I've been going back and forth over what to say about this season. This Old Husker Fan has tried to come up with a season that this one compares to, and frankly, I can't. Even back in 1962, Devaney had some recognized All-Star talent to work with in putting his 1st season together.
So I thought about 2002--the year following Eric Crouch, when Jammal Lord took his turn at QB. We know how that one turned out--7 & 7, which was then followed by Husker Nation's first look at Bo Pelini, and then...and then...and then...
But you know, no fan wants to start the season with a comparison to a .500 campaign. (Well, unless you root for the Chiefs in the NFL. Which I do. Sucks.)
Noooooo!!! This being a fan thing is about OPTIMISM. There's enough reality out there.
So, with that, I'm going for a 9-3 season. I think that Bo's leadership and the intensity and organization of the coaches, plus the guys' desire to wash the bad taste of last year out of their memory, are worth 4 more wins than last year. That's a bunch--but keep in mind that the hardest part of the game to organize--the offensive scheme--stays largely together with Shawn Watson still on the staff. Plus, there's senior QB leadership in Joe Ganz. That is a HUGE intangible. Follow that up with a bowl game, and we're back to 10-3 with a boatload of momentum and the program coming back together. 10-3 would also be the same record that Bo was part of in his year as D-coordinator in 2003. How's THAT for a pair of bookends??
I think we start out tomorrow with a 2-TD win over Western Michigan. At least. I think we put the hurt on these guys. And wouldn't a Pick-6 for our guys be a hoot??!!
(Having said that, I'll be happy with a one-point walkoff. Just win, Bo.)
Basically, the way the schedule sets up with both Mizzou and KU at home, I think our guys have a chance to pull off the same type season, with momentum building throughout, that the program did in 1969. (Of course, that year featured an early loss 31-21 to Southern Cal--but it was a knock-down game the whole way.)
Losses that I see this season are: Mizzou; Tex Tech; OU. Call me goofy, but I think that our guys have the talent and chutzpah to take care of everyone else--including KU.
However--what if tomorrow starts out with the worst-case scenario--a loss? (Hate to think about it, but I'm sure Michigan didn't expect App State to eat their lunch at Ann Arbor last year either.) Well, sports fans, as we know, that's why they play the game. And at that point we will just have to keep chuckin' and let the coaches and players sort it out. Of course, if a loss happens, I'd love to be a fly on the wall at practice next week.
This is going to be exciting. I'll be there gettin' after it with everyone else in Husker Nation far and wide! See you at the game! I'll be the guy in the red shirt and white cap!
Go Big Red!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Friday, August 29, 2008
Huskers Need A Hammer
You've heard the line. You may have said it yourself a time or two. Something isn't working quite right--an appliance, a door, a gadget, a computer--and you're having a heck of a time fixing it. You tell someone in your family or at work about your problem. Your friend or relative replies, "Try a hammer. That'll fix it."
That line "...try a hammer..." is elemental. Kind of cave man-like. The main message is, "What the heck. Just smash it."
But there's another angle to that joke as well. The hammer is a basic tool. It only does one thing, but you can depend on it to do that one thing all the time. You know what you're going to get when you pick up a hammer.
And, on the eve of the Huskers' first regular-season game under Bo Pelini Saturday against Western Michigan, that's the one thing that the Huskers really need to find. Not something simple necessarily, but something dependable--like a hammer. Something on either offense or defense that the team, coaches, and you and I as fans KNOW can be counted on to perform at a high success rate game in, game out.
Ponder that for a minute. What part of the team do you KNOW--without reservation--is going to make it happen come kickoff time tomorrow? Let's go through the question marks.
The easiest ones to find are on defense, of course, where the scheme is brand new--as are many of the players to starting roles. I know that this is old news, but we really don't know WHAT the Husker defense has at this point anywhere in the lineup. So there's either 4, 5, 6 or 11 question marks depending on how you want to slice and dice the unit by either general groupings, subgroups, or each player.
Now we come to the offense. Here is of course a more likely side of the ball to find that "hammer" in terms of dependability. Joe Ganz has some huge numbers from his time on the field last season. Same for Marlon Lucky. Nate Swift and Todd Peterson can catch. The O-line showed some flashes late in the season.
But still--there are these nagging questions. In my mind, and many other fans' minds as well, we remember the basically 2 pick 6's that Ganz threw against Colorado almost as much as his carving up of K-State. Is that out of his system now that he's got some game experience and a new play caller? Is Lucky capable of the tough yards as well as being a checkdown receiver? Can Swift and Peterson get open when they're the prime defensive targets now that Mo Purify is gone? And will they hang onto the ball? Can the O-line make the blocks on 3rd and 3 for the run game? Can the O-line give Ganz a pocket on 2nd and 8? I know there are Husker fans who will point to the big scores from the end of the season as proof that the offense doesn't have questions---but, to me, there was enough failure at crunch time to keep me a little uneasy about how this side of the ball will come together.
In previous eras that this Old Husker Fan has followed the team, almost every year there was something that you knew would "be there." Usually, of course, it was the defense and the running game. Take those two and build from there. That's 2 hammers.
Right now, I don't know where the hammer is. I believe it's in the rubble somewhere, though--and I think Bo Pelini will eventually find it and put it to good use.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
That line "...try a hammer..." is elemental. Kind of cave man-like. The main message is, "What the heck. Just smash it."
But there's another angle to that joke as well. The hammer is a basic tool. It only does one thing, but you can depend on it to do that one thing all the time. You know what you're going to get when you pick up a hammer.
And, on the eve of the Huskers' first regular-season game under Bo Pelini Saturday against Western Michigan, that's the one thing that the Huskers really need to find. Not something simple necessarily, but something dependable--like a hammer. Something on either offense or defense that the team, coaches, and you and I as fans KNOW can be counted on to perform at a high success rate game in, game out.
Ponder that for a minute. What part of the team do you KNOW--without reservation--is going to make it happen come kickoff time tomorrow? Let's go through the question marks.
The easiest ones to find are on defense, of course, where the scheme is brand new--as are many of the players to starting roles. I know that this is old news, but we really don't know WHAT the Husker defense has at this point anywhere in the lineup. So there's either 4, 5, 6 or 11 question marks depending on how you want to slice and dice the unit by either general groupings, subgroups, or each player.
Now we come to the offense. Here is of course a more likely side of the ball to find that "hammer" in terms of dependability. Joe Ganz has some huge numbers from his time on the field last season. Same for Marlon Lucky. Nate Swift and Todd Peterson can catch. The O-line showed some flashes late in the season.
But still--there are these nagging questions. In my mind, and many other fans' minds as well, we remember the basically 2 pick 6's that Ganz threw against Colorado almost as much as his carving up of K-State. Is that out of his system now that he's got some game experience and a new play caller? Is Lucky capable of the tough yards as well as being a checkdown receiver? Can Swift and Peterson get open when they're the prime defensive targets now that Mo Purify is gone? And will they hang onto the ball? Can the O-line make the blocks on 3rd and 3 for the run game? Can the O-line give Ganz a pocket on 2nd and 8? I know there are Husker fans who will point to the big scores from the end of the season as proof that the offense doesn't have questions---but, to me, there was enough failure at crunch time to keep me a little uneasy about how this side of the ball will come together.
In previous eras that this Old Husker Fan has followed the team, almost every year there was something that you knew would "be there." Usually, of course, it was the defense and the running game. Take those two and build from there. That's 2 hammers.
Right now, I don't know where the hammer is. I believe it's in the rubble somewhere, though--and I think Bo Pelini will eventually find it and put it to good use.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Huskers' Brown Brings It The Right Way
Of all the moves made by Bo Pelini when he took the reins of the Husker football program, the one that told me without a doubt that Coach Bo wanted to put some intensity in the program was his hiring of Ron Brown. And comments made by Tight End Coach Brown during spring ball and the start of fall practice have definitely reinforced that feeling.
Here are a few of my favorite Brown comments as I recall reading them. They may not be word-for-word accurate, but I think I've got the message down. I'm listing them from lowest to highest as the hit with me:
"See it! Catch it! Tuck it away!" -- hollering out to the tight ends about focus during spring ball.
"I want them to be war daddies."-- comment during fall practice on the physical approach he wants the tight ends to have in their play.
"We want to pull the heart out of the opponent."-- another physical play-related line during fall camp. The visceral nature of this line reminds me of a similar statement made by Diego Maradona--Argentina soccer idol--before the World Cup in 1990 when Argentina was the defending champion. Maradona said, "They will have to rip the cup out of our hearts." Germany won the title in a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, but the Germans practically had to do just that.
And now, my favorite---
"We are going to invite pain and suffering into our lives."-- during spring practice. It's a little over-the-top regarding the kind of effort Brown wants from his players, but it puts the tone of work and effort that are needed to succeed in this violent game squarely on the table.
I like that attitude. It leads me to believe that--no matter how the games go--Brown will help make sure that the effort is there. And that's the one thing that I think every single Husker fan wants to see back into the mix for this season.
Go Big Red!
The Old Husker Fan
Here are a few of my favorite Brown comments as I recall reading them. They may not be word-for-word accurate, but I think I've got the message down. I'm listing them from lowest to highest as the hit with me:
"See it! Catch it! Tuck it away!" -- hollering out to the tight ends about focus during spring ball.
"I want them to be war daddies."-- comment during fall practice on the physical approach he wants the tight ends to have in their play.
"We want to pull the heart out of the opponent."-- another physical play-related line during fall camp. The visceral nature of this line reminds me of a similar statement made by Diego Maradona--Argentina soccer idol--before the World Cup in 1990 when Argentina was the defending champion. Maradona said, "They will have to rip the cup out of our hearts." Germany won the title in a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, but the Germans practically had to do just that.
And now, my favorite---
"We are going to invite pain and suffering into our lives."-- during spring practice. It's a little over-the-top regarding the kind of effort Brown wants from his players, but it puts the tone of work and effort that are needed to succeed in this violent game squarely on the table.
I like that attitude. It leads me to believe that--no matter how the games go--Brown will help make sure that the effort is there. And that's the one thing that I think every single Husker fan wants to see back into the mix for this season.
Go Big Red!
The Old Husker Fan
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lucky's Husker Legacy Needs Muscle
I heard some radio chatter last week about the yardage that Marlon Lucky will end up with when he's finished his Husker career. The guys were referring to the Husker media guide, which says, quote---"Lucky enters his final season on pace to finish in the Nebraska career top five in rushing, receptions, receiving yards and all-purpose yards." The banter then went on to ask the rhetorical question of whether Marlon Lucky is indeed a "Top 5" Husker running back.
I think that's a fair question. And I've been mulling my Old Husker Fan memory for why I think it's a fair question.
After all--numbers are numbers, right? Big yards are big yards, right? Right? RIGHT?
Well, after cogitatin' around, I have to say, "No. Big yards are not big yards. It's all about when they happen." And, here's where Mr. Lucky comes up a bit short. His big-output games have in large part come in games that, in the big picture, don't matter. That's unfortunate, and is in large part a product of how down the program has been in the past 4 years. But it's true.
You know the Marlon Lucky play that sticks in my mind--when he took off on a long run that got some attention? It was a play that didn't even count--a 90-some yard kickoff return in the KU game in 2005, which at the time, would have tied the score. The TD was nullified because of a penalty (special teams gaffe in the Callahan era--go figure). But that's it. I know he's had a couple halfback TD passes--but, c'mon--those are gadget plays.
After all---is anyone's first memory of Mike Rozier being the TD pass to Anthony Steels during the Orange Bowl after the 1981 season? You know what the answer is to that one.
Here's what I want out of Marlon Lucky this season. I want some hits. I want some tacklers being dragged for another 2-3 yards. I want a stiff-arm or two. THAT'S what defines a Husker running back.
Let's review. We could go back to the '60s, but let's start with the '70s. That's long enough ago.
'70s--Jeff Kinney. Shirt getting torn off by OU during the Game of the Century.
Rick Berns. Blasting off-tackle in the blood-and-guts thriller against Mizzou (even though Nebr lost--what a game. Anyone who wouldn't take THAT in the past 4 years??)
I.M. Hipp. Blood on the jersey against Iowa State in 1978. (After ISU had beaten Nebr 2 years in a row)
'80s--Roger Craig. Against Mizzou in 1980, he whacked so many guys that Mike Corgan, the running back coach, said, "He finally ran like he was boss." Grr!!
Rozier. Hip injury vs Mizzou in 1982 and he still runs for almost 130 yards. Plus beat the snot out of practically any D-back who ever got in his way.
Jeff Smith. Came close to helping Nebr come back against Miami in the '84 Orange Bowl.
Doug DuBose. Same type as Craig and Rozier, with an ACL and pre-arthroscopic days surgery ending his career.
'90s--Lawrence Phillips. L.P. vs K-State in 1994 is maybe the best example of what I'm talking about. When everyone in 2 states knew what the plays were with both Frazier and Berringer out, L.P. still gained yardage.
Ahman Green. Slugged it out many times in 3 championship-caliber seasons.
THAT'S what I'm talking about regarding "muscle" in the legacy. And that's what I want to see from Marlon Lucky this season.
Go Big Red!
The Old Husker Fan
I think that's a fair question. And I've been mulling my Old Husker Fan memory for why I think it's a fair question.
After all--numbers are numbers, right? Big yards are big yards, right? Right? RIGHT?
Well, after cogitatin' around, I have to say, "No. Big yards are not big yards. It's all about when they happen." And, here's where Mr. Lucky comes up a bit short. His big-output games have in large part come in games that, in the big picture, don't matter. That's unfortunate, and is in large part a product of how down the program has been in the past 4 years. But it's true.
You know the Marlon Lucky play that sticks in my mind--when he took off on a long run that got some attention? It was a play that didn't even count--a 90-some yard kickoff return in the KU game in 2005, which at the time, would have tied the score. The TD was nullified because of a penalty (special teams gaffe in the Callahan era--go figure). But that's it. I know he's had a couple halfback TD passes--but, c'mon--those are gadget plays.
After all---is anyone's first memory of Mike Rozier being the TD pass to Anthony Steels during the Orange Bowl after the 1981 season? You know what the answer is to that one.
Here's what I want out of Marlon Lucky this season. I want some hits. I want some tacklers being dragged for another 2-3 yards. I want a stiff-arm or two. THAT'S what defines a Husker running back.
Let's review. We could go back to the '60s, but let's start with the '70s. That's long enough ago.
'70s--Jeff Kinney. Shirt getting torn off by OU during the Game of the Century.
Rick Berns. Blasting off-tackle in the blood-and-guts thriller against Mizzou (even though Nebr lost--what a game. Anyone who wouldn't take THAT in the past 4 years??)
I.M. Hipp. Blood on the jersey against Iowa State in 1978. (After ISU had beaten Nebr 2 years in a row)
'80s--Roger Craig. Against Mizzou in 1980, he whacked so many guys that Mike Corgan, the running back coach, said, "He finally ran like he was boss." Grr!!
Rozier. Hip injury vs Mizzou in 1982 and he still runs for almost 130 yards. Plus beat the snot out of practically any D-back who ever got in his way.
Jeff Smith. Came close to helping Nebr come back against Miami in the '84 Orange Bowl.
Doug DuBose. Same type as Craig and Rozier, with an ACL and pre-arthroscopic days surgery ending his career.
'90s--Lawrence Phillips. L.P. vs K-State in 1994 is maybe the best example of what I'm talking about. When everyone in 2 states knew what the plays were with both Frazier and Berringer out, L.P. still gained yardage.
Ahman Green. Slugged it out many times in 3 championship-caliber seasons.
THAT'S what I'm talking about regarding "muscle" in the legacy. And that's what I want to see from Marlon Lucky this season.
Go Big Red!
The Old Husker Fan
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cooper's Staying Says Huge Things About Pelini
Husker fans from all over and from all ages--including this Old Husker Fan--are justifiably pleased-- and in this dog's opinion should be thrilled--over Khiry Cooper's decision to stay with the Big Red.
Just to be sure we're all together on the background--Khiry Cooper is a wide receiver/kick returner from Louisiana who was also a 5th round major league baseball draft choice (Angels). He'd been with our boys in Lincoln practicing, but the Angels had until midnight last Friday night August 15 to sign him to a big league contract. They couldn't come to terms. The Angels said that Cooper's demands were too high.
We'll never know the details. That's OK. Cooper was the 169th player taken overall. His signing bonus would probably have ranged in the $150-200K area. That's not a lot of money, but still--if someone would have offered me that kind of change when I was 18, I probably would have taken it up "yesterday. "
At any rate, young Mr. Cooper's hanging around Lincoln is HUGE for the Huskers--and it says some very telling things about Bo Pelini's program.
Let's get to the team stuff. This boy legs out a 4.4 or 4.5 40. He's 6-2 weighs 180. That's very usable speed and size. Plus, he's got good hands--he was a centerfield prospect for the Angels in baseball, and says he's going to try doubling up on baseball at Nebraska.
What a combo kind of guy! I may be dreaming a bit here, but I have visions of another Irving Fryar-type guy out on the flank. Wouldn't THAT be a hit?
Now, all the above is fairly common knowledge. But--here's another angle to this little tale that I think is significant. Again--we don't know exactly what the Angels offered Mr. Cooper. But the fact is--he had a chance to leave the Huskers after practice began. Let me say this again--Khiry Cooper had the chance to leave the Huskers after practice began.
In other words, there was a period of time after fall camp got underway--with a week of two-a-days thrown in--that one could say was a tryout for Bo Pelini as much as it was practice for this hotshot freshman from Louisiana.
Think about it. This kid may not have been quite the talent that Carl Crawford (now an All-Star left fielder for the Rays) was coming out of high school, but he was still good enough to be drafted--and pursued--by a Major League Baseball team. If he didn't like what was going on in Lincoln, there was nothing to prevent him from saying, "Ciao--hasta la vista y'all" by last Friday.
Where I'm going with this thought is---the fact that Khiry Cooper said, "No, thanks" to the Angels to me means that he liked what he saw and experienced in Lincoln with Coach Pelini, Coach Gilmore (wideout coach), the offensive scheme run by Shawn Watson--the whole shootin' match. That says great things about what's happening with the program.
To me, Bo Pelini was effectively recruiting Khiry Cooper all the way until Friday night August 15th. It was successful. And that says volumes about the potential for future successes, both in recruiting, and in developing the team on the field. Khiry Cooper saw--and liked--both sides of Bo Pelini--recruiter and coach. We can, too.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Just to be sure we're all together on the background--Khiry Cooper is a wide receiver/kick returner from Louisiana who was also a 5th round major league baseball draft choice (Angels). He'd been with our boys in Lincoln practicing, but the Angels had until midnight last Friday night August 15 to sign him to a big league contract. They couldn't come to terms. The Angels said that Cooper's demands were too high.
We'll never know the details. That's OK. Cooper was the 169th player taken overall. His signing bonus would probably have ranged in the $150-200K area. That's not a lot of money, but still--if someone would have offered me that kind of change when I was 18, I probably would have taken it up "yesterday. "
At any rate, young Mr. Cooper's hanging around Lincoln is HUGE for the Huskers--and it says some very telling things about Bo Pelini's program.
Let's get to the team stuff. This boy legs out a 4.4 or 4.5 40. He's 6-2 weighs 180. That's very usable speed and size. Plus, he's got good hands--he was a centerfield prospect for the Angels in baseball, and says he's going to try doubling up on baseball at Nebraska.
What a combo kind of guy! I may be dreaming a bit here, but I have visions of another Irving Fryar-type guy out on the flank. Wouldn't THAT be a hit?
Now, all the above is fairly common knowledge. But--here's another angle to this little tale that I think is significant. Again--we don't know exactly what the Angels offered Mr. Cooper. But the fact is--he had a chance to leave the Huskers after practice began. Let me say this again--Khiry Cooper had the chance to leave the Huskers after practice began.
In other words, there was a period of time after fall camp got underway--with a week of two-a-days thrown in--that one could say was a tryout for Bo Pelini as much as it was practice for this hotshot freshman from Louisiana.
Think about it. This kid may not have been quite the talent that Carl Crawford (now an All-Star left fielder for the Rays) was coming out of high school, but he was still good enough to be drafted--and pursued--by a Major League Baseball team. If he didn't like what was going on in Lincoln, there was nothing to prevent him from saying, "Ciao--hasta la vista y'all" by last Friday.
Where I'm going with this thought is---the fact that Khiry Cooper said, "No, thanks" to the Angels to me means that he liked what he saw and experienced in Lincoln with Coach Pelini, Coach Gilmore (wideout coach), the offensive scheme run by Shawn Watson--the whole shootin' match. That says great things about what's happening with the program.
To me, Bo Pelini was effectively recruiting Khiry Cooper all the way until Friday night August 15th. It was successful. And that says volumes about the potential for future successes, both in recruiting, and in developing the team on the field. Khiry Cooper saw--and liked--both sides of Bo Pelini--recruiter and coach. We can, too.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Monday, August 18, 2008
Husker Season Has Echoes Of 1962
One of the reasons why this Old Husker Fan is positively stoked about the upcoming season is that there is a strong resemblance to Bob Devaney's--the Bobfather's--first season at Dear Old Nebraska U 'way back in 1962 and to what Bo Pelini is working with as he enters his first full season as a college head coach. Who knew 46 years ago, that Devaney's beginning in Lincoln would be the start of the spotlight run that followed--but mm-MMM!--were there some good things that happened that fall.
All right--let's get to those resemblances.
#1---Incoming Talent. Devaney inherited a team which already had future all-stars on both sides of the ball. Check these names out:
The biggest and best example is Bob Brown--consensus All-America at offensive line, and a future member of the NFL Hall of Fame. (This is one area that Bo's start doesn't match. We have some solid O-linemen, but none who have garnered all-star mentions just yet.)
Devaney also had a future NFL all-star in Kent McCloughan, who was a terrific running back on offense as well as a stud cornerback on D. (McCloughan went on to become an all-star NFL cornerback with the Raiders.)
More players with big-time talent. How about Larry Kramer--tackle (future All-American); Warren Powers, D-back (paired up with Kent McCloughan in the Raiders' NFL d-backfield--and, yes--coached at Mizzou vs Tom Osborne in some hard-hitting grudge-match games in the '70s and early '80s); John Strohmeyer, All-Big 8 tackle; and who in Husker fandom can ever forget Monte Kiffin--tackle, later to be D-coordinator at NU, then a Super Bowl-winning D-coordinator at Tampa Bay (completely whipped Bill Callahan's Raiders), and who dropped Bo Pelini's name to Frank Solich back in 2002)?
Anyway--there's certainly some talent to build around. And we all know who Bo has to work with. Ndamukong Suh on the D-line; potential stars like Ricky Thenarse in the d-backfield; Javorio Burkes on the O-line (get healthy, JB); Marlon Lucky and Roy Helu at running back; and Barry Turner on the D-line (who I think is in store for a season where he returns to being a speed rusher).
#2--Veteran QBs. This is important enough that I made it a separate category. Devaney inherited Dennis Claridge--a tough, bright guy who had a similar playing and leadership style to Jerry Tagge (both wore #14 by the way).
Of course, in 2008, Bo Pelini has Joe Ganz--kind of a latter-day version of Claridge. Multi-talented, run-and-throw type guy, not afraid to take a hit, a guy who the whole team will pull for. This is HUGE in putting together a successful first season. (Also a very good reason to keep the existing offense intact by hanging onto Shawn Watson as O-coord).
#3--Regional competition. When Devaney entered his first season in Lincoln, both Kansas and Missouri were very good. KU, after all, had Gale Sayers hitting his prime as a collegiate running back. Mizzou in the early '60s was a tough, tough outfit with plenty of talent. So, the Bobfather didn't walk into a cocktail party. He had some rough hombres on the schedule to handle. Just like Bo does.
Husker fans all know what Devaney's first signature win was--a 25-13 victory over Michigan AT MICHIGAN. That earned him tons of fan cred that he couldn't buy even with his incredible personality.
(By the way, I just thought of another blog item. The Bobfather's ability to work a banquet)
#4--Thirsty--Starving--Eager--Fans.
Just as with Bill Callahan's final days, the fans were royally ticked off with the game calls that Bill Jennings, who preceded Devaney, was coming up with. Jennings was doing things like punting on 3rd down. (Hmm--sounds in a way like Callahan's screwy decision to not try to have anyone RETURN punts when he handled the Big Red.)
At any rate, Husker fans were ready for some action. And Devaney gave it. Boy, did he give it! His first season, the guys went 9-2 including a victory in the Gotham Bowl in New York City over Miami (36-34 on a day of freezing rain. You can't hardly get Miami to leave Florida at any time in year now.)
This year, obviously--we fans are salivating for some REAL football. Same deal as back in 1962.
Bo--and Bob. Only one letter separates their names. A couple generations separates the start of their tenures. But the possible similarities are oh, so tantalizing.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
All right--let's get to those resemblances.
#1---Incoming Talent. Devaney inherited a team which already had future all-stars on both sides of the ball. Check these names out:
The biggest and best example is Bob Brown--consensus All-America at offensive line, and a future member of the NFL Hall of Fame. (This is one area that Bo's start doesn't match. We have some solid O-linemen, but none who have garnered all-star mentions just yet.)
Devaney also had a future NFL all-star in Kent McCloughan, who was a terrific running back on offense as well as a stud cornerback on D. (McCloughan went on to become an all-star NFL cornerback with the Raiders.)
More players with big-time talent. How about Larry Kramer--tackle (future All-American); Warren Powers, D-back (paired up with Kent McCloughan in the Raiders' NFL d-backfield--and, yes--coached at Mizzou vs Tom Osborne in some hard-hitting grudge-match games in the '70s and early '80s); John Strohmeyer, All-Big 8 tackle; and who in Husker fandom can ever forget Monte Kiffin--tackle, later to be D-coordinator at NU, then a Super Bowl-winning D-coordinator at Tampa Bay (completely whipped Bill Callahan's Raiders), and who dropped Bo Pelini's name to Frank Solich back in 2002)?
Anyway--there's certainly some talent to build around. And we all know who Bo has to work with. Ndamukong Suh on the D-line; potential stars like Ricky Thenarse in the d-backfield; Javorio Burkes on the O-line (get healthy, JB); Marlon Lucky and Roy Helu at running back; and Barry Turner on the D-line (who I think is in store for a season where he returns to being a speed rusher).
#2--Veteran QBs. This is important enough that I made it a separate category. Devaney inherited Dennis Claridge--a tough, bright guy who had a similar playing and leadership style to Jerry Tagge (both wore #14 by the way).
Of course, in 2008, Bo Pelini has Joe Ganz--kind of a latter-day version of Claridge. Multi-talented, run-and-throw type guy, not afraid to take a hit, a guy who the whole team will pull for. This is HUGE in putting together a successful first season. (Also a very good reason to keep the existing offense intact by hanging onto Shawn Watson as O-coord).
#3--Regional competition. When Devaney entered his first season in Lincoln, both Kansas and Missouri were very good. KU, after all, had Gale Sayers hitting his prime as a collegiate running back. Mizzou in the early '60s was a tough, tough outfit with plenty of talent. So, the Bobfather didn't walk into a cocktail party. He had some rough hombres on the schedule to handle. Just like Bo does.
Husker fans all know what Devaney's first signature win was--a 25-13 victory over Michigan AT MICHIGAN. That earned him tons of fan cred that he couldn't buy even with his incredible personality.
(By the way, I just thought of another blog item. The Bobfather's ability to work a banquet)
#4--Thirsty--Starving--Eager--Fans.
Just as with Bill Callahan's final days, the fans were royally ticked off with the game calls that Bill Jennings, who preceded Devaney, was coming up with. Jennings was doing things like punting on 3rd down. (Hmm--sounds in a way like Callahan's screwy decision to not try to have anyone RETURN punts when he handled the Big Red.)
At any rate, Husker fans were ready for some action. And Devaney gave it. Boy, did he give it! His first season, the guys went 9-2 including a victory in the Gotham Bowl in New York City over Miami (36-34 on a day of freezing rain. You can't hardly get Miami to leave Florida at any time in year now.)
This year, obviously--we fans are salivating for some REAL football. Same deal as back in 1962.
Bo--and Bob. Only one letter separates their names. A couple generations separates the start of their tenures. But the possible similarities are oh, so tantalizing.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Uncle Larry And Bill Callahan
We went to a wedding in Chicago back in June. We were seated for dinner after the ceremony at the same table as some of the relatives of Kate, the bride. Included at the table was Kate's Uncle Larry and his family.
So, how do you get conversation going in Chicago with a tableful of strangers? I played the easy card by asking if the family rooted for the Cubs or White Sox. It turned out that almost everyone in this family of 4 rooted for the White Sox--one of the two sons had switched loyalties.
Uncle Larry said that his family were South Siders from 'way back. Which led me to a question:
"You know, our former Nebraska football coach (Bill Callahan) came from the South Side."
And Uncle Larry replied, "Sure--I know Billy." He went on to say that he (Larry) was a former high school football coach--and had been coaching in high school during Callahan's days at the University of Illinois. "Billy really knows his football," said Larry. "I sent several of my guys to Illinois because they wanted to play for Bill Callahan."
Uncle Larry was also very aware of everything that had gone on in the past year. "You know, I think it was just bad timing," he said.
We called it a day on the subject at that point. The DJ was getting ready to bring in the wedding party.
But--what a small world. And how far does the shadow extend regarding what we're trying to work out from under anyway?
Okay--that's the only specific Bill Callahan story that I have--and I wanted to toss it out before practice starts. I'm barely beating the deadline.
So, how do you get conversation going in Chicago with a tableful of strangers? I played the easy card by asking if the family rooted for the Cubs or White Sox. It turned out that almost everyone in this family of 4 rooted for the White Sox--one of the two sons had switched loyalties.
Uncle Larry said that his family were South Siders from 'way back. Which led me to a question:
"You know, our former Nebraska football coach (Bill Callahan) came from the South Side."
And Uncle Larry replied, "Sure--I know Billy." He went on to say that he (Larry) was a former high school football coach--and had been coaching in high school during Callahan's days at the University of Illinois. "Billy really knows his football," said Larry. "I sent several of my guys to Illinois because they wanted to play for Bill Callahan."
Uncle Larry was also very aware of everything that had gone on in the past year. "You know, I think it was just bad timing," he said.
We called it a day on the subject at that point. The DJ was getting ready to bring in the wedding party.
But--what a small world. And how far does the shadow extend regarding what we're trying to work out from under anyway?
Okay--that's the only specific Bill Callahan story that I have--and I wanted to toss it out before practice starts. I'm barely beating the deadline.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)