One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at wide receiver:
Looking back: Coming into the season, the Huskers knew they would have two quality possession receivers in Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. Nebraska, however, would lose its big play dimension from 2007 in Maurice Purify. The Huskers also lost Terrence Nunn and Frantz Hardy but those two losses were the least of the team’s worries. Purify, however, would be tough to replace.
Nonetheless, the Nebraska receiving corps survived just fine in 2008 thanks to the system knowledge of both Peterson (62-786-4) and Swift (63-941-10), who were essentially the 1A and 1B targets for quarterback Joe Ganz when the Huskers needed a key third down conversion.
The big play aspect of the Husker wide receiver corps entered 2008 long on potential with the likes of Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, Curenski Gilleylin and Chris Brooks. However, only Holt (30-355-1) and Paul (23-214) made a significant splash. Then again, the success of Swift and Peterson gave Nebraska the luxury of bring the younger receivers along more slowly.
Since the Huskers went to more of a Spread oriented look in the second half of the season, it allowed guys like Holt and Paul to get on the field more often and most importantly for meaningful snaps.
Looking ahead: After the quarterback position, which loses Joe Ganz, this is an area the Huskers will be hit hard by graduation. Swift and Peterson are two starters that won’t be easy to replace. They might not have been the flashiest duo to line up at wide receiver and dropped a few passes but came up with many clutch receptions, were solid route runners and downfield blockers.
Losing those two individuals represents a concern because while Holt and Paul did a pretty solid job as No. 3 and 4 options, the question becomes – can the get it done as No. 1 and 2 guys?
The news isn’t all bad because since Nebraska went to a Spread oriented look that involved three and four receivers, Holt and Paul got a lot of meaningful snaps.
After Holt and Paul, can guys like Gilleylin, Brooks, Will Henry, along with redshirts Khiry Cooper and Tim Marlowe make their mark? Gilleylin had a breakout performance in the 2008 spring season but did not translate that big play capability into the regular season as a redshirt freshman.
Brooks, who enters his senior season, was a prized member of the Huskers 2005 recruiting class. He has the knowledge of the Husker offense but with the exception of a pivotal touchdown catch in the Huskers crucial 45-35 win over Kansas last season, he has been of little factor.
At 6-foot-5, 220-pounds, Henry looks the part of receiver but has yet to make a splash. Cooper was one of Nebraska’s top-rated players from the 2008 recruiting class. Marlowe was a late addition to the Huskers 2008 recruiting class. He is tabbed as one with quickness and explosiveness.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
2009 Nebraska football position outlook: Running back
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at running back – and fullback:
Looking back: Coming into the season, the Huskers had what looked like an embarrassment of riches at running back with all key components returning. In fact, Nebraska was so deep that it decided to keep Major Culbert at safety and converted Cody Glenn to linebacker. That’s not even taking into account that one-time highly touted recruit Kenny Wilson has become a glorified grad assistant. And still, Nebraska had three running backs that the coaches needed time to figure out on dividing carries.
The Huskers depth at this position was viewed as a good thing because the team was going to re-emphasize being a physical running team. Nebraska became a more proficient running team improving its per game average from 144.4 yards per game in 2007 to 169.8 in 2008. Granted, the Huskers spent less time playing from behind in ’08 but they were also more committed to the ground attack when it wasn’t working.
Nebraska had to make a few adjustments, however, in “how” it would gain yardage. The first four and a half games were spent with Thomas Lawson at fullback with Marlon Lucky, Quentin Castille and Roy Helu dotting the I-formation but the days of churning out 300-yard rushing games were still a thing of the past.
There was actually some good, however, that came out of the 52-17 home loss to Missouri in Game Five. In the midst of that embarrassment offensive coordinator Shawn Watson adjusted by junking the “heavy sets” and experimented with the running backs operating out of the “spread formation.” From there, the Huskers became a ball control offense in improving their average time of possession from 29:14 in 2007 to 34:01 in 2008 to help a still developing defense.
Lucky, Castille and Helu played running back roulette but it was Helu who made his by season’s end while Lucky was limited by a turf toe injury and Castille continued to have issues with fumblitis.
Helu, who enters his junior season, led the team with 803 yards rushing on 125 carries and seven touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 266 yards. Helu topped the century mark in three of his last four regular season games before being slowed by an injury in Nebraska’s 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson. On that day, it was Castille that stole the show with 125 yards on 18 carries but most importantly – no fumbles.
On another front, Husker fans longed for the return of the fullback being a key ball-carrier. Something that became a lost art in Bill Callahan’s four seasons as head coach. Lawson saw a lot of action early but not much later as Nebraska used more one-back sets later in the season.
Looking ahead: The Huskers could essentially face the same issue in 2009 as they did in 2009 – dividing the carries. After all, Lucky is the only loss of note but given how he was a non-entity by season’s end, that might not be an issue.
The only thing that might not be different is converting two running backs to defense because Nebraska will have more viable solutions that are more developed on that side of the ball.
Helu and Castille are a potentially good “thunder and lightning” backfield. Helu is a slasher that can get seven yards even if the blocking scheme only allows for three.
Castille is his generations’ Dan Alexander, tough runner and can break tackles but can he consistently protect the ball.
Then there’s Marcus Mendoza, who is blessed with speed but will have to show better ball security to get a regular amount of carries. Then there’s redshirt freshman Collins Okafor? Given the Huskers depth at running back they have the luxury of bring him along slowly.
What happens with the fullback position? There are two youngsters named Makovicka (Justin and Jordan) on the roster so the era of the fullback can’t be totally dead. Bo Pelini likes an I-formation running attack but with the Huskers success out of the spread, is he convinced that scheme is the long term solution?
The Huskers do not necessarily need to make a fulltime commitment to the Spread because last season Nebraska’s running game resembled the Spread but the passing game still had the West Coast Offense elements.
My early money is on Helu to be the main ball-carrier but the fullback position won’t go the way of the dinosaur. This is Nebraska.
Looking back: Coming into the season, the Huskers had what looked like an embarrassment of riches at running back with all key components returning. In fact, Nebraska was so deep that it decided to keep Major Culbert at safety and converted Cody Glenn to linebacker. That’s not even taking into account that one-time highly touted recruit Kenny Wilson has become a glorified grad assistant. And still, Nebraska had three running backs that the coaches needed time to figure out on dividing carries.
The Huskers depth at this position was viewed as a good thing because the team was going to re-emphasize being a physical running team. Nebraska became a more proficient running team improving its per game average from 144.4 yards per game in 2007 to 169.8 in 2008. Granted, the Huskers spent less time playing from behind in ’08 but they were also more committed to the ground attack when it wasn’t working.
Nebraska had to make a few adjustments, however, in “how” it would gain yardage. The first four and a half games were spent with Thomas Lawson at fullback with Marlon Lucky, Quentin Castille and Roy Helu dotting the I-formation but the days of churning out 300-yard rushing games were still a thing of the past.
There was actually some good, however, that came out of the 52-17 home loss to Missouri in Game Five. In the midst of that embarrassment offensive coordinator Shawn Watson adjusted by junking the “heavy sets” and experimented with the running backs operating out of the “spread formation.” From there, the Huskers became a ball control offense in improving their average time of possession from 29:14 in 2007 to 34:01 in 2008 to help a still developing defense.
Lucky, Castille and Helu played running back roulette but it was Helu who made his by season’s end while Lucky was limited by a turf toe injury and Castille continued to have issues with fumblitis.
Helu, who enters his junior season, led the team with 803 yards rushing on 125 carries and seven touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 266 yards. Helu topped the century mark in three of his last four regular season games before being slowed by an injury in Nebraska’s 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson. On that day, it was Castille that stole the show with 125 yards on 18 carries but most importantly – no fumbles.
On another front, Husker fans longed for the return of the fullback being a key ball-carrier. Something that became a lost art in Bill Callahan’s four seasons as head coach. Lawson saw a lot of action early but not much later as Nebraska used more one-back sets later in the season.
Looking ahead: The Huskers could essentially face the same issue in 2009 as they did in 2009 – dividing the carries. After all, Lucky is the only loss of note but given how he was a non-entity by season’s end, that might not be an issue.
The only thing that might not be different is converting two running backs to defense because Nebraska will have more viable solutions that are more developed on that side of the ball.
Helu and Castille are a potentially good “thunder and lightning” backfield. Helu is a slasher that can get seven yards even if the blocking scheme only allows for three.
Castille is his generations’ Dan Alexander, tough runner and can break tackles but can he consistently protect the ball.
Then there’s Marcus Mendoza, who is blessed with speed but will have to show better ball security to get a regular amount of carries. Then there’s redshirt freshman Collins Okafor? Given the Huskers depth at running back they have the luxury of bring him along slowly.
What happens with the fullback position? There are two youngsters named Makovicka (Justin and Jordan) on the roster so the era of the fullback can’t be totally dead. Bo Pelini likes an I-formation running attack but with the Huskers success out of the spread, is he convinced that scheme is the long term solution?
The Huskers do not necessarily need to make a fulltime commitment to the Spread because last season Nebraska’s running game resembled the Spread but the passing game still had the West Coast Offense elements.
My early money is on Helu to be the main ball-carrier but the fullback position won’t go the way of the dinosaur. This is Nebraska.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2009 Nebraska football: Position outlook -- quarterback
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at quarterback:
Looking back: When you put up the numbers Joe Ganz amassed it’s hard to be underrated but he played in a conference that included Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt McCoy (Texas), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), Todd Reesing (Kansas) and Robert Griffith (Baylor).
Ganz spent the better part of three seasons behind Joe Dailey, Harrison Beck, Zach Taylor and Sam Keller. However, when replacing an injured Keller in a 28-25 loss to Texas, Ganz made his mark. In that game and 17 subsequent contests, Ganz threw 45 touchdown passes, including two in the Huskers come-from-behind 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
Nebraska has certainly had better athletes at quarterback (Tommie Frazier, Turner Gill and Eric Crouch to name a few) but when it comes to toughness, leadership and other intangibles, Ganz has few peers.
Looking ahead: Whether it’s Zac Lee, Patrick Witt, Kody Spano or Cody Green, the stats might be good but replacing Ganz’s leadership will be tough.
Lee and Witt figure to be the two primary combatants. Whoever the quarterback is, however, we will not know anymore in August than we know now. Because Nebraska was seldom in any blowouts in 2008, Lee and Witt did not receive many snaps. The only experience they received was mop-up duty and those situations do not lend themselves to getting a true picture of what a player is like.
Lee has experience from the Junior College level, much like Zac Taylor when entering the program in 2005. He also has the mobility necessary for Nebraska’s offense, which took on concepts of the Spread combined with the West Coast Offense.
Witt, however, might have the edge as far as size (6-4 to Lee’s 6-2) and experience within the system but is more of a pure drop back passer.
As far as the measurable talent, Green might have the edge on all three and while he is already on campus taking courses, it’s hard to imagine a true freshman not redshirting his first season under Bo Pelini much less playing significantly.
Time will tell but because of his mobility and playing experience beyond high school, my early money is on Zac Lee.
Looking back: When you put up the numbers Joe Ganz amassed it’s hard to be underrated but he played in a conference that included Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt McCoy (Texas), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), Todd Reesing (Kansas) and Robert Griffith (Baylor).
Ganz spent the better part of three seasons behind Joe Dailey, Harrison Beck, Zach Taylor and Sam Keller. However, when replacing an injured Keller in a 28-25 loss to Texas, Ganz made his mark. In that game and 17 subsequent contests, Ganz threw 45 touchdown passes, including two in the Huskers come-from-behind 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
Nebraska has certainly had better athletes at quarterback (Tommie Frazier, Turner Gill and Eric Crouch to name a few) but when it comes to toughness, leadership and other intangibles, Ganz has few peers.
Looking ahead: Whether it’s Zac Lee, Patrick Witt, Kody Spano or Cody Green, the stats might be good but replacing Ganz’s leadership will be tough.
Lee and Witt figure to be the two primary combatants. Whoever the quarterback is, however, we will not know anymore in August than we know now. Because Nebraska was seldom in any blowouts in 2008, Lee and Witt did not receive many snaps. The only experience they received was mop-up duty and those situations do not lend themselves to getting a true picture of what a player is like.
Lee has experience from the Junior College level, much like Zac Taylor when entering the program in 2005. He also has the mobility necessary for Nebraska’s offense, which took on concepts of the Spread combined with the West Coast Offense.
Witt, however, might have the edge as far as size (6-4 to Lee’s 6-2) and experience within the system but is more of a pure drop back passer.
As far as the measurable talent, Green might have the edge on all three and while he is already on campus taking courses, it’s hard to imagine a true freshman not redshirting his first season under Bo Pelini much less playing significantly.
Time will tell but because of his mobility and playing experience beyond high school, my early money is on Zac Lee.
Friday, January 23, 2009
It'll take all kinds of recruits, Husker fans
You hear so much how recruiting is an inexact science. In that same argument, you’ll hear about what matters more “Xs and Os or Jimmys and Joes?”
My argument has always been that it’s not an either/or notion. They both matter. You’ll also hear about what’s the best way to build a program: five-star recruits, two-star recruits that no one wants, JC transfers or walkons.
Since signing day for high school athletes is forthcoming, it’s a timely discussion. I have always believed there are pros and cons with all of them. Therefore, you cannot have a steady diet of one kind. It takes all kinds of athletes to become a National Championship contender and it’s not about just recruiting a bunch of guys and plugging them in wherever. It’s about developing the talent once you acquire it.
Plus, every time I see recruiting rankings, I must wonder how the touts arrive at those rankings. And are they just pulling them out of thin air?
For five-star recruits, the plus side is that they are potential difference makers that can lift a team over the hump. The downside is that because they receive so much adulation, they might not be ready for the realities that face them in college when they are no longer going against athletes they are better than by head and shoulders. In essence, they are likely to feel a sense of entitlement when they get to college.
For the two-star recruits that few schools wanted, they are the complimentary pieces that a team needs to get over the hump. They often might have played in the shadows of other teammates in high school so they are likely to bring better intangibles such as leadership and a strong work ethic.
For JC transfers, I think it’s a good thing that Nebraska is relying less on them under Bo Pelini than it did under Bill Callahan. However, I think us Husker fans tend to have too much of an elitist attitude toward JC transfers. Sure they have more of a carpentbagger mentality but there are more reasons than just academics why a youngster goes the JC route. Some kids get good grades but are not quite mature enough yet. If you are a youngster that values immediate playing time over redshirting, then the JC route is the way to go. JC transfers often fall into the same category as the two-star recruits. They often might have played in the shadows of other teammates in high school so they are likely to bring better intangibles such as leadership and a strong work ethic.
For walkons, it’s good to see the program get re-emphasized. I think to some degree Callahan gets a bad wrap for his dealing with the walkon program. It’s not like he eliminated it. He just made a decision that was going to have to get made at some point – reducing it. Callahan’s biggest mistake was his reluctance to embrace Nebraska’s rich history. I firmly believe that the walkon program always gave Nebraska an advantage because football means so much to the state. The only culture that is comparable is Alabama. The walkons have such a deep passion for Nebraska football that they push the five-star recruits in practice to be better players.
I remember years ago in the Orange Bowl when Miami was beating us handily. Bill Walsh said something to the effect of, “The problem Nebraska faces is that there are just not enough good athletes in the state.” Some fellow fans I talk to get bent out of shape at that statement but their anger misses the point.
He never said there were not good athletes in the state. Let’s face it, Ahman Green came from Omaha but you go to California, Texas, or Florida and they have 10-15 Ahman Greens. After all, there are only 1.5 million people in Nebraska and 15 million plus in the states I just mentioned. It’s no different than a public high school of 2,500 kids is going to have more viable options to start at quarterback than a public high school of 200 kids.
Nebraska’s recruiting disadvantages have been well-documented, weather, lack of beaches and mountains and lack of a bustling night-life. Though I find the last of those two arguments compelling because we’ve had a few players get in trouble over the years at various downtown Lincoln establishments.
Of the three enormously popluated states, I think Texas would be the one for Nebraska to emphasize because there are four Texas schools in the Big 12 Conference. Plus, Nebraska has competed three times in the Alamo Bowl and once in the Cotton Bowl over the last ten years.
Regardless of who or where, we recruit it comes down to the notion that “the heart and soul of Nebraska football comes from the state of Nebraska. The arms and legs come from the other 49 states.”
My argument has always been that it’s not an either/or notion. They both matter. You’ll also hear about what’s the best way to build a program: five-star recruits, two-star recruits that no one wants, JC transfers or walkons.
Since signing day for high school athletes is forthcoming, it’s a timely discussion. I have always believed there are pros and cons with all of them. Therefore, you cannot have a steady diet of one kind. It takes all kinds of athletes to become a National Championship contender and it’s not about just recruiting a bunch of guys and plugging them in wherever. It’s about developing the talent once you acquire it.
Plus, every time I see recruiting rankings, I must wonder how the touts arrive at those rankings. And are they just pulling them out of thin air?
For five-star recruits, the plus side is that they are potential difference makers that can lift a team over the hump. The downside is that because they receive so much adulation, they might not be ready for the realities that face them in college when they are no longer going against athletes they are better than by head and shoulders. In essence, they are likely to feel a sense of entitlement when they get to college.
For the two-star recruits that few schools wanted, they are the complimentary pieces that a team needs to get over the hump. They often might have played in the shadows of other teammates in high school so they are likely to bring better intangibles such as leadership and a strong work ethic.
For JC transfers, I think it’s a good thing that Nebraska is relying less on them under Bo Pelini than it did under Bill Callahan. However, I think us Husker fans tend to have too much of an elitist attitude toward JC transfers. Sure they have more of a carpentbagger mentality but there are more reasons than just academics why a youngster goes the JC route. Some kids get good grades but are not quite mature enough yet. If you are a youngster that values immediate playing time over redshirting, then the JC route is the way to go. JC transfers often fall into the same category as the two-star recruits. They often might have played in the shadows of other teammates in high school so they are likely to bring better intangibles such as leadership and a strong work ethic.
For walkons, it’s good to see the program get re-emphasized. I think to some degree Callahan gets a bad wrap for his dealing with the walkon program. It’s not like he eliminated it. He just made a decision that was going to have to get made at some point – reducing it. Callahan’s biggest mistake was his reluctance to embrace Nebraska’s rich history. I firmly believe that the walkon program always gave Nebraska an advantage because football means so much to the state. The only culture that is comparable is Alabama. The walkons have such a deep passion for Nebraska football that they push the five-star recruits in practice to be better players.
I remember years ago in the Orange Bowl when Miami was beating us handily. Bill Walsh said something to the effect of, “The problem Nebraska faces is that there are just not enough good athletes in the state.” Some fellow fans I talk to get bent out of shape at that statement but their anger misses the point.
He never said there were not good athletes in the state. Let’s face it, Ahman Green came from Omaha but you go to California, Texas, or Florida and they have 10-15 Ahman Greens. After all, there are only 1.5 million people in Nebraska and 15 million plus in the states I just mentioned. It’s no different than a public high school of 2,500 kids is going to have more viable options to start at quarterback than a public high school of 200 kids.
Nebraska’s recruiting disadvantages have been well-documented, weather, lack of beaches and mountains and lack of a bustling night-life. Though I find the last of those two arguments compelling because we’ve had a few players get in trouble over the years at various downtown Lincoln establishments.
Of the three enormously popluated states, I think Texas would be the one for Nebraska to emphasize because there are four Texas schools in the Big 12 Conference. Plus, Nebraska has competed three times in the Alamo Bowl and once in the Cotton Bowl over the last ten years.
Regardless of who or where, we recruit it comes down to the notion that “the heart and soul of Nebraska football comes from the state of Nebraska. The arms and legs come from the other 49 states.”
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Jets retain Callahan, will he ever he a head coach again?
The NFL head coaching vacancies are one fewer after the New York Jets hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as its head coach to replace Eric Mangini, who was fired the days after the season.
The Jets finished 9-7 but choked their way out of the playoffs by losing four of their last five games. According to a report from WCBSTV.com, Ryan will retain former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan as offensive line coach. Callahan is also the assistant head coach in charge of the running game.
Callahan interviewed for the head coach job after Mangini was dismissed. I was talking to a fellow Husker fan who mused, “Callahan is going to luck his way into the job.” I told him, “Fat chance.”
Personally, I give Callahan about a five percent chance of being a head coach again in his career. Why do I say five percent, you ask? Seems a little generous?
Think about it for just a moment. In 2002, Callahan led the Oakland Raiders to the AFC Championship Game and a berth in Super Bowl XXXVII in his first season as a head coach, making him just the fourth rookie head coach in NFL history to do so. The Raiders suffered a lopsided defeat, losing 48-21 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coached by his former boss Jon Gruden. The Raiders finished with a 13-6 record in Callahan's first season.
Despite the success of his 2002 team, the 2003 imploded to a 4-12 season. After his team got off to a 2-5 start, many of his players, in particular Charles Woodson, Tim Brown and Rich Gannon. Owner Al Davis fired Callahan two days after the season.
Callahan went 27-22 at Nebraska, leading the Huskers to two bowl-less seasons in four years.
Many expected that the 2007 season would be a breakthrough year for Nebraska. Instead the program endured new lows in stumbling to a 5-7 season. The team had five consecutive losses against Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas and Kansas. It was the first time since 1958 that Nebraska had lost five consecutive games. Steve Pederson’s firing as athletic director and Tom Osborne’s hiring as athletic director was a strong indicator that Callahan would not be long as the Husker head coach. He was dismissed the day after Nebraska’s season ending 65-51 loss to Colorado.
Callahan has always been a credible assistant coach wherever he has been but even though his two stints as a head coach were checkered that ended unceremoniously, here’s where I come to the five percent conclusion:
A) Callahan deserves a mulligan for what happened in Oakland, which is a tough organization to work for with Davis lurking over your shoulder. The Raiders have also gone 24-72 since 2003. Things never got any better under Norv Turner, Art Shell, Lane Kiffin or Tom Cable.
B) His failure at Nebraska might have been due in part to the phony Pederson being the AD. Callahan, however, led the program to new lows under his watch and also alienated the Husker fan base.
C) However, the fact that Nebraska immediately turned things around in Bo Pelini’s first season as head coach, going 9-4, reflects very strongly on how badly the Huskers underachieved under Callahan.
One thing to keep in mind, however, those staunchly involved in the NFL might write off his experience at Nebraska as, “Well, that was college” or “Maybe he’s not a college coach.” Inaddition, the NFL likes to recycle coaches. So if the Jets go deep into the playoffs, he might end up being a viable candidate after all.
The Jets finished 9-7 but choked their way out of the playoffs by losing four of their last five games. According to a report from WCBSTV.com, Ryan will retain former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan as offensive line coach. Callahan is also the assistant head coach in charge of the running game.
Callahan interviewed for the head coach job after Mangini was dismissed. I was talking to a fellow Husker fan who mused, “Callahan is going to luck his way into the job.” I told him, “Fat chance.”
Personally, I give Callahan about a five percent chance of being a head coach again in his career. Why do I say five percent, you ask? Seems a little generous?
Think about it for just a moment. In 2002, Callahan led the Oakland Raiders to the AFC Championship Game and a berth in Super Bowl XXXVII in his first season as a head coach, making him just the fourth rookie head coach in NFL history to do so. The Raiders suffered a lopsided defeat, losing 48-21 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coached by his former boss Jon Gruden. The Raiders finished with a 13-6 record in Callahan's first season.
Despite the success of his 2002 team, the 2003 imploded to a 4-12 season. After his team got off to a 2-5 start, many of his players, in particular Charles Woodson, Tim Brown and Rich Gannon. Owner Al Davis fired Callahan two days after the season.
Callahan went 27-22 at Nebraska, leading the Huskers to two bowl-less seasons in four years.
Many expected that the 2007 season would be a breakthrough year for Nebraska. Instead the program endured new lows in stumbling to a 5-7 season. The team had five consecutive losses against Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas and Kansas. It was the first time since 1958 that Nebraska had lost five consecutive games. Steve Pederson’s firing as athletic director and Tom Osborne’s hiring as athletic director was a strong indicator that Callahan would not be long as the Husker head coach. He was dismissed the day after Nebraska’s season ending 65-51 loss to Colorado.
Callahan has always been a credible assistant coach wherever he has been but even though his two stints as a head coach were checkered that ended unceremoniously, here’s where I come to the five percent conclusion:
A) Callahan deserves a mulligan for what happened in Oakland, which is a tough organization to work for with Davis lurking over your shoulder. The Raiders have also gone 24-72 since 2003. Things never got any better under Norv Turner, Art Shell, Lane Kiffin or Tom Cable.
B) His failure at Nebraska might have been due in part to the phony Pederson being the AD. Callahan, however, led the program to new lows under his watch and also alienated the Husker fan base.
C) However, the fact that Nebraska immediately turned things around in Bo Pelini’s first season as head coach, going 9-4, reflects very strongly on how badly the Huskers underachieved under Callahan.
One thing to keep in mind, however, those staunchly involved in the NFL might write off his experience at Nebraska as, “Well, that was college” or “Maybe he’s not a college coach.” Inaddition, the NFL likes to recycle coaches. So if the Jets go deep into the playoffs, he might end up being a viable candidate after all.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Feeling a draft for the '09 Husker class
While the NFL reaches a week of hiatus before the Super Bowl, we take a look at current University of Nebraska football seniors and the potential of their careers that require work on Sunday.
Most people seem to have their own idea of how far this Husker senior class can go in the NFL after leading their school back to being semi-relevant. There are offensive linemen (Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha), wide receivers (Nate Swift and Todd Peterson), quarterback Joe Ganz, running back Marlon Lucky. defensive end Zach Potter, defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler, cornerback Armando Murrillo and long snapper TJ O’Leary.
Of that group, O’Leary might just have the best shot of having a lengthy career. Granted, projecting the NFL draft is an inexact science. Before we get to O’Leary and why he might have the best shot. Let’s discuss the others.
Murtha and Slauson would appear to have a shot at making a roster but both had injury marred careers as Huskers. Swift and Peterson would appear to be on the bubble but they are proficient pass-catchers in the Ed McCaffrey/Joe Jurevicious mold so it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see them stick.
Lucky was an enigma as a Husker despite coming with the fanfare of a five-star recruit. Despite a decent start to the 2008 season, he suffered a turf-toe injury and fell to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Roy Helu and Quentin Castille. Lucky, however, helped his stock with an Offensive MVP performance for the East squad in the East-West shrine game. Lucky rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on seven carries to help the East secure a 24-19 win over the West on Saturday. Lucky did not live up to enormous expectations but he can catch the football.
Ganz is certainly no scouts dream with his physique. If I had to think of an NFL comparison, he reminds me a lot of Jeff Garcia. Ganz can be a little erratic but he’s physically and mentally tough, he knows how to keep plays alive and has the ability to get his teammates’ respect.
Potter falls into the “tweener” category, meaning too small to be a 4-3 end but too big to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He might surprise some folks, however, given the right set of circumstances.
Steinkuhler got overshadowed by tackle-mate Ndamukong Suh but I wouldn’t rule him out.
It’s hard to judge Murrillo. He was a bright spot during the ugly 2007 season and during the Husker resurgence in 2008.
As for O’Leary, I keep thinking back to former Husker Adam Treu, whom I had the chance to cover from 1999-2005 as a freelance writer for Silver & Black Illustrated (a magazine dedicated to covering the Oakland Raiders.
Treu was a Raider from 1997-2006. The former Nebraska walk-on performed solidly at center when given the chance but it was his longsnapping skills learned as a Husker that were his NFL meal ticket.
I remember doing a feature story on Treu in training camp of 1999. I interviewed then Raiders special teams coach Frank Ganz Jr. (no relation to Joe). I remember Ganz saying, “If you are a backup player and cannot play special teams, your longevity in this league will be very short.”
Treu made his living as a trustworthy long-snapper and if O’Leary makes the right impression he could too.
Long-snapper is a position like being a Major League Baseball closer. If you do it right, no one says anything. If you screw up, everyone notices.
Look at Treu’s 1997 class that included Michael Booker, Jared Tomich, Chris Dishman, Eric Stokes, Mike Minter and Jon Heese. Only Minter outlasted Treu.
Most people seem to have their own idea of how far this Husker senior class can go in the NFL after leading their school back to being semi-relevant. There are offensive linemen (Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha), wide receivers (Nate Swift and Todd Peterson), quarterback Joe Ganz, running back Marlon Lucky. defensive end Zach Potter, defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler, cornerback Armando Murrillo and long snapper TJ O’Leary.
Of that group, O’Leary might just have the best shot of having a lengthy career. Granted, projecting the NFL draft is an inexact science. Before we get to O’Leary and why he might have the best shot. Let’s discuss the others.
Murtha and Slauson would appear to have a shot at making a roster but both had injury marred careers as Huskers. Swift and Peterson would appear to be on the bubble but they are proficient pass-catchers in the Ed McCaffrey/Joe Jurevicious mold so it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see them stick.
Lucky was an enigma as a Husker despite coming with the fanfare of a five-star recruit. Despite a decent start to the 2008 season, he suffered a turf-toe injury and fell to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Roy Helu and Quentin Castille. Lucky, however, helped his stock with an Offensive MVP performance for the East squad in the East-West shrine game. Lucky rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on seven carries to help the East secure a 24-19 win over the West on Saturday. Lucky did not live up to enormous expectations but he can catch the football.
Ganz is certainly no scouts dream with his physique. If I had to think of an NFL comparison, he reminds me a lot of Jeff Garcia. Ganz can be a little erratic but he’s physically and mentally tough, he knows how to keep plays alive and has the ability to get his teammates’ respect.
Potter falls into the “tweener” category, meaning too small to be a 4-3 end but too big to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He might surprise some folks, however, given the right set of circumstances.
Steinkuhler got overshadowed by tackle-mate Ndamukong Suh but I wouldn’t rule him out.
It’s hard to judge Murrillo. He was a bright spot during the ugly 2007 season and during the Husker resurgence in 2008.
As for O’Leary, I keep thinking back to former Husker Adam Treu, whom I had the chance to cover from 1999-2005 as a freelance writer for Silver & Black Illustrated (a magazine dedicated to covering the Oakland Raiders.
Treu was a Raider from 1997-2006. The former Nebraska walk-on performed solidly at center when given the chance but it was his longsnapping skills learned as a Husker that were his NFL meal ticket.
I remember doing a feature story on Treu in training camp of 1999. I interviewed then Raiders special teams coach Frank Ganz Jr. (no relation to Joe). I remember Ganz saying, “If you are a backup player and cannot play special teams, your longevity in this league will be very short.”
Treu made his living as a trustworthy long-snapper and if O’Leary makes the right impression he could too.
Long-snapper is a position like being a Major League Baseball closer. If you do it right, no one says anything. If you screw up, everyone notices.
Look at Treu’s 1997 class that included Michael Booker, Jared Tomich, Chris Dishman, Eric Stokes, Mike Minter and Jon Heese. Only Minter outlasted Treu.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What are your expectations?
“Expectations.” It’s a word us Husker fans have heard quite a bit for years.
Nine wins was looked at as the minimum for having a successful season for the longest time. The 60-3 run from 1993-1997 made for many National Title or bust expectations. From 1998-2003, Nebraska went 59-19 and resulted in the firing of head coach Frank Solich. Then, we here former athletic director Steve Pederson stated forcefully in his ensuing press conference, “I refuse to let this program gravitate to mediocrity” and “We will not surrender the Big 12 title to Texas and Oklahoma.”
Then the Bill Callahan era followed with a 27-22 four-year run that included two bowl-less seasons. Think about that for just a moment. The college bowl system is watered down worse than a flat Budweiser as 68 of 120 Div. I-A teams make it to a bowl game. That’s like an NBA or NHL team not making it to the playoffs. An even better analogy, it’s like Tiger Woods not making the cut. At schools like Nebraska, you have enough talent to sleepwalk your way to a bowl game.
One thing that stood out to me when Bo Pelini was hired to replace Callahan was that he does not shy away from expectations. I remember very specifically an interview he did on the Jim Rome Show. For starters, I do not listen to Jim Rome because while he knows his material, his show reeks of too much adolescence for my taste. However, since Bo Pelini was his guest, I decided to make an exception and listen.
I remember Rome using the word “rebuild” in one of his questions. Pelini replied with a statement to the effect of, “I’m not here to rebuild, I’m here to win now.” At the time I thought, well we probably won’t win big right away in 2008 or even 2009 but the fact that he’s not backing away from expectations was refreshing.
When Nebraska won the Big 12 North title in 2006, its first since 1999, I was happy because I felt it was the first step necessary to getting back where we needed to be. However, I was a little disturbed at parading around the field with a trophy. This isn’t Missouri!
Anyhow, I digress.
With Year One of the Pelini Era in the books, fresh off a 9-4 finish with a season closing four-game winning streak, I ask what are your expectations?
Truthfully, runs like what happened from 1993-1997 don’t just fall out of the sky because while college football is not quite like the NFL, there is clearly far more parity than there was even a decade ago.
I’m of the mind that to be a perennially consistent program, you ideally want to be in the 8-4 to 10-2 range and maybe every 5-7 years you get that special team that makes a run at the National Title with an 11-1 or 12-0 record. I know 8-4 might seem low but every now and then even the best programs will have a down year whether it’s a talent issue, a health issue or that every break goes against you.
Nine wins was looked at as the minimum for having a successful season for the longest time. The 60-3 run from 1993-1997 made for many National Title or bust expectations. From 1998-2003, Nebraska went 59-19 and resulted in the firing of head coach Frank Solich. Then, we here former athletic director Steve Pederson stated forcefully in his ensuing press conference, “I refuse to let this program gravitate to mediocrity” and “We will not surrender the Big 12 title to Texas and Oklahoma.”
Then the Bill Callahan era followed with a 27-22 four-year run that included two bowl-less seasons. Think about that for just a moment. The college bowl system is watered down worse than a flat Budweiser as 68 of 120 Div. I-A teams make it to a bowl game. That’s like an NBA or NHL team not making it to the playoffs. An even better analogy, it’s like Tiger Woods not making the cut. At schools like Nebraska, you have enough talent to sleepwalk your way to a bowl game.
One thing that stood out to me when Bo Pelini was hired to replace Callahan was that he does not shy away from expectations. I remember very specifically an interview he did on the Jim Rome Show. For starters, I do not listen to Jim Rome because while he knows his material, his show reeks of too much adolescence for my taste. However, since Bo Pelini was his guest, I decided to make an exception and listen.
I remember Rome using the word “rebuild” in one of his questions. Pelini replied with a statement to the effect of, “I’m not here to rebuild, I’m here to win now.” At the time I thought, well we probably won’t win big right away in 2008 or even 2009 but the fact that he’s not backing away from expectations was refreshing.
When Nebraska won the Big 12 North title in 2006, its first since 1999, I was happy because I felt it was the first step necessary to getting back where we needed to be. However, I was a little disturbed at parading around the field with a trophy. This isn’t Missouri!
Anyhow, I digress.
With Year One of the Pelini Era in the books, fresh off a 9-4 finish with a season closing four-game winning streak, I ask what are your expectations?
Truthfully, runs like what happened from 1993-1997 don’t just fall out of the sky because while college football is not quite like the NFL, there is clearly far more parity than there was even a decade ago.
I’m of the mind that to be a perennially consistent program, you ideally want to be in the 8-4 to 10-2 range and maybe every 5-7 years you get that special team that makes a run at the National Title with an 11-1 or 12-0 record. I know 8-4 might seem low but every now and then even the best programs will have a down year whether it’s a talent issue, a health issue or that every break goes against you.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
An early look ahead to 2009 for Nebraska football
The 2008 Nebraska football season is in our rearview mirror. With a strong finish that included a season-closing four-game winning streak, I think it’s fair to say that the Huskers are back on solid ground. Granted, the 9-4 record is not the be and all end all. Keep in mind, Nebraska has had many nine-win seasons but none may have been timelier than this one.
The overall health of the program is in much better shape. So what will 2009 bring? Who knows but we can safely say that going from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008 was the easy part. Going from 9-4 to say 11-2 will be the hard part.
While Bo Pelini has changed the vibe and attitude in the program, he will still be dealing with some (albeit less) of the residual effects of the Bill Callahan era such as continuing to coach the veterans out of bad habits and continuing to develop the underclassmen his way. Just looking at the position by position outlook, here’s an early look at 2009:
Quarterback: Losing Joe Ganz is a big blow not just statistically (285-of-420 for 3,568 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT) but the leadership he brought. Granted, the Huskers have had more talented players line up under center but Ganz had the respect of the coaches and teammates and you simply cannot quantity that virtue. I’ve got to think that freshman Cody Green will redshirt but we will not know anything about returners Patrick Witt, Zac Lee and Kody Spano until September. Spano did not play at all in 2008 while Witt and Lee only played in mop-up duty, save for Witt’s lone play in the Gator Bowl in relief of an injured Ganz.
Running back: The Huskers are once again loaded at this position. Marlon Lucky and Thomas Lawson (if you include fullback) are the only losses of note at this position. Neither player, however, was much of a factor by season’s end. Lucky was limited late in the season because of a turf-toe injury while Lawson was not utilized as much after Nebraska went to a more Spread-oriented look, thus de-emphasizing the fullback position. The Huskers, however, return Roy Helu, Quentin Castille and Marcus Mendoza plus there’s the inclusion of Collins Okafor and Lester Ward. Helu asserted himself in the second half of the season while Castille’s strong Gator Bowl performance opened some eyes. If he can just hang on to the ball.
Wide receiver: Nebraska takes a hit at this position in losing Nate Swift (63-941-10) and Todd Peterson (62-786-4) not just statistically but because they were such clutch receivers -- but the news isn‘t all bad. The good news is that Menelik Holt and Niles Paul got some meaningful snaps and so did Curenski Gillelyn and Chris Brooks to a lesser extent.
Tight end: The tight end is back as a viable weapon in the Husker offense, thank you very much. Mike McNeill and Dreu Young figure to get that much better. Bring in redshirt freshman Ben Cotton and things look very promising. We know this group can catch. It’s just a matter of position coach Ron Brown developing a physical mindset with these guys in the running game.
Offensive line: Despite losing Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha, the line appears to be in good shape with the return and continued development of Jacob Hickman, Javairo Burkes, Marcel Jones, DJ Jones and Keith Williams. Perhaps, the best news is the return of Hickman at center because that position is the quarterback of the offensive line.
Defensive line: If you can’t beat ‘em, then Suh ‘em! Suffice it to say, Ndamukong Suh opting to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft is reason to breath a huge sigh of relief. Suh’s return softens the blow of losing Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. From a football standpoint, dominant defensive tackles like Suh don’t just fall off a truck. If there is a plus side of Barry Turner’s season-ending knee injury, Pierre Allen got his chance to develop. Allen comes back and so does Turner but how effect will the latter be? The fact that Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also got meaningful snaps should be a plus.
Linebacker: This position was woefully thin on depth chart to enter the 2008 season and the Huskers lost Phillip Dillard (ankle injury) and Cody Glenn (suspension) late in the season. Glenn and Tyler Wortman are the only losses but with the return of a healthy Dillard, LaTravis Washington, Blake Lawrence, Matt Holt, Matthew May and Colton Koehler to go along with the emergence of redshirt freshman, the Huskers should be in solid shape for the foreseeable future.
Secondary: This position should be very strong as Armando Murrillo is the only loss of significance. The return of Larry Asante, Rickey Thenarse, Alfonso Dennard, Prince Amukamara, Major Culbert, and Anthony Blue should make for a solid group. Special teams: How can one not be excited about the return of Alex Henery after he booted a 57-yard field goal to defeat Colorado. The Huskers lose punter Dan Titchner but they generally seem to find a good replacement. Paul gave the return game a decent weapon in the return game but the punt and kickoff coverage definitely regressed as the season went forward.
Coaches: The Huskers came a long way this season with a coaching staff that started from scratch. The players buy into the system and philosophy the coaches are teaching. Most importantly, the staff galvanized the team to a 9-4 finish.
What lies ahead: It’s a little early but I see six slamdunk wins (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Iowa State, Kansas State and Baylor), two slamdunk losses (probably Oklahoma and either Kansas or Texas Tech) and four bubble games (Virginia Tech, Missouri, Colorado and Kansas or Texas Tech). The X-factor is how many bubble games dies this team win? Keep in mind; the Huskers were a few plays away from being 11-2. How many mistakes can they correct to turn those close losses into wins? The defense should continue to get better if for no other reason than they’ll play more instinctively and having another year in the system will allow Pelini to install more intracacies of the scheme. Breaking in an inexperienced quarterback will probably cost them one or two bubble games. The good news is that the health of the program is in enormously better shape.
The overall health of the program is in much better shape. So what will 2009 bring? Who knows but we can safely say that going from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008 was the easy part. Going from 9-4 to say 11-2 will be the hard part.
While Bo Pelini has changed the vibe and attitude in the program, he will still be dealing with some (albeit less) of the residual effects of the Bill Callahan era such as continuing to coach the veterans out of bad habits and continuing to develop the underclassmen his way. Just looking at the position by position outlook, here’s an early look at 2009:
Quarterback: Losing Joe Ganz is a big blow not just statistically (285-of-420 for 3,568 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT) but the leadership he brought. Granted, the Huskers have had more talented players line up under center but Ganz had the respect of the coaches and teammates and you simply cannot quantity that virtue. I’ve got to think that freshman Cody Green will redshirt but we will not know anything about returners Patrick Witt, Zac Lee and Kody Spano until September. Spano did not play at all in 2008 while Witt and Lee only played in mop-up duty, save for Witt’s lone play in the Gator Bowl in relief of an injured Ganz.
Running back: The Huskers are once again loaded at this position. Marlon Lucky and Thomas Lawson (if you include fullback) are the only losses of note at this position. Neither player, however, was much of a factor by season’s end. Lucky was limited late in the season because of a turf-toe injury while Lawson was not utilized as much after Nebraska went to a more Spread-oriented look, thus de-emphasizing the fullback position. The Huskers, however, return Roy Helu, Quentin Castille and Marcus Mendoza plus there’s the inclusion of Collins Okafor and Lester Ward. Helu asserted himself in the second half of the season while Castille’s strong Gator Bowl performance opened some eyes. If he can just hang on to the ball.
Wide receiver: Nebraska takes a hit at this position in losing Nate Swift (63-941-10) and Todd Peterson (62-786-4) not just statistically but because they were such clutch receivers -- but the news isn‘t all bad. The good news is that Menelik Holt and Niles Paul got some meaningful snaps and so did Curenski Gillelyn and Chris Brooks to a lesser extent.
Tight end: The tight end is back as a viable weapon in the Husker offense, thank you very much. Mike McNeill and Dreu Young figure to get that much better. Bring in redshirt freshman Ben Cotton and things look very promising. We know this group can catch. It’s just a matter of position coach Ron Brown developing a physical mindset with these guys in the running game.
Offensive line: Despite losing Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha, the line appears to be in good shape with the return and continued development of Jacob Hickman, Javairo Burkes, Marcel Jones, DJ Jones and Keith Williams. Perhaps, the best news is the return of Hickman at center because that position is the quarterback of the offensive line.
Defensive line: If you can’t beat ‘em, then Suh ‘em! Suffice it to say, Ndamukong Suh opting to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft is reason to breath a huge sigh of relief. Suh’s return softens the blow of losing Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. From a football standpoint, dominant defensive tackles like Suh don’t just fall off a truck. If there is a plus side of Barry Turner’s season-ending knee injury, Pierre Allen got his chance to develop. Allen comes back and so does Turner but how effect will the latter be? The fact that Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also got meaningful snaps should be a plus.
Linebacker: This position was woefully thin on depth chart to enter the 2008 season and the Huskers lost Phillip Dillard (ankle injury) and Cody Glenn (suspension) late in the season. Glenn and Tyler Wortman are the only losses but with the return of a healthy Dillard, LaTravis Washington, Blake Lawrence, Matt Holt, Matthew May and Colton Koehler to go along with the emergence of redshirt freshman, the Huskers should be in solid shape for the foreseeable future.
Secondary: This position should be very strong as Armando Murrillo is the only loss of significance. The return of Larry Asante, Rickey Thenarse, Alfonso Dennard, Prince Amukamara, Major Culbert, and Anthony Blue should make for a solid group. Special teams: How can one not be excited about the return of Alex Henery after he booted a 57-yard field goal to defeat Colorado. The Huskers lose punter Dan Titchner but they generally seem to find a good replacement. Paul gave the return game a decent weapon in the return game but the punt and kickoff coverage definitely regressed as the season went forward.
Coaches: The Huskers came a long way this season with a coaching staff that started from scratch. The players buy into the system and philosophy the coaches are teaching. Most importantly, the staff galvanized the team to a 9-4 finish.
What lies ahead: It’s a little early but I see six slamdunk wins (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Iowa State, Kansas State and Baylor), two slamdunk losses (probably Oklahoma and either Kansas or Texas Tech) and four bubble games (Virginia Tech, Missouri, Colorado and Kansas or Texas Tech). The X-factor is how many bubble games dies this team win? Keep in mind; the Huskers were a few plays away from being 11-2. How many mistakes can they correct to turn those close losses into wins? The defense should continue to get better if for no other reason than they’ll play more instinctively and having another year in the system will allow Pelini to install more intracacies of the scheme. Breaking in an inexperienced quarterback will probably cost them one or two bubble games. The good news is that the health of the program is in enormously better shape.
Tattoos: are they a work of art or a walking graffiti overpass?
Do you ever feel like Rip Van Winkle waking up after being asleep for about 20 years?
That's exactly how I feel about tattoos, which are permanent marks made by inserting pigment into the skin for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding. In the United States many prisoners and criminal gangs use distinctive tattoos to indicate facts about their criminal behavior, prison sentences, and organizational affiliation.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide and has become increasingly popular but at 35 years old I can honestly say that's one bandwagon I have no desire to jump on board. Most people who are in the anti-tattoo category such as myself feel the way they do because of the medical ramifications.
Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilized. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare. In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection.
OK, I've conceded that tattoos are a fad, they are here to stay. They are becoming more popular and common. When it comes to people's fascination with tattoos, I will simply say this, "I don't get it." I never have and perhaps I never will. Again, I have nothing against people with tattoos. I have friends that have them. I just don't understand the fascination with them.
One night my wife was watching a show on CSI that featured the art of tattooing. For the record, my wife does not have any tattoos and has no desire to do so. One night, however, when watching that show, I went on my anti-tattoo diatribe. My wife responded "but it is a form of art." I replied by saying, "So is the stick figure that fourth graders draw but you don't see anyone with those tattoos."
It's not just that people feel the need to have one or two tattoos. Again, I realize it's a fad that's here to say. However, I seem to be seeing more and more people who have tattoos all over their arms, legs, chest and on the neck. That's not artwork. That's a walking overpass with graffiti. That's just like these people who think they look cool with 10 body piercings. These people look like they crawled out of a tackle box.
What's even worse is these people think they actually look cool wearing them. To that end, I guess I'll enjoy the last laugh. My message to those people is, "You might think you look cool when you're 20 or 30 but I'm going to be laughing my tail off at you when you're 60 or 70 when those tattoos look ugly on your shriveled up skin."
Tattoo fascination. I don't get it. For the record, my number of tattoos and body piercings are zero. And I intend to keep it that way.
That's exactly how I feel about tattoos, which are permanent marks made by inserting pigment into the skin for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding. In the United States many prisoners and criminal gangs use distinctive tattoos to indicate facts about their criminal behavior, prison sentences, and organizational affiliation.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide and has become increasingly popular but at 35 years old I can honestly say that's one bandwagon I have no desire to jump on board. Most people who are in the anti-tattoo category such as myself feel the way they do because of the medical ramifications.
Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilized. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare. In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection.
OK, I've conceded that tattoos are a fad, they are here to stay. They are becoming more popular and common. When it comes to people's fascination with tattoos, I will simply say this, "I don't get it." I never have and perhaps I never will. Again, I have nothing against people with tattoos. I have friends that have them. I just don't understand the fascination with them.
One night my wife was watching a show on CSI that featured the art of tattooing. For the record, my wife does not have any tattoos and has no desire to do so. One night, however, when watching that show, I went on my anti-tattoo diatribe. My wife responded "but it is a form of art." I replied by saying, "So is the stick figure that fourth graders draw but you don't see anyone with those tattoos."
It's not just that people feel the need to have one or two tattoos. Again, I realize it's a fad that's here to say. However, I seem to be seeing more and more people who have tattoos all over their arms, legs, chest and on the neck. That's not artwork. That's a walking overpass with graffiti. That's just like these people who think they look cool with 10 body piercings. These people look like they crawled out of a tackle box.
What's even worse is these people think they actually look cool wearing them. To that end, I guess I'll enjoy the last laugh. My message to those people is, "You might think you look cool when you're 20 or 30 but I'm going to be laughing my tail off at you when you're 60 or 70 when those tattoos look ugly on your shriveled up skin."
Tattoo fascination. I don't get it. For the record, my number of tattoos and body piercings are zero. And I intend to keep it that way.
Football is the ultimate team sport
You hear it so often: "There's no 'I' in team."
The true definition of the word "team" in sports is defined as a group of players in a game or any group organized to work together.
Sports such as volleyball and soccer are considered team sports because they rely on teammates passing the ball or setting up teammates. For now, however, let's focus on what is commonly known as "The Big Three" - football, basketball and baseball.
The question is not "if" they are team sports but which "is" a team sport to the greatest extent?
The question that might best draw a conclusion is which sport will an impact player have the least effect in making a team better?
Some folks call baseball an individual sport but that statement is pure baloney quite frankly. The World Series trophy reads "2006 World Series Champions - St. Louis Cardinals" not "2006 World Series Champions - Albert Pujols."
Baseball is a team sports centered around an individual matchup of pitcher vs. batter. If the batter hits the ball, however, the pitcher needs fielders behind him to make plays.
The teamwork aspect also comes into play when teammates converge on infield popups and flyballs because there is an emphasis on communication. Teamwork is also necessary on double-plays and relay throws from the outfield.
In baseball, however, one or two outstanding hitters or pitchers can also mask a lot of weaknesses. Exhibit A would be the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, led by the studly pitching tandem of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. If a team has a pitcher strike out say 10 or more batters, all of the sudden a team's suspect defense is less of an issue.
In addition, if a team has one or two dominant hitters, it can dictate that other hitters in the lineup might see better pitches.
Also keep in mind that the only player on a baseball team that does not play defense is the designated hitter.
In basketball, the teamwork of executing a fastbreak or pick-and-roll can be beautiful to watch. There's also communication involved in playing defense.
However, there are only five players on the court at the same time. Therefore, if a team has one or two superstars a team can be significantly better even if it has Larry, Curly and Moe in the lineup.
In football, there are 11 different players on offense and defense in college football and the NFL.
High school football (particularly smaller ones) has some two-way players but sheer numbers suggest that one impact player is less likely to have an impact than in baseball and basketball.
Even if a player is a star running back, he is only as good as the line that blocks for him.
If a star player is a middle linebacker, he is only as good as the defensive tackles in front of him.
If a team has a Hall-of-Fame quarterback throwing for all kinds of yards, he will not make a mediocre or below-average defense better.
Teams that fit that description might outscore mediocre teams but it won't work against better defenses.
Upon further review: All three are team sports but, for my money, football wins this argument and is a team sport to the greatest extent.
The true definition of the word "team" in sports is defined as a group of players in a game or any group organized to work together.
Sports such as volleyball and soccer are considered team sports because they rely on teammates passing the ball or setting up teammates. For now, however, let's focus on what is commonly known as "The Big Three" - football, basketball and baseball.
The question is not "if" they are team sports but which "is" a team sport to the greatest extent?
The question that might best draw a conclusion is which sport will an impact player have the least effect in making a team better?
Some folks call baseball an individual sport but that statement is pure baloney quite frankly. The World Series trophy reads "2006 World Series Champions - St. Louis Cardinals" not "2006 World Series Champions - Albert Pujols."
Baseball is a team sports centered around an individual matchup of pitcher vs. batter. If the batter hits the ball, however, the pitcher needs fielders behind him to make plays.
The teamwork aspect also comes into play when teammates converge on infield popups and flyballs because there is an emphasis on communication. Teamwork is also necessary on double-plays and relay throws from the outfield.
In baseball, however, one or two outstanding hitters or pitchers can also mask a lot of weaknesses. Exhibit A would be the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, led by the studly pitching tandem of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. If a team has a pitcher strike out say 10 or more batters, all of the sudden a team's suspect defense is less of an issue.
In addition, if a team has one or two dominant hitters, it can dictate that other hitters in the lineup might see better pitches.
Also keep in mind that the only player on a baseball team that does not play defense is the designated hitter.
In basketball, the teamwork of executing a fastbreak or pick-and-roll can be beautiful to watch. There's also communication involved in playing defense.
However, there are only five players on the court at the same time. Therefore, if a team has one or two superstars a team can be significantly better even if it has Larry, Curly and Moe in the lineup.
In football, there are 11 different players on offense and defense in college football and the NFL.
High school football (particularly smaller ones) has some two-way players but sheer numbers suggest that one impact player is less likely to have an impact than in baseball and basketball.
Even if a player is a star running back, he is only as good as the line that blocks for him.
If a star player is a middle linebacker, he is only as good as the defensive tackles in front of him.
If a team has a Hall-of-Fame quarterback throwing for all kinds of yards, he will not make a mediocre or below-average defense better.
Teams that fit that description might outscore mediocre teams but it won't work against better defenses.
Upon further review: All three are team sports but, for my money, football wins this argument and is a team sport to the greatest extent.
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