right ahead and toss the players under a bus, the fans with any kind of brain and the "higher-ups" that decide things, can clearly see who and what bill Callahan is now, and we fans are confident now that there is no way he will be here next year to spew his self-promoting garbage.
Please, I don't have the time to continue populating the list of wonderful things we have seen and heard with ole Bill running the show, including the records he has set in disappointment, so if you would leave comments with your lists of infamous accomplishments, I'd love to arrange them into an end of year "montage". Sort of an end of the Callahan era thing. Why is it that stupid song from The Wizard of Oz is running through my head....
Ding #### the witch is dead, the wicked witch .....
Pile on your comments fans.Lets get it all documented, I know I would leave something important out without your help.
I think Iron Mike grazed by something I have been harping on for the entire season, lack of motivation. I agree with him, Callahan knows x's and o's as well as anyone, but he has no idea how to get these guys motivated. Of course this interview doesn't address the hapless defensive schemes we have seen this year, but then how could Mike comment candidly on this without creating controversy for himself.
One thing I didn't agree with, is that this will take a long time to fix. I honestly believe that with the right coaching this team can win the Big XII North, possibly make a serious run at the BIG XII Conference, and at least end the season ranked. I don't think anyone could hope to see the NC run for some time to come. This team just doesn't have the history of consistency necessary to be given any respect in the polls, and I doubt we can see an undefeated rebound. But without question, I see with the right coach, a winning season Huskers can be proud of of.
As I was writing this I still had the TV on and I heard a sentiment that has been echoed by a vast majority of people, only two games left then we can start getting this fixed and go on to next year.
I had my post surgical follow up appointment today. I'd be lying if I said I was entirely thrilled with the news, but I am thankful. The Doc expressed how extremely difficult my surgery was, and that I am going to need to take it easy for quite a bit longer than I had hoped. I am stuck to doing extremely gentle and mild stretching and limited walking for the next 4 weeks at which time he will up my activity slightly. I am not to expect to get back to working until after the beginning of the year.
With that news for ya'll to digest, or should I say me...? Anyways here is my take on what makes a Husker fan one of the very best on the face of this here planet.
Football programs suffer from more than the loss of income without fans filling the stadium. Fans are the 12th player. They can effect the outcome of the games. Players are invigorated by hearing 85,000 fans stomping and screaming in support of them and they play harder, while opposing teams are intimidated and demoralized by the rabble and may play more conservatively.
Some schools can honestly say they have a fantastic fan base. For example, while doing some reading I discovered some of the attendance records for Nebraska's previous games. Check this out, Nebraska's game at The Ohio State, 09/24/1955 - 80,171.
The Ohio State Stadium, with its distinctive horse shoe design, is one of the most memorable and historic stadiums in all of college sports. The stadium now holds 102,329 people. While they do not claim to be sold out, Ohio State has 34 games going into 2007 that had 100,000+ attendance, or about .06% of the States population. I have not been there since the last renovation, but I admit some of my finest memories come from the visits I had there in my youth. That said, I NEVER experienced true fanaticism until I moved to Nebraska. (Whoa OSU fans! I didn't say your bad okay?)
The Huskers have sold out every home game since some time back in 1962, and Memorial stadium with the recent expansion in 2006 now holds ~ 85,000 people. Nebraska has ~ 4.50 % of the entire states current population sitting in Lincoln for every home game. In spite of the large number of people in attendance, Nebraska still has an endless waiting list that requires significant "donation" money in order to move up on the list in HOPE of getting a season ticket should one eventually become available.
Many teams have larger audiences, but the ratio of people who, can attend and do attend, does not significantly effect the over-all work force or economy of these states due to their significantly larger populations. In contrast, some cities in Nebraska are literally turned into ghost towns on game days, while Lincoln expands by nearly 1/3rd it's normal population. To get a better idea of what I'm saying, I live in the city with the 5th largest population in the state of Nebraska. On game day, the population of Memorial Stadium is nearly 3 times greater than that of the city I live in. Nebraska's fan base is so large compared to its population, that many events and businesses have to work around Husker football. Husker games so completely engross the population that retail sales outside of Lincoln drop significantly.
Unless you are a business that caters to the game, such as a sports bar or a pizza delivery joint, you are going to see a decline in sales during the game because everyone that can, will be watching or listening to the game. Not only do the sales dry up during the games, but staffing a business during a game...It isn't easy. I recall a new business (An international retail outlet) that came to our city back in 1991 that launched an investigation because sales dropped so significantly. It wasn't until they arrived to do the investigation that they fully understood the impact of a home Husker game on business.
The psychological, cultural, and economic impact, of Nebraska Football is more important to Nebraskan's than anything I have ever experienced. Think about this, when was the last time you can remember 4.50 % of your states entire population rallying around a single significant event, in the same location, not to mention the hundreds of thousands more listening or watching. People from all over the state, no matter what background or profession, unite in Husker "fandom". This coming together reaffirms and solidifies the fan base of Nebraska in a way that is incredibly powerful.
Yet even with this intense fanaticism, the decency of the Nebraska people makes them the kind of fans that can not only applaud the success of their own, but the success of others. More times than I can count, I have seen Nebraska fans recognize the accomplishments of visiting teams, and show concern for other teams players. In winning I have heard Nebraska fans point out the positives of the opposing team. In losing I have heard Nebraskan's credit the other teams for a well played game. I think this very quality, more than anything else, solidified my choice to be a Husker fan
You knew I was sending the quesions, well guess what, I got an answer.
Mr. Gill,
I wouldn't normally take the time to write like this, but I had back surgery and I have far more free time than I can stand!
I think the whole world must know by now that Nebraska is suffering a rough patch. As you can imagine, Nebraskan's are foaming at the bit to find out what will happen next. (and for other reasons...)
I know I can't ask you a slew of leading questions on the matter as your probably not at liberty to respond to them, and I respect that.
What do you think of the situation facing Nebraska? Is this a poetic
I guess the big question everyone is asking, with Dr. Tom back, would you consider returning to Nebraska as the Head coach if the offer was right?
Good luck to the Bulls when they face Bowling Green. You and your team would be amazed at the far larger audience that is pulling for you guys.
Thanks a million,
My real name etc etc
Hello Dan,
Thank you for the kind words. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Whatever happens with the Huskers or whatever happens with my future is in God's hands.
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.
Here it is, game day Saturday once again. The soaring Jayhawks of Kansas welcome our struggling Nebraska CornHuskers currently (4 - 5) to odd as it may seem, Memorial Stadium.
The Jayhawks have an unprecedented season going. They are currently (8 - 0), and a win over Nebraska would give them their first (9 - 0) start since 1908.
BIG RED TRIVIA
Since I have already covered my pre-game and game plan for today in my two previous posts, I thought it might be fun to see how many fans we have out there who can answer a few trivia questions about one of the most amazing games in Nebraska football history.
I am going to write a paragraph. Your job is to fill in the blanks.
Good Luck
In (1. Year) a team from (2. City, State) came to Memorial Stadium (actually Husker field the stadium wasn't built yet) to play the Huskers. The game was a shut out, Nebraska scored (3. Points). A record that still stands today. Another record was set that day by (4. Players name), he scored (5. Number) touchdowns. Amazingly, the Huskers where not undefeated that year.
Bonus question:
Who was the Coach of the Huskers that year? (6. Coach)
Double bonus question
A touchdown was worth (7. Number) points then.
I will update the post with the answers on Sunday afternoon unless you want more time...
Time to fire up that old radio so we can listen to our favorite thing,
Joe Ganz isn't afraid to run with the ball, and that should add a new wrinkle to our game today. If there is any one thing that may fire this team up, I think Ganz may be the catalyst of change. The way I see it, the pressure is off this week. Our guys are not expected to win (I honestly don't expect it to be close) and they have little or nothing to lose. As such I hope they come out fired up and ready to have a good time. I just don't know they can though. Lets face it losing all the time stinks
BIG RED FOOTBALL
Kick off Kansas receives
Touch back
Husker D stuff's first set 3 and out
Poor/ blocked punt.
Husker O First play a short pass.
AN OPTION PLAY FIRST DOWN!
0- 7 TOUCH DOWN GANZ! (run)
I'm not sure, but I think this is the first opening drive since the first game of the year to go for a TD. This is a fantastic start for the HUSKERS.
7 - 7 TD Kansas
7 - 14 Touch down Nebraska (62 yard pass)
14 - 14 TD Kansas
ohmann passing every down now?
3 busted passes.. 3 and out! Don't play one dimensional ball!
21 - 14 TD Kansas
3 and out
28 - 14 TD Kansas
28 - 21 TD Nebraska (pass)
35 - 21 TD Kansas
42 - 21 TD Kansas
Interception
48 - 21 TD Kansas missed extra point
48 - 24 Nebraska Field goal
HALF
Kansas scored on just about every drive, only stalled drive was first possession. At this rate, Kansas should finish with about 97 points and approximately 800 yards of offense.
Clearly we have abandoned the run game, However Joe is doing a pretty darn good job. Under normal circumstances this would be enough offense to be in the game. One dimensional play will kill us next half when Kansas adjusts though.
Another new record for Bill Callahan. Most points scored against Nebraska in a half of play. I don't recall any sacks this half. In general, we have been playing no defense, we are just being beat period on that side of the ball. I have no suggestions, I know they are trying. I just don't have the answer for this horrid defensive play.
Nebraska opens second half passing every down.
Ganz Option keeper 10 yards...
48 - 31 TD Nebraska (pass)
55 - 31 TD Kansas
Interception
62 - 31 TD Kansas
Fumble 2nd run since ? middle of 2nd quarter.
69 - 31 TD Kansas
Interception
Kansas Field goal attempt that appeared deliberately flubbed
Interception
76 - 31 TD Kansas
Now we run.... Kansas 2nd and 3rd team D is in.
76 - 38 TD Nebraska (pass)
76 - 39 2Pt. Conversion Nebraska (pass)
Scrub game now. Back ups to back ups playing now. It's pretty much over, just running out the clock.
I have no commentary about this game other than to say that Ganz can do the job. Please Dr. Tom, stop this blood letting. Congrats KU
Honorary Player of the game. Randy Crystal, Position - REF Called Kansas U, Kansas State.
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?
Nebraska Head Football Coach Bill Callahan has finally done it. There is no more reason for speculation, he has proven beyond all doubt, in my mind, that he is the worst coach in Husker history, if not the worst coach in sports period.
Saturday, October 27, 2007, Bill Callahan blames his players for a loss that was clearly not the sole fault of his players.
By now everyone knows that Nebraska has been suffering the worst football season since 1961, and that Big Red fans, better known as the Husker Nation, have been screaming at the top of their collective lungs for Bill Callahan's removal from the team.
I firmly believe that politics and money will keep Bill Callahan safe to the end the season. The honorable thing for Callahan to do at that point in the minds of most Huskers fans, based on his obvious lack of performance on the field, and his continued embarrassment of his players and the state, would be to resign. Unfortunately, Bill Callahan somehow managed to push through an unprecedented contract extension at the beginning of this season for a record sum of money, with an athletic director that has already been fired, and he has made it clear he has no intention of walking away from that money gracefully.
Callahan's comments to the press have been glaring examples of self promotion, or as I see it, passing the buck. Callahan has absolutely no intention of walking away from that money, and considering his poor abilities as a head coach at the college level, and his burnt bridges to the professional leagues, this may indeed be his last stand. By holding out for every dime he can get, he will make enough money to support his future. We are, after all, talking about millions of dollars here.
I believe our players, our University, our State, and our fans deserve a reasonable return on our investment in Bill Callahan. I believe that Bill Callahan has not delivered the goods we have been promised. I further believe that Bill Callahan has damaged the reputation of our players, our University, our State, and our fans, with his lack of production and his public comments. I also believe that Bill Callahan would resign if he had even an inkling of class, but I just don't see this happening.
When this season comes to an end, the Husker Nation will need sufficient ammunition to ensure that Bill Callahan is not here next season. This may not be as easy as it would at first seem. There are many facets to being a college football coach. Recruiting, graduation rates, program preparation, game day preparation, and a bevy of other less chronicled duties that go with the job. In other words, wins and losses, a major concern for any teams fans, are only one measurement of a coaches effectiveness. As such it is important that the Husker Nation bring to the negotiation table specific information that addresses the short comings of Bill Callahan's performance.
This information should relate to his coaching duties and his responsibilities as a representative of the University and the State of Nebraska. What the Husker Nation really needs are documented examples that establish and prove Husker Nation's position that Bill Callahan should not be allowed to retain his position as head coach at the University of Nebraska beyond the end of this season. By collecting this information into a single overwhelming body of evidence, then presenting this evidence to those who are in the position to effect change, the Husker Nation can rest assured that none of the information is overlooked in the decision making process.
Who knows, maybe my views are entirely biased and Callahan deserves to continue his reign as our worst coach in the new millennium thus solidifying his place in history with an exclamation mark, and by association ours (If he hasn't already) as the worst team in modern history. With that I leave it to you, the Husker faithful, to propagate the comments of this blog with the reasons you believe Bill Callahan's option should or should not be renewed next season.
It's time for another big weekend of HUSKER football, and my stating the obvious. We are starting our mini-run of away games with Texas, in the Austin Texas heat, or drenching rain and flooding. (hard telling lately what we'll get) One thing we are sure to get is a solid ground pounding due to the 3 nimble backs Texas has behind it's offensive line. Nebraska's defensive schemes have been allowing record numbers of rushing yards this year. The bright spot may actually be the Offensive line of Texas. Reports say they have had difficulty breaking open the holes their backs need for the big plays. I'll take any silver lining I can ...
The more things change the more they stay the same in HUSKER country. Again just rehashing the obvious, many fans are expecting to see greater fire from the players this week with the return of Dr Tom, but honestly, how much fire can the players be expected to exhibit? I have said it before and repeat it now, putting our guys in bad positions from the start, Dollar Bill Callahan and companies inept coaching has made good players look bad. If your not teaching and driving home the basics and running the practice till perfected method, and calling good plays, you can't blame the boys for this one. They are not after all, professional athletes.
A recap of local rumor mill stuff. The rumors of Dr. Toms return to the program have turned out to be true obviously. Amidst the growing speculation it has finally been confirmed. Deep pocket sponsors have now publicly voiced their willingness to money the program in a new direction. Amazing what you can over-hear in a hotel restaurant on a Saturday night after a loss to OK State. In reality it's not a real shocker to anyone, but it was interesting to get the unintentional eavesdrop and see it come true.
Other news. Recruits are backing out of their commitments left and right. Anyone that didn't expect this had to be in a cave someplace. At this rate, the walk-on program will have to be alive and in full swing next year, as Nebraska's home grown talent will have to come to the rescue. Hopefully all those corn fed boys will hit the ground running. This being the only real news to come out of the press box this week, besides more poor behavior by "fans", the weeks recap is rather bland.
I left out my fan rants this week. Nebraska Fans Are the WORST in College Football- period! Seems to offer a unique viewpoint and a bit of tongue in cheek. It's nice to see some more people putting the spotlight on the negative fan comments. So often we say things in the passion of fandom that we really don't mean, or we say things, wrong things, for what we perceive as the right reason. I'm sure I've done it too at some point. It happens to everyone eventually when they are supporting something with passion. In any event, one sure way to fire up the HUSKER faithful is to bash our boys. I admit I'm brand new to blogging, and I was overwhelmed by the response my first post received when I discussed the bags some fans had taken to the OK State game. I doubt that HUSKER fans can take being fired up more than once or twice a week, and considering the poor coaching, we already know one event that will fire the fans up each week until the season is over.
Player comments are like golden nuggets of insight. They tell you what the players are thinking and feeling. We have seen them run the gamut here lately. Depression, Loyalty, Disgust, Bewilderment, It's painful to see these kids have to suffer Dollar Bills poor coaching. They came here to win. They came here to learn. They came here to be part of something bigger than they will most likely ever be a part of again. These kids want a win, they just can't figure out how to get it done. Sadly with Dollar Bill at the helm, they might not get another one this year. The fans need to remember who is the guy holding the tiller when they fire their shots of disdain.
I can't give first hand commentary on the actions of the fans again this week. I certainly won't be making the road trip with this back of mine. I still have two weeks of limited walking, no sitting beyond 30 minutes, and laying around like a slug. Someone pass the corn bread muffins and pick up my remote please. Where is that gravy bowl? I wonder how fat I can get in three weeks? Yes, with inactivity comes some ~ depression (not clinical relax)
Bloggers and the media have speculated as to coaches to replace Dollar Bill, with the name Bo being mentioned in more than one post. Bo knows HUSKER football that we can be sure of, but would he want to jump into this wasps nest? I admit I have absolutely no idea who would be best. I am to the point of just getting rid of Dollar Bill today and letting any RAVING MAD HUSKER FAN* take over the motivational aspects for the rest of the season. They certainly couldn't do any worse. Heck, I'd even volunteer, and after my stint in the Air Force 20+ years ago, I should know better than to volunteer for anything. *raving mad and myself.. just goes together, but I'm sure there are about 1 million people that fit this description.
Okay, the truth comes out in case you missed it. Husker Nation: I'm sorry! I deliberately moved this down a few lines so any fans who have not already seen the first post from Scottstradamus would have time to digest it. I wonder does he have family that sells cars or moonlights with limo services? He looks a lot like the guy that sold my wife her last car. Seriously.
Best comment of the week when discussing the coaching staff. A comment my Father-in-Law made, "Those coaches would never make it as ranchers. Every time the cattle get out, they would go rustle them up, just to see them get out again. They never fix the hole in the fence."
My advice for this game is pretty much the same as last week.
Nebraska needs to control both sides of the ball up front. The D needs to bring in enough guys to take away the running game, and disrupt the passing attack by pressuring the Q-back. Another week of attack and swarm the football/Q-back. Watch for the occasional deep ball, but don't let it dominate the game plan. Do make the horns quarter back feel the heat as often as possible.
Our O line needs to dominate the trenches, and our backs need to run with authority setting up the passing game. It would also be a big help if our receivers would catch the ball and make plays after the catch. I know, it's hard to do when everyone knows your doing it. (Passing that is) That's one more reason why you need a good mix of run and pass.
To the play caller, whomever it may be this week. Try being a bit less obvious. Passing on 3rd and short last week in the second half, without a back to even make a fake to when we averaged 5+ yards a rush during the game, was a knuckle headed plan. I don't know what changed in the second half last week for sure. Well I do as far as plays called (play caller?). One thing for sure, it wasn't a positive change. You would think repeated failure to convert would have inspired an adjustment, but nobody fixed the that hole in the fence last week, they where too busy trying to rustle up the doggies! Spread the ball around, run a good mix of plays, and control the game clock, that is the objective again this week.
To the boys,
First: Create and control turnovers, even with the second halves crappy play calling, you would have been in the game last week with/without them.
Second: I know it's a difficult time right now, but don't go flat on us. Play to spoil. Try to have some fun. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Husk the "fans" that spit smut at you, and make them eat their own cobs. Ugh that was awful...sorry, poor attempt at humor.
The big ole radio is warming up again. It must be about time for HUSKER football! (I don't care if it is on TV, the radio and game day are tradition)
~
Under normal circumstances, I would say this is a very beatable Texas team, but I'm almost afraid to hope anymore. I just can't overcome the hamstringing of the team by the Callahan game plans. If we don't keep it close, we could see Texas in a scoring frenzy of unimaginable proportions. If we pull off the win I'll be pleasantly surprised and drink a toast to whatever luck inspired the coaches to finally make a correct call, or more to the truth, our players athletic abilities to overcome the poor coaching and other adversities that have been heaped upon them.
Considering the record number of yards allowed rushing by Cos' schemes, and the over reliance on the passing game by our O's schemes, particularly in the second half even when there are yards to be had rushing, I'm going to say: Texas 34 / Nebraska 17. (looks familiar...)
Nebraska takes the coin flip and defers.
UT starts at own 29.
UT spreading the field, our D needs to smack his butt (UT QBACK)
I hear they are hitting well. nice stop.
hmm why catch that punt? oh well...
we start from our 5 with a 10 yard rush
We are pounding the ground, Lucky is running well, the line is doing a nice job.
delay play was stuffed, but you almost had to try it.
I dunno, I might think of going for a 4-1 here, but nah... too risky and early.
Attacking D just what we need, but don't give away your targets early.
Corner blitz.. yes this sounds much better.
I am VERY impressed with the D right now. This is what we have been looking for all year.
Just stick it in the middle. Don't worry about trying to get around the end until you bust them up a bit.
3 and out with the penalty and run to the end..
Good save by green.
Get that pressure in there guys. He runs that option again and keeps it, paint a target on him for a hurtin`.
Yeah this pressure is NICE! I am thrilled.. only thing better is sitting them on their butts.
Field Goal UT
3 - 0
Good field position to start this drive 37
I love the run, but don't get one dimensional mix it up a bit.
go for it... 4 n 1foot over right side
Oh they're going to pass. Well, not bad, we certainly had it set up lol
I really like Castille when we get close. The guy has power.
Pass to the end zone was almost a hero's play.
Field goal
3 - 3
That's what we want. Make him feel your wrath. Very nice D.
Come on guys, mix up the plays. Don't play one dimensional ball.
hmm, burned all our timeouts already. That could come back to bite us before the half.
Okay we are seeing some movement.
UT is getting stingy time to work it o-line.
Punt time. Couple flags...hmm Be physical, but play clean, or clean enough lol
Didn't think they would ever get that play redone
Nice even if the flag is against us. You sat him down.
Oh man what a catch. like I said a deep one now and then but don't center on it
Why are we having a pass reviewed after another play has been called? This is poor officiating...
If your going to blitz you have to be tight in coverage so your guys can get to the ball.
That is the way to cover. Forced the play.
Missed field goal!
3 - 3
O-line needs to hold, and we need to run fast plays. Delays allow UT to close holes
Lucky gets a nice run after the catch for the first.
Nice run by Lucky.
Touch Down Nebraska woohoo!
3 - 10
Sack to end the half!
The pressure of the D is simply impressive today so far. I can't believe this is the same team we have seen all year.
This has been the best half of football I have seen from our guys year to date. The D is forcing the tempo and making plays, the O is drilling the ball setting up the pass, and we are actually taking a lead into the half!.
My prediction is way off for this one and I'm not upset in the least. Predicted 17 - 10 actual 3 - 10.
Plans for second half, Keep attacking McCoy making him rush, scramble, and pick himself up off the turf. Keep running into the pass. Mix the plays to keeps UT honest. O-line needs to keep up the protection and make holes. Please Please do not come out passing every down! Control the ball and the clock you have a win here!
1st and 10 at the 20 for the Huskers to start the second half
Huge pass play.
Oh Yeah TD Nebraska
3 - 17
The D is doing the job. I'm really proud of the boys to this point.
6 - 17
The O is working it but they still need to mix plays traps and pulling lines..
I am SO excited about this D today. They are holding them to 3 or nothing.
9 - 17
I apologize Mother-In-Law Called, She's planning a Prime Rib Dinner For the family her treat pending a win.
WIN WIN WIN lol I have a love hate relationship with food. I love to eat it, hate it when I don't have it.
Second penalty 5 yards motion.
Lets get away from being one dimensional. DO NOT PASS every down!
Pull the line run off tackle change your front but continue to set up your passing with the run.
Kudos to McCoy, He's a warrior that has taken a bunch of shots today. Glad he's ok.
He's back in and they need to keep the pressure on.
Man the D just blew that last series. Boys need to keep that pressure up front.
TD UT 2pt no good
15 - 17
IT gets hard now boys, now is when you have to reach inside and find the energy to keep up the pressure.
STOP BEING ONE DIMENSIONAL. WHY ARE WE PASSING NEARLY EVERY DOWN!
Stop making dumb mistakes on facemasks
INTERCEPTION, THAT IS THE WAY- ZACK POTTER YOUR THE PLAYER OF THE GAME AT THIS POINT!
AGAIN, WHY ARE WE PASSING EVERY DOWN!? GRRR BALL CONTROL TIME CONTROL DAMN! YOU WASTED THE PLAY OF POTTER BY PASSING EVERY DOWN AND GAVE THE BALL BACK TO UT WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SCORE!
86 yards untouched! MY God
TD UT
21 - 17
Stop going for it all in one play. Set up your passes.
TURNOVERS LOSE GAMES!
I have said it every week, stop passing every down during the second half, passing is high risk and unnecessary every down when your getting 4 yards per run! Your coaching these guys to a loss Callahan!! If we end up losing this game, it is entirely your fault due to the inept play calling in the second half as always. All we had to do was protect the ball, grind the yards for 1 TD and run off the clock, while allowing our D to get a breather.
TD UT another untouched run
28 - 17
Still passing every down. Now Keller is hurt. YOU HAVE PUT KELLER OUT TO GET KILLED CALLAHAN. ARE YOU PROUD OF YOURSELF? YOUR DOING A EXCELLENT JOB?
Ganz is in lets put some hope out for him. He is looking pretty good coming in cold.
TD NE
2pt good
28 - 25
Time for the hands team and do the onsides kick.
Griffin has it OH NO turned it over.
Come on D this is a huge series for you I know your tired from being forced onto the field nearly the entire second half by Callahan, but we are behind you.
OH MAN all those bodies and nobody took him down.
This game is all but over and Callahan better not enter into my dreams tonight. I'll have to go to confession for the ill things I imagine I'd do.
I usually do a game wrap up. I can't even begin to say what I want at this point. These boys played the way we expect them to and I'm proud as all hell for them, but CALLAHAN scr.ewed you guys over again by calling pass plays for nearly every play of the second half again.
Kudos to the black shirts. I really believe they did the best they could do today and as far as I'm concerned they deserve the respect of the fans this week without question. The offense did what they where told to do, the problem of it being, it wasn't the right thing to do, and the only one to blame for this loss is CALLAHAN and his insane over reliance on passing every down in the second half.
My coaching grade is a super freakin F
Per tradition, we feel our players did their best, and even with this back, I am going to go out and celibrate their efforts.
Update :
I think this was a win for our players. They played very well for as long as they had gas. They actually played better than I expected. The coaching win goes to Texas, as Callahan once again panicked and went to passing on every down in the second half.
Callahan stated in post game interviews, " the players lost this game as they did not make big plays". I suggest that Callahan lost this game because he didn't coach worth a damn.
Had Callahan controlled the game clock by rushing and setting up the passing game, he would have prevented Texas from having as many scoring opportunities, our offense would have had a better chance to score, and our defense would have been fresher to the end.
Big Red football takes center stage again this weekend in Nebraska as the Huskers take on Texas A&M in Lincoln Nebraska's Memorial Stadium. The many Nebraska football fans a.k.a. The Husker Nation, have been following the drama leading up to this game as closely as the would their own family business. The Husker football fans are without question some of the most devoted fans on the planet, and they have not been happy with many aspects of the Husker football program this year.
The last few days have seen the firing of S. Pederson, a man that many of the Husker Nation felt had put himself above the traditions of Nebraska. A man that hired external management to shelter him from his traditional duties of being an open door family oriented program, while attempting to install incentive programs designed to create tension with-in the program rather than unity We read stories of Former stars who have been unable to get tickets to games. Even stars as bright as former champion and All Century Team member J. Peter who requested 2 tickets, not for free mind you, to the USC game. We have heard of our storied alums not being allowed to honor the team as they have traditionally, by making sideline appearances from such greats as Rozier, winner of the 1983 Heisman trophy and 2006 election to the Div-1A Hall of fame, and others. One of Pederson's more controversial decisions as AD was letting Frank Zolich go after going 9-3. What everyone agreed was classless letting him go BEFORE that years bowl game. Frankly, Pederson's ego finally over-road his obligation to the Husker Athletic programs, and he found himself standing at the curb holding a soggy, day old newspaper over his head in a down pour. Eagerly awaiting his appearance, where 1 million Husker fans driving busses. I doubt anyone offered him a ride.
On a side note: Unconfirmed reports suggest a local tanning company has sued Pederson for damage to property and unpaid tanning and waxing sessions. More on the uni-brow tanner story as the situation develops.
We have seen the election and acceptance of DR. Tom Osborne as the new interim AD at Nebraska, and the Husker Nation has listened to Dr. Tom as he says there are no quick fixes to this situation. That said, we have read reports that some things the Husker Nation felt should have never have been abandoned, are already returning to normal. The images of our Nebraska football hero's locked in a closet during Pederson's reign, have been returned to their rightful and traditional places. Dr. Osborne has reached out personally, and in the press, to all former players letting them know they are welcome to visit ANY time as tradition dictated. Nebraska is about tradition or even more simply stated family, and Dr. Tom in his first moments in office reestablished what we fans have always held as the foundation of our program. Family first.
As many outside the Husker Nation are just beginning to understand, it will take something monumental to force Dr. Tom to exercise his option to dismiss Dollar Bill Callahan before the end of the season. Dr. Tom unlike his predecessor has the class to know you don't screw the kids over that way unless it's a very last resort. Husker faithful can agree that we would rather lose these last few games with the two faced hound of Satan than lose our faith, tradition, and honor. As such, Dr. Tom has the luxury of allowing Dollar Bill Callahan all the rope necessary to tie his own noose. In other words, how tight and how effectively Dollar Bill hangs himself will determine if he makes it to the end of the season.
Many will tell you, a win is a win (Just ask Dollar Bill Callahan), but ask any Husker Nation member what a win is and they will say any game we felt our player gave every last bit of themselves on the field is a win. The Husker Nation is accustomed to seeing Nebraska football players smashing into the trenches like valiant warriors. We expect dominating performances from our defense and offensive line. We expect to see inspired running plays by backs that refuse to go down unless the whistle has blown or the Touch down scored. We expect defenses and special teams that hit hard, make turnovers, and score points. We expect to see our gladiators giving their all, from start to finish, on every play, on every down, in every game situation, to bring home a victory. In doing so, they are winners no matter what the final score.
The Husker Nation has been sadly disappointed with this years showing as we have already stated. I think it is safe to say that most of the angst is against our next man of the hour, Dollar Bill Callahan. Looking at Dollar Bill's record we find a man that has enjoyed... Hmm 14-14 in the big 12 mediocre, 17-18 NFL record, mediocre/loser. Against ranked teams at the collegiate level, 0-7, loser. Motivating his players to perform seems to be his Achilles heal. Every team he has been the head coach of has collapsed with the number one complaint being that he has a failing grade when it comes to unifying and motivating his players. I think the entire Husker Nation past present and near future turned over when we saw the extreme lack of motivation our boys exhibited last week against OK State.
The next knock would be his version of the west coast offense. With a 3 inch thick play book, the amount of time required to learn this offense by skilled players is extensive. Many college ball players do not have the time to study a play book that is thicker than their Microbiology text. Furthermore, expecting college players to have professional abilities is a huge stretch. The overwhelming majority of these players will never see a snap in pro ball, as such it is insanity to place such expectations on them. Many believe that the team needs to figure out something they can do, do it well, and move on. The team appears to be out of position and ill prepared thus making the players ineffective against opponents they should not have troubles controlling.
One of the biggest reasons Dollar Bill has lost the support of the Husker Nation is the fact that he has scaled back to the point of extinction, the Husker walk on program. I can understand that this is a complex system, and he needs players with experience. What I don't understand is why he would exclude, seemingly out of hand, the abilities and commitment of the young men that are willing to die to play. Any Nebraska coach had better embrace the walk-on program, after all, Nebraska is about family!
~
That brings us to this weeks Game against Texas A&M. I hear the radio warming up.. I have a big old tube radio that has broadcast radio coverage of Husker games since before Pederson, Callahan, or myself was born. It's tradition, it was handed down in the Family, It's time for Nebraska FOOTBALL!
My pre-stated prediction 28 - 34 A&M wins
Nebraska Black shirts better be on the ball today. Intensity and converging on the ball are mandatory against the A&M run game. It's time to smack some heads with aggressive play. For the O, they need to control the line of scrimmage, receivers need to catch the ball, please, and our runners need to knock defenders headless as they blow by the A&M defense.
A&M wins the toss, and defers to Nebraska.
The sound of the crowd suggests that I am not alone in the high hopes for our boys today.
First play is a hand off for 9 yards! There we go smash-mouth football. Then we got cutsie passie, drive ended.
Ruud is down after first defensive play. Knee - May return.
Lawrence down during A&M first drive- Ankle - Will return
A&M opening drive ends in TD. The extra point is blocked. Hopefully a spark to the lack luster D.
0-6
2nd drive sounds impressive as we score. Seems like a pretty good mix of run and pass. Extra point is good
7-6
Listening to the A&M drive, I don't hear that Nebraska is busting the middle. We are not bringing a rush - forcing side to side running.
Ended the drive by actually putting on a pass rush causing an incomplete pass.
Field goal A&M - In general I consider this much better play from the D than last week. They appear to be going after the ball better.
7-9
Turnovers lose games! Ball security boys. You had a good drive going. I give the fudged play of the line-man missing his block with half that turnover.
1st quarter ends
Nice way to make a stand, a pass rush that ends the drive for A&M.
Turnovers Turnovers You can't blame the D for this one! (-7)
TD A&M
7 - 16
BALL CONTROL Passing every down is Not going to make a winning drive. 4th and 3 incomplete? Anyone heard of the running game?
Zach Bowman almost a hero. Dropped interception. Keep at it.
Nice blitz for a sack.
3 and out... Nice D
Now mix up the play calls a bit no passing every down!
That was a nice drive. Used the run, set up the pass and got the TD
14-16
1 minute left starting from our 20, we have red uniforms and a mission...
I wonder, will they pass?
There's your half.
First impression,
Defense is going after the ball much better this week. We are even running a few rushes and getting some pressure and sacks. I like to hear they are hitting people with conviction. I like to hear they are working their way to the ball as plays progress. Still giving up too many yards. They need to continue the pressure up front and stretch the field. Bring the rush, and take away the comfort zone of the A&M offense.
Advice: Look for more running plays to set up short passes from A&M. Control the front and spread the field. Keep people in the A&M backfield it will keep them off balance. Take it to them.
Offense
The line MUST control the point of attack. Play calling is much better this week, however an over reliance on the passing game makes you predictable and easier to defend. Set up your passes with the run.
Advice: Run a good mix of plays and spread the ball around. Do not play one dimensional. Control the clock reduce the amount of time A&M has to make plays.
Ruud has not been back. he went out in the first defensive play with a knee injury. I like this guy, I hope he will be ok.
Important Plays TURNOVERS Blocked extra point was a positive, even if it messed up my prediction. The punt was awful.
My half time prediction was 14 - 17 the actual score is 14 - 16.
Lets see what the boys do in the second half. This is where things could get away from us. The adjustments needed and the stamina needed could be lacking. If they properly adjust and continue to play as they have I think my game score prediction is pretty safe.
Opening drive for A&M is looking good they made good adjustments on offense, put our D off guard
TD A&M
14 -23
A&M is doing exactly what I figured. They are running the ball and using the short pass. The D MUST adjust... anytime now Beuller? Beuller?
TD A&M
14 - 30.
The game is opening up now and our D is not responding. This was my fear in making such a close prediction. The D has to control the front and spread the field, it's not happening.
4th quarter
Why are we passing on 3rd and 2? That was dumb! Very poor play choice there with Castillo sitting on the bench. No deception at all.
D holds for a 3 and out ok, maybe we got something going.
The O is playing 1 dimensional. I know it eats time, but set up your passes with the run. your getting like 5 yards a rush!. You pass every down your going to get stuffed.
Guess I was wrong about the D they just got lucky one series.
TD A&M
14 - 36
O line breaks down Turnover
Game is all but over at this point. As I feared, the defense did not adjust to the running game short pass attack. They ran out of gas probably because they have yet to actually play out a game. with the kind of intensity that is required. The O line has continued to be suspect, but then the play calling makes them look that way. Calling nearly all pass plays in the second half, it was not difficult to figure out what was coming.
A&M gets the win with 36 points up. 2 more than I expected. while the 1 dimensional offense shot itself in the foot scoring only 14 points, 14 less than I predicted.
OK, that game is over, What do we think of the future of Dollar Bill Callahan? I think the motivation of players was better this week. The play calling in the second half reeked again. Adjustments seem to be a foreign word to this coaching staff. With further conditioning the players do seem to have talents. I think we can credit Dr Tom, coaching or not, for the improved desire, but the players just don't have the gas to play to the end. It is now up to the staff to put them in the best positions to make plays and win games. My vote is this is a coaching loss, closely followed by a player loss, that quite frankly is the responsibility of the coaching staff to have conditioned and ready to play.
I have been NPO now for about 3 hours. My alarm will go off in about 2 hours, and then I will get myself ready to go. I check in at 06:30 for my surgery. You know, I have such high hopes of success; you would think I would be over the top with nerves. I probably would be except my doctor prescribed me the Pill.
You know I have been fired up about the Huskers. Callahan acting the fool, Pederson's ego-ectomy, the sound bites proclaiming the return of Dr. Tom, the general up rise of nearly every man woman and child over the age of 4, and you would think with me going under the knife in just a few hours I would be more worried about that than my Huskers.
The truth is I am hoping I will be so much better after this surgery that I will be able to go back to being the physical hard hitting kind of guy most people don’t take me for. You see, I have had these terrible reoccurring nightmares that I really don’t mind, of Dollar Bill bumping into me in a bar, and for whatever reason, he gets into it with me, and I release the last 4 years of frustration on him. Oh I know, I know, I could never do that, but in my dream anything goes. I punctuate each phrase with a nice steady combination:
Praise the Lord and pass the can!
For opening your mouth and making denigrating comments about Oklahoma.
POW!
For cracking that pie holed face and making crude comments about another teams quarterback in the press.
BIFF!
For draining the will to win from the young men you are supposed to coaching to win
BAM!
For running your mouth and ruining the reputation of the fans of this great school.
WAP!
For destroying the walk-on system at the University!
CRACK!
For destroying the longest winning season streak in the history of college football!
ZAP!
For ruining our teams record of most consecutive post-season bowl appearances!
CHUNK!
For denigrating the traditions that players and fans have held since long before you were deposited!
KAPOW!
For boldly lying to the players, alums, and fans, of UNL on how you would make this team better than it had ever been before!
ZAP BOOM!
And lastly for making my dear wife’s grandmother cry when she saw what you had really done this season.
KNOCKOUT!
Okay, I embellished the last one, but it was a LOTR moment. :o)
After reviewing this post, I'm going to have to remember to ask the Doc for some more of them pills...
Now that the Nebraska football program has completely imploded due to the highly suspect coaching and preparation by coach Callahan, and what has to be the most uninspired play in the history of the school by its players on both sides of the ball, fans are trying to find something to cheer for.
After the thumping by USC, fans didn't give up on the team. USC was supposed to be the big man on campus, and lets face it, they have much greater talent and coaching.
Then Mizz came along... This was a closer game in the minds of the fans, even though Mizz had better coaching and the talent was at least as good on paper if not better in some respects, the fans did their best to stay with the team as they had their collective butts handed to them.
Now comes OK state; again better coaching, stats just as good if not better than Nebraska's, mainly due to Nebraska's poor coaching and player performance over the previous weeks. However, fans held out VERY high hopes that this would be the big win the team needed to pull itself up from it's slump.
As the first quarter came to an end, the stadium, historically never empty until well after the last play, began to empty. As disgruntled fans made their way out of the stadium, the Nebraska players continued to implode, the unimaginably poor play of the once proud Black Shirt defense made avid fans literally sick. (I am not kidding here folks; some actually threw up)
It has also been greatly discussed; what, if anything, could be done for the team.
#1 Equip the receivers with butterfly nets. Maybe it will help them catch the ball! (This was a suggestion from a 4 year old holding a SpongeBob Squarepants net)
#2 lock Callahan in a closet, and beg the local champion peewee league coach to take over the helm. Lets face it; he couldn't do any worse at motivating and teaching basic ball control to these players.
#3 Just let the peewee league players take over at this point, they have shown considerably more fire and willingness to adapt and make the plays on both sides of the ball.
#4 Trump up some reason to end the season now before the boys destroy any hopes of recruiting any players worth snot in the future.
I can't even begin to list some of the other suggestions I have heard. The BLEEP monitor would blank so many words, the reader would not understand what the suggestions where.
So what does this mean for Nebraska? They have the worst coach in history when it comes to preparation and motivation of college football players. I'm serious, no team has the perfect roster, but the good teams go out and show the desire to win. A savage primal need, to do the best they can as a team and individually, that is completely lacking in this team. And as long as this situation continues, the wins will not be realized.
Now that many season ticket holders and students are unable to give away tickets, let alone sell their tickets. It is obvious that the only people who will continue to support the team by showing up for the games must somehow shield themselves from the open ridicule they will receive. To protect the emotional/professional/physical well-being of these loyal fans, It has been suggested that paper bags, red and or black depending upon the side of the ball you wish to show your support for, be sold at the gates, or given away at various locations, to protect the fans identity.
Well, this week’s embarrassment is over, or just beginning.
I guess I will have to go find myself a couple bags. Maybe a bag that is half red half black would work. I can't knock the teams QB, given what he has had to work with, he at least does appear to be trying. No props for the O-line when it comes to the running game, or the tipsy dropsy receiver corps however. Half black in memory of the defense that I used to know so well. The defense that made it easy for the team to win by busting heads, stuffing plays, and making turnovers... I sure miss those days. I hope the tradition that goes with that shirt will be upheld. NO more Gimmes...
I edited the spelling on this post with-out changing content. I really rushed it so it would be up with-in minutes of the games end and didn't take the time edit. I am a bit surprised and pleased by all the attention. Thank you.
Here it is, game day Saturday once again. The soaring Jayhawks of Kansas welcome our struggling Nebraska CornHuskers currently (4 - 5) to odd as it may seem, Memorial Stadium.
The last few days have seen the firing of S. Pederson, a man that many of the Husker Nation felt had put himself above the traditions of Nebraska. A man that hired external management to shelter him from his traditional duties of being an open door family oriented program, while attempting to install incentive programs designed to create tension with-in the program rather than unity We read stories of Former stars who have been unable to get tickets to games. Even stars as bright as former champion and All Century Team member J. Peter who requested 2 tickets, not for free mind you, to the USC game. We have heard of our storied alums not being allowed to honor the team as they have traditionally, by making sideline appearances from such greats as Rozier, winner of the 1983 Heisman trophy and 2006 election to the Div-1A Hall of fame, and others. One of Pederson's more controversial decisions as AD was letting Frank Zolich go after going 9-3. What everyone agreed was classless letting him go BEFORE that years bowl game. Frankly, Pederson's ego finally over-road his obligation to the Husker Athletic programs, and he found himself standing at the curb holding a soggy, day old newspaper over his head in a down pour. Eagerly awaiting his appearance, where 1 million Husker fans driving busses. I doubt anyone offered him a ride.
We have seen the election and acceptance of DR. Tom Osborne as the new interim AD at Nebraska, and the Husker Nation has listened to Dr. Tom as he says there are no quick fixes to this situation. That said, we have read reports that some things the Husker Nation felt should have never have been abandoned, are already returning to normal. The images of our Nebraska football hero's locked in a closet during Pederson's reign, have been returned to their rightful and traditional places. Dr. Osborne has reached out personally, and in the press, to all former players letting them know they are welcome to visit ANY time as tradition dictated. Nebraska is about tradition or even more simply stated family, and Dr. Tom in his first moments in office reestablished what we fans have always held as the foundation of our program. Family first.
The Husker Nation has been sadly disappointed with this years showing as we have already stated. I think it is safe to say that most of the angst is against our next man of the hour, Dollar Bill Callahan. Looking at Dollar Bill's record we find a man that has enjoyed... Hmm 14-14 in the big 12 mediocre, 17-18 NFL record, mediocre/loser. Against ranked teams at the collegiate level, 0-7, loser. Motivating his players to perform seems to be his Achilles heal. Every team he has been the head coach of has collapsed with the number one complaint being that he has a failing grade when it comes to unifying and motivating his players. I think the entire Husker Nation past present and near future turned over when we saw the extreme lack of motivation our boys exhibited last week against OK State.
