As I watched the closing moments of Nebraska’s 45-17 loss (or would train wreck be a better term if you are a Husker fan?) Saturday, I heard ESPN commentator Urban Meyer say something to the effect of “don’t underestimate Nebraska’s ability to finish strong and if they do that it will help recruiting.”
I disagree with the “help recruiting” part. Seriously, by the time bowl games come around, a high school kid has generally made up his mind on where he’s going so I find it hard to believe that the outcome of a bowl game is going to be the ultimate reason a kid will choose one school over another.
However, I completely agree that for Nebraska (or any team for that matter) to finish strong is very important. Remember the saying, “You’re only as good as your last game?” Think about it for just a moment, the Huskers went 10-4 in both 2009 and 2010 but the perception of those two seasons could not be more opposite.
In 2009, the Huskers were 4-3 at one point but won six of their last seven games including a season-ending 33-0 Holiday Bowl drubbing over Arizona. In 2010, the Huskers started the season 5-0 and were a Top Five team but went 5-4 the rest of the way including a season-ending run of three losses in the final four games. The last game was an uninspired 19-7 loss to Washington.
In 2005 and 2008, Nebraska was 5-4 at one point. In 2005, the Huskers closed the season with three straight wins including a 32-28 Alamo Bowl win over Michigan. That was what most people remember as the high point of the Bill Callahan era. In 2008, which was the first of the Bo Pelini era, Nebraska finished the season with four straight wins including a season-ending 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
In 2000 and 2001, Nebraska finished 11-2 but the legacy of those two seasons could not be more opposite. In 2000, the Huskers finished the season with a 66-17 win over Northwestern. In 2001, Nebraska was 11-0 but finished the season with back-to-back embarrassing losses to Colorado (62-36) and Miami (37-14).
Point being, the last game is the one you often remember most. From 1987-1993, Nebraska never had a record that was worse than 9-3. However, every one of those seasons ended with a loss in its bowl game.
The Huskers enter their regular season finale at home against Iowa with an 8-3 record. Considering that Nebraska entered its maiden voyage in the Big Ten Conference with visions of a conference title, the season will not be viewed as an overwhelming success even if the team wins its last two games and goes 10-3. There will be no conference title. Heck, there won’t even be a Legends Division title.
So for the Huskers, the outcome of the last two games are an issue of “how do you want the season to be perceived?” Losing the last two and going 8-5 would be considered a colossal failure. Seriously, an 8-5 season might be fine for Purdue. Splitting the last two and going 9-4 would classify as nondescript. I see a 9-4 season as the minimum of what Nebraska should achieve. However, winning the last two and going 10-3, the season could at least be considered a borderline success. I think it’s safe to say that winning the last two and going 10-3 would be the best way to remember the season.
College football is so much different from every other sport. I know the cynics would bemoan the fact that there is no playoff system. However, the benefit of having the current system is that a team can win its last two games and whether its final record is 12-2 or 8-5 can still, on some level, feel good about its season.
In the NFL, however, it is not uncommon for a team to go 13-3 and lose in the first round of the playoffs. Last season, the Atlanta Falcons went a franchise-best 13-3 and garnered the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs only to get their doors blown off in a 48-21 Division Round loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Granted, the NFL is such where only one team is going to end its season victoriously and feel good (the Super Bowl champion) but while 13-3 is an impressive record, a team with that mark should at minimum reach the conference title game.
Point being, if the Huskers want the season to be viewed as even a borderline success, 2011 becomes a two-game season beginning Friday.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Husker inconsistency a maddening pattern
Though the Nebraska football team is coming off a disturbing 45-17 road loss Saturday to Michigan and will finish no better than 10-3 if it wins its final two games, head coach Bo Pelini somewhat disputed the possible perception that the program is stuck in neutral.
"I don't care about the perception," Pelini said. "This program's come a long way. ...I don't really care what's out there, to be honest with you. What I concern myself with is where this program was, where it is right now. I'm proud of where this program is right now."
Safety Austin Cassidy, who was in the program when Pelini arrived as head coach in December of 2007. Like Pelini, he agreed with the notion that the program has come a long way the past four years.
"I would say that culturally, it's a completely different culture," Cassidy said. "Like I said earlier, I think Coach Bo is all about winning, but more importantly helping us out and turning us into good people. And I would honestly say that he has done everything in his power to help us out. Sometimes it is tough love, sometimes he's going to get in your face and treat you like a man. And sometimes he's going to sit down with you and say, 'Hey, look man, I'm here if you need someone to talk to.' In my experiences, there's been a lot of change and it's been for the better."
Including his 2003 Alamo Bowl win as interim head coach, Pelini has led the Huskers to a 38-15 record. On the surface, that is a huge improvement over the Bill Callahan era, during which time Nebraska went 27-22 and had two bowl-less seasons from 2004-2007.
However, the notion that the program might be stuck in neutral is not entirely false. Pelini’s initial impact was great as the Huskers went from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008. Nebraska followed the next two seasons by going 10-4 in both 2009 and 2010. Nebraska is now 8-3 heading into Friday’s regular season finale at home against Iowa.
While wins and losses do not always tell the entire story, the disturbing trend is that the team looks so dialed in and focused one week but ordinary the next. I’m not in the “Fire Bo Pelini” or “Fire Time Beck” camp. For all of these people that want change, just realize one thing. Change only means “different” not better. Look at our last presidential election, what was the rhetoric? Change. For the record, I am a divorced registered Republican turned Conservative Independent but going from George Bush to Barack Obama has only meant that we still have the same crappy economy and unemployment rate among others.
Anyhow, enough of the political angle. OK, remember when so many Husker fans wanted Frank Solich fired? Well, you got your wish with the Callahan era. Boy, what a success that was. OK, this next one is for you Husker fans that want an “A list” coach: Remember a segment of Michigan fans wanted Lloyd Carr out because he kept losing to Ohio State? Well, guess what, they brought in a “name” coach. His name was Rich Rodriguez. Three years later, a 15-22 record with two bowl-less seasons. Even worse than the Callahan era.
That’s not to suggest that I’m 100 percent in agreement with everything Pelini has done. The program is definitely at another crossroads. True, the program is in way better shape that 2007 but at some point, it's got to move forward. We're in neutral. The opponents change, the conference changes, the players change but the results are the same. There an impressive win, followed by a crushing blowout. There's a home loss to a terrible opponent who has no business beating you. And once in awhile, you have a great win as a home underdog.
In the end, there's a 10-3 / 9-4 season, where the 9 or 10 perhaps weren't the 9 or 10 you should have won, and the 3 or 4 weren't necessarily the 3 or 4 you should have lost. One step forward, one step back, one step forward, one step back. That's what we are.
I know this has been said a million times, but everyone here really does need to chill out. This is a very young team that has less experience than a lot of the competition right now. I do believe that the Huskers have more potential than most of the competition too. Everyone knows our tackling (or love taps) are pathetic. Our receivers leave much to be desired, and Martinez is attracted to blue and yellow but these are all things that can be fixed.
I don't have a problem with a little constructive criticism, but "(player) sucks" isn't doing anything but showing everyone we have fair weather fans.
With all that said, the inconsistency is driving me insane. Young or not, beating Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State proves to me that we are an extremely talented team. I just wish the team would not be so maddeningly inconsistent.
"I don't care about the perception," Pelini said. "This program's come a long way. ...I don't really care what's out there, to be honest with you. What I concern myself with is where this program was, where it is right now. I'm proud of where this program is right now."
Safety Austin Cassidy, who was in the program when Pelini arrived as head coach in December of 2007. Like Pelini, he agreed with the notion that the program has come a long way the past four years.
"I would say that culturally, it's a completely different culture," Cassidy said. "Like I said earlier, I think Coach Bo is all about winning, but more importantly helping us out and turning us into good people. And I would honestly say that he has done everything in his power to help us out. Sometimes it is tough love, sometimes he's going to get in your face and treat you like a man. And sometimes he's going to sit down with you and say, 'Hey, look man, I'm here if you need someone to talk to.' In my experiences, there's been a lot of change and it's been for the better."
Including his 2003 Alamo Bowl win as interim head coach, Pelini has led the Huskers to a 38-15 record. On the surface, that is a huge improvement over the Bill Callahan era, during which time Nebraska went 27-22 and had two bowl-less seasons from 2004-2007.
However, the notion that the program might be stuck in neutral is not entirely false. Pelini’s initial impact was great as the Huskers went from 5-7 in 2007 to 9-4 in 2008. Nebraska followed the next two seasons by going 10-4 in both 2009 and 2010. Nebraska is now 8-3 heading into Friday’s regular season finale at home against Iowa.
While wins and losses do not always tell the entire story, the disturbing trend is that the team looks so dialed in and focused one week but ordinary the next. I’m not in the “Fire Bo Pelini” or “Fire Time Beck” camp. For all of these people that want change, just realize one thing. Change only means “different” not better. Look at our last presidential election, what was the rhetoric? Change. For the record, I am a divorced registered Republican turned Conservative Independent but going from George Bush to Barack Obama has only meant that we still have the same crappy economy and unemployment rate among others.
Anyhow, enough of the political angle. OK, remember when so many Husker fans wanted Frank Solich fired? Well, you got your wish with the Callahan era. Boy, what a success that was. OK, this next one is for you Husker fans that want an “A list” coach: Remember a segment of Michigan fans wanted Lloyd Carr out because he kept losing to Ohio State? Well, guess what, they brought in a “name” coach. His name was Rich Rodriguez. Three years later, a 15-22 record with two bowl-less seasons. Even worse than the Callahan era.
That’s not to suggest that I’m 100 percent in agreement with everything Pelini has done. The program is definitely at another crossroads. True, the program is in way better shape that 2007 but at some point, it's got to move forward. We're in neutral. The opponents change, the conference changes, the players change but the results are the same. There an impressive win, followed by a crushing blowout. There's a home loss to a terrible opponent who has no business beating you. And once in awhile, you have a great win as a home underdog.
In the end, there's a 10-3 / 9-4 season, where the 9 or 10 perhaps weren't the 9 or 10 you should have won, and the 3 or 4 weren't necessarily the 3 or 4 you should have lost. One step forward, one step back, one step forward, one step back. That's what we are.
I know this has been said a million times, but everyone here really does need to chill out. This is a very young team that has less experience than a lot of the competition right now. I do believe that the Huskers have more potential than most of the competition too. Everyone knows our tackling (or love taps) are pathetic. Our receivers leave much to be desired, and Martinez is attracted to blue and yellow but these are all things that can be fixed.
I don't have a problem with a little constructive criticism, but "(player) sucks" isn't doing anything but showing everyone we have fair weather fans.
With all that said, the inconsistency is driving me insane. Young or not, beating Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State proves to me that we are an extremely talented team. I just wish the team would not be so maddeningly inconsistent.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Husker loss leaves questions, not answers
No way to pretty this one up, no matter how hard you try. No. 16 Nebraska had a chance to keep its BCS bowl game hopes alive with a win at No. 20 Michigan in a matchup of 8-2 teams Saturday.
Instead, the Huskers turned in a clunker and lost 45-17 to Michigan in Ann Arbor. When a team loses that badly, no one deserves a free pass. However, it was the Husker special teams that were their ultimate undoing. Nebraska trailed 17-10 at halftime and received the second half kickoff. Kenny Bell, however, fumbled and Michigan recovered at the Husker 33. That turnover was turned into a touchdown. One possession later, Nebraska punt Brett Maher drops the snap on an unforced error. Michigan blocked the punt and recovered a midfield. The Wolverines later converted a fake field goal into a first down and later a touchdown.
Nebraska had closed the gap to 31-17 early in the fourth quarter, got a three and out to force a punt. The Huskers then committed a roughing the punter infraction that Michigan turned into a touchdown.
If you eliminate those special teams gaffes, sure, the Huskers still lose 24-17 but they would have at minimum given themselves a chance to win.
However, special teams were not the only culprit.
Defensively, Nebraska gave up just 3.9 yards per carry but also allowed 414 yards of total offense and 8 of 18 third down conversions. The Wolverines also ran 79 plays to Nebraska’s 53.
On offense, Nebraska committed three turnovers and gained 254 yards of total offense but even that total is inflated because 54 came on one play, a 54-yard touchdown from Taylor Martinez to Brandon Kinnie.
Statistical battles aside, the loss was disturbing for other reasons. Yes, Michigan is a good ballclub but they are not great. Losing to the Wolverines is one thing. Looking like you don’t even belong on the same field is another, especially considering that Nebraska needed to win this game to keep alive to win the Legends Division.
Four years ago, Nebraska fans and media lauded the hiring of Bo Pelini as the choice to replace Bill Callahan. While Pelini is a significant upgrade over Callahan, it’s games like Saturday that leave more questions than answers. How can the team look so dialed in while beating Michigan State and Penn State but look so inexplicably ill-prepared against Wisconsin, Northwestern and Michigan. The blame for that lies squarely at the feet of Pelini and staff.
When units come out flat and unfocused like the Huskers’ special teams did today, one has to question the coaches’ abilities to get players in the right mindset to execute.
Pelini has stated many times after the Cornhuskers lost that the team did not execute. I think the coaching staff is not executing as well. This coaching staff has a hard time getting the team ready for big games. Last year in the revenge game against Texas, Nebraska came out flat. The team came out flat against Washington in the Holiday Bowl last year, and twice this year in games against Northwestern and Michigan. I blame that on the coaches.
Instead, the Huskers turned in a clunker and lost 45-17 to Michigan in Ann Arbor. When a team loses that badly, no one deserves a free pass. However, it was the Husker special teams that were their ultimate undoing. Nebraska trailed 17-10 at halftime and received the second half kickoff. Kenny Bell, however, fumbled and Michigan recovered at the Husker 33. That turnover was turned into a touchdown. One possession later, Nebraska punt Brett Maher drops the snap on an unforced error. Michigan blocked the punt and recovered a midfield. The Wolverines later converted a fake field goal into a first down and later a touchdown.
Nebraska had closed the gap to 31-17 early in the fourth quarter, got a three and out to force a punt. The Huskers then committed a roughing the punter infraction that Michigan turned into a touchdown.
If you eliminate those special teams gaffes, sure, the Huskers still lose 24-17 but they would have at minimum given themselves a chance to win.
However, special teams were not the only culprit.
Defensively, Nebraska gave up just 3.9 yards per carry but also allowed 414 yards of total offense and 8 of 18 third down conversions. The Wolverines also ran 79 plays to Nebraska’s 53.
On offense, Nebraska committed three turnovers and gained 254 yards of total offense but even that total is inflated because 54 came on one play, a 54-yard touchdown from Taylor Martinez to Brandon Kinnie.
Statistical battles aside, the loss was disturbing for other reasons. Yes, Michigan is a good ballclub but they are not great. Losing to the Wolverines is one thing. Looking like you don’t even belong on the same field is another, especially considering that Nebraska needed to win this game to keep alive to win the Legends Division.
Four years ago, Nebraska fans and media lauded the hiring of Bo Pelini as the choice to replace Bill Callahan. While Pelini is a significant upgrade over Callahan, it’s games like Saturday that leave more questions than answers. How can the team look so dialed in while beating Michigan State and Penn State but look so inexplicably ill-prepared against Wisconsin, Northwestern and Michigan. The blame for that lies squarely at the feet of Pelini and staff.
When units come out flat and unfocused like the Huskers’ special teams did today, one has to question the coaches’ abilities to get players in the right mindset to execute.
Pelini has stated many times after the Cornhuskers lost that the team did not execute. I think the coaching staff is not executing as well. This coaching staff has a hard time getting the team ready for big games. Last year in the revenge game against Texas, Nebraska came out flat. The team came out flat against Washington in the Holiday Bowl last year, and twice this year in games against Northwestern and Michigan. I blame that on the coaches.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Containing Robinson at the forefront of Husker challenge
Much of Saturday’s matchup between No. 16 Nebraska and No. 20 Michigan is centered quarterbacks Taylor Martinez (Nebraska) and Denard Robinson (Michigan). Rightfully so because you have two dynamic runners who are also flawed passers.
Robinson, who is a junior, has rushed for 864 yards on 151 carries and 12 touchdowns. As a passer, he has completed 99 of 189 passes (52.4%) for 1,611 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Robinson, however, has been slowed by a wrist injury ad has not had a 100 yard rushing game since Oct. 8, a game in which he rushed for 117 yards. He has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season.
Martinez has rushed for 768 yards on 153 carries and nine scores. As a passer, Martinez has completed 121 of 227 (57.7%) for 1,688 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven picks. His completion percentage would be much high but has been victimized by dropped passes. Both are also complimented by outstanding running backs: Fitzgerald Toussaint for Michigan and Rex Burkhead for Nebraska.
The Nebraska offense has been a little Jekyl & Hyde but the defense has been very Jekyl & Hyde. The Blackshirt defense has also had its problems with mobile quarterbacks in the Bo Pelini era. Robinson would certainly qualify as not only mobile but lightning fast.
The key for Nebraska’s defense in this game is that, yes, Robinson will get his yards but the Huskers can ill-afford to give big plays and tackling in space becomes paramount. However, as good as Robinson is as a runner, his passing is suspect. Even more suspect than a segment of Husker fans think Martinez’s passing is. Mobile quarterbacks like Derek Carr (Fresno State), Keith Price (Washington), Russell Wilson (Wisconsin), Braxton Miller (Ohio State) and Kain Colter (Northwestern) gave the Huskers fits. However, Robinson is not near as skilled as a passer as that group.
The Pelini Brothers, however, will need to come with a plan of some kind to at least contain Robinson. Perhaps have safeties Austin Cassidy and Daimion Stafford closer to the line of scrimmage to help on zone reads? Perhaps have linebacker LaVonte David play the spy role? I must say I’ve never been a fan of that role because it takes that player away from defending other plays.
Defensive line play will be very crucial. That means have a gap sound mentality to take away cutback lanes. If you overpursue, Robinson will make you pay dearly. Of course, it is just as important to wrap up when tackling.
However, since the Husker defense has been so inconsistent, the offense can also play the role of defense by keeping Robinson on the sideline. I liked what Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck did in the Huskers 17-14 win over Penn State. For three quarters, Beck mixed up personnel and formations to not allow Penn State to get into their base defense. Nebraska will need that again Saturday.
Though Martinez has thrown the ball better lately, I guarantee you that Michigan’s defense will sell out to stop the run. To that, use some play action and misdirection to slow them down. Perhaps try some bubble screens.
The game comes down to limiting Robinson’s big plays and Beck calling a complete, four quarter game.
The fact that this game is on the road doesn’t bother me. Pelini teams seem to prefer the animosity of a rival stadium over the expectations of a home game.
Robinson, who is a junior, has rushed for 864 yards on 151 carries and 12 touchdowns. As a passer, he has completed 99 of 189 passes (52.4%) for 1,611 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Robinson, however, has been slowed by a wrist injury ad has not had a 100 yard rushing game since Oct. 8, a game in which he rushed for 117 yards. He has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season.
Martinez has rushed for 768 yards on 153 carries and nine scores. As a passer, Martinez has completed 121 of 227 (57.7%) for 1,688 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven picks. His completion percentage would be much high but has been victimized by dropped passes. Both are also complimented by outstanding running backs: Fitzgerald Toussaint for Michigan and Rex Burkhead for Nebraska.
The Nebraska offense has been a little Jekyl & Hyde but the defense has been very Jekyl & Hyde. The Blackshirt defense has also had its problems with mobile quarterbacks in the Bo Pelini era. Robinson would certainly qualify as not only mobile but lightning fast.
The key for Nebraska’s defense in this game is that, yes, Robinson will get his yards but the Huskers can ill-afford to give big plays and tackling in space becomes paramount. However, as good as Robinson is as a runner, his passing is suspect. Even more suspect than a segment of Husker fans think Martinez’s passing is. Mobile quarterbacks like Derek Carr (Fresno State), Keith Price (Washington), Russell Wilson (Wisconsin), Braxton Miller (Ohio State) and Kain Colter (Northwestern) gave the Huskers fits. However, Robinson is not near as skilled as a passer as that group.
The Pelini Brothers, however, will need to come with a plan of some kind to at least contain Robinson. Perhaps have safeties Austin Cassidy and Daimion Stafford closer to the line of scrimmage to help on zone reads? Perhaps have linebacker LaVonte David play the spy role? I must say I’ve never been a fan of that role because it takes that player away from defending other plays.
Defensive line play will be very crucial. That means have a gap sound mentality to take away cutback lanes. If you overpursue, Robinson will make you pay dearly. Of course, it is just as important to wrap up when tackling.
However, since the Husker defense has been so inconsistent, the offense can also play the role of defense by keeping Robinson on the sideline. I liked what Nebraska offensive coordinator Tim Beck did in the Huskers 17-14 win over Penn State. For three quarters, Beck mixed up personnel and formations to not allow Penn State to get into their base defense. Nebraska will need that again Saturday.
Though Martinez has thrown the ball better lately, I guarantee you that Michigan’s defense will sell out to stop the run. To that, use some play action and misdirection to slow them down. Perhaps try some bubble screens.
The game comes down to limiting Robinson’s big plays and Beck calling a complete, four quarter game.
The fact that this game is on the road doesn’t bother me. Pelini teams seem to prefer the animosity of a rival stadium over the expectations of a home game.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Beck learning but Year One as OC a success so far
The fact that the Nebraska football team is ranked No. 17 in the latest AP poll and sports an 8-2 record entering Saturday’s road game at No. 20 Michigan (also 8-2); it is how the Huskers arrived at this point that is the biggest surprise.
The defense was viewed as the team strength coming into the season but has been inconsistent. The offense was expected to show improvement but with lot of youth and a new coordinator (Tim Beck replacing Shawn Watson) it was hard to say how soon the improvement would come. Without the offense performing at the level it has the Huskers would likely be 5-5 instead of 8-2. Nebraska beat Fresno State 42-29, Washington 51-38 and Ohio State 34-27.
In a Lincoln Journal Star blog entry, however, Beck was pretty critical of himself.
"I think some games I get conservative ... I play not to lose instead of playing to win," Beck said after Saturday's 17-14 win at Penn State. "I think that was evident in some of the games. You get too conservative. The play-calling gets that way.
"As I look back and really thought about it, we have to be who we are, and that's an attacking offense. Sometimes I don't do that. For whatever reason, I don't."
He felt Nebraska's offense was too conservative in the second half Saturday, "with the lead and trying to use the clock," Beck said.
Beck’s point has merit to a certain degree extent but Nebraska also attacked Penn State via the run and pass on Saturday which is important because if you try to making a living by beating a stout defense by running right at them you will starve.
Beck has had a couple of poorly called games but overall, I think he's doing very well considering he is running a new scheme as a first-time offensive coordinator. It'll be interesting to see what this offense does next year. If it improves much, and the defense rounds into form earlier, we should be a pretty formidable team.
But most of the way through Year One of the Tim Beck Experiment, I'm cautiously optimistic about where we're headed.
The cynical side would suggest, “anything is better than Shawn Watson” but I think Beck has definitely hit the ground running. I still cuss at the television on 3rd and short when we run a sweep (as opposed to quarterback Taylor Martinez up the gut) but I’ll live. On the whole, I would call the first year a success as of right now.
The biggest positive that I see here is that Beck recognizes that sometimes he gets too conservative, meaning that he is likely to change. I think this has been the biggest problem with our past offensive coordinators, they don’t know what they are doing wrong and don’t know how to change.
It seems like Beck can watch game film and analyze like a coach and a fan. He can nitpick specifics like a coach, but he can also sit back in the chair like the rest of us and say the same things we do.
After sitting through years of bitching at the television watching Watson's sick joke walk out there and lose games for us, I have to say that I am thrilled with Beck in his first year. There is one major reason why. The Huskers are showing improvement both on offense and at quarterback.
Watson and former head coach Bill Callahan tried jamming a square peg through a round hole for too damn long. Beck is finding what we are good at and using it. Yes he might get astray from it sometimes but can you blame him. The guy wants to learn what we are capable of in game situations. What might work in practice doesn't always work in games.
He is winning ball games and scoring points though. Can you imagine if we could have gotten 20 points a game back when Watson was here? Our defense was so good, that's all we would have needed. Watson found a way to blow it every time.
I might be a overstating it a bit because I have to be honest, I never liked Shawn Watson's offense or his playcalling. So the change really made my offseason. I've been praying for Watson to move on for his entire tenure. I'm rooting for Beck, and I think we have found our guy. As long as Martinez keeps improving, this offense will continue to improve.
The defense was viewed as the team strength coming into the season but has been inconsistent. The offense was expected to show improvement but with lot of youth and a new coordinator (Tim Beck replacing Shawn Watson) it was hard to say how soon the improvement would come. Without the offense performing at the level it has the Huskers would likely be 5-5 instead of 8-2. Nebraska beat Fresno State 42-29, Washington 51-38 and Ohio State 34-27.
In a Lincoln Journal Star blog entry, however, Beck was pretty critical of himself.
"I think some games I get conservative ... I play not to lose instead of playing to win," Beck said after Saturday's 17-14 win at Penn State. "I think that was evident in some of the games. You get too conservative. The play-calling gets that way.
"As I look back and really thought about it, we have to be who we are, and that's an attacking offense. Sometimes I don't do that. For whatever reason, I don't."
He felt Nebraska's offense was too conservative in the second half Saturday, "with the lead and trying to use the clock," Beck said.
Beck’s point has merit to a certain degree extent but Nebraska also attacked Penn State via the run and pass on Saturday which is important because if you try to making a living by beating a stout defense by running right at them you will starve.
Beck has had a couple of poorly called games but overall, I think he's doing very well considering he is running a new scheme as a first-time offensive coordinator. It'll be interesting to see what this offense does next year. If it improves much, and the defense rounds into form earlier, we should be a pretty formidable team.
But most of the way through Year One of the Tim Beck Experiment, I'm cautiously optimistic about where we're headed.
The cynical side would suggest, “anything is better than Shawn Watson” but I think Beck has definitely hit the ground running. I still cuss at the television on 3rd and short when we run a sweep (as opposed to quarterback Taylor Martinez up the gut) but I’ll live. On the whole, I would call the first year a success as of right now.
The biggest positive that I see here is that Beck recognizes that sometimes he gets too conservative, meaning that he is likely to change. I think this has been the biggest problem with our past offensive coordinators, they don’t know what they are doing wrong and don’t know how to change.
It seems like Beck can watch game film and analyze like a coach and a fan. He can nitpick specifics like a coach, but he can also sit back in the chair like the rest of us and say the same things we do.
After sitting through years of bitching at the television watching Watson's sick joke walk out there and lose games for us, I have to say that I am thrilled with Beck in his first year. There is one major reason why. The Huskers are showing improvement both on offense and at quarterback.
Watson and former head coach Bill Callahan tried jamming a square peg through a round hole for too damn long. Beck is finding what we are good at and using it. Yes he might get astray from it sometimes but can you blame him. The guy wants to learn what we are capable of in game situations. What might work in practice doesn't always work in games.
He is winning ball games and scoring points though. Can you imagine if we could have gotten 20 points a game back when Watson was here? Our defense was so good, that's all we would have needed. Watson found a way to blow it every time.
I might be a overstating it a bit because I have to be honest, I never liked Shawn Watson's offense or his playcalling. So the change really made my offseason. I've been praying for Watson to move on for his entire tenure. I'm rooting for Beck, and I think we have found our guy. As long as Martinez keeps improving, this offense will continue to improve.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Today's events in Happy Valley truly epitomize sports
Does anyone know a good cardiologist? The game alone between Nebraska and Penn State, which the Huskers prevailed 17-14 took my breath away. Heck, I entered the game 39 years old but after today feel like I’m 65.
As a Nebraska fan and alum, of course I am thrilled the Huskers won because they needed to bounce back after last week’s disappointing 28-25 home loss to Northwestern. However, speaking as a sports fan, you can make the argument that the outcome was secondary. The week leading up to the game was headlined by Penn State’s devastating scandal that led to the firing of head coach Joe Paterno and several others.
The game closed a tumultuous week that began with the arrest of former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on shocking child sexual abuse charges. Major college football’s winningest coach (Paterno) was pushed out in the aftermath.
What truly took my breath away was the pregame prayer at midfield, in which both teams gathered together. The prayer was led by Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown. It’s not unusual to see two teams gathering at midfield for a prayer but it’s generally reserved for after the game. Keep in mind; emotions about the scandal were so raw that there were musings about cancelling the game. How raw? Raw as in fans and media members alike voicing very spirited displeasure. Raw as in people to “Not So” Happy Valley, Pa., rioting in the streets.
I still maintain my belief that this game should’ve been played. I can understand being concerned about safety but we’re talking Happy Valley, Pa., not the beach at Okinawa. In fact, I’m even more adamant in retrospect. Of course, it was a difficult week for Penn State players, coaches, administrators, fans -- basically anyone associated with the school. Heck, it’s difficult for any human being, especially if you have kids. I’m a father of three toddlers under age 5 and if my kids ever encountered anyone as vile as Sandusky I’d want him fed to the vultures.
But seriously, what the hell good was going to come of cancelling the game? It wasn’t going to do the victims any good. And why penalize players who were in middle school or younger when these heinous acts allegedly occurred?
OK, so neither one of these offenses are going to be mistaken for Oklahoma State and Oregon but it was an entertaining game between two iconic college football programs that created a diversion from the disturbing week that was.
The game did not even have a trace of players getting chippy. It was two proud football programs that preached sportsmanship before the game through prayer and practiced what they preached during and after the game.
I also have to give a game ball to the Penn State fans. During the week, Nebraska fans worried about receiving hostile treatment and for good reason. There were a segment treated rudely at a game in Happy Valley in 2002 that Penn State won 40-7. On this day, Penn State fans were passionate in supporting their team and gracious to the Nebraska fans that made the trip.
Brown’s actions evoke being a class act and at Nebraska we are blessed to have Tom Osborne, Bo Pelini, and others in leadership positions that represent the University of Nebraska and the state of Nebraska in such a positive way.
On the field, I’ll remember the heart-stopping finish but on this day, I’ll remember the display of honor and respect before and after the game even more.
As a Nebraska fan and alum, of course I am thrilled the Huskers won because they needed to bounce back after last week’s disappointing 28-25 home loss to Northwestern. However, speaking as a sports fan, you can make the argument that the outcome was secondary. The week leading up to the game was headlined by Penn State’s devastating scandal that led to the firing of head coach Joe Paterno and several others.
The game closed a tumultuous week that began with the arrest of former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on shocking child sexual abuse charges. Major college football’s winningest coach (Paterno) was pushed out in the aftermath.
What truly took my breath away was the pregame prayer at midfield, in which both teams gathered together. The prayer was led by Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown. It’s not unusual to see two teams gathering at midfield for a prayer but it’s generally reserved for after the game. Keep in mind; emotions about the scandal were so raw that there were musings about cancelling the game. How raw? Raw as in fans and media members alike voicing very spirited displeasure. Raw as in people to “Not So” Happy Valley, Pa., rioting in the streets.
I still maintain my belief that this game should’ve been played. I can understand being concerned about safety but we’re talking Happy Valley, Pa., not the beach at Okinawa. In fact, I’m even more adamant in retrospect. Of course, it was a difficult week for Penn State players, coaches, administrators, fans -- basically anyone associated with the school. Heck, it’s difficult for any human being, especially if you have kids. I’m a father of three toddlers under age 5 and if my kids ever encountered anyone as vile as Sandusky I’d want him fed to the vultures.
But seriously, what the hell good was going to come of cancelling the game? It wasn’t going to do the victims any good. And why penalize players who were in middle school or younger when these heinous acts allegedly occurred?
OK, so neither one of these offenses are going to be mistaken for Oklahoma State and Oregon but it was an entertaining game between two iconic college football programs that created a diversion from the disturbing week that was.
The game did not even have a trace of players getting chippy. It was two proud football programs that preached sportsmanship before the game through prayer and practiced what they preached during and after the game.
I also have to give a game ball to the Penn State fans. During the week, Nebraska fans worried about receiving hostile treatment and for good reason. There were a segment treated rudely at a game in Happy Valley in 2002 that Penn State won 40-7. On this day, Penn State fans were passionate in supporting their team and gracious to the Nebraska fans that made the trip.
Brown’s actions evoke being a class act and at Nebraska we are blessed to have Tom Osborne, Bo Pelini, and others in leadership positions that represent the University of Nebraska and the state of Nebraska in such a positive way.
On the field, I’ll remember the heart-stopping finish but on this day, I’ll remember the display of honor and respect before and after the game even more.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Playing the game is the right thing to do
Saturday’s game in Happy Valley, Pa., between No. 19 Nebraska and No. 12 Penn state has a “the show must go on” feeling.
In case you have been living in a cave the last 72 hours, Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno was fired by the Penn State board of trustees Wednesday night despite saying he would retire as coach after the football season ended, brought down by the growing furor over the handling of child sex abuse allegations against an assistant coach. Penn State President Graham Spanier was also ousted. I won’t go into details because you can read my previous blog entry: http://napavince.blogspot.com/2011/11/huskers-head-to-penn-state-but-will.html I also made my feelings for Paterno abundantly clear. Plus, you can get all the coverage you want by the ESPN talking heads.
Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne, who is also a coaching peer of Paterno, issued a statement regarding Saturday's game with Penn State:
“I am saddened to learn of the recent events at Penn State and we will continue to monitor the developments on their campus. We will hold the alleged victims and all those involved in our thoughts and prayers.
“We have had a number of inquiries from fans regarding the circumstances at Penn State and the conditions they might expect in attending the game. UNL Chief of Police Owen Yardley is in touch with the Penn State police department and we have talked with interim Penn State Athletic Director Mark Sherburne. We have visited with Penn State security and we understand they are enhancing their security efforts for Saturday’s game and are taking extra precautions to ensure that all players, coaches and fans are treated in a respectful way. We also appreciate that there is a student-led effort at Penn State to respectfully welcome Nebraska fans to Beaver Stadium and into the Big Ten Conference. We know that our fans will reciprocate and display good sportsmanship toward Penn State’s fans and players.”
According to the Lincoln Journal Star, Osborne told a crowd of reporters Thursday evening he has not spoken with Paterno since he was fired as Penn State's coach on Wednesday.
"I might try to give him a call tomorrow," Osborne said.
Osborne was asked what he thought about the situation with Paterno.
"Well, this is difficult, for everybody, for everybody who knows Joe, everybody who cares about Joe, difficult," Osborne said. "But it is what it is. I just don't know enough of the facts of what happened. I don't know if anybody knows everything that has happened. We tend in our culture to rush to judgment. I feel bad about him and his family. I feel bad about the people who were victimized, very bad about them. I work with kids a lot and that's something we have to all be concerned about is our children."
Not surprising, Osborne took the high road. On another note, there had been rumors that the game might get cancelled due to the volatility of the situation that included student demonstrations as well as a TV news van being tipped over. Questions have also been posed in terms of should the game be held at a neutral site? Should Nebraska fans fear for their safety?
I don’t mean this to be crass but there is no ryhme or reason why the game should not be played and with this short of notice would it really be practical to move the game?
From a human standpoint, yes, it will be hard to watch the game and not be thinking about the victims and what a sick son of a bitch Jerry Sandusky, the former longtime Penn State defensive coordinator who allegedly committed these heinous crimes of sexual misconduct. Sandusky needs to have the crap beaten out of him and fed to the vultures.
However, there are more salient reasons why paying the game is the right thing to do. LJS columnist Steve Sipple wrote that “They should play the game as a gesture of compassion to the victims in a child sexual-abuse scandal that rocked the Penn State campus this week following a grand jury's indictment of former PSU defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He has been charged with molesting eight boys over a 15-year span, with some of the alleged assaults occurring at the Nittany Lions' football complex.”
Now that we have established what a sick puke Sandusky is, the reason you play the game is because the football players on both rosters didn’t do anything wrong. Let them play and don’t penalize them for the wrongdoing of others. The individuals involved in these events are gone. I do not see how cancelling the game would have served any justice. Some say football is so small when compared to these horrific events and they are correct. However, these unspeakable things take place everyday in this country. Penn State’s issues took place over 10 years ago and the individuals involved are out.
In case you have been living in a cave the last 72 hours, Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno was fired by the Penn State board of trustees Wednesday night despite saying he would retire as coach after the football season ended, brought down by the growing furor over the handling of child sex abuse allegations against an assistant coach. Penn State President Graham Spanier was also ousted. I won’t go into details because you can read my previous blog entry: http://napavince.blogspot.com/2011/11/huskers-head-to-penn-state-but-will.html I also made my feelings for Paterno abundantly clear. Plus, you can get all the coverage you want by the ESPN talking heads.
Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne, who is also a coaching peer of Paterno, issued a statement regarding Saturday's game with Penn State:
“I am saddened to learn of the recent events at Penn State and we will continue to monitor the developments on their campus. We will hold the alleged victims and all those involved in our thoughts and prayers.
“We have had a number of inquiries from fans regarding the circumstances at Penn State and the conditions they might expect in attending the game. UNL Chief of Police Owen Yardley is in touch with the Penn State police department and we have talked with interim Penn State Athletic Director Mark Sherburne. We have visited with Penn State security and we understand they are enhancing their security efforts for Saturday’s game and are taking extra precautions to ensure that all players, coaches and fans are treated in a respectful way. We also appreciate that there is a student-led effort at Penn State to respectfully welcome Nebraska fans to Beaver Stadium and into the Big Ten Conference. We know that our fans will reciprocate and display good sportsmanship toward Penn State’s fans and players.”
According to the Lincoln Journal Star, Osborne told a crowd of reporters Thursday evening he has not spoken with Paterno since he was fired as Penn State's coach on Wednesday.
"I might try to give him a call tomorrow," Osborne said.
Osborne was asked what he thought about the situation with Paterno.
"Well, this is difficult, for everybody, for everybody who knows Joe, everybody who cares about Joe, difficult," Osborne said. "But it is what it is. I just don't know enough of the facts of what happened. I don't know if anybody knows everything that has happened. We tend in our culture to rush to judgment. I feel bad about him and his family. I feel bad about the people who were victimized, very bad about them. I work with kids a lot and that's something we have to all be concerned about is our children."
Not surprising, Osborne took the high road. On another note, there had been rumors that the game might get cancelled due to the volatility of the situation that included student demonstrations as well as a TV news van being tipped over. Questions have also been posed in terms of should the game be held at a neutral site? Should Nebraska fans fear for their safety?
I don’t mean this to be crass but there is no ryhme or reason why the game should not be played and with this short of notice would it really be practical to move the game?
From a human standpoint, yes, it will be hard to watch the game and not be thinking about the victims and what a sick son of a bitch Jerry Sandusky, the former longtime Penn State defensive coordinator who allegedly committed these heinous crimes of sexual misconduct. Sandusky needs to have the crap beaten out of him and fed to the vultures.
However, there are more salient reasons why paying the game is the right thing to do. LJS columnist Steve Sipple wrote that “They should play the game as a gesture of compassion to the victims in a child sexual-abuse scandal that rocked the Penn State campus this week following a grand jury's indictment of former PSU defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He has been charged with molesting eight boys over a 15-year span, with some of the alleged assaults occurring at the Nittany Lions' football complex.”
Now that we have established what a sick puke Sandusky is, the reason you play the game is because the football players on both rosters didn’t do anything wrong. Let them play and don’t penalize them for the wrongdoing of others. The individuals involved in these events are gone. I do not see how cancelling the game would have served any justice. Some say football is so small when compared to these horrific events and they are correct. However, these unspeakable things take place everyday in this country. Penn State’s issues took place over 10 years ago and the individuals involved are out.
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