hack Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Ekeler envisions big improvement When Mike Ekeler, the Huskers' new linebackers coach, says he's an eternal optimist, he means it. Ekeler said Thursday night on Sports Nightly that he thinks Nebraska's defense can be the nation's best in 2008. That would be quite a jump, considering the Huskers finished the 2007 season ranked 112th nationally in average yards allowed (476.83) and 114th in points allowed (37.9). Nebraska returns six starters on defense. The Huskers' system under new head coach Bo Pelini will be "very, very multiple," Ekeler said. "(Opponents) aren't going to be able to find us and know what we're in," he said. "We'll come after them from every corner of the earth." Ekeler said many of the returning Husker defenders like to hang around the football offices these days. Listening to Ekeler, you get the feeling there's a good vibe. "All the players want is to learn and play to the best of their ability," Ekeler said. "As a staff, we want to crank it up and have the kids play above their ability." This staff is obviously young and confident. Among other Ekeler nuggets: -- On Pelini's message to the players in the first team meeting: "Bo told them, 'I looked at the schedule and if anybody in here thinks we can't win them all, hey, get out of here.' "That's just the way Bo lives his life." -- On recruiting: "If you can't recruit to this place, you don't have a pulse." you can tell he's a disciple of bo from the way he talks. callahan was always of the opinion that he couldn't train kids fast enough; pellini thinks we've got stocked shelves and should be winning now. man, if 2007 was a nutty football year the 2008 should be off-the-hook. Quote Link to comment
ICT HSKR 10 Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 If you were a defensive player, how could you not get pumped hearing this from your coaches? I love the confidence and the "mental" programming or should I say de-programming from the previous defensive coaches mentality. I love the bar being set high, where it should be. Quote Link to comment
Blackshirtsguru Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Ekeler envisions big improvement When Mike Ekeler, the Huskers' new linebackers coach, says he's an eternal optimist, he means it. Ekeler said Thursday night on Sports Nightly that he thinks Nebraska's defense can be the nation's best in 2008. That would be quite a jump, considering the Huskers finished the 2007 season ranked 112th nationally in average yards allowed (476.83) and 114th in points allowed (37.9). Nebraska returns six starters on defense. The Huskers' system under new head coach Bo Pelini will be "very, very multiple," Ekeler said. "(Opponents) aren't going to be able to find us and know what we're in," he said. "We'll come after them from every corner of the earth." Ekeler said many of the returning Husker defenders like to hang around the football offices these days. Listening to Ekeler, you get the feeling there's a good vibe. "All the players want is to learn and play to the best of their ability," Ekeler said. "As a staff, we want to crank it up and have the kids play above their ability." This staff is obviously young and confident. Among other Ekeler nuggets: -- On Pelini's message to the players in the first team meeting: "Bo told them, 'I looked at the schedule and if anybody in here thinks we can't win them all, hey, get out of here.' "That's just the way Bo lives his life." -- On recruiting: "If you can't recruit to this place, you don't have a pulse." you can tell he's a disciple of bo from the way he talks. callahan was always of the opinion that he couldn't train kids fast enough; pellini thinks we've got stocked shelves and should be winning now. man, if 2007 was a nutty football year the 2008 should be off-the-hook. Fo Shizzle! Quote Link to comment
DeathCultArmaggedon Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "We'll come after them from every corner of the earth." Man, I would be so willing to run through walls for this staff. This quote is amazing. Quote Link to comment
HSKRNOKC Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 One observation I have made is that this staff will not tolerate loosing. They will never be happy with morale victories. Fires me up! Quote Link to comment
huskernumerouno Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I bet we see a lot of next year Quote Link to comment
hastingshusker Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I bet we see a lot of next year And it will be DESERVED!!! Quote Link to comment
Cy the Cyclone Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "(Opponents) aren't going to be able to find us and know what we're in,"... That was part of the problem last year...opponents couldn't find "us" to run into so they just kept on running... Listen...the Cyclone offense has been shut down by many thing in the past...high schoolers, cheer leading squads, toddlers...but we have yet to be shut down by words... We in Ames are amused...not worried mind you...but amused. Guy sounds like McCarney used to. Quote Link to comment
clone Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 SOUNDS good!! GO BO!! Quote Link to comment
BOBELIEVER Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 We in Ames are amused...not worried mind you...but amused. good for you Hey Cy, when you gonna jump on the Nebraska bandwagon ? you know you want to Quote Link to comment
ICT HSKR 10 Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 "(Opponents) aren't going to be able to find us and know what we're in,"... That was part of the problem last year...opponents couldn't find "us" to run into so they just kept on running... Listen...the Cyclone offense has been shut down by many thing in the past...high schoolers, cheer leading squads, toddlers...but we have yet to be shut down by words... We in Ames are amused...not worried mind you...but amused. Guy sounds like McCarney used to. Hilarious, must have been the cheerleading squads from the move "The Replacements". You always crack me up! Quote Link to comment
BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hey I'll love to see an amazing worst to first transformation! Shut 'em down and hit 'em in the mouth from day one! Bring fear and respect for the Blackshirts back. Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I want teams next season to take us for granted and think we have the same defense from last season. I want them to come out chuckling to themselves that way when we hit them so hard they $hit themselves it will be that much more of a surprise! I can't wait to be able to call our defense the blackshirts again, but they have to prove it to me first. Quote Link to comment
bethelbacker Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Never underestimate the power of self-belief and confidence. Do I think we are going to be the best in the country next year? No. But I do think we will be top 20, bank on it. This staff have these kids ready to decapitate people, and I'm excited to see what develops. Quote Link to comment
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