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HuskerRob

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Posts posted by HuskerRob

  1. Via Pat Forde's Twitter:

     

    1. Oklahoma

    2. Ohio State

    3. Alabama

    4. TCU

    5. Nebraska

    6. Boise State

    7. Florida

    8. USC

    9. Miami

    10. Oregon

    11. Texas

    12. North Carolina

    13. Virginia Tech

    14. Iowa

    15. Auburn

    16. Notre Dame

    17. Arkansas

    18. Penn St.

    19. Georgia

    20. Florida St.

    21. South Carolina

    22. West Virginia

    23. Wisconsin

    24. Houston

    25. Arizona

     

     

    One thing I noticed is that if you take the first letters of the teams from #'s 1-10, and put them in a line, it spells "OOATNBFUMO". Do you know what that means? Absolutely NOTHING. Just like preseason polls.

    Case in point: My link

    Although it's always nice to have NU mentioned. ;)

     

    That revised Top 25 from 2009 isn't too far off...

  2. The Texas A&M love is getting out of control. They were unable to beat CU and got raped by K-State with that same offense a year ago.

     

    Far too much credit is being given to them for putting up some big numbers in a rivalry game where they always play out of their arses.

     

    This same logic would suggest Colorado should be ranked in the top 25 because they played the Huskers tight last season.

     

    Nothing wrong with some hype of a Husker opponent.

     

    Makes us look better when we beat em in College Station!

  3. The best isn't always good enough. Sometimes, teams are better without their best.

     

    Peyton Manning was the Heisman runner-up as Tennessee's quarterback in 1997. He was so good, in fact, he was the first player taken in the NFL draft the following spring.

     

    With Manning leading the way the Volunteers enjoyed a stellar 11-2 season in '97. But the next year, without Manning, the Vols won the national championship.

     

    Notre Dame fans can relate. During his Heisman-winning campaign of 1987, Tim Brown led Notre Dame to a solid 8-4 showing. The next season, the Irish won the national title.

     

    Miami won a national championship in 1987, the year after Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman.

     

    A team obviously can get better despite losing its best player. But can an offensive or defensive unit actually improve without its most dominant member? That's a question of particular interest in the Midwest and one to be tackled in this week's mailbag.

     

    Got a question? Click here to send it to Olin's Mailbag

     

    Better off?

     

    Coach Bo Pelini said Nebraska's defense could be better this season than last season. Is that possible without Ndamukong Suh?

    Thom in Hastings, Neb.

     

    Since many coaches are insufferable sand-baggers, I love that Pelini will go out on a limb and make bold statements like that. At the Big 12 championship game in December, he said Nebraska could be "five times better" next season. That's going waaaaay out on a limb, considering the Huskers posted 10 victories in '09.

     

    A powerful defense was the main reason Nebraska had 10 wins. And the main reason Nebraska's defense was so powerful was Suh, who was among the Huskers' leaders in almost every defensive statistical category.

     

    What statistics don't show is how Suh's dominance may have affected his teammates' performance. For example, Jarred Crick, the tackle opposite Suh, had a strong year, with 73 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Nobody is doubting that Crick is an excellent player with a bright future in the NFL, but did playing alongside Suh boost Crick's play? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a legitimate question.

     

    It's reasonable to assume that opponents' preoccupation with Suh enabled other players to come free on a pass rush. And nothing helps the secondary more than a strong pass rush.

     

    Last season, the Huskers led the Big 12 in pass defense. Not coincidentally, they produced 44 sacks. If the pass rush isn't as strong without Suh, more holes may open in the secondary, especially with Nebraska having to replace both starting safeties.

     

    Still, seven starters return from a defense that allowed fewer points than any other team in the nation last season, so the Huskers figure to be stingy again.

     

    But better than last season? I have to admit I have my doubts. Suh was the best defensive player in the nation last season. The idea of losing him and three other starters and improving just doesn't add up.

     

    Pelini knows his team and his talent better than anyone. If he says Nebraska's defense can be even better, you have to think he knows something we don't.

     

    LINK

  4. I want an offense that allows for a mobile quarterback to make plays with his feet, with a short to intermediate passing game that allows big time playmaking WR's to get out in space and make plays.

     

    We already got the Quarterback for my vision with Jamal Turner. He isn't a "mobile quarterback" that outruns people in high school because he's a much better athlete, the guy makes plays. Any one who hasn't seen his video needs to, and get you will get the same vision.

     

    Braylon Heard is the perfect running back for this system as well. I'm starting to envision an offense like West Virginia's the last few years under Rich Rod. Big play making running backs, with a dynamic quarterback that can make plays all over the field. With the defense that Bo's assembled, it only makes sense to run this offense, as it has plenty of big play potential, and it consumes clock.

     

    We still need to get one or two more big play receivers, as I was really disappointed that we couldn't land Curtis Carter, as he would've fit this offense perfectly. We need receivers that can stretch the field, a la Percy Harvin, Dez Bryant, Jeramy Maclin, Desean Jackson. Now I know that I named some big time players that already are, or will soon be making millions of dollars playing in The League. You get my point.

     

    Niles Paul and Kinnie should service us well next season. In the future Quincy and Kenny will be a pretty good 1-2 punch.

     

    I'd love to see Antonio Bell develop into a receiver for this spread option offense, as he's the type of receiver i envision for this offense. Some Florida boys that can run and make some big plays.

  5. I want an offense that allows for a mobile quarterback to make plays with his feet, with a short to intermediate passing game that allows big time playmaking WR's to get out in space and make plays.

     

    We already got the Quarterback for my vision with Jamal Turner. He isn't a "mobile quarterback" that outruns people in high school because he's a much better athlete, the guy makes plays. Any one who hasn't seen his video needs to, and get you will get the same vision.

     

    Braylon Heard is the perfect running back for this system as well. I'm starting to envision an offense like West Virginia's the last few years under Rich Rod. Big play making running backs, with a dynamic quarterback that can make plays all over the field. With the defense that Bo's assembled, it only makes sense to run this offense, as it has plenty of big play potential, and it consumes clock.

     

    We still need to get one or two more big play receivers, as I was really disappointed that we couldn't land Curtis Carter, as he would've fit this offense perfectly. We need receivers that can stretch the field, a la Percy Harvin, Dez Bryant, Jeramy Maclin, Desean Jackson. Now I know that I named some big time players that already are, or will soon be making millions of dollars playing in The League. You get my point.

  6. I agree with almost everybody else, being ranked fifth is much too high. It goes without saying that we lose some serious talent on the defensive side of the ball, and our offense is nowhere near top 5 material. I'm not saying that we don't have the potential to be ranked this high, as I expect the offense to be much improved. Don't sleep on Cody Green, it wouldn't surprise me to see him have a terrific spring ball, and put some serious pressure on Zac Lee. Our offense is transforming into one that demands a mobile quarterback, and Lee just doesn't cut it in that department. I would also really like to see Tray Robinson establish himself as a back who deserves carries. I'm a big fan of having three capable backs that get carries, and I know Watson believes in that philosophy too. It should be a very intriguing matchup to see who grabs hold of the third running back between Tray Robinson and Braylon Heard.

     

    No Kool-Aid, just my honest football opinion...I will consider the 2010 season a disappointment if we fail to win the Big Twelve Championship.

  7. There's a reason why every top athlete signs with Nike. It's the most recognizable brand, and their apparel/gear is second to none.

     

    Ask any athlete, 9 out of 10 will prefer Nike over anything else.

  8. Lavonte David - I would've liked to see him enroll for Spring Ball, as he has a great opportunity to make a big contribution, similar to the contribution Dejon Gomes had this past season. I'm looking forward to seeing the athleticism that David and Eric Martin will bring to the LB position

     

    Jermarcus "Yoshi" Hardrick - I fully expect him to start at left tackle, I've had enough of Mike Smith.

     

    Braylon Heard - I'd like to see Tray Robinson work his way into the "Castille" type power back, but if he doesn't, that could open up an opportunity for Braylon Heard to contribute.

     

    Brion Carnes - I'd like to see him redshirt, along with Cody Green. Cody really needs a year of development before he can contribute.

     

    Corey Cooper - We need to find another safety alongside PJ Smith, and maybe it's Eric Hagg if he makes the move. Corey Cooper should at least be playing special teams in 2010.

     

    Chase Harper - I just don't see how he plays in front of Ben Cotton and Kyler Reed for the #2 and #3 role. I'd really like to see Kyler Reed have a bigger role in the offense with his athleticism.

     

    Andrew Rodriguez - With all the hype surrounding the 2009 class of OL, I'd like to see him redshirt and develop.

     

    Chase Rome - Crick, Baker, Thad Randle, and who else? Rome could contribute to provide depth on the interior of the defensive line.

     

    Kenny Bell - We need more speed and athleticism at the skill positions, don't think he's ready to contribute in 2010.

     

    Quincy Enunwa - If Curenski Gilleyen continues to struggle, it wouldn't surprise me to see him work his way into the WR rotation with Niles, Kinnie, Cooper, and possibly Antoinio Bell.

     

    Jay Guy - Could provide depth along with Chase Rome in the interior of the defensive line.

     

     

     

    The rest of the 2010 class should redshirt and develop.

     

    Can't wait to see what type of class BO can put together for 2011. Jamal Turner's films remind me of Tyrod Taylor.

    • Fire 2
  9. There should be little, to zero amount of concern at the lack of pass rush for 2010. As a previous post said, Bo didn't dial up too many blitzes this season, and when he did, more often than not it was a successful call.

     

    If you want to doubt our pass rush for 2010 because we lose Ndamukong Suh, simply go to Youtube and watch Laron Landry's or Craig Steltz's highlights at LSU, when Bo was their D coordinator. Some of the safety blitzes that they pull off are truly amazing to see, and these safety blitzes should be expected to be seen more often in 2010.

  10. I'm really not too concerned about Cooper's commitment. Sure, he looks like a promising DB prospect, but as we can already tell with some of the 2011 guys, we are going to have plenty of top talent lining up at the door who can't wait to sign for the Huskers. (Turner, Reeves, Moore) Of those three, none of them will be playing defense for the Huskers, and you know that the 2011 class is going to have some top defensive talent that saw what kind of empire Bo is building here.

     

    He should have already been committed by now, looking at his other options, no other program provides the opportunities that our staff and our defense does. If

     

    If we don't sign Cooper, you know we'll get some other badass safety for our 2011 class that might even be better than Cooper.

  11. With Pete Carroll leaving USC for the No Fun League, it honestly surprised me that not once did Bo ever get brought up in discussions for Carroll's replacement. It is truly amazing what Bo has done with the same talent that was the worst defense in college football, and with two years of seasoning, making them the top defense in the land. If I'm not mistaken, Bo and Carroll coached together in the NFL?

     

    Bo Pelini to USC makes sense, if it weren't for the sanctions that will be thundering down on the SC program. Bo might not have the "laid back SO CAL attitude" that Carroll possessed, but Bo possesses a trait that Carroll struggled with while at SC. USC always seemed to drop a game or two a season by looking ahead, or by simply playing flat against an inferior opponent. Would Bo Pelini allow his team to overlook or play uninspired football? Never in a million years, and with his defensive system, he could become an all-time great with the talent that SC brings in year in, year out.

     

    Hypothetically speaking ofcourse, is anyone else not surprised that Bo's name not once came up in regrads to the SC opening?

     

    What attracts OSU's coach to them more than anyone else?

  12. ESPN is reporting that there is "mutual interest" in Pete Carroll taking the head coaching job for the Seattle Seahawks.

     

    This has got to help our chances with OWA, but what other recruits do we have a chance at stealing (if any) from USC?

     

    Kyle Prater? Corey Cooper's HS teammate in Illinois?

  13. I like where this offense is heading. As Barney Cotton was chewing out Mike Smith after his false start on fourth down, I thought to myself that would be my last memory I have of him. I don't expect him to play much next season, that's if this "Yoshi" is the real deal that many people say that he is.

     

    We should be pretty deep at tight end and running back next season.

     

    Does Braylon Heard and Chase Harper get playing time in 2010?

  14. Found this on wikipedia so take it FWIW

     

    In both 2009 and 2010, the game will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

    Correct! If you didn't go this year, go next year. It's a treat.

     

    I'll second that, I had an absolute blast this year, and I'm all for The Big 12 making Cowboys Stadium the permanent home for the Championship Game. Jerry World is nuts! Best sports stadium I've ever been to in my entire life!

  15. I'm sure the Niles Paul flexing penalty was a make-up call from a previous play. I'm sure all of you caught Pierre "It's Ya Boyyy" Allen give a little dance, followed by the famous "Suck It" action.

     

    I thought for sure that would be flagged, and the officials definitely made up for it at Niles Paul's expense.

  16. Q: Will that be a competitive situation? A lot of people will compare you two because you were both candidates here.

     

    A: “I don’t know. I don’t care about that.’’

     

    Let the rivalry begin!

     

    We are going to need a new coaching rivalry within the Big 12 now that "Big Game Bobby" will be heading south to Gainesville.

     

    Turner is going to recruit very well for KU, and this will be bring more heat to the Big 12 North.

  17. Great read, I'm so proud to have him as our head coach.

     

    I loved the part when Shatel questioned Bo for having such faith in the offense's improvement in 2010.

     

    "A lot of the personnel on defense was the same this year. And we were a lot better.’’

     

    With a win on Wednesday, it sure will be a fun ride through Spring and Summer until we kickoff the 2010 season.

     

    An improved defense + "softer" schedule + Improved offense - Ndamukong Suh = Big 12 Champions

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