Shockley03

Hayseed, I read your quote a minute ago. "Maybe I’m stupid but while everyone prays for superstar recruits, I think a lot of Osborne’s success was due to locals getting in the game fresh and making a few big plays," you say. Here's where your friends (especially your much older friends) are going with what they have. And I don't have much time to digress here, sorry. But they remember a past --- back when Nebraska relied on a WR like Irving Fryar ... or a near 5-star recruit in RB Calvin Jones ... or a fantastic JUCO steal in RB Mike Rozier. (That 1983 Nebraska team is most incredible football team that I have ever seen to grace the grassy field anywhere!) And your love for the walk-on's is fine too. The TE/DE combo of Jamie Williams and Jimmy Williams is well documented in Nebraska's historic past for just incredibly talented kids that college scouts like Tom Lemming missed on.

This is cruel the way you fans take a single Tommie Frazier tweet and put malice into its meaning. I find it very hard to believe that Tommie Frazier is going to maliciously go after his backup QB Scott Frost (from the '95 season) after Nebraska falls to 0-6. I think Tommie was just shocked by the loss, but the Big Ten is gearing up for Nebraska right now. I hate to see this happen. I'm saddened by it too. The ESPN culture typically has fans respond the way Tommie did. In football, whether it's the NFL or college, the loss seems to fall on either the coaches or the players. Naturally, in the NFL, the loss lays at the feet of those professional athletes while the coaching staff's role is viewed with less skepticism. But in college ball, the brunt of a loss seems to attach the coaches to that situation -- or moment. You guys are reading into Frazier's statements too much there. I can't understand this hatred. And to hold Tommie's short NAIA head coaching position over his head - is over the top in my opinion. (Plus I think he did a fine job as an assistant coach at Baylor under Kevin Steele.) Just imagine at my alma mater, the University of Georgia. Are we as fans going to give our beloved Herschel Walker grief over a 2-year failed effort as head coach of Berry College? LOL! Hahahahahahaha!! (Herschel ... You are a washed up loser! LOL!!) [I'm only kidding Herschel, if you see this post! People on this website are being ugly to one of college football's finest players all time, and it saddens me. You and Frazier are wonderful winners!] That would not change Georgia fans' feelings of how they feel about Herschel Walker at all. Believe me! I know my own state. And likewise, the short Doane College stint does not define Tommie as well. Like Herschel Walker, Tommie Frazier guided Nebraska to national championships (somebody besides Alabama, thank the LORD). And he played for Montreal in the CFL and also went on to coach at Baylor (where I think he needed to stay in the Division I level anyway).

Adam Treu was awesome! Treu was a great, great offensive lineman for the University of Nebraska.

I think Nebraska and Colorado should both return to the Big Twelve. And Notre Dame would be a nice fit in the current Big Ten. The Irish got shellacked this year playing an ACC-heavy football schedule. They need to play a schedule against teams that are regularly on their schedule. Year after year, the Irish face Purdue, Northwestern, and Indiana. Notre Dame is a natural fit for the Big Ten -- the league of physicality. A move like that could save Coach Brian Kelly's job I feel. Nebraska on the other hand is a Midwest power who has always been a combination of physicality meshed with finesse via the recruits that Dr. Tom Osborne would bring in from places like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Los Angeles. Our rivals from our past -- Colorado, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and even Oklahoma --- we are comfortable facing those teams. We know them. For about 100 years, we've played them. I am for my Nebraska Cornhuskers returning back to their homeland to face their true rivals instead of having to face all these powerful schools from a distant region of the country. Again, the challenge favors the Big Ten in this matchup between Nebraska and these schools from the Michigan - Ohio region. I don't like the set-up and never have. I'm for my Nebraska Cornhuskers returning home to face another group of very familiar opponents. I've heard that Coach Snyder wants Nebraska to come back to the Big Twelve. Let's take him up on that idea!

I'm with Nebhawk. People, everyone.... We need to go home, Our true conference is and has always been the Big Eight (currently now known as the Big 12). This Big Ten experiment is a flop. And it's not a reflection on the amazing Nebraska football tradition. I've been saying this time and time again. We need to return to the Big Eight (which is now consolidated with the Southwestern Conference) which happens to co-exist with the Big 12 now. We must return home. Besides, the Big Ten is not a good league anyway. Scripture says "do not cast your pearls before swine." The Big Ten is historically known for being a slow and not always very good conference. We have nothing to lose by exiting and returning home. I watched Iowa blow us off the line both on offense and on defense yesterday afternoon. Let's return home to the Big 12 (Big Eight). We have played Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and the two Oklahoma teams over the last 100 years. Those teams created that home environment we used to know. I had access to satellite TV, so I was able to watch all of the great moments --- and look at how talented Missouri is right now in the SEC! They are a threat in the SEC right now, even though the league enjoys solid football talent. So the Big Eight is legit ball --- which makes the Big 12 some good football too!!! We can make this move and then regroup. I love Nebraska. I just want to see our school get the love and respect it deserves nationally and regionally.

GBRFAN, you attack Tommy Armstrong Jr. I read that. You want an NFL style passer i.e. Aaron Rodgers to lead this offense. I get that. However, Aaron Rodgers types are few and far between ... So it would be difficult to say the least that the University of Nebraska could lure such an elite QB of that NFL caliber here. I've always been enamored with our running QBs namely Turner Gill, Tommie Frazier, Steve Taylor, Scott Frost, Mickey Joseph, etc., etc. And Tommy Armstrong Jr. is a good fit much in the Nebraska tradition. What I saw differed from your opinion. Iowa won today's game by dominating on both sides of the ball. They won today's game in the trenches. Our offensive and defensive line play was a sad one-sided affair. If we could dominate the line of scrimmage like we used to, then QB play wouldn't be the issue. Tommy threw nice strikes all game long, but when the offensive and defensive lines can't push and shove -- it makes it so hard to make up the difference. I think WR Jordan Westerkamp is one of the best receivers I've ever seen at Nebraska. It's such a crying shame that none of our current linemen can't have the same impact on today's game as past standouts like former offensive linemen had namely Eric Anderson, Steve Ott, Aaron Graham, Aaron Taylor, Zach Wiegert, Chris Dishman, Rob Zatechka, and Will Shields. We used to own the offensive line. It's not a replacement at QB that you need, GBRFAN. You need to re-tool the offensive line man. Plain and Simple!!!!

Is Iowa a superior team? I saw the post that is locked up! I know I'm in the wrong thread, but even so ... here is my response! No way!!!! Iowa isn't better than Nebraska. This is crazy!!!! We fail to remember our place in the country. I love Nebraska. I may be a Georgian for Nebraska, but they have my team since 8th grade. I love my Cornhuskers!!! I'm wearing my NU sweatshirt right now ... WITH PRIDE here in Georgia!!! Iowa better than Nebraska!? Are you kidding me!? Let me grab an angry Craig James (formerly of ESPN) facial expression and blast away at this notion!!!!! Iowa has never accomplished anything EVER!!!!!!! They maintain above .500 ball year after year, but they don't have the speed and/or the name brand to ever make it to the big stage. Nebraska does. But --- and I feel that I can include myself even though I am a UGA grad --- Nebraska is a NATIONAL POWER!!!! Nebraska has played on the big stage multiple times in the past. (Iowa is taking advantage of that fact that we are just utterly displaced playing in a strange league that is far from the home of all Nebraskans!!! It's not fair!!!) Hey guys, and I hope there are those out there listening to me! We are at a disadvantage in this crazy situation that former Coach Bo Pelini created!!!! I HATE it!!!!!! Who did this those few years ago? Who dropped us into a new league where we had to leave and abandon our old rivals, their cities/college towns, and their stadiums? Who did this? I want to know. I believe Bo and Carl Pelini had a great influence in pushing my beloved Nebraska into a foreign league (The Big Ten) that we are not that familiar with. THIS is NOT fair!!!!! : ( However, all of the Big Ten teams know about us.... Why? It's easy to see! I'll argue my points in favor of Nebraska just as Michael Savage tackles his points on his conservative political radio show! This is an outrage! This thing needs to be FIXED!!!!! Our familiar foes are Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It's cruel what has been done against Nebraska's free will. I couldn't imagine my alma mater Georgia being dragged out of the SEC and then sent to the ACC where elite league opponents like UNC, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Florida State just prepare and plan against to annihilate us (these teams would undoubtedly trade notes to each other on how to defeat us)!!!! I hate this idea. And then Georgia would leave its rivals of all those past years. We've played Auburn for more than 100 years. (and I imagine Nebraska has played Kansas State for about 100 years.) A move to another league could cripple my alma mater Georgia. And I'm watching this very move cripple my Nebraska. I can't the stand the Big Ten. They are not in the same class with Nebraska on a national level (outside of Ohio State). I sure hope we can return to the Big 12 --- and very soon. We deserve better. This is a cruel experiment that somebody (perhaps the Pelini family) has placed upon us. And I hate to see my Nebraska being used and abused by that! And it's been year after year. Fellow Nebraska fans....Please, let's push --- reach out to our administration --- and make a move to return home to the Big 12 (Big Eight). Please guys! Let's get this thing started. I can't stand the Big Ten! They don't deserve this free shot at us the same way the ACC would not deserve a free shot at my alma mater Georgia! It makes me sick to think about it.

Tommy Armstrong Jr. is terrific! I don't know why people feel that he won't be a quarterback post Nebraska.....? He'll be fine in my opinion. He may not enter the league (the NFL) but Armstrong is definitely CFL worthy. He'll have a pro football career as a QB. My fears aren't about his future, but about Nebraska's following the 2016 season. I don't see any sign of a future Nebraska quarterback on the Cornhuskers' roster or on their recruits' list. I know. I've searched and haven't seen a Lamar Jackson (Louisville Cardinals) anywhere in sight to keep this wonderful Big Red Machine going. I think to the past and remember with awe the brilliance of quarterbacks like Turner Gill, Nate Mason, Steve Taylor, Tommie Frazier, Scott Frost, Eric Crouch, and Jammal Lord. I loved those teams, wow! Right now, Coach Bobby Petrino sure does enjoy one of these Nebraska-caliber QBs in his Lamar Jackson. Ohio St. Coach Urban Meyer enjoys another ... in his quarterback J.T. Barrett (that guy is smooth and dominates with his poise running and passing the ball). Maybe we can find a suitable replacement for Tommy Armstrong Jr. after he's gone. I'll keep paying attention to see how that goes. I know I have just enjoyed keeping up with my Nebraska Cornhuskers over all these years. They've been a blessing to me. I remember Turner Gill spinning and churning only to fall into the end zone to defeat LSU 21-20 in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 1983 back when I was a little kid. I'm still hoping that this current team will finish out strong and cement Tommy Armstrong's legacy. Let's beat Maryland (5-5) to get to 9 wins next Saturday. Let's make 2016 as great a season as we possibly can .... and then we can ponder life after this season. I want a Big Ten Championship this year.

I've been saying it all along. Scott Frost is your answer!

gossamorharpy man, don't get me started. You obviously don't know Nebraska's history at running back, and how depth completes our team. Your knowledge cannot race past 5-10 years of this school's storied history. Man. Anyone can see our mistake by allowing Aaron Green to leave. At running back, you have to stock up. You have to!!!! Attrition will rock you. It crushed our NU when we had to face Melvin Gordon and Wisconsin a month ago. A banged up Ameer Abdullah was not going to be enough going into that matchup. Nebraska teams of the past loaded up at running back. We did not let 5-star RBs leave. We didn't!!!! 1980 - Jarvis Redwine, Roger Craig, Craig Johnson. Great depth. No one left or transferred. The team went 10-2. 1981 - Roger Craig, Mike Rozier ... both combined for over 2,000 yards rushing as tailbacks. No one left the team. 9-3. 1982 - Roger Craig and Mike Rozier again. Ditto. 12-1 record. Jeff Smith joined the fine duo. 1983 - Roger Craig, Jeff Smith, Paul Miles ... you got to have depth. Scoring Explosion, 12-1. Move on ... 1987 - Keith Jones, Ken Clark, Tyreese Knox ... tremendous depth. Keep everyone happy! Tom Osborne did (while Coach Pelini kept Aaron Green on the bench in 2011) Huskers roll to 10-2. 1988 - Ken Clark, Tyreese Knox, Leodis Flowers ... these were tremendously talented runners. Osborne didn't let anyone transfer. It worked. A 11-2 finish and a Big Eight title. Move on a few more years ... 1991 - Calvin Jones and Derek Brown ... Both wanted to be the MAN. Calvin Jones was a 5 star recruit that wanted to start. He was patient. Derek Brown ran to 1,300 yards while Calvin Jones piled up 900 yards (8.3 yards a carry). Coach Osborne kept them happy, even when the duo felt discontent. 9-2-1 record. 1992 - The "We Backs" Calvin Jones and Derek Brown both ran north of 1,000 yards that season. Jones averaged 7.2 per carry. Brown was a shifty 5-9, 185 pounder who remained elusive while Jones ran a 4.3 forty yard dash and had several 90 yard touchdown runs during his career. 9-3 record. We had depth back then. Coach Osborne found a way to keep his running backs from leaving. Coach Bo Pelini blew this task. I have been watching TCU's Aaron Green's stat line the entire year knowing fully what a huge, HUGE error this was ... that the current Nebraska had forgotten how the former version of itself had managed to successfully build up its running back depth.

Tommy Armstrong compares far more with successful QBs that have come through the ranks at Nebraska far more than Joe Dailey. Why keep that young man's name in your memory? It's unfair to his family. I don't think UGA fans are going to continue bashing a similar QB named Christian LeMay because he was unable to make good of his time while he was with the University. LeMay's with Jacksonville State now. He - like Joe Dailey - is / was not D-1 level material. It happens. Actually, if you want to know the truth. Dailey was the bi-product of poor recruiting by former coach Frank Solich. Tommy Armstrong has been a solid recruit for NU from the get-go. And he's done admirably on the field thus far. People seem to forget his recent miraculous comeback win over Iowa in overtime on the road a month ago. They scare me the way they just completely block that out of their minds. Well, I haven't forgotten it. In fact, if Coach Barney Cotton had put the ball in Tommy's hands late in the 4th quarter on 4th-and-2 instead of racing De'Morney Peirson-El around the end off the sweep, then we are still driving toward the end zone to either tie or win Saturday's game with Southern Cal. Again, there was a heated recruiting battle over blue chip recruit Carlyle Holiday in Jan./Feb. 2001. Holiday - talented mobile QB - had promised Nebraska that he was either going with them or Notre Dame. Coach Solich and all of Nebraska watched helplessly as the young man made up his mind which team to sign a letter of intent with. I kept up with this story too. And I was so hopeful Carlyle Holiday would choose Nebraska. Anyway, Holiday chose Notre Dame at the last minute on National Signing Day. Nebraska had to settle for Joe Dailey (who like Christian LeMay was not a D-1 level guy). Carlyle Holiday leads Notre Dame to a nice 10-3 record in 2002, while Dailey falls apart in his only season in 2004. It was the tale of two mobile QBs. One good and the other not so good. I just think Tommy Armstrong falls into a similar category with past successful Husker signal callers like Tommie Frazier, Steve Taylor, Keithen McCant, Mickey Joseph, Eric Crouch, Turner Gill, Nate Mason, Scott Frost, and McCathorn Clayton. Now, those guys helped build Coach Tom Osborne's legacy. You can't compare Armstrong with Dailey because Dailey is not a D-1 player. Armstrong has nearly two full seasons of starter's experience. Dailey needed to be with a Division I-AA school IMHO.

Johnny Stanton completes one pass for 6 yards all season long, and all of a sudden ... he's the starting QB for 2015 for Nebraska. Tommy Armstrong just got through completing 32 of 51 passes for well over 300 yards with just one pick in a near-comeback victory - a 45-42 loss to powerhouse USC ... and all of a sudden, Tommy's not good enough. He played with so much heart the other night ago. I loved Armstrong's effort that night. I don't like this conversation - or this thread.

California Husker, you are not the only one high on A.J. Bush. He's from my home state. My UGA has his teammate Lorenzo Carter at DE. Bush is an outstanding athlete and quarterback - and I am so glad he picked Nebraska. He'll be there to scrap and add tremendous depth to the QB position. He's a steal. Our OC Mike Bobo should have made a push to get Bush. My UGA needs him right now. But I am so happy to see he's helping my Nebraska. I am still a huge Tommy Armstrong supporter, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Coach Riley can do to assist Armstrong's game (he was amazing in the Iowa game [4 TD's]). Coach Kevin Steele is soon to join the coaching staff, and he's the one that recruited Tommie Frazier. I still keep holding out and holding my breath - hoping that Scott Frost will join our coaching staff. We need some hope for the future. Frost would provide just that. You need some youth in this coaching staff seriously. Look at how Alabama runs its coaching staff and situation. It's a no brainer.

We must bring in Scott Frost as our OC ASAP!!!! This is how I strongly feel; I don't care what negative feedback Hedley Lamar provides! I watched Frost, and he went all out for Nebraska during his tenure as QB back in '96 and '97. Now I don't know what kind of bridges he's burned to be such a bothersome topic for Hedley Lamar, but the guy will take care of Nebraska offensively. He knows what they need. Oregon State coach Mike Riley is well versed in the arts of the pro style offense attack, but that is not how the Cornhuskers roll! Tommie Frazier, Steve Taylor, Scott Frost, Mickey Joseph, McCathorn Clayton, Turner Gill, Nate Mason ... this is how NU rolls! Get Scott Frost at all cost!!! The offense will need him. 45 passes a game will put way too much stress on the defense. But I'm not worrying about it. I'm putting my trust and faith in Scott Frost!! As soon as the Oregon football season ends, I'm looking for Scott Frost to sign the dotted line.

Actually, this is the very first thought that entered my mind last night as the thought came to me. Dr. Tom Osborne could come back and resurrect this thing -- Nebraska football. I have been so discouraged over the direction of my Cornhuskers football team here lately. Tommy Armstrong (12 of 19, 223 passing yards, zero interceptions) was just amazing Saturday, and then Nathan Gerry came on to play the game of his life when he raced past all defenders on a blocked field goal scoop and return. And Armstrong's improvisation on the beautiful roll out using every bit of his 4.54 40 time to race forward and then just loft the prettiest deep ball to a wide open Kenny Bell --- that was awesome!!!! Again, the direction of our program concerns me. We need a role model for the kids living in Nebraska. Dr. Tom Osborne was always my role model even though I grew up in Georgia and was cheering for my Alma Mater, UGA. Still, Nebraska has been my strong 2nd favorite team since 8th grade. Tom Osborne could do what Coach Snyder is doing to help out Kansas State. He could come back in for a brief while and give the program back its stability. Coach Osborne is a kind and Godly man, a strong Christian. And his players would go through brick walls for him. I remember the effort that Ed Stewart gave for Coach Osborne. And Trev Alberts ... WOW!!! John Reece ... those guys took control ... because they were being led by a man of tremendous integrity who also had their backs like no other. Bring him back! Bring him back now! I remember how Iowa handed us a 10-7 loss during Osborne's tenure that was one of Nebraska's three losses in 1981. That game ... seeing Phil Blatcher and Iowa take us out like that just killed me; it made me sick! Let Osborne take on the sideline and coach our team against Iowa! He still has a score a settle with them, I am right there with him! I can't stand Iowa!!! Whoever our coach is Friday afternoon, let's get them! This will make us 9-3 as Turner Gill's '81 squad also reached a 9-3 finish (in spite of the 10-7 Iowa loss that year). Better things were ahead of NU as they would go on to 24-2 in the next two glorious seasons of Nebraska football history. I just don't want us to give up on the players of this team. I want that win over Iowa! I sure couldn't accept it then (1981) and will never accept the idea now! Now -- if we need to clean house with our current staff -- I get that. I'm sure Eichorst and Osborne are probably completely on top of this more than people think. I loved Osborne's kind and loving demeanor. For a Georgia graduate, he's still my favorite college football coach -- sorry Bear Bryant -- of all time!

I think this guy has big play potential. I think we need to make a wingback spot for him as a running back/wide receiver running trap plays and reverses out of the backfield to go along with his role as being a developing wide receiver as this season goes along. Nobody said it on here yet, but I thought this long ago after the Florida Atlantic game. He's another Irving Fryar, Anthony Steels, or Johnny Rodgers, and I suggest that we make such a role available to this scatback! Man, he can run!!! He could bust some big plays in that backfield along with Ameer Abdullah, Imani Cross, and Tommy Armstrong! He's an exciting play-maker!!!

I think this thread is spot on. I've witnessed its critics all through it, but I think Imani Cross could become one of those banger type down-hill runners much like Wisconsin's MO. If Imani gets the rushes, he might heat up as the game continues. I'll keep seeing his shifty 51 yard TD run in my mind, replaying it in my head, which occurred on November 16, 2013 against Michigan State early in the 3rd quarter - who had one of the very best defenses in the country last year! Cross has got it!!!!! There was nothing Michigan State could do on that play to contain Cross!!!! I say let's increase his role as this will work to keep Ameer Abdullah healthy through the course of the entire season! They'll make each other better. I-backs Derek Brown and Calvin Jones made each other better 20 years ago or so! We'll see this happen with Cross and Abdullah this year! I think it'll be a good thing.

BigRedBuster. I've got your back in regard to Tommy Armstrong. I watched him toast my alma mater on New Year's Day. No one has tell me anything. I've just been keeping silent, taking in what other observers say ... and not really giving it much thought. Tommy's working very hard according to the various accounts I've been reading up on. He's buying into Nebraska's somewhat hidden Turner Gill tradition. He knows he's the next in line. Man, Turner Gill beat LSU in an Orange Bowl matchup a good number of years ago taking out the Dalton Hilliard led Tigers! I'll never forget that, Gill turning, twisting, spinning, and falling into the end zone to push the Cornhuskers ahead (I think the score was 21-20...?) for good that night. I'm excited about the upcoming season. Tommy Armstrong is going to be fun to watch this coming fall.

"Nebraska 2014 Football - Be Ready" clip video footage is very inspiring indeed. Wow!

You're right, Saunders45. You're right. I 100% agree. People did get way too carried away about Taylor Martinez. I always thought fans have been over the top regarding Taylor Martinez. He was another of a long line of excellent athletic QBs to lead NU. You are right. He deserves better. The fan base has been awful to Martinez I have noticed. He was a pretty good quarterback to take over in Lincoln, Neb. for the past few years. Still, he does have his fans here too posting positive vibes about him. I have read them from time to time. Still, there is no reason for all the bashing. That is unnecessary.

Hey True2tRA. I was just wanting to add some affirmation to what you've been saying in defense of Tommy Armstrong. Hey. I agree with everything you've said. I too struggle with trying to understand some of our fan base here at Nebraska. After seeing Armstrong throttle my Alma Mater Georgia in the Gator Bowl, that was pivotal. Only he could have pulled that off on us (my Alma Mater [Georgia]; Nebraska is my official 2nd favorite team and has been so since 1981). Armstrong threw that redzone touchdown pass for starters and then hit the 99 yarder to Quincy Enunwa. His 24 yard run on like the game's 4th play or so nearly went for 60 if he could he broken a tackle there -- which he nearly did! It's going to be a fun ride watching Tommy Armstrong lead the Cornhusker offense for years to come. I'm looking forward to it too.

I would have liked to have seen Tommy Armstrong and Rex Burkhead in the same backfield together running the option play. Now, that would have been nice!

Just taking in NUpolo8's comments on Tommie Frazier and just allowing that to sink in. I think Tommie did all he could do at the University of Nebraska during his playing career. I'm aware of his coaching experiences at Baylor and Doane College. I on the other hand, would have liked to have seen how Touchdown Tommie would have done had he headed back home to Florida. My gut feeling is that he'd mixed in better at one of the many schools inside the state of Florida. He could have taken his wife and kids and returned home to find a school that would have those type A personality ball players that would best fit his style. He did a wonderful job at NU by getting Nebraska over the hump in the '90s. That's enough of an accomplishment by itself! It looks like he could have returned home to make it as a positions coach. I would have liked to have seen that for Frazier. Nebraska had its national championships from 1970 and 1971 (and should have had one in 1983 [kick the PAT and make Miami's 28-3 regular season loss to Florida stick]). Frazier gave Nebraska a few more after the Johnny Rodgers era. I could see Tommie Frazier coaching the quarterbacks at a place like Central Florida FWIW. He'd have them humming - I have no doubt!

Hahahaha! I hear you, EbylHusker. Once again, this is living proof that we are making way too much of a big deal out of the quarterback position. Ryker Fyfe does an outstanding job helping out the Cornhuskers. He works just as hard in practice I'm sure. My younger brother was a backup walk-on field goal kicker at Jacksonville St., so I know Ryker is definately paying his dues and putting in his time. God bless him. I myself have been thinking about our running backs and offensive linemen and their depth for 2014. Recall that nice, large depth chart to the pipeline during the 1995 season....? You had awesome 6-3, 315-pound Chris Dishman (who had zero starts prior to the '95 season) being listed as a preseason all-American before the season even started. And then you had a haus like Matt Vrzal that came off the bench. We should place our focus on the entire team depth wise offensively and defensively and not just at one position.

Johnny Manziel finished 8-4 this year - but his defense has a lot to do with the struggling Texas A&M record (as compared to last season's 11-2 mark). Johnny Stanton seems to be more of your prototypical standard passing quarterback [maybe a Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions' QB)]. Stanton will work the vertical passing game - which will make him a valuable asset next year, but he's not a runner like the elusive Johnny Manziel. So I really don't understand all of this "Johnny Football" love and hype as it's expressed for Johnny Stanton at this point in time. The actual Johnny Manziel would compare to the likes of past football greats such as Steve Young (SF 49ers) and especially Fran Tarkenton (Minnesota Vikings). For the record, the actual Johnny Football is lightning quick. He is a rare commodity for Texas A&M. Johnny Stanton is coming off ACL surgery too ... so you have to take that into account IMHO. He may still be very good ... but I doubt very seriously that he is a copy of Johnny Manziel. Again, I will say it here, that Stanton will provide the vertical passing game much like Craig Sundberg did for Nebraska from way back in the early to mid '80s. Again, everybody wants to write off Tommy Armstrong - which baffles me. He runs Nebraska's old school option offense. I love to watch Armstrong run the option. He breaks ankles. The time traveler from the mid '90s can flat out run the option. He had an impressive effort against Michigan in The Big House on Nov. 9 in Nebraska's 17-13 win by rushing 12 times for 13 yards and completing 11 of 19 passes for 139 yards without any fumbles or interceptions that evening. Of course, Armstrong won the game off a 5 yard shovel pass to Ameer Abdullah late in the 4th quarter. I agree with a post that explained it earlier on this thread that we'll be paper thin in QB depth next year. Let's allow both of these guys to take care of the program instead of giving one of them the cold shoulder. Both QBs...it will take them both to get Nebraska through a tough 12-game regular season. And, maybe Johnny Stanton will be "Johnny Football - Part 2," and also ... maybe Tommy Armstrong will continue to improve and become Nebraska's "Touchdown Tommie - Part 2" as well! Let's just get behind them both! It will take them both as Armstrong involves more contact with his game than did Taylor Martinez - who was instructed to slide to avoid injury in many situations during his career. The probability of injury will exist that much more with the athletically talented Armstrong. Therefore, coach Bo Pelini will need to rely on both Nebraska signal callers to get the Cornhuskers through a long 12-, 13-game regular season. This is how I see it.