Coach Callahan Apology to the Fans

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Callahan blames self for Cornhuskers' loss to SoonersAssociated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska's Bill Callahan on Monday apologized to Cornhusker fans for his coaching performance in the Big 12 championship game.

But Callahan wouldn't specify areas where he fell short in the 21-7 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday.

"I was disappointed in everything I did," Callahan told reporters on a conference call. "I could have done a better job. I just didn't do enough. As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make. If we have to change some things, I'm going to change them. I'm looking at it really hard."

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.

The Cornhuskers (9-4) out-yarded the Sooners but committed five turnovers.

It was Nebraska's first appearance in the Big 12 title game since 1999.

"Our fans waited a long time for that, and I apologize to them," Callahan said. "I'm really, really upset with that performance. It all falls on my shoulders. I'm pretty aggravated, to say the least."

The No. 22 Huskers play 10th-ranked Auburn in the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1. The Tigers tied LSU for second place in the Southeastern Conference's West Division behind Arkansas.

Arkansas and Georgia are the only teams to beat Auburn. The Tigers defeated two Bowl Championship Series teams: No. 2 Florida, which will play Ohio State in the Tostitos BCS national championship game, and No. 4 LSU.

Callahan said he and his players always look forward to playing the best competition.

"That's the mark of Nebraska, the standard of Nebraska, to play the very best teams in the country," he said. "If you're going to be great, you've got to beat them all. I would love to see it someday where we can play one through 11 or one through 12, right through the poll, and see how we match up."

On the injury front, Callahan said, running back Brandon Jackson should be able to play against Auburn after breaking his hand against Oklahoma. Jackson carried 13 times for 70 yards against the Sooners.

 
I can really only think of two areas where Callahan may be blaming himself:

1. If we weren't getting any separation from their DB's, and, please, someone tell me if our receivers were doing this, then, continuing to call pass plays was ill advised. However, the three picks, in my opinion were not "on target". But they had to be absolutely perfect to be complete.

2. Not changing the D to allow the DB's to play up close and personal with the WRs. They were aboslutely killing us on the short/medium passing routes all night long. Thompson is a good QB, but we made him look like an all-american because how we were playing the WRs.

 
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As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.
Got a question on Grixby's height - how tall was Barron Miles, and how tall was the FSU WR that he shut down in the 93 OB? I think it may also have something to do with the technique they are being tought.

It's easier for Elmo to say he needs tall CBs instead of better coaching.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.

I agree, this is the first time I can remember BC taking full responsibility and apologizing for a loss. Usually all you ever hear out of him is coachspeak. I swear, If I ever hear the word execute come out of his mouth again I will throw my tv. This is encouraging to me though. Changes are going to be made. Whether it is starters, or coaches. Should be an interesting month of developments.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.
Got a question on Grixby's height - how tall was Barron Miles, and how tall was the FSU WR that he shut down in the 93 OB? I think it may also have something to do with the technique they are being tought.

It's easier for Elmo to say he needs tall CBs instead of better coaching.
I don't think height is the issue. Barron was 5'8" I believe. I just think it is hard to make a play on the ball if you don't know where the ball is at.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.
Got a question on Grixby's height - how tall was Barron Miles, and how tall was the FSU WR that he shut down in the 93 OB? I think it may also have something to do with the technique they are being tought.

It's easier for Elmo to say he needs tall CBs instead of better coaching.
You're not going to get any argument out of me on that one :hmmph

 
The problem with grixby isnt that he is short. There are alot of NFL corners that are 5'9 and 5'10. He just isnt a playmaker. He is regularly out of possition, like the photos in the other thread show.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.
BINGO - WE HAVE A WINNER!

Got a question on Grixby's height - how tall was Barron Miles, and how tall was the FSU WR that he shut down in the 93 OB? I think it may also have something to do with the technique they are being tought.

It's easier for Elmo to say he needs tall CBs instead of better coaching.
I don't think height is the issue. Barron was 5'8" I believe. I just think it is hard to make a play on the ball if you don't know where the ball is at.
 
I agree, this is the first time I can remember BC taking full responsibility and apologizing for a loss. Usually all you ever hear out of him is coachspeak.
KSU 2004.
There has been quite a few losses between 04 and now.
Great, but not my point. He did it once before.
And my point was that I couldn't remember any other time he has done that. He surely didn't appologize against SC.

 
As I go through the week, I'm taking inventory of where we've got to get better, what changes we have to make.
I'll give you a hint. He's 5'9" and got tore up Saturday nite :hmmph

The third-year coach wouldn't elaborate on whether the changes would involve staff, personnel or schemes, but he said he would do what it takes to make sure Nebraska competes at a championship level.
That statement has me wondering now if there will be any coaching changes after the bowl game

It's refreshing to see this though. I think this is the first time he's openly and honestly (I assume) admitted to being outcoached and taking the blame for it. This also makes me wonder how our team will respond for the Cotton Bowl.
Got a question on Grixby's height - how tall was Barron Miles, and how tall was the FSU WR that he shut down in the 93 OB? I think it may also have something to do with the technique they are being tought.

It's easier for Elmo to say he needs tall CBs instead of better coaching.
I don't think height is the issue. Barron was 5'8" I believe. I just think it is hard to make a play on the ball if you don't know where the ball is at.
Yes, Miles was 5-8. I'm not sure Grixby is even that.

I agree the bigger issue is the coaching. That was the knock on Darlington for years. If the player didn't come in with the skills he wasn't going to leave with them. He had taught face guarding but there were some players that had the ability to actually cover the receivers and get turned on the ball.

 
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