if there are no Blackshirts for first game?

[bbhusker]

IMHO

 

The defense will probably be ready to run through walls if they aren't handed out prior to the first game. What better motivational tool than that to get the D ready for their first test.

 

 

GBR GBR GBR

 

I agree. These guys would be looking to tear somebody's head off!

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

Seems are the players are in agreeance with Bo as well:

 

“If we’re not playing up to par, I guess we’ll get them whenever we deserve them,” middle linebacker Phillip Dillard said. “Until then, we’ll stick with the red and white."

 

 

NE State Paper

[junior4949]

The way I see the blackshirts are kind of like the stars or whatever symbol you had in high school that coaches put on your helmet to signify that you did something special. I have no problem only giving 1 or 2 blackshirts out to those on D that really did something special. It gives the rest of the D motivation to bust their a$$ trying to obtain one.

[RedDenver]

I agree with not just handing out the blackshirts, but I'm concerned about how they're eventually given. What I don't want to see is only some of the players get them. The Blackshirts have always stood for unity to me. It's not some of the players "play(ing) hard on the first play, the last play and bring(ing) nothing but pain and anguish to the opposing team's offense between the two", but an entire unit playing this way. It's about guys playing TOGETHER and supporting one another come hell or high water. Giving out the blackshirts should be a unifying event for the team. Just my 2 cents.

 

P.S. Thanks to hack for the quote.

[EbylHusker]

I agree with not just handing out the blackshirts, but I'm concerned about how they're eventually given. What I don't want to see is only some of the players get them. The Blackshirts have always stood for unity to me. It's not some of the players "play(ing) hard on the first play, the last play and bring(ing) nothing but pain and anguish to the opposing team's offense between the two", but an entire unit playing this way. It's about guys playing TOGETHER and supporting one another come hell or high water. Giving out the blackshirts should be a unifying event for the team. Just my 2 cents.

 

P.S. Thanks to hack for the quote.

 

That would be fine with me, as long as nobody got one until the whole unit was playing Blackshirt style. The absolute worst thing they could do is get some of the players performing like that and then give the whole unit Blackshirts. The only way I would support giving it to the whole unit at once is if the whole unit gets them when every single person deserves it, or nobody gets a Blackshirt at all.

[skersfan]

Personally I have not seen a blackshirt on this team. The only one we had last year gave it back.

 

Earn it wear it. I do not care if there is only one on the field. You do not exemplify what it means you do not wear it.

[Reebsker]

I agree with not just handing out the blackshirts, but I'm concerned about how they're eventually given. What I don't want to see is only some of the players get them. The Blackshirts have always stood for unity to me. It's not some of the players "play(ing) hard on the first play, the last play and bring(ing) nothing but pain and anguish to the opposing team's offense between the two", but an entire unit playing this way. It's about guys playing TOGETHER and supporting one another come hell or high water. Giving out the blackshirts should be a unifying event for the team. Just my 2 cents.

 

P.S. Thanks to hack for the quote.

 

That would be fine with me, as long as nobody got one until the whole unit was playing Blackshirt style. The absolute worst thing they could do is get some of the players performing like that and then give the whole unit Blackshirts. The only way I would support giving it to the whole unit at once is if the whole unit gets them when every single person deserves it, or nobody gets a Blackshirt at all.

I agree, blackshirts should be given as a whole. Individuality is for teams that hand out bonus stickers for plays made. I'd rather the idea of "the Blackshirts" not be relegated to that status.

[Igetbored216]

Personally I have not seen a blackshirt on this team. The only one we had last year gave it back.

 

Earn it wear it. I do not care if there is only one on the field. You do not exemplify what it means you do not wear it.

 

Agreed.

[Ohio Pete]

Personally I have not seen a blackshirt on this team. The only one we had last year gave it back.

 

Earn it wear it. I do not care if there is only one on the field. You do not exemplify what it means you do not wear it.

Too bad Nebraska didn't have 10 more guys like him.

[skersfan]

And my guess is he is the only one that we know we have this year. And I doubt he will take it if he does not feel the group deserves. He is a leader, we need him to continue being one.

[Reebsker]

And my guess is he is the only one that we know we have this year. And I doubt he will take it if he does not feel the group deserves. He is a leader, we need him to continue being one.

Too bad Bowman is gone this year.

[SOCALHUSKER]

From Tom Shatel:

 

When asked why he was doing it this way, Pelini shot back, "Why not? What's a Blackshirt mean if it's a symbol that you don't earn? Isn't that the point? Everybody wants to rush this thing. What's the point if you're just going to hand them out?"

 

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1921

 

okay, please excuse me if i begin to bogasm here but i have to like the sentiment here.

 

name another school that puts such a emphasis on one particular squad on their team. tA&M's wrecking crew comes close, but that's just about it.

 

pelini is treating the blackshirt with a reverence on par with US military's ranger tabs or 'budweisers'. that's a good thing.

 

if you get a blackshirt, it's because you've earned it. if you keep one, it's you because you deserve it. the criteria *more* that being the first team. it's how you conduct yourself around the locker room, in practice and on the field. best of the best.

 

blackshirts play hard on the first play, the last play and bring nothing but pain and anguish to the opposing team's offense between the two. they dominate lines, put quarterbacks into the ground and make receivers think twice before going after the ball.

 

blackshirts own the football; they just let opposing offenses *think* they have possession before the ball is stripped, intercepted or fumbled.

 

blackshirts are players who every now and again ask themselves, "what would jason peter do?"

 

blackshirts try to live up to and exceeding players of the past while at the same time provide and example for the present and possible blackshirts of the future.

 

blackshirts are players young kids wish they could be, what other players try to be and what old men wish they could have been.

 

it's more than playing at nebraska, it's playing FOR nebraska.

 

hopefully, we will see some blackshirts this season.

 

 

That's awesome!! I agree and can't possibly see how a Blackshirt can be earned until they perform as one in both practice and in battle. I think each individual player must earn their Blackshirt, and some starters may not receive it at all. Then again, I could see all the starters and even a few special teams defensive specialists earning Blackshirts. If they perform like a Blackshirt, think like a Blackshirt, and live life like a Blackshirt, they must be a Blackshirt!!!

[skersfan]

duh I was thinking Dillard. sorry.

[Muddy4DSM]

I'd say the biggest part of the Blackshirt is the tradition associated with it. The names of the past have made the black practice jersey something to strive for and have raised the bar to a level that intimidates and strikes fear in opposing teams. There's no need to bring that name down just because it's the first game and they "need" to be handed out.

 

Let the defence show that they can compete and replicate what was done before in the proud tradition of those Blackshirts! MAke them earn their spot and work to achieve the highest level possible so their name can be placed next to the great players of before, before they are given such an important part of the Husker tradition. Like it was said before, the Blackshirt isn't just a jersey for the first team it's part of a major tradition in Lincoln. Let the defence prove they are worthy to be associated with this tradition before allowing them to be part of it.

 

-Adam

Chicago, IL