Every so often, tykes and wannabe offensive gurus used to send former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne homemade plays in the mail. Trick plays, usually, as I recall. I think I might have even hunched over my bed at 8 or 9 years old and pretended to know something about football. I probably drew up a triple reverse pass that resembled the Harlem Globetrotter weave.
It comes with the DNA of a Husker fan, really, this keen scrutiny of offense. The Blackshirts earned the dough around here in the 1990s – and the 1970 and 1971 national champions were known for being “immovable” more than they were “unstoppable” - but the Sea of Red loves the show of points produced at the speed of sound.
Although his positivity rarely betrays it, current Nebraska coordinator Shawn Watson has a grasp of the expectations. He is, in his friendly way, aware of the criticism. Mention it, as reporters did Tuesday in prep for the Big 12 Championship, and his speech quickens. He wants no part of the discussion. [...]
