Taylor's leadership crucial to Huskers' success
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Thursday, Oct 26, 2006 - 12:18:16 am CDT
Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor talks on the phone to the coaches after his first-quarter fumble against Iowa State earlier this month. (Ted Kirk)
Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor misfired on some throws against Texas last weekend, and his completion percentage has dropped in Big 12 play.
Yet his value to the program actually may be increasing as we speak.
Because, as the 20th-ranked Huskers enter the season’s homestretch, the senior’s steady hand and unyielding positive energy might be as integral as his passing prowess. His leadership skills might be especially important this week as NU seeks to rebound from an emotional loss to Texas.
“We ask him to do a lot of things, a lot of things fans generally don’t see,” said Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, whose Huskers are preparing to play Saturday at Oklahoma State. “Zac commands a lot of respect in that huddle. And he’s managed the game well from the line of scrimmage. He’s put us in a lot of great calls and positions to make great plays. I’m sure he would always want a throw back or two.
“But I think he’s done very well leading this football team.”
Taylor, a native of Norman, Okla., has helped lead Nebraska to a record of 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, good for a tie for first with Missouri in the North Division, with four regular-season games to play.
“He’s always the guy you look to,” said Nebraska middle linebacker Corey McKeon. “He’s always encouraging, always says the right thing.”
McKeon said he never has seen Taylor become unsteady as a leader.
“That’s what makes him so powerful,” McKeon said.
His passing numbers aren’t so bad, either.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Taylor ranks seventh nationally in pass efficiency. He has completed 122 of 192 passes (63.5 percent) for 1,824 yards and 16 touchdowns, with three interceptions.
After completing 70.7 percent of his throws in nonconference games, Taylor has operated at 57.2 efficiency in four Big 12 games.
Taylor might be on the verge of a breakout game, Callahan said.
“It’s a matter of time before he just really, really lights it up,” the coach said. “He has been efficient. He’s been excellent in so many respects.”
Said Taylor: “I just don’t feel like I’ve played the game that I’m capable of playing. I’m missing too many throws that I feel like I make in practice.”
He now gears to play Oklahoma State (4-3, 1-2 Big 12), which ranks no higher than 59th nationally in any of the four major defensive categories. However, the Cowboys are third nationally in tackles for loss and seventh in sacks.
“Hopefully, I’ll play the game I’ve been waiting for,” Taylor said.
Taylor comes off a 15-for-28, 277-yard passing performance in the 22-20 loss to Texas. He said he overthrew a couple receivers and rushed a few throws. But he also guided an impressive second-half comeback that moved Nebraska to the brink of its biggest win in at least five years.
As the season winds into the final stages, Taylor fields questions about how his legacy at Nebraska might stack up against past Husker greats at the position. He stands as one of four Husker quarterbacks to eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark, while owning the school career completions record with 359.
“It’s tough to say, because I think a lot of the more popular quarterbacks here won championships,” he said. “Hopefully, I can help us win a Big 12 Conference championship. That might add to the legacy a little.”
