Former Coz player writes letter

[kramer]

Hi, I am a former wisconsin player that became interested in what was happening at Nebraska when I heard that kevin Cosgrove was being considered for the vacant defensive coordinator position. Since I do not plan on going to Nebraska any time soon, I think it would be a waste for me to buy the pedia card. But, since I am not allowed to post, I was wondering if I could possibly send you one former player's take and that you could possibly post it for me on your board... Here it is...

 

I think before everybody bashes coach Cosgrove they need to give him a chance. This is a man who puts his heart and soul into his program and is one of the best recruiters around. I have never been around a coach that is so extremely detailed and such a good teacher.

 

He will be the first to get on a players a$$ when they are not doing well, but he will also be the first to let you know when you are doing well. As far as people thinking that his defense has not performed as well as nebraska's, I ask you this...

 

When was the last time that the Nebraska defense gave up 10 ppg. as Wisconsin did in 1998, and when was the last time that Wisconsin was able to get the talent that Nebraska is able to bring in year in and year out?

 

Cosgrove is constantly dealing with offensive leftovers that are turned into defensive players... I also noticed that many people have been thowing up defensive stats from the last 3 years.

 

These statistics are very decieving... The scoring is skewed because of poor speacial team coverage and many turnovers within Wisconsin's own territory. Much of the passing can be contributed to 3 different DB coaches in the last 4 years along with many injuries.

 

The last point that I would like to make and then I will leave you alone is as follows: The last Big 12 team that wisconsin played was in the alamo Bowl two season ago. It matched up a subpar Wisconsin ball club versus the "high powered running attack" of Colorado who had just come from the Big 12 Championship game. The Colorado offense was shut down, and Wisconsin came out on top. Best of luck to all of you husker fans, and I think you should be proud to have Cosgrove as the new DC.

 

[DaveH]

He said he isn't allowed to post? Where? He could certainly register here!

 

[DJR313]

When was the last time that the Nebraska defense gave up 10 ppg. as Wisconsin did in 1998, and when was the last time that Wisconsin was able to get the talent that Nebraska is able to bring in year in and year out?

I don't know how many times I have stated that point and had it completely ignored.

 

[formerfan]

If he is so good, then why did both teams turn around so dramatically this last year?

If he is so good, then why were UW fans happy to be rid of him??

He had a good year in 1998, wow, great, one good year in how many??

Im not sold. His 70-10 debacle in Lubbock told the story pretty well.

 

[Hunter94]

tell you what FF, if the D plays this year like they did last year, with the attraction of better players, then i might start to agree with you.......let's see how the D measures up this season before we jump on Coz, but i do believe he is damn sure suspect as an exceptional coach, no matter how much his passion for the game.

hope i am wrong............

hunter

 

[formerfan]

tell you what FF, if the D plays this year like they did last year, with the attraction of better players, then i might start to agree with you.......let's see how the D measures up this season before we jump on Coz, but i do believe he is damn sure suspect as an exceptional coach, no matter how much his passion for the game.hope i am wrong............

hunter

Will the D improve? Probably a little, it would be almost impossible not to.

I bet that NU will never see another top 10 defense while coz is still here.

 

[skersfan]

I still think the defensive problems last year were the results of three different DC in three years. The fact that Pelini continued to talk to the players and voice his opinions did not help. The idea that some just did not buy into the change in any way. They will have another year of learning about each other. Overcoming shortfalls or misconceptions about certain ideas or players. This is a two way street. It takes both sides to want it, for it to succeed. It sounds like there is better harmony on the team this year.

Last year was a learning year for both sides. I will give them another year or two to see where this coaching staff is at.

Some think the corner has been turned and we are on our way to a NC and heisman trophy winner already. We still have a very long ways to go to be competitive with the top teams in this conference let alone the nation. It takes time, we need to give the coaches the time. If they fail, we move on. You can not live in the past and judge against the past. This is a different day in college football. We are no longer in the Big 2 and the 6 dwarfs. Out of conference teams are better every year due to parity. Give it time. I think we have a good staff, but who knows.

 

[DJR313]

If he is so good, then why did both teams turn around so dramatically this last year?

Erasmus James. And if you will remember since he was hurt for the last 3 regular season games, they lost 2 of them. Gave up 49 points to a terrible Michigan State team and 30 to Iowa.

If he is so good, then why were UW fans happy to be rid of him??

You find anyone dancing in the streets after they lost their last 3 games of the year?

He had a good year in 1998, wow, great, one good year in how many??

5 or 6 top 20 defenses, '98 #1 in the nation, '99 #2 in the nation. Your boy Pelini hasn't even come close to that kind of success and you were all but ready to give him the keys to the city.

Im not sold. His 70-10 debacle in Lubbock told the story pretty well.

I'm not sold either, but giving him no, and I mean absolutely ZERO credit for his previous successes is EXTREMELY narrow-minded.

 

[formerfan]

1 .I still think the defensive problems last year were the results of three different DC in three years. The fact that Pelini continued to talk to the players and voice his opinions did not help. The idea that some just did not buy into the change in any way. They will have another year of learning about each other. Overcoming shortfalls or misconceptions about certain ideas or players. This is a two way street. It takes both sides to want it, for it to succeed. It sounds like there is better harmony on the team this year.
Last year was a learning year for both sides. I will give them another year or two to see where this coaching staff is at.

Some think the corner has been turned and we are on our way to a NC and heisman trophy winner already. We still have a very long ways to go to be competitive with the top teams in this conference let alone the nation.

2. It takes time, we need to give the coaches the time. If they fail, we move on. You can not live in the past and judge against the past. This is a different day in college football. We are no longer in the Big 2 and the 6 dwarfs. Out of conference teams are better every year due to parity. Give it time. I think we have a good staff, but who knows.

1. Agreed

2. Disagree, this team should never have been 5-6 last year, and I think that the majority of the problem comes from the top. Will "their" players play harder for these coaches, probably, but I dont see a huge improvement any time in the near future.

Just my two cents.