Blackshirts plan to pave the road

[Blackshirt]

throw up the bones!!

 

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Blackshirts looking to lead revamped team

 

By Robin Washut / Daily Nebraskan

August 23, 2004

 

 

Following the tidal wave of modification that swept over Husker Nation, one pillar has remained standing.

 

The Blackshirts – the backbone of Nebraska football and the savior of respectability for the Cornhuskers over the past few years – will once again be handed the task of keeping the enemy at bay while NU’s offense finds its rhythm.

 

How long that may take is a mystery for now, but there is no question that the Blackshirts are prepared for the long haul.

 

“There have been times during the spring where our defense has showed flashes of dominance,” Nebraska Coach Bill Callahan said. “We are concentrating on a championship ring this season and it will rely on our defense early, which will allow some time for our offense.”

 

Under the direction of Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, who comes to NU after directing Wisconsin’s defense for nine years, the Huskers return six starters from unit that ranked 11th nationally in total defense last season.

 

All-American safety Josh Bullocks, who snagged a school-record 10 interceptions in 2003, and senior linebacker Barrett Ruud, who is just 53 tackles away from breaking NU’s career tackles record, will lead the Blackshirts.

 

Along with Bullocks, the Huskers boast one of the top secondaries in the Big 12, as junior Fabian Washington should be lockdown cornerback.

 

Add in the emergence of several underclassmen and the Huskers have the ingredients for a defense capable of carrying the team on its shoulders.

 

“As far as the defenses I’ve been around, I’d say that this is one of our better ones,” Cosgrove said.

 

One of the more interesting story lines for the NU defense should be how it fares after returning to a primarily man coverage scheme.

 

The Huskers lived off of man coverage prior to last season, when then Defensive Coordinator Bo Pelini installed a more zone-oriented defense.

 

Although the switch hasn’t gone without its share of confusion, the transition has gone a little smoother than expected due to familiarity.

 

“We’ve been through man systems and we’ve been through zone systems, and that has helped us a lot in learning this defense,” Bullocks said. “It makes us better as a defense because we’re familiar with both. Our experience has helped us out a lot.”

 

While learning the new coverage packages is a high priority, mission No. 1 for the Blackshirts is to improve its play up front.

 

In their three losses last season, the Huskers allowed an average of more than 35 points and just less than 500 yards of total offense, 276 of which came on the ground.

 

“We watched all the games, especially the games we had trouble with last year,” Cosgrove said. “In those games, the biggest thing we saw was that we didn’t control the line. It all starts up front. You have to be strong inside.”

 

The return of junior tackles Le Kevin Smith and Titus Adams and the emergence of several young ends should give Cosgrove and Defensive Line Coach John Blake a solid base to work with.

 

Though there are still questions to be answered on the field, the defensive unit’s mentality appears to have it ready to handle a heavy early-season workload.

 

The faces may be new, but, in spirit at least, the Blackshirts will always be the Blackshirts.

 

“(A Blackshirt) is a symbol of Nebraska’s history and tradition,” Ruud said. “The pride you feel when you get it is amazing. It’s something all of our defense strives for every year, and this season is no different.”

[DaveH]

I have a hard time formulating an opinion on the defense for some reason. They have a lot of returning talent. The old system was primarily zone, this is primarily man which in the past we have never been dominating. Probably because we didn't have the athletes. Do we have them? That might be the question.