IlliniHusker

Are we improving? Well - 1) Cory Ross didn't fumble vs 3 in the first game. 2) ZT had only 1 INT instead of 2 (lot of luck, but that tends to balance out during the year). 3) ZT had a 1 TD pass vs 0 in the first game. 4) Defense flat out dominated in the 2nd half. Don't think it got stronger in the first game. 5) Oline showed signs of improvement in the 3rd qt. 6) Fluellen got in the game (no catches) Overall we are improving, but lots of areas of concern - 1) Punt return game disappeared. Grixby was replaced by Nunn late in the game. Suspect the coaches were trying to pump some life into the returns. 2) Rushing is still a huge problem. I think there was only run over 10 yrs. I'll have to watch the game again, but it seems we had more success on some sweeps rather than up the middle. So why do we running up the middle so much?

NU - 31 WF - 15 Rushing = 180 Passing = 230

I think we are still another couple of years away. I hope I am wrong. But I doubt with losses this year we will make big inroads on recruiting. This is a make or break year for this staff I now think. I had thought they would be given 5 years, but I do not feel that now.

It's a new year for the Sooners. TCU 17 OU 10 Watched some of the game and its no fluke. * First loss in Sept for Bob Stoops * Adrian Peterson: 22 carries, 63 yrs and a hurt ankle * QB's Thompson & Bomer combine for 0 TD's and 1 Int * TCU outrushed / outpassed OU What a shocker!

I think its a given that QB will improve with fewer INTs and more completions. Also, the running game will be stronger. That brings up the defense. It doesn't do us any good to score a few more points if our pass defense ends up 100 something in the nation again! The D-line MUST improve. The DE's (Carriker and Moore) and DT's (Smith and Adams) MUST put on a pass rush or at least hurry the QB's. If they don't, we will have long afternoons against ISU, TT, MU and CU. Their QB's will eventually burn our inexperienced secondary. Even the switch to a zone defense won't help.

Really enjoyed Armistead's summary and agree that this team is a real mystery. Some of the things that puzzle me going into the opening game wkend: 1. Preseason college football magazines were very depressing. No one believes that NU can win the NC, which is still very weak. 2. Everyone agrees that recruiting class was great, but only 3 JC transfers made either the starting team or backups. No high school superstar could crack the top 2 depth chart. (Exception - Jordon Congdon, K) Did the returning players all improve that much? 3. The D-line was good against the run last year, but absolutely terrible when it came to pressuring the QB. This must improve this year, but D-line starters are essentially the same as last year. If they perform like last yr, our inexperienced D-backs will get burned. 4. Was the real problem last year team attitude and the QB? 5. Why are so many promising receivers injured? Can the remaining one's give us the needed balanced attack? I fear our W-L record could be anywhere from 6-5 to 9-2. That is an unbelievable spread!

Old Pappy - I feel a deep spirit with you! I think that the Big Red is about to be re-born and can't wait for it to happen. Must temper my outlook with reality, but have to believe that better times are ahead. Remember - it took T.O. years to win the first Natl Title. I believe that BC has the same fire and desire. GBR.

There obviously is a depth chart, but its just not being given to the press or the public. Why? 1) To confuse our opponents -- based on last years record, I doubt it! 2) Because there is something to hide -- nope, never was a fan of wacky conspiracy theories. 3) To tee off the press -- doubt it, there is always something to write about... like why there is no depth chart and what that means. 4) To anger the loyal fans -- nope! I personnally think that fans have MORE to talk about without the depth chart. 5) To promote competition among players... GOOD IDEA. 6) To build team unity (everyone gets a chance to prove themselves) ... ANOTHER GOOD IDEA. I vote for items #5 and 6...... Now why is BC giving out those yellow jerseys?

Roy CO HSKR - my first game was also the 1959 NU - OU game when we broke the Sooner's Big 8 win streak (at 59 games?). I was in boy scouts and sat in the "knot-hole" section in the end zone. I remember that the stadium was no where near full at the start of the game, but that changed when local fans started thinking upset. The stadium was full and crazy by the end of the game.... and yes I remember seeing the goal posts being torn down and walking with the crowd down O St. It was one of my fondest childhood memories!

Way to go indianahusker! We lose respect for institutions when they make decisions for reasons that are "politically correct" and the general public sees the decision as just plain stupid. The NCAA's recent decision about mascots is another example. The NCAA thinks they are superior to the fans and know what's best for us. Sounds more and more like some other govt institutions that are losing the respect of most citizens. Whatever they are getting paid, is too much.

VERY ENCOURAGING! You can have a ton of talent with bad team chemistry and have a very average team.... and vice versus. But when you have BOTH the talented players AND great attitude, its the making of a CHAMPION! GBR!

Burn the Boats? At first I thought it was too mysterious, but then when the full meaning sunk in, a shiver ran down my back! I think these guy may be for real and can't wait till season gets started!

Thanks for the info "Bring Out the Gimp". Isn't it nice to know you have friends to help you along the way.

1) How long a member of Husker Nation? About 50 yrs. 2) What / who led you ? My Dad and I would listen to NU football on the radio. I grew up in Lincoln and NU was the only team I followed. 3) Where from originally? Lincoln 4) Where live now? Bourbonnais, IL. 5) Favorite Nebr memory? 1959 when NU upset OU after than had gone upbeaten in the Big 8 for 15 yrs! (No one can imagine such dominance in football in the 1990's and 2000's). I was in the knot-hole section on the south endzone (Boy Scouts - 50 cents). My first NU game ever. Stadium was only about half-full at start of the game, but I yelled my heard out anyway. By half-time the stadium was full and the crowd was rocking. Final score NU 25 - OU 21. Goalposts torn down at end of game and carried down O Street. Will never forget it. I believe that game was the one that "lit the fire" and led to Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne and eventual National Championships. 6) Worst NU memory? Losing to Miami in 1983 Orange Bowl. Second worst - listening on the radio to NU lose to CU in the 1950's and NEVER MAKING A FIRST DOWN FOR THE WHOLE GAME!!! Makes you appreciate the good times! 7) No of home games attended? Approx 25. 8) No of away games attended? 6 9) Favorite memorabilia? My big red hat which was stolen at KU. 10) Favorite place to watch NU football? Memorial stadium. Everywhere else is a distant second. 11) Favorite all-time player? Tommy Frazier. 12) WCO or option? What ever moves the ball down the field and results in a victory. Devaney had passing teams that won the Natl Champion Title, TO had running teams that won. 13) Steve or Bill? The verdict is still out as far as I'm concerned. The thing to remember is that people come and go, but NU lives on in the hearts and minds of the fans. 14) Lil Red or Herbie Husker? I prefer Herbie. 15) Favorite Husker play? The Fumbleruskie. 16) Favorite game day drink. Anything to keep me warm when the December winds are blowing in Memorial Stadium. 17) How did I find HuskerBoard? Comments from HuskerPedia caused me to search the internet for a better site.

I'm finally able this year to meet with Chicago area fans on Saturday and watch Nebraska Football. Any suggestions on the best places to see the Big Red and meet other fans?

Last yr we heard a hundred times that the Blackshirts had to carry us thru the season till the WCO got off the ground. The turnovers, bad defensive schemes and lack of buy-in by key players sunk that strategy. I'm positive the offense will be greatly improved this yr. The Blackshirts will determine if its a 6, 7, 8 or 9 win season. I think the true burden will be on the defense this year. If Cosgrove & staff doesn't perform, then it time for some more changes.

Out of all these changes, I think NU came out on top ... by a huge margin.

Most of the comments about last year's very disappointing D have concerned the lack of commitment (player attitude? coaching problem?) and the loss of some NFL quality talent at LB and DB. I believe the D line was every bit as much to blame as the DBs. They didn't live up to the promise and hardly ever pressure the opposing QB in passing situations. The D will look a whole lot better this year if the line starts to play like real Blackshirts.

This is really good news. I seems to me that in all great passing attacks the QB and the receivers must read each other's minds. The more time they spend together the closer their "reads" will be. The coaching supervision can help with this process, but its time spent passing and catching that really pays off. Its almost like raising children: quality time is fine and good, but quantity time is essential.

Kicking is the one position that doesn't require a lot of college experience. Therefore, a super frosh like Congdon will break thru to a starting position much faster than any other new recruit with star promise. Will probably see some action in 1st game and be ready to really help with Pitt. GBR.

Right On! Since in live in Big Ten country, I can tell you that the Nebraska Fans are almost as famous as the team! The reputation of the fans for loyality, devotion (following the team), fairness, football knowledge and sportsmanship is known and appreciated by people who have had NOTHING to do with Nebraska football. The fans are an important part of the reason that NU football is respected outside of Big XII country.

Living in the Chicago area, I've never listened to the Omaha show, but would like to comment on the FUTURE. Its tempting relive the bad games of last year and worry about repeating mistakes, but we can't go back in time. I believe Cally & Staff are great recruiters. Last year recruiting class was one of the best ever for NU. As for coaching, BC's past record shows that he can be a great coach. Nobody gets to the Super Bowl without knowing how to coach. Lets give him a chance to prove it with talent to actually run the game he wants to run. GO BIG RED!

I think it's great that USC is on the 06-07 schedule. Believe our non-conf schedule should be a mix of mediocre teams and at least one powerhouse. Playing Western Illinois and Maine is a mistake in my opinion. We don't learn that much and it hurts our reputation across the nation. KState had good W-L records by playing patsies, but it really didn't help them with either their national standing or to get ready for the big games. In fact, there reputation was lessened because of their non-conf opponents. Finally, scheduling nothing but top tier opponents is equally bad. You seldom if ever get a chance to play and develop your second / third team players and I suspect you get emotionally burned out by the end of the season. GO BIG RED!

We know that our coaching staff can recruit, but they still haven't proven that they can coach. The primary goal for 2005 is re-establish NU as a rising national power because future recruiting classes will be affected by this year's success. As for Beck vs Taylor - Zac should start and play most of the games because his juco experience has to be a real plus for running the WCO. I can't believe that a high school QB can come in and run the WCO efficiently after seeing the playbook for a couple of months. Last year we must have heard a hundred times how complex the WCO is. If a QB right out of high school can master it, something doesn't add up. GO BIG RED.