Guy Chamberlin
Heisman Trophy Winner
Would any of you go on record saying that Brion Carnes has proven himself ready and able to "light it up" this season, thus rendering Martinez dispensable?
ESPN- Most Indispensable Players: Nebraska
- Thread starter GM_Tood
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RockyMountainOySker
All-Conference
No but I would say is Carnes can run the ball. We don't really rely on TMart's passing ability (not taking into account his apparent transformation over the off season). To me, Rex mean more to this offense than TMart...making him the MIP.
knapplc
International Man of Mystery
We've seen so little of Brion Carnes that it's impossible to tell what he can or can't do. I just hope we get some big leads in our non-con schedule so we can get him meaningful snaps. We're not learning a new offense this year so there's no reason to keep the starters in all game, every game. Or no "excuse," depending on how you look at it.
RockyMountainOySker
All-Conference
Very true.
But what is more correct:
Our offense without Rex doesn't work?
Our offense without TMart doesn't work?
To your point about Carnes, what have we seen Ameer do? Gain 150 yards and have fumble problems. Just saying there was a reason for Rex's 284 carries last season.
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knapplc
International Man of Mystery
I'd say TMart. I think RBs are mostly plug-and-play. Aside from pass pro, their job is relatively simple. At least compared to the QB.
RockyMountainOySker
All-Conference
So a true sophomore with 42 carries and fumble problems is a "plug n play" replacement for Rex? Past Ameer, we don't have a single back with a single carry.
I will, in general, agree with you that RBs are more plug n play. However, in the case with Nebraska this season, I cannot. And again, your argument about Carnes is the exact argument I can make about every RB on the roster.
No big deal.....we can disagree every once and a while.
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zoogs
Assistant Coach
The offense is centered around Taylor but even still, Rex is our rock. Taylor is sometimes lightning, sometimes fizzle. Rex was a warrior and carried the load completely in some of our highest exposure games last year (I want to say Mich St and Penn St in particular?) and for that he earns this one, easy. Yes, if we lose Taylor we'll have to work through some kinks and growing pains on offense. That's not even too different from where we are to begin with.
Compton, that's interesting....
I can see it and I think he's developed into a voice that people on the D listen to. But in this case I do feel like it's more a case where the entire "most indispensable" shortlist can now be found in the 2012 NFL Draft listings.
Compton, that's interesting....
I can see it and I think he's developed into a voice that people on the D listen to. But in this case I do feel like it's more a case where the entire "most indispensable" shortlist can now be found in the 2012 NFL Draft listings.
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knapplc
International Man of Mystery
I'm not really really disagreeing with you. Just saying in general.So a true sophomore with 42 carries and fumble problems is a "plug n play" replacement for Rex? Past Ameer, we don't have a single back with a single carry.
I will, in general, agree with you that RBs are more plug n play. However, in the case with Nebraska this season, I cannot. And again, your argument about Carnes is the exact argument I can make about every RB on the roster.
No big deal.....we can disagree every once and a while.
We've seen more out of Abdullah than Carnes, so there's more to go on with him. He's shown flashes of brilliance, at least in the return game. We have insufficient evidence about Brion to make any decisions.
Jeremy
Starter
Besides Rex, we don't have anyone that REALLY stands out, and that's why this will be Pelini's most important year. Looking at the '09 Blackshirt group, you can see how loaded we were - Suh, Amukamara, Dennard, Gomes, Crick, Hagg. Turner and Dillard to an extent. Are we even close athletically to that unit of destroyers? Some newer players are really going to have to step up and make a statement, or some of the bleeding we saw last year (though they played VERY well at times), will be hemorrhaging. I cringe inside thinking of what Shoelace and Miller will do to us if we don't have any playmakers...
Comish
All-Conference
No it doesn't and the mesh is good most of the time. However the timing, spacing and delivery of a pitch does take some talent and repetition. It's one of those activities that looks easy...........until it goes awry....
lol, true. But, that is why i didnt state "pitch". Just "hand" the ball to Rex and cruise to a 9+ win season
Guy Chamberlin
Heisman Trophy Winner
I say Rex is the most indispensable player for a number of reasons, including his sheer likeability.
But one of the reasons for his success is having Taylor Martinez as quarterback, and an offensive system that treats Martinez/Burkhead as dual and nearly equal threats on every play-action snap. While some folks can't abide Taylor's 57% completion rate, the Huskers are a legitimate threat to pass, both short and deep, and that has benefitted the running game. If we announced our intent to simply ride Burkhead into the line 30 times a game, the numbers would get kinda ugly.
Last year Burkhead and Martinez developed a nice offensive chemistry, almost like a point guard and shooting guard in basketball. The coaches picked up on it and built plays around it. Or maybe it was the other way around. No reason to think they don't work even better together this year.
But one of the reasons for his success is having Taylor Martinez as quarterback, and an offensive system that treats Martinez/Burkhead as dual and nearly equal threats on every play-action snap. While some folks can't abide Taylor's 57% completion rate, the Huskers are a legitimate threat to pass, both short and deep, and that has benefitted the running game. If we announced our intent to simply ride Burkhead into the line 30 times a game, the numbers would get kinda ugly.
Last year Burkhead and Martinez developed a nice offensive chemistry, almost like a point guard and shooting guard in basketball. The coaches picked up on it and built plays around it. Or maybe it was the other way around. No reason to think they don't work even better together this year.