tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44641534358575149232024-02-08T12:28:07.037-08:00Vince D'Adamo -- Wine Country HuskerThe author has a passion for many things with sports (specifically Nebraska football) being the biggest. This blog is mainly about sports related topics but will mix in other aspects of life when the spirit moves.Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-3714150540323698182012-10-09T13:23:00.002-07:002012-10-09T13:25:49.893-07:00Time will tell if Eichorst is the right hire to replace Osborne as AD<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tom Osborne’s replacement,
Shawn Eichorst, was formally introduced to the state of Nebraska at his Tuesday
press conference just five days after being named Osborne’s replacement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It’ll be hard to imagine
Nebraska athletics without Osborne. Did Eichorst “win the press conference?” To
me, that phrase is somewhat laughable because how do you really quantify
“winning a press conference?” He didn’t do anything to lose it and that is a
good place to start. For now, I’ll call it a ground-rule double. However,
introductory press conferences do not decide someone’s fate. Just like
presidential election speeches do not decide the success of a president’s term.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Eichorst described
Nebraska as a special place and state. He is s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">et to take over the athletic director post on Jan. 1;
Eichorst was full of compliments for Tom Osborne, who still holds the position.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“A thank
you to Coach Osborne for his support and willingness to let me learn from a
legend,” Eichorst said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Husker
football coach Bo Pelini, taking his usual turn on the Big Ten teleconference
during Eichorst's introduction, said he looks forward to working with the new
AD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ve
heard nothing but great things from people he’s worked with and his reputation
is impeccable,” Pelini said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eichorst
said now was neither the time nor place to have an assessment of the football
program, pointing out that Osborne is in charge right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
Eichorst expressed “great admiration” for Pelini when asked about him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“A lot of
folks that I trust and respect have good things to say about Bo Pelini,”
Eichorst said. “And he's a winner. He's won everywhere he's been. I look
forward to working with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I must confess that I
rarely take serious stock from what is said in an introductory press conference
because </span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">anything and everything he said will be over
scrutinized, it doesn’t matter how he said it, it will be spun the opposite way
by some folks. The guy had no other path to go, but to be PC about everything. Chancellor
Harvey Perlman did him no favors by bringing him in the way he did, but that’s not
the fault of Eichorst. He was sought out to be AD, he didn’t apply. This was
the kind of position, that did not accept applications, if you had to apply, and
then you weren’t being seriously considered in the first place.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">We need to give this guy the benefit of the
doubt, based on his experience and recommendations, he seems more than
qualified. I have read in a few places that he is very, very smart, and yet his
humility more than keeps it all in check. For that we should be thankful, as
that is the exact opposite of what happened 10 years ago. In his own words,
"We don’t have to re-invent the wheel here.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">As much as we talk about welcoming other teams
and fans, we need to show that same extended hand to our new AD. He didn’t have
to take the position, he was already making a ton of money at Miami, and he
wanted to be here. Let’s at least give the guy a chance.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So who exactly is Shawn
Eichorst? He has labored in the vines. He was the director of athletics for the
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1999-2003), University of South Carolina
senior associate athletic director for administration (2004-2006), University
of Wisconsin senior athletic director, executive associate athletic director
and later deputy athletic director (2006-2011). He spent the last 18 months as
the University of Miami athletic director. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So is Eichorst the
right fit for Nebraska? Yes, he is an “outsider” but let’s remember, Steve
Pederson was a Nebraska native. Bill Byrne was the dreaded outsider. We all
know how that worked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The biggest favor Eichorst could do is this – well,
the opposite of Pederson. OK, that sounds like an oversimplification but let’s
face it, Pederson is a jerk on every level. He could run for governor of
Nebraska unopposed and still come in second. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I would never suggest for an incoming AD to make no
changes at all. I’m all for bringing in new ideas, just don’t change the core
of how things are done because it’s not about “you.” Plus, Osborne has done a
lot of heavy lifting from establishing a solid culture, establishing goals,
improving morale, and improving facilities. Football has improved since the
Bill Callahan years and while frustrating to watch is trying to improve. You
have a fresh start in basketball with head coach Tim Miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More on doing the opposite of Pederson, let your
coaches do the coaching but make small talk with lesser known employees whether
it’s the custodial attendant or the parking attendant. Those people will
remember. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Much has also been said about how Osborne allegedly
did not have as much involvement in picking his successor as he’d like. I
honestly would not read much into that because seriously, how much impact
should anyone have in picking his successor in any job? I love and respect Dr.
Tom as much as the next guy but a) he gave Pederson a strong endorsement, b)
strongly discouraged Frank Solich from making any coaching staff changes and c)
strongly encouraged Pelini to keep Shawn Watson as offensive coordinator. Let’s
not forget how those moves panned out. However, it would behoove Eichorst to
lean heavy on Osborne to make the transition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going forward after Osborne, however, is to give
Paul Myers a significant role. Myers is the Huskers associate athletic director
of fundraising who was fired by Pederson but rehired when Osborne replaced
Pederson. Yes, Myers has become a sympathetic figure. Myers is believed to be
one that would make an outstanding AD one day but could use more experience. In
which case, give him more responsibility. Heck, even make him second in
command. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is Eichorst the right guy for Nebraska? Well, Perlman
is 1 for 2 in hiring ADs. If Eichorst works out, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-77507719358039550362012-10-07T00:13:00.000-07:002012-10-08T14:53:27.822-07:00Another inexcuseable performance<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Nebraska football team’s 63-38 loss is like watching the same
damn Star Trek movie. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Huskers have a chance to show that they are ready to become an
elite program again, only to show that they are even further away from such.
Much has been said about how the Big Ten is a junior varsity quality
conference. Well, the Buckeyes are unbeaten. Not the most impressive unbeaten
club you’ll see but unbeaten nonetheless. However, Ohio State played like they
are ready to take the luster off whoever is hoisting the Big Ten Championship
trophy. The Buckeyes are not eligible for conference title or any bowl game
this year based on NCAA sanctions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It’s pretty simple to break this game down. The offense generated
its share of yardage (437 total yards) but what good is that real estate when
you turn the ball over four times and commit nine penalties for 75 yards. The
defense had an outstanding first quarter but wilted like four-day old lettuce
sitting in a refrigerator. Granted, the offense and special teams did the
defense no favors. Martinez threw a Pick Six and had two other interceptions
that gave the Buckeyes a short field after two more and the special teams gave
up a punt return for a score. That’s 28 points but even if you eliminate that,
the defense was still responsible for giving up 35 points off legitimate drives
and yielded</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 481 yards in the final 45 minutes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">And just
think, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini puffed his chest out last week after Nebraska
beat Wisconsin 30-27 after the Huskers shut down the nation’s 109th-ranked
offense in the second half, that he hadn’t forgotten how to coach defense. On
Saturday the tale of the tape showed otherwise.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">It gets more irritating to watch this melt down and this one came
on a night when Nebraska started with a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter.
To top it off, Pelini gets irritated and loses his composure. Well, coach, here
is a tip. If you can learn to keep your composure on the sideline and in
interviews the team might learn to keep theirs. The Huskers inability to be
able to adjust to what other teams are doing is unforgiveable. I have been told
too many times that this team is special or we are back or whatever catch
phrase Pelini wants to drudge up to appease the masses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why does this team frequently implode in a big game on national
television? Why does this team consistently shoot itself in the foot with
undisciplined penalties? Why is our secondary gashed for a big pass play so
often, why can’t our front four get any pressure? Pelini refuses to move away
from the two gap system. Well, the definition of insanity is doing the same
thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. If it isn’t working then
change your ideology and stop making the players conform to what you want but
isn’t working. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your defense is looking no better than Kevin Cosgrove’s unit
before you came to Nebraska. If you are calling the defensive plays then why do
you have a defensive coordinator? If your defensive coordinator is calling
these plays then why don’t you step in? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before we label Ohio State's offense a juggernaut,
remember that Alabama-Birmingham held the Buckeyes to 29 points. That’s UAB. So
the fact Nebraska allowed 63 points is really inexcusable. And, of course, the
fashion in which this game unfolded, with the turnovers and penalties, all too
much resembled last year’s games at Wisconsin and Michigan. But Nebraska still
scored 38 points. You’d think that’d be enough for a team coached by guy who
prides himself on defense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span>Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-32879662740225278502012-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:002012-10-05T12:12:51.505-07:00Husker ground attack an edge in Ohio State matchup<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The big news out of Lincoln is hiring of former Miami athletic
director Shawn Eichort. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Eichort will be replacing the retiring Tom Osborne. However, here
at Wine Country Husker headquarters in Napa, CA, we will reserve commentary on
the hire until after his scheduled press conference on Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For now, Nebraska has matters on the field to take care of when it
visits Ohio State Saturday for a primetime telecast. While much of the
attention from a Nebraska standpoint is how are the Huskers going to contain
Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, the Husker offense generating drives,
points and avoiding turnovers are equally vital. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nebraska is averaging 305 yards rushing per game but is generating
yards on the ground differently than last season, which was the Rex Burkhead
Show. This year the rushing totals have been divided </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">between Ameer Abdullah, Taylor Martinez, Burkhead, Imani
Cross and Braylon Heard. Part of the reason is because Burkhead missed most of
the first three games with a knee injury but even without the injury, the
Nebraska coaching staff had publically stated its intentions of preserving
Burkhead. With so many weapons, Nebraska can afford to ride the hot hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;">Husker offensive
coordinator Tim Beck will also play a vital role because Nebraska had a
tendency to unravel in the second half of road games. Part of the reason is
because Beck sometimes prematurely abandons the running game if the Huskers are
even slightly behind. </span><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1345593-bleacher-reports-college-football-top-25-poll-week-6"><span style="display: none; mso-hide: all; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: white; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Keep Reading</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Equally important, however, is the Nebraska offense avoiding
turnovers. True, you can say that about every game but in the Huskers 30-27 win
over Wisconsin, half of the Badgers points were as a result of turnovers deep
in Nebraska territory. On the flip side, Nebraska needs to generate a few
takeaways. If the Huskers lose the takeaway battle, winning in Columbus will
become much more difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nebraska’s task on defense is simple – slow Miller. However, no
team has been able to do so thusfar as Miller has passed</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. He has rushed for
577 yards and seven touchdowns.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Husker defensive ends, specifically Eric Martin and
Cameron Meredith, will need to play a key role, not so much what they generate
on the stat sheet but containing the outside where Miller is very dangerous. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If Nebraska can force Ohio state to run between the tackles or
throw the ball, the chances for victory are much better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Let’s not forget special teams, most notably
punter-placekicker Brett Maher. After an outstanding 2011 season, Maher has
gotten off to a shaky start in 2012 in converting just 7 of 12 field goal
attempts. Maher, however, appeared to be closer to his old self again as he
delivered six touchbacks on seven kickoffs and his punting helped the Huskers
gain field position. They will need a similar effort Saturday.</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><span style="color: white;">Nebraska’s
average starting field position has been at its own 27-yard line for the 2012
season, according to </span><a href="http://www.fbsdrivestats.com/"><span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: white; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">FBSDriveStats.com</span></span></a><span style="color: white;"> (my
new favorite website, with thanks to </span><a href="http://hailvarsity.com/"><span style="mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: white; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">HailVarsity.com</span></span></a><span style="color: white;"> for
pointing it out). That’s 101<sup>st</sup> in the country, and has been a quiet
hindrance on NU’s ability on offense.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">In
Nebraska’s one loss (and only road game), NU’s average starting field position
was at its own 22-yard line, as opposed to UCLA’s average field position
starting at its own 37-yard line. That 15-yard differential, coupled with the
safety that was directly related to poor field position, was enough to tilt an
otherwise-close cont</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Ohio
State’s numbers aren’t dramatically better, with an average starting field
position at its own 29-yard line, ranking 77<sup>th</sup> in the county. And
Nebraska is averaging 39.6 yards per drive, which is 20<sup>th</sup> in the
country. So if Nebraska can dig itself out of the holes the offense has found
itself in to start drives, ch</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><span style="color: white;"><v:shape alt="Hi-res-129035542_display_image" id="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 192pt; width: 261.6pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/648/309/hi-res-129035542_display_image.jpg?1349373772" src="file:///C:\Users\D'Adamo\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><br />
Eric Francis/Getty </span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Nebraska
has an unfortunate history of unraveling in the second half of games against
strong opponents away from Lincoln (Wisconsin, Michigan and South Carolina from
last season; UCLA from this se</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">A
common thread in all of those losses is that Nebraska, offensively, has gotten
away from a run-focused offense and put the ball in the air more frequently.
The clearest example was against Wisconsin in Madison, WI last year, where
Taylor Martinez’s three interceptions put the game out</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><span style="color: white;">But
against UCLA, once Nebraska fell behind in the fourth quarter, Nebraska ran
eight plays. Six were passes (one of which was an interception), two were
quarterback scrambles and none went to a running back.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><span style="color: white;">In the
comeback against Wisconsin, like against Ohio State last season, Martinez was
the key that got Nebraska’s offense moving. But he wasn’t the entire offense.
If Nebraska faces adversity in Columbus—which it almost certainly will at some
point—it will be important for NU offensive coordinator Tim Beck to not panic
and stick with the game plan to right the ship.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<em><span lang="EN" style="color: white; display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">If
you’d like to contact Patrick to schedule an interview, provide feedback or get
advice on which type of chocolate goes best with fresh fruit (spoiler alert:</span></em><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;">Nebraska’s rushing offense is one area the Huskers appear
to have an edge and while Miller is playing at a high level, the Buckeye
offense is still getting its football under new head coach Urban Meyer.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;">This is likely to be a hard fought game and even though
Ohio State is not eligible for conference title or bowl games based on NCAA
sanctions, this game will certainly have ramifications for Nebraska.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-85865968161484303212012-10-03T23:41:00.000-07:002012-10-03T23:42:27.912-07:00Husker defense needs to at least contain Miller<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">This week’s football game in Columbus Ohio, between No. 21
Nebraska and No. 12 Ohio State, features a pretty simple task for the Nebraska
defense – slow down Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Trying to so and actually performing the task have been two
different matters. Miller has accounted for 1,510 net yards of offense (933
passing, 477 rushing), good for 72.2 percent of the team’s total. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Miller, who is a sophomore, caused Nebraska’s defense a lot of
headaches last season in rushing for 91 yards on 10 carries in the Huskers’
34-27 come-from-behind win in Lincoln. Nebraska rallied from a 27-6 mid third
quarter deficit spearheaded by linebacker LaVonte David’s forced and recovered
fumble that the Huskers turned into a touchdown. One series later, Miller left
the game with an ankle sprain giving way to the statue-esque Joe Bauserman. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">What makes Miller even more dangerous is that he now has a head
coach (Urban Meyer) that knows how to develop quarterbacks. Look no further
than his development of Alex Smith at Utah and Tim Tebow at Florida. Meyer is
operating Miller much the same way as he did Smith and Tebow – out of the
shotgun, this giving him the freedom to read the defense and pick a hole. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">With that running style, Nebraska has to play a “gap sound”
defense because Miller will feast on defenses that overpursue. You have to
concede that Miller will get his yards. The key is limiting him to 5-10 yard
gains as opposed to say 40 or more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">While it could be said of any game, third down success will be
vital because if you give Miller too many extra sets of downs it will be a long
day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The biggest dilemma that Husker head coach Bo Pelini faces is do
you play more man-to-man defense instead of zone. Pelini prefers the latter but
neither is foolproof against running quarterbacks because in man-to-man
defense, linebackers and defensive backs will have their backs turned at the
line of scrimmage whereas in zone they are facing the line of scrimmage. Since
the Buckeyes have not had huge success passing, perhaps you commit an extra safety
toward the line of scrimmage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The No. 1 area where Nebraska must unequivocally executed Saturday
is tackling because it was a “lack of” tackling that caused the Huskers to give</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> up 653 yards of total offense, including 344 yards
rushing in a 36-30 loss at UCLA. Many of those yards were due to lousy tackling
or no poor tackling on the part of Nebraska defenders that were in position to
make a play. If the Huskers are to have any defensive success Saturday, secure
tackling is mandatory because a football team that does not tackle is like a
basketball team that gives up easy transitions baskets.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Of course the Husker offense can indirectly help on this
matter as well by protecting the football and controlling the time of
possession because Miller can’t hurt you if he is on the sideline. Nebraska’s
up-tempo offensive strategy runs somewhat counter to this goal, but has been
effective in putting points on the board. If Nebraska is able to get a running
game established and can put some long drives together, the Huskers can keep
Miller on the sidelines and unable to do damage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-17111978061703173402012-10-01T00:24:00.000-07:002012-10-01T00:25:14.451-07:00An early look ahead to Nebraska-Ohio State<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">When Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference in 2010, there’s no
doubt that this was one matchup the powers that be and fans alike were looking
forward to – Nebraska and Ohio State. After all, you have two storied programs
that play in storied venues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">If Saturday’s game in Columbus is anything like last year’s
contest in Lincoln, we should be in for a treat. Last season, Nebraska rallied
from a 27-6 third quarter deficit to win 34-27 thanks in large part to LaVonte
David, Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead. Both teams enter the weekend coming
off emotional victories. No. 21 Nebraska rallied from a 27-10 deficit to beat
Wisconsin 30-27 at home while No. 12 Ohio State defeated Michigan State 17-16
on the road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Nebraska’s win over a Wisconsin club that had been struggling, and
continues to, was crucial for psychological reasons. Ohio State is ineligible
for Big Ten Championship and bowl games this year based on NCAA sanctions but
under new head coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes are using 2012 to lay the
groundwork for future success. Ohio State enters Saturday’s game as a 5-point
favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">This Husker defense has taken its knocks but has bounced back
admirably. The offensive struggles (two turnovers inside the Wisconsin 25) put
them in some bad spots against the Badgers, but the defense rose to the
challenge and played lights out in the second half. I don’t know what was said
at halftime, but that was a different defense in the second half. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Over the past two years, I’ve seen opposing runners get hit at the
line of scrimmage and fall forward for four more yards. I’ve seen a lot of
Nebraska defenders make tackles in the run game, but not a lot of gang tackling.
That was not the case in the second half against Wisconsin. Against arguably
one of the best running backs (Montee Ball) in the nation, the Huskers were
ferocious against the run (as in 56 yards on 41 carries). For the first time in
a long time, I felt confident that they could stop a team in short-yardage
situations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">There was a new confidence that I don’t think I’ve seen since
2010. Wisconsin’s offensive line, despite the coaching staff turmoil, still
averages around 320 pounds but the Husker line got some penetration, fought off
blocks, and they met the back at the point of attack and didn’t give up ground.
I know it’s two days after a great win, and emotions are still bubbling over,
but hopefully this defense turned the corner. <br />
<br />
The offense was sloppy at times, very crisp at other times. If not for giving the
Badgers a short field with turnovers, this could have easily been a 17-point
win for Nebraska – but it wasn’t. I still think that the Huskers have a potent
offense, and running back Ameer Abdullah might be the Husker MVP so far, with
apologies to Martinez. I love Rex Burkhead but I think he’s still shaking off
some rust from his knee injury in the season-opening game. He still seems
hesitant at times when he needed to just hit the hole and go. However, I have
no doubt he’ll round into form. Having some competition behind him can be
nothing but a good thing. The offense has the potential to be explosive. Martinez
still needs to clean up some things but I think he showed more confidence in
his running than he has in quite a while. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Nebraska moved the ball well against Ohio State last year, and I
see no reason why the Huskers can’t do it again this year because they are much
better offensively than a year ago. Ohio State, however, has one common
denominator that was a headache for Nebraska last season and is the central
figure behind the Buckeyes’ 5-0 start – quarterback Braxton Miller. Before
leaving last season’s game in Lincoln in the third quarter with an ankle
injury, Miller’s feet frustrated Nebraska for 91 yards on 10 carries. Miller
left the game with the Buckeyes leading 27-13 before giving way to the
statue-esque Joe Bauserman. Bo Pelini defenses have struggled in the past
against mobile quarterbacks like Miller. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Last season, it was only Miller’s third career start when he
visited Lincoln, and his first on the road. He’s grown up quite a bit since and
now with a coach that knows how to develop quarterbacks, which makes him an
even tougher cover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">While Wisconsin is more of a classic Big Ten team than mixes
I-formation or “12 personnel” (one running, two tight ends), Ohio State is a
spread team that does not throw very well (ranked 98th in the nation). They
depend largely on the athletic ability of Miller and he is the Huskers No. 1 priority
in limiting as the Buckeyes offense that is ranked 21st in rushing and Miller
is their leading rusher by far. The team is built around him. Of course,
controlling him is easier said than done. <br />
<br />
Ohio State just faced the toughest defense they will see all season in Michigan
St., which pushed them into three turnovers. One thing I notice from Miller is
that as much as he runs, he rarely secures the ball at contact, which has
caused him to fumble quite often. The question is, will Pelini (normally one
for a 4-3 alignment) play more 3-4?<br />
<br />
While it could be said about any game, Nebraska has to protect the ball on
offense and not fall behind early. Meyer coached teams are not going to
surrender a 17-21 point lead. <br />
<br />
Whatever happens next Saturday in Columbus will likely speak very loudly about
the current status of the Huskers. At this point, I’m still not at all sure
where they stand. Ohio State is likely the best all-around team Nebraska face
in the regular season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-7658040198898733892012-09-29T23:41:00.001-07:002012-09-29T23:41:31.308-07:00Husker win more of a relief than a thrill
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The term “big win” can often be overused and while No. 22
Nebraska’s come-from-behind 30-27 win over Wisconsin does not mean the Huskers
are out of the woods, it gets them out of the frying pan at least for the
moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Let’s face it, in Nebraska’s other “prove you’re for real”
game this year, the Huskers whiffed on the road with a 36-30 loss at UCLA. Yes,
Nebraska bounced back with wins over lesser foes (42-13 over Arkansas State ad
73-7 over Idaho State). Yes, Wisconsin is not the same outfit that won the Big
Ten Conference last season but if the Huskers lost this game – forget the hits
they would have taken in the national media. They would have taken a ton of hits
from the local mainstream media, which despite head coach Bo Pelini’s uneasiness
with constant attention is a pretty forgiving group. We’re not the Philadelphia
Inquirer here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The game started about as inauspiciously for the Huskers
as a game could, which makes the win that much more significant because under
Pelini the team has generally responded well to adversity after a tough loss
but within games when momentum goes South the Huskers have had a tough time
recovering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Most importantly, while Nebraska has many other hurdles,
winning this game against a decent but still shaky Wisconsin club would have
dented their path to a Big Ten title pretty severely. In a nutshell, the
downside of a loss was greater than the upside of a win. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The first three Husker offensive possessions netted three
fumbles and nary a first down. The Nebraska offense, however, stayed the course
in gaining 440 yards of total offense (259 rushing, 181 passing). Quarterback
Taylor Martinez went 17 of 29 for 181 yards, two touchdowns and no
interceptions. He underthrew a few too many passes but unlike last year’s 48-17
loss to the Badgers in Madison, he stayed within himself and did not force unnecessary
throws. The Huskers also averaged 6.0 yards per rush against a Wisconsin club
that entered the game 14<sup>th</sup> against the run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The problem, however, was that the Huskers had two
turnovers that gave the Badgers the ball inside the Nebraska 30, setting up
easy touchdowns. Without those miscues, Nebraska wins 30-14 but the truth of
the matter is the Huskers made those mistakes, which need to be addressed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Defensively, this game is a prime example of why the
statistic “points against” is not always reflective of the defense. When you
give an offense the ball after a turnover twice on the opponents’ side of the
30, there’s something wrong if they don’t score. That’s like a pitcher coming
out of the bullpen with runners at second and third and less than two outs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Husker defense took more than its share of punches to
the chin after the aforementioned loss to UCLA in which they gave up 653 yards,
second most in school history. However, on Saturday, the Nebraska defense came
up large. Granted, this matchup screamed “advantage Nebraska.” The Badgers no
longer have Russell Wilson at quarterback, which means they are much easier to
defend. Load the line of scrimmage to stop Montee Ball and dare immobile
quarterbacks Joel Stave and Danny O’Brien to beat you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Huskers were equal to the task in allowing 56 yards
rushing on 41 carries. Ball had 90 yards on 32 carries. As a team, Wisconsin
gained 295 yards on 69 plays. The only criticism I have of Pelini as a
defensive mind, where he is very bright, is that sometimes he tries so hard to
outscheme opponents that the Huskers waste time outs and often do not get lined
up properly rather than take the approach of “here we come, good luck stopping
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Special teams ended up being a key point of the game.
Wisconsin’s Jack Russell missed an extra point, which meant the best the
Badgers could do with a field goal on their last drive was to tie the game as
opposed to take the lead. Stanley Jean-Bapiste’s bonehead roughing the kicker
penalty on fourth-and-18 led to a Wisconsin touchdown. What was even more
frustrating was that he took a bad angle. The pluses, however, outweighed the
minuses with Ameer Abdullah’s 83 yard kickoff return. Brett Maher also had six
touchbacks and averaged 46.7 yards per punt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What does this mean? By the numbers, it just means
Nebraska is 4-1 instead of 3-2. The Big Ten remains wide open as a trip to
Columbus, Ohio, awaits against a flawed (gee there’s a common denominator in
the Big Ten) but much improved Ohio State club. The Buckeyes went into East
Lansing, Michigan, and beat a Michigan State club that some were touting the
best in the Big Ten before the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska, however, cannot get behind 20-3 in the
Horseshoe like it did against Wisconsin. Urban Meyer coached teams are not
likely to blow such leads. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-60002604147283866892012-09-28T00:25:00.001-07:002012-09-28T00:30:00.369-07:00Huskers need to take Step One to win Big Ten<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">No. 22 Nebraska and Wisconsin enter Saturday’s primetime
telecast in Lincoln with 3-1 records but the public vibe around the former is
more positive than regarding the latter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nebraska had what amounted to controlled scrimmage in a
73-7 win over Idaho State (an FCS school). Running back Rex Burkhead returned
to the Husker lineup after not having played since the regular season opener because
of a knee injury.</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wisconsin beat UTEP
37-26 at home but running back Montee Ball, a Heisman Trophy finalist last
season, left the game with a head injury. The Badgers trailed 6-2 after the
first quarter but put up 21 second quarter points to lead 23-9 at halftime.
UTEP did not go quietly, pulling to within four in the fourth quarter before
Wisconsin put the game away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The game is
significant because it is the conference opener for both clubs. Last season,
the Huskers were greeted rudely in the Big Ten debut in Madison, Wisc., as the
Badgers blasted Nebraska 48-17. While both clubs are 3-1, Nebraska’s three wins
have been decisive while Wisconsin’s have been by 11 points or less. Both clubs
are looking to silence critics for different reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Nebraska rush
offense against the Wisconsin rush defense is a strength vs. strength battle.
The Husker offense is sixth in the nation in rushing yards per game while the
Badger run defense ranks 14<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> in rushing yards per game allowed.
While teams should never get away from what they do well, Nebraska quarterback
Taylor Martinez leads the Big Ten in passer efficiency. Could this be a game
where “pass sets up run” more than “run sets up pass?” If Martinez can continue
to be on target as he has been for much of the first four games with the
exception of the second half of the Huskers 36-30 loss at UCLA, he can force
the Badgers defense to respect the pass and open more space for Nebraska’s
rushing attack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">While Ball has been cleared to play,
with or without the Badgers star running back, Wisconsin has a dangerous
running attack and considering Nebraska’s defense has been susceptible to the
run in averaging 177 yards per game. Granted, that number is skewed in two ways
(31 yards against Idaho State and 344 against UCLA) but when your defense
averages 177 yards given up on the ground that is a serious indictment of one’s
ability to stop the run. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last season, Wisconsin’s offense beat
Nebraska any which way it wanted with Ball gaining 151 of the team’s 231 yards
rushing. On the passing side, Badger quarterback Russell Wilson went 14 of 20
for 255 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The good news is that
Wilson has a job that requires him to work on Sundays as the starting
quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The Badgers have had a tough time
replacing Wilson.</span> </span><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Danny O’Brien
started the season but has since lost his job to Joel Stave, who went 12-17 for
210 yards against UTEP.</span><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wisconsin has been in turmoil this season, firing its
offensive line coach and changing quarterbacks. The Badgers likely need this
win, in some ways, more than Nebraska.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Further, the scenario sets up poorly for Nebraska.
Wisconsin comes in as a 13-point underdog, which should be a good thing for the
Huskers but in the Bo Pelini era, Nebraska’s has struggled when put in this
position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ultimately, not having Wilson could be Wisconsin’s
undoing in this game. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-60735409492323792182012-09-26T23:37:00.000-07:002012-09-26T23:38:50.515-07:00Let the speculation continue on Osborne successor<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the
wake of Tom Osborne announcing his retirement as University of Nebraska
athletic director, the speculation of who will be Osborne’s replacement has
begun in earnest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You might
replace Osborne in body but his impact and legacy will never be replaced. As a
head coach from 1973-1997, Osborne compiled a 255-49-3 overall record, piloting
Nebraska to three National championships. As an athletic director from
2007-present, he restored trust and order to a fractured fan base, oversaw
various facility upgrades and steered Nebraska’s move into a more stable
conference, the Big Ten. While the conference has taken its hits because of the
mediocrity on the field, it does have more stability and reverence for
tradition than the Big 12. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">University
Chancellor Harvey Pearlman has said that he will go on a “national search” to
find Osborne’s replacement. That statement is significant because there are
three people within the athletic department, Jeff Jamrog (assistant athletic
director for football), Paul Myers (associate athletic director of
development), and Jamie Williams (associate athletic director of leadership and
diversity initiatives) that are also believed to be potential successors to
Osborne.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamrog is
a former walk on (three year letter winner) that compiled 66 tackles, 13 for a
loss and eight sacks as a senior. Myers has a sentimental favorite notion in
him.<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was Meyers’ brief departure from the
department in October that added a significant subplot to the Steve Pederson
saga, and it was his return only four weeks later that was met with jubilance
by some major donors. Now, some of those contributors are in tune that Meyers
would be a fine choice to follow Osborne as Nebraska’s AD.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Williams
is a former Husker tight end who also spent 11 seasons in the NFL, one of which
he contributed to the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl championship team in 1989.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">The Omaha World Herald theorized various other potential
possibilities. There’s Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione, who has
always expressed a fondness for Nebraska and Osborne. Perhaps going to the Big
Ten and washing his hands of Texas politics will be an appealing motivator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">There is also Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard, who even though he
operates on a limited budget has made some good coaching hires. He also has Big
Ten ties, having been deputy athletic director for three years at Wisconsin.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is also Arkansas AD Jeff Long,
who was also previously an associate D at Michigan. Long has had to calm some
rocky seas at Arkansas, most notably the troubled behavior of former head coach
Bobby Petrino. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is also former Arizona AD Greg
Byrne, who is the son of former Nebraska AD Bill Byrne. The younger Byrne is
considered to have rising stock in the Pac 12 as well as nationally. However,
the name carries baggage with Nebraska fans. While Bill Byrne’s legacy is more
appreciate now after Husker fans endured Pederson, Byrne was also a polarizing
figure in his own right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is also Louisville AD Tom
Jurich, who has had a solid 15-year run with the Cardinals but maybe he is
ready for a career move considering the murky future of the Big East.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">There is also Florida State AD Randy Spetman, who is a native of
Council Bluffs, Iowa. Spetman has become widely respected but considering the
acrimonious departure of legendary coach Bobby Bowden, Spetman has made enemies
in Tallahassee.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">University of Nebraska-Omaha AD Trev
Alberts might be a possibility. Though Huskers fans have fond memories of him
as an All-American linebacker, he has drawn a lot of criticism for his role in
UN dropping football and wrestling. Even though those decisions were made at a
higher level that perception will be hard for Alberts to overcome. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Based on past experience, Osborne will push for the
in-house candidate like he did in hand-picking Frank Solich to be his successor.
Osborne also gave a Pederson a strong recommendation as AD. When Osborne he
replaced the deposed Pederson in 2007, he dismissed Bill Callahan at the end of
the season as football head coach and hired then former Husker defensive
coordinator Bo Pelini. When Osborne dismissed Mike Anderson as Husker baseball
coach, he hired Nebraska legend Darin Erstad. The only head coaching hire
Osborne made that did not involve Nebraska ties was Tim Miles as men’s
basketball head coach to replace Doc Sadler.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pearlman might be publically saying he will conduct a
national search but you can bet Osborne will strongly recommend Jamrog, Meyers
or Williams. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just
don’t see Dr. Tom handing the keys to his Rolls Royce to somebody without
spending a lot of time with the person first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However,
national searches or in-house hires come with no guarantees and before anyone
rants about “keeping it in the family,” just remember that after Bill Byrne
left as Nebraska athletic director in 2002 for Texas A&M, many Nebraskans
viewed Pederson as the ideal hire. Pederson had 2 ½ years of experience as
Nebraska’s Associate Athletic Director as well as Director of Football
Operations. Plus, he was a North Platte, Neb., native. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the
time, the hire made sense but would have known that five years later he would
become the most loathed man in the state. If anything, he made Nebraskans long
for the Byrne era.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s just
so hard to tell what you’re getting, as everything seemed to point in the right
direction for us, but just happened to be in the wrong direction. I’m no
Pederson fan or apologist by any means, but he worked right under our own roof
for so long, yet we didn’t really know the guy as well as we thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most
people will point to Pederson’s firing of Frank Solich and subsequent hiring of
Callahan as the beginning of his demise which is true to a degree but it was
not the ultimate reason why he got fired. Pederson’s management style as it
pertained to those working under him as well as his arrogance with the Husker
fan base was the reason he got fired. Pederson probably would have survived the
Callahan hire if not for his poor management skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-79433151222937260492012-09-26T22:47:00.001-07:002012-09-26T22:48:34.938-07:00Osborne's legacy crosses multiple generations<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are certain things in life that have a “you can’t mention one without the
other,” feeling: Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar,
John Stockton and Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Paul “Bear” Bryant
and Alabama. I could go on all night but I won’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">While
we’re at it, include Tom Osborne and Nebraska. When the calendar hits January
1, 2013, Osborne will no longer have an active role in Nebraska athletics. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Osborne put
together one of the most successful coaching runs in college football history
before serving in Congress and taking the reins as Nebraska’s athletic director
five years ago, is retiring. The 75-year-old Osborne announced at a news
conference Wednesday that he would step down Jan. 1, though he will stay for an
additional six months to assist in the transition to a new athletic director. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“At some point,
whether you’re able to function or not, just the perception that you're getting
old can get in the way,” Osborne said. “I don’t want to be one of those guys
everybody is walking around wringing their hands trying to figure out what are
we going to do with him? That happens sometimes.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Osborne, who had
double-bypass heart surgery in 1985, said he has no health issues that led to
his decision. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m probably
healthier today than when I was a member of Congress. That takes a big toll on
you,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Osborne’s
on the field legacy alone makes him great but even though his stoic sideline
demeanor told otherwise, he was a true competitor. <span style="background: white;">Osborne's tenure as Nebraska's football coach, and later as its athletic
director, defines multiple entire generations of Husker fans.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As
a head coach, his record speaks for itself. He was 255-49-3, an .853 winning
percentage. He won conference titles and multiple national titles. He was the
conference coach of the year, the national coach of the year, he was the coach
of the decade (1990s), and he is in the Hall of Fame. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There
are many defining moments in his career. The first came in the 1984 Orange Bowl
against Miami. The Huskers, who were unbeaten entering the game against
one-loss Miami, rallied from a 31-17 deficit to pull within 31-30. Osborne could
have kicked the extra point, tied the game and been National Champions.
Instead, Osborne went for the two-point conversion and the lead. However,
quarterback Turner Gill’s pass was knocked away. Granted, that play happened in
the pre-overtime era but most every coach today would kick the extra point and
play for overtime with no guarantee of winning or losing. Whereas Osborne
(though viewed as conservative) took the approach of “to be a competitor is to
play for the win.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fast
forward a decade later when Nebraska was consistently winning nine games a year
but also losing seven straight bowl games. The same Husker fans that think he
can do no wrong now wanted him run out of town on a rail. Then, from 1993-1997,
Nebraska went 60-3 record and three national titles from 1993-1997. Even more
than winning it was “the process” that included academic support, offseason
training, nutrition, accountability, sports psychology and nationwide
recruiting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As
a coach, Osborne went out on top, winning three national titles in his last
four seasons before retiring in 1997. Osborne may have left coaching but he
served his country in the House of Representatives only to later return to
athletics. In 2007, the Husker football program was not only struggling on the
field but there was an obvious lack of trust with then athletic director Steve
Pederson. Chancellor Harvey Perlman then fired Pederson and hired Osborne, who
was like the family patriarch that you could turn to in difficult times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Osborne
later fired Bill Callahan after a 5-7 season and hired Bo Pelini. While Husker
fans are getting restless now that the team has yet to go from good to great under
Pelini, simply being good appeared light years away. Osborne and Chancellor
Perlman then steered the entire program in a bold new direction with the choice
to join the Big Ten conference. Those are massive, legacy building, choices.
Could anyone else have navigated Nebraska to those points? Who else had the
credibility?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike
other legends such as Bowden and the late Joe Paterno, Osborne exited the stage
before things began to languish. He didn't want people “wringing their hands”
over what to do with him. Of all the aspects of leadership, knowing how and
when to exit might be the hardest for people to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s
easy to wonder what might have happened if Osborne had stayed in coaching just
a bit longer. Could he have won at the same rate and therefore eclipsed the
victory counts of his contemporaries like Bowden and Paterno? It’s impossible
to know but considering how both exited with some amount of acrimony, it's easy
to appreciate Osborne’s choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
same could be said of his decision as the athletic director. Though Osborne is
still fully capable of doing the job, maybe it’s better that he steps away
before his body or mind fails him. Who will succeed him? What will their legacy
become?<br />
<br />
That remains to be seen but no one can doubt Osborne’s legacy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-44727473912778340482012-09-24T08:32:00.003-07:002012-09-24T08:33:34.957-07:00No overstating importance of Saturday tilt with Wisconsin<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">The nonconference season is over, which means beginning this week,
the rubber meets the road for the Nebraska football team beginning Saturday
when the No. 22 ranked Huskers host Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Both clubs are 3-1, each losing to Pac 12 teams. Nebraska lost
36-30 to UCLA while the Badgers lost 10-7 at Oregon State, which defeated UCLA
27-20. Both clubs have three wins over lesser clubs. The Huskers, however, have
won more decisively. Nebraska has wins over Southern Mississippi (49-20),
Arkansas State (42-13) and Idaho State (73-7). Wisconsin has defeated Northern
Iowa (26-21), Utah State (16-14) and UTEP (37-26). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">The term “big game” can be an overstatement but for Nebraska the
importance of this game simply cannot be overstated. The Huskers have visions
and goals of winning their first conference title since 1999. Not beating a
scuffling but maybe still decent Badger club at home would be a bad sign. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">These two clubs met last season in Madison, Wisc., where the
Badgers greeted Nebraska rudely in their Big Ten debut with a 48-17 shellacking
on national television. This game will also be on national television with the
Huskers looking to return the favor. While it is human nature to think about
revenge, the Huskers also have to walk a thin line in not getting preoccupied
so much that they lose sight of the task at hand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Wisconsin is not nearly the team Nebraska played last year and the
Huskers have a huge home field edge, so if all goes well, they could come out
with a win. While winning this game is only Step #1 in the process of winning
the Big Ten crown, a loss would hurt the season badly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">The only way the Huskers are going to re-establish their brand is
to look good on some national telecasts against still competition. A big win
over Idaho State was fun but it did nothing to re-establish us among the
nation's college football elite. Unfortunately, Nebraska has laid a number of
eggs on national TV lately. It's time to reverse that trend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><span style="color: white;">
After four games we really don't know what Nebraska has. The Huskers pasted
three bad teams and gave up 653 yards to a UCLA team that is probably an 8-4/9-3
type of club. There is no way Nebraska should lose this game simply based on
what we've seen from Wisconsin so far. While the Huskers may have question
marks you can at least look at them and say "well, there's a pretty good
team."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">This is the single most important game on Nebraska's schedule. You
simply can't lose at home to a Wisconsin team that is nowhere near last year's
level and then face going to Columbus, Ohio with a realistic chance of starting
conference play at 0-2. No room for error the rest of the season if that were
to happen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">The revenge aspect is overblown. It’s for fans and media to dwell
on, but rarely has much to do with what actually happens on the field. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-43820146451774983832012-09-22T22:55:00.002-07:002012-09-22T22:56:36.331-07:00Nonconference apetizers over, on to main course<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Cynics may despise games like this because from a competition
point of view, Nebraska’s 73-7 win over Idaho State does nothing for the Huskers.
Well, it’ll bring out the cynics that question the motivation for scheduling
teams like Idaho State. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Unfortunately, those people miss the point. Teams will get their
challenges in conference play and Nebraska is no different. So why not have
games like this to build a big lead early and get the backups meaningful snaps
they won’t get in close games. Also, Idaho State got a $600,000 payday that
will help them continue fielding athletic programs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Huskers accomplished their goals of win decisively, allow the
reserves some playing time, and survive without significant injuries. Sometimes
when you play a lesser opponent, you can play down to your competition. Running
back Rex Burkhead barely broke a sweat but shook off some rust and the defense
had a chance to give some young replacements much needed snaps before Wisconsin
comes to Lincoln next Saturday night. The season appetizers are over and now we
are on to the main course of Big Ten play.<br />
<br />
On to conference play after a 3-1 start. The loss to UCLA still stings, especially
since the Bruins were handled at home today by Oregon St. At least we are not
Iowa losing at home to Central Michigan or Illinois who got bombed in Champaign
by Louisiana Tech. The Huskers have perhaps the best offense in the B1G. If the
defense can step up their play, the Huskers have as good a shot as anyone to lay
claim to their first ever Big Ten crown. Next week we have a shot at some
redemption for the blowout loss in Madison. Here's hoping it's the first step
toward a Legends Division title. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-4511319383985533362012-09-21T07:25:00.000-07:002012-09-21T07:25:15.650-07:00Idaho State no threat but Huskers need big win to get backups time
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">On the surface, Nebraska’s home
game on Saturday against Idaho State is the quintessential body bag game. Or,
to put it another way, it’s the final tuneup before the team opens Big Ten
competition on Sept. 29 at home against Wisconsin. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Huskers need a convincing win
not necessarily because beating Idaho State by 30, 40 or 50 points proves
anything but more so to give backups quality playing time. Getting practice
reps are one thing but one way to show coaches you are worthy of being
considered for more playing time is to produce in a game. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska also has some other
meaningful goals for this game. Running back Rex Burkhead, who was considered a
darkhorse for the Heisman Trophy before the season, returns after a two-game
absence. Well, essential three since Burkhead compiled 68 yards and a touchdown
on three carries before leaving the season-opener against Southern Mississippi
with a sprained ligament in his left knee. If nothing else, this game will be
good for Burkhead to re-establish a rhythm before the Wisconsin game. Ameer
Abdullah has filled in very capably in carrying 61 times for 367 yards and four
touchdowns. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">With Burkhead back in the fold
and Abdullah proving to be more than capable of filling a void, where does
Braylon Heard fit into the equation? The sophomore was heralded as the future
of the Huskers’ rushing attack but after being lost in a star-studded depth
chart, he was briefly switched to defensive back before returning to running
back in time to reap increased touches due to Burkhead’s injury. Heard has
averaged 6.8 yards per carry in three games. However, even though Heard has
become a viable weapon, his place in the offense becomes unclear. If nothing
else, Nebraska might have the most depth at running back than any team in the
Big Ten. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">On the defensive side, no sooner does Nebraska have a
bounceback performance from its 36-30 loss to UCLA to a 42-13 win over Arkansas
State do other concerns surface. UCLA’s spread attack exposed the lack of speed
and tackling troubles in the open field for the Huskers defense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To infuse more speed on defense, coordinator John
Papuchis increased playing time for junior college transfer linebacker Zaire
Anderson. However, Anderson has since been sidelined for the remainder of the
season with a torn ACL. Nebraska’s linebacking corps is now looking even
thinner and will likely rely more on newcomer David Santos and senior Sean
Fisher, who was a disappointment in 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Granted, some years the talent on the field will be
better than others but personnel has nothing to do with making fundamental
tackles, where the Huskers were far better last week and that trend needs to
continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">How Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini carries himself also bears
watching one week after leaving the stadium in an ambulance at halftime. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Pelini
complained of not feeling well in the first half and was seen by ESPN camera
crews having his pulse checked by a member of the Nebraska athletic medicine
staff. Pelini continued to coach through the end of the second quarter but
there was no word of his symptoms. Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis
led the team onto the field for the third quarter and shared head coaching
duties with offensive coordinator Tim Beck.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pelini was later released from the hospital and said
in a statement released through the athletic department that he underwent
precautionary tests that “checked out just fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Perhaps Pelini did indeed undergo tests for precautionary
reasons but do mild flu-like symptoms do not require a trainer taking your
pulse and being taken by ambulance to the hospital? While Pelini has his
shortfalls as a head coach, you certainly can’t question his devotion to the
team. It will be interesting to see if he is a little more reserved and calm on
the sidelines this Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-43074030259488909062012-09-19T22:39:00.000-07:002012-09-20T13:09:16.552-07:00Steele predicts Huskers to go 8-0 in Big 10 and meet Purdue in title game<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">There are four kinds of Nebraska fans:
1) The Kool-Aid sippers, 2) The unless we have mid-1990s success, the season is
a joke crowd, 3) The realists, and 4) The Debbie Downers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Anyone who follows the preseason magazines
knows that Phil Steele over the years has been the most accurate. As flawed as
the Huskers have been, Steele predicts they will go undefeated in Big Ten
competition and meet Purdue in the conference title game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
The good news for Nebraska is that no other team in the conference has been setting
the world ablaze. Purdue is flying under the radar right now and getting
overlooked. They appear to have a really good team and a few folks in the media
are starting to catch on to them.<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><a href="http://www.philsteele.com/miscpages/projectedstandings/2012/PS_Proj_Standings.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.philsteele.com/miscpages/...Standings.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">With Ohio State and Penn State both on NCAA probation,
it was generally assumed that Wisconsin, which won the Big Ten conference last
season, would have a clear path to the Leaders Division title. Though the Badgers
are 2-1, it is a shaky 2-1 with close wins over Northern Iowa (26-21) and Utah
State (16-14) to go along with a road loss at Oregon State (10-7). Purdue has
been much more impressive in defeating Eastern Kentucky (48-6) and Eastern
Michigan (54-16) to go along with a close loss to No. 22 Notre Dame (20-17).
Keep in mind, Purdue hosts Wisconsin on Oct. 13. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Considering
Ohio State and Penn state being on probation couple with Wisconsin looking
vulnerable, 4-4 could win the Leaders. <br />
<br />
As for Nebraska, the offense has looked much better, which bodes well because
with the exception of Michigan State, none of the defenses look scary. On the
offensive side, no one else other than Michigan or Ohio State is anything to
write home about. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Before the season
began, the Big Ten was viewed as a conference that did not have a dominant team
like the SEC (Alabama or LSU), Big 12 (Oklahoma) or Pac 12 (USC or Oregon).
Instead, the Big Ten was seen as a conference that had a bunch of good but not
great clubs clustered together like Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan
State and Nebraska. Records aside, Wisconsin has</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
performed significantly under what was expected. The rest have performed slightly
under what was expected. Michigan’s 41-14 loss to Alabama may end up not being
so bad, considering how the top-rated Crimson Tide is rolling. Everyone knew
Michigan State’s offense would need to gain experience, and its defense is
still very tough. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nebraska was not expected to lose to
UCLA (but that might be because UCLA is be better than expected) and its other
opponents don’t give much to go on in evaluating Nebraska. Ohio State has won
all three, but has struggled at times. Purdue has probably played better than
expected.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is I don’t think anything dramatic enough has happened yet to
completely rewrite the pre-season expectations, especially to predict Nebraska,
or any other team, to go undefeated in conference.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">I think that 8-0 is possible, but that
is more a function of the overall weakness of the conference this year. I think
that the Huskers have a very good chance to take care of business at home this
year, including against Michigan. Right now, Nebraska should be favored to beat
Wisconsin. The Badgers have looked like a paper tiger so far and the Huskers
are going to be fully motivated to pay them back for last year after losing
48-17 in Madison. Michigan is definitely a decent team, but the Alabama game
shows that they still have vulnerabilities to exploit, particularly with a
strong running game.<br />
<br />
Before last weekend, I would have ranked Nebraska’s chances at OSU and MSU at
south of 50% for both games. Having watched both games this weekend, I’d now
say the Huskers have a 50/50 shot in both games. I will say that Notre Dame
does look like a legitimate top ten team to me (much as it pains me to say it)
so that MSU loss may look better as the season develops.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As winnable as every game appears to be,
however, the Huskers tendency of inconsistent play makes them just as likely (if
not more so) to go 8-4 as it is 11-1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-83653755774415811682012-09-18T00:20:00.000-07:002012-09-18T00:20:28.300-07:00Don't be surprised if the Husker defense continues to rebound
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">One bounce back performance does not constitute all being
well in the world just yet but after surrendering the second most yards in a
game (653 in a 36-30 loss at UCLA) in school history, Nebraska fans were
collectively beside themselves with worry about the status of the defense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And for good reason because in last week’s 42-13 over
Arkansas State, the Huskers were facing a spread-oriented offense similar in
some ways to UCLA’s unit, which added further fuel to the worries but the Husker
defense responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Arkansas State’s first touchdown didn’t come until the
third quarter, and it was the Red Wolves’ defense that scored it. Tackling
technique looked significantly better and Nebraska seemed better able to pursue
sideline-to-sideline and defend against the misdirection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska ended up surrendering 285 total yards and no
offensive touchdowns, which should provide a little comfort to the Husker fans
moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Against a hurry-up offense like Arkansas State, making
changes on the fly is a challenge for any defense but Nebraska has struggled
throughout the season getting defensive play calls in from the sideline. In
each half, Nebraska continued its trend of burning time outs on defense when it
couldn't get properly lined up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Red Wolves may be one of the hardest teams to align
properly for defensively, given the speed with which they play and with the
number of new players (notably Zaire Anderson and David Santos) that saw the
field on defense, some communication issues were to be expected. However, it is
an area Nebraska needs to clean up as the season progresses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In response to the struggles against UCLA, Huskers head
coach Bo Pelini made a number of personnel changes, giving time to players like
Anderson, Mohammed Seisay and Santos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The changes seemed to pay dividends. Overall, the defense
showed remarkable improvement from the week before. Of course, some of that had
to do with playing Arkansas State at home instead of UCLA on the road but some
of it had to do with the athletes on the field. Let’s face it, you can talk
about schemes all you want but quality athletes take care of schemes, not the
other way around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Perhaps the play that best showed the change was in the
third quarter, when Anderson was able to beat Arkansas State quarterback Ryan
Aplin to the corner and shut down a running play. It was Nebraska’s inability
to make those stops against UCLA that contributed to the Blackshirts’ nightmare
in Pasadena.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Bend, but don’t
break is the approach we have come to expect from Pelini’s defense. While it
was disturbing to see UCLA bend Nebraska like a yoga instructor, the defense
actually does have hope for holding their end of the deal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Yes, the Huskers
are No. 111 in rushing yards allowed (226 yards per game) and No. 25 in passing
yardage allowed (174 yards per game) but stats can also be skewed this early in
the season.<br />
<br />
Nebraska has allowed only five offensive touchdowns (four were in the UCLA
game) and the Huskers have played red-zone defense 14 times and have allowed two
touchdowns and five field goals.<br />
<br />
I honestly believe that Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck tried to “out
hurry” UCLA and got caught. This is why UCLA ran over 90 plays. Well, that and
some missed tackles but the defense kept points away from the Bruins in 7 of 11
trips into the red zone. Two of the trips resulted in field goals, and two
missed field goals. I think a team that allowed those type of yards and plays,
but only surrendered 34 offensive points, did not break.<br />
<br />
I’m still waiting until after the Ohio State game to decide what kind of
defense the Huskers have this year, but I do believe this defense is good
enough that the offense isn’t going to have to score 35-plus points to win games.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-90279596898770731702012-09-15T23:35:00.003-07:002012-09-15T23:36:55.546-07:00With Pelini ailing, Huskers respond<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Husker players like running back Rex
Burkhead and linebacker Will Compton preached before the season that it was
equally important for players to become leaders as it is head coach Bo Pelini.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Short of going inside the huddle or
locker-room, there is no true way to ascertain how effective player leadership
came into play in the Huskers 42-13 home win over Arkansas State. However, considering
Nebraska’s trend of faltering under adversity, seeing the team finish the
victory after </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Pelini was taken by ambulance to a hospital while team
was in the midst of its victory was encouraging. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">Pelini complained of not feeling well
in the first half and was seen by ESPN camera crews having his pulse checked by
a member of the Nebraska athletic medicine staff. Pelini continued to coach
through the end of the second quarter but there was no word of his symptoms.
Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis led the team onto the field for
the third quarter and shared head coaching duties with offensive coordinator
Tim Beck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Pelini was later released from the hospital and said in
a statement released through the athletic department that he underwent
precautionary tests that “checked out just fine” and that he planned to work Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">With Pelini failing to show after halftime, Papuchis
fired up the defense in the third quarter as the offense was playing give-away
and the Huskers put away a scrappy Arkansas State squad that managed just six
offensive points. In fact, without the turnovers, the Huskers could well have
blown them away 56-3. To highlight the job the defense did in the second half,
the Red wolves ran just 25 plays, after 44 plays in the first half and 98 in
their game last week. It helped that the offense controlled the clock in the
second half, and managed some lengthy drives to tire an already suspect Arkansas
State defense. Granted, this same opponent was throttled by Oregon and is not
nearly as good as UCLA, but after the demoralizing 36-30 defeat last week to
the Bruins, the Huskers needed a solid win and a confidence builder for the
defense.<br />
<br />
The offense did about all they needed to do in the first half with quarterback
Taylor Martinez going 8 of 8 passing while running back Ameer Abdullah rushing
for 81 yards. Meanwhile, wide receiver Kenny Bell conjured up memories of
Irving Fryar with two acrobatic touchdown grabs. Fellow wide receiver Quincy Enunwa
was unstoppable and the Nebraska offensive line got a good push. The third
quarter, however, was quite forgettable as the Huskers committed three
turnovers within a span of five minutes. That kind of sloppy play against an
overmatched defense won’t cut it against a better club. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Martinez played well and his line checks
were much more successful and reflected far more poise than seven days ago. Of
course, it doesn’t hurt to go 13 for 14 passing and 10 for 13 on third down
conversions (another big improvement over last week). Abdullah got a career
high 30 touches and 167 yards and Braylon Heard saw action running and catching
as well. Imani Cross continues to impress. The stiff-arm he gave on a 44-yard
run in the fourth quarter was impressive. The experience these three running
backs are getting with Burkhead out with a knee injury is invaluable and I’m
sure it will pay dividends as entering Big 10 play. I also liked the play calls
with all three of them in the game at the same time. <br />
<br />
Arkansas State managed 101 yards and seven first downs in the opening quarter
but finished with just 286 after netting only 89 yards total in the second
half. The Red Wolves also helped the defense with multiple miscues (turnovers,
penalties and dropped passes) which allowed the defense to gradually figure out
the high paced attack. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The Husker defense is still vulnerable to
the swing pass or anything quick outside. They also bite on all misdirection,
and struggle to get back in the play. Nebraska caught an early break when
Arkansas State curiously went for it on fourth down and eight at midfield on
their opening drive and did not convert. The short field helped the Husker
offense nab an early lead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">I was pleased with the intensity the defense
began to demonstrate, especially in the second quarter, as the hitting and gang
tackling missing so badly thus far this season began to appear. As the game
wore on, the defense got better and Arkansas State got more desperate. To face
three turnovers in the third quarter and not give ground was a key to the game.
Eric Martin is awful hard on quarterbacks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Zaire Anderson made a difference on the
field with his speed as he gets to the ballcarrier when others have not. Cornerback
Mohammed Seisay and linebacker David Santos also made their debuts and
contributed. The defensive line seemed to benefit from Joe Carter and Kevin Williams,
but Cameron Meredith continues to struggle and can't seem to catch anyone. The
safety play was a highlight as Damion Stafford delivered the best hits (as well
as a couple of whiffs) and P.J. Smith led the team in tackles and got the first
interception of the season. We really need more of these if we are to be
successful. The defensive adjustments seemed to work pretty well, but we probably
won't know for sure until the Huskers play more solid competition. At least in
this game, they sacked a quarterback who hadn't been sacked yet this season.<br />
<br />
There isn't much to say about special teams except that Brett Maher seemed to
have found his missing punting shoe as he nailed 2 punts averaging 57.5 yards
and the kickoff teams managed decent coverage. Even if the ball missed Abdullah
on the punt, he shouldn't have been that close to the ball anyway. We caught a
couple of breaks on Arkansas State penalties that forced re-kicks and much
improved field position. <br />
<br />
All in all, a solid bounce-back win against a gritty opponent that the Huskers
dominated. Another tune-up awaits next week against a very poor Idaho State
team in which the goal may be to win and not get anybody else hurt. The Legends
Division of the Big 10 is very winnable and all the Huskers need is to
demonstrate more consistency on both sides of the ball. Nebraska significant
offensive firepower and if the defense can effectively utilize the swift
newcomers, the Huskers have a real shot at the title. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-650014376955251852012-09-14T07:15:00.000-07:002012-09-14T07:15:23.569-07:00Huskers need a bounceback performance
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">While every game is important, chances are very few would
have circled Saturday’s game for Nebraska against Arkansas State as a pivotal
contest but that’s exactly the position the Huskers are in after Saturday’s
36-30 loss at UCLA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sun Belt teams very seldom inspire fear but the Red
Wolves are hardly a pushover and while the Huskers looked a long way from being
a BCS bowl team last week, they need to win this one to keep those hopes even
remotely alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arkansas State might
not have a roster littered with guys that will play on Sundays but head coach
Gus </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Malzahn, who is Auburn’s
former offensive coordinator, is a very good offensive mind. The Red Wolves
gained up 530 yards on Oregon in a 56-34 Week 1 loss. Granted, many of those
yards came after the Ducks raced to a 29-0 lead after one quarter but
Nebraska’s defense had its own troubles in giving up the most total offensive
yards in school history (632) against UCLA. That futility exceeded even the
nightmare 2007 season under then defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Arkansas State isn’t going to sniff a BCS bowl this
season, but the Huskers had visions of such before the season. The loss to UCLA,
however, dropped Nebraska out of the Top 25 and there’s no guarantee the
Huskers return to the Top 25 even with a decisive win Saturday but lose this
game and doubts will continue to fester.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Offensively, the Red Wolves have a talented
quarterback-running back combination with </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Ryan Aplin and David Oku, who is not known for his power,
but he can go the distance whenever he touches it. Oku has 211 yards and a
touchdown on 37 carries. While Oku is not in the class of UCLA’s Jordan
Franklin, who had a 200-plus yard rushing day against the Huskers, he can cause
problems.</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Red Wolves won’t throw it
deep a whole lot, but their short passes can be problematic. You won’t find
them huddling up, and they don’t allow defenders to rest for a second.
Nebraska’s pass rush has been absent the first two games. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">For Nebraska on offense, running
back Rex Burkhead is listed as questionable with a knee injury, in which case
the onus falls on quarterback Taylor Martinez. The junior signal-caller has
thrown for 533 yards, five touchdowns and one interception so far this season.
He looks like a completely different passer in the pocket, and his 100-plus
rushing yards in Week Two show that he can still move.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
The Huskers enter the contest as a 24-point favorite but after their
performance last week it’s hard to imagine them winning that decisively but the
Huskers have normally rebounded well under head coach Bo Pelini after poor
performances. <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-61361266979915034452012-09-12T22:38:00.000-07:002012-09-12T22:41:56.326-07:00UCLA loss bad but Huskers can't backslide<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It only took until Week No. 2 but the Nebraska football team’s
season is already at a crossroad after its 36-30 road loss to UCLA on Saturday.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was not only a defeat that could give the Bruins a much
needed boost in a town where USC has reigned supreme the last dozen or so years
but a loss that raised questions on Nebraska’s end. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Granted, beating an improved but, still to this point,
middle of the road Pac 12 team would not have suddenly made Nebraska elite but
losing the game begged the question of the Huskers being no closer to a program
in select company than when head coach Bo Pelini arrived in Lincoln in December
2007 after Bill Callahan was fired. In fact, the loss only sounded alarm bells
of being further away from elite status. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Huskers still have their public goals of winning a Big
Ten title alive and as shaky as most of the conference looks it can still
happen. Seriously, don’t laugh. However, if the Husker defense couldn’t slow
down Jordan Franklin and Brett Hundley what makes you think they will slow down
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that for all of Pelini’s shortcomings as a
head coach, and more seem to be surfacing as time progresses, Nebraska has
bounced back well after losses under Pelini. The Huskers are 10-4 under Pelini
after a defeat. Nebraska hosts Arkansas State and Idaho State the next two
weeks. The Huskers enter the Arkansas State game as a 24-point favorite but
considering their performance against UCLA it’s hard to envision a scenario of
the Huskers winning that decisively. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have heard rumors of personnel changes such as getting
younger and faster players like David Santos and Zaire Anderson on the field.
After all, Will Compton can only do so much. There is even a possibility of
going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 with the departure of defensive tackle Chase Rome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pelini
told reporters after practice Wednesday that Rome’s “personal goals and
personal perception of where he should be on this football team doesn't match
the team goals.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rome's
departure comes after the Cornhuskers' defensive line played poorly in a loss
at UCLA on Saturday. Defensive coaches said early in the week that personnel
changes were being considered at several positions. Rome, who is a sophomore
from Columbia, Mo., had four tackles in the first two games.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
next two weeks on the surface are winnable before entering the Big 10 opener at
home against Wisconsin. Arkansas State, which competes in the Sun Belt, is 1-1
with a 57-34 loss at No. 5 Oregon and a 33-28 win over Memphis. Arkansas State,
however, has a potent offense led by quarterback Ryan Aplin. It should also be
pointed out that all 34 of Arkansas State’s points against Oregon came after
the Ducks fashioned a 29-0 lead after one quarter. Idaho State, which competes
in the Big Sky Conference has lost to Air Force (49-21) and defeated Black
Hills State (38-3).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Husker
fans and media alike, including this corner, have had doubts surface. While there
is not much Nebraska will do over the next two weeks to regenerate belief, the
Huskers can ill-afford to stub their toe, win or lose, the next two weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-69311436468796048322012-09-10T22:50:00.003-07:002012-09-10T22:51:39.925-07:00Husker change must start with attitude<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">As I reflect on the two games Nebraska has
had so far, I see what everyone else is seeing. I see a swiss-cheese defense, a
suspect offensive line, a quarterback trying to break away from two years of
heavy scrutiny and a team steamrolling toward another four loss season -- or
worse.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking about the Huskers and how they seem to lack that particular
instinct. The team I watched seemed robotic, listless and borderline....dare I
say...scared.<br />
<br />
I'm usually the first to voice my opinion about former players from the
mid-90's spouting off about the good old days and how THEY used to do it and
how it should be now. The one thing that is indisputable is the fear they put
into other teams. They had a nasty streak. They were the fighter you didn't
want to get into the ring with but this team is nothing like that. <br />
<br />
This team can land punches but does it have a knockout punch? Does it have the
mentality to go four full rounds with the heavyweights? Right now, I say no.
Last year, same thing. I see a squad that can push around the teams they are
supposed to beat but occasionally get "Buster Douglas-ed" by the
likes of Northwestern. And this isn't just about UCLA. This is a disturbing
pattern. We are seeing a carbon copy of the same team (with a few subtle
changes) year after year.<br />
<br />
So what's missing and what will it take to get it? This team looks the part
coming out of the tunnel but as soon as the music fades, they seem to wander
off, especially in the big games. Texas, Oklahoma, Northwestern, South Carolina,
UCLA, Washington. Many games the Huskers should have won and where the great
teams are separated from the good teams. Then there are the blowouts. Wisconsin
and Michigan come to mind. The unexplained lopsided back alley butt kickings
that should never happen to this team. In all of those games, and over the past
few years, the light seemed to go out of their eyes. When they were against the
ropes, they ducked and covered instead of fighting back. Bring up Ohio State
all you want, but without Braxton Miller, that game goes in the loss column.<br />
<br />
I think this team has talent and a good head coach. But this team lacks fight
and leaders with that instinct. How we get it is another problem. It has to
come from somewhere. But where?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-25514622900860009232012-09-08T23:37:00.002-07:002012-09-08T23:37:16.667-07:00Loss to Bruins a red flag on Husker path to greatness
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska fans (well,
a segment anyhow) are certainly notorious for their “sky is falling” mentality
but Saturday’s 36-30 road loss to an improved but still not great UCLA club is
definitely cause for concern as questioning whether the Huskers will be elite
any time soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Well, at least this
year they didn’t until October to lose one they were “not supposed to lose.”
Heck, it even happened in September on the road as opposed to home like the 9-7
loss to Iowa State in 2009, the 20-13 loss to Texas in 2010 and the 28-25
defeat to Northwestern in 2011. I guess Nebraska outdid itself this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">UCLA definitely
earned the win, no ifs, ands, or buts but losing this game is a blow to the
Huskers. Would winning the game have suddenly made them elite? No. However,
losing this game distances them from becoming elite any time soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In the first half,
the Nebraska offense was looking like the one we saw against Southern Mississippi
in a 49-20 season opening win, then UCLA made adjustments, and the Huskers didn't.
Nebraska abandoned the run and became very one dimensional. Even though Taylor
Martinez is improved in his mechanics, he is still not the best option to
simply throw it around. Going away from Ameer Abdullah wasn't the right move, in
my opinion, but with how the offensive line started to play (very 2011-esque),
maybe it was the right decision. It was a hit and miss game for offensive
coordinator Tim Beck.<br />
<br />
The defense played very undisciplined. In fact, I wouldn’t hand out Blackshirts
until Christmas, if I handed them out at all. Does the phrase “finish tackles”
mean anything? Not to mention the phrase “make adjustments?” I can't believe
how many times we saw UCLA use that wheel route/hook screen, and it worked every
time. There were too many blown coverages. The defensive line didn't get any
push, and the linebackers kept missing tackles. <br />
<br />
The special teams performance was up and down. I think Brett Maher's confidence
is shaken this season, he almost got it back with the 54 yarder, but then
missing another simple 37 yarder later just crushed it again. The coverage was
better this game, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
I also think there was a lack of effort and heart from the players. That
shouldn't be the case, there were arguably more Husker fans than Bruin fans in
the stadium, and this was as good as any road game to come out fiery and
inspired. The team fell flat in that area. Some players showed a lot of heart,
especially linebacker Will Compton but even with all the effort in the world,
the fundamentally unsound play on both sides of the ball will get you beat.<br />
<br />
So while I think the players are lacking in talent (can we please just get some
speed on the defense?), I think a lot of this comes down to coaching. All these
fundamentals problems can be fixed with proper coaching. I'm starting to have
serious doubts about this staff with the amount of talent we've pulled in with
the last couple recruiting classes, sometimes it feels like 4-star talent with
2-star coaching.<br />
<br />
I'd like to chalk this game up as an aberration, move on, and come out strong
the rest of the season but two games in, the defense has serious questions, the
defensive line specifically, the offense is on and off, and the special teams
are struggling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I refuse to accept
consistent 9-4 seasons, because I know they can be better than that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-55203190898608077062012-09-06T23:27:00.001-07:002012-09-06T23:27:42.664-07:00Will Saturday be the first of two trips to Pasadena?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Huskers are headed to the Rose Bowl. The question is,
will Saturday’s game against UCLA be their only trip or the first of two? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">If Nebraska wins its first conference title since 1999, a
return trip to Pasadena would likely await them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska had a solid season-opening performance in a
49-20 home win over Southern Mississippi but the Huskers must continue that
forward momentum if they are to continue to have visions of having a
breakthrough season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Yes, UCLA appears to be better under head coach Jim Mora
but they are still a fair-to-middling Pac 12 club who is college football
ticket # 2 in Los Angeles behind USC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Although the Nebraska defense struggled at times, the Huskers
won in large part because of what appears to be the “new and improved” version
of quarterback Taylor Martinez, who went 26-for-34, passing for 354 yards and
five touchdowns with no interceptions. The only downside was that running back Rex
Burkhead left the game in the first quarter to an MCL sprain and is listed as
questionable for the game against UCLA. Wide receiver Tim Marlowe will also be
out until late October with a broken clavicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">UCLA, meanwhile, blasted Rice 49-24 on the road as redshirt
freshman quarterback Brett Hundley at went 21-for-28 for 202 yards and two
touchdowns and rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown. Hundley’s debut started in
electrifying fashion as he rushed a 72-yard touchdown. Running back Jonathan
Franklin rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns, and UCLA compiled 651 yards
of total offense against the Owls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">This matchup certainly has intrigue and importance for
both clubs. For Nebraska, the game is an opportunity to go on the road and
establish itself as a legitimate top-10 team by beating what has been a talented
but underachieving UCLA squad on its homefield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For UCLA, if it can upset Nebraska it would be an
opportunity to generate some momentum for what had become a downtrodden program.
the game has the possibility to set a positive tone for new head coach Jim
Mora, Jr. Yes, the Bruins represented the Pac-12 South in the inaugural
conference championship game but that was more reflective of USC being on
probation than anything the 6-8 Bruins did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">While it is easy to point to the quarterbacks, Martinez
and Hundley will once again play vital roles in the outcome of Saturday’s
contest. Even though Martinez looked dynamite as a passer against Southern
Mississippi, teams are likely to still make sure to shut down the Nebraska
ground game (even if Burkhead is out) and make Martinez beat them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">As for Hundley, it is no secret that mobile quarterbacks
have given the Huskers fits. Hundley is definitely mobile as he carried 15
times for 84 yards against Rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Nebraska offense that took the field last week in
Lincoln will also need to be present in Pasadena. While Martinez’s numbers were
tremendous, the Huskers also looked like a much different offense from last
season, running out of the no-huddle with far more efficiency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">With the addition of fullback Mike Marrow and true
freshman running back Imani Cross, Nebraska now has a between-the-tackles
threat to compliment a speed threat posed by Ameer Abdullah and Braylon Heard. However,
Abdullah runs between the tackles more than his 5-9, 175 pound frame would
suggest. If the Nebraska offensive line can perform as it did a week ago, the
offense will be difficult to stop. What stood out was that not only did the
Huskers run and pass block well but avoided the untimely penalties that had
hamstrung the offense in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">On the defensive side, Nebraska, Pelini teams versus
mobile quarterbacks has become a mixture of punch-line and cliché. The notion
against mobile quarterbacks is usually a mixture of “keep them in the pocket”
or “rush four and drop seven.” Pelini usually prefers the latter approach, the
problem is that Nebraska lacks the personnel its front four. In the win over
Southern Mississippi, Nebraska’s best pass rush involved blitzing. However, I’m
of the mind that even against a mobile quarterback the “keep them in the pocket”
or “rush four and drop seven” is not necessarily the best approach because if a
quarterback is on the run, he’s not going through his reads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Huskers last trip to the West
Coast against a Pac-12 team thought to challenge NU ended in a rout, with
Nebraska beating Washington 56-21. UCLA’s offense should be good enough to keep
up and put points on the board but UCLA’s defense, which gave up 347 yards and
24 points to Rice, should struggle to stop Nebraska's offensive diversity. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">In the Pelini era, the Huskers have
lost one game per year against a team they have “no business losing to,” but
those losses have normally come at home (see Iowa State 2009, Texas 2010, Northwestern
2011). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-45011524476332313062012-09-06T00:12:00.000-07:002012-09-06T00:13:16.618-07:00Being cautious with Burkhead would be the right thing<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">It sounds like the
mystery of Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead’s status for Saturday’s game at
UCLA will not be much of a mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">The senior running
back sat out of practice Wednesday for the third straight day, recovering from
a sprained MCL in his left knee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">However, “He's doing
his work,” Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown said. “He’s not just sitting
still, doing nothing. We’ll see what happens during the rest of the week. He
tends to be a fast healer, and when he comes back, he comes back strong. He
doesn’t come back trying to feel his way through again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">“The main thing is, we
want what's best for his health, obviously.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">Hopefully, head coach
Bo Pelini learned from the situation surrounding quarterback Taylor Martinez in
2010. Then a freshman, Martinez’s early season play was drawing comparisons to
former Husker great Eric Crouch (the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner). However, as
Nebraska was on its way to beating Missouri 31-17, Martinez sustained a high
ankle sprain and later turf toe. He sat out just two games, perhaps because
Pelini did not feel like he could trust backup Cody Green, but was not the same
player in part because the coaching staff’s insistence on playing him ensured
that Martinez never healed sufficiently. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">If Saturday’s game is
any indication, sophomore Ameer Abdullah (15 carries, 81 yards) and freshman
Imani Cross (11 carries, 62 yards) might afford the luxury of being cautious
with Burkhead. The senior running back is co-main cog in the Husker engine
along with Martinez. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white;">I’m not surprised the
Huskers are at least publically taking it cautious with Burkhead and think it
is for the best since Nebraska appears to have a deeper of very good young
running backs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Even if you took Burkhead’s injury out of
the equation, I felt Burkhead should be used judiciously until conference play
began anyway. I think the Husker offense will still be able to produce without
him. That’s not to say that he isn’t a valuable asset, but just that there is quality
talent behind him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Rice had over 300 yards of total offense
against UCLA. I have to believe that NU will put up substantially better
numbers even without Rex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Granted, UCLA’s defense will never be
mistaken for Alabama but Rice’s offense won’t draw any comparisons to Oregon
either. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-22361771435620284282012-09-03T22:40:00.001-07:002012-09-03T22:41:16.697-07:00Husker defense cannot rest<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">I've seen a lot of posts and comments
regarding the performance of Nebraska’s defense in the Huskers 49-20
season-opening win over Southern Mississippi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Granted, the Huskers gave up just 260 yards
of total offense but forced just one takeaway and allowed 7 of 14 third down
conversions, not the stuff of championship defenses. However, it is also
important to understand why certain things are done. Linebackers Will Compton
and Alonzo Whaley showed signs of greatness<br />
<br />
First, there is a lot to be cleaned up:<br />
<br />
<b>Defensive line lining up off the ball:</b> I’m just giving people reasons
for things. You don’t have to like them, I just think it’s important that
people know so it can make you somewhat less mad when you see it. When running
a 2-gap, it’s important that you are able to get to whatever side you want to
of the offensive linemen. If you are too close to them, they can wall you off
and you essentially lose one of your gaps you are responsible for and give the
other linemen a clean path to the linebacker that is responsible for the running
back. Nebraska’s front seven will never be confused with Alabama’s version.
Baker Steinkuhler and Chase Rome aren’t going to be chasing down quarterbacks
like Alabama’s front four, so the comparisons to them and how their guys lines
up are apples to oranges. Also, they don’t run a 2-gap. Now, you can make the
argument that Nebraska shouldn’t run 2-gap against heavy run teams or mobile
quarterbacks, but the Huskers showed a little wrinkle when Anthony Alford was
in the game of going to three down linemen and shifting defensive end Cameron
Meredith to a linebacker. Think of the possibilities when Eric Martin isn’t
hurt?<br />
<br />
<b>The big holes:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of this comes
back to missed tackles and getting caught up in traffic by our guys responsible
for the running back or the motion man across the quarterback’s face. Look no
further than the first play from scrimmage of Compton getting reached by a
guard that Rome was doing a heck of a job occupying. Compton and Whaley can’t
get reached by those guys because the guy eating the two blocks is essentially
taking himself out of the play trading 2 for 1. What is encouraging is they
didn’t really push Nebraska off the ball, what is concerning is when we had
someone in the hole they didn’t make the tackle and we relied heavily on our
safeties to come up and make the play. That is going to have to change moving
forward, as you just can’t miss tackles. Alford is not as good as Dennard Robinson
and Braxton Miller without the experience, but has the same speed and less
weapons. Bottom line, the holes are going to be there against 2 gap, it’s up to
good/great linebacker play. <br />
<br />
<b>Rushing yards and third down conversions: </b>I don’t understand why
everyone is so down on how many rushing yards we gave up, but I definitely
understand being a little worried about their 50% conversion percentage. In the
2-gap scheme, you aren’t going to stop both run and the pass. They tried running
on Nebraska still when the Huskers were up four scores, Pelini will stay in
2-gap all day if they are going to continue to do that. Nebraska is not going
to have defensive stats like they did in the 1990s because this defense doesn’t
play behind the line of scrimmage. That being said, they need to blitz on first
and second down sometimes rather than only waiting on third. They converted those
screens a lot, like they one step ahead of on third down blitzes. If you can
blitz a little on first and second down, put them in 2nd and 3rd and long, you
will see that percentage fly downwards.<br />
<br />
The defense gave up 13 points and held them under 100 yards passing, exactly
what a 2-gap scheme is designed to do. I don’t care what they gave up rushing.
If you hold someone to 13 points on defense I'll give up 400 yards rushing. But
there are some definite glaring things that need fixed; I think the tackling was
good when they got our hands on them. <br />
<br />
I know it can be frustrating seeing the defense line up far from the line of
scrimmage, or not blitzing and being behind the line of scrimmage as much as Alabama
or LSU, but Nebraska have different athletes and are trying to play to those
strengths. I think it’s important to understand why they do things, and why things
happen. I will say this, they jumped out of 2-gap a couple times and went to a
blitzing safety and/or linebacker and it looked real effective when they didn’t
run that screen. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-9136743316163437702012-09-01T23:42:00.000-07:002012-09-01T23:43:49.110-07:00Solid win for openers but bigger goals lie ahead<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The opening game is always a very special
time filled with much uncertainty and nervous anticipation. This year the
biggest questions were surrounding third year starting quarterback Taylor
Martinez. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Without a Spring Game to gauge progress,
we were left with rumors that Martinez had worked on and shown some improvement
in his footwork and throwing motion. After game one, there appears to be some
basis to those rumors. Granted, this Southern Miss defense returned only four
starters from last year and will never be confused with Alabama, let alone Michigan
State but a 49-20 season opening win that saw Martinez complete 26 of 34 passes
for 354 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions is a tremendous way to
open the season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Even more than his improved footwork, Martinez
had more zip and accuracy on his passes as he distributed the ball to ten
different receivers. I know Husker fans love seeing their team pound teams into
submission with the run but the pass can set up the run just as well if not
better than the run setting up the pass. Martinez also seemed to have a much
better presence in the pocket going through his progressions and reading his
receivers better than ever before. It also helped that his receivers cooperated
by catching about anything thrown close to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The biggest downside is the knee injury to running back Rex
Burkhead, who left the game with a sprained MCL, which at its worst can sideline
a player for eight weeks, at its lightest, only a few days. Husker head coach
Bo Pelini said the sprain is the lowest grade, meaning, that Burkhead could be
available for Saturday’s game at UCLA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Burkhead’s injury came on his third carry of the game, a
9-yard run, when the Nebraska I-back was tackled by Southern Mississippi
defensive end Jamie Collins. The good news was that sophomore Ameer Abdullah
carried 15 times for 81 yards and caught four more passes for 39 yards
including a touchdown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Losing Burkhead is really a tough blow,
but his being out may have been fortuitous in that it allowed other backs the
opportunity to get needed game experience. Abdullah seemed to run stronger the
longer he played. Braylon Heard also improved as he played and as the Southern
Miss defense began to really tire. Imani Cross is a man-child. This kid will
only get better. Mike Marrow is a load and it’s nice to see the fullback get
some touches. Seven touchdowns distributed to seven players and very nice play
by both the wide receivers and tight ends. Kenny Bell continues to improve, Quincy
Enunwa is a stud, and Jamal Turner is exciting every time he touches the ball.
Catch of the game, though, goes to Steven Osborne for his touchdown grab
falling out of the end zone. Finally, the big boys up front who gave Martinez
time to throw and opened holes to generate 632 yards of total offense deserve
huge props. Most importantly, there were no false starts and only one offensive
penalty to go along with no turnovers. <br />
<br />
The defense showed why the Blackshirts have yet to be distributed. The good
news is that the defense only gave up 13 points to a reasonably talented
offensive unit. With Southern Miss having a new coach and new personnel, Pelini
and defensive coordinator John Papuchis had to prepare for a little of
everything. The defense, however, continues to be extremely vulnerable to
mobile quarterbacks and giving up big chunks on third down. I don’t remember a
three and out all day. Defensive end Cameron Meredith seemed slow trying to
track down their QB. Cornerback Ciante Evans looks much improved over last
year, and in general the secondary looked solid. When Southern Miss had to
pass, the defense shut them down. I’ll take 7 for 19 for 75 yards from the
opponents all year long. Linebacker Alonzo Whaley looked good and bad at times.
Fellow linebacker Will Compton was generally solid, but the linebackers and
defense in general were whiffing and trying to arm tackle way too much. We have
a lot to clean up before we play a very capable UCLA offense with a very mobile
quarterback next week in Pasadena. <br />
<br />
We all know that the worst part of the game for the Huskers were the special
teams which were anything but special. The 100 yard kickoff return was
inexcusable and as everybody seemed out of position, it makes one wonder if
they practiced at all during fall camp. Preseason All-American Brett Maher
doesn’t need to worry about his press clippings in the near future. He left six
points on the field with misses of two very makeable field goals and the
shanked punt and kickoff out of bounds made me wonder what happened to disrupt
his pregame preparation. He is much better than he showed and I am looking
forward to him getting out of his two field goal misses in a row slump and
performing like the star he can be. One highlight on special teams was
reasonably decent punt and kickoff returns setting up good field position.<br />
<br />
There are many things to be excited about with this year’s version of the
Huskers. There are talented players on both sides of the ball and special team
potential. We won handily on a day when many other Big Ten teams struggled
(including Wisconsin). Every week we will learn a little more about how special
this team can be. I’m also looking forward to the offense building on their
sterling performance in the opener and the defense and special teams cleaning
up the miscues.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-87690543230972362752012-08-31T07:44:00.003-07:002012-08-31T07:44:52.680-07:00Football is upon us
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Good old fashioned football has arrived, as in an actual
matchup on the field. Nebraska enters what it hopes will be a much more
consistent 2012 campaign than last year’s 9-4 season that culminated with a
30-13 Capital One Bowl loss. That game in a nutshell encompassed the Huskers
season between 1/3 good moments, 1/3 bad moments and 1/3 that made you scratch
your head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In the Bo Pelini era, Nebraska has gone from bad to good
but fans are getting relentless and wanting that moment to go from good to
great. The Huskers open Saturday at home against what can be a pesky Southern
Mississippi club. In fact, Associated Press writer Ralph Russo picks the Golden
Eagles to come into Lincoln to upset No. 17 Nebraska. Both programs met three
times from 1999-2004. In 1999, the Huskers (who finished 12-1 that season)
needed two defensive touchdowns and six takeaways to overcome five turnovers on
offense to beat Southern Miss 20-13 in Lincoln. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 2003, the teams met in Hattieburg, Miss., for a
Thursday night ESPN game. Nebraska took a 17-0 lead in the first quarter to win
38-14. In 2004, however, it proved to be a harbinger of things to come under
Bill Callahan in just his second game as Husker head coach. Nebraska’s offense
turned the ball over six times on the way to a 21-17 loss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So how will things transpire in the 2012 game? The
obvious common denominator is that if the Huskers don’t beat themselves, they
should win but that would be too obvious. To that end, let’s take a closer look
at the game itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nebraska ranked No. 66 in total offense last season but
fluctuated more often than the stock market. With offensive coordinator Tim
Beck entering his second season, the Huskers should be much better offensively.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The team has two lynchpins in quarterback Taylor Martinez
and running back Rex Burkhead. The Huskers have more depth at wide receiver
than it has had in the past, but also has an offensive line that is patched
together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Southern Mississippi will use a 4-2-5 defensive
alignment. The weakness of Southern Mississippi’s defense is their front six,
where the Golden Eagles only return one starter (linebacker Jamie Collins). The
strength of the Southern Mississippi defense is their secondary. The Golden
Eagles return three starters from a pass defense that was good last season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It will take time for Nebraska’s offensive line to gel,
but Southern Mississippi could be the perfect opponent for the Cornhuskers
offensive line to begin the season against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Defensively, Nebraska lost their top three players from
last year (DT Jared Crick, LB LaVonte David and CB Alfonzo Dennard) but since
they were never on the field collectively at the same time, it is not
unreasonable to think Nebraska’s defense will be better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Husker defense might not have proven impact players
but the cupboard is certainly not bare led by</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">defensive tackle
Baker Steinkuhler, linebacker Will Compton and safety Damion Stafford. Nebraska
will rotate many players into the lineup to keep players fresh and utilize each
player’s strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Southern Mississippi lost their
star quarterback Austin Davis to graduation. There was a three-way battle for
the starting quarterback position but junior Chris Campbell gets the call
against Nebraska.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The player to watch on the
Southern Mississippi offense is wide receiver Tracy Lampley. Last season,
Lampley was the backup running back and still had 47 receptions and four
touchdowns. This season, Lampley moves to his natural wide receiver position.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Golden Eagles will use a variety
of running backs to try and move the ball on the ground while their new
quarterback gets his feet under him with senior Desmond Johnson.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Last season, Southern Mississippi
had the No. 17-ranked offense in the country but lost far too many players to
expect to be that good again this season. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">While Nebraska’s defense is trending
up, Southern Mississippi’s offense is going the other direction. Last season,
Nebraska played a bend-but-don’t-break defense that did the latter as much as
the former. This year, the Huskers will return to the swarming defense that
Cornhuskers fans are used to under head coach Bo Pelini.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Nebraska also appears to have the edge on
special teams even though the Golden Eagles return Lampley as a kick returner.
The Huskers have a dynamic kicker in Brett Maher and potentially so at returner
in Ameer Abdullah. </span></h2>
<h2 style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The strength of Nebraska’s team in 2012 is their defense. The Cornhuskers have one of the best kickers in the country in Brett Maher and a dynamic kick returner in Ameer Abdullah.<br />
<br />
If this game was played in 2011, Nebraska would have a difficult time beating Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles lost too many players to graduation to be able to come into Memorial Stadium and defeat the Cornhuskers.</span><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Special Teams<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<br />
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</span><span lang="EN" style="display: none; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Eric Francis/Getty Images</span><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">The
strength of Nebraska’s team in 2012 is their defense. The Cornhuskers have one
of the best kickers in the country in Brett Maher and a dynamic kick returner
in Ameer Abdullah.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Last
season, Southern Mississippi’s placekicker, Danny Hrapmann was a Lou Groza
Award finalist (given to the best placekicker in the country). This season, the
Golden Eagles will be looking for a new placekicker. Southern Mississippi does
return their star kick returner, Tracy Lampley.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Edge</span></strong><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Nebraska
will have the edge in special teams on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">It will
be interesting to see what the Cornhuskers' plan is in the return game.
Abdullah ranked No. 9 in the country in kickoff return average last season.
Nebraska may use wide receivers Tim Marlowe, Jamal Turner or running back Imani
Cross as returners to keep Abdullah fresh at running back.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Prediction<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<br />
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</span><span lang="EN" style="display: none; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Eric Francis/Getty Images</span><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">If this
game was played in 2011, Nebraska would have a difficult time beating Southern
Mississippi. The Golden Eagles lost too many players to graduation to be able
to come into Memorial Stadium and defeat the Cornhuskers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Nebraska
will impress the fans on Saturday as the Cornhuskers try to return to the
dominant team they once were.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Nebraska will win the game, 34-14.</span></strong><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Line:
Nebraska is favored by 19.5, according to Caesars/Harrah's (h/t <span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Vegas</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Follow
me on Twitter <strong>@HuskerMagic</strong><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="large-orange"><span lang="EN" style="display: none; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: all;">Begin Slideshow</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464153435857514923.post-36989663214261148102012-08-29T23:07:00.003-07:002012-08-29T23:08:57.746-07:00Opening games set the tone for process as much as result<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">I have never been big on a team looking
great on opening day (unless they are playing a Top 10-15 team). Let’s face it,
getting a group of 18-22 year olds to pick up the offense or defense in fall
camp after a summer off etc. Also, the fact they scrimmage each other and not
another team makes it hard to get up to “game speed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">You have to look at the process as much as
the result. Remember 2004? Nebraska kicked off the Bill Callahan era with a
56-17 win over Western Illinois but the process was anything but good as the
Huskers turned the ball over six times, which was a problem through a 5-6
season. In 2006 and 2007, Nebraska looked smooth in a 49-7 win over Louisiana
Tech and 52-9 win over Nevada but had 9-5 and 5-7 records respectively. <br />
<br />
We have heard a lot about how players are making each other more accountable on
and off the field. Besides head coach Bo Pelini’s persuasive personality and running
back Rex Burkhead leading by example, leadership has been lacking. I am
interested who steps up on offense and who steps up on defense. Leading by example
is great but at some point you need a couple of players that will grab the team
by the scruff of the neck. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Untimely penalties and turnovers have
prevented the Huskers from making the jump from good to great in the Bo Pelini era.
The first place to start is getting the plays in on time, players in the right
position and turning the right direction to catch a pass. On defense, that
means no misreads by defensive backs leaving a wide receiver running free. That
also means wrapup when you tackles as opposed to giving a shoulder block
tackle. Oh yes, and no injuries. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">On offense, seeing an improved Taylor
Martinez as a passer would be nice as well as seeing other weapons besides
running back Rex Burkhead emerge. However, it is equally true that receivers
need to hang on to the ball and show skills of running after the catch. Of
course, the offense’s success also comes down to the offensive line developing
cohesiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The Huskers enter their second year of employing
a more “up-tempo” offense, which means to run it at its intended purpose, the
ball should be snapped off before the play clock even gets under 15 seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">On defense, forcing turnovers would
definitely be nice, preferably a few forced and recovered fumbles. Those type
of takeaways show more desire than interceptions but I won’t turn those down
either. It all starts with the pass rush, which the Huskers seldom generated
last season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Linebacker Will Compton has demonstrated
more leadership, how does that translate as a player? How much will cornerback
Andrew Green improve as a junior? Green was brutal to watch at times early last
year but improved markedly in the second half. <br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06550501964539236862noreply@blogger.com0