So much for Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini not being in a hurry to name a replacement for recently departed Husker defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.
Raymond, who replaced Marvin Sanders, left Lincoln after one season to join the LSU coaching staff Tuesday just one week after denying that he would even as much as interview for the position.
Three days later, after a lot of speculation pointed in such a direction, Pelini replaced Raymond with Terry Joseph. Oddly enough, Pelini said he was in no hurry to fill the position but he did so three days later. According to a Lincoln Journal Star report, Joseph told govols247.com on Friday that he has accepted an offer to become secondary coach at Nebraska, leaving Tennessee after two seasons and thus parting ways with Derek Dooley after a total of five years together following a stint at Louisiana Tech.
Joseph has worked with Pelini and current Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis at LSU. Joseph, the recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach who would have earned $250,000 this year, was set to have slightly different role with the Vols moving forward thanks to the addition of another body in the secondary with new defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri dividing the responsibilities in the back end. Joseph was tabbed to handle the safeties, and recent hire Derrick Ansley was put in charge of cornerbacks.
The addition of Ansley appeared to complete the staff for Dooley heading into his third season at the helm, but that didn’t even last a full month for a program that has undergone dramatic changes since the end of a 5-7 campaign last November.
Joesph, who is the cousin of former Husker quarterback Mickey Joseph, becomes the seventh coach on Dooley’s staff to vacate.
Nebraska’s staff has also undergone its share of turnover as well. Linebackers coach Ross Els is the only defensive coach returning to the same position he held throughout last season. Papuchis, who was the defensive line coach, was elevated to defensive coordinator after Carl Pelini (Bo’s brother) took the Florida Atlantic job. Pelini then moved quickly to hire Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kazsenski just like he did in hiring Joseph.
On the surface, this is a horizontal step for Joseph but it’s a move that speaks well to Bo Pelini’s ability to recruit coaches as well as players. Though the Volunteers have struggled in going 23-27 the last four seasons, Tennessee’s not exactly a bottom-tier program, plus they’re in the SEC. Pelini must really be preaching a defensive gospel to lure Joseph to Nebraska for essentially the same role.
Despite the Vols’ struggles as a team, their secondary finished among nation's top 20 with 18 interceptions in 2010; fourth in the SEC. Joseph relied on only one starting safety for each game, while the rest of the defensive backs were an ensemble unit that rotated. He also served as a recruiting coordinator and is a New Orleans native. He also had one graduate assistant season at LSU, where he worked under head coach Les Miles and Pelini, who at the time was the Tigers defensive coordinator.
In most cases in any job, people are not going to take a lateral move without a good reason. Tennessee’s aforementioned struggles the last few seasons would definitely put Dooley on the hot seat heading into the 2012 season. If the Vols decide to send Dooley packing, it is very likely that the staff would be fired.
Joseph, however, may very well want to work under Pelini (from what I’ve read, he truly enjoyed and respected him when they were together at LSU) and he may also find the job security greater in Lincoln.
The fact, Joseph has coached high school football in the New Orleans area, having spent three seasons each as an assistant coach at both Archbishop Shaw and Destrehan high schools in the New Orleans area. Joseph was at Archbishop Shaw from 1999 through 2002, and then at Destrehan through 2005. That coupled with the fact that Joseph has five years experience as a recruiting coordinator is an asset.
In one respect the state of Tennessee is a lot like Nebraska in that they do not have a lot of local high school talent from which to draw. Tennessee has a bigger population base (6.4 million to Nebraska’s 1.8 million) but they don’t recruit as nationally as the Huskers. The Vols, however, regularly go to Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and really the entire southeast for players. That’s where Joseph will be able to bring some new ideas to recruiting. You think it’s tough recruiting against Texas and Oklahoma or now Ohio State and Michigan? Nothing is more competitive than recruiting in the SEC. Try being Joseph and going against LSU, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The hire looks good on paper. Joseph brings solid credentials and appears to be an upgrade on the recruiting side and the coaching/teaching side.
I like the dual hires of Kaczenski and Joseph. I think the Huskers are going to be better technique-wise next fall. Papuchis may bring something a little different, and the transition is minimized by Pelini's influence.
Showing posts with label Marvin Sanders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marvin Sanders. Show all posts
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Raymond's dishonesty is disturbing
There’s something very disturbing about Nebraska defensive backs coach Corey Raymond leaving the Nebraska football staff to coach LSU’s secondary.
The fact that he is leaving in and of itself is not disturbing because coaches leave one job for another all the time. Raymond told the Lincoln Journal Star that telling Husker head coach Bo Pelini was “one of the toughest things” he’s had to do.
“Because he was so instrumental in my career,” Raymond said. “He played a big role in getting me to where I'm at now.”
Raymond going to LSU after one season at Nebraska is not a huge surprise because after all, it is his alma mater, having played there from 1988-1991 along with the fact that he was an intern on the staff from 2006-2007 when Pelini was LSU’s defensive coordinator.
Coaches are entitled to change jobs, just like we all are in the workforce. Raymond doesn’t owe Nebraska anything. However, what is especially bothersome about Raymond’s departure is the fact that the first time LSU reached out to him, he made these comments in the Omaha World Herald:
“I’m not going to take that job,” Raymond said. “I told (LSU) I wasn't going to come down there and do any interviews.”
“I like working with Bo,” Raymond said. “It’s like being at the Harvard of football.”
Now that is just pure comedy. What a clown. I’m not suggesting that people are not entitled to change their minds but you do not make public statements like that unless you are absolutely certain. If he were entertaining thoughts of going to LSU, a simple “no comment” would have been sufficient.
Most people would argue that the timing of Raymond’s departure is bad with spring practice on the horizon but
I don’t think timing is ever great coaching departures.
In Raymond’s only season in Lincoln, the Husker defensive backs had their ups and downs; however, he came into a pretty compromised situation. Raymond was taking over a position previously held by a popular coach in Marvin Sanders. He was also coaching a secondary that had lost three players from the prior season to the NFL.
Statistically, Nebraska finished a respectable 18th nationally in pass defense (192.2 yards per game) last season, though there were lapses by Husker defensive backs in losses to Wisconsin, Michigan and South Carolina. Nebraska ranked 34th in pass-efficiency defense.
While Raymond’s coaching drew ample criticism (some warranted), he is highly regarded as a recruiter. Like most Husker fans, I long for the days when Tom Osborne’s assistants stayed in place for 20 years but the stark reality is that those days are long gone and even when Nebraska enjoyed that luxury it was the last of a dying breed.
However, some Husker fans who are screaming for loyalty are also being slightly hypocritical. I think
it’s humorous when fans scream for and demand loyalty from the coaches or even players, but one bad or not so great year and they're ready to throw them out and find the next best thing.
However, I have a huge problem with is his lie. If he was interested, he should have just kept his trap shut. I don't begrudge him for going, but the way that he did so is dishonest to put it mildly.
The fact that he is leaving in and of itself is not disturbing because coaches leave one job for another all the time. Raymond told the Lincoln Journal Star that telling Husker head coach Bo Pelini was “one of the toughest things” he’s had to do.
“Because he was so instrumental in my career,” Raymond said. “He played a big role in getting me to where I'm at now.”
Raymond going to LSU after one season at Nebraska is not a huge surprise because after all, it is his alma mater, having played there from 1988-1991 along with the fact that he was an intern on the staff from 2006-2007 when Pelini was LSU’s defensive coordinator.
Coaches are entitled to change jobs, just like we all are in the workforce. Raymond doesn’t owe Nebraska anything. However, what is especially bothersome about Raymond’s departure is the fact that the first time LSU reached out to him, he made these comments in the Omaha World Herald:
“I’m not going to take that job,” Raymond said. “I told (LSU) I wasn't going to come down there and do any interviews.”
“I like working with Bo,” Raymond said. “It’s like being at the Harvard of football.”
Now that is just pure comedy. What a clown. I’m not suggesting that people are not entitled to change their minds but you do not make public statements like that unless you are absolutely certain. If he were entertaining thoughts of going to LSU, a simple “no comment” would have been sufficient.
Most people would argue that the timing of Raymond’s departure is bad with spring practice on the horizon but
I don’t think timing is ever great coaching departures.
In Raymond’s only season in Lincoln, the Husker defensive backs had their ups and downs; however, he came into a pretty compromised situation. Raymond was taking over a position previously held by a popular coach in Marvin Sanders. He was also coaching a secondary that had lost three players from the prior season to the NFL.
Statistically, Nebraska finished a respectable 18th nationally in pass defense (192.2 yards per game) last season, though there were lapses by Husker defensive backs in losses to Wisconsin, Michigan and South Carolina. Nebraska ranked 34th in pass-efficiency defense.
While Raymond’s coaching drew ample criticism (some warranted), he is highly regarded as a recruiter. Like most Husker fans, I long for the days when Tom Osborne’s assistants stayed in place for 20 years but the stark reality is that those days are long gone and even when Nebraska enjoyed that luxury it was the last of a dying breed.
However, some Husker fans who are screaming for loyalty are also being slightly hypocritical. I think
it’s humorous when fans scream for and demand loyalty from the coaches or even players, but one bad or not so great year and they're ready to throw them out and find the next best thing.
However, I have a huge problem with is his lie. If he was interested, he should have just kept his trap shut. I don't begrudge him for going, but the way that he did so is dishonest to put it mildly.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better
Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. When you enter a football season with gaudy expectations of being a BCS bowl team like Nebraska did a year ago, such a statement is a hard sell.
Nebraska made coaching staff changes for the 2011 season on the heals of finishing 2010 with a thud capped by losing three of its last four games, culiminating with a 19-7 to Washington in the Holiday Bowl. The same Huskies team Nebraska chewed up and spit out 56-21 three months earlier. On the offensive side, out went offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore. Both were Bill Callahan holdovers.
Running backs coach Tim Beck became ofensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Ron Brown slid from tight ends to running backs coach. Offensive line coach Barney Cotton remained the O-Line coach and became the associate head coach. Former Husker offensive lineman John Garrison became tight ends coach annd assistant offensive line coach. With Garrison and Cotton, the Huskers went old school in this move because keep in mind for several years Milt Tenipor and Dan Young were co-offensive line coaches.
The Huskers went through defensive staff changes too as linebackers coach Mike Ekeler became the defensive coordinator at Indiana and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders resigned. Ross Els replaced Ekeler while Corey Raymond replaced Sanders.
The offensive changes, however, are much more significant because suspect offense alone cost the Huskers consecutive Big 12 title games in a 13-12 defeat to Texas and a 23-20 loss to Oklahoma in 2010.
In 2009, the Husker offense was especially inept as only 18 Div. I-A teams averaged fewer than the Huskers’ 317.2 total yards per game and only seven teams averaged fewer than the 15.9 first downs per game that Nebraska compiled.
The 2010 offensive stats, however, are a little bit skewed because while the Huskers finished 34th in total yards per game, they only averaged 18.4 first downs per contest. To add further perspective, Memphis was dead last at 14.3.
Keep in mind, the first eight games featured a healthy Taylor Martinez at quarterback. Martinez’s speed alone masked a few deficiences from Nebraska’s offense. However, when Martinez became limited phyically by his sprained ankle, his confidence and swagger went South as well. So too did the Husker offense.
The Huskers finished the regular season 10-2. One week later led Oklahoma 17-0 in the Big 12 title game only to lose 23-20. The season was capped off with a giantic thud in losing 19-7 in the Holiday Bowl to Washington, whom the Huskers destroyed 56-21 in September.
Yes, it stunk to end the season that had so much promise with a thud. However, let’s say best case scenario Nebraska beats Oklahome and goes to the Fiesta Bowl to play Connecticut. If that happens, I think there’s a good chance Nebraska runs UConn off the field and goes 12-2. If that happens, there’s probably a good chance Watson is still with Nebraska.
Granted, it was generally believed that the Huskers would blast Washington in the second meeting. However, bowl games are often decided by who is more motivated, in which case the Huskies clearly were and the Huskers were not. Keep in mind, Washington was playing in its first bowl games since 2002 and the Holiday Bowl was not even on Nebraska’s radar in its preseason goals. I don’t Nebraska would have been unmotivated to play UConn.
Rewind to 2007. Nebraska falls to 4-4 just one week after Tom Osborne becomes athletic director. The Husker offense, while inconsistent, was putting up good numbers. The defense, meanwhile, was a sieve. So head coach Bill Callahan and his staff asked Osbore for benchmarks on what it would take for the coaching staff to save its jobs. Osborne said if the team won out and finished 8-4, there’s no question the staff would return. Anything less and the possibilities would range from not at all (4-8 or 5-7) to slim (6-6) to perhaps (7-5).
Let’s say best case scenario, Nebraska wins out and goes 8-4. Then Callahan and his staff return. There’s probably a good chance the Huskers would have maxed out at that point under Callahan.
Let’s face it, sometimes winning can sometimes insulate you from the reality of changes needing to be made. Whereas, finishing last season like the Huskers did left no gray areas that changes needed to be made.
Nebraska made coaching staff changes for the 2011 season on the heals of finishing 2010 with a thud capped by losing three of its last four games, culiminating with a 19-7 to Washington in the Holiday Bowl. The same Huskies team Nebraska chewed up and spit out 56-21 three months earlier. On the offensive side, out went offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore. Both were Bill Callahan holdovers.
Running backs coach Tim Beck became ofensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Ron Brown slid from tight ends to running backs coach. Offensive line coach Barney Cotton remained the O-Line coach and became the associate head coach. Former Husker offensive lineman John Garrison became tight ends coach annd assistant offensive line coach. With Garrison and Cotton, the Huskers went old school in this move because keep in mind for several years Milt Tenipor and Dan Young were co-offensive line coaches.
The Huskers went through defensive staff changes too as linebackers coach Mike Ekeler became the defensive coordinator at Indiana and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders resigned. Ross Els replaced Ekeler while Corey Raymond replaced Sanders.
The offensive changes, however, are much more significant because suspect offense alone cost the Huskers consecutive Big 12 title games in a 13-12 defeat to Texas and a 23-20 loss to Oklahoma in 2010.
In 2009, the Husker offense was especially inept as only 18 Div. I-A teams averaged fewer than the Huskers’ 317.2 total yards per game and only seven teams averaged fewer than the 15.9 first downs per game that Nebraska compiled.
The 2010 offensive stats, however, are a little bit skewed because while the Huskers finished 34th in total yards per game, they only averaged 18.4 first downs per contest. To add further perspective, Memphis was dead last at 14.3.
Keep in mind, the first eight games featured a healthy Taylor Martinez at quarterback. Martinez’s speed alone masked a few deficiences from Nebraska’s offense. However, when Martinez became limited phyically by his sprained ankle, his confidence and swagger went South as well. So too did the Husker offense.
The Huskers finished the regular season 10-2. One week later led Oklahoma 17-0 in the Big 12 title game only to lose 23-20. The season was capped off with a giantic thud in losing 19-7 in the Holiday Bowl to Washington, whom the Huskers destroyed 56-21 in September.
Yes, it stunk to end the season that had so much promise with a thud. However, let’s say best case scenario Nebraska beats Oklahome and goes to the Fiesta Bowl to play Connecticut. If that happens, I think there’s a good chance Nebraska runs UConn off the field and goes 12-2. If that happens, there’s probably a good chance Watson is still with Nebraska.
Granted, it was generally believed that the Huskers would blast Washington in the second meeting. However, bowl games are often decided by who is more motivated, in which case the Huskies clearly were and the Huskers were not. Keep in mind, Washington was playing in its first bowl games since 2002 and the Holiday Bowl was not even on Nebraska’s radar in its preseason goals. I don’t Nebraska would have been unmotivated to play UConn.
Rewind to 2007. Nebraska falls to 4-4 just one week after Tom Osborne becomes athletic director. The Husker offense, while inconsistent, was putting up good numbers. The defense, meanwhile, was a sieve. So head coach Bill Callahan and his staff asked Osbore for benchmarks on what it would take for the coaching staff to save its jobs. Osborne said if the team won out and finished 8-4, there’s no question the staff would return. Anything less and the possibilities would range from not at all (4-8 or 5-7) to slim (6-6) to perhaps (7-5).
Let’s say best case scenario, Nebraska wins out and goes 8-4. Then Callahan and his staff return. There’s probably a good chance the Huskers would have maxed out at that point under Callahan.
Let’s face it, sometimes winning can sometimes insulate you from the reality of changes needing to be made. Whereas, finishing last season like the Huskers did left no gray areas that changes needed to be made.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Spring game 2009 things to look for
Spring Game No. 2 of the Bo Pelini is nearly here and if last year is any indication, you won’t be seeing any exhibition like play of the No. 1 offense going against the No. 4 defense like we did in four years of the Bill Callahan era.
Everyone has their own idea of what they would like to see. I have mine:
Barry Turner is back but how much of an impact can he make?
Turner’s return from knee surgery that cause him to miss virtually all of the 2008 season could help Nebraska become the Top 25 defense they need to be. Keep in mind, Matt Herian returned from a broken leg in 2006 but was only a shadow of his former self. Let’s hope Turner can be a difference maker.
Receivers have more speed but can they be sure-handed and block downfield?
The Husker offense could have used more speed at receiver last season. They will get that element this season with additions like Curenski Gilleylen and converted running back Marcus Mendoza. Nebraska, however, lost Nate Swift and Todd Petersen to graduation. Neither was a downfield blazer but were tough in traffic, in the clutch and as downfield blockers. Gilleylen has improved his hands; Antonio Bell could be the most complete receiver by the time he develops. Antonio Bell will be a big threat this year. Competition for the X receiver spot has been intense between Will Henry and Menelik Holt.
Who steps up on the O-Line, Ricky Henry or DJ Jones?
With projected starting tackle Javoirio Burkes out indefinitely due to an unclosed medical condition, the Huskers will need one if not both to fill the void quickly.
What will we see from Baker Steinkuhler?
When the Huskers recruited Steinkuhler, who is the son of former Husker great Dean Steinkuhler and brother of recently graduated Ty Steinkuhler, much was asked on where he fits in – as an offensive or defensive tackle? Baker Steinkuhler redshirted last season and the Huskers have him at defensive tackle. Can Baker become the stud tackle that takes over after Ndamukong Suh graduates?
Is Zac Lee ready?
The Spring Game format probably won’t tell us a whole but the biggest issue is making the right reads and handling the pressure within the pocket. Most importantly, he has to take command of the offense.
Are Castille’s fumbling problems a thing of the past?
With Roy Helu being held out for precautionary reasons, Quentin Castille will get a lot of attention along with Lester Ward, Austin Jones and Jeremy Wallace. Castille did not fumble in the Huskers 26-21 Gator Bowl win. Is that an aberration or a sign of things to come.
Who stands out in the defensive backfield?Turnovers did not come by the bushel as many anticipated last season with the return of Pelini and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders. In fact, last season things were an adventure in the secondary at times. I’ll be interested to see if another year in the scheme will mean the DBs being in a better position to make plays.
Everyone has their own idea of what they would like to see. I have mine:
Barry Turner is back but how much of an impact can he make?
Turner’s return from knee surgery that cause him to miss virtually all of the 2008 season could help Nebraska become the Top 25 defense they need to be. Keep in mind, Matt Herian returned from a broken leg in 2006 but was only a shadow of his former self. Let’s hope Turner can be a difference maker.
Receivers have more speed but can they be sure-handed and block downfield?
The Husker offense could have used more speed at receiver last season. They will get that element this season with additions like Curenski Gilleylen and converted running back Marcus Mendoza. Nebraska, however, lost Nate Swift and Todd Petersen to graduation. Neither was a downfield blazer but were tough in traffic, in the clutch and as downfield blockers. Gilleylen has improved his hands; Antonio Bell could be the most complete receiver by the time he develops. Antonio Bell will be a big threat this year. Competition for the X receiver spot has been intense between Will Henry and Menelik Holt.
Who steps up on the O-Line, Ricky Henry or DJ Jones?
With projected starting tackle Javoirio Burkes out indefinitely due to an unclosed medical condition, the Huskers will need one if not both to fill the void quickly.
What will we see from Baker Steinkuhler?
When the Huskers recruited Steinkuhler, who is the son of former Husker great Dean Steinkuhler and brother of recently graduated Ty Steinkuhler, much was asked on where he fits in – as an offensive or defensive tackle? Baker Steinkuhler redshirted last season and the Huskers have him at defensive tackle. Can Baker become the stud tackle that takes over after Ndamukong Suh graduates?
Is Zac Lee ready?
The Spring Game format probably won’t tell us a whole but the biggest issue is making the right reads and handling the pressure within the pocket. Most importantly, he has to take command of the offense.
Are Castille’s fumbling problems a thing of the past?
With Roy Helu being held out for precautionary reasons, Quentin Castille will get a lot of attention along with Lester Ward, Austin Jones and Jeremy Wallace. Castille did not fumble in the Huskers 26-21 Gator Bowl win. Is that an aberration or a sign of things to come.
Who stands out in the defensive backfield?Turnovers did not come by the bushel as many anticipated last season with the return of Pelini and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders. In fact, last season things were an adventure in the secondary at times. I’ll be interested to see if another year in the scheme will mean the DBs being in a better position to make plays.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
It's time for the Blackshirts to produce more turnovers than bakeries
It was generally assumed that when Bo Pelini took over as Nebraska’s football head coach and also brought back Marvin Sanders to coach the defensive backs, that the Huskers would get more takeaways on defense.
With Pelini as the defensive coordinator and Sanders the defensive backs coach, the Huskers generated 47 turnovers, 32 of which came via the interception in 2003. With Kevin Cosgrove as the defensive coordinator from 2004-2007, the Huskers combined to produce just 79 turnovers (just 11 in 2007). Nebraska was not that much better at producing turnovers on defense in 2008 – just 17 to be precise. Randy’s Donut Shop on Capitol Beach Boulevard in Lincoln has produced more turnovers than the Husker defense.
That stat needs to change drastically in 2009 but I’ve got to think Pelini will address that very matter when the Huskers begin spring practice.
The Husker offense should continue to produce points but with quarterback Joe Ganz graduating along with wide receivers Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, Nebraska will likely need to lean on its defense in the earlygoing of 2009.
The Huskers improved from 112th overall in 2007 to 55th last season in total defense. Part of that improvement was guys playing with greater effort but it was also at least partially attributable to the offense improving their average time of possession from 29:14 in 2007 to 34:01 in 2008 to help a still developing defense.
Nebraska should continue to improve defensively if for no other reason than they will have had a full season to absorb Pelini’s scheme, thus increasing the comfort level. Secondly, that added comfort should allow Pelini implement more variations of his system.
With 50 redshirts pushing to make their mark, one can reason that the Huskers should do dramatically better in creating takeaways. The returning defenders will know their coverages and responsibilities, so they can play more instinctively rather than thinking about what they have to do.
Nebraska was dead last in the Big 12 in turnover margin at minus-11, which in a way makes its 9-4 record last season all the more impressive. The Huskers went three straight games (all losses against Virginia Tech, Missouri and Texas Tech) without producing a turnover. It wouldn’t have mattered against Missouri because the Tigers beat us 52-17. However, Nebraska lost by less than seven points against VaTech (35-30) and Texas Tech (37-31 in overtime). So, a turnover or two might have changed the outcome of those games.
Granted, part of a defense’s ability to produce takeaways is good fortune but it’s also a skill (i.e. being in the right position and having fewer blown assignments). Good solid hitting can also cause turnovers rather than the “Club, Pull and Rip” move from the Cosgrove years. The first guy goes for the textbook tackle and the second guy goes for the strip.
Some stats can be misleading but it’s a known fact that if a team wins the turnover battle, it will win the game about 75 percent of the time. Of course, the other side of the argument is that “points off” turnovers matter more but I tend to debate that issue. Sure, it doesn’t suck to convert turnovers into points. It also doesn’t suck if your offense turns the ball over and then your defense holds the opposition scoreless or even makes them settle for a field goal.
However, if a team creates a turnover and either a) has a sizeable lead in the second half or b) is trying to preserve a lead late in the game, the offense’s objective is not necessarily to score. Instead, it is to run out the clock. That said, turnovers are vital whether they result in points or otherwise. If your defense creates a takeaway, it prevents the opposing offense from scoring points. If your offense turns the ball over, it is costing the team points.
Since the Huskers have to break in a new quarterback, the offense is likely to have a few bumps in the road. Therefore, if the defense can create more takeaways and give the offense a shorter field, the offense might gain confidence.
The Huskers made baby steps in creating turnovers but are going to need a quantum leap forward in 2009.
With Pelini as the defensive coordinator and Sanders the defensive backs coach, the Huskers generated 47 turnovers, 32 of which came via the interception in 2003. With Kevin Cosgrove as the defensive coordinator from 2004-2007, the Huskers combined to produce just 79 turnovers (just 11 in 2007). Nebraska was not that much better at producing turnovers on defense in 2008 – just 17 to be precise. Randy’s Donut Shop on Capitol Beach Boulevard in Lincoln has produced more turnovers than the Husker defense.
That stat needs to change drastically in 2009 but I’ve got to think Pelini will address that very matter when the Huskers begin spring practice.
The Husker offense should continue to produce points but with quarterback Joe Ganz graduating along with wide receivers Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, Nebraska will likely need to lean on its defense in the earlygoing of 2009.
The Huskers improved from 112th overall in 2007 to 55th last season in total defense. Part of that improvement was guys playing with greater effort but it was also at least partially attributable to the offense improving their average time of possession from 29:14 in 2007 to 34:01 in 2008 to help a still developing defense.
Nebraska should continue to improve defensively if for no other reason than they will have had a full season to absorb Pelini’s scheme, thus increasing the comfort level. Secondly, that added comfort should allow Pelini implement more variations of his system.
With 50 redshirts pushing to make their mark, one can reason that the Huskers should do dramatically better in creating takeaways. The returning defenders will know their coverages and responsibilities, so they can play more instinctively rather than thinking about what they have to do.
Nebraska was dead last in the Big 12 in turnover margin at minus-11, which in a way makes its 9-4 record last season all the more impressive. The Huskers went three straight games (all losses against Virginia Tech, Missouri and Texas Tech) without producing a turnover. It wouldn’t have mattered against Missouri because the Tigers beat us 52-17. However, Nebraska lost by less than seven points against VaTech (35-30) and Texas Tech (37-31 in overtime). So, a turnover or two might have changed the outcome of those games.
Granted, part of a defense’s ability to produce takeaways is good fortune but it’s also a skill (i.e. being in the right position and having fewer blown assignments). Good solid hitting can also cause turnovers rather than the “Club, Pull and Rip” move from the Cosgrove years. The first guy goes for the textbook tackle and the second guy goes for the strip.
Some stats can be misleading but it’s a known fact that if a team wins the turnover battle, it will win the game about 75 percent of the time. Of course, the other side of the argument is that “points off” turnovers matter more but I tend to debate that issue. Sure, it doesn’t suck to convert turnovers into points. It also doesn’t suck if your offense turns the ball over and then your defense holds the opposition scoreless or even makes them settle for a field goal.
However, if a team creates a turnover and either a) has a sizeable lead in the second half or b) is trying to preserve a lead late in the game, the offense’s objective is not necessarily to score. Instead, it is to run out the clock. That said, turnovers are vital whether they result in points or otherwise. If your defense creates a takeaway, it prevents the opposing offense from scoring points. If your offense turns the ball over, it is costing the team points.
Since the Huskers have to break in a new quarterback, the offense is likely to have a few bumps in the road. Therefore, if the defense can create more takeaways and give the offense a shorter field, the offense might gain confidence.
The Huskers made baby steps in creating turnovers but are going to need a quantum leap forward in 2009.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2009 Nebraska football outlook: defensive backs
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at defensive backs:
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season hoping that the return of defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, who coached Nebraska in that capacity in 2003, would equate to the return of many interceptions. With current head coach Bo Pelini as the defensive coordinator and Sanders the defensive backs coach, the Huskers generated 47 turnovers, 32 of which came via the interception in 2003.
Takeaways certainly did not come by the bushel this past season, however, with the Huskers generating just 17 one year after producing a mere 11. The Huskers intercepted 12 passes with just six coming from the secondary. Those low numbers, however, should not be construed as an indictment of Pelini or Sanders.
Things were a bit of an adventure at times for the Husker secondary.
At the cornerback position, Armando Murrillo and Anthony West generally did a serviceable job with the former being the more consistent player while the latter was more of a gambler, resulting in feast or famine success. Eric Hagg, Prince Amukamara and Lance Thorell gained valuable experience. Amukamara was an occasional starter. Hagg and Thorell did some good things at times but also a few things that drove the coaching staff crazy.
The safety position was pretty similar with Larry Asante, Matt O’Hanlon, Major Culbert and Ricky Thenarse. Sometimes they did some very good things. Other times. Well, let’s not go there.
Looking ahead: Nebraska led the Big 12 in pass defense but that was more a reflection of a powerful defensive line generating a pass rush (a foreign concept in 2007 under former defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove) and an offense that emphasized time of possession than it was the strength of the secondary.
The Huskers only loss of consequence in the secondary is Murillo and while the secondary play was erratic in 2008, it could wind up as a team strength in 2009. The main cogs in the machinery return and should get better if for no other reason that having a full year of Pelini and Sanders’ tutelage.
The return of Anthony Blue from a knee injury would be an enormous boost. The starting cornerback jobs are West and Amukamara’s to lose. Both guys bring good athleticism and decent size. Hagg also adds the dimension of being a good corner-blitzer. Look for Alfonso Dennard, who shined on special teams last season, to also be a factor. Courtney Osborne and John Levorson, both of whom redshirted in 2008, are two guys the coaching staff is high on and also are similar players to Hagg.
At safety, O’Hanlon, Asante, Culbert and Thenarse are all seniors. Could Pelini burn a redshirt or two at this position? Pelini is normally reluctant to burn redshirts but none of these guys are proficient in coverage the way Pelini is used to seeing. In Culbert’s case, it bears pointing out that he has made several position changes over the coarse of his career.
Of that foursome, Asante showed the most improvement from the start of the season. Thenarse is the one that has much to prove. He plays with passion and can deliver bone-rattling hits but he falls short on discipline at times.
Right now, my money is on Dennard to enjoy a break through season in 2009.
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season hoping that the return of defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders, who coached Nebraska in that capacity in 2003, would equate to the return of many interceptions. With current head coach Bo Pelini as the defensive coordinator and Sanders the defensive backs coach, the Huskers generated 47 turnovers, 32 of which came via the interception in 2003.
Takeaways certainly did not come by the bushel this past season, however, with the Huskers generating just 17 one year after producing a mere 11. The Huskers intercepted 12 passes with just six coming from the secondary. Those low numbers, however, should not be construed as an indictment of Pelini or Sanders.
Things were a bit of an adventure at times for the Husker secondary.
At the cornerback position, Armando Murrillo and Anthony West generally did a serviceable job with the former being the more consistent player while the latter was more of a gambler, resulting in feast or famine success. Eric Hagg, Prince Amukamara and Lance Thorell gained valuable experience. Amukamara was an occasional starter. Hagg and Thorell did some good things at times but also a few things that drove the coaching staff crazy.
The safety position was pretty similar with Larry Asante, Matt O’Hanlon, Major Culbert and Ricky Thenarse. Sometimes they did some very good things. Other times. Well, let’s not go there.
Looking ahead: Nebraska led the Big 12 in pass defense but that was more a reflection of a powerful defensive line generating a pass rush (a foreign concept in 2007 under former defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove) and an offense that emphasized time of possession than it was the strength of the secondary.
The Huskers only loss of consequence in the secondary is Murillo and while the secondary play was erratic in 2008, it could wind up as a team strength in 2009. The main cogs in the machinery return and should get better if for no other reason that having a full year of Pelini and Sanders’ tutelage.
The return of Anthony Blue from a knee injury would be an enormous boost. The starting cornerback jobs are West and Amukamara’s to lose. Both guys bring good athleticism and decent size. Hagg also adds the dimension of being a good corner-blitzer. Look for Alfonso Dennard, who shined on special teams last season, to also be a factor. Courtney Osborne and John Levorson, both of whom redshirted in 2008, are two guys the coaching staff is high on and also are similar players to Hagg.
At safety, O’Hanlon, Asante, Culbert and Thenarse are all seniors. Could Pelini burn a redshirt or two at this position? Pelini is normally reluctant to burn redshirts but none of these guys are proficient in coverage the way Pelini is used to seeing. In Culbert’s case, it bears pointing out that he has made several position changes over the coarse of his career.
Of that foursome, Asante showed the most improvement from the start of the season. Thenarse is the one that has much to prove. He plays with passion and can deliver bone-rattling hits but he falls short on discipline at times.
Right now, my money is on Dennard to enjoy a break through season in 2009.
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