Saturday, June 27, 2009

Recruiting hype defies common sense

One discussion I find myself revisiting quite bit is the increased hype of college recruiting either as it pertains to signing day or just general media hype.

Go to any message board and you’ll hear, “School X. Y or Z just signed the No. 1 rated linebacker in the country.” These kids haven’t even played a single down of college football and in some cases have yet to finish their high school career and they are already being tabbed the savior of their program.

The one response I constantly have is, “I get it, but I don’t quite get it.”Is the excitement warranted? Well, perhaps so within reason. I understand the excitement for fans leading up to signing day. It’s a chance to celebrate the next generation of your favorite team. However, I do believe that the hysteria surrounding recruiting and signing day has crossed the line of common sense. There’s just way too much attention given to way too many kids, many of whom are not benefiting from the media crush.

Look no further than some recruits of the recent past for Nebraska such as running back Marlon Lucky and quarterback Harrison Beck to name a couple. Lucky lasted all four years at Nebraska and while he did some good things, it was hardly the career envisioned for him. Beck transferred to North Carolina State and is now at Northern Alabama (a Div I-A school).

The truth of the matter is that less than half of these athletes, and that’s probably a generous estimate, will not live up to all of the attention. If you want to celebrate your school’s recruiting class, fine. Have a signing day party for all I care. Just spare me some of the media attention and the fixation on these young kids.

The truth of the matter is that signing day has become so overhyped that it’s anticlimactic. I don’t mind a few updates during the year but phone calls out the wazoo to website publishers, network scouts and now the newspaper writers seems over the top. It’s also got to be a pain in the butt for the kid to answer the same damn questions about
40 times, college lists, favorites, bench press numbers and when he is making a decision.

As a result, the athletes are becoming prima donnas at an accelerated stage. Not that it’s their entirely fault.

Just another example of how college sports recruiting coverage has been grossly overhyped.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Nebraska football talent deficit greatly exaggerated

Throughout this decade, it has generally been argued that Nebraska football lacks the talent to be a true player in joining the national elite.

That argument was in full force after the dismissal of Frank Solich. The Bill Callahan era brought a lot of recruiting hype but when those recruits did not materialize (translation, the coaching staff did not develop them properly), the argument became “well, maybe they are not as good as we thought” with the hiring of Bo Pelini.

Samuel McKewon of Nebraska Statepaper recently wrote that “the the presumption comes in: Nebraska overachieved in 2008, emerging triumphantly from raw clay to grind out magical victories. It is a good story, and it fits with Bo Pelini’s all-heart, all-sweat profile.” Except it is not entirely true. McKewon added that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, tight end Mike McNeill and running back Roy Helu are at or very near the top of the best at their position in the Big 12.

I mostly concur with McKewon, whom I must give take a moment to give a shout out before I go further. I know the young man because we worked together for a year at the Daily Nebraskan. I say he’s “young” because his first year there was my last. He was 18 and I was 24. Anyhow, I must say that McKewon has become an outstanding reporter. Yes, his points are governed by emotion but he is also objective. After all, who else could have thought of “Ten Successes of the Bill Callahan Era.”

On the offensive side, the Huskers had more than ample talent because the previous staff was very offensive minded in its recruiting. However, where I marginally differ with McKewon is on the defensive side. The Huskers ended up converting two running backs to defenders (Cody Glenn to linebacker and Major Culbert to safety). I doubt Pelini would have made those moves if we were oozing with talent on defense.

Anyhow, the cupboard wasn't empty, and it isn't depleting going to deplete any time soon. The Huskers just needed some good coaching to get it up to speed, along with some attitude to go with it.

The previous staff knew how to acquire talent but they did a horrific job of developing and coaching it. The biggest hurdle Pelini was going to face his first year was cultivating a winning attitude and desire amongst his players, but given his fire and ability to relate with players on a personal level and the fact that he is dealing with impressionable young men, the quick change in attitude is something that should not have come as a total shock to people.

True, Nebraska very seldom had recruiting rankings that knocked people in the Bob Devaney/Tom Osborne/Frank Solich years but the Huskers have never had much of a talent deficiency. What we did have between 2004 and 2007 was a major coaching/leadership deficiency. We have talent, but talent must be developed. Most of us have been saying pretty much exactly what McKewon pointed out for quite some time. Nebraska has athletes; the coaches have just needed some time to turn them into football players; now I look for them to turn them into a great team.This team, in my opinion, is good enough to win nine games or more in the regular season on a regular basis. If they win more, great. If they win less, well that happens sometimes. We can definitely count on great effort, progressing each week, and doing things to make themselves better for future seasons.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Soccer to take over US -- forget it

You hear the question asked so frequently: “Why has soccer not caught on in the United States of America?”

Well, in a way it has caught on but I think it is closer to reaching a ceiling than most soccer zealots want to admit. Granted, soccer has become more mainstream in terms of American thinking but just because there are youth leagues all over the nation, that does not mean the sport will “take over” in the US as some might suggest.

People have their theories of why the sport has not “caught on” in the US. “It’s boring,” “Not enough scoring,” “The pace is too slow.” And of course the most cynical answer is, “It’s a Communist sport!”

I don’t see any of those answers as credible. I got news for you, a 2-1 soccer game is no less boring than a 14-7 football game. Plus, just because a game is low-scoring does not mean it’s boring. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of soccer but the notion of it being a “Communist” sport is a little over the top. Again, I’m not a fan of the sport but if my kids want to play it, I’m not going to stand in their way. After all, it is a positive and constructive activity for youngsters.

I believe the reason why soccer has not “caught on” in the US is very simple. It’s not our sport.

People’s prediction of soccer “taking over” ranks right up there with predictions we heard of how “hockey was going to take over” after the US upset the Soviet Union, which was considered the best international team in the world, 4-3 in 1980 in what has become aptly known as “The Miracle on Ice.” We are still waiting for hockey fever to catch. Hockey might be big in certain pockets of the US like say Detroit or Philadelphia but it remains a rumor in many other places in the US.

The bottom line is that Americans will never truly sink their collective teeth into soccer because we didn’t invent it or perfect it. Football remains the most popular sport in America. High school football games are like an event. College football is an American staple. The NFL is not only popular but profitable. Baseball, while a derivative of foreign sports that has become more global in recent memory, has American roots and there’s a reason we know it as our “National Past-time.” Basketball has also become more global but it is traditionally thought of as an American sport. Plus, the NCAA tournament thrives. NASCAR is typically associated in popularity in the Southern US States but has also grown in popularity around the entire US.

Again, baseball and basketball have become more global but the best in the world still come to the US to play. Whereas the best soccer players in the US go to other countries to play in order to advance their career.

Besides reaching the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup, the US national team has not had consistent success on the world stage. True, it was good to see the US Women’s team march to a World Cup title but that run was just a blip on the screen. Americans, meanwhile, are the best in the world in football, baseball, and basketball, they cannot yet hold a candle to other countries in soccer. Sorry folks, it’s reality.

Some soccer cynics go as far to say, “It’s not a real sport.” I tend to disagree with that statement because soccer players are very highly-skilled athletes. It takes great footwork and enormous stamina. I don’t think a pot-belly defensive tackle will last long playing the sport.

While soccer can be a good sport, it is simply not designed for TV audiences among Americans. Advertising dominates TV broadcasts. Since there are no timeouts in soccer, the best one can do in that case is have sponsorship for a half or part of a half. US broadcasts are based around 30-60 second commercials. NFL and NBA broadcasts have “commercial time outs” that lends itself to companies to place advertising at key moments of a game. And where do TV networks make money? Advertising.

Another stumbling block soccer faces with fully capturing the imagination of the US is that we do not have a star that transcends the sport. England has David Beckham. Brazil has Ronaldihno, Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. The men, along with others for their nations, have grown bigger than their sport in their native lands. The U.S. hasn't had that one player that has done that yet. We’ve had a few good soccer players but it’s not like they are going to get splashed all over the Chicago Tribune sports section.

Again, soccer can be a beautiful game. Just don’t expect it to the game of the week in the US any time soon.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Will Dillard get back in the coaches good graces?

Much of the focus around the 2009 Nebraska football team’s linebacker position centers on the younger players.

Remember how Bo Pelini avoided burning redshirts despite being thin at the position? Even when it was enormously tempting. Among those redshirt freshmen looking to make an impact in 2009 are Sean Fisher, Micah Kreikemeier, Alonzo Whaley, and Will Compton.

There are also young players like sophomores Matt Holt and Matthew May that shined when given the chance. Junior Blake Lawrence also gained valuable experience. Senior Colton Koehler also made an impact.

The big question is will senior Phillip Dillard get out of the doghouse? Dillard came to Nebraska as one of Bill Callahan’s prized recruits from 2005 class. He saw sporadic action as a true freshman. Dillard gained a redshirt year in 2006 based on sustaining a season-ending injury in 2006. Dillard split time at middle linebacker with Corey McKeon in 2007 but got in with the good graces of Bo Pelini’s staff by losing 40 pounds. Dillard, however, missed the last four games of the regular season and played sparingly in the Gator Bowl.

It was generally assumed by many Husker fans that Dillard would be a starter (or at least in contention for a starting job) when healthy and emerge as a leader. In spring practice, however, Dillard slipped “down there” on the depth chart. Neither Pelini or linebackers coach Mike Ekeler specified how far “down there.” As for why Dillard fell on the depth chart, Ekeler said: “There's some things that we ask. I'll just leave it at that.”

The question I have is not necessarily will Dillard get back in the starting lineup but will he get back in the good graces of the coaching staff?

By all indications, Dillard seems like a good kid.

From what we as Husker fans have grown to know about Pelini, and Ekeler too, is that if Dillard keeps his nose clean and works hard he will be given every opportunity to compete for a starting job. He has the talent to play and be a key contributor this season. The question becomes will he take the coaches challenge as a rallying point or will he have issues? Either way, it’ll say quite a bit about him.

You can make the argument that for all the good things they did individually, the defense actually played better after Dillard’s injury and Cody Glenn’s suspension. Dillard could still have a nice season, but he's going to have to work his tail off to do so.

Even if he does get back in the rotation I feel his snaps could be limited. Keep in mind, with so many teams in the Big 12 (college football for that matter) running some form of The spread offense, the MIKE linebacker is not on the field as much.

Perhaps the expectations have been raised going into his senior year and this is a challenge. The expectations perhaps include assuming more of a leadership role as a senior, in practice and all during the offseason.Certainly a move like this at the time it was made (during the spring) gives time for Dillard to show the coaching staff exactly where his head and heart are.

The coaches have sent the message. We should find out real soon the effect of the message.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

2009 Nebraska football game-by-game crystal ball

Huskers Illustrated, you have inspired me to reach to greater heights. I just had my official 2009 football yearbook mailed to my home in Napa, CA this past weekend.

The magazine previews the 2009 season in-depth with Ndamukong Suh -- the Huskers hulking defensive tackle featured on the front cover. If looks could kill quarterbacks like Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Todd Reesing, Zac Robinson and Robert Griffon would be a pile of dust.

The edition includes but is not limited to roster breakdown, opponent breakdown, position breakdown and media breakdown. Media members that cover the team regularly pick the Huskers record plus a synopsis for the reason behind their picks. The most pessimistic are Ken Hambleton (Lincoln Journal Star) and Terry Douglass (Grand island Independent). Both pick the Huskers to finish 8-5 including their bowl game.

The X-Factor is taking into account which media members pick the Big Red to reach the Big 12 Title Game. Keep in mind, some people are favoring Kansas. The ones are definitely picking Nebraska to win the division are Dave Hunt (KLKN TV Lincoln). Chris Schmidt (Huskers Illustratred radio), Lane Grindle (Husker Sports Network), Brian Christopherson (Lincoln Journal Star), Brian Rosenthal (Lincoln Journal Star), Jeff Wilkerson (KLMS, Lincoln), Sean Callahan (Huskersillustrated.com), Dirk Chatlain (Omaha World-Herald), John Schuetz (KETV, Omaha), Mike’L Severe (KOZN, Omaha) and Matt Schick (KETV, Omaha). The records range from 9-5 to 11-3. The last time the Huskers won the Big 12 North in 2006 under Bill Callahan, the team went 9-5 but perhaps should have gone 11-3 -- or at least 10-4 anyhow.

Though I am a member of the mainstream media here in the Napa Valley, I am not among the mainstream media in Nebraska covering the team even though I was at one time in my life. So here at Wine Country Husker headquarters at my non-palatial condo here in Napa, CA, I have decided to get bold and take a stab at the Huskers 2009 game-by-game breakdown. Last season, I picked 10-3 in Bo Pelini’s first season with Nebraska beating Wisconsin in the Alamo Bowl. I was one game off as Nebraska went 9-4, beating Clemson in the Gator Bowl.

I have sipped a little bit Kool-Aid as we speak. The Napa Valley kind but here’s our breakdown:

Nebraska 38, Florida Atlantic 17


The Howard Schnellenberger storylines resonate throughout the week. Florida Atlantic is one of the best the Sun Belt has to offer but the Huskers race to a 21-3 lead at halftime and that advantage swells to 35-3 after three quarters. Roy Helu rushes for three TDs and Zac Lee throws for two more. The Owls get two touchdowns in garbage time. Nebraska’s more experienced defense generates three turnovers and five sacks.

Nebraska 41, Arkansas State 14

For the second time in as many weeks, the Huskers produce a big lead, this time 24-7 at halftime and 31-14 after three quarters. Prince Amukamara’s interception (one of three picks for the Blackshirts) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter punctuates the win. Quentin Castille rushes for three touchdowns while Zac Lee throws for another.

Virginia Tech 24, Nebraska 20

Both offenses moved the ball efficiently in the first half in front of a nationally televised audience. The Hokies lead 21-14 at halftime but in the second half both defenses bowed their necks, especially in the red zone. The Huskers are still seeking that truly signature win against an elite club. Nebraska battles hard but falls short. Bo Pelini says in his postgame press conference, “moral victories suck.” Pelini does not need to make that statement but further cements his status among Husker fans as “Our guy.”

Nebraska 44, Louisiana-Lafeyette 10

The Huskers start like a house of fire looking to put the Virginia Tech loss behind them on the way to a 27-7 halftime lead. Nebraska’s best defense was a keep-away offense as Quentin Castille rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Helu added 65 more while Lee threw for a pair of touchdowns. Kody Spano gets into the box score with a fourth quarter scoring pass. The Huskers are 3-1 heading into Big 12 play with two dragons to slay.

Nebraska 41, Missouri 24

The real Missouri is back and the Huskers slay a dragon in what has been a House of Horrors. The first three quarters are a seesaw battle in front of a Thursday night ESPN audience as the Tigers erase a 20-10 Nebraska lead at halftimes to take a 24-20 lead after three quarters. Bo Pelini challenges his team on the sideline and they respond. The Huskers dominate the fourth quarter as Lee throws for two touchdown tosses while Blake Lawrence’s 57-yard interception return to paydirt seals the win late in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska 35, Texas Tech 24

The Huskers slay yet another dragon as the Memorial Stadium noise is deafening as the Huskers play their 1,200th game in school history. Just like last year, the Husker offense plays keep-away led by Roy Helu’s 146 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Huskers lead 14-10 half but made the Red Raiders fight uphill even further as Zac Lee connected with Mike McNeill for a touchdown pass. The Blackshirt defense bends but does not break. Ndamukong Suh intercepts a pass – shades of LeKevin Smith’s INT – only he holds on to the ball and the Huskers seal the win.

Nebraska 34, Iowa State 3

Coming off two emotional wins, Nebraska starts slow as the game was a scoreless tie after one quarter but takes a 14-0 halftime lead as Zac Lee connects with Mike McNeill for a touchdown and Quentin Castille powers his way into the zone. The Huskers control the line of scrimmage with the O-and-D Lines. Defensively, the Huskers produced five sacks and two interceptions.

Nebraska 31, Baylor 20

The dreaded trap game in Waco before a marquee matchup the following week in Lincoln. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin gives the Huskers headaches in the first half as the game is tied at 17-all at intermission. The Blackshirts put the clamps on Griffin in the second half while Zac Lee connects with Menelik Holt for two second half touchdown tosses to seal the Husker win.

Oklahoma 38, Nebraska 21

The crowd noise is off the hook, just like old times for NU-OU matchups. The Huskers show they have narrowed the gap but OU still has superior talent and depth. The Sooners lead 24-17 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. Sooner head coach Bob Stoops, known for his arrogance, says, “Don’t be fooled, Nebraska is on its way back.”


Nebraska 31, Kansas 21

The Huskers see this as a chance to close in on the division title and they do in a hard fought road victory. The Jayhawks strike first but Castille answers with two rushing touchdowns to give the Huskers the lead for good. Nebraska puts it away in the second half with an Alex Henery field goal and a Zac Lee to Chris Brooks touchdown. The Blackshirts force three turnovers and harass Todd Reesing throughout the day.

Nebraska 41, Kansas State 7

Bill Snyder has the Wildcats playing better but they still lack the depth to beat the Huskers. Nebraska leads 17-0 after one quarter and 27-0 at halftimes and wins going away on Senior Day. Nebraska gets its backups some much needed work heading into the bye week.

Nebraska 23, Colorado 17 (OT)

Husker fans might not like calling this a “rivarly” game but anything can and does happen when these two teams meet. With the Big 12 North title in hand, the Huskers fight off a gallant Buffs effort. Nebraska wins the overtime coin toss and defers. Ndamukong Suh gets a sack, forced fumble and recovered fumble all in the same play. The Huskers get the ball back and go for the jugular as Zac Lee hits Mike McNeill for a 25-yard strike to win the game. Denver Post communist, err columnist Woody Paige writes his typical diarrhea of the mouth column the next day.

Big 12 Championship Game

Texas 28, Nebraska 24

Nebraska needs a win to secure a BCS bowl game while Texas still has National Title hopes. The Longhorns break Nebraska’s heart again as Colt McCoy hits Jordan Shipley with just over three minutes remaining in a seesaw battle. The Huskers bid to respond with a game-winning drive falls short. Bo Pelini challenges his team to finish the season with authority.

Cotton Bowl

Nebraska 34, Alabama 17


The Holliday Bowl expresses interest in the Huskers while Nebraska has never been too keen on the Cotton Bowl. However, Cotton Bowl officials see a prime opportunity to match two brand name programs together – Nebraska and Alabama. Bo Pelini promises not to go for any fake punts on his own 30, a la Bill Callahan. Sorry -- could not resist.

The Huskers lead wire-to-wire as Zac Lee converts some clutch third down passes. Lee throws for two touchdowns and runs for another. The Blackshirts force four turnovers and record three quarterback sacks.

Husker fans say, “Take that, SEC!”

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

TO not about to give himself a TO as Nebraska AD

A Christmas present arrived on June 10, 2009, for Nebraska football fans. Well, Nebraska athletic fans. How is that possible might you ask?

Well, the Huskers didn’t win a National championship. Getting rid of Steve Pederson and his sorry Kool-Aid sipping ass on October, 15, 2007, sure felt like. Appointing legendary Husker football coach Tom Osborne as his replacement felt like an early Santa Claus arrival. In fact, it made me believe in Santa Claus again. The 72-year old Osborne signed a contract set to expire in October 2010. As of Wednesday, Osborne has agreed to stay “indefinitely” in his role.

Now, NU chancellor Harvey Perlman and Osborne will explore his status year-to-year.

"Tom originally agreed to come in temporarily and get the department moving in the right direction,” Perlman said. “He clearly accomplished that. I believe he now feels comfortable serving on an ongoing basis and I certainly feel comfortable having him do so.

“I am delighted that Tom has agreed to stay in harness for an indefinite period. The department faces some real challenges and opportunities as we move forward and Tom brings a breadth of experience that can serve the university well.”

Said Osborne: "I want to thank Chancellor Perlman for the opportunity to serve as athletic director for a period of time that we both feel comfortable with. I enjoy working with student-athletes, coaches, and other athletic department personnel and hope that together we can serve the people of Nebraska and the university well."

When Nebraska does choose a new athletic director, Perlman and Osborne agreed, it will be via search committee, and while Osborne would have significant input, he wouldn’t necessarily be hand-picking his successor.

Since former Nebraska linebacker Trev Alberts took the job at UNO, it has been speculated he’s the AD-in-waiting. Other Husker greats such as Dave Rimington and Ed Stewart have had their names mentioned as eventual replacements for Osborne. However, I think it would be foolish to dismiss Jeff Jamrog as a legit candidate. Jamrog is the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations. Don’t underestimate Jamrog. For one, he’s in house and acts like he genuinely wants to be there.

In a blog entry earlier this offseason, http://napavince.blogspot.com/2009/04/finding-osbornes-successor-as-ad.html, yours truly stated the importance of finding an eventual replacement for Osborne so as not to experience the Pederson debacle again. I still think picking the right guy is important. Going through the Pederson experiment was cruel and unusual punishment. Oh well, he’s your problem now, Pittsburgh.

Osborne does not have a specific time frame as far as how long he wishes to continue in his role. However, Osborne added he'd like to see the completion of the Student Life Center, which he expected to take a little more than a year to finish. He'd also like to see through any basketball facility upgrades, which he expected to probably, take a little bit more than two years.

So how much longer can we realistically expect Osborne to remain in the Captain’s Chair? I’d say at least five years. He is in good health so why not stay a few years longer than expected? Plus, he has given a lot to the University as an assistant coach and coach and to the state as a politician.

Osborne, however, represents Nebraska. And we’re not just talking a simple “N” on the side of the helmets. He represents common sense. Why buy a brand new Lexus every year when a 2005 Toyota Four-Runner or 2005 Chevy Impala will do just fine?

While Pederson was running the program afoul, yes he left it in good financial shape but the moral within the building and among the fan base was fractured.

What does it mean for Husker football?

It could mean a potential dynasty is now in place with Coach Osborne as A.D and Bo Pelini as head coach. As long as this combination remains, football will once again become a storied tradition at Nebraska. This is the best news we could ever receive. Infact, the whole athletic program will benefit from the indefinite retention of Coach Osborne.

I can not express how thrilled I am that Osborne will be the AD at NU for quite some time. What a breath of fresh air compared to the previous AD – make that SOB.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sizing up Zac Lee expectations

While it is commonly believed that Nebraska football is on its way back under second-year head coach Bo Pelini, if there is one thing that tempers 2009 expectations it is breaking in a new starting quarterback.

The Huskers went 9-4 in Pelini’s first season and will have a new starting quarterback (most likely Zac Lee) to replace the graduated Joe Ganz. Most preseason prognosticators seem to pick Kansas to prevail over Nebraska in the Big 12 North for 2009 in part due to the return of its quarterback Todd Reesing.

Lee is the favorite to become Nebraska’s starting quarterback but mostly by default. Lee, who is a junior college transfer from San Francisco City College, will compete with redshirt freshman Kody Spano and true freshman Cody Green for starting duties at quarterback. Lee sat out the 2005 season before enrolling in junior college in January of 2006, giving him four years to use three seasons of eligibility at Nebraska, where he redshirted in 2007 and appeared in two games in a mop-up role last season. Lee is advertised as a quarterback that has a strong arm and good mobility.

So what are the realistic expectations we should have for Lee? Assuming that he winds up the starter – and there’s every reason to think he will.

In one respect, I would save all or any expectation until the 2010 season. For this year, the biggest thing Lee needs to do is execute the basics with the other more experienced components of Husker offense taking on the big load. That means the offensive line; receivers and the backs need to carry the team most of the season.

Last season, Ganz opened the year with the return of his share of experienced supporting cast members. Sure the Huskers scored a combined 120 point in the first three games against Western Michigan, San Jose State and New Mexico State but also needed two non-offensive touchdowns to pull away from San Jose State 35-12.

One thing that bodes well for Lee is that production issues early last season had less to do with Ganz and more to do with an emphasis on a power running game which the Huskers lacked personnel to effectively run. As a result, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson began to spread defenses out which created lanes for Ganz, Roy Helu, and Marlon Lucky.

I do not expect Lee to explode but I anticipate that he will make things “look easier” because he possess more natural talent than Ganz. The hardest thing to replace about Ganz will be his leadership.

Ganz was undeniably a big reason Nebraska won nine games last season but he also helped seal the team’s fate in the four losses. I put Ganz in much the same category as Zac Taylor in that both are tough guys and gamers but also spotty in the clutch. Their mistakes often stemmed from trying to do too much.

The situation is different this year. Lee does not have to be a hero. The Huskers have a pretty solid line, proven running backs, and the makings of a stout defense. Taylor and Ganz, especially Taylor, really didn't have either of those things with any consistency.

That leads me to believe that Lee will be more than up to what is expected of him. Keep in mind, the Lee era is also coinciding with the stabilization of Nebraska’s identity on offense (multiple/balanced). As a result, we will see more of a solid running game as opposed to running the ball just for the sake of doing it.

Watson found what works found and the O-Line is no doubt getting the reps on it in practice.

Lee in a much better situation than Taylor and especially Joe Daily were in under Bill Callahan’s coaching staff. Lee has had two complete seasons and while injured his first spring, he had three springs to get an understanding of the offense and what it means to compete at the Div I-A level.

He also has offensive teammates that are totally on the same page, as much as a college program can reasonably have. Everybody around him knows what to do. The 2004 and 2005 clubs were trying to find guys who could fit and grasp the system. D-linemen were made O-linemen. You also had a fifth year senior safety (Willie Amos) moved to receiver. Taylor paid a physical price; a Nebraska QB should never again have to pay.

Lee, however, has had the same quarterback coach and coordinator throughout all three years. The biggest thing to keep in mind with Watson is that he is also more practical with college limitations, than Callahan and Norvell were. They were fully immersed in their West Coast Offensive philosophy.

It was one thing to add numerous playbook volume for say Rich Gannon when the Oakland Raiders were on their way to a Super Bowl appearance in 2002 because a) Gannon was an NFL veteran and b) at the pro level, it is a full-time job. Whereas in the college game, there are limitations on how much time they can spend on football.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Huskers matchup at VaTech could be very telling

The term “measuring stick” often gets overused but for the 2009 Nebraska Cornhuskers, their September 19 road game at Virginia Tech could provide a tell-tale sign of what type of season the team will have.

Nebraska’s non-conference clash against Virginia Tech on Sept. 19 has been selected for a regional telecast on ABC. The announcement was made on Thursday by ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The game is set for a 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET) kickoff from Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. In addition to the ABC coverage, the contest will be carried on ESPN2 in markets that receive a different regional contest on their ABC affiliates.

OK, I know that goes against the clichéd, “One game at a time” theory. Then again, I take it one Husker fan blog at a time too. Yes, Nebraska has home games against Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State before visiting VaTech. Yes, every game is important. That’s why they are on the schedule but not every game is created equal. Come on; are you going to tell me that beating Iowa State is just as impressive as say beating Texas or Oklahoma? Get real.

The last three seasons, Nebraska’s first high profile game provided a clue of what type of season the team had.

In 2006, the 19th ranked Huskers visited No. 4 USC and lost 28-10. You were disappointed but not discouraged. Keep in mind, when Zac Taylor scored a rushing touchdown with 12:44 left in the game, the Trojan lead was cut to 21-10. USC was never in danger of losing the game necessarily and while the Trojans were the superior club, it’s not like they outclassed Nebraska. Granted, Bill Callahan’s neo-conservative game plan (36 runs, 17 passes) left a lot to be desired. At which point I ask, “If he called 36 passes, 17 runs and the Huskers lost 41-24 would you have felt any different?” The Huskers went on to a 9-5 season and should have gone no worse than 11-3 but they did win their first Big 12 North crown in seven years and played in their first New Years Day caliber bowl game in five years.

In 2007, the 14th rated Huskers hosted top-ranked USC and lost 49-31. Yes, it was an 18-point loss just like the year before but let’s face it, of Nebraska’s four touchdowns only one came when the game mattered. The other three were in garbage time. The Trojans ran through the Husker defenders, who were at the game in body but other than that I could not quantify their presence at the game. Nebraska went on to a 5-7 season, lost confidence and thus the Callahan experiment ended.

In 2008, Nebraska and Virginia Tech entered their matchup in Lincoln as unranked. Nonetheless, that game was going to be a telling sign where the Huskers stood under then first year head coach Bo Pelini. Nebraska lost 35-30 but trailed 28-10 midway through the third quarter. The game seemed like a lost cause but the Huskers kept battling instead of assuming the fetal position like the previous year. Nebraska lost its next two games to fall to 3-3 but won six of their last seven games to finish 9-4. The reason the game against Virginia Tech was significant is that it was the first sign that while Nebraska was a flawed club, it would never quit.

Both clubs are ranked in every preseason Top 25 poll. Then again, we should know exactly how formidable the Hokies are when they host Alabama in their season opener on Sept. 5.

The Hokies have been a pretty consistent program the last decade or so under head coach Frank Beamer. Virginia Tech has developed a reputation for being strong defensively and on special teams. The Hokies also pride themselves on being more physical than their opponents – something the Huskers prided themselves on for years too. VaTech will also have seven returning starters.

So how much will Nebraska’s game in Blacksburg, VA tell us? The feeling here is quite a bit.

If Nebraska wins, I think a 10-2 season is likely. A respectable loss (say 7-14 points), I think 9-3 becomes a realistic expectation. A blowout loss, which I don’t believe will happen, then I think matching last year’s 8-4 regular season becomes a battle.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Man of Steele has a good history with Husker predictions

The Man of Steele

His magazine has yet to hit the racks in stores but Phil Steele ranks the Nebraska football team at No. 22 in his preseason poll and the Huskers are his pick to represent the North division in the Big 12 title game.

Again, I seldom put stock into preseason polls because they are nothing more than conjecture but Steele has a very accurate recent history on predicting the Huskers season. In 2004, he forecasted a struggling season – the Huskers went 5-6. In 2005, Steele predicted improvement and the return to a bowl game – the Huskers went 8-4 including an Alamo Bowl win over Michigan. In 2006, Steele forecasted a Big 12 North title that Nebraska eventually won. In 2007, he was one of only a few not to predict a Big 12 North crown. Of course, little did he know that the Huskers would implode to a 5-7 finish.

In 2008, Steele listed the Huskers on his Most Improved list. Nebraska went 9-4 including a Gator Bowl win over Clemson. For 2009, he predicts a division title and a berth in the Holiday Bowl against California. Such a scenario would mean the Huskers reach the Big 12 title game before losing.

Steele stated: “Nebraska has just 13 returning starters and loses 23 lettermen including their record setting QB which ties them for the 3rd least experienced team in the Big 12. They do have the top 4 tacklers back and I rate their O-line and D-line each #2 in the Big 12 overall giving them the best line play in the North (by far). While Nebraska did not play in the Big 12 title game they were +112 ypg in conf play (best of the North) and tied for the North Title despite being -11 in TO's. The schedule is not easy but the Huskers have the most talent of the North teams this year.”

The root of Huskers fans concern as well as many preseason prognosticators favoring Kansas stems from the Jayhawks returning Todd Reesing at quarterback and the Huskers losing quarterback Joe Ganz.

The most puzzling pick Steele makes is Kansas State finishing tied for second. Again, Steele is extremely reputable but I simply do not see it happening unless head coach Bill Snyder pulls a magic wand. The Wildcats might beat a team you do not think they’ll beat but they are going to have a tough time.

Iowa State, forget it.

Much has been made of Missouri losing its playmaking skill position players but despite the propaganda that Mizzu has athletes at their disposal, will they develop into winners? Keep in mind, much of the Tigers recent rise has been a result of Nebraska’s demise in the Bill Callahan years.

Colorado will beat a team somewhere that you don’t think they will. Dan Hawkins can recruit but the Buffaloes remain very much a hit or miss proposition.

As much as I would like to say NU is the best team in the North, it is a hard team to predict because any time you replace a starting quarterback, no matter how good he looks in the spring game it’s a tough prediction.

I think the coaches will have time to feel out Lee's strengths and weakness in the first few games and will give him the best opportunity to succeed in the tougher games later. The staff probably learned a good lesson last year (after the Missouri game) and tailored the offense to better fit Ganz and the rest of the crew. They'll have that experience from the get-go this year. Much of it, if not all, rests with the offensive line.

Defensively, the best news was Ndamukong Suh opting to stay in school. Suh gives the Huskers that one player that affects the other team’s game plans. The defense should also be better as a whole if for no other reason than having a full season to absorb Bo Pelini’s defense.

Steele has an uncanny record. He's been pretty much on point for picking the North the last several years. I do not see that as cause-and-effect relationship, but I take it as a good sign.

Right now I don't see Nebraska deserving to be ranked higher than the low 20's. Getting above that level will be a challenge. At first glance, I think we have a chance against all teams except OU but I think we'll wind up with three to four losses. That will put us in the low 20's getting above that will require that we do well against our better opponents. Let’s face it, getting hammered by OU and Missouri combined with a slow start against Virginia Tech probably cost the Huskers a spot in the final Top 25 poll despite their strong finish.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Wistrom does not take his program for granted

Former Nebraska football great Grant Wistrom was known for going hard after quarterbacks whether it was as a Cornhusker, a St. Louis Ram or Seattle Seahawk.

He tackles his duties with the Grant Wistrom Foundation with equal vigor. While in Lincoln this past weekend, he shared plenty of thoughts about the current regime of head coach Bo Pelini and athletic director Tom Osborne, who was Wistrom’s coach as a Husker. Wistrom also shared plenty of thoughts on the former regime of head coach Bill Callahan and athletic director Steve Pederson. Wistrom chatted with Lincoln Journal Star reporter Brian Christopherson:

About Bo Pelini: "I'm a fan, man. I'm excited. You know what; I don't care if we win the Big 12 championship every year or a national championship. I'm just glad to see the guys playing hard again. I think that's all we can ask for, just guys out there that take pride in wearing the N on their helmets, Blackshirts out there playing every down. It's all a credit to him and this coaching staff. He was playing with the same guys last year that were there the year before pretty much, and the product was just completely different on the field. That's just all a change in attitude and mentality in the program, and that's due to him."

Playing defense is all about attitude, Wistrom said. "You've got to have a good scheme and you got to have good coaches implementing the scheme. But you can have the best defense called, but if you have guys out there that aren't playing hard, it's going to break down. If you got guys out there playing hard, you can have the wrong defense called and you can overcome that."

Wistrom said 2007 was really painful to watch for someone who played on some of the best Husker defenses around. During games that season, his wife would ask him why he was so angry.

His answer: "I and about 140 other guys spent four years of our lives building up the best business in America. At the time we were the best college football program. ... And then some other people come in and take it over and run it into the ground. What would you do? How would you feel? ... That's how I felt.

"We dedicated four years of our lives to building up the best football program in the country. And in just a matter of years, it went downhill. There's not just one reason for it. I'm sure it was one of any number of things, and everything's cyclical in college football. But just the rate of the slide was kind of astounding to me. But I also think the turnaround has been just as impressive."
I tell fellow Nebraska alums and others that Wistrom is in a select company of my favorite all-time Huskers. I absolutely adore the passion with which he played.

Yes, it is easy for us as fans to say we stunk but to hear a former player, especially one of Wistrom’s caliber say it carries a lot of weight. Husker fans have gone round-in-round about how much Frank Solick, Craig Bohl, Bill Callahan and Kevin Cosgrove brought the program down.

Well, they all played a role. Solich had his share of success but was not a whole lot better than Callahan on relating to players. Keep in mind; we had plenty of uninspired efforts in 2002 with Solich as head coach and Bohl as defensive coordinator. However, Solich had the fortitude to get rid of Bohl whereas had Callahan remained, there was no way he would have gotten rid of Cosgrove.

Callahan and Cosgrove recognized the importance of recruiting but had nary a clue on developing the talent they acquired.

Here's hoping Bo stays a long time and the Huskers return to the top soon.