cosgrove likes his defense

[Benard]

LINCOLN - Before Nebraska starts bragging about its defense, there needs to be a well-placed reminder of how reality set in two or three times a year ago.

 

 

NU defenders ganged up on Pittsburgh in their last game. From left, Titus Adams, Benard Thomas and Wali Muhammad swarm to the ball. NU leads Division I-A teams in rushing defense (41.3 yards allowed a game).

 

You might recall the Huskers enjoying some time as the nation's top-ranked defensive unit before succumbing to long games against Missouri, Texas and Kansas State. By the end of 2003, they had settled at No. 11.

 

But junior cornerback Fabian Washington thinks NU might have a little more staying power after another strong start in 2004.

 

"I think we're better just because we're a year older," Washington said Tuesday. "You're always going to get better - no matter who's your defensive coordinator or who's your coaches - just by being a year more experienced. Coach Cos, he calls the plays and we just go out and make the plays."

 

"Coach Cos" is Kevin Cosgrove, the defensive coordinator who replaced Bo Pelini. While Cosgrove hasn't elicited the same celebrity status, his first three games at Nebraska have provided numbers comparable to Pelini's first three.

 

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