The notion of “I can neither confirm nor deny it” is essentially like a “non-denial-denial.”
There is nothing publically official from the University of Nebraska or Florida Atlantic but all signs point toward Husker defensive coordinator Carl Pelini (brother of Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini) heading to become Florida Atlantic’s head coach to replace the retiring Howard Schnellenberger.
The Owls went 1-10 this past season which could be good or bad. The former because expectations would not through the roof and Florida is a very fertile recruiting area. Therefore winning four games next year would be considered a great success.
The next question becomes who replaces Carl Pelini? Current Husker assistant John Papuchis? He has been a vital member of Bo Pelini's staff since coming to Lincoln four years ago. He currently wears many hats for the program, including defensive line coach, special-teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
Mike Stoops? The recently deposed Arizona head coach would be a splashy hire plus, the Pelini and Stoops families are lifelong friends from Youngstown, Ohio. Plus, it has been rumored that newly appointed Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer might make a play for Stoops in which case Nebraska hiring him would be a defense mechanism as much as anything.
Another subplot, remember in 2003 when Frank Solich was fired and then Husker defensive coordinator Bo Pelini was named interim head coach for the Huskers’ Alamo Bowl win? Most people then were clamoring for him to be the head coach. Then athletic director Steve Pederson hired Bill Callahan, who then chose not to retain Bo Pelini. Not long after that, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops (Mike Stoops’ brother) hired Bo Pelini as the Sooners defensive coordinator. Would Bo Pelini do the same with Mike Stoops? I think it’s a definite maybe or better.
Perhaps Indiana defensive coordinator Mike Ekeler? Probably the least likely scenario. Ekeler was Pelini’s linebackers coach from 2008-2010 before leaving Nebraska to become the Hoosier defensive coordinator. That was a capacity Ekeler wanted but knew was unlikely to get at Nebraska as long as Carl Pelini was there. The Hoosiers, however, rank at or near the bottom in many national defensive categories. To be fair, it’s not as if Indiana is ever loaded with high end football players. Plus, would Bo Pelini bring him back one year after having left?
Mike Stoops would definitely be a great catch assuming Carl Pelini leaves. The question is, would Mike Stoops stay long term or would he desire to be a head coach again someday?
Stability is something every program desires but Bo Pelini is a young coach (43) and there will be a few changes here and there until it sorts itself out. It’s not about changing to change or keeping to be consistent. Every situation is a little different but if you get the right guys that get things done and work well together at the right place and time with the right attitude and mentality you keep them. There are ways to do that. Right now they need to find and keep the right guys. If your team doesn’t play well, has letdowns or the process isn’t working you have to look at ways to get from Point A to Point B. That’s what this is about. There’s more to it than football and that’s another part of what it’s about. Culture and mentality. There’s a lot to address and this is a good move. This is a team with talent, it's a matter of culture and getting them to respond and reach their potential.
Of course, there is the whole matter of Nebraska has yet to approach Mike Stoops because there is still nothing concrete about Carl Pelini moving onward. However, Stoops would be a great catch.
Showing posts with label Mike Ekeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Ekeler. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2011
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We have a Phillip Dillard sighting
Phillip Dillard is off the milk carton – or so it would appear.
Dillard, who is a senior that has not played the first two games of the season, has been working with the No. 1 defensive unit at WILL linebacker as opposed to the MIKE position.
The big question after spring practices was would Dillard get out of the doghouse? Dillard came to Nebraska as one of Bill Callahan’s prized recruits from 2005 class. He saw sporadic action as a true freshman. Dillard gained a redshirt year in 2006 based on sustaining a season-ending injury in 2006. Dillard split time at middle linebacker with Corey McKeon in 2007 but got in with the good graces of Bo Pelini’s staff by losing 40 pounds. Dillard, however, missed the last four games of the regular season and played sparingly in the Gator Bowl.
It was generally assumed by many Husker fans that Dillard would be a starter (or at least in contention for a starting job) when healthy and emerge as a leader. In spring practice, however, Dillard slipped “down there” on the depth chart. At the time, neither Pelini or linebackers coach Mike Ekeler specified how far “down there.” As for why Dillard fell on the depth chart, Ekeler said: “There's some things that we ask. I'll just leave it at that.”
When I heard the most recent news on Dillard I was expecting something like he was leaving the program. One of the reasons for the emphasis on Dillard’s rise is because starters Blake Lawrence (ankle) and Matthew May (stinger) are currently less than full strength.
Even if he was overweight and slow, you'd think Dillard would find his way onto the field. Otherwise, why wouldn't he have just transferred out of Nebraska? I have a feeling that this is very good news for the defense and a nice little wrinkle to throw at Virginia Tech for Saturday’s much-anticipated road game.
I am overjoyed for Dillard and the team. He always seemed like a good kid, and was one of the few to play with passion and heart in 2007. He could really help with the run defense this week which is significant given that the Hokies pride themselves on being a physical running team.
What's being lost in all of this is that Dillard is practicing at the WILL position. That position requires more speed than the MIKE position, which is where Dillard played in the past.
Another thought is that Pelini saw something in film that leads them to believe that Dillard will have a positive impact in that position. He is a senior with 33 games under his belt. He has played some WILL linebacker in the past. He is not going to be intimidated by the atmosphere at Virginia Tech.
Dillard is known to bring a little fire to the game as well but what is so hard to understand? He seems to have done every thing the coaches asked. He has maintained a good attitude and seems to have worked very hard at getting to the weight the coaches wanted. It seems like a no brainer to me. The linebacker play against Arkansas State was not the greatest and for sure needs to be better because VaTech will be a true test.
Dillard, who is a senior that has not played the first two games of the season, has been working with the No. 1 defensive unit at WILL linebacker as opposed to the MIKE position.
The big question after spring practices was would Dillard get out of the doghouse? Dillard came to Nebraska as one of Bill Callahan’s prized recruits from 2005 class. He saw sporadic action as a true freshman. Dillard gained a redshirt year in 2006 based on sustaining a season-ending injury in 2006. Dillard split time at middle linebacker with Corey McKeon in 2007 but got in with the good graces of Bo Pelini’s staff by losing 40 pounds. Dillard, however, missed the last four games of the regular season and played sparingly in the Gator Bowl.
It was generally assumed by many Husker fans that Dillard would be a starter (or at least in contention for a starting job) when healthy and emerge as a leader. In spring practice, however, Dillard slipped “down there” on the depth chart. At the time, neither Pelini or linebackers coach Mike Ekeler specified how far “down there.” As for why Dillard fell on the depth chart, Ekeler said: “There's some things that we ask. I'll just leave it at that.”
When I heard the most recent news on Dillard I was expecting something like he was leaving the program. One of the reasons for the emphasis on Dillard’s rise is because starters Blake Lawrence (ankle) and Matthew May (stinger) are currently less than full strength.
Even if he was overweight and slow, you'd think Dillard would find his way onto the field. Otherwise, why wouldn't he have just transferred out of Nebraska? I have a feeling that this is very good news for the defense and a nice little wrinkle to throw at Virginia Tech for Saturday’s much-anticipated road game.
I am overjoyed for Dillard and the team. He always seemed like a good kid, and was one of the few to play with passion and heart in 2007. He could really help with the run defense this week which is significant given that the Hokies pride themselves on being a physical running team.
What's being lost in all of this is that Dillard is practicing at the WILL position. That position requires more speed than the MIKE position, which is where Dillard played in the past.
Another thought is that Pelini saw something in film that leads them to believe that Dillard will have a positive impact in that position. He is a senior with 33 games under his belt. He has played some WILL linebacker in the past. He is not going to be intimidated by the atmosphere at Virginia Tech.
Dillard is known to bring a little fire to the game as well but what is so hard to understand? He seems to have done every thing the coaches asked. He has maintained a good attitude and seems to have worked very hard at getting to the weight the coaches wanted. It seems like a no brainer to me. The linebacker play against Arkansas State was not the greatest and for sure needs to be better because VaTech will be a true test.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Will Dillard get back in the coaches good graces?
Much of the focus around the 2009 Nebraska football team’s linebacker position centers on the younger players.
Remember how Bo Pelini avoided burning redshirts despite being thin at the position? Even when it was enormously tempting. Among those redshirt freshmen looking to make an impact in 2009 are Sean Fisher, Micah Kreikemeier, Alonzo Whaley, and Will Compton.
There are also young players like sophomores Matt Holt and Matthew May that shined when given the chance. Junior Blake Lawrence also gained valuable experience. Senior Colton Koehler also made an impact.
The big question is will senior Phillip Dillard get out of the doghouse? Dillard came to Nebraska as one of Bill Callahan’s prized recruits from 2005 class. He saw sporadic action as a true freshman. Dillard gained a redshirt year in 2006 based on sustaining a season-ending injury in 2006. Dillard split time at middle linebacker with Corey McKeon in 2007 but got in with the good graces of Bo Pelini’s staff by losing 40 pounds. Dillard, however, missed the last four games of the regular season and played sparingly in the Gator Bowl.
It was generally assumed by many Husker fans that Dillard would be a starter (or at least in contention for a starting job) when healthy and emerge as a leader. In spring practice, however, Dillard slipped “down there” on the depth chart. Neither Pelini or linebackers coach Mike Ekeler specified how far “down there.” As for why Dillard fell on the depth chart, Ekeler said: “There's some things that we ask. I'll just leave it at that.”
The question I have is not necessarily will Dillard get back in the starting lineup but will he get back in the good graces of the coaching staff?
By all indications, Dillard seems like a good kid.
From what we as Husker fans have grown to know about Pelini, and Ekeler too, is that if Dillard keeps his nose clean and works hard he will be given every opportunity to compete for a starting job. He has the talent to play and be a key contributor this season. The question becomes will he take the coaches challenge as a rallying point or will he have issues? Either way, it’ll say quite a bit about him.
You can make the argument that for all the good things they did individually, the defense actually played better after Dillard’s injury and Cody Glenn’s suspension. Dillard could still have a nice season, but he's going to have to work his tail off to do so.
Even if he does get back in the rotation I feel his snaps could be limited. Keep in mind, with so many teams in the Big 12 (college football for that matter) running some form of The spread offense, the MIKE linebacker is not on the field as much.
Perhaps the expectations have been raised going into his senior year and this is a challenge. The expectations perhaps include assuming more of a leadership role as a senior, in practice and all during the offseason.Certainly a move like this at the time it was made (during the spring) gives time for Dillard to show the coaching staff exactly where his head and heart are.
The coaches have sent the message. We should find out real soon the effect of the message.
Remember how Bo Pelini avoided burning redshirts despite being thin at the position? Even when it was enormously tempting. Among those redshirt freshmen looking to make an impact in 2009 are Sean Fisher, Micah Kreikemeier, Alonzo Whaley, and Will Compton.
There are also young players like sophomores Matt Holt and Matthew May that shined when given the chance. Junior Blake Lawrence also gained valuable experience. Senior Colton Koehler also made an impact.
The big question is will senior Phillip Dillard get out of the doghouse? Dillard came to Nebraska as one of Bill Callahan’s prized recruits from 2005 class. He saw sporadic action as a true freshman. Dillard gained a redshirt year in 2006 based on sustaining a season-ending injury in 2006. Dillard split time at middle linebacker with Corey McKeon in 2007 but got in with the good graces of Bo Pelini’s staff by losing 40 pounds. Dillard, however, missed the last four games of the regular season and played sparingly in the Gator Bowl.
It was generally assumed by many Husker fans that Dillard would be a starter (or at least in contention for a starting job) when healthy and emerge as a leader. In spring practice, however, Dillard slipped “down there” on the depth chart. Neither Pelini or linebackers coach Mike Ekeler specified how far “down there.” As for why Dillard fell on the depth chart, Ekeler said: “There's some things that we ask. I'll just leave it at that.”
The question I have is not necessarily will Dillard get back in the starting lineup but will he get back in the good graces of the coaching staff?
By all indications, Dillard seems like a good kid.
From what we as Husker fans have grown to know about Pelini, and Ekeler too, is that if Dillard keeps his nose clean and works hard he will be given every opportunity to compete for a starting job. He has the talent to play and be a key contributor this season. The question becomes will he take the coaches challenge as a rallying point or will he have issues? Either way, it’ll say quite a bit about him.
You can make the argument that for all the good things they did individually, the defense actually played better after Dillard’s injury and Cody Glenn’s suspension. Dillard could still have a nice season, but he's going to have to work his tail off to do so.
Even if he does get back in the rotation I feel his snaps could be limited. Keep in mind, with so many teams in the Big 12 (college football for that matter) running some form of The spread offense, the MIKE linebacker is not on the field as much.
Perhaps the expectations have been raised going into his senior year and this is a challenge. The expectations perhaps include assuming more of a leadership role as a senior, in practice and all during the offseason.Certainly a move like this at the time it was made (during the spring) gives time for Dillard to show the coaching staff exactly where his head and heart are.
The coaches have sent the message. We should find out real soon the effect of the message.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Various Husker ramblings to close February
Pardon me for the hiatus between posts as I have been nursing a stomach flu the last handful of days but a few things caught my eye from the past few days pertaining to Husker football.
1) From the Collegefootballnews.com message board courtesy of Peter Fiutak:
Q) How long do you give Bo Pelini at Nebraska? 2 scenarios at work here: Bo resurrects the program, wins the Big 12 this year and goes to the Fiesta Bowl, then maintains a Bob Stoops-like 10 wins/season for the next 5-7 years, winning a few conference championships. Scenario #2: Bo takes his team to the Big 12 championship game every other year or so for 5-7 years, but can’t come up with a way to put OU or Texas away and win it. Osborne didn’t beat Oklahoma for several years after his hiring and nearly walked away in 1980. If Bo’s successful, do you think he’ll stick around and be the next Osborne or Beamer? Will he try to move back to the SEC where the talent is richer? As for scenario #2, I think NU fans are going to give this man a huge leash with which he can struggle to win the big games for a few years, but eventually turn the program back into a contender after the 5-7 year grace period. Your thoughts? - CM
A) I’m more on the side of scenario two. Oklahoma and Texas own Oklahoma and Texas when it comes to recruiting, while Nebraska has to be a bit more national in scope. The days of bringing in kids off the farm, beefing them up with, um, uh, lots of work in the weight room, and dominating the Big 8 are over. That’s not to say Nebraska can’t dominate the North. Kansas and Missouri have to prove they have staying power, and I’m not sold they can take another step up into consistent superpower status. Iowa State is, well, Iowa State, Kansas State is a mess at the moment, and Colorado can’t seem to get its mojo under Dan Hawkins. The division is ripe for the picking, and if Pelini rocks and gets Nebraska to the Big 12 title game on. – Peter Fiutak
My response:
I think reclaiming the Big 12 North on a regular basis will be the easy part for Nebraska. Iowa State maxed out in 2005. Seriously, can see the Cyclones going 9-3 or 10-2 on a regular basis? Bill Snyder returns to Kansas State but how many “coming home” stories turn successful? Not many. Colorado under Dan Hawkins has been long on frosting but short on cake. Missouri and Kansas went 12-2 and 12-1 respectively in 2007 while Nebraska took a nosedive in going 5-7. However, neither program strikes me as one that will have staying power. Keep in mind, Missouri entered 2008 with mega-hype and while a 10-4 record and a division title are not a failure, it was not the breakout year most anticipated. Other than 2007, the Tigers have chronically underachieved under Gary Pinkel. As long as the Jayhawks have Mark Mangino as head coach, they will not be an easy out because he knows how to maximize the talent on his roster. Nebraska, however, will generally always have a talent edge on KU, which means with equal coaching, the Big Red has the edge.
As for getting past Texas or Oklahoma, I see Texas as an easier hurdle. Both teams have similar talent but OU seems to underachieve less than Texas. Honestly, with the exception of the Vince Young years (2004-2005), the Longhorns have been a perpetual 10-2 caliber team that should be better. OU’s biggest problem is imploding on the national stage.
2) Red Bull Ekeler stays
Linebackers coach Mike Ekeler spoke on the Husker Sports Network's "Sports Nightly" show Thursday night about his weekend interview with South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt.
"First of all, when Coach Leavitt called Bo and talked about it, I told Bo point blank ... 'If you don't want me to go interview, I won't,'" Ekeler said on the show.
But Ekeler said Pelini told him the interview would be a great experience and he should do it. Ekeler had hoped no one would find out, but the newspapers in that area soon reported he had interviewed, the Tampa Tribune eventually reporting that he had turned down an offer to be the Bulls' defensive coordinator.
Ekeler didn't deny that an offer was extended but said both he and Leavitt agreed it wasn't the right fit at this point.
My response
We all long for the days of yore when Tom Osborne’s staff Milt Tenipor, George Darlington, Dan Young, Frank Solich Tony Samuel, Ron Brown, etc. stayed together for eons. Make no mistake, Pelini longs for such days too. He just understands that in today’s climate, continuity across the board for years on end is a tough proposition. He also understands that assistant coaches have different desires. Some wish to move up within the profession. Others are happy as assists. The assistant coaches owe it to themselves to find out on their own what the right move is.
3) Davison targets bullying
Former Nebraska wide receiver Matt Davison will always best be remembered for his miracle catch in 1997 against Missouri to save the Huskers bid for a National Championship. After his playing days, he has made his name well-known as a broadcaster.
Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple recently wrote that Davison has created a nonprofit organization called, “Creating Captains,” which stresses to youth the importance of leadership while also addressing topics such as peer pressure, hazing, bullying, teamwork, drugs and alcohol, and the value of higher education.Davison plans to conduct summer camps across the state of Nebraska in which he will provide guidance and instruction in both football and life. He’ll also make presentations to high school teams and school assemblies.The hazing and bullying aspects of Davison’s message captured my imagination because I was unaware they were significant issues. Actually, “Hazing and bullying are huge issues in schools right now,” Davison says. He saw instances while he played for Nebraska from 1997-2000.
My response
I have always believed in a “law or order” approach to bullies but I know that passing a law to flog them from a tree in public won’t happen anytime soon. Personally, I think bullies are cowards and sissies deep down inside because they think that hurting those more vulnerable than them makes them “tougher” when in fact it exposes how pathetic they really are.
I have always believed that the best way to combat a bully is to take his best shot and then give him yours. You will have a much better chance of ending the process. I think we're teaching our kids to be way too passive. Does it breed more fear in them and keep them from standing up for themselves? If they get a black eye or a bloody nose for sticking up for themselves, it mostlikely will prove to them it doesn't hurt all that bad to take a shot or two and give them the knowledge that they can stand up for themselves. I just don't like seeing kids taking crap from some bully, who if they stood up to him/her, they would most likely leave them alone. Not standing up for themselves gives these types more power over them and others.
Anyhow, I think I have established that if I were a dictator, bullies would be killed on the spot.
Now for a more reasonable solution.
Bullying is a much bigger problem than people think and frankly gets swept under the rug by too many adults, who need to get on board in eliminating this problem or least curtailing it.
Good to see Davison do his part to address the issue.
1) From the Collegefootballnews.com message board courtesy of Peter Fiutak:
Q) How long do you give Bo Pelini at Nebraska? 2 scenarios at work here: Bo resurrects the program, wins the Big 12 this year and goes to the Fiesta Bowl, then maintains a Bob Stoops-like 10 wins/season for the next 5-7 years, winning a few conference championships. Scenario #2: Bo takes his team to the Big 12 championship game every other year or so for 5-7 years, but can’t come up with a way to put OU or Texas away and win it. Osborne didn’t beat Oklahoma for several years after his hiring and nearly walked away in 1980. If Bo’s successful, do you think he’ll stick around and be the next Osborne or Beamer? Will he try to move back to the SEC where the talent is richer? As for scenario #2, I think NU fans are going to give this man a huge leash with which he can struggle to win the big games for a few years, but eventually turn the program back into a contender after the 5-7 year grace period. Your thoughts? - CM
A) I’m more on the side of scenario two. Oklahoma and Texas own Oklahoma and Texas when it comes to recruiting, while Nebraska has to be a bit more national in scope. The days of bringing in kids off the farm, beefing them up with, um, uh, lots of work in the weight room, and dominating the Big 8 are over. That’s not to say Nebraska can’t dominate the North. Kansas and Missouri have to prove they have staying power, and I’m not sold they can take another step up into consistent superpower status. Iowa State is, well, Iowa State, Kansas State is a mess at the moment, and Colorado can’t seem to get its mojo under Dan Hawkins. The division is ripe for the picking, and if Pelini rocks and gets Nebraska to the Big 12 title game on. – Peter Fiutak
My response:
I think reclaiming the Big 12 North on a regular basis will be the easy part for Nebraska. Iowa State maxed out in 2005. Seriously, can see the Cyclones going 9-3 or 10-2 on a regular basis? Bill Snyder returns to Kansas State but how many “coming home” stories turn successful? Not many. Colorado under Dan Hawkins has been long on frosting but short on cake. Missouri and Kansas went 12-2 and 12-1 respectively in 2007 while Nebraska took a nosedive in going 5-7. However, neither program strikes me as one that will have staying power. Keep in mind, Missouri entered 2008 with mega-hype and while a 10-4 record and a division title are not a failure, it was not the breakout year most anticipated. Other than 2007, the Tigers have chronically underachieved under Gary Pinkel. As long as the Jayhawks have Mark Mangino as head coach, they will not be an easy out because he knows how to maximize the talent on his roster. Nebraska, however, will generally always have a talent edge on KU, which means with equal coaching, the Big Red has the edge.
As for getting past Texas or Oklahoma, I see Texas as an easier hurdle. Both teams have similar talent but OU seems to underachieve less than Texas. Honestly, with the exception of the Vince Young years (2004-2005), the Longhorns have been a perpetual 10-2 caliber team that should be better. OU’s biggest problem is imploding on the national stage.
2) Red Bull Ekeler stays
Linebackers coach Mike Ekeler spoke on the Husker Sports Network's "Sports Nightly" show Thursday night about his weekend interview with South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt.
"First of all, when Coach Leavitt called Bo and talked about it, I told Bo point blank ... 'If you don't want me to go interview, I won't,'" Ekeler said on the show.
But Ekeler said Pelini told him the interview would be a great experience and he should do it. Ekeler had hoped no one would find out, but the newspapers in that area soon reported he had interviewed, the Tampa Tribune eventually reporting that he had turned down an offer to be the Bulls' defensive coordinator.
Ekeler didn't deny that an offer was extended but said both he and Leavitt agreed it wasn't the right fit at this point.
My response
We all long for the days of yore when Tom Osborne’s staff Milt Tenipor, George Darlington, Dan Young, Frank Solich Tony Samuel, Ron Brown, etc. stayed together for eons. Make no mistake, Pelini longs for such days too. He just understands that in today’s climate, continuity across the board for years on end is a tough proposition. He also understands that assistant coaches have different desires. Some wish to move up within the profession. Others are happy as assists. The assistant coaches owe it to themselves to find out on their own what the right move is.
3) Davison targets bullying
Former Nebraska wide receiver Matt Davison will always best be remembered for his miracle catch in 1997 against Missouri to save the Huskers bid for a National Championship. After his playing days, he has made his name well-known as a broadcaster.
Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple recently wrote that Davison has created a nonprofit organization called, “Creating Captains,” which stresses to youth the importance of leadership while also addressing topics such as peer pressure, hazing, bullying, teamwork, drugs and alcohol, and the value of higher education.Davison plans to conduct summer camps across the state of Nebraska in which he will provide guidance and instruction in both football and life. He’ll also make presentations to high school teams and school assemblies.The hazing and bullying aspects of Davison’s message captured my imagination because I was unaware they were significant issues. Actually, “Hazing and bullying are huge issues in schools right now,” Davison says. He saw instances while he played for Nebraska from 1997-2000.
My response
I have always believed in a “law or order” approach to bullies but I know that passing a law to flog them from a tree in public won’t happen anytime soon. Personally, I think bullies are cowards and sissies deep down inside because they think that hurting those more vulnerable than them makes them “tougher” when in fact it exposes how pathetic they really are.
I have always believed that the best way to combat a bully is to take his best shot and then give him yours. You will have a much better chance of ending the process. I think we're teaching our kids to be way too passive. Does it breed more fear in them and keep them from standing up for themselves? If they get a black eye or a bloody nose for sticking up for themselves, it mostlikely will prove to them it doesn't hurt all that bad to take a shot or two and give them the knowledge that they can stand up for themselves. I just don't like seeing kids taking crap from some bully, who if they stood up to him/her, they would most likely leave them alone. Not standing up for themselves gives these types more power over them and others.
Anyhow, I think I have established that if I were a dictator, bullies would be killed on the spot.
Now for a more reasonable solution.
Bullying is a much bigger problem than people think and frankly gets swept under the rug by too many adults, who need to get on board in eliminating this problem or least curtailing it.
Good to see Davison do his part to address the issue.
Friday, February 13, 2009
2009 Nebraska football position outlook: Linebackers
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at linebacker:
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season having to replace virtually its entire linebacking corps (Steve Octavien, Lance Brandenburg, Corey McKeon, and Bo Rudd). In one respect, those losses could have been viewed as a good thing because all you have to do is watch the 2007 defense get shredded week after week. On the downside, however, it meant having to start over at this position with a lot of inexperience.
The Huskers were so thin at this position that they had to covert running back Cody Glenn to linebacker. Part of that dearth of depth can be attributed to the Bill Callahan regime focusing a heavy emphasis of recruiting on offense. After all, why else would you be so desperate enough to move a running back that had never played linebacker before (not even in high school) to linebacker?
Glenn promptly became Nebraska’s starter at WILL linebacker and shined, totaling 51 tackles (six for lost yardage) before being suspended for the final four games of the season.
If that wasn’t enough, starting MIKE linebacker Phillip Dillard missed four games because of an ankle injury. Senior Tyler Wortman enjoyed a solid season while youngsters such as Blake Lawrence, Colton Koehler, Matt Holt and Matthew May gained valuable experience.
That quartet filled the void more often than not but also had its share of assignment busts. The biggest disappointment, however, was junior-to-be LaTravis Washington not distinguishing himself as a key player as some people thought might happen.
One thing was for certain, this unit never lacked in effort and much of that credit is attributable to first-year linebackers coach Mike Ekeler, who did an excellent job coaxing production out of a limited group. This group should continue to feed off his infectious enthusiasm.
Looking ahead: Despite losses of Glenn and Wortman, the Huskers should be in solid shape with this unit because many young players return already having gained experience and the quality depth will be better along with having more athleticism. It will need to be solid if Nebraska wants to keep ascending defensively. One thing is for certain, the competition will be fierce.
As much as he shined considering he had never played linebacker before, Nebraska played without Glenn the last four games and actually improved defensively, therefore, softening that blow. Wortman made some plays at linebacker but is replaceable.
Dillard and Lawrence have to grab this unit by the scruff of the neck and lead the way. Despite Nebraska’s struggles at that position, first-year head coach Bo Pelini resisted the temptation to burn redshirts from talented freshmen such as Alonzo Whaley, Sean Fisher and Will Compton. The premise behind that decision is such that while those players might have been talented, they simply were not ready to step in and play at the level necessary to be contributors.
That extra year of development should prove vital. Of that group, my money is on Compton to impact matters the soonest.
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season having to replace virtually its entire linebacking corps (Steve Octavien, Lance Brandenburg, Corey McKeon, and Bo Rudd). In one respect, those losses could have been viewed as a good thing because all you have to do is watch the 2007 defense get shredded week after week. On the downside, however, it meant having to start over at this position with a lot of inexperience.
The Huskers were so thin at this position that they had to covert running back Cody Glenn to linebacker. Part of that dearth of depth can be attributed to the Bill Callahan regime focusing a heavy emphasis of recruiting on offense. After all, why else would you be so desperate enough to move a running back that had never played linebacker before (not even in high school) to linebacker?
Glenn promptly became Nebraska’s starter at WILL linebacker and shined, totaling 51 tackles (six for lost yardage) before being suspended for the final four games of the season.
If that wasn’t enough, starting MIKE linebacker Phillip Dillard missed four games because of an ankle injury. Senior Tyler Wortman enjoyed a solid season while youngsters such as Blake Lawrence, Colton Koehler, Matt Holt and Matthew May gained valuable experience.
That quartet filled the void more often than not but also had its share of assignment busts. The biggest disappointment, however, was junior-to-be LaTravis Washington not distinguishing himself as a key player as some people thought might happen.
One thing was for certain, this unit never lacked in effort and much of that credit is attributable to first-year linebackers coach Mike Ekeler, who did an excellent job coaxing production out of a limited group. This group should continue to feed off his infectious enthusiasm.
Looking ahead: Despite losses of Glenn and Wortman, the Huskers should be in solid shape with this unit because many young players return already having gained experience and the quality depth will be better along with having more athleticism. It will need to be solid if Nebraska wants to keep ascending defensively. One thing is for certain, the competition will be fierce.
As much as he shined considering he had never played linebacker before, Nebraska played without Glenn the last four games and actually improved defensively, therefore, softening that blow. Wortman made some plays at linebacker but is replaceable.
Dillard and Lawrence have to grab this unit by the scruff of the neck and lead the way. Despite Nebraska’s struggles at that position, first-year head coach Bo Pelini resisted the temptation to burn redshirts from talented freshmen such as Alonzo Whaley, Sean Fisher and Will Compton. The premise behind that decision is such that while those players might have been talented, they simply were not ready to step in and play at the level necessary to be contributors.
That extra year of development should prove vital. Of that group, my money is on Compton to impact matters the soonest.
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