Bo expects to take a "huge jump defensively"

[HuskerInLostWages]

I believe we ranked 55 nationally overall, which is hellaciously better than the former year. I can't recall where we were nationally in each area, but I could have sworn it was ESPN. I am off to the surgeon but I will look for it under the drugs this next few days and see if I can locate the article. If anyone finds it before me, thank you in advance.

[Enhance]

Damn is the season here yet?? I cant wait to see a defense that cuts down on the mental mistakes and really starts to take the wood to the opposing offenses.

 

But, as the former DC repeatedly said, "...against all these spread offenses there's only so much you can do..."

 

I guess there is only so much you can do when coaching like an idiot.

 

And rkhufu7, I don't know the exact numbers but we ranked in the 50's in overall defense. I know that much

[caveman99]

Bo expects NU to take 'huge jump defensively'

BY RICH KAIPUST

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

 

 

• World-Herald Video: Coach's press conference

• NU Football Notes: Green hurt; Washington to try QB

• Tom Shatel: Pelini has list of chores to accomplish in 2009

 

LINCOLN - For the record, Nebraska ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing defense and No. 6 in scoring defense last year after being last in each category the season before.

But it was hard to find even a trace of satisfaction Tuesday in Husker coach Bo Pelini's voice.

 

"I have high expectations," Pelini said. "They're extremely high. We made a jump last year from what they were the year before, but we're nowhere near where I want us to play defensively. I expect to get there this year."

 

Pelini laid it out clearly as Nebraska prepares to start spring practice today. His plans are for the Huskers to make a "huge jump defensively" next season. The players' expectations need to match those of the staff.

 

And NU linebacker Blake Lawrence wasn't the least bit surprised to hear Pelini say any of it.

 

"Since he's come in, he's really shown that we're never going to be where he expects us to be," Lawrence said. "That's not a bad thing. It's a motivating thing, because he expects us to be at a level that we can't achieve until we're at the peak of our game and everything's going right.

 

"Coach Bo, wherever he's been the goal is No. 1. It's not No. 2. It's not Top 10, Top 5 or what not. It's to be the best."

 

Nebraska last season allowed roughly 10 fewer points and 125 fewer yards per game than the 2007 defense that Pelini was hired to repair. The 2008 Huskers held four of their last seven opponents below 300 total yards, but also got lit up for 62 points and 508 yards at Oklahoma, 52 points and 462 yards by Missouri and nearly 9 yards per play at Texas Tech.

 

Pelini said his team did some things "not characteristic of defenses that I want to be around."

 

Pelini said improvement would come with better discipline, focus and execution. Competing down after down. Better coaching.

 

"We were our own worst enemy a lot of the time," he said. "If we fix us - which I think we have a pretty good idea how to get done - and make sure our guys are smarter, more knowledgeable football players and play more consistently, I think we have a chance to be a lot better."

 

Overall, Nebraska nationally ranked No. 55 in total defense (349.8 yards per game) and No. 80 in scoring defense (28.5). The Huskers also forced just 17 turnovers in 13 games.

 

Lawrence said those numbers show that last season was "just a step."

 

"There are certain spots that might be open because someone that has played there before hasn't quite got what the coaches are totally expecting of him," Lawrence said. "So when we start doing things the way they're really meant to be and playing the way Coach Bo wants us, that's when we're going to be able to take this to the next level. The effort level is there, but now it's time to eliminate mental mistakes and play the game right."

 

As Pelini likes to say, it's pretty black and white with him. Very little gray.

 

"Everybody knows what's expected of them," NU nose tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

 

 

 

Where did they rank nationally? The big 12 was HORRIBLE on defense and they played in the north division and didn't face OSU or Texas last year.

 

Here you go

2008

Total Defense: 55th Nationally (349.85 yds/game)

Rushing Defense: 21st Nationally (116.5 yds/game)

Passing Defense: 89th Nationally (233.38 yds/game)

 

as compared to:

2007

Total Defense: 112th Nationally (476.83 yds/game)

Rushing Defense: 116th Nationally (232.2 yds/game)

Passing Defense: 84th Nationally (244.67 yds/game)

[junior4949]

Bo expects NU to take 'huge jump defensively'

BY RICH KAIPUST

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

 

 

• World-Herald Video: Coach's press conference

• NU Football Notes: Green hurt; Washington to try QB

• Tom Shatel: Pelini has list of chores to accomplish in 2009

 

LINCOLN - For the record, Nebraska ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing defense and No. 6 in scoring defense last year after being last in each category the season before.

But it was hard to find even a trace of satisfaction Tuesday in Husker coach Bo Pelini's voice.

 

"I have high expectations," Pelini said. "They're extremely high. We made a jump last year from what they were the year before, but we're nowhere near where I want us to play defensively. I expect to get there this year."

 

Pelini laid it out clearly as Nebraska prepares to start spring practice today. His plans are for the Huskers to make a "huge jump defensively" next season. The players' expectations need to match those of the staff.

 

And NU linebacker Blake Lawrence wasn't the least bit surprised to hear Pelini say any of it.

 

"Since he's come in, he's really shown that we're never going to be where he expects us to be," Lawrence said. "That's not a bad thing. It's a motivating thing, because he expects us to be at a level that we can't achieve until we're at the peak of our game and everything's going right.

 

"Coach Bo, wherever he's been the goal is No. 1. It's not No. 2. It's not Top 10, Top 5 or what not. It's to be the best."

 

Nebraska last season allowed roughly 10 fewer points and 125 fewer yards per game than the 2007 defense that Pelini was hired to repair. The 2008 Huskers held four of their last seven opponents below 300 total yards, but also got lit up for 62 points and 508 yards at Oklahoma, 52 points and 462 yards by Missouri and nearly 9 yards per play at Texas Tech.

 

Pelini said his team did some things "not characteristic of defenses that I want to be around."

 

Pelini said improvement would come with better discipline, focus and execution. Competing down after down. Better coaching.

 

"We were our own worst enemy a lot of the time," he said. "If we fix us - which I think we have a pretty good idea how to get done - and make sure our guys are smarter, more knowledgeable football players and play more consistently, I think we have a chance to be a lot better."

 

Overall, Nebraska nationally ranked No. 55 in total defense (349.8 yards per game) and No. 80 in scoring defense (28.5). The Huskers also forced just 17 turnovers in 13 games.

 

Lawrence said those numbers show that last season was "just a step."

 

"There are certain spots that might be open because someone that has played there before hasn't quite got what the coaches are totally expecting of him," Lawrence said. "So when we start doing things the way they're really meant to be and playing the way Coach Bo wants us, that's when we're going to be able to take this to the next level. The effort level is there, but now it's time to eliminate mental mistakes and play the game right."

 

As Pelini likes to say, it's pretty black and white with him. Very little gray.

 

"Everybody knows what's expected of them," NU nose tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

 

 

 

Where did they rank nationally? The big 12 was HORRIBLE on defense and they played in the north division and didn't face OSU or Texas last year.

 

I know you have an OSU fetish, but seriously TT was ranked higher offensively than Texas and OSU. We took TT to overtime. If you seriously weren't excited about our D last year especially in the bowl game, then I'm not even sure God can help you. The D this year will be the ones carrying this team. If the D makes any strides at all from a year ago, they will be one of the better units in D1.

[Enhance]

Bo expects NU to take 'huge jump defensively'

BY RICH KAIPUST

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

 

 

• World-Herald Video: Coach's press conference

• NU Football Notes: Green hurt; Washington to try QB

• Tom Shatel: Pelini has list of chores to accomplish in 2009

 

LINCOLN - For the record, Nebraska ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing defense and No. 6 in scoring defense last year after being last in each category the season before.

But it was hard to find even a trace of satisfaction Tuesday in Husker coach Bo Pelini's voice.

 

"I have high expectations," Pelini said. "They're extremely high. We made a jump last year from what they were the year before, but we're nowhere near where I want us to play defensively. I expect to get there this year."

 

Pelini laid it out clearly as Nebraska prepares to start spring practice today. His plans are for the Huskers to make a "huge jump defensively" next season. The players' expectations need to match those of the staff.

 

And NU linebacker Blake Lawrence wasn't the least bit surprised to hear Pelini say any of it.

 

"Since he's come in, he's really shown that we're never going to be where he expects us to be," Lawrence said. "That's not a bad thing. It's a motivating thing, because he expects us to be at a level that we can't achieve until we're at the peak of our game and everything's going right.

 

"Coach Bo, wherever he's been the goal is No. 1. It's not No. 2. It's not Top 10, Top 5 or what not. It's to be the best."

 

Nebraska last season allowed roughly 10 fewer points and 125 fewer yards per game than the 2007 defense that Pelini was hired to repair. The 2008 Huskers held four of their last seven opponents below 300 total yards, but also got lit up for 62 points and 508 yards at Oklahoma, 52 points and 462 yards by Missouri and nearly 9 yards per play at Texas Tech.

 

Pelini said his team did some things "not characteristic of defenses that I want to be around."

 

Pelini said improvement would come with better discipline, focus and execution. Competing down after down. Better coaching.

 

"We were our own worst enemy a lot of the time," he said. "If we fix us - which I think we have a pretty good idea how to get done - and make sure our guys are smarter, more knowledgeable football players and play more consistently, I think we have a chance to be a lot better."

 

Overall, Nebraska nationally ranked No. 55 in total defense (349.8 yards per game) and No. 80 in scoring defense (28.5). The Huskers also forced just 17 turnovers in 13 games.

 

Lawrence said those numbers show that last season was "just a step."

 

"There are certain spots that might be open because someone that has played there before hasn't quite got what the coaches are totally expecting of him," Lawrence said. "So when we start doing things the way they're really meant to be and playing the way Coach Bo wants us, that's when we're going to be able to take this to the next level. The effort level is there, but now it's time to eliminate mental mistakes and play the game right."

 

As Pelini likes to say, it's pretty black and white with him. Very little gray.

 

"Everybody knows what's expected of them," NU nose tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

 

 

 

Where did they rank nationally? The big 12 was HORRIBLE on defense and they played in the north division and didn't face OSU or Texas last year.

 

I know you have an OSU fetish, but seriously TT was ranked higher offensively than Texas and OSU. We took TT to overtime. If you seriously weren't excited about our D last year especially in the bowl game, then I'm not even sure God can help you. The D this year will be the ones carrying this team. If the D makes any strides at all from a year ago, they will be one of the better units in D1.

 

Think about this too. In 2006, we almost beat Texas but lost 22-20. In 2007, amidst all the turmoil and how bad we were playing, we almost beat Texas IN TEXAS but lost 28-25. Not matter how good or bad we are doing, we always had Texas figured out, so if we had had to play them last year I bet we would have had a close similar game.

[HuskerInLostWages]

thank you caveman btw

[caveman99]

thank you caveman btw

[Huskers Forever]

Bo expects NU to take 'huge jump defensively'

BY RICH KAIPUST

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

 

 

• World-Herald Video: Coach's press conference

• NU Football Notes: Green hurt; Washington to try QB

• Tom Shatel: Pelini has list of chores to accomplish in 2009

 

LINCOLN - For the record, Nebraska ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing defense and No. 6 in scoring defense last year after being last in each category the season before.

But it was hard to find even a trace of satisfaction Tuesday in Husker coach Bo Pelini's voice.

 

"I have high expectations," Pelini said. "They're extremely high. We made a jump last year from what they were the year before, but we're nowhere near where I want us to play defensively. I expect to get there this year."

 

Pelini laid it out clearly as Nebraska prepares to start spring practice today. His plans are for the Huskers to make a "huge jump defensively" next season. The players' expectations need to match those of the staff.

 

And NU linebacker Blake Lawrence wasn't the least bit surprised to hear Pelini say any of it.

 

"Since he's come in, he's really shown that we're never going to be where he expects us to be," Lawrence said. "That's not a bad thing. It's a motivating thing, because he expects us to be at a level that we can't achieve until we're at the peak of our game and everything's going right.

 

"Coach Bo, wherever he's been the goal is No. 1. It's not No. 2. It's not Top 10, Top 5 or what not. It's to be the best."

 

Nebraska last season allowed roughly 10 fewer points and 125 fewer yards per game than the 2007 defense that Pelini was hired to repair. The 2008 Huskers held four of their last seven opponents below 300 total yards, but also got lit up for 62 points and 508 yards at Oklahoma, 52 points and 462 yards by Missouri and nearly 9 yards per play at Texas Tech.

 

Pelini said his team did some things "not characteristic of defenses that I want to be around."

 

Pelini said improvement would come with better discipline, focus and execution. Competing down after down. Better coaching.

 

"We were our own worst enemy a lot of the time," he said. "If we fix us - which I think we have a pretty good idea how to get done - and make sure our guys are smarter, more knowledgeable football players and play more consistently, I think we have a chance to be a lot better."

 

Overall, Nebraska nationally ranked No. 55 in total defense (349.8 yards per game) and No. 80 in scoring defense (28.5). The Huskers also forced just 17 turnovers in 13 games.

 

Lawrence said those numbers show that last season was "just a step."

 

"There are certain spots that might be open because someone that has played there before hasn't quite got what the coaches are totally expecting of him," Lawrence said. "So when we start doing things the way they're really meant to be and playing the way Coach Bo wants us, that's when we're going to be able to take this to the next level. The effort level is there, but now it's time to eliminate mental mistakes and play the game right."

 

As Pelini likes to say, it's pretty black and white with him. Very little gray.

 

"Everybody knows what's expected of them," NU nose tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

 

 

 

Where did they rank nationally? The big 12 was HORRIBLE on defense and they played in the north division and didn't face OSU or Texas last year.

 

I know you have an OSU fetish, but seriously TT was ranked higher offensively than Texas and OSU. We took TT to overtime. If you seriously weren't excited about our D last year especially in the bowl game, then I'm not even sure God can help you. The D this year will be the ones carrying this team. If the D makes any strides at all from a year ago, they will be one of the better units in D1.

 

Think about this too. In 2006, we almost beat Texas but lost 22-20. In 2007, amidst all the turmoil and how bad we were playing, we almost beat Texas IN TEXAS but lost 28-25. Not matter how good or bad we are doing, we always had Texas figured out, so if we had had to play them last year I bet we would have had a close similar game.

Well that doesn't mean much, because KSU beat them twice, with Ron Prince at the helm. I would say we are far from having them figured out, since we have not beaten them since 1999. I could care less if we play them close, until we beat them, they own us.

[HuskerJen]

Thank you for not writing his name... Cant stand to see it.

 

much obliged

 

No problem fellas. I do what I can for the betterment of Huskernation.

 

[Drowning_in_the_Sea_of_Red]

Damn is the season here yet?? I cant wait to see a defense that cuts down on the mental mistakes and really starts to take the wood to the opposing offenses.

 

But, as the former DC repeatedly said, "...against all these spread offenses there's only so much you can do..."

Thank you for not writing his name... Cant stand to see it.

COSGROVE

 

My favorite was the "sacks are overrated" thing...

[HuskerJen]

Damn is the season here yet?? I cant wait to see a defense that cuts down on the mental mistakes and really starts to take the wood to the opposing offenses.

 

But, as the former DC repeatedly said, "...against all these spread offenses there's only so much you can do..."

Thank you for not writing his name... Cant stand to see it.

COSGROVE

 

My favorite was the "sacks are overrated" thing...

 

That was Phil, Elmo" Elmassian who said that. Just goes to prove the stupidity of the previous staff.

 

[zoogs]

Well, what was the context. Wasn't it, sacks are overrated, as long as you're getting pressure and forcing the quarterback to make bad decisions? I bet not Bo/Carl aren't big stat guys either, who judge performance based just on a simple stat category such as "# sacks."

[Drowning_in_the_Sea_of_Red]

Damn is the season here yet?? I cant wait to see a defense that cuts down on the mental mistakes and really starts to take the wood to the opposing offenses.

 

But, as the former DC repeatedly said, "...against all these spread offenses there's only so much you can do..."

Thank you for not writing his name... Cant stand to see it.

COSGROVE

 

My favorite was the "sacks are overrated" thing...

 

That was Phil, Elmo" Elmassian who said that. Just goes to prove the stupidity of the previous staff.

 

Same difference...

[HuskerExpat]

An interesting read, and it sounds hopeful, but seriously, this is exactly what I would expect a coach to say regardless of his legitimate expectations. I doubt he would ever say, "We're probably going to struggle on defense this year, and it will be tough to live up to last year's improvement," even if that is what he really believed. Can you imagine the response from fans if he said that?

[HuskerInLostWages]

An interesting read, and it sounds hopeful, but seriously, this is exactly what I would expect a coach to say regardless of his legitimate expectations. I doubt he would ever say, "We're probably going to struggle on defense this year, and it will be tough to live up to last year's improvement," even if that is what he really believed. Can you imagine the response from fans if he said that?

 

 

I think it's actually more telling that the kids have bought into it. If it is believed in from top to bottom, then there is more of a possibility that it will in fact be much improved.

 

At least that is what I got from it.