You hear the question asked so frequently: “Why has soccer not caught on in the United States of America?”
Well, in a way it has caught on but I think it is closer to reaching a ceiling than most soccer zealots want to admit. Granted, soccer has become more mainstream in terms of American thinking but just because there are youth leagues all over the nation, that does not mean the sport will “take over” in the US as some might suggest.
People have their theories of why the sport has not “caught on” in the US. “It’s boring,” “Not enough scoring,” “The pace is too slow.” And of course the most cynical answer is, “It’s a Communist sport!”
I don’t see any of those answers as credible. I got news for you, a 2-1 soccer game is no less boring than a 14-7 football game. Plus, just because a game is low-scoring does not mean it’s boring. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of soccer but the notion of it being a “Communist” sport is a little over the top. Again, I’m not a fan of the sport but if my kids want to play it, I’m not going to stand in their way. After all, it is a positive and constructive activity for youngsters.
I believe the reason why soccer has not “caught on” in the US is very simple. It’s not our sport.
People’s prediction of soccer “taking over” ranks right up there with predictions we heard of how “hockey was going to take over” after the US upset the Soviet Union, which was considered the best international team in the world, 4-3 in 1980 in what has become aptly known as “The Miracle on Ice.” We are still waiting for hockey fever to catch. Hockey might be big in certain pockets of the US like say Detroit or Philadelphia but it remains a rumor in many other places in the US.
The bottom line is that Americans will never truly sink their collective teeth into soccer because we didn’t invent it or perfect it. Football remains the most popular sport in America. High school football games are like an event. College football is an American staple. The NFL is not only popular but profitable. Baseball, while a derivative of foreign sports that has become more global in recent memory, has American roots and there’s a reason we know it as our “National Past-time.” Basketball has also become more global but it is traditionally thought of as an American sport. Plus, the NCAA tournament thrives. NASCAR is typically associated in popularity in the Southern US States but has also grown in popularity around the entire US.
Again, baseball and basketball have become more global but the best in the world still come to the US to play. Whereas the best soccer players in the US go to other countries to play in order to advance their career.
Besides reaching the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup, the US national team has not had consistent success on the world stage. True, it was good to see the US Women’s team march to a World Cup title but that run was just a blip on the screen. Americans, meanwhile, are the best in the world in football, baseball, and basketball, they cannot yet hold a candle to other countries in soccer. Sorry folks, it’s reality.
Some soccer cynics go as far to say, “It’s not a real sport.” I tend to disagree with that statement because soccer players are very highly-skilled athletes. It takes great footwork and enormous stamina. I don’t think a pot-belly defensive tackle will last long playing the sport.
While soccer can be a good sport, it is simply not designed for TV audiences among Americans. Advertising dominates TV broadcasts. Since there are no timeouts in soccer, the best one can do in that case is have sponsorship for a half or part of a half. US broadcasts are based around 30-60 second commercials. NFL and NBA broadcasts have “commercial time outs” that lends itself to companies to place advertising at key moments of a game. And where do TV networks make money? Advertising.
Another stumbling block soccer faces with fully capturing the imagination of the US is that we do not have a star that transcends the sport. England has David Beckham. Brazil has Ronaldihno, Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. The men, along with others for their nations, have grown bigger than their sport in their native lands. The U.S. hasn't had that one player that has done that yet. We’ve had a few good soccer players but it’s not like they are going to get splashed all over the Chicago Tribune sports section.
Again, soccer can be a beautiful game. Just don’t expect it to the game of the week in the US any time soon.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How much will Husker football improvement show in the win column
I was listening to various podcasts of “Unsportsman Like Conduct,” which is a sports talk program on Omaha radio state 1620 AM KOZN (The Zone). Kevin Kugler and Mike’L Severe host the program.
The impression I get from Kugler is that Nebraska could be a better team than last season’s 9-4 team in head coach Bo Pelini’s first season. Severe, meanwhile, theorized that if you have a worse record, fans are not going to believe the team is better. Severe also added that because Pelini’s staff is much better at developing talent and motivating than Bill Callahan’s staff that the team will not only improve but it will show in the win-loss column.
I see every reason why the team will improve fundamentally and developmentally, my question is how much will it show in the win column? Assuming the team stays reasonably healthy, the Huskers should at least match their 2008 record and with a break or two, hopefully surpass it. The biggest sticking point why a segment of Nebraska fans might be tempering their expectations is because of inexperience at quarterback after the loss of Joe Ganz to graduation.
At the present time, junior Zac Lee is the projected starter but mostly by default. Lee got a few snaps in mopup duty last year but most of his experience is at the junior college level (Specifically San Francisco City College). Kody Spano is a redshirt freshman, junior LaTravis Washington just recently converted from linebacker while recruits Cody Green and Taylor Martinez are going to be true freshmen. The concern is legitimate because while that group might have more raw talent than Ganz, players like Ganz are not easily replaced when their leadership garners the respect of the team.
Wide receiver is another concern because while returners such as Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, and Curenski Gillelyn are faster than Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, Swift and Peterson will be missed for their ability to catch the ball in traffic and their downfield blocking.
Offensive line should be an upgrade because there are a good group of returners but the loss of projected starting tackle Javorio Burkes could hurt. At tight end, the Huskers have the vital cogs back as Mike McNeill should have a breakout season. At running back, all the Huskers lost was Marlon Lucky, who was a nonentity by season’s end.
Defensively, the Huskers should be as good as or better than last season across the board. On the defensive line, you can defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for deciding to stay in school as a senior rather than enter the NFL draft. The Huskers might be a dominant line but you get the feeling that the coaches will maximize whatever they have.
At linebacker, the Huskers were gouged by injuries but that also allowed many youngsters to get playing time. In the secondary, all the Huskers lost was cornerback Armando Murrillo.
On special teams, I feel pretty confident about the return game being more dangerous but the coverage units must improve and it should with an increase in better athletes getting on the field.
These first two years of Pelini should play out. September of Year Three is when the critical evaluation comes. At that point, we should be in the BCS picture.
The question for 2008 is can Nebraska break through with wins over Oklahoma, Virginia Tech or Kansas? The Huskers beat the Jayhawks last season but fell short to Virginia Tech and were dominated by Oklahoma.
The big test to see how far the program has come will be the trip to Virginia Tech. Win that, and all of a sudden a 9-3 season (minimum) is pretty much a slamdunk, not to mention puts the Huskers in the conversation for a BCS bowl game. Nebraska gets Texas Tech and Oklahoma at home. Cynics would argue that Nebraska gets Baylor and miss South teams like Oklahoma State and Texas. However, I do not see Okie State putting together seasons like last year’s 9-4 campaign on a consistent basis. The Huskers might get Texas in the Big 12 game anyhow if both teams get they get there so missing Texas could be moot.
My early projection, and I could change my mind, is for a 9-3 season with 10-2 being a possibility.
The impression I get from Kugler is that Nebraska could be a better team than last season’s 9-4 team in head coach Bo Pelini’s first season. Severe, meanwhile, theorized that if you have a worse record, fans are not going to believe the team is better. Severe also added that because Pelini’s staff is much better at developing talent and motivating than Bill Callahan’s staff that the team will not only improve but it will show in the win-loss column.
I see every reason why the team will improve fundamentally and developmentally, my question is how much will it show in the win column? Assuming the team stays reasonably healthy, the Huskers should at least match their 2008 record and with a break or two, hopefully surpass it. The biggest sticking point why a segment of Nebraska fans might be tempering their expectations is because of inexperience at quarterback after the loss of Joe Ganz to graduation.
At the present time, junior Zac Lee is the projected starter but mostly by default. Lee got a few snaps in mopup duty last year but most of his experience is at the junior college level (Specifically San Francisco City College). Kody Spano is a redshirt freshman, junior LaTravis Washington just recently converted from linebacker while recruits Cody Green and Taylor Martinez are going to be true freshmen. The concern is legitimate because while that group might have more raw talent than Ganz, players like Ganz are not easily replaced when their leadership garners the respect of the team.
Wide receiver is another concern because while returners such as Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, and Curenski Gillelyn are faster than Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, Swift and Peterson will be missed for their ability to catch the ball in traffic and their downfield blocking.
Offensive line should be an upgrade because there are a good group of returners but the loss of projected starting tackle Javorio Burkes could hurt. At tight end, the Huskers have the vital cogs back as Mike McNeill should have a breakout season. At running back, all the Huskers lost was Marlon Lucky, who was a nonentity by season’s end.
Defensively, the Huskers should be as good as or better than last season across the board. On the defensive line, you can defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for deciding to stay in school as a senior rather than enter the NFL draft. The Huskers might be a dominant line but you get the feeling that the coaches will maximize whatever they have.
At linebacker, the Huskers were gouged by injuries but that also allowed many youngsters to get playing time. In the secondary, all the Huskers lost was cornerback Armando Murrillo.
On special teams, I feel pretty confident about the return game being more dangerous but the coverage units must improve and it should with an increase in better athletes getting on the field.
These first two years of Pelini should play out. September of Year Three is when the critical evaluation comes. At that point, we should be in the BCS picture.
The question for 2008 is can Nebraska break through with wins over Oklahoma, Virginia Tech or Kansas? The Huskers beat the Jayhawks last season but fell short to Virginia Tech and were dominated by Oklahoma.
The big test to see how far the program has come will be the trip to Virginia Tech. Win that, and all of a sudden a 9-3 season (minimum) is pretty much a slamdunk, not to mention puts the Huskers in the conversation for a BCS bowl game. Nebraska gets Texas Tech and Oklahoma at home. Cynics would argue that Nebraska gets Baylor and miss South teams like Oklahoma State and Texas. However, I do not see Okie State putting together seasons like last year’s 9-4 campaign on a consistent basis. The Huskers might get Texas in the Big 12 game anyhow if both teams get they get there so missing Texas could be moot.
My early projection, and I could change my mind, is for a 9-3 season with 10-2 being a possibility.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Pelini contract extension -- is the timing right?
Let’s hear it, Husker fans: “We got Bo! We got Bo! We got Bo!”
It wasn’t long ago that we were saying: “We want Bo! We want Bo! We want Bo!”
We got him in December 2007. Now we really got him.
Bo Pelini is now set to earn $1.851 million dollars annually as the Huskers football head coach. The pay raise is substantial for Pelini, and moves him in to the middle of the Big 12 in terms of salaries for football coaches. Athletic director Tom Osborne cited the program's progress in Pelini's first year as the primary reason for the increase.
Pelini's initial contract paid him $1.1 million annually. The Huskers went 9-4 in his first year as coach but most importantly the team won six of its final seven games. His record was at the top when it comes to first year coaches around the country. Yes, much better than overhyped first-year head coaches Rich Rodriguez. Very impressive 3-9 record at Michigan, Rich. Yes, much better than that all impressive 4-8 record that Rick Neuheisul put together at UCLA. Both coaches = frauds.
Even more telling than Nebraska’s 9-4 record was that the team was improved in several key areas.
Also, and this should not go unnoticed, Pelini’s assistant coaches also received a hike in pay with offensive coordinator Shawn Watson making the biggest leap. Watson, whose contract called for $225,000 in 2008, will earn $375,000 in 2009. How’s that for new president Barack Obama’s stimulus package?
Don’t underestimate the assistants getting a pay raise. Granted, some assistant coaches want to be head coaches but if they are taken care of well enough as assistants they might be content to stay in that spot. Pelini values as much – just like Tom Osborne did.
Is $1.851 million a lot of coin? Well, it’s not chump change. If Bo wants to take his family out for a prime rib dinner at Misty’s, he won’t be driven to the poor house but it’s not totally exorbitant either. Not when Baylor’s Art Briles is slated to earn $1.8 million and Iowa State’s Paul Rhoads is scheduled to earn $1.15 million. Not when Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops is paid $3.8 million a year for his team to be MIA in BCS bowl games. OK, they have been there in body but other than that it’s hard to quantify their existence. Memo to Stoops: You should have saved some of those 60 point efforts in place of that gigantic 14-point performance against Florida in the BCS title game.
OK, yes $1.851 million is a fair amount of coin but we needed to secure Pelini long term.
The fact that head football coaches at Baylor and Iowa St. was making more than the Nebraska head football coach in my book wasn't right.
Yes, you can also argue that the move was premature on Osborne’s behalf to give Bo a pay hike. Yes, we could have made Bo wait say halfway through the 2009 season to make sure 2008 was not an aberration.
After all, we did get burned by giving Bill Callahan a contract extension after we beat Nevada 52-10 in the 2007 season opener only to watch the season go to hell in a handbag at 5-7 by season’s end. Callahan was out the door. As in dismissed.
Going into 2007, however, Callahan had as many detractors as supporters despite Nebraska winning the Big 12 North Division (its first since 1999) and reaching a New Years Day Bowl Game in 2006. You can also argue that we underachieved in 2006. USC, Texas, Oklahoma, and Auburn were very beatable, yet we came up short in each game. The blowout loss to an average Oklahoma State team was not good either. Nebraska should have won at least two of those games if not three or four. There were plenty of indicators for people to base reservations on with Callahan, and those people proved correct. Yours truly was proven wrong. I'd like to see you put out any indicators that Bo doesn't have things on track.
Point being, Callahan’s contract was extended despite having limited success. The best team he had went 9-5 in 2006 but 3-4 down the stretch. Pelini, however, did much more than get the Huskers to go 9-4 and win six of their last seven games. Pelini inherited a group of kids that had a sagging confidence level. The truth of the matter is that Bo cares about the kids. Sure, he might give them tough love. He’s got no patience for kids being knuckleheads. He’s rough around the edges but if he loves you, there’s nothing he won’t do for you.
If the Huskers are to become that premier college football program again, I think making Pelini the sixth highest paid coach in the conference is totally fair. The prestige factor by itself should warrant such a pay hike.
It wasn’t long ago that we were saying: “We want Bo! We want Bo! We want Bo!”
We got him in December 2007. Now we really got him.
Bo Pelini is now set to earn $1.851 million dollars annually as the Huskers football head coach. The pay raise is substantial for Pelini, and moves him in to the middle of the Big 12 in terms of salaries for football coaches. Athletic director Tom Osborne cited the program's progress in Pelini's first year as the primary reason for the increase.
Pelini's initial contract paid him $1.1 million annually. The Huskers went 9-4 in his first year as coach but most importantly the team won six of its final seven games. His record was at the top when it comes to first year coaches around the country. Yes, much better than overhyped first-year head coaches Rich Rodriguez. Very impressive 3-9 record at Michigan, Rich. Yes, much better than that all impressive 4-8 record that Rick Neuheisul put together at UCLA. Both coaches = frauds.
Even more telling than Nebraska’s 9-4 record was that the team was improved in several key areas.
Also, and this should not go unnoticed, Pelini’s assistant coaches also received a hike in pay with offensive coordinator Shawn Watson making the biggest leap. Watson, whose contract called for $225,000 in 2008, will earn $375,000 in 2009. How’s that for new president Barack Obama’s stimulus package?
Don’t underestimate the assistants getting a pay raise. Granted, some assistant coaches want to be head coaches but if they are taken care of well enough as assistants they might be content to stay in that spot. Pelini values as much – just like Tom Osborne did.
Is $1.851 million a lot of coin? Well, it’s not chump change. If Bo wants to take his family out for a prime rib dinner at Misty’s, he won’t be driven to the poor house but it’s not totally exorbitant either. Not when Baylor’s Art Briles is slated to earn $1.8 million and Iowa State’s Paul Rhoads is scheduled to earn $1.15 million. Not when Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops is paid $3.8 million a year for his team to be MIA in BCS bowl games. OK, they have been there in body but other than that it’s hard to quantify their existence. Memo to Stoops: You should have saved some of those 60 point efforts in place of that gigantic 14-point performance against Florida in the BCS title game.
OK, yes $1.851 million is a fair amount of coin but we needed to secure Pelini long term.
The fact that head football coaches at Baylor and Iowa St. was making more than the Nebraska head football coach in my book wasn't right.
Yes, you can also argue that the move was premature on Osborne’s behalf to give Bo a pay hike. Yes, we could have made Bo wait say halfway through the 2009 season to make sure 2008 was not an aberration.
After all, we did get burned by giving Bill Callahan a contract extension after we beat Nevada 52-10 in the 2007 season opener only to watch the season go to hell in a handbag at 5-7 by season’s end. Callahan was out the door. As in dismissed.
Going into 2007, however, Callahan had as many detractors as supporters despite Nebraska winning the Big 12 North Division (its first since 1999) and reaching a New Years Day Bowl Game in 2006. You can also argue that we underachieved in 2006. USC, Texas, Oklahoma, and Auburn were very beatable, yet we came up short in each game. The blowout loss to an average Oklahoma State team was not good either. Nebraska should have won at least two of those games if not three or four. There were plenty of indicators for people to base reservations on with Callahan, and those people proved correct. Yours truly was proven wrong. I'd like to see you put out any indicators that Bo doesn't have things on track.
Point being, Callahan’s contract was extended despite having limited success. The best team he had went 9-5 in 2006 but 3-4 down the stretch. Pelini, however, did much more than get the Huskers to go 9-4 and win six of their last seven games. Pelini inherited a group of kids that had a sagging confidence level. The truth of the matter is that Bo cares about the kids. Sure, he might give them tough love. He’s got no patience for kids being knuckleheads. He’s rough around the edges but if he loves you, there’s nothing he won’t do for you.
If the Huskers are to become that premier college football program again, I think making Pelini the sixth highest paid coach in the conference is totally fair. The prestige factor by itself should warrant such a pay hike.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
With spring practice coming, the Huskers need to keep building momentum
The Nebraska football team got underway with the Bo Pelini era about as solidly as one could have expected in 2008.
Well, in the end we would like to have seen the 35-30 loss to Virginia Tech and 37-31 overtime loss to Texas Tech turn into victories. However, after two bowl-less seasons in a four year span (2004-2007) under Bill Callahan capped by a horrific 5-7 campaign in 2007, the Huskers went 9-4 in 2008 punctuated by a 26-21 come-from-behind victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Most importantly, the Huskers finished the season winning six of their last seven games as opposed to losing six of their final seven in 2007.
Just a few weeks ago, Brandon Vogel of the Big Red Network (also a fan blog) devoted a story about how momentum means something. One of the cruxes of his point was that in 2005 Nebraska finished an 8-4 campaign with a three game winning streak capped by a 32-28 come-from-behind win in the Alamo Bowl over Michigan. Most Husker fans thought that finish with a flourish was a sign of things to come.
Vogel also added that after the 2005 season we were “hoping” that the strong finish was a sign of things to come whereas now we “believe” that the 2008 stellar finish is a sign of better times continuing.
That point definitely has merit that I believe to be true but I would also add another view. To me, the key is not so much the fact that Nebraska won six out of seven to finish the season. After all, every year teams start with records of 0-0.
As spring practice gets underway for Year # 2 of the Pelini era, the important thing is what the Huskers do with that momentum. How do they build on it? Do they sustain that success?
If Nebraska goes worse than 9-4, that would represent a step backward and therefore negate the momentum generated from last season. On the other hand, if the Huskers match or surpass that 9-4 mark, then we can say they are at least sustaining their success and hopefully enhancing it.
The Husker offseason has not been totally quiet. There was the departure of Patrick Witt and Major Culbert. There was Barry Turner’s minor scrape with the law. There was South Florida’s flirtation with Husker linebackers coach Mike Ekeler as its defensive coordinator. The best news was defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s decision to stay in school for his senior season. If you can’t beat ‘em, Suh ‘em!
The next step is to have a solid spring practice. Keep everyone healthy and continue to refine the principles. Then, continue to be well-continued until fall camp and keep that momentum going through the season opener.
In some ways, the Huskers did sustain their success in 2006 following the 2005 finish. They won their first Big 12 North title in seven years and despite losing 21-7 to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and 17-14 to a Top Ten Auburn squad in the Cotton Bowl, they were games that Nebraska could have easily won. However, after starting the season 6-1, Nebraska went 3-4 down the stretch and all of the sudden the perception of the season did not feel as good.
In the decade of the 2000s, momentum has been mostly a foreign concept. In 2000, the Huskers finished with a 66-17 Alamo Bowl with over Big Ten fraud Northwestern. In 2001, Nebraska concluded with blowout losses to Colorado and Miami. In 2002, the Huskers finished a 7-7 season with three straight losses. In 2003, Nebraska finished with stirring wins over Colorado and Michigan State but with the firing of head coach Frank Solich and the subsequent coaching search, the program was a rudderless ship.
In 2004, the Huskers finished a 5-6 season with three straight losses. We addressed the 2005-2008 seasons already so you get the idea.
Momentum, however, can also be fickle in that it can work in your favor or against you. It can be a sign of good things to come or it can be a tease. That said for the Huskers, I think their current momentum resembles the former.
We know the coaching staff is solid. The team still has its limitations in some areas as far as talent but the coaching staff has demonstrated that win or lose, they will have a team that is ready to play every week and will give maximum effort.
If the Huskers are to sustain their success, the defense will need to continue its forward momentum while also getting solid play from the quarterback position.
Most importantly, it’s good to see Uncle Mo back.
Well, in the end we would like to have seen the 35-30 loss to Virginia Tech and 37-31 overtime loss to Texas Tech turn into victories. However, after two bowl-less seasons in a four year span (2004-2007) under Bill Callahan capped by a horrific 5-7 campaign in 2007, the Huskers went 9-4 in 2008 punctuated by a 26-21 come-from-behind victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Most importantly, the Huskers finished the season winning six of their last seven games as opposed to losing six of their final seven in 2007.
Just a few weeks ago, Brandon Vogel of the Big Red Network (also a fan blog) devoted a story about how momentum means something. One of the cruxes of his point was that in 2005 Nebraska finished an 8-4 campaign with a three game winning streak capped by a 32-28 come-from-behind win in the Alamo Bowl over Michigan. Most Husker fans thought that finish with a flourish was a sign of things to come.
Vogel also added that after the 2005 season we were “hoping” that the strong finish was a sign of things to come whereas now we “believe” that the 2008 stellar finish is a sign of better times continuing.
That point definitely has merit that I believe to be true but I would also add another view. To me, the key is not so much the fact that Nebraska won six out of seven to finish the season. After all, every year teams start with records of 0-0.
As spring practice gets underway for Year # 2 of the Pelini era, the important thing is what the Huskers do with that momentum. How do they build on it? Do they sustain that success?
If Nebraska goes worse than 9-4, that would represent a step backward and therefore negate the momentum generated from last season. On the other hand, if the Huskers match or surpass that 9-4 mark, then we can say they are at least sustaining their success and hopefully enhancing it.
The Husker offseason has not been totally quiet. There was the departure of Patrick Witt and Major Culbert. There was Barry Turner’s minor scrape with the law. There was South Florida’s flirtation with Husker linebackers coach Mike Ekeler as its defensive coordinator. The best news was defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s decision to stay in school for his senior season. If you can’t beat ‘em, Suh ‘em!
The next step is to have a solid spring practice. Keep everyone healthy and continue to refine the principles. Then, continue to be well-continued until fall camp and keep that momentum going through the season opener.
In some ways, the Huskers did sustain their success in 2006 following the 2005 finish. They won their first Big 12 North title in seven years and despite losing 21-7 to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and 17-14 to a Top Ten Auburn squad in the Cotton Bowl, they were games that Nebraska could have easily won. However, after starting the season 6-1, Nebraska went 3-4 down the stretch and all of the sudden the perception of the season did not feel as good.
In the decade of the 2000s, momentum has been mostly a foreign concept. In 2000, the Huskers finished with a 66-17 Alamo Bowl with over Big Ten fraud Northwestern. In 2001, Nebraska concluded with blowout losses to Colorado and Miami. In 2002, the Huskers finished a 7-7 season with three straight losses. In 2003, Nebraska finished with stirring wins over Colorado and Michigan State but with the firing of head coach Frank Solich and the subsequent coaching search, the program was a rudderless ship.
In 2004, the Huskers finished a 5-6 season with three straight losses. We addressed the 2005-2008 seasons already so you get the idea.
Momentum, however, can also be fickle in that it can work in your favor or against you. It can be a sign of good things to come or it can be a tease. That said for the Huskers, I think their current momentum resembles the former.
We know the coaching staff is solid. The team still has its limitations in some areas as far as talent but the coaching staff has demonstrated that win or lose, they will have a team that is ready to play every week and will give maximum effort.
If the Huskers are to sustain their success, the defense will need to continue its forward momentum while also getting solid play from the quarterback position.
Most importantly, it’s good to see Uncle Mo back.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
2009 Nebraska football: kick returns/coverage
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at kick return and kick coverage:
Looking back: The common memory most people have of the Bill Callahan era was that special teams were an afterthought. Remember how we used to bristle at Santino Panico’s constant fair catches and paltry 3.1 average on punt returns in 2004? Remember also Tierre Green and Brandon Jackson averaging a rather pedestrian 19.2 and 21.1 yards per kickoff return?
Then in 2005, the punt return was actually a weapon with Terrence Nunn (10.4 yards) and Cortney Grixby (18.3 yards).
Kick returns and kick coverage was one of the few areas, if not the only, where Nebraska did not progress significantly in Bo Pelini’s first season as head coach.
The return game progressed somewhat as Nebraska improved from 8.2 yards per punt return from 2007 to 2008 but the kickoff return average was a virtual stalemate going from 21.2 to 21.8. The coverage unit averages against, however, did not improve. Nebraska allowed 21.9 yards per kickoff in 2007 and 23.9 in 2008. The Huskers allowed opponents to average 6.5 yards per punt in 2007 and 9.5 in 2008.
While the offensive return game was not bad, it was not a weapon either. While the coverage units were not a sieve, they were far from championship material. In fact, the most effective way for Nebraska to cover kicks were either punter Dan Titchner directional kicking or Adi Kunalic booting the ball out of the end zone.
Looking ahead: With Kunalic and Alex Henery both being juniors, the Husker placekicking game is the least of their worries. The biggest concern is replacing Titchner even though he seldom blasted a big punt.
Nebraska needs work in this area if is to get back to being a championship material program. The coverage units were average at best and occasional below that level.
Niles Pauls and Nate Swift showed flashes of brilliance but also fumbled at critical times against Clemson and Kansas. Luckily for the Huskers, neither mishap cost them a win.
Special teams is often referred to as the third phase of football but it’s a phase every team needs because there will inevitably be days where the offense or defense struggles.
Looking back: The common memory most people have of the Bill Callahan era was that special teams were an afterthought. Remember how we used to bristle at Santino Panico’s constant fair catches and paltry 3.1 average on punt returns in 2004? Remember also Tierre Green and Brandon Jackson averaging a rather pedestrian 19.2 and 21.1 yards per kickoff return?
Then in 2005, the punt return was actually a weapon with Terrence Nunn (10.4 yards) and Cortney Grixby (18.3 yards).
Kick returns and kick coverage was one of the few areas, if not the only, where Nebraska did not progress significantly in Bo Pelini’s first season as head coach.
The return game progressed somewhat as Nebraska improved from 8.2 yards per punt return from 2007 to 2008 but the kickoff return average was a virtual stalemate going from 21.2 to 21.8. The coverage unit averages against, however, did not improve. Nebraska allowed 21.9 yards per kickoff in 2007 and 23.9 in 2008. The Huskers allowed opponents to average 6.5 yards per punt in 2007 and 9.5 in 2008.
While the offensive return game was not bad, it was not a weapon either. While the coverage units were not a sieve, they were far from championship material. In fact, the most effective way for Nebraska to cover kicks were either punter Dan Titchner directional kicking or Adi Kunalic booting the ball out of the end zone.
Looking ahead: With Kunalic and Alex Henery both being juniors, the Husker placekicking game is the least of their worries. The biggest concern is replacing Titchner even though he seldom blasted a big punt.
Nebraska needs work in this area if is to get back to being a championship material program. The coverage units were average at best and occasional below that level.
Niles Pauls and Nate Swift showed flashes of brilliance but also fumbled at critical times against Clemson and Kansas. Luckily for the Huskers, neither mishap cost them a win.
Special teams is often referred to as the third phase of football but it’s a phase every team needs because there will inevitably be days where the offense or defense struggles.
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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
2009 Nebraska football Position outlook: Defensive line
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 line:
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to prove that the 2007 campaign was an aberration under former coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. The defense was so bad in 2007 that it became a national punch-line, ranking 112th in total defense, and near the bottom in many more categories.
Thanks to its strongest line since Jason Wiltz, Chad Kelsay and Steve Warren were donning Blackshirts, the Husker defense rose to 55th overall in 2008. That ranking might not make us forget the 1993-1999 Blackshirts but it was a step in the right direction.
Despite being pushed around in ’07, this immediate unit was looked at as one that had plenty of pieces to help make the Husker defense a leap forward. Despite the loss of starting defensive end Barry Turner to a season ending knee injury in Week Two, the line turned out to be the strength of the entire team which is saying something considering the offense averaged 35.4 points per game.
Any discussion about the Husker defensive line, however, begins and ends with tackle Ndamukong Suh, who especially blossomed in the second half of the season into the dominant player Nebraska fans envisioned when they recruited him as a high school football star out of Portland, Oregon. Tackle is not normally a stat oriented position but Suh led the Huskers in total tackles (76), tackles for lost yardage (19), sacks (7.5), quarterback hurries (seven) and tied for the team lead with interceptions (two, both for touchdowns).
End Zach Potter and tackle Ty Steinkuhler were also vital cogs to the Husker defensive line. Potter enjoyed a breakout senior campaign with 54 total tackles (16 for lost yardage), 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. After an injury plagued junior year, Steinkuhler enjoyed a solid senior year along side Suh. Steinkuhler recorded 48 tackles (eight for lost yardage).
If there is a bright side to Turner’s injury, sophomore Pierre Allen got the chance to develop into a solid starter. Allen recorded 52 tackles (10 for lost yardage) and five sacks. Reserve senior tackle Shukree Barfield also came on strong at the end of the season, earning a Blackshirt in the process. Redshirt freshmen Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also gained some valuable experience at tackle.
Looking ahead: The best news is that Suh decided to return for his senior campaign instead of entering the NFL draft.
The Husker defense probably would have continued to improve even if Suh opted to apply for a job that required him to work on Sundays because a) the comfort level in head coach Bo Pelini’s scheme would be greater and b) Pelini will likely put in more intricacies into his scheme this season. However, dominant defensive tackles like Suh are the backbone of any strong defense. With that being said, Suh’s return to Lincoln for his senior season gives Nebraska’s defense a chance to ascend to the top quicker than if he had decided to forgo his senior campaign.
Suh made a wise decision to stay for his senior season. Of course, I say that for selfish reasons – hardly a confession if you are a Husker fan. However, Suh’s return not only does wonders for the 2009 defense but also if he continues to improve, he can help his draft stock even more. Most draft boards projected Suh as a late first-rounder/early second-rounder in 2009. If he dominates as a senior, he could be a potential Top 10 pick a la Jason Peter or Grant Wistrom in 1998.
Steinkuhler and Potter are key losses but Suh’s return softens that blow. The Huskers also look forward to the return of a healthy Turner along with Allen having had the chance to develop.
Throw in the unveiling of redshirt freshman Baker Steinkuhler and the line should be close to as strong as last season with the back seven figuring to improve with many pieces returning.
Allen and Turner give the Huskers two experienced ends. The question for Turner is that if he returns healthy, how effective will he be? Moore and Crick also have experience but will need to keep improving. Turner looked like he was starting to reach his vast potential as a pass rusher before getting injured. Allen performed much better than anyone could have anticipated under the circumstances and will need to keep getting better.
My money is on Crick to be a possible breakout performer.
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to prove that the 2007 campaign was an aberration under former coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. The defense was so bad in 2007 that it became a national punch-line, ranking 112th in total defense, and near the bottom in many more categories.
Thanks to its strongest line since Jason Wiltz, Chad Kelsay and Steve Warren were donning Blackshirts, the Husker defense rose to 55th overall in 2008. That ranking might not make us forget the 1993-1999 Blackshirts but it was a step in the right direction.
Despite being pushed around in ’07, this immediate unit was looked at as one that had plenty of pieces to help make the Husker defense a leap forward. Despite the loss of starting defensive end Barry Turner to a season ending knee injury in Week Two, the line turned out to be the strength of the entire team which is saying something considering the offense averaged 35.4 points per game.
Any discussion about the Husker defensive line, however, begins and ends with tackle Ndamukong Suh, who especially blossomed in the second half of the season into the dominant player Nebraska fans envisioned when they recruited him as a high school football star out of Portland, Oregon. Tackle is not normally a stat oriented position but Suh led the Huskers in total tackles (76), tackles for lost yardage (19), sacks (7.5), quarterback hurries (seven) and tied for the team lead with interceptions (two, both for touchdowns).
End Zach Potter and tackle Ty Steinkuhler were also vital cogs to the Husker defensive line. Potter enjoyed a breakout senior campaign with 54 total tackles (16 for lost yardage), 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. After an injury plagued junior year, Steinkuhler enjoyed a solid senior year along side Suh. Steinkuhler recorded 48 tackles (eight for lost yardage).
If there is a bright side to Turner’s injury, sophomore Pierre Allen got the chance to develop into a solid starter. Allen recorded 52 tackles (10 for lost yardage) and five sacks. Reserve senior tackle Shukree Barfield also came on strong at the end of the season, earning a Blackshirt in the process. Redshirt freshmen Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also gained some valuable experience at tackle.
Looking ahead: The best news is that Suh decided to return for his senior campaign instead of entering the NFL draft.
The Husker defense probably would have continued to improve even if Suh opted to apply for a job that required him to work on Sundays because a) the comfort level in head coach Bo Pelini’s scheme would be greater and b) Pelini will likely put in more intricacies into his scheme this season. However, dominant defensive tackles like Suh are the backbone of any strong defense. With that being said, Suh’s return to Lincoln for his senior season gives Nebraska’s defense a chance to ascend to the top quicker than if he had decided to forgo his senior campaign.
Suh made a wise decision to stay for his senior season. Of course, I say that for selfish reasons – hardly a confession if you are a Husker fan. However, Suh’s return not only does wonders for the 2009 defense but also if he continues to improve, he can help his draft stock even more. Most draft boards projected Suh as a late first-rounder/early second-rounder in 2009. If he dominates as a senior, he could be a potential Top 10 pick a la Jason Peter or Grant Wistrom in 1998.
Steinkuhler and Potter are key losses but Suh’s return softens that blow. The Huskers also look forward to the return of a healthy Turner along with Allen having had the chance to develop.
Throw in the unveiling of redshirt freshman Baker Steinkuhler and the line should be close to as strong as last season with the back seven figuring to improve with many pieces returning.
Allen and Turner give the Huskers two experienced ends. The question for Turner is that if he returns healthy, how effective will he be? Moore and Crick also have experience but will need to keep improving. Turner looked like he was starting to reach his vast potential as a pass rusher before getting injured. Allen performed much better than anyone could have anticipated under the circumstances and will need to keep getting better.
My money is on Crick to be a possible breakout performer.
Friday, February 6, 2009
2009 Nebraska football position outlook: Offensive Line
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at offensive line:
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to become a more physical team. No other position embodied that desire more, on the offensive side, than the line.
The Huskers used to keep track of pancake blocks as if they were going for a short stack at Denny’s. In recent years, however, the Nebraska line lost its edge and identity of being more physical than its opponents at the line of scrimmage.
The Huskers hoped the return of Barney Cotton as the offensive line coach would help re-instill a physical mindset. Cotton played on Nebraska’s O-Line from 1975-1978 and was a member of the Husker coaching staff in 2003 but was not retained by Bill Callahan when hired in 2004 to replace Frank Solich. When Bo Pelini, who was the Husker defensive coordinator in 2003 and later interim head coach, was hired to replace Callahan, he immediately brought Cotton aboard.
Cotton took his share of criticism from Nebraska fans but it should be noted that he had to coach players out of bad habits and re-instill a philosophy of being physical that takes time to develop. The Husker coaching staff also had to spend time simplifying the playbook as well.
To their credit, the Nebraska offensive linemen showed the ability to perform well once they found their strength. In a nutshell, the line took care of business against inferior front sevens and struggled against the superior ones, which was already a step in the right direction over recent years past.
Looking ahead: The biggest losses of note will be Lydon Murtha at tackle and Mike Huff and Matt Slauson at guard from the two-deep. All three players battled through their share of injuries and adversity. Murtha, however, was frequently hurt and Slauson, while solid, is replaceable.
This Husker line won’t make us forget guys like the 1994 Pipeline but this version is well-stocked with depth.
From center-to-left tackle, there’s a solid nucleus with Jacob Hickman, Keith Williams and Mike Smith. Then there’s Javoirio Burkes and Marcel Jones. The coaching staff is high on Ricky Henry, Marcel Jones Brandon Thompson and Mike Caputo. Henry redshirted his freshman year but is particularly noted for his tenacity.
The Huskers will need the offensive line to perform well right away. The good news is that there is a strong stable of running backs led by Roy Helu and Quentin Castille. The bad news is that the quarterback spot will feature inexperience at the Div. I-A level with most likely either Zac Lee or Patrick Witt.
The good news is also that Smith, Williams, Hickman, DJ, Burkes have started games. The line play should also be better in that their play will be more instinctive in Cotton’s second season.
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to become a more physical team. No other position embodied that desire more, on the offensive side, than the line.
The Huskers used to keep track of pancake blocks as if they were going for a short stack at Denny’s. In recent years, however, the Nebraska line lost its edge and identity of being more physical than its opponents at the line of scrimmage.
The Huskers hoped the return of Barney Cotton as the offensive line coach would help re-instill a physical mindset. Cotton played on Nebraska’s O-Line from 1975-1978 and was a member of the Husker coaching staff in 2003 but was not retained by Bill Callahan when hired in 2004 to replace Frank Solich. When Bo Pelini, who was the Husker defensive coordinator in 2003 and later interim head coach, was hired to replace Callahan, he immediately brought Cotton aboard.
Cotton took his share of criticism from Nebraska fans but it should be noted that he had to coach players out of bad habits and re-instill a philosophy of being physical that takes time to develop. The Husker coaching staff also had to spend time simplifying the playbook as well.
To their credit, the Nebraska offensive linemen showed the ability to perform well once they found their strength. In a nutshell, the line took care of business against inferior front sevens and struggled against the superior ones, which was already a step in the right direction over recent years past.
Looking ahead: The biggest losses of note will be Lydon Murtha at tackle and Mike Huff and Matt Slauson at guard from the two-deep. All three players battled through their share of injuries and adversity. Murtha, however, was frequently hurt and Slauson, while solid, is replaceable.
This Husker line won’t make us forget guys like the 1994 Pipeline but this version is well-stocked with depth.
From center-to-left tackle, there’s a solid nucleus with Jacob Hickman, Keith Williams and Mike Smith. Then there’s Javoirio Burkes and Marcel Jones. The coaching staff is high on Ricky Henry, Marcel Jones Brandon Thompson and Mike Caputo. Henry redshirted his freshman year but is particularly noted for his tenacity.
The Huskers will need the offensive line to perform well right away. The good news is that there is a strong stable of running backs led by Roy Helu and Quentin Castille. The bad news is that the quarterback spot will feature inexperience at the Div. I-A level with most likely either Zac Lee or Patrick Witt.
The good news is also that Smith, Williams, Hickman, DJ, Burkes have started games. The line play should also be better in that their play will be more instinctive in Cotton’s second season.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
2009 Nebraska football position outlook: tight ends
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at tight end:
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to make the tight end position a more integral part of the passing game as well as establishing a physical presence in the running game. Nebraska succeeded on the former but the latter is a work in progress and will likely remain such in 2009.
Nebraska brought back Ron Brown to coach the tight ends. Brown was Nebraska’s wide receivers coach from 1987-2003 but was let go when Bill Callahan replaced Frank Solich as head coach in 2004. Husker receivers were particularly known for physical downfield blocking in Brown’s time as an assistant coach.
In 2007, Nebraska tight ends caught 25 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns with Sean Hill accounting for 18 of those receptions. In 2008, Nebraska tight ends nearly doubled the pass catching output by hauling in 47 passes for 618 yards and eight touchdowns with Mike McNeill accounting for 32 of those catches.
While the tight ends were a bigger part of the passing attack, they were not as much of a factor in Nebraska’s running attack improving from 144.4 yards per game (4.2 per carry) in 2007 to 169.8 yards per game (4.5 per carry) in 2008. As far as the passing game was concerned, Nebraska’s scheme had much the same appearance of the West Coast Offense from the Callahan era. The running game, however, had most of its success out of the Spread formation but not out of the I-formation that fans clamored.
Looking ahead: With Todd Peterson and Nate Swift graduating, the wide receiver position takes a hit. Those departures open the door for McNeill, who enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2008, to be the go-to receiver in the passing game in 2009. Nebraska will need McNeill since it will be breaking in a new starter at quarterback with the loss of Joe Ganz to graduation
The only loss at the tight end position will be Hunter Teafatiler. Everyone else, however, returns more experienced with McNeill, Dreu Young and Ryan Hill along with redshirt freshman Ben Cotton.
McNeill will be at the top of the depth chart but as good as he and Young are as receivers, they need to progress as blockers if the Husker ground game wants to establish a physical mentality. Hill is a hybrid wide receiver tight end. Cotton and fellow redshirt freshman Kyler Reed should help as blockers.
The Huskers should continue to have strong threats as receivers at this position with Brown’s influence continuing to take effect in developing physical blockers.
Regardless of what Nebraska takes on from a formational perspective, McNeill is likely to be the lead man of this unit.
Looking back: The Huskers entered the 2008 season looking to make the tight end position a more integral part of the passing game as well as establishing a physical presence in the running game. Nebraska succeeded on the former but the latter is a work in progress and will likely remain such in 2009.
Nebraska brought back Ron Brown to coach the tight ends. Brown was Nebraska’s wide receivers coach from 1987-2003 but was let go when Bill Callahan replaced Frank Solich as head coach in 2004. Husker receivers were particularly known for physical downfield blocking in Brown’s time as an assistant coach.
In 2007, Nebraska tight ends caught 25 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns with Sean Hill accounting for 18 of those receptions. In 2008, Nebraska tight ends nearly doubled the pass catching output by hauling in 47 passes for 618 yards and eight touchdowns with Mike McNeill accounting for 32 of those catches.
While the tight ends were a bigger part of the passing attack, they were not as much of a factor in Nebraska’s running attack improving from 144.4 yards per game (4.2 per carry) in 2007 to 169.8 yards per game (4.5 per carry) in 2008. As far as the passing game was concerned, Nebraska’s scheme had much the same appearance of the West Coast Offense from the Callahan era. The running game, however, had most of its success out of the Spread formation but not out of the I-formation that fans clamored.
Looking ahead: With Todd Peterson and Nate Swift graduating, the wide receiver position takes a hit. Those departures open the door for McNeill, who enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2008, to be the go-to receiver in the passing game in 2009. Nebraska will need McNeill since it will be breaking in a new starter at quarterback with the loss of Joe Ganz to graduation
The only loss at the tight end position will be Hunter Teafatiler. Everyone else, however, returns more experienced with McNeill, Dreu Young and Ryan Hill along with redshirt freshman Ben Cotton.
McNeill will be at the top of the depth chart but as good as he and Young are as receivers, they need to progress as blockers if the Husker ground game wants to establish a physical mentality. Hill is a hybrid wide receiver tight end. Cotton and fellow redshirt freshman Kyler Reed should help as blockers.
The Huskers should continue to have strong threats as receivers at this position with Brown’s influence continuing to take effect in developing physical blockers.
Regardless of what Nebraska takes on from a formational perspective, McNeill is likely to be the lead man of this unit.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2009 Nebraska football: Position outlook -- quarterback
One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2009 season. Today, we look at quarterback:
Looking back: When you put up the numbers Joe Ganz amassed it’s hard to be underrated but he played in a conference that included Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt McCoy (Texas), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), Todd Reesing (Kansas) and Robert Griffith (Baylor).
Ganz spent the better part of three seasons behind Joe Dailey, Harrison Beck, Zach Taylor and Sam Keller. However, when replacing an injured Keller in a 28-25 loss to Texas, Ganz made his mark. In that game and 17 subsequent contests, Ganz threw 45 touchdown passes, including two in the Huskers come-from-behind 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
Nebraska has certainly had better athletes at quarterback (Tommie Frazier, Turner Gill and Eric Crouch to name a few) but when it comes to toughness, leadership and other intangibles, Ganz has few peers.
Looking ahead: Whether it’s Zac Lee, Patrick Witt, Kody Spano or Cody Green, the stats might be good but replacing Ganz’s leadership will be tough.
Lee and Witt figure to be the two primary combatants. Whoever the quarterback is, however, we will not know anymore in August than we know now. Because Nebraska was seldom in any blowouts in 2008, Lee and Witt did not receive many snaps. The only experience they received was mop-up duty and those situations do not lend themselves to getting a true picture of what a player is like.
Lee has experience from the Junior College level, much like Zac Taylor when entering the program in 2005. He also has the mobility necessary for Nebraska’s offense, which took on concepts of the Spread combined with the West Coast Offense.
Witt, however, might have the edge as far as size (6-4 to Lee’s 6-2) and experience within the system but is more of a pure drop back passer.
As far as the measurable talent, Green might have the edge on all three and while he is already on campus taking courses, it’s hard to imagine a true freshman not redshirting his first season under Bo Pelini much less playing significantly.
Time will tell but because of his mobility and playing experience beyond high school, my early money is on Zac Lee.
Looking back: When you put up the numbers Joe Ganz amassed it’s hard to be underrated but he played in a conference that included Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt McCoy (Texas), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), Todd Reesing (Kansas) and Robert Griffith (Baylor).
Ganz spent the better part of three seasons behind Joe Dailey, Harrison Beck, Zach Taylor and Sam Keller. However, when replacing an injured Keller in a 28-25 loss to Texas, Ganz made his mark. In that game and 17 subsequent contests, Ganz threw 45 touchdown passes, including two in the Huskers come-from-behind 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
Nebraska has certainly had better athletes at quarterback (Tommie Frazier, Turner Gill and Eric Crouch to name a few) but when it comes to toughness, leadership and other intangibles, Ganz has few peers.
Looking ahead: Whether it’s Zac Lee, Patrick Witt, Kody Spano or Cody Green, the stats might be good but replacing Ganz’s leadership will be tough.
Lee and Witt figure to be the two primary combatants. Whoever the quarterback is, however, we will not know anymore in August than we know now. Because Nebraska was seldom in any blowouts in 2008, Lee and Witt did not receive many snaps. The only experience they received was mop-up duty and those situations do not lend themselves to getting a true picture of what a player is like.
Lee has experience from the Junior College level, much like Zac Taylor when entering the program in 2005. He also has the mobility necessary for Nebraska’s offense, which took on concepts of the Spread combined with the West Coast Offense.
Witt, however, might have the edge as far as size (6-4 to Lee’s 6-2) and experience within the system but is more of a pure drop back passer.
As far as the measurable talent, Green might have the edge on all three and while he is already on campus taking courses, it’s hard to imagine a true freshman not redshirting his first season under Bo Pelini much less playing significantly.
Time will tell but because of his mobility and playing experience beyond high school, my early money is on Zac Lee.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
An early look ahead to 2009 for Nebraska football
The 2008 Nebraska football season is in our rearview mirror. With a strong finish that included a season-closing four-game winning streak, I think it’s fair to say that the Huskers are back on solid ground. Granted, the 9-4 record is not the be and all end all. Keep in mind, Nebraska has had many nine-win seasons but none may have been timelier than this one.
The overall health of the program is in much better shape. So what will 2009 bring? Who knows but we can safely say that going from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008 was the easy part. Going from 9-4 to say 11-2 will be the hard part.
While Bo Pelini has changed the vibe and attitude in the program, he will still be dealing with some (albeit less) of the residual effects of the Bill Callahan era such as continuing to coach the veterans out of bad habits and continuing to develop the underclassmen his way. Just looking at the position by position outlook, here’s an early look at 2009:
Quarterback: Losing Joe Ganz is a big blow not just statistically (285-of-420 for 3,568 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT) but the leadership he brought. Granted, the Huskers have had more talented players line up under center but Ganz had the respect of the coaches and teammates and you simply cannot quantity that virtue. I’ve got to think that freshman Cody Green will redshirt but we will not know anything about returners Patrick Witt, Zac Lee and Kody Spano until September. Spano did not play at all in 2008 while Witt and Lee only played in mop-up duty, save for Witt’s lone play in the Gator Bowl in relief of an injured Ganz.
Running back: The Huskers are once again loaded at this position. Marlon Lucky and Thomas Lawson (if you include fullback) are the only losses of note at this position. Neither player, however, was much of a factor by season’s end. Lucky was limited late in the season because of a turf-toe injury while Lawson was not utilized as much after Nebraska went to a more Spread-oriented look, thus de-emphasizing the fullback position. The Huskers, however, return Roy Helu, Quentin Castille and Marcus Mendoza plus there’s the inclusion of Collins Okafor and Lester Ward. Helu asserted himself in the second half of the season while Castille’s strong Gator Bowl performance opened some eyes. If he can just hang on to the ball.
Wide receiver: Nebraska takes a hit at this position in losing Nate Swift (63-941-10) and Todd Peterson (62-786-4) not just statistically but because they were such clutch receivers -- but the news isn‘t all bad. The good news is that Menelik Holt and Niles Paul got some meaningful snaps and so did Curenski Gillelyn and Chris Brooks to a lesser extent.
Tight end: The tight end is back as a viable weapon in the Husker offense, thank you very much. Mike McNeill and Dreu Young figure to get that much better. Bring in redshirt freshman Ben Cotton and things look very promising. We know this group can catch. It’s just a matter of position coach Ron Brown developing a physical mindset with these guys in the running game.
Offensive line: Despite losing Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha, the line appears to be in good shape with the return and continued development of Jacob Hickman, Javairo Burkes, Marcel Jones, DJ Jones and Keith Williams. Perhaps, the best news is the return of Hickman at center because that position is the quarterback of the offensive line.
Defensive line: If you can’t beat ‘em, then Suh ‘em! Suffice it to say, Ndamukong Suh opting to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft is reason to breath a huge sigh of relief. Suh’s return softens the blow of losing Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. From a football standpoint, dominant defensive tackles like Suh don’t just fall off a truck. If there is a plus side of Barry Turner’s season-ending knee injury, Pierre Allen got his chance to develop. Allen comes back and so does Turner but how effect will the latter be? The fact that Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also got meaningful snaps should be a plus.
Linebacker: This position was woefully thin on depth chart to enter the 2008 season and the Huskers lost Phillip Dillard (ankle injury) and Cody Glenn (suspension) late in the season. Glenn and Tyler Wortman are the only losses but with the return of a healthy Dillard, LaTravis Washington, Blake Lawrence, Matt Holt, Matthew May and Colton Koehler to go along with the emergence of redshirt freshman, the Huskers should be in solid shape for the foreseeable future.
Secondary: This position should be very strong as Armando Murrillo is the only loss of significance. The return of Larry Asante, Rickey Thenarse, Alfonso Dennard, Prince Amukamara, Major Culbert, and Anthony Blue should make for a solid group. Special teams: How can one not be excited about the return of Alex Henery after he booted a 57-yard field goal to defeat Colorado. The Huskers lose punter Dan Titchner but they generally seem to find a good replacement. Paul gave the return game a decent weapon in the return game but the punt and kickoff coverage definitely regressed as the season went forward.
Coaches: The Huskers came a long way this season with a coaching staff that started from scratch. The players buy into the system and philosophy the coaches are teaching. Most importantly, the staff galvanized the team to a 9-4 finish.
What lies ahead: It’s a little early but I see six slamdunk wins (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Iowa State, Kansas State and Baylor), two slamdunk losses (probably Oklahoma and either Kansas or Texas Tech) and four bubble games (Virginia Tech, Missouri, Colorado and Kansas or Texas Tech). The X-factor is how many bubble games dies this team win? Keep in mind; the Huskers were a few plays away from being 11-2. How many mistakes can they correct to turn those close losses into wins? The defense should continue to get better if for no other reason than they’ll play more instinctively and having another year in the system will allow Pelini to install more intracacies of the scheme. Breaking in an inexperienced quarterback will probably cost them one or two bubble games. The good news is that the health of the program is in enormously better shape.
The overall health of the program is in much better shape. So what will 2009 bring? Who knows but we can safely say that going from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008 was the easy part. Going from 9-4 to say 11-2 will be the hard part.
While Bo Pelini has changed the vibe and attitude in the program, he will still be dealing with some (albeit less) of the residual effects of the Bill Callahan era such as continuing to coach the veterans out of bad habits and continuing to develop the underclassmen his way. Just looking at the position by position outlook, here’s an early look at 2009:
Quarterback: Losing Joe Ganz is a big blow not just statistically (285-of-420 for 3,568 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT) but the leadership he brought. Granted, the Huskers have had more talented players line up under center but Ganz had the respect of the coaches and teammates and you simply cannot quantity that virtue. I’ve got to think that freshman Cody Green will redshirt but we will not know anything about returners Patrick Witt, Zac Lee and Kody Spano until September. Spano did not play at all in 2008 while Witt and Lee only played in mop-up duty, save for Witt’s lone play in the Gator Bowl in relief of an injured Ganz.
Running back: The Huskers are once again loaded at this position. Marlon Lucky and Thomas Lawson (if you include fullback) are the only losses of note at this position. Neither player, however, was much of a factor by season’s end. Lucky was limited late in the season because of a turf-toe injury while Lawson was not utilized as much after Nebraska went to a more Spread-oriented look, thus de-emphasizing the fullback position. The Huskers, however, return Roy Helu, Quentin Castille and Marcus Mendoza plus there’s the inclusion of Collins Okafor and Lester Ward. Helu asserted himself in the second half of the season while Castille’s strong Gator Bowl performance opened some eyes. If he can just hang on to the ball.
Wide receiver: Nebraska takes a hit at this position in losing Nate Swift (63-941-10) and Todd Peterson (62-786-4) not just statistically but because they were such clutch receivers -- but the news isn‘t all bad. The good news is that Menelik Holt and Niles Paul got some meaningful snaps and so did Curenski Gillelyn and Chris Brooks to a lesser extent.
Tight end: The tight end is back as a viable weapon in the Husker offense, thank you very much. Mike McNeill and Dreu Young figure to get that much better. Bring in redshirt freshman Ben Cotton and things look very promising. We know this group can catch. It’s just a matter of position coach Ron Brown developing a physical mindset with these guys in the running game.
Offensive line: Despite losing Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha, the line appears to be in good shape with the return and continued development of Jacob Hickman, Javairo Burkes, Marcel Jones, DJ Jones and Keith Williams. Perhaps, the best news is the return of Hickman at center because that position is the quarterback of the offensive line.
Defensive line: If you can’t beat ‘em, then Suh ‘em! Suffice it to say, Ndamukong Suh opting to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft is reason to breath a huge sigh of relief. Suh’s return softens the blow of losing Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. From a football standpoint, dominant defensive tackles like Suh don’t just fall off a truck. If there is a plus side of Barry Turner’s season-ending knee injury, Pierre Allen got his chance to develop. Allen comes back and so does Turner but how effect will the latter be? The fact that Jared Crick and Terrance Moore also got meaningful snaps should be a plus.
Linebacker: This position was woefully thin on depth chart to enter the 2008 season and the Huskers lost Phillip Dillard (ankle injury) and Cody Glenn (suspension) late in the season. Glenn and Tyler Wortman are the only losses but with the return of a healthy Dillard, LaTravis Washington, Blake Lawrence, Matt Holt, Matthew May and Colton Koehler to go along with the emergence of redshirt freshman, the Huskers should be in solid shape for the foreseeable future.
Secondary: This position should be very strong as Armando Murrillo is the only loss of significance. The return of Larry Asante, Rickey Thenarse, Alfonso Dennard, Prince Amukamara, Major Culbert, and Anthony Blue should make for a solid group. Special teams: How can one not be excited about the return of Alex Henery after he booted a 57-yard field goal to defeat Colorado. The Huskers lose punter Dan Titchner but they generally seem to find a good replacement. Paul gave the return game a decent weapon in the return game but the punt and kickoff coverage definitely regressed as the season went forward.
Coaches: The Huskers came a long way this season with a coaching staff that started from scratch. The players buy into the system and philosophy the coaches are teaching. Most importantly, the staff galvanized the team to a 9-4 finish.
What lies ahead: It’s a little early but I see six slamdunk wins (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Iowa State, Kansas State and Baylor), two slamdunk losses (probably Oklahoma and either Kansas or Texas Tech) and four bubble games (Virginia Tech, Missouri, Colorado and Kansas or Texas Tech). The X-factor is how many bubble games dies this team win? Keep in mind; the Huskers were a few plays away from being 11-2. How many mistakes can they correct to turn those close losses into wins? The defense should continue to get better if for no other reason than they’ll play more instinctively and having another year in the system will allow Pelini to install more intracacies of the scheme. Breaking in an inexperienced quarterback will probably cost them one or two bubble games. The good news is that the health of the program is in enormously better shape.
Football is the ultimate team sport
You hear it so often: "There's no 'I' in team."
The true definition of the word "team" in sports is defined as a group of players in a game or any group organized to work together.
Sports such as volleyball and soccer are considered team sports because they rely on teammates passing the ball or setting up teammates. For now, however, let's focus on what is commonly known as "The Big Three" - football, basketball and baseball.
The question is not "if" they are team sports but which "is" a team sport to the greatest extent?
The question that might best draw a conclusion is which sport will an impact player have the least effect in making a team better?
Some folks call baseball an individual sport but that statement is pure baloney quite frankly. The World Series trophy reads "2006 World Series Champions - St. Louis Cardinals" not "2006 World Series Champions - Albert Pujols."
Baseball is a team sports centered around an individual matchup of pitcher vs. batter. If the batter hits the ball, however, the pitcher needs fielders behind him to make plays.
The teamwork aspect also comes into play when teammates converge on infield popups and flyballs because there is an emphasis on communication. Teamwork is also necessary on double-plays and relay throws from the outfield.
In baseball, however, one or two outstanding hitters or pitchers can also mask a lot of weaknesses. Exhibit A would be the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, led by the studly pitching tandem of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. If a team has a pitcher strike out say 10 or more batters, all of the sudden a team's suspect defense is less of an issue.
In addition, if a team has one or two dominant hitters, it can dictate that other hitters in the lineup might see better pitches.
Also keep in mind that the only player on a baseball team that does not play defense is the designated hitter.
In basketball, the teamwork of executing a fastbreak or pick-and-roll can be beautiful to watch. There's also communication involved in playing defense.
However, there are only five players on the court at the same time. Therefore, if a team has one or two superstars a team can be significantly better even if it has Larry, Curly and Moe in the lineup.
In football, there are 11 different players on offense and defense in college football and the NFL.
High school football (particularly smaller ones) has some two-way players but sheer numbers suggest that one impact player is less likely to have an impact than in baseball and basketball.
Even if a player is a star running back, he is only as good as the line that blocks for him.
If a star player is a middle linebacker, he is only as good as the defensive tackles in front of him.
If a team has a Hall-of-Fame quarterback throwing for all kinds of yards, he will not make a mediocre or below-average defense better.
Teams that fit that description might outscore mediocre teams but it won't work against better defenses.
Upon further review: All three are team sports but, for my money, football wins this argument and is a team sport to the greatest extent.
The true definition of the word "team" in sports is defined as a group of players in a game or any group organized to work together.
Sports such as volleyball and soccer are considered team sports because they rely on teammates passing the ball or setting up teammates. For now, however, let's focus on what is commonly known as "The Big Three" - football, basketball and baseball.
The question is not "if" they are team sports but which "is" a team sport to the greatest extent?
The question that might best draw a conclusion is which sport will an impact player have the least effect in making a team better?
Some folks call baseball an individual sport but that statement is pure baloney quite frankly. The World Series trophy reads "2006 World Series Champions - St. Louis Cardinals" not "2006 World Series Champions - Albert Pujols."
Baseball is a team sports centered around an individual matchup of pitcher vs. batter. If the batter hits the ball, however, the pitcher needs fielders behind him to make plays.
The teamwork aspect also comes into play when teammates converge on infield popups and flyballs because there is an emphasis on communication. Teamwork is also necessary on double-plays and relay throws from the outfield.
In baseball, however, one or two outstanding hitters or pitchers can also mask a lot of weaknesses. Exhibit A would be the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, led by the studly pitching tandem of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. If a team has a pitcher strike out say 10 or more batters, all of the sudden a team's suspect defense is less of an issue.
In addition, if a team has one or two dominant hitters, it can dictate that other hitters in the lineup might see better pitches.
Also keep in mind that the only player on a baseball team that does not play defense is the designated hitter.
In basketball, the teamwork of executing a fastbreak or pick-and-roll can be beautiful to watch. There's also communication involved in playing defense.
However, there are only five players on the court at the same time. Therefore, if a team has one or two superstars a team can be significantly better even if it has Larry, Curly and Moe in the lineup.
In football, there are 11 different players on offense and defense in college football and the NFL.
High school football (particularly smaller ones) has some two-way players but sheer numbers suggest that one impact player is less likely to have an impact than in baseball and basketball.
Even if a player is a star running back, he is only as good as the line that blocks for him.
If a star player is a middle linebacker, he is only as good as the defensive tackles in front of him.
If a team has a Hall-of-Fame quarterback throwing for all kinds of yards, he will not make a mediocre or below-average defense better.
Teams that fit that description might outscore mediocre teams but it won't work against better defenses.
Upon further review: All three are team sports but, for my money, football wins this argument and is a team sport to the greatest extent.
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