If you are a hardcore College Football fan, you will have your eyes, ears, nose, heart, and soul peeled to the ticker anticipating the All-American dial of National Letter of Intent signing day. Every College Football geek will be at their wits end looking for their prospective studs to sign the bottom line, and at the least, offer their services for the next 3 years.
Recruting battles for the services of 'supreme' athletes have long been told, and have long been rumored. In the new age of the internet and free information, these stories have lost a bit of luster, but nontheless are very real, and very important.
So a little more than a week from now, the latest rage of College recruits will give their pledge to their school of choice. Are you excited?
You should be. If you follow College Footbal in any form or fashion. Why would you ask?
Great coaches such as Jimmy Johnson, Bobby Bowden, and Barry Switzer have long admitted that "great players make great teams". Even my alma mater's greatest coach of all-time, Tom Osborne, has admitted that "you cannot win without great athletes". With great players comes great success. We only have to look at the teams who have 'dominated' the recruiting ranks over the past 8 years to get a grasp on this very important day.
USC, LSU, Florida, Michigan, Georgia, Oklahoma, Miami, Texas, and Ohio State (sorry if I missed your beloved University) have very much ruled the roost in recruiting in the 2000's. A simple look at the great teams in the 2000's also has a strong correlation on how these teams have fared on the field as well. Argue against this fact all you want, but you will be very long-winded in your approach.
The National Championship teams in the 2000's you ask?
2000: Oklahoma
2001: Miami
2002: Ohio State
2003: LSU, USC
2004: USC
2005: Texas
2006: Florida
2007: LSU
It isn't a coincidence that the best recruiting classes have had a nature of finishing on top. EVERY coach in the nation will tell you that recruiting is the "lifeblood" of ANY program. Good or bad.
Post 2002, Miami and Florida State have been the ODD exception. They have continued to recruit extremely well, but have yet to put that 'said' talent into motion. A likely disturbing fact for any Seminole or Cane fan to take a bitter pill that is likely tough to ####. Especially when you consider the amount of talent that they have put into the NFL over the past 5 years. (Ouch!)
So without any further introduction, who are the main players in this years National Lottery for the best talent to move their teams to the forefront? Not many names have changed, but some new additions shouldn't surprise anyone either. The best ranked classes are as such:
Rivals is the more respected recruiting service. There are others but Rivals and Scout have put forth the best services, and best recruiting information over the past 7or 8 years.
If you are not a fan of the teams above, shoud you be dismayed? NO! SImply look at the success of such teams as West Virginia, Rutgers, Kansas, and Missouri in the past couple of years. Recruiting isn't the end all, but looking at the numbers above it is pretty much an absolute if you want to compete for the ultimate prize. Success is always the 'beauty' in the eye of the beholder.
So........ you ask, who are the studs this year that a guy should look out for in the future? I'm glad you asked. I'll give you a breakdown of this year's CAN"T MISS guys, along with where they are going as well.
Terrelle Pryor - QB - Jeannette, PA - #1 Ranked QB - #1 Ranked prospect:- UNDECIDED: Terrelle is by far the most touted player in the class of 2008. Bar none. His performance in the Army All-American game left little doubt that this is a man amongst boys. The Vince Young comparisons are undeniable. He is 6' 6" and 235 lbs. AS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL mind you. Rocket arm, and 4.4 speed only keep the comparison to Vince alive as well. Without a doubt, THE BEST player in the College Football Lottery this year. Schools of interest?: Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. WORD is it is down to Michigan, Oregon, and Ohio State. NOS says: Michigan wins this years lottery as Pryor heads to the U with the 'inventor' of the spread.
DeQuan Bowers - DE - Bamberg, SC - Best DE prospect in the country. College of Choice: Clemson. AT 6' 4" and 267 lbs already, this is a kid who will play immediately at the next level. Nickname: The Beast. What else needs to be said?
Julio Jones - WR - Foley, AL - WR - Supposedly the best WR in the country. This is my BIGGEST doubt of the entire class. On film this kid doesn't look all that amazingly fast. However, he does have a knack for making the big catch, and usually amongst a lot of traffic. I can't doubt the interest, but I am skeptical on the next level ability. Schools of Choice: UNDECIDED. Schools in the running: Alabama, Florda, Florida State, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech. Where he will end up? Undoubtedly Alabama when all is said and done. Florida will make a hard push, but I see him wearing the Crimson and White for his home state and Nick Saban. Don't expect much Tide fans. I believe you'll be unimpressed. My vote for biggest bust.
Patrick Johnson - DB - Pompano Beach, FL - BIggest, most athletic, hardest hitting DB in the country this year. Kid has it all when it comes down to physical secondary talent. School of choice: LSU. Les Miles likely gets what I consider the 2nd best player in the country. HIs upside is unbelievable, and may end up being a #1 overall pick in the NFL draft . SERIOUSLY watch for this kid in the future.
Darrell Scott - RB - Ventura, CA - Immediately, you think this kid is going to USC right? NOPE. The best RB in the country is down to Colorado, Florida, LSU, and Texas. I say he will end up with Urban Meyer in Florida. Other rumors are, unbelievably, that he would end up in Colorado. Obviously the kid wants to play early. Thus the selection of colleges left. With the early NFL entry of Jamaal Charles at Texas, they have entered the game late. Whoever gets this kid, expect immediate results. At 6'0" and 204 lbs he may seem a bit undersized, but so was Knowshon Moreno. And this kid has a TON more talent.
Baker Steinkuhler - OL/DT - Lincoln, NE - My hometown. Great kid, and obviously stepping into his daddies shoes in heading to the University of Nebraska. The 1st 5 star talent in the history of Nebraska football. The kid dominated in the Army All-American game camps, on both Offense and Defense. Before the season started in the fall of 2007, this kid was barely on the top 200 radar. After the Army All-American game, he has leaped into the top 10. Nebraskans are simply hoping he can be half the player his 2 time All-American father was at Nebraska. If you dont' know who Dean Steinkuhler is, he was the guy who ran in the infamous 'fumblerooskie' against Miami in the 1984 Orange Bowl.
AJ Green - WR - Summerville, SC - NOT SOLD. I've heard of too much talent coming out of SC lately since Spurrier has been around. Haven't seen much production. This kid has an incredible upside, but I'm not a big fan of his film. Looks to be very overrated to me. School of choice: Georgia. Not too mention, Georgia has a solid history of overrated WR talent. My vote for 2nd biggest bust. Practically I can feel comfortable in gving the top 2 ranked WR a bust mode. Over the years, they have been the most fallable.
Will Hill - ATH - Jersey City, NJ - Welcome to the Tim Tebow of this year's class. This kid screams winner. Through and through. Lacks a ton of flash, lacks a ton of speed, but when plays need to be done, this guy gets it done. Possibly my favorite player of the 2008 class. Undoubtedly, he will be Will "The Thrill" Hill when he dons a Gator jersey, and this kid has all the makings of another Percy Harvin, and maybe even better. Urban found a gem. At 6' 3" and 203 coming in, the kid has potential for a number of positions. Likely a WR as a Frosh, but the ceiling is unlimited for this kid. Maybe even a future spread QB, after Tebow leaves. The other side says, overrated. Maybe. But he will be a star on the Collegiate level. Maybe not the NFL.
Other Notables to look for:
Blaine Gabbert: QB - MISSOURI - # 3 ranked QB. Had to put him here, former Nebraska pledge switched to instate Missouri Tigers. Best arm in 2008, and at 6'5" and 225 already with 4.7 speed the kid has a ton of upside as well.
Nigel Bradham: LB - Florida State - Regardless of rankings, this MIGHT be the best player of anybody in the country. IF you remember Mike Singletary, this is the next best thing. Plus he has speed. When he comes to hit, he has some seriously BAD intentions. Scariest player of the group. If FSU can make him better, he may be the best of the best.
Jermie Calhoun: RB - Oklahoma - Forget Darrell Scott, and you have Jermie. Comparisons to Adrian Peterson are inevitible in Texas, but this kid is supposedly the 2nd coming. And yet again, he heads north to OU. Keep an eye on this talent in the years to come.
Michael Floyd: WR - Notre Dame - Best hands and best route running skills in the entire class. At 6' 4" he will fill an immediate impact role at WR for the Irish. A big reason to believe the Irish step up to 7 or more wins next year.
Boubacar Cissoko: DB - Michigan - Likely DB starter for Michigan when he steps on campus. He has decent speed, but his best credientials are his abilty to read WR's and react. Along with his unbelievable open field tackling ability. Immediate producer for RR at Michigan.
Tyron Smith: OL - USC - At 6' 5" and 260 pounds, it might not sound like he is ready. Neither was Kristofer O'Dowd last year at about the same measurements. Might need a year, but this will likely be the next dominant OL in USC lore.
Andrew Luck: QB - Stanford - Why does Stanford get so many good QB's? The Elway legend continues, as well as the ultimatum of a quality education. This IS the most accurate passer of the entire bunch. Stanford got the steal of all steals. If I were to honestly rate them, Andrew would be the #1 NFL QB, and Terrrelle would be the best. You can take your opinion from there.
Brice Butler: WR - USC - Kid out of Georgia looks to be the real deal. Not the biggest WR at 6' 2" but this kid seems like a steal. If you can call him that, for USC. Incrdible pickup for Pete and company from Georgia.
JB Shugarts: OL 0 Ohio State - This kid will be an animal. Already is. Undervalued at 6' 7" and 299 pounds. He will be a stalwart in the legendary history of Ohio State lineman. Will be a great one, I have no doubts.
The next best star? He is actually named Star. Star Jackson from Lake Worth, FL. He is going to........ yes Nick Saban and Alabama. He impressed big time in the Army All-American game, and will LIKELY start next year for the Tide. WOW, can Nick recruit. My biggest sleeper to watch for in 2008 is Star Jackson. He will get every chance to play at Alabama next year.
That is the recruting breakdown, from your friendly College Football geek. Good, bad, or indifferent.
Only 1 week left on your shopping calendar. I'll take a Hummer. And no, not the one I got in Vegas last year. I prefer one without the gold grill and racing stripes, please.
Time to really break it down. The best of the best, the mano y mano. The King of Kings. Heck lets get on with it. Who will win?
Outback Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Tennessee (- 3): You can't spell shut out without UT. Much less the Outback Bowl. Wisconsin is spectacular in bowl games. UT isn't. Sorry Vol fans, I have to side with the much maligned Badgers. Take Wiscy in the upset.
Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs. Missouri (-3): Most people will be lead to believe that this will be a shoot-out. I very much beg to differ. The Cotton Bowl has traditionally, for some reason, been a tight, low-scoring affair. If that is the case, I'll side with the team that doesn't belong here. Arkansas. Another dog, and another Nos upset special.
Capital One Bowl: Michigan vs. Florida (-10): Michigan can't cover the spread, let alone a spread offense, right? Looks WAY TOO easy to take Florida, right? Exactly. Take the team with something to prove. That team is Michigan. They are not as slow as everybody even comes close to imagining. Michigan WILL cover, and might even pull off the shocker as well. Of course I may be drunker than Paris Hilton right now as well.
Gator Bowl: Virgina vs. Texas Tech (-5 1/2): A team that was a half away from the ACC Championship takes on a 7th or 8th best team in the Big 12? The Big 12 team is favored? Why? This will be a pretty good game actually. Good defense against good offense. Me? I'll take great Defense everytime. Look for Howie Long's son to create some serious havoc for the Red Raiders. Not a big fan of it, but I'll side with the dog again in the Hoos.
Rose Bowl: Illinois vs. USC (- 13 1/2): Big number. Especially when considering two teams who really like to grind it out on the offensive side of the ball. On the other hand, I just don't see Mendenhall and Juice getting much running room. Which means Juice has to make this close with his arm. I don't like his chances of doing that. USC is the most versatile team in the country. And when push comes to shove, they would rather you line it up right at them. And that is exactly what Illinois will give them. The Illini are getting better, but this is a monumental task for them to overcome. Especially in USC's backyard. Lay the 13 1/2, and take the Trojans in a 35 - 13 final.
Fiesta Bowl: West Virginia vs. Oklahoma (- 7): It was - 7 before Rodriguez quit. Likely to move to 10 or more very soon. Vegas already told you the outcome on this one. The Sooner offense looks to be too dynamic for the new and improved Mountaineer defense. The big question is, whether WVU can score with OU. A question they have not been often asked. With the departure of Rodriguez, I don't know if this team rallies, or quits. I'll side with quits. I believe that RR was the heart and soul of this team, and will be a great addition at Michigan. Without a doubt, the best hire in the 'off-season' was made by Michigan. Thus I'll side with OU to cover comfortably in a romp. Not too mention, if you want to stop the spread you need solid DE's and LB's. Oklahoma has that. And then some.
Sugar Bowl: Hawaii vs. Georgia: (- 9): Isn't this the same number OU was favored by? Oh, that' s right it was 11. Colt is pretty good. Not great. Georgia's defense will be the most physical Hawaii has seen all year. Especially when they start subbing on the offensive and defensive lines. Plus Georgia will have the most speed AND size Hawaii has EVER seen. June Jones said he was scared in warm-ups against Washington? A team that is DEAD LAST in the Pac 10? Sorry Hawaii, Boise State's Fiesta miracle ends here. After Boise State last year, you will NOT be taken lightly. What WILL happen is you will be EXPOSED. This is the NOS guaranteed laugher of the bowl season. Knowhshon Moreno and Thomas Brown will combine for OVER 400 yards rushing, and the final score will be somewhere around 52 - 13. In the wake will be Colt's NFL chances as well. Nope. He doesn't play in a system offense........................................... ................ok.
Orange Bowl: Kansas vs. Virginia Tech (-4): Interesting. I'm banking on the ENTIRE world taking Va Tech in this one. Seems too logical. ON second hand the OVER/UNDER should be about 8. My play on this one is definitely the under. For the game? I'm not sold on either team. Which means it will likely be a classic. Remember the field goal battle with Penn State and Florida State a few years ago, when Posluszny went down with a knee injury? Likely, this one will mess up my winning bowl pool entry. Then again I won't be in it anyway. When in doubt take the dog. RIght? Then again take the proven commodity in a bowl game. I'll go wth Va Tech. Actually I will. IN THE NOS #1 BOWL GAME LAUGHER. THE NOS PLAY OF THE BOWL SEASON.
BCS CHAMPIOSHIP: Ohio State vs. LSU ( - 5): Speed, speed, speed. Right? As long as you hear it from the media and SEC fans. The Buckeyes are NOT slow. And the Sweatervest will have some things up his sleeve to stop a supremely inefficient Tiger offense. I FULLY expect Ohio State to come out and PUNCH LSU in the mouth from the get go. IT will be game on from the beginning. LSU will be VERY much surprised in the athleticism and SPEED of the Buckeyes. In particular a man called Vernon Gholston. A MAN-CHILD. He will be in the LSU backfield all night. They will also be overwhelmed by the physicality of the OSU line, and Beanie Wells WILL run for over 130 yards. Ohio State Will be the best offensive line that LSU has faced all year. BAR NONE. Question is, how will Glenn Dorsey respond? I'm VERY sure the public will be surprised on that one as well. No, it is not 2002, but I look for Ohio State to pull the outright upset.
Let us take a walk down memory lane, shall we? The year was 1977. Tom Osborne was the head coach at Nebraska and was the named successor of then Athletic Director, and legendary coach, Bob Devaney. The Huskers were off of their 5th straight defeat to Barry Switzer and the mighty OklahomaSooners.
In 1973 Bob Devaney named Tom Osborne as his successor at Nebraska. At that time many a Husker faithful were unsure of his status as being named head coach of such a prestigious football program. After all, Tom was simply a Hastings native with relatively little recognition around the nation as being an ‘it’ guy. Bob Devaney had resurrected a program into a 2 time defending National Championship squad that had the look of being able to hire a ‘name’ coach.
Much to the Husker faithful dismay, Osborne stepped in as the head man. 5 years later in 1977, the Husker Nation was calling for the proverbial head of Coach Osborne after 5 straight defeats to the dreaded rival Oklahoma Sooners. His ‘passing offense’ was ineffective, and the Sooner wishbone was the ‘it’ offense. Osborne nearly fled for greener pastures to Colorado for a program willing to give him a chance to recoup the days of legendary coach Chuck Fairbanks.
In 1978 Coach Osborne received his greatest reprieve as Nebraska beat Billy Simms and Oklahoma when Simms fumbled near the goal line late in the 4th quarter in what looked like a typical ‘Sooner Magic’ comeback against Osborne and Nebraska. The nay-sayers were quieted for one week as Nebraska turned around and lost to James Wilder, Kellen Winslow and Missouri the following week. What entailed was another matchup against that same Sooner team in the Orange Bowl only to witness another Sooner victory over our mighty Huskers.
In 1977 Osborne changed his offense to the now famed I-formation. He had scrapped his pro-style offense for a version of the wishbone that had passing opportunities still intact, as well as the famed option offense that was ruling College Football at that time. In 1979 and 1980, much the same ensued when Nebraska lost to their dreaded rival Oklahoma in close but agonizing defeats. Osborne was getting more heat from our Husker faithful as well. The "He is no Bob Devaney" comments were very common.
1981. The turn to the future. Nebraska stomped Oklahoma that year, and were moving towards their well known team of 1983 led by Turner Gill and Mike Rozier. The tables had finally been turned. Turned in a ‘mere’ ‘short’ 9 years. Many a coach nowadays doesn’t enjoy 4, much less 9 years to turn the tables on a pesky nemesis.
Then there was The Game.
The 1984 Orange Bowl that ensued after the Husker dream season of 1983. The season known as the ‘Offensive Explosion’ team from 1983 in Husker lore. Turner Gill, Mike Rozier (Heisman winner), Irving Fryar, Dave Rimington, Dean Steinkuhler, and the like, were the dominant force in College Football that year. They beat nemesis Penn State 44-7 in the season opener, and pretty well rolled to a 12 – 0 season before the famed Orange Bowl game against 17 point underdog Miami.
The Miami team from 1983, with Howard Schnellenberger as coach had introduced College Football, again, to the forward pass. Bernie Kosar, merely a freshman, was at the helm for the Hurricanes that season. What ensued was one of the greatest games in the history of College Football. Miami pulled out a 31-30 victory over Nebraska in which Coach Tom Osborne could have settled for a tie, AND a likely National Championship with a point after kick. Tom didn’t feel like ‘settling’ was the Nebraska way. He went for 2 and the win. Winners don’t settle for ties and ‘given’ titles. Winners earn them. And that remains the mantra of the entire Husker Nation.
Weirdly, on a night when Tom crushed the Husker Nation with his biggest of daggers, he gained the most respect of his followers. He had ‘burdened’ himself with the absolute support and love of the Husker Nation in a time when much of the nation questioned his dumbfounded decision to go for ‘2’. Husker Nation rallied in support of his decision, as we prided ourselves upon doing the ‘right’ thing when everyone else in the country would have simply backed into a National Championship.
Such is the Nebraska way.
In the following years, the Huskers enjoyed success but nothing that would have been expected after the incredible run from 1981 – 1983. The recurrent losses to Oklahoma started to ensue again, and then the upstart of Colorado in the late 80’s and early 90’s began to hit home with Husker faithful.
Colorado won a National Championship in 1990 with the ‘questionable’ recruiting and coaching of Bill McCartney. After many years of frustrating losses to Oklahoma, Nebraska had found a new kid on the block. And after the near death penalty sanctions laid upon Oklahoma in 1989, Nebraska was entering a new age of College Football. The rise to power of Colorado did not sit well with the Husker faithful once again. Not too mention that Colorado had a National Championship to their claim since 1972, and the Huskers did not. Their short reign was shunned in the 1991 season, but Husker Nation was once again caught at a crossroads. The inevitable whippings our ‘boys from the corn’ took from the much quicker and more athletic Miami’s and Florida State’s took hand, and more grumblings for Osborne’s departure ensued.
The game had passed TO by, and his lackluster staff was a mere shadow of the early to mid-eighties teams that we had in years of lore.
After another humiliating loss to Florida State after the 1992 Orange Bowl (played in 1993), Tom requested his entire defensive staff to matriculate down to Bobby Bowden’sFlorida State Seminole staff to learn the vaunted 4-3 attacking defense. A staff that included Charlie McBride and George Darlington. If you know any Husker fan over the age of 30, I don't believe that they have NOT uttered the words Jesus Christ before the names of McBride or Darlington. And not to mention was the signing of the legendary Tommie Frazier took place in 1992. (NOTE: This was before the 1992 season.). The emphasis for speed and athleticism brought about by Bowden and Jimmy Johnson had taken a stronghold in College Football. Without it, you simply couldn’t compete with the best. In 1991 and forward, the Husker staff strongly held true to that notion, and were recruiting speed much more than size. They were also very fortunate to gain many solid offensive lineman that were either Nebraska natives or were flying under the radar pertaining to national recruiting.
In 1993, the Huskers unveiled their attacking 4-3 defense after their visit to Florida. With Trev Alberts and company, it was one of the fiercest defenses in the entire country. With Tommie Frazier at the helm, the option attack was once again very productive due to an extremely productive defensive team. An 11-0 roll through the regular season saw the much-maligned Huskers, once again playing against Florida State in the Orange Bowl. This time as the #1 ranked team, as 17 point dogs, and with all the marbles on the line. In a tightly contested battle the Huskers lost a heart-breaker 18 – 16. In a game where the oft-criticized ‘slow’ Huskers showed that they belonged, and then some, they fell in defeat once again. Once again Tom Osborne was ridiculed for not being able to ‘win the big one’.
After 21 years of coaching Tom Osborne was once again being shunned as a ‘nice’ guy but not a winner. A man who could win a lot of games, but never a winner of anything noteworthy. After 21 years, coach Osborne was at the brunt of many a Husker fan looking for something ‘better’.
The next 4 years, Tom secured his fate as the now legendary coach that the Husker Nation now holds him as being true. Three, yes count them, three National Championships secured his legend as the ‘best’ coach in Nebraska history. After 21 years of turmoil, it took a short 4 years to unseat many a Husker naysayer.
Upon his departure in 1997, Dr. Tom named his successor in Frank Solich. In 2002, he was on board with the hiring of Steve Pederson as Athletic Director. A decision that many Husker fans are ruing to this day.
So……throughout Tom’s many, many years with Nebraska, a large number of his decisions have been questioned by the Husker faithful. Now, WITHOUT question his decisions will be UNQUESTIONED? Thus far in Tom’s career he is 0-2 in his off the field decisions regarding Nebraska football. He started his career at Nebraska 0 – 5 against Oklahoma. Do I see any similarities? Do you?
At a time when our entire program is at its direst of straits, I’m simply here to question the Husker Nation? Is Tom Osborne going to make the correct decision this time? His track record of making these kinds of calls is far from glamorous. Do I have undying faith that he will guide us in the right direction? Let’s just say I’m a little skeptical to say the least.
There have been many rumors and many scenarios named over the past couple of weeks (self-included), and I stand opposed to Husker Nation right now as to the future of our program. Bring in a ‘Nebraska guy’? Don’t feel all warm and fuzzy if that is the decision to come down the pipeline in the next few weeks. Tom’s decisions over the years have been unquestionably doubted, and at a time when we need him to make the BIGGEST of decisions you should not be so prudent to believe blindly that our fate is in the ‘best of hands’.
I LOVE Tom Osborne as much as any Husker fan. He has given me many of my fondest memories. I just question his ability to lead us in the right direction when our future is at it’s mightiest of stakes. As should you. His track record is not as glorious as most of the Husker Nation would lead you to believe. If Tom had retired in 1992, without a doubt he would have been the last person our program would have looked to now for a strong direction for our future. Don’t let the last 4 years of his 25 year tenure as head coach cloud your perception. The facts speak for themselves.
Are we in better hands right now? Undoubtedly. Just don’t expect greatness to be exhumed from our fateful situation that we are now resident upon. Please let cooler heads prevail, and expect more failures to come about before we can even begin a rise to power once again.
Do we have to hire a Nebraska guy? Doubtful. Ask Oklahoma and Bob Stoops. Ask Urban Meyer and Florida. Ask Pete Carroll and USC. Ask Jim Tressell and Ohio State. Ask Mack Brown and Texas. Are they program guys? Then again ask LSU if they think ‘all that’ about Bo Pelini? Let’s just say I have more questions than answers right now, and my biggest question is whether we actually hire the right guy.
The Sky is Falling......The Sky is Falling! The ever famous words of Chicken Little are screaming mightily in Husker Nation as we speak.
After Saturdays humbling 41 - 40 victory over lowly Ball State, Husker Nation critics are coming out of the woodwork. The proverbial call for the heads of Bill Callahan, Kevin Cosgrove, and Steve Pedersen (AD), are starting to gain some momentum statewide.
Your Uncle Nostradomus is here to set you straight with the REAL state of Husker Nation.
In January of 1998, Tom Osborne was finishing out his illustrious College Football head coaching career with his 3rd National Championship. Nebraska football had NEVER been better over the short 5 years in which the Huskers were the best team in College Football. A 17-16 loss to Florida State in the 1994 Orange Bowl National Championship game (#1 vs. #2, pre-BCS), and as a 22 point favorite loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship game were the only blemishes that kept the Huskers from the unheard of feat of 5 STRAIGHT National Championships. (Note: A 19-0 loss to Arizona State to start the 1996 season, was overcome, and the Huskers were ranked 2nd going into the 1996 Big 12 Championship game. A win would assure them a game against Florida State in the National Championship game. Instead, the loss sent Steve Spurrier, Danny Weurffel and the high-flying Gators to a repeat engagement with the Seminoles who upset them in the season finale. So, Gator Nation, you owe us Husker faithful a bit of reprise as well.)
After Tom Osborne's retirement after that 1997 National Championship, he self-appointed his successor: Frank Solich. Frank Solich had been a long-time assistant under Doctor Tom, and not many a Husker faithful would question his guidance in his selection. Bill Byrne (AD at the time) would have been run out of the state if he did not honor coach Tom's direction.
Thus ensued the downfall of the Huskers as we know them today.
During the '98, '99,'00, and '01 seasons, Frank had some successful seasons utilizing the players that Tom Osborne had recruited. Eric Crouch came to Nebraska simply for the fact that he was an option QB and was an Omaha native. He HAD to go to Nebraska, because he wouldn't have been able to be successful anywhere else. Frankie enjoyed some success over those 4 years with TO's recruits compiling seasons of 9-4, 12-1, 10-2, and 11-2. However, it was the losses on that margin that were becoming the most disturbing.
Sure, Nebraska was taking care of business against the also-rans on their schedule, but they were struggling mightily against opponents who could match up with them on any given Saturday. In 1998, Nebraska lost to an inferior Texas A&M team on the road in a 28-21 loss. They lost as 16 1/2 point favorites to Texas. And they were beaten by Kansas State for the first time in over 30+ years, 40-30. In 1999, the Huskers had a very good season, but again were stymied as 9 point favorites against Texas. We were able to exact revenge on the Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship, but any National Title hopes were dashed by the earlier defeat. In 2000, the chinks in the armour started to really show themselves. Sure a 10-2 record was nice, but a 31-14 loss to Oklahoma, and Franks new found losing record of 1-2 against Kansas State, started to rear its ugly head. Losing to Kansas State is simply unforgivable in Nebraska. We can take losses to Colorado, Oklahoma, or Texas. Not K-State. A top 5 finish to end the 2000 season bred hope in Husker Nation, and an 11-0 start and a #1 ranking in the polls only added fuel to that hope. Eric Crouch won the Heisman Trophy that year, and the Huskers seemed destined to be in the National Championship game.
Then it happened...........it REALLY happened. The #1 Huskers travelled to Colorado as a 9 1/2 point favorite against a pretty decent Colorado team. A 62 - 36 loss later, and Husker Nation was crushed. Add more fuel to the fire, the Huskers were inexplicably placed in the National Championship game, even though they were NOT Conference Champions. Colorado held that honor. The Huskers rolled into the Rose Bowl as 8 1/2 point underdogs. I still remember to this day absolutely laughing my arse off about that line. The inept Husker squad was about to play one of the greatest College Football teams of all-time and were ONLY getting 8 1/2 points. My thoughts were precise. Miami rolled to a 34 - 0 haltime lead, and in all actuality could have named the score that night. The final score of 34-14 was nowhere near indicative of how mismatched this game was. Husker faithful got our 1st true picture of just how far our mighty Huskers had fallen. In 2 short games.
I only presumed, that without TO's recruits, it would get worse. I couldn't have been more right. A 7 - 7 season ensued after an appearance in the National Title game. Amongst those 7 losses included 7 - 40 to Penn State, 14 - 36 to Iowa State, 21 - 24 to Oklahoma, 24 - 27 to Texas, 13 - 49 to Kansas State, 13 - 28 to Colorado, and the one that took the cake a 23 - 27 loss to Mississippi in our bowl game.
The road to mediocrity was complete. When Frank took over the Husker program they were fresh off of one of the greatest dynasties in College Football history. In his 1st year with HIS recruits the Huskers had fallen to a 7 - 7 record. The 1st non-9 win season in 40 years. Not too mention he held a 2-3 record against a Kansas State team that we had not lost to since 1969. Colorado and Kansas State had surpassed us as the best teams in the newly formed Big 12 North , and Texas and Oklahoma were light years ahead of us. No longer were we recruiting from the talent rich states of Texas and California, but were trying to win with 2 and 3 stars, and an occasional 4 star athlete. That doesn't get it done in major College Football.
Steve Pedersen, the newly appointed AD at Nebraska demanded changes in Frank's coaching staff. He obliged Mr. Pedersen by hiring Bo Pelini as Defensive Coordinator and Barney Cotton as Offensive Line and Offensive Coordinator.
I'm sure many people remember Frank getting fired after the supposedly successful 10-3 season that the Huskers had that year. But records can definitely be deceiving. The Huskers only played 2 ranked teams all year. 2 of the losses were 24 - 41 to Missouri, and 9 - 38 agasinst Kansas State. Furthering his abyssmal record against Kansas State to an embarrassing 2-4. In the 38-9 loss to Kansas State, our 'star' Defensive Coordinator rushed the field after the contest to complain to the Kansas State staff for "RUNNING UP THE SCORE!" of all things. Frank Solich was fired after the Colorado game, and Bo Pelini was left to coach the Huskers in their Bowl Game against an inferior Michigan State team. Once again, Bo Pelini could not handle his emotions, and made a mockery of himself during the game. In Nebraska we look for cooler heads to prevail.
The search for the new Husker head coach began after that bowl game victory, and through many let downs the Huskers finally settled on Bill Callahan, the ex-Oakland Raider coach. Bo Pelini thought that the head coaching position should have been handed to him, even after he embarrassed the entire state with his antics over 2 of the last 3 games in which he was involved in. Not too mention, that was the 1st year we had ever seen Mr. Pelini on a sideline in Nebraska.
The entire nation was giving Nebraska grief for firing a guy who had just finished a season with a 9 -3 record. Salty stuff for many teams across the country, but in retrospect, it was very average considering the schedule and the way that we were getting beat. 39-8 pastings at home against Kansas State just don't fly very well in Lincoln.
In 2004, the Bill Callahan era was ushered in at Nebraska. To this day, I believe that this was the right decision, and we have a solid head coach. The West Coast offense was to be unveiled in Lincoln that year, and the Husker faithful were to be introduced to balls being chucked around all over the field.
Not so fast my friend. Mr. Callahan was still operating a West Coast Offense with Option Offense players. Talk about oil and vinegar. Sure Bill could have gone down the same road as his previous Nebraska brethren, but he was intent on advancing the Huskers into the new millenium of spread offenses, and multiple wide receiver sets. Heck, Oklahoma won a National Championship in 2000 with a new coach, and a complete scrapping of the Wishbone attack for more of a Spread-Read offense that they run still to this day.
Callahan endured the 1st losing season in over 40 years at Nebraska, while finishing with a 5-6 record and no bowl game appearance. The end of the longest bowl streak in College Football history, still to this day. In 2005 Callahan knew he had to bring in a QB that could run his offense. Zac Taylor ended up being the JUCO recruit of choice. The Huskers improved to 8-4 that season with an Alamo Bowl victory over a much better Michigan squad.
Needless to say, hopes were high in 2006, and some people were talking of competing for a Big 12 Championship. Callahan's JUCO recruited QB ended up as the Big 12 offensive player of the year, and 1st team All-Big 12. They made it to the Big 12 Championship game in which they lost to Oklahoma in a game that was much closer than the 21-7 final. They then travelled to the Cotton Bowl to take on 9-2 and 10th ranked Auburn team. The Huskers were the better team on the field that day, only to lose a heart-breaker 17-14. The Huskers finished at 9-5 and many people said that we had not improved solely because our record was the worse than the year before.
As I've said before, records can be deceiving. In 2005 the Huskers won their last 2 games to finish 9-4. In 2006 they lost their last 2 games to finish 9-5. They played better teams in 2006, thus a worse record.
Now we have our introduction into our 2007 season. The Husker Nation was expecting a return to National Prominence. I wasn't so sure. They still had to play USC, and Texas on the road, all the while losing their entire front 4 off of the Defensive side of the ball, and introducing a new QB as well. Sam Keller has been good. But he has also had some struggles as well. There is no doubt that the Huskers are a ways away from competing with the big boys, but the signs are still there.
The biggest problem facing the Huskers this year, is their much-maligned defense. I can't argue in any form or fashion that we have taken a step back on the defensive side of the ball. There are many things that lead to this problem. 1st we lost Carriker and Moore off of our defensive front 4. In order to run a successful 4-3 defense you MUST have solid DE's. We don't have them this year. The lapse of our front 4 also leads to productivity problems at LB and the entire secondary. Unless LB's are allowed to run free to make tackles in the run game, you will have problems. If the front 4 are unable to put pressure on the QB, your secondary will be exposed regardless of how good they are. But, they aren't making plays when they have the opportunity either. Players have been in position to be successful, they just aren't doing it.
Thus leads me to my final observation of the current status of the 2007 Huskers and beyond. Callahan has been recruting very well, and we are seeing some of the most talented athletes to ever walk through our Husker program. However, if we do not shore up our defensive front 4 we will struggle, and we will struggle mightily. Injuries and losing out on top recruits to other schools have no doubt hampered our success of the front 4 on defense. This has to improve, or we will not.
Frank was given 6 years to dig our program into the ground. We should at the least, give Callahan 6 years to reverse that trend. Whatever you may say about Solich, he has set our program back an entire decade. If you really think we were competitive with him, while he was coaching HIS players, then you are sadly mistaken. Not too mention the worst thing we could do right now as a program would be to fire our head coach. If Cosgrove does not improve his defensive schemes and adjustments over the course of the rest of the season, then I have no problem letting him go, heck, Wisconsin is glad he left anyway.
If we were to fire Bill Callahan after this years season, then we will have likely stuck a fork in the entire history of our program that we will never recover from. The elite coaches in the country would have a hard time coming here, unless they knew they had the undeniable support of the AD and the entire staff at Nebraska.
At the very least, give Bill his 6 years, just like the drunk midget received. If we have not seen improvement towards 10 win seasons, then I might be right along with you in searching for a new coach. Until then, Bill Callahan has my undenying support as a Husker fan. Sure I'm a little flustered right now, but patience is what we all need to pracitce right now.
By the way, if we do end up firing Billy C in 2009, well, you can pretty well kiss our program into mediocrity for quite a long time. All the great teams have had their down points as well. This is ours. We were lucky enough not to have one for over 40 years.
So all I ask of the Chicken Little's in Husker land right now is to practice some patience. The same patience I practiced when Frank was in charge. I'll only assure you that the ending results will be much better this time around. Give your Huskers the most support you can, in a time when our entire program needs it the most.
The first 2 weeks of College Football have been nothing short of sensational. Some big time upsets, and some big time teams that have shown early signs of weakness.
Week 3 will surely have some more ups and downs in store for us, and as always another shocking upset is likely, as it will be during any weekend this year.
A look at what is on tap for another great weekend in College Football:
Thursday:
West Virginia @ Maryland (+16 1/2): The Mountaineers have proven that their offense is as good as any in the country over the past 3 seasons. The big question has always been their defense. Thursday night they should get a pretty good test as to just how good they really are. Ralph Friedgen is an excellent coach, and brings in a very underrated Terps team that is hungry for the upset. The history of Thursday night home dogs on ESPN pulling off the straight out upset is storied, and this game looks like another possible addition to that lore. The Terps have enough talent in Steffy and Heyward-Bey to keep this one close, and maybe pull off the shocker. Tough NOT to take the points in this one.
TCU @ Air Force (+8): TCU gave Texas a tussle for 3 quarters last week. We should expect them to be a little beat up from that contest. The Falcons are 2-0 and are off of an upset victory over conference rival Utah. However, TCU has one of the best run-stopping defensive units in the country and expect stud DE's Blake and Ortiz to dominate the Air Force option. TCU rolls.
Friday:
Okie State @ Troy (+10): Troy is a notorius thorn in the side for Big 12 teams. They were able to put up 31 on Florida, and now they get a sluggish defensive team at home. This one has all the makings of an outright Troy upset, and with Bobby Reid on the sideline one should not be surprised if they do.
Saturday:
Ohio @ Va. Tech (-21):Virginia Tech has been less than impressive in their 1st 2 outings of 2007. Now they get a pesky bunch from Ohio. However the drunken midget brings in the least talented bunch that the Hokies have played against, and look for the Hokies to take care of business against an offense that is supremely overmatched.
Toledo @ Kansas (-22 1/2): The world's biggest blueberry has assembled a very good squad down in Kansas this year. Their 1st weeks 52-7 pasting of a pretty decent Central Michigan squad proves it. Each year we have a team that rolls early and keeps the momentum going throughout the year. Kansas just might be that team in 2007. Look for another dominating Jayhawk outing as this Toledo bunch is a far cry from earlier 2000 mellenium squads.
Tennessee @ Florida (-8): Normally this classic showdown would get top billing on most any other weekend. But with Tennessee's poor performance against Cal, this game has lost a bit of its luster. Tim Tebow has shown that he has no intentions on this being a 'rebuilding' year for the Gators, and we will get our first look at how good this years youthful Gator defense really is. Ainge MUST make plays for the Vols in order for this to be close. The line seems a little short, thus scares me a bit. I'll have to stay away and watch, but my gut says the Gators roll and put the nation on notice that they intend to repeat.
Fresno State @ Oregon (-16 1/2): The Ducks rolled the reeling Wolverines last week in the Big House. Fresno State suffered a heart-breaking defeat at Texas A&M. With the Stanford Cardinal on the slate next week for the Ducks, the 'trap' game is not an issue. Look for Dixon and Stewart to continue impressing pollsters and Heisman voters in Autzen Stadium.
Pittsburgh @ Michigan State (-11): Dave Wannstedt needs this one bad. The emergence of Rutgers, Cincinatti, and South Florida in the Big East has put added fuel to the fire for his dismissal. Expect the Panthers to put forth their best effort. However, the Spartans have been rejuvenated by new Head Coach Mark Dantonio, the ex-Cincinatti leader. If Pitt loses this one, the grumblings for Dave's departure will begin to boil. A strong play in College Football is to always play against an embattled coach. Take the Spartans.
Ohio State @ Washington (+4):Ty Willingham has a winner at QB in Jake Locker. The touted redshirt Freshman has been impressive in the Huskies 1st two outings. If the Buckeyes can't get more production our of their offense, then an upset is again brewing in Seattle. Husky Stadium is a loud place, and we should expect that OSU will again struggle on the offensive side of the ball. The Buckeyes are very much playing for Big 10 pride in this one, and if they get beat, expect the press to have a field day in badgering their conference. I have a hard time believing that the sweatervest will not have his boys prepared for this one, and we will see just how good Jake Locker really is. I expect the Bucks to cause some turnovers and make enough plays to escape Washington with a much needed win.
Texas @ UCF (+19):George O'leary has a decent ball club down in Florida. And how they got Texas to roll down their to play is beyond me. If Texas doesn't come to play, expect the 1st ever sold out stadium in UCF history to get rowdy and cause some problems. I don't know if I can call for the upset, but the Horns are treading into dangerous territory here. UCF is off of an upset of NC State in week 1, and are also off of a BYE week. Texas played a tough 4 quarter game with TCU. 19 just seems like WAY TOO many points.
UCLA @ Utah (-14 1/2): At the start of the season this looked like a worriesome game for the Bruins. However, Utah is off of 2 very poor performances which also resulted in losses as well. The Utes are struggling to score, and the Bruins play very good defense. Look for UCLA to take care of business and get ready for Washington at home next week.
Louisville @ Kentucky (+7): One can only hope that Lexington has installed some fresh light bulbs in their scoreboard for this one. And the scoreboard operator better be prepared for a long evening as well. The 2 best NFL QB prospects square off in this one, and neither team sports a defense that scares anyone. The Over/Under on this game is 77, and we might see 100 points get registered in this likely shootout. The entire country is calling for an upset in this one, and I can't fault them. However, I'm simply going to enjoy the fireworks and see which QB can lay claim to being the best in the country. This is MUST SEE TV for any true College Football fan.
Arkansas @ Alabama (-3): Buckle up your chinstraps fellas, 'cuz this is going to be a slobberknocker. Two teams that pride themselves on running the football, and stopping the run square off in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Saban's defensive genius will be put to the test in stopping McFadden and Jones, and we will see if Alabama is ready to contend in the SEC this year. I'll take the better defense and the home team in this one, as the Crimson Tide put themselves back on the map in College Football as a contender once again. However, I will not be shocked if McFadden begins his 2007 Heisman campaign as well.
Boston College @ Georgia Tech (-7): What looks like the 2 best teams in the ACC square off in week 3. Matt Ryan has been nothing short of impressive in his 1st 2 outings this year, and BC has created 11 turnovers through their 1st 2 weekends. Georgia Tech plays some of the best defense in the country, and Ryan's Heisman hopes will rest on his performance against that tough Rambling Wreck stop unit. If Georgia Tech can take care of the ball expect them to pull out the home victory. The line seems about right, and this is another game that a true College Football fan should be tuned in on.
Florida State @ Colorado (+4 1/2): Two teams struggling to get back to College Football big boy status. Bowden and his new staff are struggling to stop anyone, and the offense is less than impressive. However, Colorado is in even worse shape. It looks like Florida State has too many athletes for the Buffaloes to compete. But FSU can't help themselves from stubbing their toe. When in doubt take the home dog. But if you are smart, you stay as far away from this game as you can, as it will likely come down to who has the least amount of turnovers.
Middle Tennessee State @ LSU (-40): Don't let the offensive explosion by MTSU against Louisville provide you with any illusion that MTSU is a good ballclub. Not too mention LSU has the best defense in the country. Look for the backups for LSU to be in by the 2nd quarter, as this game looks to get ugly early and often. Les Miles will try to invent ways on how NOT to score in the second half, but he has too many athletes up and down his roster to keep the dogs off. This one will be a laugher, and look for LSU to post 60+. Question is whether MTSU can cover via the back door.
GAME OF THE WEEK:
Sure i'm a little biased in this one, but I don't think anyone can argue that this IS the Game of the Week.
USC @ Nebraska (+10 1/2): In my lifetime Nebraska has NEVER been a double digit home dog. Not even in the 70's and 80's when they played all those great Oklahoma teams. This is the 1st time a #1 ranked team has rolled into Memorial Stadium since 1978. Pretty unbelievable considering some of the schools that have rolled into Lincoln since that time. The Huskers have only lost 1 night game in Memorial Stadium history, and are now getting 10 1/2 points to boot. .
USC is the midst of trying to trade punches with LSU as to who is the best team in the country this year. Sam Keller, the ex-Arizona State signal caller, gets another crack at the boys from Troy. And Nebraska is looking for a notable victory that claims they are back on track of returning to elite status in College Football.
This is the best offensive line that the Huskers have assembled since their 1997 National Championship season. They struggled against Wake Forest last week, and they now get THE most talented front 7 in all of College Football to deal with. Pete Carroll brings in, what may be the most talented squad in College Football history. Blue Chippers and future NFLers are abound on the Trojan roster. The two matchups to watch in this one reside in the trenches. Can Nebraska run the football with any consistency, and can their front 4 penetrate the USC wall of offensive lineman to get any pressure on Booty?
If USC can run the ball effectively, this game will likely be a blowout. However, the Husker Nation and the Sea of Red will be out in force, and if the Huskers can get some early momentum, we will likely have a game for the ages on our hands. Sam Keller needs to make plays, and avoid big mistakes if the Huskers look to pull off the shocker. I expect him to play well.
I'll be tailgating at 8:00 a.m, as will many a Husker faithful for this one, as the biggest game in nearly 30 years is set to tipoff in Memorial Stadium at 8:00 PM EST.
My gut says to take the Trojans, but the gambler in me says to take the Huskers. All in all one should expect a classic showdown on Saturday night, and I'll take the home dog. The Huskers will likely not pull of the upset, but I expect it to be close. USC 24 Nebraska 22.
See you all on Monday, have a great weekend and as always good luck to you and yours, and best of luck to your squad in 2007. Except of coures Lisa4USC this weekend. GO BIG RED!
Obviously I have posted many a blog on College Football in anticipation for the upcoming season. I have also seen many a comment that REEKS of homerism.
The question that I am laying in front of you is whether you are a fan, or simply a homer?
It is not a tough question to ask, but more an introspect into what kind of a fan that you really are. Quite simply are you a fan, or are you just a homer?
Question 1: When someone posts a blog that has NOTHING to do with your team, do you post a comment about YOUR team?
Question 2: When someone posts a blog about your team in a negative light, does it anger you, and make you post a negative comment as well?
Question 3: Have you followed your beloved team to a conference road game?
Question 4: In part of Q3. When you travelled to an away game did you take the 'poor' comments' from the fans of the other team as being offensive or harsh, and did you react like a 12 year-old? Or did you just enjoy the atmosphere of College Football?
Question 5: Have you been to a bowl game in which your team was involved in? If yes, did you enjoy it, or do you simply hate the other team, fans, coaches ,and University that you played?
Question 6: Do you realize that there are 6 BCS conferences that ALL play some pretty good football? Or is YOURS simply the best, OF ALL TIME?
Question 7: Do you find it offensive if somebody does not LIKE your teaml?
Question 8: In part to Q7. Do you not like another team because in 'your eyes' they don't like you?
Question 9: In part to Q7 and Q8: If you don't like another team, and they don't like you, do you STILL consider them dumb, stupid, or insane for NOT liking your team?
Question 10: Have you been to more than 10 College Football stadiums to watch a game?
Question 11: Are you offended by another team's mascot?
Question 12: Have you ever responed to a blog or a question about another team with the simple response of : "(enter team name here) SUCKS!"
Question 13: Do you think that you have the best QB, RB, WR, DEF, or Coach, when nobody else outside your state considers them worthy of such mention?
Question 14: Do you know ANY history of College Football outside of your own school?
Question 15: Do you think the BCS sucks? And if so, do you have a playoff plan for how it should all play out? And is your team or conference involved in that equation?
Question 16: Do you know the names of the coaches of everybody in your conference? Do you respect them? (College and NFL coaches put in an average of over 80 hours a week in preparation for their next weeks opponent. If you don't respect that, then you just don't get it.)
Question 17: Do you get offended if your team is not ranked?
Question 18: Have you ever believed that the referees ever kept your team from winning?
Question 19: In part to Q18: Do you use that as an excuse?
Question 20: In part to Q18 and Q19: Have you ever used #18 or #19 as an argument point for a reason why your team lost?
Question 21: The final final: Have you EVER shaked the hand of an opposing fan when your team lost?
Well Homers, there you have it. A simple Q&A about where you rank as a homer, or just a fan. If you answered on the wrong side to ANY of these questions, then your Homerism is definitely in question.
But heck, this is College Football, and my HUSKERS RULE, and (enter your team name here) SUCKS!
As always, good luck to you and yours and your favorite team. And may you see my Huskers in the BCS Championship. You HOMER!
The Trojan went down into Huskerland, he was looking for a soul to steal. He was in a bind 'cos he was way behind: he was willin' to make a deal. When he came across this Callahan sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot. And the Trojan jumped upon a hickory stump and said: "Huskers let me tell you what:
"I bet you didn't know it, but I'm a football player too. "And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you. "Now you play a pretty good football game, boy, but give the Husker his due: "I bet a football of gold against your soul, 'cos I think I'm better than you." The boy said: "My name's Husker and it might be a sin, "But I'll take your bet, your gonna regret, 'cos I'm the best that's ever been."
Husker you rosin up your bow and play your opponents hard. 'Cos hells broke loose in Nebraska and USC deals it hard. And if you win you get this shiny trophy made of gold. But if you lose, the Trojans gets your soul.
The Trojan opened up his case and he said: "I'll start this show." And fire flew from his fingertips as he resined up his show. And he pulled the ball across his chest and it made an evil hiss. Then a band of paid recruits joined in and it sounded something like this. When the Trojan finished, Husker said: "Well you're pretty good ol' son. "But if you'll sit down in that chair, right there, and let me show you how its done."
First and Ten, run boys, run. The Trojan's in the house of the risin' sun. Football in the house, they say no?. "Trojan, does your dog bite?" "No, child, no."
The Trojan bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat. He laid that golden football on the ground at the Husker's feet. Husker said: "Trojan just come on back if you ever want to try again. "I told you once, you son of a ####, I'm the best that's ever been."
And he played Huskers on the fire, run boys, run. The Trojan's in the house of the risin' sun. Husker in the bread house pickin' out dough. "Trojans , can they win?" "No, child, no."
It is 72 days till the Nebraska Cornhuskers kick off their 2007 Football campaign against the University of Nevada Wolfpack.
72 days you say Nostradomus? Why the heck would you write a post about that?
Well, Lis4USC has whetted my appetitie for College Football by many of her recent posts about my favorite sport of them all. As I have stated before, there are only 3 seasons in Nebraska. Football season. Spring Football season. And the eternal non-football season.
In Huskerland, Huskerism is an actual religion. It is a true love and spirituality for all that is good about College Football. I would dare anyone to find a more ravaging fan base that also has as much respect for the game, and its opponents. Few teams have rolled into Memorial Stadium over the past 40 years and walked out with a victory. Those that have, have been lauded with congratulatory applause from the best fans in the nation for coming into our house and defeating our mighty Huskers. A sight that you will not see anywhere else in the nation.
We are a humble bunch. But we are also a proud bunch.
Nebraska is home to 3 Heisman Trophy winners and 5 National Championship teams. We are home to a record 280 straight sellouts at Memorial Stadium dating back to 1962, an NCAA record. We are home to the most Academic All-Americans of any football team in the country, and we are home to 1 of 4 teams with over 800 wins in Div I-A College Football. That includes a pretty dismal history until the 1960's when Bob Devaney resurrected our program into the monster that it is today.
You tell anybody in the country that you are from Nebraska, and they immediatley relate you with the Nebraska football team. A stereotype that is most times trite, but in most ways incredibly true. This state bleeds red. This state breathes with its football team. As sad as that is to say, it is the Husker-honest truth.
So when I say we have 72 days till our opening kickoff, I really mean it is 72 days till church starts for the entire state of Nebraska. And our head pastor, Bill Callahan will march out our 100+ disciples onto Tom Osborne field during our famed tunnel walk.
We have a fairly decent non-conference slate with games at home against Nevada and the latest bullies on the block USC. We also travel to the defending ACC Champions, Wake Forest, as well. The schedule also includes tough games at Missouri, an up-and-coming Oklahoma State squad, Texas A&M, at Texas, and Kansas State. Our old-time traditional day after Thanksgiving game against Oklahoma is no longer a part of our yearly schedule since the start of the Big 12. One of the biggest blunders that the conference alignment ever made.
That equates to 7 tough tests this year in a 12 game schedule facing our beloved Huskers and Bill Callahan. However, spirits have not been higher here since the days of the mid-90's when Tom Osborne and company were the biggest bullies on the block in College Football.
Expectations are high for many reasons:
1. This is the 1st year in which the team will be solely comprised of Bill Callahan recruits. It has taken a while to get the necessary athletes into Lincoln to run the West Coast offense, and this will be Billy C.'s 1st edition in which it is completely comprised of 'his' players.
2. We have an offensive line that can compete with the big boys. This has been the glaring fault of the Callahan era in his switch from an option offense to the West Coast offense. We now have big and athletic Guards and Tackles with a lot of depth behind them.
3. Sam Keller and Marlon Lucky. Sam Keller is our prized QB transer from Arizona State. He was a preseason Heisman candidate last year until the Dirk Koetter debacle. Marlon Lucky is the biggest recruit of the Callahan era. The #3 rated RB coming out of High School is now a Junior and is ready to explode.
4. Receivers. We actually have a talented core of dependable receivers in the stable. The only problem is Maurice Purify, our stud Juco recruit a year ago, is now indefinitely suspended from the team due to off-the-field troubles. He will/was to be looked for as our 'go-to guy'. If he is dismissed from the team, which looks highly probable, it will leave a huge void. We do however, have some talented guys who may be able to rally around his absence.
5. Speed and Size. The 2007 Huskers now have the size and speed to compete with the elite. Offensively and defensively. The loss of Defensive End stalwarts Adam Carriker and Jay Moore may look to be a daunting task, but we have young studs that are ready to replace them. There will not be much drop off, if any, from this position. We are also bringing in some big time Juco talent on the defensive side of the ball that entails a ton of speed and athleticism. Our secondary will no longer be a detriment this year, but an actual strength. As long as Zack Bowman is fully recovered from knee surgery, our CB's will be able to line up with the country's best wide-outs. USC included.
It looks to be an interesting year in Lincoln, NE, and like I said spirits have not been higher for nearly a decade. This will be an earmark year for Bill Callahan, and if we don't win at least 10 games, grumblings in Nebraska will be likely to start simmering. I'm not saying he is on the hot seat, but this is a very critical year for him in his pursuit to rebuild our once mighty pro
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