One of the many reasons why Tom Osborne went for Bo Pelini as Husker head coach a couple years ago was that Bo had some Bob Devaney-like characteristics.
Well, we saw it firsthand Saturday night. 2 quarterbacks in the same game? Heck, Devaney did that all the time. Check the years 1964, '65, '67, '68, '69 and '70. Big deal. The Bobfather constantly went back and forth in '64 and '65 between Fred Duda and Bob Churchich, and in '67 and '68 between Frank Patrick and Ernie Sigler. And in the revival year of 1969 and even into the 1st national championship year of 1970, the Huskers flipped between Van Brownson and Jerry Tagge.
Yes, it's true--1967 and '68 were not the greatest of seasons. (Although in the lens of the Callahan years, 6-4 those years doesn't look too bad.) But, folks, 1964 and '65 were very good indeed: 9-1 regular season in '64, 10-0 reg season in '65, and both years featured bowl games (Cotton '64, Orange '65) which were national title games. And '69 featured the guys going 9-2 and whacking Georgia in the Sun Bowl, with the '70 unit winning over LSU in the Orange and getting Devaney his first title. (Although by the end of the '70 season, Jerry Tagge had truly laid claim to the QB position.)
Back to the present. So, Saturday night, Cody Green starts but doesn't get it done. Shawn Watson, Husker Offensive Coordinator, described Green as "nervous in the service." Nooooo kidding!! He's good, but he truly looked like a turnover waiting to happen. And if that's the case in a tight game, go with the older guy. And that's what Bo did. He coached the game--he didn't try to install a program or make some fancy point. He coached the game. He knew how that thing was going to go down---slam-bang D, don't do something stupid on O, and we'll have a chance to win this deal.
The Coach made his point very well, too. Remember how he ripped Zac Lee after that fumbled option pitch in the 2nd quarter following Roy Helu's first long run--with the guys in scoring position? That was vintage Devaney. The Bobfather didn't put up with carelessness either.
Well, I for one like it. We have ourselves a coach who knows what it takes to get a hard-fought win and isn't worried about style points. He let his best outfit--the defense--win the game and simply told the offense--"Don't do anything to give them chances." And it worked. Boy, did it work!!!
Do what it takes. Focus. Don't flinch. Play the entire 60 minutes. That's what this program is about--has been--and is getting back to being.
Forty years ago it took a guy with that kind of perspective to re-start the program. And that's what we have now as well. Yeessssss!!!!!!!
GO BIG RED!!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Monday, November 9, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Husker Win Over Mizzou Brings Out The Colors
I'm wearing my red Husker cap and my red Husker sweatshirt with pride this morning after the HUGE win in Columbia. And boy does it feel good!!
What a game!! Ugly, yes. Mistakes made, certainly. But there was no lack of effort and hitting on the part of our guys. Suh led the way certainly--but the entire defense brought the lumber from the very first play--and then the offense got its act together in the 4th quarter.
I watched the whole thing. Bitched when the offense continued to throw the ball in rain that acted like a car wash gone bonkers. "Coach Watson, what are you thinking?" I asked over and over again. I cringed when the special teams play kept going goofy. And I was sure that a Mizzou run of a couple quick scores was just around the corner.
But, by the 3rd quarter, I had a different impression. And that was this---"Y'know, we might lose. But this bunch is putting some HITS on out there." Tackling was solid. Passes were challenged. The D-line was relentless.
And I thought "Yeah. THIS is the program that I root for!!!"
To make it sweeter, of course, was that the offense clicked in the 4th quarter. And the result was this unforgettable comeback 27-12 win on the road--at a stadium where the Huskers hadn't won since Eric Crouch's Heisman year in 2001.
Speaking of--EC, along with Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, Tommie Frazier, and many, many other offensive stars---rightfully have their headlines and awards. But the backbone of the Husker program and tradition is defense. Bob Devaney's teams won some really ugly games because of solid D. Tom Osborne's first title--in the Comeback In Miami--came because of the defense shutting down the 'Canes. That's what made the past 5 years or so seem like such a nightmare--and why the pasting in Colorado back in '01 still stings. Things like that don't happen to a Nebraska defense.
Well, the program showed last night that that spirit is alive and well in Lincoln. The first-team D may not get the Blackshirt wardrobe, but there's no question that their play was of that quality Thursday night.
And it's got this old Husker fan proud to wear red again.
Go Big Red!!!
What a game!! Ugly, yes. Mistakes made, certainly. But there was no lack of effort and hitting on the part of our guys. Suh led the way certainly--but the entire defense brought the lumber from the very first play--and then the offense got its act together in the 4th quarter.
I watched the whole thing. Bitched when the offense continued to throw the ball in rain that acted like a car wash gone bonkers. "Coach Watson, what are you thinking?" I asked over and over again. I cringed when the special teams play kept going goofy. And I was sure that a Mizzou run of a couple quick scores was just around the corner.
But, by the 3rd quarter, I had a different impression. And that was this---"Y'know, we might lose. But this bunch is putting some HITS on out there." Tackling was solid. Passes were challenged. The D-line was relentless.
And I thought "Yeah. THIS is the program that I root for!!!"
To make it sweeter, of course, was that the offense clicked in the 4th quarter. And the result was this unforgettable comeback 27-12 win on the road--at a stadium where the Huskers hadn't won since Eric Crouch's Heisman year in 2001.
Speaking of--EC, along with Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, Tommie Frazier, and many, many other offensive stars---rightfully have their headlines and awards. But the backbone of the Husker program and tradition is defense. Bob Devaney's teams won some really ugly games because of solid D. Tom Osborne's first title--in the Comeback In Miami--came because of the defense shutting down the 'Canes. That's what made the past 5 years or so seem like such a nightmare--and why the pasting in Colorado back in '01 still stings. Things like that don't happen to a Nebraska defense.
Well, the program showed last night that that spirit is alive and well in Lincoln. The first-team D may not get the Blackshirt wardrobe, but there's no question that their play was of that quality Thursday night.
And it's got this old Husker fan proud to wear red again.
Go Big Red!!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Husker DBs Finally Take One To The House
Had the chance to watch the pay per view TV coverage of the Huskers vs Loo-zee-ann-uh Lafayette last Saturday evening. Before the game started, I said, "Boy, would I like to see a turnover taken in for a touchdown--on our side of course."
Darned if that didn't happen with Larry Asante's INT return for six. Which, of course, was taken down a peg by his collapsing hurt in the end zone after the finish. Health and injury issues are never far away.
But back to the thought--the paper noted on Sunday that Asante's pick 6 was the first time for a Husker D-back to take one back all the way since Fabian Washington got-R-done (tribute to Larry the Cable Guy since he was at the game last week) back in 2002.
2002!!! 2002!!! Freaking seven years ago!!!
Which, of course, is yet one more indictment of the Pederson-Callahan Administration. Here we are in the most pass-happy conference on God's green earth---and yet, for the Huskers, a pass interception and return for a touchdown by a defensive back is an event that ranks with a kick or punt return in its rarity. Wow.
That speaks either to a lack of talent to make it happen--or a lack of coaching to be ready for it--or both.
I know that there have been some unlucky moments. Cortney Grixby had a great opportunity against USC (aka Song Girl U) in 2006 when he jumped an out route and had nothing but green for about 25 yards to the end zone--but couldn't hang on.
But, more often than not, the mindset and coaching and preparation just hasn't been there to recognize the play, make the move, and secure the ball--then, of course, make the return.
It's nice to see that technique and execution back. And hopefully it's not the last time this season--for our side of course.
Go Big Red!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Darned if that didn't happen with Larry Asante's INT return for six. Which, of course, was taken down a peg by his collapsing hurt in the end zone after the finish. Health and injury issues are never far away.
But back to the thought--the paper noted on Sunday that Asante's pick 6 was the first time for a Husker D-back to take one back all the way since Fabian Washington got-R-done (tribute to Larry the Cable Guy since he was at the game last week) back in 2002.
2002!!! 2002!!! Freaking seven years ago!!!
Which, of course, is yet one more indictment of the Pederson-Callahan Administration. Here we are in the most pass-happy conference on God's green earth---and yet, for the Huskers, a pass interception and return for a touchdown by a defensive back is an event that ranks with a kick or punt return in its rarity. Wow.
That speaks either to a lack of talent to make it happen--or a lack of coaching to be ready for it--or both.
I know that there have been some unlucky moments. Cortney Grixby had a great opportunity against USC (aka Song Girl U) in 2006 when he jumped an out route and had nothing but green for about 25 yards to the end zone--but couldn't hang on.
But, more often than not, the mindset and coaching and preparation just hasn't been there to recognize the play, make the move, and secure the ball--then, of course, make the return.
It's nice to see that technique and execution back. And hopefully it's not the last time this season--for our side of course.
Go Big Red!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Thursday, September 24, 2009
An Outside Voice On Husker Red Zone Problems
Just for grins, I sent an e-mail to Chris Brown of the web site smartfootball.com and asked his opinion of the Huskers' offensive inability to score a TD last week against Virginia Tech. The guy has a great site and I'm sure he gets a go-zillion requests, but I thought I'd give it a shot.
Darned if he didn't answer. Here's what he said:
"I didn't get to watch it (the game) so I can't speak to any specifics. VT does have a very good defense -- sometimes those things happen. I'll keep my eyes open for Nebraska later this season though."
That's a good enough perspective for me. I just hope that Miami doesn't slice & dice the V-Tech defense this week--although they might considering that our guys banged V-Tech around pretty good.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Darned if he didn't answer. Here's what he said:
"I didn't get to watch it (the game) so I can't speak to any specifics. VT does have a very good defense -- sometimes those things happen. I'll keep my eyes open for Nebraska later this season though."
That's a good enough perspective for me. I just hope that Miami doesn't slice & dice the V-Tech defense this week--although they might considering that our guys banged V-Tech around pretty good.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Huskers' OL Needs OT
Like all Husker fans, I'm not a very happy camper today following the 16-15 loss to VA Tech. So near, yet so far. But, in all honesty, the outcome of the game is in synch with the outcome of the first drive into what I consider to be the "true" Red Zone--inside the 10.
You all remember that. Zac Lee's roll-right, toss to Rex Burkhead, and RB's run down to the Tech 3 got the boys within smelling distance of the goal line.
Nine feet. Less than the height of a regulation basketball hoop. Heck, in soccer that's even halfway inside the little box closest to the goal.
NINE FEET!!! An average-size guy can step that off in 3 steps.
Well, we know how that turned out, don't we---an option left to the 2 (should have been closer to the 1), an "Oh crap, I'm gonna get sacked" heave into the stands, and a wide-left offering toward Niles Paul from Zac Lee. Then Alex Henery's 2nd field goal.
Not good.
Folks, here's where the game was lost. If you want to rag on O'Hanlon for busted coverage late, or get after Suh for dancing instead of charging the Tech QB on the winning TD throw, you're entitled to do so.
But for me, dammit, first and goal at the 3 starts and ends with a vanilla and jalapeno combo. You know what it's gonna be, but it's gonna be hot!!
I can't believe that Roy Helu didn't get the 1st call on that sequence. You don't have a top flight back around to let him get the "show yards" and then not call his number down deep. And now we get into "Use-ta could" land. For 30-some years practically, I use-ta could tell you exactly what the first play in a 1st & goal inside the 5 situation would be---a lead play with the tailback carrying, and following the fullback. Two of those carries was usually enough to ring up 6.
So why not yesterday in Turkey-call ville? I don't know. I want to bitch at Shawn Watson for not dropping the hammer, but then again---he was also the playcaller in the famous game back in 2001 when Colorado ran wild against the Huskers. So, I don't think that Shawn W is a non-fan of the running game at close range.
I think, instead, that what's going on---as events with penalties in the 2nd half proved---is that the offensive line is still not getting the job done--and at money time--like it is inside the 5--Off. Coordinator Watson still does not have the confidence that he can ride the line into the end zone.
That hurts. That really hurts.
And I go back to griping about defensive plays late in the game. My god, people, we have had such goings-on for-EVER!!! So don't get all caught up in that. Focus on what has been the Huskers' calling card for darn near 40 years---when it's 1st & goal inside the 5, or 3rd & 2, Nebraska runs power--you know it's coming--and you still can't stop it.
That was the trademark of the Nebraska offensive line. Fix that, and you fix everything.
The Old Husker Fan
You all remember that. Zac Lee's roll-right, toss to Rex Burkhead, and RB's run down to the Tech 3 got the boys within smelling distance of the goal line.
Nine feet. Less than the height of a regulation basketball hoop. Heck, in soccer that's even halfway inside the little box closest to the goal.
NINE FEET!!! An average-size guy can step that off in 3 steps.
Well, we know how that turned out, don't we---an option left to the 2 (should have been closer to the 1), an "Oh crap, I'm gonna get sacked" heave into the stands, and a wide-left offering toward Niles Paul from Zac Lee. Then Alex Henery's 2nd field goal.
Not good.
Folks, here's where the game was lost. If you want to rag on O'Hanlon for busted coverage late, or get after Suh for dancing instead of charging the Tech QB on the winning TD throw, you're entitled to do so.
But for me, dammit, first and goal at the 3 starts and ends with a vanilla and jalapeno combo. You know what it's gonna be, but it's gonna be hot!!
I can't believe that Roy Helu didn't get the 1st call on that sequence. You don't have a top flight back around to let him get the "show yards" and then not call his number down deep. And now we get into "Use-ta could" land. For 30-some years practically, I use-ta could tell you exactly what the first play in a 1st & goal inside the 5 situation would be---a lead play with the tailback carrying, and following the fullback. Two of those carries was usually enough to ring up 6.
So why not yesterday in Turkey-call ville? I don't know. I want to bitch at Shawn Watson for not dropping the hammer, but then again---he was also the playcaller in the famous game back in 2001 when Colorado ran wild against the Huskers. So, I don't think that Shawn W is a non-fan of the running game at close range.
I think, instead, that what's going on---as events with penalties in the 2nd half proved---is that the offensive line is still not getting the job done--and at money time--like it is inside the 5--Off. Coordinator Watson still does not have the confidence that he can ride the line into the end zone.
That hurts. That really hurts.
And I go back to griping about defensive plays late in the game. My god, people, we have had such goings-on for-EVER!!! So don't get all caught up in that. Focus on what has been the Huskers' calling card for darn near 40 years---when it's 1st & goal inside the 5, or 3rd & 2, Nebraska runs power--you know it's coming--and you still can't stop it.
That was the trademark of the Nebraska offensive line. Fix that, and you fix everything.
The Old Husker Fan
Friday, March 13, 2009
Husker Clinic Brings In A Big Texas Gun
There's a terrific thread on recruiting in Texas on Huskerpedia right now. It's one of the better chat lines that I've seen for awhile. Here's the link.
Inside that thread, this line was posted that got me to do some checking. It came from a contributor called "N2FL":
FYI, Hal Wasson, the head coach at Southlake Carroll High School, one of the top prep programs in the state of Texas, will take part in the NU Spring Coaches Clinic. That is a very good move.
This was to me a very interesting little nugget. Southlake Carroll, of course, is where star kicker Kris Brown came from. (And, yes---Chase Daniel too.) So, I Googled "Hal Wasson" and came up with this comprehensive article from the Dallas Morning News website.
What a deal indeed for the Husker program to bring this guy in if it pans out! I can see 2 results from this--first, the obvious in an improving tie-in with a big dog in Texas high school ball. But also--think of the further insights that high school coaches will get into running the spread offense at the high school level. If this is done more in Nebraska, then we have a shot at some of our own home-grown talent being "spread-friendly" so to speak--which will pay its own dividends in the future.
It's great to see how one initiative can have a positive result on several levels. I like it!
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Inside that thread, this line was posted that got me to do some checking. It came from a contributor called "N2FL":
FYI, Hal Wasson, the head coach at Southlake Carroll High School, one of the top prep programs in the state of Texas, will take part in the NU Spring Coaches Clinic. That is a very good move.
This was to me a very interesting little nugget. Southlake Carroll, of course, is where star kicker Kris Brown came from. (And, yes---Chase Daniel too.) So, I Googled "Hal Wasson" and came up with this comprehensive article from the Dallas Morning News website.
What a deal indeed for the Husker program to bring this guy in if it pans out! I can see 2 results from this--first, the obvious in an improving tie-in with a big dog in Texas high school ball. But also--think of the further insights that high school coaches will get into running the spread offense at the high school level. If this is done more in Nebraska, then we have a shot at some of our own home-grown talent being "spread-friendly" so to speak--which will pay its own dividends in the future.
It's great to see how one initiative can have a positive result on several levels. I like it!
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Huskers' Ganz Needs Our Mojo
Joe Ganz is having his pro day workout in Lincoln today and tomorrow (March 12 and 13). The info is here.
Joe, just to say it---good luck man, and knock 'em dead You deserve to be in The League. Pro sports needs more guys like you.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Joe, just to say it---good luck man, and knock 'em dead You deserve to be in The League. Pro sports needs more guys like you.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
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