TheSker

It's about personnel. A lot of the pieces are looking good. The LB needs settled.....and it will be the one who shows they can tackle.

BTW anyone care to know what actually happened on the long run by the RB? Santos had the play snuffed out only to have the guard essentially arm tackle him in the hole. I kept watching the play over and over and couldn't figure out how the hell he missed the tackle but that's what it was.

 

Missed LB tackles are a nemesis of a Pelini defense.....but good tackling in Pelini's system will put up All-American numbers......the Barrett Ruuds, Demorrio Williams and LaVonte Davids. If that is not in place, we can struggle, like last season. That's why it looks like Bando or Rose may be given an opportunity.

It wasn't that he missed it, it was that he was literally held in the hole. Clean play by WYO and we stop it for a 1 yard gain at most. I didn't really care too much about the missed calls, but that was a big one.

 

I hear ya. As a LB though, they have to get off blocks and not get held. Getting off blocks was an issue at times for Will Compton for example.

BTW anyone care to know what actually happened on the long run by the RB? Santos had the play snuffed out only to have the guard essentially arm tackle him in the hole. I kept watching the play over and over and couldn't figure out how the hell he missed the tackle but that's what it was.

 

Missed LB tackles are a nemesis of a Pelini defense.....but good tackling in Pelini's system will put up All-American numbers......the Barrett Ruuds, Demorrio Williams and LaVonte Davids. If that is not in place, we can struggle, like last season. That's why it looks like Bando or Rose may be given an opportunity.

Bo's scheme is weak against the run. We'll be soft against the run until he changes his philosophy and commits to stopping the run.

I agree......Pelini's defensive trademark stats have historically been in three areas....pass efficiency defense, turnovers and scoring defense. The good news is when you rank high in scoring defense it means you're winning some games. The upgrade in talent will help as it would help any coordinator. It certainly helped Charlie McBride.

There really is not a lot of difference. Both are/were so stubborn/arrogant. Bo has some wins, but really any time we need a big win, we seldom get it. Defensively his record is worse than Cosgrove.

 

Clownahan split the fan base, Bo really is on his way to doing that. You can see it on this board. Many that have endorsed him without question, now are wondering if we are headed in the right direction. All on here love this program more than the average fan I think. This message board is quoted many times in the local papers and even on National TV.

 

We have endured three consecutive embarrassing losses/win. Nothing but negative on national TV. This affects the kids we recruit. They see it, they question, can this guy get me ready for the NFL? We need positives on the field.

 

Sometimes we are wrong, I supported Frank to the bitter end, and so did I with Clownahan. I am supporting Bo, but he has shortfalls that need to be addressed, and they should be by him.

 

I do not want Coach Pelini fired, I do not think this program can stand it. But for fans not to see there are problems, I just do not understand. I have heard the best defense we have ever had a couple of times. I truly bought in this year, and I am not saying that it can not turn into a good defense. If this happens against UCLA, there are going to be real problems for Bo.

I think perhaps Pelini's biggest shortfall has been recruiting. The staff has addressed that the past two years. I think evidence of that was on the field Saturday night. You say you support Pelini and don't want him fired because the program can't stand it......if you read your post again, your support for Pelini doesn't seem very firm. At least not to me. As far as this board being a representation, it's a fun board....but there are 14 posters on here right now.

He could win by putting a good defense on the field.

Apparently he won Saturday without doing so......though several posters seem to be realizing it wasn't so bad after re-watching the game.

Man do you ever stop gagging on him? If you think Pap is the man calling the plays, designing the scheme I have some ocean front property in Kansas that you really need to look at. Pap is the YesC

 

I understand about Pap. As far as your other point, I remember very well what it was like having Cally and Cos here. I remember losing records, missing a bowl and the stadium emptying at halftime when Okie Lite was destroying us. Yes, I'll take Pelini over that any day of the week and twice on Saturday. And despite the grumblings about the 600 flippin' yards, I saw talent on defense that Pelini has lacked bringing in until the last couple of seasons. So pardon me if I'm not that worried about where Pelini falls on some silly Cosgrove chart.

I do agree with you assessment of the d-line. I'm just not sold it's translated into production yet.

Correct. At this point, Pelini and Pap are figuring out the combos that are most productive. And as one of the coaches said....seeing who performs once the lights in the stadium come on.

I'm not saying fire Bo, but I'm saying fire him if he doesn't change his approach and eliminate these embarrassments.

So you're not saying fire Bo, or you are saying fire Bo? What are you saying? You should probably also compare Pelini to Callahan and not Cosgrove......or compare Pap to Cosgrove.....since one is HC and the other is DC. That aside, while all this yardage stuff is fine to bring up, Pelini has made corrective steps that we could see against Wyoming. Pelini and staff have done a better job recruiting. One other thing with this Pelini and Cosgrove giving up a billion yards debate......let me know when Pelini has even one losing season (Cally/Cos had two) or if Pelini misses a bowl....such as Cally/Cos did.

What is up with our punt return strategy? We don't even attempt to set up a return or go for the block. Just stand there and watch the punter while Wyoming's coverage team heads toward Turner unblocked, and he doesn't even attempt a fair catch - which I guess makes sense with 8 Wyoming guys in his face.

 

On defense I spent most of the time watching the line. There were times we did get a some pressure on Smith with 4, but I still think it's being way overstated. It seemed more often than not he had a clean pocket to sit in and go threw his progressions.

 

Imani Cross is so much more than just a short yardage back. Tremendous vision and balance, and some nice moves for a big guy - underrated quickness. He's an every down back right now.

 

Enunwa is my favorite WR on this team.

 

Martinez was efficient. And I watched the INT several times in slow motion to see why people were trying to blame the WR, but from the TV angle it seemed like it went right over his head and into the defenders lap.

Wyoming was punting rugby style which gives them time to get downfield and also makes the punt more dangerous to field. Our ability to get a defensive push on the line was much improved. Injuries and lack of depth were an issue, and Stein was undersized. Our size and depth at DT is youthful, but it's got potential. Cross looked like our best back......he will get his carries this season. We have it very good with Bell and Enunwa. Bell can really stretch the field, and Enunwa has as good of hands as anyone.....apparently as does Westerkamp. Martinez called the INT a miscommunication.....receivers coach Rich Fisher said Burtch's route was good. It's on Martinez.

I'm still not seeing a big improvement with rushing 4, but a lot of people seem to see it so I'll take them at their word. Let's hope the perceived added pressure is making some sort of difference by the time UCLA comes to town.

 

If the INT was a miscommunication, and Burtch was supposed to go where the ball was thrown, it still would have been a matter of Martinez throwing into coverage. Either way, it seems like it's on him. But again, a lot of people are seeing something else, so I guess it's up for discussion.

Last season our undersized d-line would at times get blown off the LOS. Injuries and guys scooting over from DE just made it tough. We have some better size and depth now.....it's just young but looked pretty good for a first game. A lot of people who were seeing something else assumed Burtch ran a bad route and I think a couple of sportswriters wrote it was a bad route also. I'm going to assume Rich Fisher is the accurate one.

What is up with our punt return strategy? We don't even attempt to set up a return or go for the block. Just stand there and watch the punter while Wyoming's coverage team heads toward Turner unblocked, and he doesn't even attempt a fair catch - which I guess makes sense with 8 Wyoming guys in his face.

 

On defense I spent most of the time watching the line. There were times we did get a some pressure on Smith with 4, but I still think it's being way overstated. It seemed more often than not he had a clean pocket to sit in and go threw his progressions.

 

Imani Cross is so much more than just a short yardage back. Tremendous vision and balance, and some nice moves for a big guy - underrated quickness. He's an every down back right now.

 

Enunwa is my favorite WR on this team.

 

Martinez was efficient. And I watched the INT several times in slow motion to see why people were trying to blame the WR, but from the TV angle it seemed like it went right over his head and into the defenders lap.

Wyoming was punting rugby style which gives them time to get downfield and also makes the punt more dangerous to field. Our ability to get a defensive push on the line was much improved. Injuries and lack of depth were issues last season, and Stein was undersized. Our size and depth at DT is youthful, but it's got potential. Cross looked like our best back......he will get his carries this season. We have it very good with Bell and Enunwa. Bell can really stretch the field, and Enunwa has as good of hands as anyone.....apparently as does Westerkamp. Martinez called the INT a miscommunication.....receivers coach Rich Fisher said Burtch's route was good. It's on Martinez.

The quality of our depth on both sides of the ball is as good as it's been in a long time.

Does anyone else think that Bando had just as good a game or even better game than Santos!?

It seems to me that Bando had a quick first step and was quite aggressive for much of the game. Santos looked a bit tentative...

I saw plenty of good things to like about Gerry as well as far as the LBs are concerned.

Me. Looked like Santos was thinking too much...while Bando did that some, not nearly as much.

 

Lets be honest... The only reason Santos is playing that position is because he knows the defense the best. He sucks there in comparison to his more natural OLB position.

If Bando takes over do we see Santos move to OLB?

 

I wouldn't think so......Santos would become what we call "depth"

As long as you aren't blaming Tmart for either of those as one was the wr breaking the wrong way and the other play shouldn't have been called and should have been blown dead.

Interesting quote from Rich Fisher (seems to me Fisher is defending his guy without specifically calling Martinez out)......"Fisher said. "Burtch was fine. He ran the right route. I wouldn't say it's on anybody. Burtch did the right thing.""

I think he zigged when he should have zagged on that one.

 

Well, apparently Martinez threw the zag on a zig route.

Does anyone else think that Bando had just as good a game or even better game than Santos!?

Based on his comment about it, I'd say Pelini thought Bando outplayed Santos.

Signed Dabo

 

Hey if you think Dabo's the guy that can make it happen better than Pelini can here, you should start trying to get your appointment with Eichorst.

You know how to solve that problem. Do it right. at 3+ million a year you should be able to.

 

You would think so.....signed, Hawkeye

I used to think it was an experience issue, or a scheme issue. Last year people tried to convince me it was a talent issue. I'm beginning to lean towards it being a psychological issue...which is ultimately a coaching issue.

 

I really believe over the next couple of games it will become clear talent was an issue.....too undersized at DT, not athletic enough at DE and too slow at LB.

Undersized at DT? VV is 320 pounds. He had 30 pounds on every Wyoming lineman. And Gregory is one of the best athletes I've seen at DE in a long time. And we're quicker than I've seen in forever at LBer. Are you talking about last year still? Because my issue is currently with this years team. We've had vastly different spectrums of talent and experience, and the only thing consistent is performance. I'm finding it harder and harder to believe anything other than the 1 constant (coaching) throughout each era is the issue.

Yeah, sorry......that's why I said over the next couple of games it will become more clear. I think our performance will improve quickly because we have the components in place like you mentioned in your post. I think we need more production from the other DE spot, but our talent on the front 7 is improved over last year. We'll get better defensively each game with these chess pieces in place.

I used to think it was an experience issue, or a scheme issue. Last year people tried to convince me it was a talent issue. I'm beginning to lean towards it being a psychological issue...which is ultimately a coaching issue.

 

I really believe over the next couple of games it will become clear talent was an issue.....too undersized at DT, not athletic enough at DE and too slow at LB.

Houston Nutt has wondered "what if?" he had boarded that plane. We might be able to get him now.....if we can overlook his 24-26 record during his time at Ole Miss.

The freshmen and newcomers on this defense give us plenty to be excited about. Our DTs were getting a push that we were simply too undersized to get the previous couple of years. Gregory has the athleticism we have lacked at that DE spot. Ankrah I believe only has 3 career sacks, so it will be no surprise if McMullen's snap count increases. We could easily have two speedy true freshmen out there with Gerry and Bando. Pelini and Pap have the tools on the field to do things we were just too slow to do because of our previous recruiting.

I guess us old timers, blue hairs, antiques are more about how the game is played. We were never handed trophies and told what good little tyke you are unless you earned it. Effort, pride, loyalty, dedication were are guide lines. Even out team admits it does not put the full effort into every play. That is leadership people, lack of it. The first time I truly saw and identified it was with 2nd Washington game. We have went down hill since then I think.

 

Robsker is anti Pelini and I understand why. I do not know if I feel the same about him. But I see there are shortfalls, and I truly believe it is because he is a new head coach, in over his head, with being a manager, in charge of recruiting, monitoring all the kids, parent representative, part time OC and full time DC. It is too much for one new coach to do.

 

As I have admitted to most on here, I have not like Pelini since the fiasco with Coach Snyder and the following bowl game. But I do see the good he does, how he runs this program, the graduation rates, the young men he has molded in to great citizens.

 

I can live with losses, I have seen many under Coach Osborne, and some blow outs. I can live with them. Never expect MNC or even CCG in this day and age.

 

But I do expect a well coached team, that knows what it is going on. Kids that would rather stop breathing than lose, that leave every thing they have on the field, see Bret Smith. A staff that sees what is going on, makes the changes and the kids react. No deer in the headlights stares like we saw Saturday. Game plans to win the game at all cost, no we can beat these guys with little effort attitude.

 

These are the problems I see, and have seen them since day one.

 

I am tired of the excuses, new players step up, the 7 freshmen for Wyoming did.

The Nebraska freshmen stepped up very well. And were on the winning team.

Okay there the same, equal do the same job.

 

Which would you rather have seen this weekend.

 

Give up 600 Yards to Wyoming, them having two turn overs and win by 3.

 

Beating the #5 team in the country and number #2 team in the SEC.

 

What sounds better/solid to you.

 

Would you care to predict a score between Nebraska and either of the two last weekend?

 

Currently our defense is the laughing point for all talking heads on every network, boosting our recruiting through sky certainly.

 

Dabo beats two top SEC schools in a row and one on opening night. Yea, sure they are doing equal jobs.

I would rather have seen Nebraska play. I'm a Husker. Clemson would be favored and likely beat the Huskers today. I don't dispute that. I could care less what the talking heads have to say. Our recruiting has been very good the past two seasons. It needed to be. If I want to slobber about how good Clemson is, I'll go to their fan board. I'm glad we have Pelini.

I saw players coming out of the huddle

 

?

We huddled on the Enunwa TD.

So Enunwa was supposedly shaking his head about a play call that he scored a TD on????

 

I would hope it's referring to the TD catch where he was shaking his head because he was originally ruled OOB.

But now that he has his own staff, the dysfunction just continues.

A team doesn't win 9 or more games each year of a coaching tenure if things are seriously dysfunctional.

 

You just keep hanging your hat on that absolutely worthless stat while we keep ending the season ranking in the 20's with our 9 wins. (of course people like you who keep pointing this out always leave out the 3 or 4 losses aspect of the 9 win season. I suppose that's not important to what you're trying to sell though, is it?)

 

In this age of parity where there are two million bowl games and it only takes 6 wins to get there a 9 win season is admirable. It's admirable enough that only 5 schools have accomplished it. It's not a hard sell since so few coaches have done it. Osborne did it and more. Solich didn't do it.....and Callahan's name isn't even in the same paragraph. So yes, it's a good accomplishment.