NoLongerN

I hope Turner Gill does not get the Nebraska job because he is black. If so, then it would truly be a racist thing. I have the same dream Martin Luther had, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

If Gill gets the job because of his character, because of his coaching, because of what he brings to the table as a human being and his life experiences ... then, it will be for the right reasons.

When I see all these folks say that race should be first ... to me, they violate the very heart of what Martin Luther King said ... and ... they go against what America is truly all about.

It's the best candidate that should get the job ... period.

Personally, I can see why TO thinks Gill is a great choice. I'd love to see him or Pelini get it, but color has nothing to do with it.

Mark

I hope Turner Gill does not get the Nebraska job because he is black. If so, then it would truly be a racist thing. I have the same dream Martin Luther had, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

If Gill gets the job because of his character, because of his coaching, because of what he brings to the table as a human being and his life experiences ... then, it will be for the right reasons.

When I see all these folks say that race should be first ... to me, they violate the very heart of what Martin Luther King Jr. said ... and ... they go against what America is truly all about.

It's the best candidate that should get the job ... period.

Personally, I can see why TO thinks Gill is a great choice. I'd love to see him or Pelini get it, but color has nothing to do with it.

Mark

My vote is for Bo, with Gill as the Assistant Head Coach. This would be a great tandem, with Gill being the long term option.

The KU/MU game last night was an awesome game. It was obvious that two top programs were playing who had excellent skill players who played with heart and handeled them moment well.

For me, it was an exciting college football game and worth my time. They will represent the Big 12 well ... obviously, we can't even represent the Husker tradition very well this year, let alone the Big 12.

Hopefully, these programs will do well in recruiting and bring our conference up a notch.

For us, well, we have a ways to go to be considered the program of KU and MU. Once we realize that, we might get out of this whole.

Mark

1. That pride comes before the fall. I knew that ... and now I see it here at Nebraska. We've been blowin' hot smoke for a few years ... and it finally caught up to us.

2. It all starts with a leader who can recruit, then coach, then motivate his team.

3. That the Husker program truly might not be great again ... that I might have to accept that.

Mark

Glad the season is over. I feel like Creed in the Rocky movie, "Ain't gonna be no rematch ... don't want one ... don't want one."

Hopefully, this experiment is over and we can get rid of the "pink shirts" and this coaching.

Hopefully, we can begin with some five and four star talent and get back to respectability.

To be honest, don't know if the glory days will be coming back ... we've just fallen so far.

Humbled and bummed,

Mark

It truly is a "pink shirt" defensive year ... one for the ages. Glad we did not make a bowl ... we don't deserve one.

Mark

I'm not encourage by the by the current talent nor that that is coming in.

IMHO, the Huskers will struggle next year to another 500 season. We've just lost so much ground on other programs. We usually see 0-2 five star athletes, 1-4 four star athletes and the rest 3 stars or less. When I look at the best programs, the top five, you will see a 5-7-10 type ratio. They get the best of the best year in and out over a stretch of years.

Yes, if we get the right coach ... and he instills a new attitude, then things can change by next year. But real growth comes with quality players ... and we have not had that nor do I see it in the pipes.

To me, we are kidding ourselves if we think "we are back". We are not ... and it is a real bummer.

Mark

I was reading on Rivals today that NU is #10 in recruiting thus far. I'm not impressed with the recruiting class thus far. I've heard it said that his might be the best recruiting class in 20 years!?! It would appear that we might get a Top 20 class, but it wouldn't surprize me if that was #19 or 20, if not slipping to a Top 25 recruiting class.

IMHO, when we start to have 2-3 five (5) star recruits and more four (4) star recruits, preferrable 8-12 a year, and then the rest three (3) stars, then we will truly have recruiting classes that truly "rival" the best programs.

Obviously, we all realize that the point systems have "holes" in them and that great players can come from other avenues. At present, we seem to attrack top JUCO players and then second and third rated players when we go up against the better programs recruiting.

To me, this is reality ... and sometimes I have to remind myself that being a "fan" and "reality" are two different worlds.

Just some thoughts ...

Sheepdog Mark

I agree! I'm real excited about the WR position. I can see a couple of these guys playing on Sunday for sure.

Sheepdog Mark

I gave the class a "B" as well. I really like this class, especially the emphasis on the db and ol positions. Agree with FF that it would have been nice to pick up a quarterback. Hopefully, Freeman's departure from the class won't come back to haunt us. But, I don't think you can blame Callahan and company for players switching commits at the last moment.

 

I like how Callahan described the offensive line. He said something to the extent that we were adding "girth" to our line, and he used hand gestures to emphasize their size. It reminded me how my father-in-law would describe the polled herefords that he sells every year.

 

I really like our WR corp. The fact that they're all 6'3" and taller will create some mismatches.

 

I give a C+. Top 10-15 for me would be a "B" and Top 10 would be an "A". So, am I a tough grader?! Ha!

 

Tough grader? So, every team's class BELOW a top #20 team would be a "C", "D" or "F"? You don't give a team credit for filling need positions. Wow!! You're harsh!! I Would have given this class an "A-" or "B+" if we kept Freeman and Palmer or landed another big name recruit like Walton or Deas. The coaches did another splendid job recruiting this year, IMO. Can't wait to see how the new recruits compete and play on the field.

"Harsh" is a harsh word, IMO, but it's your opinion. I was stating mine.

For me, I'm grading the class on the true basis of restoring the order in the next 3-5 years. For me, last year truly kick started the program to get to that end. If this year didn't just fill holes and be solid, I would have rated higher, the few extra players would have made the difference.

Perhaps grading is different in our eyes. In Seminary, we didn't have the 70=C, 80=D 90=A. Seminary was alot harder, 85 was a C, 90 was a B, 96 was a A- and above was an A. Why? Because life gets a lot more serious when the prize is bigger. As well, there's a big difference between "respectable" and "championships" in my mind. 3-4 classes like this in a row won't win championships, IMO, but I could be wrong.

For me, if you are going to be a big time program, get there and stay there, be a cut above the rest, the standard is much higher. It's real easy to fall into mediocrity. This class has more potential to fall into or let the program have a few holes if a few things don't pan out. A deeper, fuller class would have helped prevent that.

I won't take anything away from this class. I'm pleased. We just have to work a little harder to get over the edge getting the pump primped.

Just was giving my honest evaluation ... my two cents.

Sheepdog

Here's Sheepdogs Input as a Newbie!

1) How long have you been a member of Husker Nation?

1964 - Saturday mornings as a lil' kid were great memories of playing backyard football with friends.

2) What/who led you to The Nation?

The Spirit of God ... actually just family with "N" blood.

3) Where are you from originally?

Omaha, went to Cody Elem and Milliard North. Lived on Valley St from 64-76.

4) Where do you live now?

Live in Lubbock, TX ... it really sucks here!

5) Favorite Husker memory?

Johhny the Jet's famous punt return, also the Frost TD at Mizzou that hit the foot and ended a TD and a National Title. I saw it live!

6) Worst Husker memory?

No doubt, the loss to Miami in the Orange Bowl 31-30, especially knowing that the two point was there, Turner just threw it too hard and low, instead of out and up so only we would catch it. Also went to Husker/Sooner Orange Bowl in 79 (?), it sucked because we beat OU that year and had to play them again, think we lost 31-24, but they kicked out butts that second time.

7) Number of home games attended?

I think just 3-4, a few were when I was really young.

8) Number of away games attended?

4-5, those all being at Mizzou when I lived at the Lake of the Ozarks.

9) Favorite Husker memorabilia/apparel?

Any tape of Lyle Bremser (spelling?) doing play by play. Listened to him growing up. We taped the game on the radio and listend to the tapes years later until they just wore out.

10) Favorite place to watch a Husker game? (section in Memorial, bar, friends house etc.)

It's anywhere with my family, watched a bowl game at a Hooters once and my Mom couldn't figure out why I wasn't interested in the scenery. Go figure!

11) Favorite all time player?

Roger Craig, Rogers, Mike Rozier, Irving Fryar, Tommie Frazier, can't choose one.

12) WCO or Option?

Love the option.

13) Stevie Pederson or Billy Byrne?

Urg

14) Lil Red or Herbie Husker?

Herbie Husker.

15) Favorite Husker play?

When Turner Gill threw of to WR skipping the ball off the ground, then the WR threw a completion. Loved Steve Davis' call on the T.V.

16) Favorite game-day beverage?

Sweet tea with a fireball jaw breaker in it!

17) How did you find HuskerBoard? (referral source)

Internet search for recruiting.

Ya, losing Wallace, Walton, Deas and Palmer, along with our former 4-star QB recruit (name won't be mentioned again), would of like to have him in the pipe-line.

I give a C+. Top 10-15 for me would be a "B" and Top 10 would be an "A". So, am I a tough grader?! Ha!

Still a good class, just a couple players away from national-top notch class. But, it looks like we filled holes, so still successfull and growth for the program. Need a top 10 class next year to really compete for Big 12 Champ and truly "restore the order".

Real proud of the efforts of the staff.

Sheepdog Mark

"Support the school" ... perhaps one is supporting the school when they reject playing "puff" teams. When Pederson does this crap ... I'm just not a fan ... and I then I'm forced among all my friends and competitors to back up the Huskers while I'm embarrassed.

I'll put my "fanactic" attitude for the Huskers up against anyone ... ANYONE! Idon't think it is an issue of "support" personally.

But good for you (anyone), if you would really rather watch Nichols St. instead of a Michigan State, a North Carolina State, an Oregon State. Heck, why not a Mississippi State or a Colorado State.

My last rant on the topic.

Sheepdog Mark

Games not worth watching in 2006 ... Lousiana Tech, Nichols State, Troy

Games not worth watching in 2007 ... Nevada and Ball St.

As a fan, I just can't see why anyone would want to buy a ticket to those games. The T.V. networks certainly won't find any interest in the games and thus, those are five games I might catch on radio or the internet, but only over concern of getting upset, not because it's a game worth my time. Those are all games you should win by 30 points plus ... home or away, with the backups playing half of the third and most of the fourth quarter. Just wouldn't want to spend my money on a ticket ... certainly wouldn't travel to any of those schools to see the game.

Sheepdog Mark

This sucks ... and it's embarrassing ... and ... it's another game I won't be watching. Doesn't help recruiting ... doesn't make me want to buy a ticket ... doesn't make me want to come to NU to play football ... puts an obvious "W" on the schedule that teams and coaches from other conferences use against you.

Don't excuse this one away ... this really sucks! Just a shade lower than Troy. Let Mizzoo play teams like this.

Sheepdog Mark

I'm a Cheifs fan, wondered what others views were on them pursueing Edwards. I'd much rather keep Al Saunders and the 2nd and 3rd round draft picks, then get Edwards and give those up.

I remember when we got Vermeil but gave those up and although I'm glad we got him, I hate giving up picks. Edwards would be available in a couple of years if Saunders doesn't get it done in a couple of years.

So what do you think?

Sheepdog Mark

I'm a new member recently. Been a Husker fan since I was born, 1964, but recently wanted to get more updated on recruiting and the football team.

I was reading about the "3 strike" policy and I wanted to challenge it. I disagree with it and wanted to tell you why.

Basically, it is a "law" to show bounderies. My problem with it is that the good hearted person is strapped with the "law" now, only he didn't need the "law" to know what's right, his desire is to honor the board, honor the other members and their views. The other problem is now the person that probably wasn't gonna do what's right in the first place, he plays his same game and knows the "rules", the "lines", the "law" and then he lives life right on the "line" and still frustrates the heck out of everyone else.

Example ... formerfan. I'm already sick of the guy. It's obvious, he's a "former fan". Why even give the guy any opportunity to speak? Well yes, if it's a democracy, you should. I don't think the board should be that. He doesn't need three strikes. He knows the game he's playing and he's havin' a blast doing what he is doing. All it does is leads to more and more sarcasism as he draws more members into his game and world.

As a former Pastor, I've seen his type, seen his game ... and wanted you to know that if you kicked him out I wouldn't mind a bit. He goes against the heart of what this board is about and has no sense of community. He doesn't deserve three chances!

Now, I know I have not "thought" through everything I've said, but if it were within my power, I'd not even give the guy a chance to sit in the stadium or even be on husker property. It's a priviledge to speak our minds, maybe he could learn a little bit about acceptance and respect for people ... but he isn't gonna figure it out anytime soon.

Look, the horse is getting spanked and all he does is sit there. He doesn't care! So it is with formerfan! Cut the losses and lets move on!

Sincerely and with no offense,

Sheepdog Mark

Are you willing to play three non conference road games, all of which are against tough opponets? That is a very likely scenario with the amount of advance planning that goes into scheduling. Its also too grueling on the athletes, who will get beat up before they get into the more important part of the schedule. I like playing one big name, one decent mid major at home, and than a couple of powder puffs.

StuckinChicago,

No, I wasn't saying, "Are you willing to play three non conference road games, all of which are against tough opponets?" Obviously, as I said in the post, you would alternate all those games, so if you had 4 non-conference games, you would have two at home and two away. If you did more powderpuff games you would probably even get two at home for one away.

Sheepdog Mark

I agree with what you said. Actually, I didn't dislike the schedule this year. Ya, Maine was a powderpuff, but like I said, I don't mind the first game being that kind of game. And yes, we did play Wake Forest and Pittsburg this year.

In the past, we have not gotten games consistently like this. Again, I'd like to see us play more teams from these bigger conferences.

Sheepdog Mark

My most memorable has to be the last play! I was telling my 12, 10 and 6 year old about finishing the game and about what happened in the Stanford/Cal game and what do you know ... Terrico's (spelling) call was great if you are a fan of college football.

I was at the NU/MU (Missouri) 1997 game when Frost's pass deflected off the foot and was caught with the #1 Huskers winning in OT 45-38.

For me and where I think our program is at, this was a big win to "restoring the order" as the t-shirts say.

We played with passion and I'm just thankful that we got the "W" despite that last play. It's that play that will recall in my mind all the hard work and individual plays.

I think we will look back in a few years and see the Buff and Mich game as the starting blocks to "restoring the order".

Sheepdog Mark

I understand what you are saying, perhaps you misunderstood me a bit. I know we do "one" game, I'm talking about doing one powderpuff game and three real games that come from three big conferences. In essense, you end up with three much better games instead of only one. Then, you get a much better comparison in how well your is doing verses other conferences. For instance, if you play Iowa in the Big 10 for 2007, you didn't play Penn State but you can draw some comparisons on how well the Huskers would have done had they played Penn State based off what they did against Iowa.

It is very hard to make any comparison when you play a team like Maine. Personally, I don't even see why a Husker fan would want to pay the ticket price to see that game. The networks as well don't have any interest.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond, but thought I'd make sure others understood more fully what I was talking about.

Sheepdog Mark

The question about the Huskers upcoming schedule made me interested in others view on scheduling, so I thought I'd put up a different thread on that question.

Personally, I look at alot of 7-4 and 8-3 teams in the Big 12 and many years, feel that even those teams don't deserve a bowl trip. After all, most of these teams, including my Huskers, have 3-5 "puff" games against names like "Northeast Southcentral Middle Illionois State" ... you get the punn in the name I hope. It would appear that many schools go into a conference schedule already 4-0 or 5-0, and then they go through a conference schedule going 3-5, 4-4, etc, and that's how they got to a bowl. I really question the legitamacy of it all.

I remember K-State rebuilding their program by basically playing "nobody's" and then built confidence and a name through that. It is done, can be done and it works obviously.

I realize that the Big 12 is a tough conference and the reasoning used in scheduling "puffs". I also realize that many teams with "names" don't want to play us. I also realize the desire and money to get home and home games verses one here and one there. Nebraska has done great at getting more home games than away, that is great for many things, I agree. I love that.

But here's my thoughts ... I love having USC on the schedule these next two years, doesn't scare me at all. But I love most and would want most is to have the Huskers play a Big 10 team, a Pac 10, an ACC or an SEC team every year with a "puff" game first. I'd love to see them choose 3-4 conferences and then rotate through all those teams with home and away games. Set it up so you play more of a powerhouse one year and then a lessor recognized program another year. I'd personally love that. I love that about Notre Dame, although I hate the team, but I love their schedule. I know that being independant helps them to do that, of course.

I love the idea above because I want to see the Huskers play good programs. It seems that I wait until the end of the season to see the better games and then, hope we get a bowl and then win against a good program. I think it would help our recruiting a lot. I think that is Callahan's perspective in scheduling USC, he knows it will be a tough game, but he also wants to expose the program to that area ... and he will.

Well, I've gotten my thought out there ... I'm not looking for a debate here, just wanted to get the though out and hear what other Husker fans are thinking on the issue.

Sheepdog Mark

The RB position will be interesting to see. Cody seems like a more punishing runner with that Husker attitude I like, kinda reminds me of Roger Craig in that attitude. This guy will be a stud for his Junior and Senior year. To me, Lucky gives me more of a Johnny Rogers feel, he is speedy, illusive and a great cutter. I can see him in the backfield, but also a slot kind of guy also specializing in returns. There are advantages to both, so it will be interesting to see how the coaches get them both on the field.

Glad to have them both and hopefully their will be even more options that come to the top.

Sheepdog Mark

The opportunity to grab 4 and 5 star players don't come around often enough for our program ... It's still a bumber, regardless of how it went down. This is one that slipped away.

We all move on ... but it would have been nice to even see this guy getting sacked as a Husker, rather than as a Purple Cat.

Sheepdog Mark