robsker

The answer is quite simple for those who have played or coached high level football and maybe more complex for others. Robsker pretty much nailed it. The "ASSIGNMENTS" are the difficulty and the amount of plays that come off of each formation is quite high. Now if you want to know why it always seems easy to guess what we are going to do....THE PLAY CALLER SUCKS. The offense is complex but the play calling is predictable. Just b/c you have a complex pro style offense doesn't mean it is tricky. It's not talking out of both sides of your mouth, both are true.

Red..... you cut to the chase really rather nicely. Excellent effeciency in word usage. And, you are 100% correct. I am baffled that Cally got this far in the coaching world with his play calling. But, maybe he's holding back for USC

its a confusing situation. Our offense looks bland and straightforward. its looked this way since Cally took over. HOWEVER, we continuously hear how complex and difficult it is as the answer to why the younger faster more upside kids arent playing.

 

Im confused. if it is so dam complex then why are we as fans able to call run or pass before the play is ran. if it is so complex then why is it one set of players for a run and another for a pass. if it is so dam complex then why on 3rd and 2 and 4th and 2 do we go tight formation off tackle.

 

It seems as if we are talking out of both sides of our mouth.

 

if it is so damn complex then show me the complexity. If its not then get some different playmakers on the field. Dont tell me that the youngsters dont know the offense because our offense looks very basic to me.

 

 

The complexity is in the interior line zone blocking schemes and the timing associated with such. this makes it difficult for OL to learn quickly what is going on. The complexity also is in the diversity of subtle line blocking schemes --- each of which has its own, complex terminology. Plus, the switching and shifting of receivers and backs have a terminology. So the terminology is tough for everyone to be on the same page.

 

The Callahan offense is hard to learn by all.

 

That said, it is easy to determine whether the Huskers will run or pass on a given play because Cally broadcasts what he is doing by the personnel packages he uses and by the amount of time spent in the huddle (plus his tendencies are very easy to follow --- what he will do on 3rd and long, etc.). So the offense is tough to execute and easy for the defense to predict (at least in terms of run vs. pass and who, typically gets the ball).

 

We do have some skilled players and so, sometimes even broadcasting what you will do works. But when the talent gap between the offense and the opposing defense is small (or favors them), then this offense will shut down. Some offensive game plans can enable an offense that is less talented than the opposing defense to still modestly prosper --- because they can often catch the defense in the wrong package. The NU offense is not one of those. Predictability has been a Callahan trademark from day one.

 

 

ok, i'll bite. if we can see this, why can't cally see it and move away from it?? change can be a good thing or you can wallow in the same routine forever, thinking it is the best?? makes no sense to me either??

You ask a very good question. I have no idea what Cally is thinking. Perhaps it is in his "we take what we want" mentality that says that it matters not if they know its coming if execute well they can't stop it anyway. If so, and I am only guessing here, that mindset may get you there against the WF and nevada's and the bottom end of the B12 teams, but against good athletes, probably not.

I am baffled by the predictable play calling. Your guess is as good as mine as to why this is the case.

its a confusing situation. Our offense looks bland and straightforward. its looked this way since Cally took over. HOWEVER, we continuously hear how complex and difficult it is as the answer to why the younger faster more upside kids arent playing.

 

Im confused. if it is so dam complex then why are we as fans able to call run or pass before the play is ran. if it is so complex then why is it one set of players for a run and another for a pass. if it is so dam complex then why on 3rd and 2 and 4th and 2 do we go tight formation off tackle.

 

It seems as if we are talking out of both sides of our mouth.

 

if it is so damn complex then show me the complexity. If its not then get some different playmakers on the field. Dont tell me that the youngsters dont know the offense because our offense looks very basic to me.

The complexity is in the interior line zone blocking schemes and the timing associated with such. this makes it difficult for OL to learn quickly what is going on. The complexity also is in the diversity of subtle line blocking schemes --- each of which has its own, complex terminology. Plus, the switching and shifting of receivers and backs have a terminology. So the terminology is tough for everyone to be on the same page.

The Callahan offense is hard to learn by all.

That said, it is easy to determine whether the Huskers will run or pass on a given play because Cally broadcasts what he is doing by the personnel packages he uses and by the amount of time spent in the huddle (plus his tendencies are very easy to follow --- what he will do on 3rd and long, etc.). So the offense is tough to execute and easy for the defense to predict (at least in terms of run vs. pass and who, typically gets the ball).

We do have some skilled players and so, sometimes even broadcasting what you will do works. But when the talent gap between the offense and the opposing defense is small (or favors them), then this offense will shut down. Some offensive game plans can enable an offense that is less talented than the opposing defense to still modestly prosper --- because they can often catch the defense in the wrong package. The NU offense is not one of those. Predictability has been a Callahan trademark from day one.

This is just my opinion but I believe our players should play with more attitude and fire. I understand our coaches control the play calling but the players control how they play! I watched LSU's D and they play with a certain tenacity. They were hype after every play. Bangin bodies and helmets like animals. I believe our players should get nastier! Being in Tennesse, I get to watch Vanden Bosch practice and play every week! Vanden Bosch is the talk of the town here. They say he plays like he has a motor that's non stop. VB is pumped every down. I am gonna put this into one of our player's ears and see what he thinks.

Great point. My take is this --- it is tough to play with fire when the scheme and assignments are complicated and one is thinking rather than reacting. If your mind is absorbed with "am I in the right spot? What is my assignment here?" then the fire and intensity will be down. Watch the Husker "d" prior to many snaps --- confusion is an issue on many plays. A confused defence will not play with fire.

Coaches enable athletes to play with fire by placing the player in a context where they have simple assignments and can focus in on execution of the play (with intensity) rather than execution of the assignment.

Simple is always better as regards defensive schemes. When Pelini was here there were simple assignments and much fire. Now he is at LSU (they, of course, have better athletes to execute their plays than does NU, but still) --- and LSU has fire.

We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible. - Vince Lombardi

 

Last week was a typical case of 'pulling a Michigan'. We were looking ahead, but still pulled it together to win. We showed the makings of a strong team, a team that didn't fall down and stay down.

 

WE GOT BACK UP!

 

USC is the 'best team in the nation' by everyone's standards. But they don't have the most important thing in college football. They don't have character. They don't have the gold marks on their helmets that were earned from fighting Wake for a win. They don't have that humbling feeling of 'surviving' a road game.

 

To the doubters - that is what you are. You are not a 'realist' - you are a doubter.

 

NE has a chance, they have the makings. They need the true blue Husker fans to show up, inside Memorial and out. Fill the parking lots with you, your friends, your friends friends. Then walk into the GREATEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL STADIUM IN AMERICA, truly read the words above the gates.

 

Husker Nation has been doubting our team for 5 years. The team should be doubting us. It's time to step up and truly be THE GREATEST FANS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

 

Theims. Great point about potential lack of character on USC. You might just be right.

Character, never giving up and playing to the last minute --- which I think, and I hope the Huskers will do, is what matters. The Huskers did sweat it out and got back up. That is why it is fun to root for this team.

 

They will be up against it this week. USC, even without character, has so much talent that it still is a juggernaut.

 

May character prevail and NU pull off the upset. Such is great to hope for and pull for. Just do not expect such and be somehow disappointed if it does not happen!

 

go big red.

Go big red.

Go Big red.

Go Big Red.

GO Big Red.

GO BIG Red.

GO BIG RED.

GO BIG RED!

WHO THE HELL CARES HOW BAD ASS USC IS?

 

I am sick and tired of reading all of your comments. You should be ashamed of yourselves as Husker fans. True fans don't ever doubt their team and pick other teams to win. So what its gonna be difficult to win. There is still a chance. The USC team is NOT God...OK, so stop acting like it. Have some Faith for Christ's sake! And quit talking about coaching....can you draw up plays, run a Nationally recognized football team and its recruiting, and read offense and defense schemes? Didn't think so. So don't tell us what the Huskers need to do to win....leave it up to the coaches. Sorry if this pisses some of you off but trust me, I read the entire thread and it just left me in the dumps! Piss Poor...hope the players don't read this thread, because all they will see is faithless people.

 

P.S.

 

If you attend the game this weekend, cheer......cheer until you pass out! Even if the Huskers fall behind or make a bad play, do NOT let the stadium get quiet! We have to keep USC rattled! G...B...R!!!!!!!!!

 

True fans most certainly can be objective. I have been a Cubs fan, a true Cubs fan for 40+ years. I root for them constantly. I go to games. I cheer them on. I support the players and coaches. Yet, I know that they will not win the World Series anytime soon (but, there is a slim chance). I enjoy following them as a fan. I grew up there they are my team. But, I do not assume they are always the bast and that they will win every game. Nor do I fail to point out what are, at times, things that appear to need work.

Same with the Huskers. NU is a great institution, my alma mater, and was a wonderful place to study and the people in Lincoln and in Nebraska are awesome. The Huskers are my team. I love them. From the time I attended NU (starting in 1983) until now, and until death, I will root for NU and always hope for the best. But, I'll also be objective. Some things need work and while USC is not "God" they are quite the load to contend with. It seems to me that placing reasonable expectations consistent with objective assessment is best for everyone.

By the way, the Lombardi quote that someone else posted is an awesome one. Participants should always live by such a creed. Fans, well, we are not participants, let's not place undue expectations upon these kids that, if not lived up to, appears then to be failure.

This season will be a success if NU ends up ranked and wins the B12 north --- even if we do not really compete well with USC. To measure success by the USC measuring stick is asking a bit much.

I love the HUSKERS and always hope for the best. For this weeks game you can throw away all the meaningless stats like we are undefeated at home when Gameday is here. The people on the field win or lose and after what I saw Saturday, we have little to no chance. Sorry to say that but it is true. I hope i am proven wrong but i cant see it.

 

We beat the defending ACC champ i get that but they are not that good of a team this year. We were very lucky to win that game and the flaws or deficiencies i saw Saturday will get us crushed against USC. can we fix some of it YES, through schemes and planning, but some of it is non correctable.

 

A lot of the flaws seen on saturday deal with personnel. It is completely unreasonable to expect Ruud and McKeon to play soooooooo much better this saturday. they stunk it up against a very mediocre WF team what the hell do we think USC is gonna do to them?

 

For us to win Saturday we are going to have to keep the Trojans off balance, something we havent done in a while. We cannot be the least bit predictable. We cannot run Purify and Nunn into the game when we are going to throw and 3 tight ends in every time we are going to run.

 

Purify should rarely come out. He needs more chances per game.

 

IMO we have a lot of work to do. I am not a believer in firing the coaches etc. I am concerned with last week simply because we have much better players overall than WF yet we played like the worse team of the 2.

 

USC 31 NU 10

Travis9 --- What you say makes sense to me. Predictability in play calling has been a problem. By formations, personnel and/or time spent in the huddle it is possible to predict 90% of the Husker plays before they take place (at least in terms of pass vs. run --- but often in terms of who, specifically, will get the ball as well). It must be a defensive coordinators dream to play NU.

Holding USC to 31 points might be difficult. The bast chance is for the NU offense to have some sustained drives and for the punter and specialty teams to assist in helping the field position game out (forcing USC into long drives).

I also concur that WF is only a decent team. They will be fortunate to finish much above .500 and will almost certainly not be ranked at any time in the polls from here on out.

Still cheer the Huskers on. No matter what happens, back our young men.

I thought the reason for a change of Coaching staff was to be able to compete on the National level and not fall in to Mediocracy. 4 Years later and now Husker fans are posting that the USC game doesn't matter because it isn't a Big 12 Game.

 

One poster said the Goal was to win the North and and "hopefully" finished ranked.

 

Hopefully? Since when does Nebraska just hope to be ranked? When did it become OK to not be Ranked?

 

USC is a HUGE Game for this Team and the direction of Nebraska Football.

#1 Team in the Nation doesn't come in to your Stadium every year. If you want to compete on the National level and be take seriously, you must be able compete with a USC. You must understand that these games are what separates the Top programs from Mediocrity.

 

Conceding 6 days before a game is a great strategy for failure.

 

 

just winning the north will never be enough and it shouldn't be. we accomplished that last year, we need to go beyond that this year or at least contend competitively for the Big 12 championship, but to tell you the truth, OU looks unbeatable right now, don't think Texas can get by them either. there freshman qb looks awesome.

I agree, Oklahoma does look really, really good. The bad thing for the rest of the B12 world is that their QB will only get better and has three more years of eligibility after this year. That is the way to set up championships --- having a QB that will be there for more than one year of excellence. By this I mean that typically it takes year one for a QB to learn the system and become proficient (and in the process there are multiple losses, typically). So, in that QB's 1st "developmental season" the team will not really compete for the biggest prize. Year two they have a shot and, if there is a year three, a great shot. So, my concern for NU is that with ZT he had but one year after his developmental season and was gone. We are in Keller's developmental season as I write this and then he is done. Next year will be yet another developmental season for an NU QB. To compete at the highest level, this pattern must not continue.

Back to OU. Bradford may be an exception. In this, his developmental season, he already looks great. Maybe next year with Lee, or Witt (or, I guess Gabbert) NU will be so fortunate. In the meantime, OU continues to pull away.

I wish it were not so.....

I thought the reason for a change of Coaching staff was to be able to compete on the National level and not fall in to Mediocracy. 4 Years later and now Husker fans are posting that the USC game doesn't matter because it isn't a Big 12 Game.

 

One poster said the Goal was to win the North and and "hopefully" finished ranked.

 

Hopefully? Since when does Nebraska just hope to be ranked? When did it become OK to not be Ranked?

 

USC is a HUGE Game for this Team and the direction of Nebraska Football.

#1 Team in the Nation doesn't come in to your Stadium every year. If you want to compete on the National level and be take seriously, you must be able compete with a USC. You must understand that these games are what seperates the Top programs from Mediocracy.

 

Conceding 6 days before a game is a great strategy for failure.

Since when does Nebraska simply hope to be ranked? How about now since it has been years since the team was ranked at seasons end with regularity.

This is not the 1970's, the 1980's, or the 1990's --- assuming that NU will finish ranked then was like assuming that the sun would again rise the next morning --- it was certain. This is 2007. How many other programs that have been out of the rankings as has NU (of late) assume that they can expect more than a decent ranking?

It's too soon to tell. Sam completed 58% of his passes against Wake, and would have been up around 70% if it wasn't for the dropped passes. Plus he was out of the game for a year and a half, he's also going to need another game or so to get back into his rhythm. Against Nevada we ran the ball three quarters of the time. Against Wake we ran the ball over twice as much as we passed.

 

By the time we get to conference play Keller will be fine.

 

He doesn't have another game or two. USC will be here Saturday night.

Win or lose, the USC game has little impact in the conference race.

 

 

You hit the nail on the head. People seem to think that this game is a make it or break it game for NU. It is not. The reasonable goals for this year are to repeat as B12 north champs and hopefully finish the season ranked. The USC game has no bearing on the former. On the latter, well no one (except some Husker faithful who would expect the "Skers to beat the NE Patriots) expects a victory against the #1 team in the nation. A loss to USC will not (in and of itself) be the determining factor as to wheteher NU finishes ranked.

 

You have settled for Mediocracy. Your Goals for the Team is what they already did last year.

No. The Huskers were not ranked at the end of last season. That would be a reasonable goal for this year. Do not think it automatic. USC, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, TAM, Kansas State and OSU are all games that could go either way. That is seven games against teams capable of beating us (and with a reasonable probability of doing so). If NU does not win at least four of those and then win the bowl game then they will finish outside of the top 25. So, winning that often and winning the bowl game --- and thus being ranked at seasons end would be a serious step up from last year (especially given our more difficult schedule this year).

Once more, how many programs out there that have not been ranked at the end of the season in the past few years have goals beyond finishing ranked?

Mediocrity no. Realism, yes. Anything beyond that would be gravy.

It's too soon to tell. Sam completed 58% of his passes against Wake, and would have been up around 70% if it wasn't for the dropped passes. Plus he was out of the game for a year and a half, he's also going to need another game or so to get back into his rhythm. Against Nevada we ran the ball three quarters of the time. Against Wake we ran the ball over twice as much as we passed.

 

By the time we get to conference play Keller will be fine.

 

He doesn't have another game or two. USC will be here Saturday night.

Win or lose, the USC game has little impact in the conference race.

 

I thought the goal was to get back to competing for National Championships. I guess we have fallen so far that winning the north is enough.

When was the last time that the Huskers finished the season ranked?

When was the last time a team, any team, has transitioned from a team that has been historically (last 3 - 4 years) unranked at seasons end and turn around and actually compete for a MNC the next year?

To expect this now, for the Huskers is not even remotely realistic.

Have we fallen that far? Yes.

Are we getting better? Yes.

The Big 12 North is maybe not enough for the expectations fans have --- but is it about what this team can reasonably do? Yes. NU is not yet remotely ready for OU or Texas --- so the B12 championship would be a strech. A national title?

Wow. You are gonna get attacked for not beleiving that we can win every game and if we don't then fire the coaches!!

 

Yeah, I think we will probably lose this game. I hope not but it is gonna be tough.

 

We are a Top 20 team. amybe even a Top 15 team, but I don't think we are a Top 10 team......yet.

 

Because we have to break in a new QB next year, we won't be a Top 10 team for 2 more years.

 

They will always be breaking in a new QB now. You will not see a Fresh/Soph running this offense. A Junior at the youngest and that is if there isn't a Senior with more experiance.

If your statement is true --- that NU will always have a Jr. or Senior at QB, always breaking in --- well, then NU will never be a top 10 team (at the close of the season). You may be right. If so, then the system must change. I hope that you are wrong!

It's too soon to tell. Sam completed 58% of his passes against Wake, and would have been up around 70% if it wasn't for the dropped passes. Plus he was out of the game for a year and a half, he's also going to need another game or so to get back into his rhythm. Against Nevada we ran the ball three quarters of the time. Against Wake we ran the ball over twice as much as we passed.

 

By the time we get to conference play Keller will be fine.

 

He doesn't have another game or two. USC will be here Saturday night.

Win or lose, the USC game has little impact in the conference race.

You hit the nail on the head. People seem to think that this game is a make it or break it game for NU. It is not. The reasonable goals for this year are to repeat as B12 north champs and hopefully finish the season ranked. The USC game has no bearing on the former. On the latter, well no one (except some Husker faithful who would expect the "Skers to beat the NE Patriots) expects a victory against the #1 team in the nation. A loss to USC will not (in and of itself) be the determining factor as to wheteher NU finishes ranked.

I am also thinking that USC is better than us, and will probably win, but here are some reasons in our favor.

 

- It is at home, in front of the sea of red, that could bring momentum on our side and help a lot

- Huskers are undeafted when playing at home when gameday is here

- Nebraska has a lot to prove, espically Bill Callahan coming right off a fresh contract extension, this game would put the Huskers back into the National Championship pictures

- This is NEBRASKA, they play for NEBRASKA, they win for NEBRASKA

 

I hope that USC can't relize to put pressure on Keller and to run to the outside, such as in the Wake Forest game. I am really wanting a victory this week. GO BIG RED

 

Well, I hate USC. That said, they are exceedingly well coached in the x's and o's. Maybe not in terms of keeping the guys motivated (and not overconfidant). But I assure you that they will bring the house against Keller and that they will run outside and exploit our LB's who have had trouble getting there and trouble tackling when they are there.

Also, our offensive game plan better become more creative or the USC defence will eat NU alive.

I have a feeling that USC will make this a statement game and really bring it. Man, I hope not.

Ok.... Here goes.

 

If the Husker's bring their "A" game, the best they can play (of course, we do not know what that is, yet... so this is guess work) and US C brings their "A" game --- then I see USC by 14-17 points.

 

If the Huskers bring the "A" game and USC brings their "B" game --- USC by 3-7 points.

 

If the Huskers bring their "A" game and USC brings their "C" game, the Huskers win by 3.

 

If the Huskers bring their "B" or "C" game, then this thing gets real ugly, real fast (unless USC is also off as well)

 

Moral of the story --- hope the Huskers play their "A" game and that USC is not on their game.

 

There is hope..... slim, but we can hope.

 

No one should expect victory on Saturday, be reasonable. Hope, certainly. Expect, no.

 

I think its an uphill battle for us, but I dont think USC is as good as you are giving them credit, and I think that playing in lincoln is harder than you are making it out to be. I dont see USC having on of their better games. of course if we play like last week it wont matter.

You might be right. Maybe USC is not as good as I think. But, I'll tell you this.... they should be. The crazy number of highly rated recruits they have on that team should make it such that they have no excuse not to beat anyone placed in front of them.

And USC does tend to, I think, underacheive. So, maybe they come in flat and not taking NU seriously. We can only hope.

I was just wondering what your thoughts are on Benching Keller if he is really struggling early. Callahan knows how much this game means, but would he go this far?

 

Personally I think I would bench him, he still hasn't been consist in throwing even against Nevada, I want to win and if Keller can't get it done then I say throw in Ganz or who ever else could get the job done. This goes for any postition, if they are struggling they should be replaced at least IMO. I hope this isn't to mean or arrogant for me to say but like everyone else I want a win.

I will assume that the coaches pretty much knew how well Keller would be playing --- they see him in practice each day and know his understanding of the game plan, etc. They know the same regarding Ganz. So.... I surmise that NU ran so much against Nevada so as to let Keller settle in slowly, ease him in. And they have not rotated Ganz in much at all to get him some snaps.

Now Keller has been, well, OK. I'd also guess that he is the best we have at the moment. That we have seen so little of Ganz tells me that he is not in the picture unless Keller gets hurt.

If I were coach.... you cannot give up on Keller now. Stick with him. This is a non-conference game of little meaning (in terms of the reasonable goal of winning the Big 12 north). To yank Keller now would not bode well for him comes conference time. Further, it likely will not matter who is the QB on Saturday, the immediate result will be the same (USC wins).

Wow. You are gonna get attacked for not beleiving that we can win every game and if we don't then fire the coaches!!

 

Yeah, I think we will probably lose this game. I hope not but it is gonna be tough.

 

We are a Top 20 team. amybe even a Top 15 team, but I don't think we are a Top 10 team......yet.

 

Because we have to break in a new QB next year, we won't be a Top 10 team for 2 more years.

I think you are right on all counts.

We are a top 20 team. Maybe top 15but not top 10. Agreed.

And, yes it will likely be two years before top 10 is reasonable as an expectation.

Fire the coaches? Of course not. The Huskers are on the right track. They are inching up and headed in the right direction. It’s a very, very competitive college football world out there (arguably tougher than any time before as the parity in the college game is very high)

And I also agree --- I am likely to be attacked.

Ok.... Here goes.

If the Husker's bring their "A" game, the best they can play (of course, we do not know what that is, yet... so this is guess work) and US C brings their "A" game --- then I see USC by 14-17 points.

If the Huskers bring the "A" game and USC brings their "B" game --- USC by 3-7 points.

If the Huskers bring their "A" game and USC brings their "C" game, the Huskers win by 3.

If the Huskers bring their "B" or "C" game, then this thing gets real ugly, real fast (unless USC is also off as well)

Moral of the story --- hope the Huskers play their "A" game and that USC is not on their game.

There is hope..... slim, but we can hope.

No one should expect victory on Saturday, be reasonable. Hope, certainly. Expect, no.

Is it just me or did anybody else notice that Glenn didnt look like he really even wanted to be on the field? His facial emotions didnt seem right. Kind of makes me wonder if he is really third string because of his injuries.

Once more folks --- throw this kid a bone. He is a 19 - 20 year old kid. Adversity is a major thing for 40 year old men and woman to deal with in private with few, if any, watching (much less boldly talking about on the internet) --- it's really, really, really tough for a 20 year old on a public stage. The last thing he needs from his "fans" is a beat down.

This young man is one of our own. Root for him and hope he gets back up to where he was (in all aspects, physical and psychological). Perhaps he was not all there today --- maybe he will be next week. Let's hope and cheer him on as he gets back into things.

Ever have an off day at the office? I thought so.

I felt like the one run he made good yardage one was about the only run he had any chance on, and he did something good with it. If memory serves, most of his other runs were bottled up by Nevada with nowhere for him to go.

 

You are correct with your statement; however, last year, Glenn would have hit the hole hard. Today he showed no emotion and did not seem to care about being on the field.

Friends --- hold off now.

Cody Glenn has done nothing but work his butt off for the Husker team and the fans. He has been hurt for a long period of time and is not himself. Imagine how hard that is on a young competitive man. The window to play major-level college football is narrow --- and imagine how frustrating it is to have had months of nagging injuries slowing you down as you watch others (in this case Castille) come in, healthy, and do what you cannot do (because of your health). So, would you be down? Of course you would. Would it get in your head? I'm sure it would.

So.... what Cody needs now is the Husker nation to rally around him and encourage him --- not call into question his heart.

So, Cody, if you are out there, listen up: Get healthy and keep the chin up --- you are a Husker and we, the fans, appreciate what you are going through.

anyone read the article in the paper today? I think it is great news that he is coming on so strong. Then i read between the lines and got a little confused and concerned. Murillo is taking reps with the #1's over jones. Why is he not taking reps with the 1's instead of Grixby?

Folks, the Murillo thing and the Grixby issue are good news. If you look at last year, statistically, the Husker pass efficiency rating was actually not at all bad (I think perhaps third best in the conference). Now Grixby is back and almost certainly improved. Jones has been doing very well according to practice reports and is much improved (as any first year starter improves in the second year). That Murillo beat out Jones is great because that means that on that side, we now have two people who are better than what we had there last year. As Bowman gets back in shape the depth gets even better.

The safety play will be much better too --- with an improved Tierre Green, a more mature Thenarse, an improved Bryan Wilson and the new talent in Asante should also help a great deal.

So, lighten up and be happy --- the secondary should be much improved overall.

but do you think our talent is undeveloped?

 

 

OK. I have not quite figured this system out. Anyway...

Our developed talent --- that is, our juniors and seniors who constitudte most of this years starters --- are developed in that they have been in the system, know the system and have experience. My point is that when you compare our developed talent to that from USC or Texas (or other top 5 teams) the talent we are fielding is well behind the big boys. ONCE our younger players (from the last two recruiting classes) are developed (learn the system, get some experience, etc.) --- in a few years, well then perhaps the gap will have closed between what we field then versus what the USC's of the world field. My point being that the effect of the new (and encouraging) recruits will not pay out for some time. So it may be that NU will be moving significantly in the right direction this year yet, in view of the schedule difficulty, not have an improved record.

but do you think our talent is undeveloped?

 

 

I have been thinking lately that some of the extreme optimism for this years team, in terms of projected record, stems from the enthusiasm that people have for some of the new talent that has been recruited (in the last two, three years). It strikes me that the issue is not really one of where our freshman, redshirt freshman and sophomore talent level resides — these players are, largely, undeveloped talent. What matters for this year is the developed talent — the juniors and seniors who know the system, are trained, experienced and will comprise the majority of the starters (and even most of the #2 players).

If you compare NU’s developed talent with that for Texas and USC — well, then predicting victories over Texas and USC become really rather a long, long, long shot. Might happen if they bring their C games and we bring an A game and catch a break or two. But to expect a victory (or even much a of a game) is a stretch. Now, our undeveloped talent MAY be closing the gap with the big dogs and so, in two or so years, maybe. But now, I think not.

The Huskers are undoubtedly improving and on the right track. We are closing the gap. But this year, improved as we will be and taking all the right steps — well, ... our record likely will be the same as last year (or modestly worse). Our schedule is brutal and our talent that is most promising is largely undeveloped.

Should be a great and entertaining season — even if the record is in as stellar as many predict

I have been thinking lately that some of the extreme optimism for this years team, in terms of projected record, stems from the enthusiasm that people have for some of the new talent that has been recruited (in the last two, three years). It strikes me that the issue is not really one of where our freshman, redshirt freshman and sophomore talent level resides — these players are, largely, undeveloped talent. What matters for this year is the developed talent — the juniors and seniors who know the system, are trained, experienced and will comprise the majority of the starters (and even most of the #2 players).

If you compare NU’s developed talent with that for Texas and USC — well, then predicting victories over Texas and USC become really rather a long, long, long shot. Might happen if they bring their C games and we bring an A game and catch a break or two. But to expect a victory (or even much a of a game) is a stretch. Now, our undeveloped talent MAY be closing the gap with the big dogs and so, in two or so years, maybe. But now, I think not.

The Huskers are undoubtedly improving and on the right track. We are closing the gap. But this year, improved as we will be and taking all the right steps — well, ... our record likely will be the same as last year (or modestly worse). Our schedule is brutal and our talent that is most promising is largely undeveloped.

Should be a great and entertaining season — even if the record is in as stellar as many predict