BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA
All-American
ljs
Huskers look to spring to next level
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 - 12:37:37 am CDT
Bill Callahan
Pound the rock!
That was the Nebraska football team’s battle cry last year as the Huskers entered spring practice determined to improve their rushing attack.
This year, Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan has adopted a wide-ranging theme as the Huskers gear for next week’s start of spring drills.
“Our theme for the spring is just to become a more consistent football team,” he said Tuesday. “We’re interested in refining our systems and becoming more detailed to the point where we can execute at a higher level.
“Taking the next step within our systems is huge.”
Callahan, in his fourth year at Nebraska, hopes such refinement and attention to detail leads to a coveted breakthrough victory, something the Huskers lacked in 2006 en route to a 9-5 record overall and a Big 12 North championship.
Nebraska fell short against four top 10 teams — Southern California (28-10), Texas (22-20), Oklahoma (21-7) and Auburn in the Cotton Bowl (17-14).
Winning such marquee games “is how programs take the next step,” Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. “Our kids certainly should have confidence. When you look at it, we played our best defense against the best teams.”
The Huskers return five starters on defense, seven on offense.
Spring drills begin March 21 and end with the annual Red-White Game April 14 at Memorial Stadium.
“The theme for me is to become a smarter team, a tougher team and develop more dependability, and that’s from the head coach down,” Callahan said. “That’s how we see ourselves. If we can do that, we’ll make tremendous strides.”
Callahan said the program is “on course” to move to a higher level. He cited “vital factors that have validated how we’ve improved and how we’re progressing.”
“I think if you look at the offensive side of the ball alone, and you look at every (statistical) area and compare it to our first year here, it’s not even close,” Callahan said. “I’m not a stat freak, but I’m just telling you that if you study it, the numbers validate where you’re at.”
For example, Nebraska finished 14th nationally last season in total offense (414.6 yards per game) after winding up No. 69 in 2004 at 363.2.
However, Nebraska’s third-quarter stumbles last season were telling. In the last 10 games, the Huskers scored 14 points combined in the third quarter.
“I’ve looked at that hard,” said Callahan, noting for instance that an improved kickoff return game would be crucial in turning around the third-quarter struggles. Indeed, Nebraska ranked No. 112 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 17.4 yards per return.
“We have to find a return man that can take the ball the distance,” he said. “We haven’t done that in three years. That’s a major, major goal as we go into spring ball.”
On defense, Callahan is especially interested in improvement defending the pass — better coverage, a better pass rush, better scheming. Conversely, the Huskers have been strong defending the run the last two seasons.
Although Nebraska lost to graduation all four starters along defensive line, Callahan and Cosgrove noted that several returning d-linemen — most notably Ndamukong Suh, Ty Steinkuhler, Barry Turner, Clayton Sievers and Zach Potter — have ample game experience.
Suh and Steinkuhler were particularly impressive last season, said Callahan, adding that he sees Suh emerging as a leader.
“He’s a vocal guy,” Callahan said. “He cares. He’s concerned. He’s a guy who wants to play at a high level and wants people around him to work and play at a high level.”
Briefly
* Middle linebacker Phillip Dillard, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last September, is cleared to participate in full contact, Callahan said. He begins spring practice as the top backup to returning starter Corey McKeon.
* Although I-back Cody Glenn (foot sprain) also has been cleared to practice, Callahan said coaches are taking a day-to-day approach with the junior’s injury. “I think he’s had ample time to rest and get that foot back. It’s kind of a crazy deal. We’ll just have to play it by ear,” the coach said.
* Add sophomore cornerback Corey Young (shoulder) to the list of players who will miss spring drills.
Huskers look to spring to next level
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 - 12:37:37 am CDT
Bill Callahan
Pound the rock!
That was the Nebraska football team’s battle cry last year as the Huskers entered spring practice determined to improve their rushing attack.
This year, Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan has adopted a wide-ranging theme as the Huskers gear for next week’s start of spring drills.
“Our theme for the spring is just to become a more consistent football team,” he said Tuesday. “We’re interested in refining our systems and becoming more detailed to the point where we can execute at a higher level.
“Taking the next step within our systems is huge.”
Callahan, in his fourth year at Nebraska, hopes such refinement and attention to detail leads to a coveted breakthrough victory, something the Huskers lacked in 2006 en route to a 9-5 record overall and a Big 12 North championship.
Nebraska fell short against four top 10 teams — Southern California (28-10), Texas (22-20), Oklahoma (21-7) and Auburn in the Cotton Bowl (17-14).
Winning such marquee games “is how programs take the next step,” Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. “Our kids certainly should have confidence. When you look at it, we played our best defense against the best teams.”
The Huskers return five starters on defense, seven on offense.
Spring drills begin March 21 and end with the annual Red-White Game April 14 at Memorial Stadium.
“The theme for me is to become a smarter team, a tougher team and develop more dependability, and that’s from the head coach down,” Callahan said. “That’s how we see ourselves. If we can do that, we’ll make tremendous strides.”
Callahan said the program is “on course” to move to a higher level. He cited “vital factors that have validated how we’ve improved and how we’re progressing.”
“I think if you look at the offensive side of the ball alone, and you look at every (statistical) area and compare it to our first year here, it’s not even close,” Callahan said. “I’m not a stat freak, but I’m just telling you that if you study it, the numbers validate where you’re at.”
For example, Nebraska finished 14th nationally last season in total offense (414.6 yards per game) after winding up No. 69 in 2004 at 363.2.
However, Nebraska’s third-quarter stumbles last season were telling. In the last 10 games, the Huskers scored 14 points combined in the third quarter.
“I’ve looked at that hard,” said Callahan, noting for instance that an improved kickoff return game would be crucial in turning around the third-quarter struggles. Indeed, Nebraska ranked No. 112 nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 17.4 yards per return.
“We have to find a return man that can take the ball the distance,” he said. “We haven’t done that in three years. That’s a major, major goal as we go into spring ball.”
On defense, Callahan is especially interested in improvement defending the pass — better coverage, a better pass rush, better scheming. Conversely, the Huskers have been strong defending the run the last two seasons.
Although Nebraska lost to graduation all four starters along defensive line, Callahan and Cosgrove noted that several returning d-linemen — most notably Ndamukong Suh, Ty Steinkuhler, Barry Turner, Clayton Sievers and Zach Potter — have ample game experience.
Suh and Steinkuhler were particularly impressive last season, said Callahan, adding that he sees Suh emerging as a leader.
“He’s a vocal guy,” Callahan said. “He cares. He’s concerned. He’s a guy who wants to play at a high level and wants people around him to work and play at a high level.”
Briefly
* Middle linebacker Phillip Dillard, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last September, is cleared to participate in full contact, Callahan said. He begins spring practice as the top backup to returning starter Corey McKeon.
* Although I-back Cody Glenn (foot sprain) also has been cleared to practice, Callahan said coaches are taking a day-to-day approach with the junior’s injury. “I think he’s had ample time to rest and get that foot back. It’s kind of a crazy deal. We’ll just have to play it by ear,” the coach said.
* Add sophomore cornerback Corey Young (shoulder) to the list of players who will miss spring drills.