IlliniHusker

Logic would tell us that Pelini has to develop the fundamentals on defense before he injects the surprise blitzes or other schemes. Fundamentals = Vanilla Suspect that Watson is doing something similar on offense because this is the first year at NU that he is totally in charge. It appears that the key to beating VT would be a strong running game, which is something that hasn't been proven yet as far as I'm concerned. GBR

NU 21 VT 20 Rushing 225 Passing 175

NU 50 NMS 13 Passing 280 Rushing 235

NU 50 SJS 13 Rushing 255 Passing 305 Winning margin would be greater, but 2nd and 3rd team gets a lot of action.

I just don't think there is anything good that can come from bad-mouthing past NU team members and past NU coaching staffs. The truth is obvious without having to put people down. Why not just talk about what has to improve now and/or emphasize the positive things from the 2008 team & staff?

Not sure how you came to the conclusion that the NU running game was an A With only about 130 yds rushing, NU's O-line had a very sub-par game of blocking for our backs. WMU's defensive ends were small and we could dominate them? When NU was safely ahead late in the game, we still couldn't (or didn't) run the ball to use up the clock. I'd rate the running game a "C" and hope it gets lots better. If it doesn't improve a lot, I think we are in trouble.

Its fun to speculate about possible future ratings, but our main concern should be having our intense play (a given) turn into wins. ONE GAME AT A TIME. Its dangerous to dream ahead - too much uncertainty this season. But, if we must dream, then I'd like to see us in a good post-season bowl game.... forget the early season ratings. GBR

To me this question is a "no brainer". What good does it do if the Big XII looks weak? How does the Big Red benefit from conference foes looking weak? I want them all to win big, so when NU beats them, we look GREAT!

Last year in the last game of the season, WMU went into Kinnick Stadium and beat Iowa. They returned their entire defense and most of their offense. They will not be intimidated by the NU fans. I believe we will win but the score may be closer than most expect.

NU 25 WMU 14 Rush = 265 Pass = 220 With 11 defense returnees at WMU, I believe this will be a close game.

Just 2 thoughts on this post. 1. Remember how we were sky high during the summer of Callahan's last season. Talk of beating USC and contending for the Natl Champ. Conclusion - Don't judge the season based on a spring game. 2. The goal was to get NU to play with intensity, teamwork, emotion and pride. Re-establish the foundation of NU football. Elements that are the key to success. I think Bo is finding out which players are there for themselves vs there for the NU team. If they play like a NU team next year, I'll be satisfied. That's much more important than the record. What's that engraving on the stadium wall say?.... “Not the victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory.” The W-L record isn't mentioned..... but that will come AFTER the action, the game and the glory.

The poll question was 5 yrs into the future. I think KU will be competitive during that time but am much more concerned about the rise in power from MU and CU. NU used to dominate these schools but the talent level is much more spread around due to scholarship limits. Bo has the right formula for developing a dominating program (walk on program, emphasize training not HS star ratings, gather a good core of asst coaches, etc). All this will make NU a contender in the next 5 yrs, but probably not dominate for 8 to 10 yrs.... if we are lucky enough to keep the coaching staff together. Lets learn from history - it took years for Osborne to win the Natl Championship. I just think it will be great when we LOOK like the Big Red again on Saturdays. The championships will come, but I'm a realistic fan.

I'm just happy that Bo got away from the approach that Cally used.... 1st team offense vs 2nd team defense. The old way seem to emphasize how great the West Coast offense was rather than seeing an interesting mix of players. This new scheme should bring out the competitive nature of the players and let everyone have a chance to shine.

Really don't know anything about the new coach, but Iowa and Wisconsin are not noted for their team speed. If you mentioned LSU to someone, the first thing that comes to mind is "team speed". I hope I'm just mis-informed, but the Big 10 is not where I'd think to look for S & C coaches to help with NU's team speed.

The 2008 schedule includes 4 teams that finished in the top 10: Va Tech, Mizzou, Kansas and OU. In addition we are playing a very good Texas Tech team (#22 nationally) and rising powers in Colo and Kansas St. Thank goodness the fans on this board are mostly realistic (~80% for other bowl). A 7-5 record looks like the most likely to me, but I have high hopes that Bo & the Big Red will upset someone this year for a 8-4 record. The only upset I can think of in the last 4 miserable years was the Alamo Bowl over Michigan (Callahan's one bright spot). Lets continue to be realistic and not burden the new staff with expectations that are too far out.

I think its way to early to speculate. Lots can happen - what if Chase Daniel bolts to the NFL? KU's defensive coodinator leaves for a HC? Lets revisit this after the spring game.

When I saw your list I was shocked that you had only 1 Sr on defense. The following will be Sr next yr: Turner - DE, Potter - DE, Steinkuhler - DT, Barfield - DT, Murrillo - DB. I've got to believe their senior years will all be better than this last year. As for WR, I think Menelik Holt and Niles Paul will see a lot of time. If Chris Brooks was going to develop, he would have played much more this year. QB battle will be interesting. Ganz may not have a lock on it because the new HC will probably (hopefully) install a simpler offense that doesn't take 3 yr to learn. Suspect Ganz, Lee and Witt will battle it out. Should be interesting.

As much a I want to see BC go, I don't think he is evil or deserving of name calling. He was just a HORRIBLE fit for NU. But shouldn't PUD be blamed for the hire? Try to remember that Callahan did run a clean program (no scandals, no NCAA violations), he recruited men with good character and he maintained our emphasis on high graduation rates & acedemic excellence. Even when Purify screwed up in the off season, BC handled the situation well. I wish him the best .... somewhere else, anywhere but at NU.

I read an article (LJS?) where Lucky's dad wants him to complete his college education. Hope he listens to his elders.

The Solich firing WAS a bomb. I'd estimate that half the Husker Nation was shocked. After all a 9-3 season with an improving defense and a bowl trip seemed to indicate a definite turn around. A Callahan firing would NOT BE A SURPRISE! I doubt if more than 3-5% of the Husker fans would be in favor of keeping Callahan. The announcement might not come out till Monday, but only because Tom is a exceptionally gracious.

At half time NU had the momentum and the game was our to lose. CU's offense was struggling. The only way they could get back in the game is if we gave them easy score. AND BOY DID WE! After the 1st interception in the 3rd quarter, I was hoping that BC would try the running game with Ganz and Lucky. It wasn't like CU had completely shut down our running attack in the first half. The NU offense (and punt team) just gave CU 3 quick scores. I can't understand BC's high risk play calling. I can't understand how this team can collapse so fast and so completely. Its painfully obvious that we need a new HC.

A business? I remember as a child listening to NU football on the radio (when we couldn't win 5 games a year). I remember going to the stadium as a cub scout and sitting in the end zone for 50 cents to see NU upset OU in 1959. I remember sitting in the Orange Bowl and losing to Alabama with the National Title on the line (and not being able to afford paying for the parking afterwards). I remember the joy of the first National Championship under Devaney in 1971.... and the national talk of a dynasty after the 2nd title. I remember crying after the 1984 team lost to Miami in the National Title Game. I remember Osborne's first, second and third National Titles and the press finally recognizing him as a "winner". Way too much emotion for a "business".

I recently read an article that explained the economics of firing the HC. According to BC's contract, it will cost NU athletic dept $62,500 / month till 2012 ... or $750,000 / yr for 5 yrs. My question - is there 100,000 Big Red Fans willing to donate $7.50 per year for 5 year to fire Callahan? Would YOU be willing to pledge this? I doubt that this would sway TO's decision one way or the other, but it puts a different light on the "economics" of the change!

StuckinChicago is exactly right. BC takes credit for developing QB's and having an effective offense. Its like the defense isn't his responsibility! A HC is responsible for the WHOLE team. From his viewpoint the is doing "an excellent job in all aspects of the game." From his viewpoint, the defense isn't his job!!! BC is a very good OC, but no HC.

This is a GREAT read. Comments: 1. Everyone on this board could benefit from reading this. As for me, it was like holding up a mirror to my attitude and thoughts. Some pretty ugly thoughts can sometimes sneak in. 2. I've worked in both environments - the Pud style and TO style. Believe me, it's all the difference in the world. 3. Loved the comments about winning vs teaching the players. Wins will come when the character and fundamentals are taught. Finally, 4. Character is more important than wins. Would you really want a Natl Championship if NU acted like some of the jackass Miami teams? NO THANKS.