The upcoming Big XII title game between the Huskers and 'Horns (oh how I love the way the Red Clad Loon writes that moniker out---"Whorns") calls to mind the memory of postgame Cotton Bowl 1974 when this Old Husker Fan was blowin' his horn for Marching Big Red down in Dallas. But first--every fan's got his opinion, and here's mine--about the 2009 title match.
No surprise here---the game will be between a team that is overbalanced--us--with an outstanding defense and average to below-average offense--against an outfit--Texas--that is above-average on both sides of the ball. With that, it's possible that we could see a game very similar to Nebraska-Oklahoma 1973, when our guys went down 27-0 in Norman and didn't even take one snap in their half of the field.
Of course, the wild card here is Bo Pelini's fire and the Horns' psyche. I love what Bo said this week about underdog this-and-that---it's all B.S. and "...we're going down there to win a football game. End of story." This guy does not back down--and as I said at the beginning of this blog last summer, that attitude is right down the line Devaney-esque. That's exactly how the Bobfather would approach this game.
On the 'Horn side, as my work friend Marty notes, it's Big XII title or bust. They've got all the pressure--we don't. And for their #12--it's no tickie, no shurkie for the Heisman. If McCoy doesn't have a good game he's done. If he has a good game, well--he can do the Jay Berwanger lookalike pose.
(Jay B was of course the model for the Heisman statue, because he was the first winner. He came from Dubuque, and I got to hear his story more than once during my radio days there. But I digress.)
Back to the game--Colt may be the Real McCoy. He of course has his good buddy, Jordan Shipley, to bail him out, and that's not a small matter. Our guys will have to cover him real well. But then again--we've got two all-conference D-backs, right? Yes we do--Prince and the Assassin.
So, what the heck--I think we rock & shock the world and the great Lone Star Republic. Huskers 17, Horns 10. (Don't ask me where the Husker TDs come from--I don't know. But they'll happen somehow. Maybe Suh takes a fumble and an INT back.)
Speaking of---y'know, it's not out of the question that if--as Chris Fowler calls him---Big Mister Suh--has a monster game, HE elbows his way into the top rung of Heisman-ism. Would THAT be sweet??!!!
All right--now to some fun stuff. Following that 1973 season that I noted earlier--which of course was Tom Osborne's first season as Husker head coach--the team, with a record of 8-2-1, was invited to the Cotton Bowl to play Texas. I don't recall if we were the underdogs or not--but there was a lot of excitement over playing the 'Horns. (According to records on Huskerpedia, we were ranked 12th, Texas was #8).
Jan 1, 1974 was a raw, ugly day in Big D. There were a few snow flurries along with some sleet. This was great fun for us northern guys to watch as the Texas drivers all looked like Bevo on skates while they were trying to drive on the freeway. The Cotton Bowl parade was a freeze-fest--our instruments never got warm. No telling what the sound was like--although the Husker fans at the parade had probably had breakfast with everyone's favorite pal, Jack Daniels--so who knew or cared if "No Place Like Nebraska" or "Hail Varsity" was in tune or not.
Then to the game. Weather didn't warm up any. It was gray, windy, and cold the whole time. PERFECT HUSKER WEATHER!!! Our guys were savage on D--Steve Manstedt made a huge play by catching a fumble in midair and taking it back well over 80 yards to set up a TD. We also returned a field goal effort that was well short--handled it like a kickoff and Bob Thornton brought it back about 40 yards to set up another drive. Final score was 19-3 Big Red.
We band members were jacked after the game. We were blaring fight songs, yelling, carrying on---EVERYONE like hooking the 'Horns.
Then came the capper. The 'Horns' pathway out of the stadium took them right by us hornblowers having a great time. And we were ready. The trumpet section--I believe inspired by Steve Erickson, although there were any number of other guys who could have done the same thing---had got us all lathered up (I love that Callahan term) to play "The Eyes of Texas" in a minor key. Doing that, the rollicking ditty (which is really "I've Been Workin' On The Railroad") becomes a funeral dirge.
We played that downer-type tune loud as we could while the 'Horns were filing off the field. They were whipped and they knew it. Several of them had tears in their eyes. A few tried half-heartedly to show the Hook 'em finger sign.
And then---and then---as one of the players walked by, being serenaded by the band---he gave us the one-finger salute. The middle finger. The bird. The Bronx Cheer.
When we saw that, we cheered and played even louder. The BAND had gotten inside the Texas heads--following, of course, the beat-down that the guys had accomplished on the field. It was great.
I don't know how things will go Saturday night in "Jerryworld". But if we pull this one out, I hope that the alternative "Eyes of Texas" song is rendered somewhere afterward. That would only be appropriate.
Go Big Red!!!
The Old Husker Fan
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Husker HC Bo Pelini Is Truly Like Devaney
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
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
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
Monday, March 2, 2009
Witt's Departure Sends Message About Husker "O"
It's now just over a week since the news came out that Patrick Witt is leaving the Husker football program. Like many fans, I was shocked at first--after all, this young man had graduated from high school a semester early to move from Texas to Lincoln and go through spring practice 2 years ago. He sat through a redshirt year, had 5 years to play 4, and got some action in 2008. So, what's the deal, I wondered?
Then, reality started to set in. Let's talk about sheer high-profile numbers first. Cody Green's arrival on campus this winter, added to the already-on-hand contingent of Witt, Zac Lee, and Kody Spano, obviously meant that there were 'way too many head chefs in the kitchen. We all know how isolated the QB spot is from subbing. (The only spot in team sports that I can compare it to is goalie in either soccer or hockey.) And, during this Old Husker Fan's years of yelling myself hoarse, staying up late worrying about the next day's game (yep, been there and done that), and feeling so giddy about great plays that they just run over again and again, the only time I can recall more than 2 high-rank scholarship QBs on the roster is in 1971, when Jerry Tagge and Van Brownson were seniors, with David Humm as a freshman. It's one thing to have 2 or even 3 well-recruited roster QBs. Four is pushing the envelope.
But, out of those 4, why Witt and not either Lee or Spano? (If Cody G hadn't wanted to be here, he had the option of not signing a letter of intent.) To me, the answer here has everything to do with what the Huskers are going to emphasize in the 2009 version of the Shawn Watson Offense--and that is, ground, ground, ground. If you like running, get set for '09.
Think about it--almost half the Husker passing game production is gone with the departure of Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. (Details of their '08 contributions are noted here.) We don't know who will step in to take their places, and in fact--we may not know until several games into the season. So, with that in mind, look for the ground game and the much-improved defense (plus the oh-so-well-thought-of Alex Henery) to be the foundation of the 2009 "Pelini-skers"--at least, until the receiver situation comes around.
And, as we know, Patrick Witt is a thrower/runner---not a runner/thrower. The days of the statue QB are gone (Bill Callahan obviously didn't appreciate the lessons that T.O. learned more than 25 years ago). That's where Patrick Witt's forte just didn't fit anymore.
To everyone's credit, in this OHF's opinion, this realization and meeting of the minds was taken care of now. Young Mr. Witt can move on and find a home in an offense where he can be a zinger and not a zigger-and-zagger. And the Husker offensive brain trust can put in its '09 version knowing that any of the guys under center (or in the shotgun--which probably will be the case more often than not) will be capable of handling each and every play without missing a beat. This may turn out to truly be a win-win situation ahead of spring ball.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Then, reality started to set in. Let's talk about sheer high-profile numbers first. Cody Green's arrival on campus this winter, added to the already-on-hand contingent of Witt, Zac Lee, and Kody Spano, obviously meant that there were 'way too many head chefs in the kitchen. We all know how isolated the QB spot is from subbing. (The only spot in team sports that I can compare it to is goalie in either soccer or hockey.) And, during this Old Husker Fan's years of yelling myself hoarse, staying up late worrying about the next day's game (yep, been there and done that), and feeling so giddy about great plays that they just run over again and again, the only time I can recall more than 2 high-rank scholarship QBs on the roster is in 1971, when Jerry Tagge and Van Brownson were seniors, with David Humm as a freshman. It's one thing to have 2 or even 3 well-recruited roster QBs. Four is pushing the envelope.
But, out of those 4, why Witt and not either Lee or Spano? (If Cody G hadn't wanted to be here, he had the option of not signing a letter of intent.) To me, the answer here has everything to do with what the Huskers are going to emphasize in the 2009 version of the Shawn Watson Offense--and that is, ground, ground, ground. If you like running, get set for '09.
Think about it--almost half the Husker passing game production is gone with the departure of Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. (Details of their '08 contributions are noted here.) We don't know who will step in to take their places, and in fact--we may not know until several games into the season. So, with that in mind, look for the ground game and the much-improved defense (plus the oh-so-well-thought-of Alex Henery) to be the foundation of the 2009 "Pelini-skers"--at least, until the receiver situation comes around.
And, as we know, Patrick Witt is a thrower/runner---not a runner/thrower. The days of the statue QB are gone (Bill Callahan obviously didn't appreciate the lessons that T.O. learned more than 25 years ago). That's where Patrick Witt's forte just didn't fit anymore.
To everyone's credit, in this OHF's opinion, this realization and meeting of the minds was taken care of now. Young Mr. Witt can move on and find a home in an offense where he can be a zinger and not a zigger-and-zagger. And the Husker offensive brain trust can put in its '09 version knowing that any of the guys under center (or in the shotgun--which probably will be the case more often than not) will be capable of handling each and every play without missing a beat. This may turn out to truly be a win-win situation ahead of spring ball.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Huskers Will Miss Swift-Peterson Combo
This is the first of a sort-of-multi-part blog item. I have some comments on Patrick Witt's leaving the program, but my thoughts on that subject are rooted in how things are looking for the Husker "O" in 2009. And for background on that, we need to consider just how important the loss of Nate Swift and Todd Peterson is to the Big Red attack.
And in a short phrase, it's huge.
We know about the way that Nate Swift played his way into the record books. (For my thoughts on that, check out this item from last fall). But, he Todd Peterson were truly BMOCs when it came to the passing game in 2008. Consider these numbers:
Swift & Peterson 2008
Receptions--125 (Swift 63, Peterson 62)--42% of total team completions (295).
Passing TDs--14 (Swift 10, Peterson 4)--52% of team TD passes (27) and 24% (almost a fourth) of the total team TDs (58).
Receiving yards--1,727 and 133 yards per game--47% of team's season total passing yards (3,653 season and 281 per game).
In short, if you think that these 2 guys were big in the offense and that it seemed like every other pass was going to one or the other, you're right. And this is just the measurable aspect of their contribution--and just in 1 phase. This doesn't take into account Swift's special teams play (the one-man band TD punt return against VA Tech); their savage blocking; nor the number of clutch catches they made (first down catches, TD catches when they were most needed).
And, one more thing--it has been said by some football experts that the greatest ability a player can bring to the team is his avail-ability. Swift & Peterson did that big-time in 2008. They both started all 13 games. Shawn Watson was able to write them in at whichever alphabet letter (X, Y, Z, Sigma) he wanted to each time the ball was teed up for real.
These days, the letters S&P (as in 500) are not very highly-regarded. Not the Husker's S(Swift) & P(Peterson). Guys, thanks and best to you. Numbers 87 and 17 will have some extra lustre in Husker memories from here on out.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
And in a short phrase, it's huge.
We know about the way that Nate Swift played his way into the record books. (For my thoughts on that, check out this item from last fall). But, he Todd Peterson were truly BMOCs when it came to the passing game in 2008. Consider these numbers:
Swift & Peterson 2008
Receptions--125 (Swift 63, Peterson 62)--42% of total team completions (295).
Passing TDs--14 (Swift 10, Peterson 4)--52% of team TD passes (27) and 24% (almost a fourth) of the total team TDs (58).
Receiving yards--1,727 and 133 yards per game--47% of team's season total passing yards (3,653 season and 281 per game).
In short, if you think that these 2 guys were big in the offense and that it seemed like every other pass was going to one or the other, you're right. And this is just the measurable aspect of their contribution--and just in 1 phase. This doesn't take into account Swift's special teams play (the one-man band TD punt return against VA Tech); their savage blocking; nor the number of clutch catches they made (first down catches, TD catches when they were most needed).
And, one more thing--it has been said by some football experts that the greatest ability a player can bring to the team is his avail-ability. Swift & Peterson did that big-time in 2008. They both started all 13 games. Shawn Watson was able to write them in at whichever alphabet letter (X, Y, Z, Sigma) he wanted to each time the ball was teed up for real.
These days, the letters S&P (as in 500) are not very highly-regarded. Not the Husker's S(Swift) & P(Peterson). Guys, thanks and best to you. Numbers 87 and 17 will have some extra lustre in Husker memories from here on out.
Go Big Red!!
The Old Husker Fan
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Huskers' Gator Bowl Win Is Ideal Season-Ender
I don't know about you--but for me, the way the Gator Bowl ended in the Huskers' 26-21 win over Clemson was an ideal way to finish off the season. The game ended with the DEFENSE holding off the late Clemson drive. Disguised blitzes on 1st and 2nd down, resulting in a pass knockdown and a huge QB sack both courtesy of Eric Hagg. On 3rd down--a throw into the end zone featuring a pass breakup by safety Matt O'Hanlon. And on 4th down, the Clemson QB rattled by the ferocious Husker D-line rush that he threw a bad ball off his back foot.
WOW!! What a way to finish this off!!
But of course, the whole game went that way. As anyone who watched the game knows, the Husker D basically shut out Clemson. Holding these guys to 4--FOUR--net yards rushing???!!! That's beyond ridiculous--that's the type of defensive dominance this Old Husker Fan grew up with during the Bobfather days.
This is all a testimony to just how far Bo Pelini, Carl Pelini, Mike Ekeler, John Papuchis and Marvin Sanders brought this defensive unit this year. I remember how positively disorganized the D was in the 1st game against Western Michigan, when WM tried a gadget play--and had a receiver running 20 yards wide open (the only reason the play didn't do anything was b/c the QB had a bad grip on the ball and Zach Potter did bring a late rush). Even in the Colorado game--the 1st 2 series that CU had brought in easy TDs. But not this time! This was a defensive performance that all Husker fans can be proud of--and it came against an outfit that had some definite speed.
By the way---just how big was that field goal block by Suh in the 1st half? Otherwise, Clemson just has to get a field goal at the end of the game to win it instead of having to try to score a TD.
A couple more things here:
1) Enough with the negative crap being thrown at Joe Ganz for the turnovers in the 1st half. The guy came back like a champ in the 2nd half and got the job done with his head, his arm, and his guts. Joe Ganz reminds me a lot of another #12 from years ago--Tom Sorley, who was QB in the late 70s and who was at the controls when T.O. got his 1st win against Oklahoma in that '78 thriller. Joe Ganz is a MAN, people!! And I'll go you one more---I think that Joe Ganz's chances of making an NFL roster are better than either Chase Daniel or Josh Freeman because of the leadership and maturity this guy brings to the table.
2) The walk-on program has new life--and some new faces of success this year. The aforementioned Mr. O'Hanlon, along with fellow d-back Lance Thorell, and of course kicker Alex Henery, are all examples of the fact that the Husker program is back to a program that looks at players and not at stars. These guys all contributed to the re-charging of the team this year, and that is only positive for the future in rebuilding depth and fire in the program.
9 and 4. No, it's not perfect and there is a LOT of ground to cover yet (look at the talent and speed in the Rose Bowl for starters)--but there was a TON of progress made this season. Get the red out, folks, b/c the Bo bandwagon is heating up!!
GO BIG RED!!
The Old Husker Fan
WOW!! What a way to finish this off!!
But of course, the whole game went that way. As anyone who watched the game knows, the Husker D basically shut out Clemson. Holding these guys to 4--FOUR--net yards rushing???!!! That's beyond ridiculous--that's the type of defensive dominance this Old Husker Fan grew up with during the Bobfather days.
This is all a testimony to just how far Bo Pelini, Carl Pelini, Mike Ekeler, John Papuchis and Marvin Sanders brought this defensive unit this year. I remember how positively disorganized the D was in the 1st game against Western Michigan, when WM tried a gadget play--and had a receiver running 20 yards wide open (the only reason the play didn't do anything was b/c the QB had a bad grip on the ball and Zach Potter did bring a late rush). Even in the Colorado game--the 1st 2 series that CU had brought in easy TDs. But not this time! This was a defensive performance that all Husker fans can be proud of--and it came against an outfit that had some definite speed.
By the way---just how big was that field goal block by Suh in the 1st half? Otherwise, Clemson just has to get a field goal at the end of the game to win it instead of having to try to score a TD.
A couple more things here:
1) Enough with the negative crap being thrown at Joe Ganz for the turnovers in the 1st half. The guy came back like a champ in the 2nd half and got the job done with his head, his arm, and his guts. Joe Ganz reminds me a lot of another #12 from years ago--Tom Sorley, who was QB in the late 70s and who was at the controls when T.O. got his 1st win against Oklahoma in that '78 thriller. Joe Ganz is a MAN, people!! And I'll go you one more---I think that Joe Ganz's chances of making an NFL roster are better than either Chase Daniel or Josh Freeman because of the leadership and maturity this guy brings to the table.
2) The walk-on program has new life--and some new faces of success this year. The aforementioned Mr. O'Hanlon, along with fellow d-back Lance Thorell, and of course kicker Alex Henery, are all examples of the fact that the Husker program is back to a program that looks at players and not at stars. These guys all contributed to the re-charging of the team this year, and that is only positive for the future in rebuilding depth and fire in the program.
9 and 4. No, it's not perfect and there is a LOT of ground to cover yet (look at the talent and speed in the Rose Bowl for starters)--but there was a TON of progress made this season. Get the red out, folks, b/c the Bo bandwagon is heating up!!
GO BIG RED!!
The Old Husker Fan
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