SOCALHUSKER
Starter
As a Husker fan, I was devastated at all that transpired under Bill Callahan's watch. Not just the wins and losses, though they did factor in the most, but also the playcalling, the style of play, the lack of intensity and enthusiasm of the staff and the players, the lack of player development, the treatment of former players, discipline problems throughout the program and the overall general misdirection of the program. I know he can't be blamed for all that occured, but a good portion of the problems Ol' Man Callahan either overlooked or flat-out mismanaged.
Since his departure, the team has seen a dramatic turnaround. After four seasons of what could be considered, at best medicore football under Bill, the Husker's played with a renewed energy and capped a 9-4 season off with a 26-21 Gator Bowl victory over Clemson. The hiring of Pelini, along with Osborne's return, brought back many of the very things, those who support Nebraska, hold dearest to their hearts. The team took on an identity that matched the intensity and desire of the coaches, former players once again strolled the side-lines looking to help, players developed and played up to their potential, and best of all the wins outweighed the losses.
After looking back at his first season, not only as a head coach, but as a head coach at the University of Nebraska; I think Bo Pelini has done a wonderful job. Sure, he makes mistakes. He lets his temper get the best of him, racks up penalty yards, and sometimes looks like he's about to choke slam a helpless db. But overall, I think he's been perfect for the program and definitely has it moving in the right direction. There were a couple of games I questioned his use of certain personnel, but when I look back I see the reasons he made those crucial decisions. If I was going to give him a grade on his first year's performance, I'd say somewhere between a B+ and an A-.
The positives that he brought to the table far outweigh any negatives in my eyes. The defense was an extreme improvement, the team was prepared and played together, and most of all the team developed and is poised to make this season a great one. What do you think of Pelini's first year and what are some things you are looking for him to improve on, both personally and for the team?
Since his departure, the team has seen a dramatic turnaround. After four seasons of what could be considered, at best medicore football under Bill, the Husker's played with a renewed energy and capped a 9-4 season off with a 26-21 Gator Bowl victory over Clemson. The hiring of Pelini, along with Osborne's return, brought back many of the very things, those who support Nebraska, hold dearest to their hearts. The team took on an identity that matched the intensity and desire of the coaches, former players once again strolled the side-lines looking to help, players developed and played up to their potential, and best of all the wins outweighed the losses.
After looking back at his first season, not only as a head coach, but as a head coach at the University of Nebraska; I think Bo Pelini has done a wonderful job. Sure, he makes mistakes. He lets his temper get the best of him, racks up penalty yards, and sometimes looks like he's about to choke slam a helpless db. But overall, I think he's been perfect for the program and definitely has it moving in the right direction. There were a couple of games I questioned his use of certain personnel, but when I look back I see the reasons he made those crucial decisions. If I was going to give him a grade on his first year's performance, I'd say somewhere between a B+ and an A-.
The positives that he brought to the table far outweigh any negatives in my eyes. The defense was an extreme improvement, the team was prepared and played together, and most of all the team developed and is poised to make this season a great one. What do you think of Pelini's first year and what are some things you are looking for him to improve on, both personally and for the team?
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