As the season winds down, it is time to reflect on what we have seen this year. Nebraska's Huskers had the worst season since before many readers of this sad entry where born. Think about that for a sec... If your 44 years old, the last time the Huskers had a season this bad, was before you where born. How on earth then could something like this happen?
When Tom Osborne left the Huskers to represent the state politically, he hand picked Frank Solich to continue running the program. Even after 35 years of stability and success, any new coach was bound to have some growing pains. Seriously, no coach, no matter how well equipped, could walk in and continue as Dr. Osborne had. Tom had the job down to a science, and he was the leading authority on the science he had helped create when he coached under Bob Devany. That said, I believe Frank Solich had a plan for the future of Nebraska football and he was slowly moving the team into it. Unlike many fans, I supported Solich. I didn't see any reason not to. He was winning over 70% of his games, and he appeared to be opening the team up by slowly introducing more play action passing. I agree, the bread and butter of Nebraska was, and probably always should be, the running game. However, the passing game was/is becoming too important to continue ignoring if we want to be successful in the future. Unfortunately other changes within the athletic department would disrupt the gradual changes Solich envisioned, and would ultimately lead to the downfall of our Huskers.
Athletic Director S. Pederson, took it upon himself to interject his vision of what a football team should be, rather than listen to the coaching staff that was hired and basically hand picked to handle these matters by Dr. Osborne. By doing so, Pederson disrupted the "natural rhythm" of the program, nearly costing them a losing season even with Dr. Osborne's replacement at the helm. The disgruntled moved on after that season, and Solich, in spite of Pederson's influence, brought in the necessary replacements to get the team back on track (winning) without making the immediate and drastic changes that Pederson demanded.
A winning record such as ours isn't built in a single season, it is mapped out in advance. I know I am being a bit controversial in my assessment here, but I think that Solich was slowly moving our team to the spread (or something along those lines), while Pederson wanted instant change that our personnel, at that time, could not fully support. Players must be selected, drafted, and trained to support the system we are moving to, while continuing to win in the system we currently have. This slow advancement is what I believe was taking place under Solich. That said, I think the talent we had in the pipe line, our underclassmen, where the type to move to the new system. We needed maybe a year or two more to flesh out the last few pieces of the puzzle. Unfortunately Solich never had the opportunity to see his goal through.
Okay readers, flame on now if you wish. I am simply stating what I think MAY have been taking place, and it is obvious at this point that we will never know for sure, so whatever flame you have will be along the lines of my writings at this point, speculation.
Still here? Okay, lets move on...
Pederson is a lousy ball player, but he knows how to sell cars. By selling himself and playing politics, Pederson was able to convince the Chancellors and many fans, that Solich was a lousy coach. This wasn't a hard sell. Solich was following a man that had won three national championships, and should have had two more, in his last five years as head coach. (Dr. Osborne) Another reason this was an easy sell was that many fans had become too proud of their team, and in doing so, could not allow themselves to see the changes that needed to be made in order to make the team a serious annual contender for the title in the future.
I'm not suggesting that the Huskers (at that time) could not hope to win a national championship running the triple option a few more years, but that was probably all the time they had left to do it. After that, they would have been left behind and would have found themselves struggling to catch up.
Pederson realized that no matter what he said, Solich would not make a dramatic change and risk a losing season until all of the necessary players had been put in place and he was confident we could win. Pederson clearly lacked the knowledge necessary to handle a team like this, but he was bitter and angry with Solich for not doing as he demanded. Pederson, who has more ego than any one person of his limited abilities should have, convinced the Chancellors that he could do a better job running the program with a different coach. Once the Chancellors capitulated, he exacted his revenge by firing Solich before that years bowl game. That act by Pederson was without justification and completely classless, and that is how I will always remember Pederson, classless. This was simply a move to embarrass and belittle Solich, I believed that then, and I believe it now.
To further highlight Pederson's lack of knowledge, Solich was fired without any kind of forethought. No coaches had been contacted, and if they had, the way Pederson fired Solich made it quite clear to any possible candidates that this school, under the direction of Pederson, was not worth associating with. To make matters worse, Pederson was trying to find a coach that would subject himself to Pederson's will. During this time, an entire recruiting class was being lost as days dragged into weeks, then months. When the situation became desperate enough, Pederson realized he HAD to do something as his options had run out. There where no coaches left that would come to Nebraska thanks to his antics, and to that end, we got Bill Callahan.
I'll admit it right now. I did not think Callahan was the right coach for Nebraska. He was not from a school like ours, and he did not have a record that included winning with, or even improving upon, teams he was associated with as a head coach. Furthermore, something about the way he coached caused dissention between him and within his teams.
Alrighty then. Anyone still out there?
The coach that broke the Athletic Directors back, was Bill Callahan. I don't care what you say about the man as a coach, Callahan is not a ####. He knew he had Pederson and the Chancellors between a rock and a hard place, and he squeezed them for everything he could get. He knew he could pretty much write his own lunch ticket because no other self respecting coach would even consider taking the job. To save his own hide, Pederson sold him to the Chancellors as the next best thing to owning tech stock before the bust. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he helped smooth the way for the loosing season he knew was coming down the pike, by selling the Chancellors on the notion that Solich had somehow caused it. All the while, Callahan was dragging in his buddies so they could get a part of the free lunch.
The west coast offense isn't a bad deal, but it isn't your typical college offense either. Like I have already stated, we had some underclassmen capable of running this type offense, but not so many that it could be run well. To further complicate matters, we all but lost the recruiting class Callahan's first year due to the Pederson act. As a result, Callahan was putting forth a team that was not as skilled as it could be in the offense he was running, and he had a limited number of new recruits his first year. That would come back to haunt him later when the defense and offensive lines suffered attrition.
As time marched on. Callahan never did manage to fit in with the Nebraska philosophy. He struggled to figure out why his teams under performed when they as students had not been given the full speed reps and instruction necessary to improve at their positions. To the credit of the students, they did improve on offense, but the complete lack of quality instruction on defense would signal the end of any fan support Callahan had. Callahan continued to treat his student athletes as if they where in fact professionals, and blamed them for the losses as his program spiraled into the toilet, further distancing himself from the fan base.
In the mean time, Pederson continued to work on saving his own rear-end. He had sold his soul to Callahan in order to save his hide, and he wasn't about to let the winning players of the past shine a spot light on the obvious pitfalls associated with the new system. To that end, he banned them from the program, and convinced the Chancellors to extend the Callahan contract even though he himself must have known that the future looked bleak. The beginning of the end for Pederson came before Callahan ever arrived, but it was jump started when the star players of the past came to Memorial Stadium during the prescheduled tribute game and had the opportunity to tell the Chancellors first hand exactly what they thought of the whole program.
From that point on, the team must have known that they would have an entirely new staff come next spring, but they continued to put up a solid front in the press as they watched their hopes and dreams shatter on the playing field. The only hope they had of a better future was the belief that Dr. Osborne would salvage the program.
I have spent much of my time here discussing what makes Nebraska fans and Nebraska football great. I have also pointed out some of the things a limited number of Nebraska fans have done to really tarnish the image of our state and the greater Husker Nation. I think it is important that fans keep their composure as things continue to slide in Nebraska, it is only a short matter of time until things are handled by the University.
I don't have any idea really what Dr. Tom has in mind as far as a new coaching staff goes. I know the man cares a great deal about the state, the university, football, and our players, and he will do what he believes will be the best thing for everyone concerned. It is up to the fans to keep the pressure on, but do so without compromising the core values of society.
Calling the coaches to tell them you think they are doing a lousy job is fine as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, it's the only thing we really have left. BUT, I do NOT think that gives anyone the right to threaten the life or wellbeing of another. Say what you want about the poor coaching we have seen this year, say what you want about how it is effecting the state of Nebraska, or yourself, but do not make threats.
I have commented several times this year that I am afraid for Callahan and his staff's safety. The recent phone threats highlight that concern. Fan (fanatic fanaticism) support is important to any great team. Fans can help direct the team in many subtle and more direct ways, without threats or resorting to mindless violence. However, when the fan base is battered and bruised as badly as this one has been all year, it is always a real concern that some unstable fan will "pop".
As a fan, I have no love for the coaching staff. The beatings I have taken this year due to the poor coaching is the worst I have had to endure in my lifetime, yet I hope the authorities take this seriously. I do not want to see one nut case ruin the reputation of Nebraska any further than it has been already. Nebraska football is important, but is it really important enough to lose your freedom over?
I have expressed in many posts just how important Husker football is to the state of Nebraska, and why and how this season has impacted the fan base so dramatically. Perhaps this "nut case" is the first and hopefully last to "pop", but the longer this season of fanatic despair continues, it is not unreasonable to expect more unstable souls to "pop", and I again stress how concerned I am for the safety of the coaching staff.
I'm not a nut case (at least I hope I'm not), but even I have had to school myself from saying things that could be taken as threatening when I've been fired up at the poor performances I have seen this year. Let's hope that is all this amounts to, but for safeties sake, prepare for the worst.
All we need is one fanatic hooked up with too much beer or ditch weed and things can get real ugly.
This season can't come to an end soon enough for me.
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.
Could the issues facing Nebraska this past month be the fact that the wrong man was in the pocket?
The numbers don't lie. Joe Ganz has really been that good. This stand out performance by Ganz begs the question, should Callahan have started him rather than Sam?
The Husker offense is looking much improved statistically, and is far more productive on the field with Ganz under center. Not only does he look comfortable in the leadership role, but the team seems to be responding better. No matter what argument you bring to the table, Joe Ganz has made it clear that this Husker team is his.
Congratulations Joe, the Husker seniors, and the Husker team for a big win this week. Kansas State has some good players and a good coaching staff. I expect they will bounce back pretty quick.
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.
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?
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.
