Igetbored216

When are the teams going to be picked and when is the first game? I'm ready to hit someone!

I will officially say that I want to play!

Sounds good to me! The height and weight will be easy to determine, but how will the other variables be settled (i.e., Speed, Agility, Awareness, etc.) for each player?

Ditto. However, I just hope he is good to his word. NU could use some freakin' linebackers...

Somehow I really doubt Freeman is better than the greatest QB of all time...

Hmmm. I see your point, but if you think Bo can't scheme to stop a one dimensional team, you're crazy. Granted, the players have to execute the scheme, but if you are sending someone after that QB and hitting him/sacking him a fair amount, he's going to start making mistakes trying to get rid of the ball ASAP. Sure he can dump the passes off on short slants, but we also have alot of hard hitting DBs. Knock those WRs on their arse a few times, maybe even create a few fumbles from going across the middle, and I think NU can start overcoming that great passing game. Crabtree is a problem though. They use him in so many different ways that it's hard to account for him. If NU can stop him and stop him early, I think NU may have a pretty good chance. It will still be a tough, tough game...hopefully it will be fun to watch too!

Great read! I would have to agree with alot of Terry's points, especially the need for NU to get a Heisman quality QB. Sure Ganz is good and I expect him to have a solid season, but he's no Vince Young or Pat White. I don't think any of the QBs currently on the NU roster compare to those types of QBs. I would also agree with a previous poster in that NU needs to develop a really, really solid running game. This puts points on the board for us, keeps the opposing team's offense off the field, and gives our defense some time to work things out. And everyone knows the defense has ALOT to work out based on last season's defense.

So, we all know the predictions for this upcoming season on who will be the tough teams to beat. In my opinion, there are 4 teams that I consider NU underdogs in. In other words, these four teams are going to be the most difficult to beat. They are: Virginia Tech (hopefully our first measuring stick on how far NU has progressed), Missouri, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. VT and Mizzou are both home games, while NU will be going on the road for Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Then there are three games, in my opinion, that may prove to be tough, but I wouldn't necessarily consider NU underdogs in. They are: Kansas, KSU, and Colorado. Both Kansas and Colorado are home games, while NU will be visiting Manhattan to face KSU. Now I know this information may already be well known, but that wasn't the point of creating this thread. Even though it's still really early, I want to get some discussion started on how well the above opponents' Winter Training, Spring Practice, etc went. Any news articles, interviews, etc. that discuss how good/bad the offense/defense is, key players on both sides of the ball, and any other news that may be relavant. For instance, a great discussion (at least for me) could be started about Texas Tech. I know this team can really air it out, has one of the best receivers in college football, but what about their running game? I haven't heard ANYTHING about how capable this team is of running the ball. This would be very important for NU going into the game, because if the team is one-sided (i.e., can only pass the ball), this would benefit the Huskers greatly. That's just an example of the type of information I want to discuss on this thread. I want people to post information about other teams - specifically those teams listed above - and then make relationships between this information and how it will affect that team's game with the Huskers. Now, before someone says something, I just want to say that I know it is still difficult to be able to tell how well each team will do because it is still early in the football season (it isn't even summer yet!). I know it is still early, and I know some information that can be found will not be relevant by the time August rolls around. However, alot of information will still be relevant, and that's the info I would like to focus on.

First of all, I want to say that I am a little surprised that I didn't see a thread about the Spring Game and how the players actually did during it. All I have seen are threads about attendance (who cares?), and other miscellaneous items. Unfortunately, I did not get to attend the Spring Game. However, I did listen to it on the radio while I sat at home with the windows/doors wide open while I played NCAA Football 2008. It was a great day! Anyway, listening to games kind of sucks for obvious reasons, however, I did catch the Nebraska Football Show (shouldn't it be called the Bo Pelini Show, or did Bo request that his name not be in the title?) Sunday night. Here are my conclusions/opinions: (1) I want to say it looked great seeing that stadium packed! Made me think I was actually going to see a game and not a practice... (2) QBs: I know Ganz doesn't have the best arm in the world, but he definitely didn't look too shabby out there (i.e., that nearly perfect strike to Gilleylen 75+ yards down the field). He is obviously the starter. This subject has been beaten into the ground. Witt and Lee both performed well, but someone who really surprised me was Spano. He did not look like an individual fresh out of high school. Sure he has lots of room to improve, but he's going to be something special. (3) RBs: What was up with Marlon? He didn't really do all that much, and he had about as many carries as Helu. Speaking of Helu, he looked great out there! Granted he won't be stealing Marlon's spot, but he should share some carries this season with Lucky. And what about the bulldozer (Castille) putting Thenarse on his arse? What a hit!!! He could be a great RB if he could hold onto the ball. I would take a Castille-style runner over Lucky or Helu anyday, but not if he can't hold onto the ball! Marlon will get a majority of touches while Helu will be in there too. (4) WRs: Don't really have much to say about the WRs. All I want to know is: who's going to replace Purify? No one has stepped up yet... (5) Offense: After watching both offenses, I have a feeling the offense will be highly inconsistent this season from week to week. (6) Defense: Still really concerned about the D. One positive thing I noticed was that those guys were flying at the ball! There was lots of group tackling, which has been noticeably lacking in the past 4 years. As Bo had pointed out early on, this was one of his goals. LBs make me really nervous. Who do we have back there again? Probably Glenn, Dillard, and Wortman? Wortman's time has been limited and Glenn was a RB at the beginning of practice this Spring. I don't know, but the LB position is not looking good. Hopefully the DL can step up in a big way, otherwise the defense may be in trouble again. (7) Overall: My overall feeling has changed a bit, and I am probably not as optimistic as I was before. I would say 7-5 or 8-4 would be the most likely final record, with a bowl game of course. Look for losses against Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas Tech, and VT. I would say Colorado and Kansas are up in the air, but I would probably say NU will win both of those as they are both home games. Now don't get me wrong, just because we won't be winning every game, doesn't mean I am not pumped for the season to start! There is still training/teaching to do, and there is still time to improve. I am just happy that this program has taken steps back in the right direction.

I don't really think ESPN hates on us (with the exception of a few), I just think that half the time they have no idea what they're talking about. If you go up and ask one of them to list possible starters for the 2008 season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, I can almost guarantee you they would only be able to name the main starters, if they could even handle that (i.e., Ganz, Lucky, maybe Swift, etc.). If you only know a select few of the players, how could you possibly decide how good the team is going to be? So for them to sit on their little shows they have like this and talk about how NU is going to do is hilarious to me. They barely know our main players let alone the rest of the team. To make a prediction on how our year is going to go based on that alone is just a horrible analysis; especially for a media outlet totally dedicated to sports and this show specifically was dedicated to COLLEGE FOOTBALL. How pathetic... While I do agree with you that ESPN's analysis is terrible, I don't think the reason is because they haven't done their research. We only see these guys for the hour they are on TV, but this is their entire career. I would like to believe that they put work in and research the teams, and could at least name the starting line-ups of the teams that they discuss. I guess I can't totally dismiss the chance they might do their homework. But I still stand by what I said. If you were to go up to one of these individuals and ask them to name possible starters for the 2008 season for the Cornhuskers, they wouldn't have a clue, or they would only be able to name the real obvious players.

I don't really think ESPN hates on us (with the exception of a few), I just think that half the time they have no idea what they're talking about. If you go up and ask one of them to list possible starters for the 2008 season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, I can almost guarantee you they would only be able to name the main starters, if they could even handle that (i.e., Ganz, Lucky, maybe Swift, etc.). If you only know a select few of the players, how could you possibly decide how good the team is going to be? So for them to sit on their little shows they have like this and talk about how NU is going to do is hilarious to me. They barely know our main players let alone the rest of the team. To make a prediction on how our year is going to go based on that alone is just a horrible analysis; especially for a media outlet totally dedicated to sports and this show specifically was dedicated to COLLEGE FOOTBALL. How pathetic...

After reading the posts in this thread, I wanted to comment on a few of the subjects... First, the more I read about the Huskers - both on LJS, Omaha.com, disscusion boards, etc - the more I wish it was August 30th. Second, I believe Mizzou will have another standout season this year. The stars seem to be aligning for them, at least in my opinion. Mizzou's schedule doesn't appear to be all that tough. Texas and Illinois (anyone know how Illinois is expected to do?) could possibly be the two toughest teams they face all year. One could argue that KSU, KU, and perhaps even OSU might be challenging too. It's hard for me to say for sure (but it's fun talking football anyway!), because I haven't seen any of the teams play yet. But, based on last year, I would definitely say Texas and Illinois would be the top challenges. Along with this schedule, Mizzou also just looks like they will have another solid team this year. Chase is returning to operate the offense, which is obviously a huge part of the offense's success last year. Regardless of whether you like him or not, he is a field general. He knows what makes his offense work, and I also noticed he was almost always able to see what the opposing defense was trying to do to stop the offense, and adjust accordingly (OU is the exception). Third, I don't think Kansas will have as much luck this year. Their schedule is WAY tougher than it was last season. I look at their schedule and see South Florida and KU giving them some trouble, and then of course they have Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, and Mizzou! I never really thought they had that good of a team last year, it was okay, but I don't think it was as good as their record indicated. With a little tougher schedule this year, I think their record will more accurately portray how good the team is. The final thing I want to comment on is, of course, the Huskers! Hey, maybe I can add NU to Mizzou & KU's list of tough teams to beat this year. It's really difficult to say right now, and unfortunately the Spring Game won't help determine how good our team will be this year. The first 3 non-conference games appear to be wins, but after almost losing to some non-conference teams last season, I can't say they are "for sure" wins. I am still pretty confident that we will be 3-0 by the time VT game rolls around. From there, it's difficult to say. I will assume that we will have a better team than last year. So, if NU has an average team, I would say the Huskers beat ISU, Baylor, Kansas, and Kansas State (final season record: 7-5). If NU has an above average team, I would also add VT, Missouri (we face them at Memorial) and perhaps TT to the Husker's victim list (final season record: 10-2...with the OU game being close). Again, it's tough to say how NU will do. Have to see them against an actual opponent (not just against themselves), but I just had to comment because I am in football withdrawal.

I completely agree. I'm not completely sold on Ganz yet either. Using this logic (and I know neither of you may be trying to make this argument), then why are so many people saying Lee and Witt are better than Ganz? How many games have those two played in Division I football? Hmmm...

Can't say I really care what Alabama fans are talking about. If they have a stadium full of 500,000 fans watching their spring game, good for them. I guess that means they are better than us or something? Whatever the case, can't say I really care. Just wanted to let my opinion be known...

97% of statistics are wrong 54% of the time...

It's so early right now. I mean, the season hasn't even started yet. But you know, I get it. It's fun to make predictions. Well, I don't think Kansas will suck, but I also don't think they will have as good of a record as last year either. Their 2008 schedule looks way tougher than their 2007 schedule. I see 5 games that wouldn't surprise me if they lost this season. In the same breath, I could see them winning some of those games too. Like I said, it's hard to tell right now. I would have to watch them play - same with just about any team. But for the purposes of this thread, and based largely on the way both teams ended the season (because I have nothing else to go off of), I could see Mizzou doing really well in the North, and Texas Tech doing really well in the South. Nobody quote me on that though (unless I am proven to be right).

Maybe every year we should have the backup QB start, because apparently they are always the best choice. It's funny, because last year, when NU hit their huge slump, everyone was saying how Keller should be pulled because Ganz was much better than Keller. Now that Ganz is probably going to start, it is "clear" that Lee (or perhaps Witt) would be a better choice. First of all, to compare Keller and Ganz is kind of unfair. Both QBs have totally different styles. Keller drops back to pass, and stays in the pocket (I don't remember him running around a whole lot back there). Ganz is more mobile. Sure he doesn't have the best arm, but Keller doesn't either. Keller was a little above average, in my opinion (as we are seeing as he tries to make it in the NFL). So, would I rather have a mobile QB with an average arm, or a stationary QB with a little above average arm? My personal choice would be the former, but this is just my opinion. I'm not rooting for any QB in particular; I just want the best QB that can lead this offense in the most efficient way. I think that is the key. Could a JUCO player with no Division I experience do that? Maybe. My point is that Ganz has Division I experience, he has been with Nebraska's "new" offense since day one, and it seems that all of the players really admire and trust him as a leader. Those three things outweigh the fact that Lee and/or Witt may be a better athlete (although I can't really even say this, because I have never seen Lee or Witt play). All anyone has ever seen of Lee and Witt are short clips of practice, or short clips that were put together for the purpose of having them recruited. I don't know about anyone else, but I can't really pass judgement on how good or bad either QB is. I have seen Ganz play. Sure he hasn't thrown the best ball every single play, but you know what? Those receivers out there busted their ass to try and go up and catch it. They were behind Ganz, and it seems like they still are. Last year when Ganz started, he didn't have anything to lose. He could just go out there and play football, and let whatever happen, happen. The Huskers weren't doing well, so even if he did go out there and perform bad, it wouldn't really matter. This year, he is the starter (most likely), and he is starting at 0-0. How much pressure will this put on him knowing that he has a clean slate to work with? Not sure, but I am anxious to find out.

I agree 100%.

(Yeah, he beat me to it ^^^) This situation is still questionable, so please don't be so quick to point your finger. Alot of the "facts" originally reported by the media are incorrect. So, let's just wait to see how this plays out.

I really hope that's not the case. LBs are important in any defense. Bo's D is no different. If they are "abysmal," then our defense is in for another long year. -IF- our LB Corp is really that horrible and our D line is "shaky" as this report indicates, let's hope our offense can run the ball and control the clock!!

Yep. Half of the time I create a thread, for the first 5 posts it's on subject, and then after that it goes from topic to topic; most of the time, the different topics are somewhat related to the original thread topic. This thread is no different... Ha! Yeah, you caught me. I just started to disagree with you to start a debate. I tried to win, but in order to debate, there must be two (or more) opposing opinions. Unfortunately for me, the opinion I mostly agreed with was taken (by you), so I had to take the stance that the coaches were the bottom-line problem. It was a mixture of a few players as well as a disconnect (?) between the coaches and players. Really, there is no one problem I can point out and say, "This was why the Huskers sucked it last year." It was a combination of unforeseeable circumstances that knocked the Husker players, coaches, and fans flat on their asses. Sigh. No, I might not fully understand the system. However, what I don't fully understand was why the defense was okay some years, and then all of a sudden it flat-lined in 2007. Part of this may have something to do with the fact that our D line was better for the first few years, but then in 2007, the D line was a little younger due to many of our great starters leaving. In all honesty, if you fully understand Coz's scheme, I would love to have it explained. Not sure what that would entail, or how you would do that, but if you have the time and energy, I am listening. Yes, and maybe this contributed to some players not giving 100% all of the time. Either way, it was obvious things were not working out on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, I know. See, I am not really excited to see what happens during the spring game. Sure, I will listen and read to see what went on. But playing against your own team does not show me what this team is capable of. The Spring Game and spring practice is just that: practice. A chance to improve skills? Yes. A gauge of how good the team will do in season play? No. Eh. I put blame on a few players, but I probably wouldn't call them out by name. At least not anymore. I somewhat defend the coaches, but honestly, not really. Spring practice isn't garbage, but I don't bet my life on what I hear coming out of practice or the results of the Spring Game. Is that good for like a half a beer? Or maybe a cheap, crappy full beer?

Great point. While I do agree that being in RB mode will help him at the LB position, he will still need to relearn the fundamentals of the position. To make it worse, they have him marked as playing the MIKE position, which has me a little nervous. While playing the MIKE position you have to be alert about so many different aspects, that you really only have about 1 to 2 seconds to react and decide what you need to do. Make a mistake, and the offense may make you pay. I, for one, am very very concerned about the LB corp. HOWEVER, I have hope that maybe the experienced front four can help them out a little bit. Turner, Suh, Steinkuhler, and Potter (most likely) will definitely have to step it up to help the inexperienced LBs. Don't worry. I'm sending Glenn a PDF of all of our opponent's playbooks. Shhh... :: looks around nervously ::

Great read! Really enjoyed it. Seems reasonable to me. 8-4 sounds about right, and although I would definitely like to add a few more W's, I would be satisfied with that record for Bo's first season with the Huskers. Especially if I see a good product on the field, and the losses we suffer aren't blowouts. Why can't it be August and a little over a week away from the first game of the season, rather than the spring game (don't say because it's April)? Sigh...

No, I'm not saying that. That's just what you want me to be saying so you can make your point easier. If you take most players out of their current system and put them into a brand new system, it's not going to be very successful. Oklahoma? Maybe. USC? No. Florida? Probably not. But you are missing my point. My point was that it takes the players learning the system and executing within the system - offensive or defensive - to be successful. Want proof? Look at the Mizzou game. Same exact system, but the players weren't executing on the field. How far did that get them in the game? 297 total yards and a whopping 6 points. I guess the system was just having an off day. Well, if this is true, then when the offense failed to produce, it was the coaches fault, right? I mean, if you are going to give them credit when they succeed, then they need to take the blame when it fails. Can't say I remember hearing Cally mention that a whole lot though. Oh, I understood his system alright. But trying to get the opposing offense to get tired from running up and down the field just isn't a good strategy. So, would have been okay then keeping Coz? I mean, it was the players being constantly out of position. With some new players this year (namely the LBs), Coz's defense probably would have dominated. Willie! Look at this. We should probably frame this, because this is the first FULL paragraph we agree with each other 100%!!! Ehhh...can't say I have been too thrilled about a new football season starting since the T.O. era. Solich and Callahan's spring practices didn't really excite me too much. Coming off a very disappointing, pathetic season, I tend to be excited for this change. Bo has proven himself to be a defensive guru. Our defense was pathetic last year. So, I see the opportunity for the defense to at least get to being average in the first season. Not sure how big of a turn around this defense is capable of, but the players have been talking about how different the two coaching staffs are. In my opinion, there is reason to get excited this spring. True. Shared by everyone huh? Interesting. Your opinion isn't original. There are plenty of people who share the same sentiment as you, but I guess since you are in the minority you think it makes you original. Okay, but you (just like me) are using the same arguments I have had with numerous others sharing your view, so it doesn't seem all that original to me.

I don't know. I was never really too impressed with Keller. But then again, I wasn't too fond of Taylor either. I just don't really like pocket QBs. There's something about them getting smashed when pressure is coming because they lack the agility and speed to get out of the way that I just don't like. Oh wait, that is exactly what I don't like about pocket QBs. Ganz, Lee, and even Witt are much more elusive. And that's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, I like it.