Should Tom Osborne lead the team out of the Tunnel?

[ladyhawke]

I've been around Husker football since 1983. In that time I've grown to know and respect (and actually got to meet and talk with!) Dr. Tom. Because of that, I really doubt he would want to put any of the spotlight on himself especially on Senior Day. HOWEVER, I think he TOTALLY deserves it. How is this a thought or an idea? It wasn't original with me, I read it on WOWT but thought it was a great idea. HE NEEDS TO BE HONORED!! He has done more for the athletic department, especially the football program and our state than anyone I know. The seniors will look back on this day with a smile but it will be only one day in their long lives, Lord willing. For Dr. Tom, it is the culmination of a lifetime effort. I'm with Knappic. If I were at the game, I too, would be yelling at the top of my lungs for this man. If anyone is deserving of this type of honor, he is.

[Foppa]

Look. OF COURSE he needs to be honored. You act like I hate the guy. But this is Bo's team, whether you people like it or not. He is Nebraska's head coach. Right now. He has coached the seniors for their entire career. For once I want the tradition of the head coach to lead his team out without change, and I think Osborne would agree 100%

 

It's funny how traditionalists never want change...unless it takes them back to an era they're never getting back.

[FriendlyLurker2007]

that would be friggen awesome..imo

[HuskerThor]

Look. OF COURSE he needs to be honored. You act like I hate the guy. But this is Bo's team, whether you people like it or not. He is Nebraska's head coach. Right now. He has coached the seniors for their entire career. For once I want the tradition of the head coach to lead his team out without change, and I think Osborne would agree 100%

 

It's funny how traditionalists never want change...unless it takes them back to an era they're never getting back.

 

For once? Where did you come up with that nonsense?

[NoLongerN]

How about leading the team out at half-time. That be a big pickup to the second half.

 

[N Sker]

If TO wouldn't object to leading the team out, would there really be anyone within the organization doubt the decision? IMHO, TO would not make the suggestion, he would be asked by someone within. Knowing TO's disposition, he either would gratiously accept or decline.

 

Either way, it would be cool to see him on the field one more time.

[HuskerNationNick]

Look. OF COURSE he needs to be honored. You act like I hate the guy. But this is Bo's team, whether you people like it or not. He is Nebraska's head coach. Right now. He has coached the seniors for their entire career. For once I want the tradition of the head coach to lead his team out without change, and I think Osborne would agree 100%

 

It's funny how traditionalists never want change...unless it takes them back to an era they're never getting back.

 

What the hell Foppa? I don't think anyone here has even mentioned that Bo is not our head coach, nor do I think anyone even thinks thinks that. I think your coming off very rude, and to CHANGE a tradition, it would have to happen, then continue to happen. I don't think anyone is saying that Bo shouldn't be with TO when they come out like your taking it. Bo should be there right along with him, but give that experience one more time for him.

[Count 'Bility]

There's a lot of chatter in here about Tom not wanting to do such a thing because of the person he is, he doesn't want to draw additional attention away from the seniors to himself.

 

Here's a another perspective. Something needs to happen for the fans. If he genuinely cares (we know he does, this is not a question of that) he will take part in something grand. I prefer halftime myself. The game may be in hand by then, and it wont downplay the senior intros. But something big needs to be done for the fans. Most will agree that, as selfish as it may sound, the fans probably need this moment as much if not more that Osborne or the University. Especially the older ones. It would be a way to properly close that book for everyone that wasnt ever actaully done. As a fanbase, you view what we've endured over the past 15 years, from his stepping aside, to Solich's issues and firings, the flat-out tarnishing of a proud program, and then TO coming back and righting the ship. With everything stablilized and him leaving for good, it's a great time for everyone to breath that ultimate sigh of relief and thank him in a huge way.

 

Whatever happens, I expect to see tears. Many of them. I'm trying to get my dad to go for this moment alone, but he won't. We'll see tommorrow morning.

[QMany]

Pregame is for the Seniors. They have shed blood, sweat, and tears for this program. There are so many of them, too. I'd hate to see all of them get overshadowed by Tom.

 

I would prefer a halftime celebration. Tom has done more for this football team, athletic program, and state than most people know. I hope they send him off right. I second Knapp's thoughts above.

[Ulty]

Would be cool to see a lot of option plays and fullback handoffs on Saturday. And maybe the coaches can all put their names on their headsets with an old school label-maker.

[tmfr15]

If Bo comes to Tom and asks him to lead the team out of the tunnell, Tom would do it. That being said, I doubt the subject even comes up. The pre game will be the usual one. There will be some honor to Os, but it will probably just be on the Husker Vision.

 

That being said, I think Tom deserves a rousing send off. His career is one that's unmatched by anyone in college football. His longevity, classy approach, grounded character and down home charm are legendary. He represented the best of what a Nebraskan can be and has inspired generations of people on and off the football field. And, if you listen to him, his work is not done. Tom is a great coach. He's a great man too.

[The Maudfather]

I would love for TO to lead the team out. It would be a great moment and the stadium would go nuts.

[NUance]

It would be cool. But I seriously doubt that this is the type of thing T.O. would want to do.

[Comish]

I’d like to see T.O. at the wheels of a shiny new Big Red Corvette rolling on to the field parallel to a replica of the Boomer Schooner. As they reach midfield, T.O. reaches out with a scepter and and slices the spokes of the schooner ( a la Ben Hur) and the Sooner wagon crumples to the turf in a disheveled heap of trash while Billy C. shakes his head and intones from the big screen………”friggin’ hillbillies”.

[grandpasknee]

Let Tom have the copilot seat in some bad@$$ flyover...then honor him at half-time like they always do the flight crews!

 

Honestly, I know I'd be borderline psychotic to see him lead the team out one more time, even it it was side by side with Bo, but as others have said, I don't think he'd do that.

 

I also like the notion of him leading them out at half-time, a real momentum boost for the second half.

 

One more option......have him escort the team captains to the middle of the field for the coin toss and let him make the call?

 

What ever they decide to do, even sitting at home I'll be yelling at full voice.