Klotz for Hire

First of all, let me say that I am resigned to the FACT that this is a bad team with good players. The team is bad, because they are not: 1. Coached correctly 2. Coached Up for games 3. Coached into favorable game situations 4. Coached out of difficult game situations 5. Coached with regard to appropriate personnel. I have always supported Coach Callahan while not supporting Steve Pederson. For the sake of the team and the program, I "got on the bus." Now, I feel like I've been mugged by my grandmother in the sense that I continue to support a coach and a staff and a program that simply does not coach kids, and now EVERYONE, especially the players are paying for it. Giving the meager $350 for season tickets feels like losing an impulse bet with a family's grocery money. I've been ripped off my something I've dearly loved and supported since I could walk. I don't know if it is Coach Callahan himself, but at the root, it is coaching and coaches. And we as fans are helpless hotages. It's the same feeling I got driving back from Colorado on a sunny November day in 2003. There is uncertainty, and I have no control over tomorrow. I love Nebraska Football and everthing that it stands for, but if this ship goes down, I almost hope it goes now. And if we should go to rock bottom, the only way that hope could be restored would be for Pearlman, Pederson, and Callahan to go in succession. If THAT should happen, then consider this recruiting class on pins and needles, and that's a whole new thread. BOTTOM LINE: Coaching is the root of success and failure. There is no band aid for this. We are all helpless in the face of poor coaching.

After watching Suh get taken out of the game by great double team blocking, and seeing no assistance by the rest of the line, it got me thinking. When was the last time our nose tackle and three technique were both truly dominant. (i.e. capable of hanging with a USC caliber line) The more I thought about it, there has only been two combinations in my lifetime, and only three that I can think of. Give me your thoughts on this and add where necessary. 1. Larry Jacobsen and Rich Glover (before my time) 2. Danny Noonan and Neil Smith?? 3. Christian and Jason Peter Aside from these combos, I could not think of any other dominant tandems. We have had individual good interior linemen, but aside from the Peter bros., I could not think of any other tag teams in the last 10-12 years that were good enough as a two man interior unit. Your thoughts, please

I'd have loved to add some insight to this thread, but Eric, you more and less nailed it. From the south endzone where I was, it was extremely scary to watch the holes open up on the first two USC runs. While I didn't give up after the first USC drive, it was sobering and clear that at the very least, it would be a long night. A couple of points . . . . 1. Every time we lose, by however much we lose, fairweather fans want everyone fired. Tell me how that helps any of Husker Nation and I will jump right on there with all of the sour grapes. 2. USC was and is a superior team to Nebraska last night and last year. We will only be their equal when we get another chance to prove it. Realistically, that would be in a BCS bowl game. I think we are still 2-3 years off. 3. The true indicator of the ability of this team will be the COACHING and the ATTITUDES that surface as a result of this game. These defensive coaches are not fools. They know there are multiple problems. They will have ideas for proper adjustments. The question is, will the kids respond to it in a timely and positive fashion?

Latest word is that this kid is working with folks from the NU academic support staff to get his grades up. He will evidently not play basketball this summer to focus on academics. If NU's academics people help this kid learn how to study, that should give us an inside shot.

Hey kids, I noticed that Eric has recently posted that Kenny Wilson is "MIA." I was wondering if anyone had any solid info as to his health/team status. With as much as folks speculate on things lately (and I am guilty of that, too) I was interested to see if anyone could link up to a credible artictle on Wilson's situation. Thanks

Hey, Not to get anyone's hopes up, but I have been checking out some of Arkansas' free boards, (similar to this one but far lower in quality and overall intelligence) and there are some folks that seem to be sweating a bit. Anyhow, we have to remember that at the end of the day, these coaches are only about who really wants to be here. I did not take into account Benard or Formerfan in the overall intelligence assessment of this board.

Hello again, Well, I am just as pissed off as most of you. Play calling was extremely poor at extremely critical times I agree with this 100%. Fire the coach? WTF? C'mon people. You know that Coach Callahan will not be fired over this, and that should not even be a discussion. He has taken responsibility for some boneheaded calls that he made, including the fake punt. Let's consider this, however. In watching the replay on the fake punt, I have determined that had that ball not been fumbled, he may still be running. Then the thread would be, "Callahan is a genius." I agree wholeheartedly that there is a thin line in Callahan's genius/stupidity in playcalling, but after I get done being angry, I'll be looking forward to reading stories about our top 10 recruiting class, weight room success stories, and the spring game. The coaching today sucked. This is not the first time that's happened. But if you consider the overall program, we continue to make progress. The most important thing is the team itself, and the kids believe in their coach. That's a whole lot more than I could say when Frankie was in town. Furthermore, I continue to admire Callahan's faith in his players to execute the plays. Much more confidence in the kids on the field than coach Solich ever seemed to convey. Coach Callahan will learn a lot from this experience, and next year when we have receivers who are just a bit stronger, and a kicker who can nail a kick of over 40 yards, we will not complain about so many playcalling choices as we did this year.

Hello again, This situation is painful to watch. John Blake is a tremendous recruiter, further more, a good human being. I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that while this is a huge loss, it's important that we all maintain our positive vibe for Coach Blake. It seems to me with both recruits and coaches that when someone chooses to take a non-Husker path, the haters all come out of the woodwork. He was offered a slightly better job in a different place. He appears to be accepting that position. This is not because of any world dominating vision that he has. John Blake would choose to leave because he is a builder. He built the talent framework for Oklahoma's 2000 team. He has done the same for us with the 2007,2008 Huskers. He will move on and do the same thing anywhere else, because that is what he does. Principals, Ministers, and CEO's do this as well. They lay the groundwork for success, move on, and do it elsewhere. I am thankful as a fan that John Blake has been a builder for Nebraska Football. I wish him all the success in the world, and am proud of what he has been able to accomplish here in both recruiting and helping young men build character.

Big Red, It appears I may have taken you out of context. Those who are asking about JUCO QB's for next yr's recruiting class don't bother me. It's some of these other cats who are like "Aw SH** we need another QB tomorrow." that are pissing me off. So if you are talking about next yr's class, I've got no bones with you, and apologize if I've pissed you off. Anyhow, all of the posts on this topic have been great to read so far and seeing others points of view is always good. GBR!!

Hello again, The events of Saturday were tough. Today sucked as well. Notice, however, the past tense references. What we have in front of us . . . what remains . . . is a damn good team with high expectations for themselves. We need to remember that the reason why the kids that are in the program are there is because the coaching staff recognized that on any given day, these kids could be capable of raising their level of play to a higher degree, and their abilities to lead and/or assume necessary roles will be enhanced by this bump in the road. I'm a mite pissed off that I have seen references such as . . " could we still get a Juco QB?," and "What if Josh Freeman . . ." Furthermore, I am disgusted when I hear that our secondary is "in trouble" or "too thin." Tumultuous isolated periods of time such as these are not times that Husker fans start flipping out. It's an opprtunity for True Huskers to support and encourage the current team and coaching staff to raise the level. So too, we need to start whipping these fairweather fans into shape and getting everyone on the bus. Joe Ganz will probably never be Zac Taylor, but in a given game, he is just as capable of making a key play. Isaiah Fluellen and Bryan Wilson are nowhere close to what Zack Bowman is, but in a given game, they are just as capable of making a key play. The point here, is that freaking out and considering whack or unrealistic scenarios is not the right mindset. Downass Husker fans know that this is the perfect time to get behind this team. If your not done being flipping out yet, don't bother posting on this topic. Thanks!

According to Rivals, Harris will now take visits. I suppose that makes him a soft verbal now. I hope that we stay better in touch with our recruits this year. It really bothers me when these guys waiver. I wish they wouldn't commit unless they were solid. Hope we can keep 'em.

Hey All, I just read on a couple of our (Husker) message boards that Allen Evridge is considering a transfer due to the current quarterback situation down in KSUcks land. Can anyone substantiate this or point me to a KSUcks message board where this is being discussed. I just find it interesting because I had a feeling that someone would get screwed over and that it probably would be Evridge. Also, here are a couple more interesting tidbits about KSUcks football right now. The other quarterback down there ( . . . ) is now listed at 6'6 238. I will be the first to laugh when the position switch that his Daddy was worried about actually goes through. In addition, K-State currently has 17 recruits to our 8. Their average star ranking= 1.48. Ours 3.13. The lesson here boys and girls is . . . quality over quantity! Thanks for taking the time, y'all.

Hey again, I just wanted to take an opportunity to put a word in on the QB situation. First of all, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't concerned that we don't have a QB recruit yet, because I certainly am. However, I will not let anyone on this board question the recruiting skills of this coaching staff. These mofoaz went out after a 5-6 season and brought back a full stable of horses. Furthermore, I hope you've all noticed that we've received four solid (as possible) verbal commitments from other recruits who will probably come back with at least 3*when all is said and done. I will not say, "Everything will be fine," because that may not be the case. I would like to enlighten some of the potential Benards and Formers out there of a few things: 1. It is the middle of June. 2. The Elite QB academy is coming up. 3. So far as I know, Jarrett Lee (current LSU commit) will still be attending. 4. Our coaches have found "diamonds in the rough." The QB academy will be another proving ground for this 5. Shawn Sullivan, (NU commit) will be riding Jarrett Lee all season. 6. Our best recruiters are our players and our fans (and Coach Blake). 7. We have Coach Blake. 8. We ARE succeeding in Texas and California. 9. We have not played a down of football yet. And Finally . . . 10. Mark my words, "If we beat USC in their house, and I do believe we will, that will mark the changing of the guard. Get ready O fans of weak spirit, for the recruiting floodgates will open, and the landscape of College Football will be lined with Corn."

Steve Allen will not be attending the University of Nebraska. Rivals reports that Allen is not eligible. The reason, according to Rivals, is that he attended one too many JUCOS before signing with a D-1 school. He started at a Kansas JUCO and then went out to Fresno. He will be finishing his playing career out in West Texas at a DII school, according to teammate Andre Jones.

Steve Allen will not be coming to Nebraska. Rivals has reported that he had attended too many JUCO's prior to signing with a D-1 school. He has not been reached for comment on this by Rivals. Andre Jones reports that Allen will go to West Texas or some other DII school to finish his playing career.

Hey folks. It's been a while again. At the spring game last week, I noticed much more bulk on some players, more speed attributed to others. We have some amazing physical "freaks" on this team that will be running through the opposition come fall. I wanted you guys' thoughts on who is the utmost physical freak on either unit and your evidence. Here's who gets my vote and why: Offense- Cody Glenn- Everyone knew when he came in this fall that he was a man-child. This guy is just as big this year, but more "cut." The dude doesn't go down. IMO his key run this spring was when he broke a delay draw off right guard and juked a couple guys before biatching this guy at the sideline. Defense- Barry Turner- This manimal is one of the most disruptive pass rushers that I've seen in person since Wistrom. He's got game speed like Demorrio, with the mean streak of the Peter brothers. This guy is so quick coming off the end that he may inadvertantly decapitate a quarterback. Hopefully he will become an every down player this year, even with Jay Moore and Carriker.

1) How long have you been a member of Husker Nation? 25 years 2) What/who led you to The Nation? My dad was from Iowa and his family is all Hawks (football) and Cardinals (baseball) fans, so he followed the Huskers and the Royals to spite them. 3) Where are you from originally? Lincoln 4) Where do you live now? Omaha 5) Favorite Husker memory? It was senior day against Colorado in 2000. I was there with my bro Bakhal. We gave up a late touchdown to sCUm and most of the old people who called themselves fans were cursing and lining up to leave. At this point, the spirit of Husker Nation consumed me, and I started cursing the fair weather B@#$& who were leaving. I stood up on the bench and got into it with everything that I had. Then, we drove down and lined up for the field goal. As soon as Josh hit it, I knew it was good. I ran up to the top of north endzone and got tackled by some excited mo' fo's. I felt so proud to be a husker fan on that day! 6) Worst Husker memory? We were supposed to get rolled by Texas by Choirboy Simms and his band of fools in 2002. We looked like we had lost midway through the fourth. Bakhal and I were fully intent on riding it out, and we chose to go down underneath to watch the rest of the game. Then, we got a stop on D, and Groce brought the ball back to like the 11. We could have tied with a FG, but Solich called a square out and LeFlore ran the wrong route. Vasher picked the ball off literally right in front of me. I couldn't speak all the way home. At first I was angry at Jammal, then at Frank. Far removed, I now feel bad for Jammal, who played the game of his life that night. I respect Frank for going for the win. It still hurts, though, to have come all that way, that night, with that mediocre team, and still fall short. 7) Number of home games attended? 30 8) Number of away games attended? 3 (All at sCUm) 9) Favorite Husker memorabilia/apparel? Still got a "1983 National Football Champions" T-Shirt that my dad brought home from Misty's. He bought it from a guy who was of course banking on a Husker victory that didn't happen. 10) Favorite place to watch a Husker game? North Endzone, Section 33 11) Favorite all time player? Ahman Green. 12) WCO or Option? Both fun to watch when executed 14) Lil Red or Herbie Husker? HERBIE (Should there even be a question?) Rumplemintze

To go along with with my inquiry as to which former Huskers are out there in the coaching ranks, I have devised a poll to ask who you may think is a worthy candidate of an entry level coaching position (High School or Grad. Assistant). Thank you for your opinions!

Hey everybody! It's been a while, but I've noticed things are kinda slow so I thought I'd pipe in. I was just wondering if any of you all-knowing freaks (mean it in a good way) had info on former Husker players now in the coaching ranks. I know that many of the "role players" that we've had in the last 5 years have expressed interest in coaching. I'd be interested to see who's out there and what they're doing.

Hey everybody, It's been a while, but I thought that I would get in here on this sad happening in recruiting these days. It used to be that parents were grateful and thankful for their kids getting an opportunity to have their schooling paid for. For many families, especially those who are socioeconomically challenged, one kid's great talent was an ultimate blessing. It was a channel, and a way "out." Parents used to simply be happy that a kid got a scholarship offer. Well, the S$%t's changed, folks. Nowadays, it seems like it's not enough for a kid to make a decision for themselves on college choice and get a little press out of the deal. Now, we've got some militant parents out there who forgot that their 15 minutes were up, and they want their free plug on 1620 "The Zone." Enter Mr. Ron Freeman. And, how about that mother of that Portis kid down in Florida, who insisted that her son transfer because he didn't get enough clock in a blowout late season win. It seems to me that more and more these days, parents are not only taking a stake in, but controlling the recruiting process for these kids. Even going so far as to manipulate coaches and the press to serve their need for recognition of their usually miniscule role in their child's development as an athlete. As a coach, I feel slapped in the face every time that a parent tries to take control of anything that is the sole responsibility of coaches or players. Sadly, though, it happens all the way down in T-Ball or Pop Warner these days. I thought that with all the concern for child welfare these days that these parents would friggin' realize that it's NOT HEALTHY for parents to live vicariously through their children. For some Prima Donna Parents however, it's not sinking in. Whether it's the mom in the stands at the Mil. North soccer practice with a stopwatch preparing a lawsuit, or the baseball mom who cussed me out after I pulled her son off the mound after walking eight straight hitters in a 9-10 year-old little league game to spare him a loss of confidence, be it known, my Husker Nation, that these parents have been around for a while, and the Genesis of the phenomenon is finally snaking it's way into the college ranks. In the spirit of this opinion, I'd like to give a free plug to daddy coach Freeman: Thanks for poking your head out of the water on behalf of the thousands of the like who have been poisoning youth sports for the last 15 years or so. Now the rest of the up and coming in the coaching community can mentally prepare themselves to deal with you. P.S. Don't blame us when your kid burns out because of your actions. I am interested in responses to this opinion from grateful parents whose children have received scholarship offers. Also, amateur and professional coaches of youth atheletics, or anyone who works with and cares about kids.

I feel a bit akward doing this, but I feel like I must in order to stamp out any potential bitterness concerning Robert Rands decision to leave the football team. I have never had "insider info" before, but I've got a bit in this case so here it is . . . Robert was asked at the beginning of the football season to make it a goal to eventually put on 20 pounds. (This is common and perfectly fine in the realm of football) However, adding 20 pounds to his frame would make him only an average long jumper. Furthermore, though listed at 5'7, Robert stands at about 5'5 in person. Due to the fact that he did not want to put on the weight, combined with his potential as a track athlete, he made the decision to give up football. I am here to tell you though, that you've only heard the beginning of the Robert Rands story. This young man WILL qualify for the Olympic Team as a long jumper. Mark my words. Moreover, he is a class young man. My best wishes go out to him, and Husker Nation should support his decision.

The last three weeks have been the most taxing for me and I'm sure many of you. I will never forget the sick feeling all over my body the last time that K-State came to our house. It was electric for the whole first half. All of us fans in section 33 were relentless. It was so loud, the concrete was nearly vibrating. Then, everything went south in the second half. It got real quiet, and Luck-O-Charms boy (Snyder) had his way with everybody in the stadium, leaving his starters in pretty much all game and breaking many spirits. This was the first game that I had ever left early in disgust. I remember how sober I felt. To this day, however, I am still ashamed that I left that game early. My Husker Nation Soldiers, things have not been easy since that game. However, this K-State game is more pivotal than any other. Not only do we have to stick around, we have to stand proud, and get loud. We have to shrug off the old lady that sits in front of us wearing ear plugs. We've got to stand up and stay up. This Saturday, It's on! Let's keep it LOUD and PROUD for our guys. If they can't "find the necessary intensity," then let's provide it for them. I don't like Pud. I am confused about Cally. But I love Nebraska Football, and what it stands for. No Coach or Athletic Director is bigger than the program, and it's the program that I support. Everything Else Aside, get out there with me next Saturday and Support this program by supporting this group of guys.

I was wondering if any of you guys, particularly nameless and ETR, would have any info on guys who are now for sure redshirting this year. I am also concerned about the possiblity of some of our new guys getting ticked about PT and thinking about leaving. I know that we are pretty deep in a couple of areas (qb and rb), but I really don't want to see ANYONE leave. If anyone has any good insider info on these two things I'd appreciate it. Thanks. P.S. I want to apologize for not contributing lately. These last three weeks have been very taxing for all of us, and difficult for me to process. I am getting really sour flashbacks to last year at this time.

Yep. OU prep for fans starts right now. We need some real muthagangstaz to get loud and proud all friggin' week. I am down to get louder than ever this year. I have been down for every game, and at the end of the ISU game, it was loud. We need to get it louder! This is a crucial week for the following 1.) Recruiting 2.) Bowl Eligibility 3.) Husker Nation Pride. Let's get it the *@$& up!

I just wanted to say that there should be NO COMPARISON between this year's team and last year's. I actually felt priviliged to be there, even in defeat, to watch a Husker team come back from 21 down to damn near win. I believe in this group of kids now more than ever. I am heartbroken, but strangely impressed and proud. Yes, We can play with anybody. The thing about last year was that bad things would happen and we couldn't rebound. I'm calling on all trueass Husker fans to get behind this group of guys for next week against Baylor. Former and Benard need not participate. GO BIG RED!