Developed Talent

[robsker]

I have been thinking lately that some of the extreme optimism for this years team, in terms of projected record, stems from the enthusiasm that people have for some of the new talent that has been recruited (in the last two, three years). It strikes me that the issue is not really one of where our freshman, redshirt freshman and sophomore talent level resides — these players are, largely, undeveloped talent. What matters for this year is the developed talent — the juniors and seniors who know the system, are trained, experienced and will comprise the majority of the starters (and even most of the #2 players).

If you compare NU’s developed talent with that for Texas and USC — well, then predicting victories over Texas and USC become really rather a long, long, long shot. Might happen if they bring their C games and we bring an A game and catch a break or two. But to expect a victory (or even much a of a game) is a stretch. Now, our undeveloped talent MAY be closing the gap with the big dogs and so, in two or so years, maybe. But now, I think not.

The Huskers are undoubtedly improving and on the right track. We are closing the gap. But this year, improved as we will be and taking all the right steps — well, ... our record likely will be the same as last year (or modestly worse). Our schedule is brutal and our talent that is most promising is largely undeveloped.

Should be a great and entertaining season — even if the record is in as stellar as many predict

 

[bennychico11]

but do you think our talent is undeveloped?

 

[robsker]

I have been thinking lately that some of the extreme optimism for this years team, in terms of projected record, stems from the enthusiasm that people have for some of the new talent that has been recruited (in the last two, three years). It strikes me that the issue is not really one of where our freshman, redshirt freshman and sophomore talent level resides — these players are, largely, undeveloped talent. What matters for this year is the developed talent — the juniors and seniors who know the system, are trained, experienced and will comprise the majority of the starters (and even most of the #2 players).

If you compare NU’s developed talent with that for Texas and USC — well, then predicting victories over Texas and USC become really rather a long, long, long shot. Might happen if they bring their C games and we bring an A game and catch a break or two. But to expect a victory (or even much a of a game) is a stretch. Now, our undeveloped talent MAY be closing the gap with the big dogs and so, in two or so years, maybe. But now, I think not.

The Huskers are undoubtedly improving and on the right track. We are closing the gap. But this year, improved as we will be and taking all the right steps — well, ... our record likely will be the same as last year (or modestly worse). Our schedule is brutal and our talent that is most promising is largely undeveloped.

Should be a great and entertaining season — even if the record is in as stellar as many predict

 

[robsker]

but do you think our talent is undeveloped?

 

[bennychico11]

it was sarcasm robsker

 

[robsker]

but do you think our talent is undeveloped?

OK. I have not quite figured this system out. Anyway...

Our developed talent --- that is, our juniors and seniors who constitudte most of this years starters --- are developed in that they have been in the system, know the system and have experience. My point is that when you compare our developed talent to that from USC or Texas (or other top 5 teams) the talent we are fielding is well behind the big boys. ONCE our younger players (from the last two recruiting classes) are developed (learn the system, get some experience, etc.) --- in a few years, well then perhaps the gap will have closed between what we field then versus what the USC's of the world field. My point being that the effect of the new (and encouraging) recruits will not pay out for some time. So it may be that NU will be moving significantly in the right direction this year yet, in view of the schedule difficulty, not have an improved record.

 

[motorboatjonesNU]

True, we probably have a bit to go in some areas in terms of veteran talent. I think Keller will elevate our QB situation to higher place than ZT took it. He's got the Frazier-esque gamer mentality, adn you've got to love the things he's been saying. Ganz has potential, too.

I'm concerned with our depth at RB and in the defensive backfield.

As much as I'd like to think we'll beat both USC and Texas, we probably won't; although if we get a rematch with Texas, I like our chances if we lose in Austin.

There is hope against USC - they lost twice against lesser teams that played above their heads. Also - Mo will be a huge difference this year. And our OL will be much better, too. And, there is hope against Texas.

 

[huskernumerouno]

That is why they play the games and not decide them in the papers or by last years stats. Team chemistry is a huge factor and this Husker team might just suprise some folks or disappoint some folks, we will have to wait and see.

 

[bennychico11]

I don't think it comes down to developed or undeveloped talent....whatever that means. There's always players who can strive for more on ANY team.

The best teams can lose games to the underdog. Like stated above, USC didn't go undefeated last year. Neither did Texas. Ohio State lost miserably to Florida and even I was one who thought that Troy Smith would walk right over the Gators easily. He would be considered "developed talent" right?

Every team has good game and bad games. I don't think USC or Texas is out of our grasp. We nearly beat Texas last year and I STILL think USC is overrated in many aspects of the game. The fact is you just never know what's going to happen, which makes college football interesting. All these guys are talented. USC has talented players, and Nebraska has talented players. Otherwise, if we didn't, we wouldn't all be competing in the same division every year and be the big name program like we are.

It's a game of inches. Whose team is better prepared that weekend? Whose receiver runs a tighter route? Whose quarterback notices the opening that's only there for a small amount of time? Which OL man gets the extra footing he needs to hold the blitz back for a couple more seconds? Which kicker is able to float the ball just a little bit longer allowing the punt defense to scare the returner into calling a fair catch instead of pulling off a return for a TD?