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Twitter“I know this: Our offense is in extremely capable hands. I know that. I have confidence in them. You hire good people and you let them do their job and it's been getting done very well.” — Bo Pelini on Tuesday
LINCOLN — I know this: Two years ago, Tom Osborne hired Bo Pelini instead of Turner Gill primarily because Nebraska desperately needed help on defense, not offense.
Well, here we are in Pelini's second season and the program is upside down.
The defense has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. Saturday the Huskers held mighty Mike Leach to 259 total yards, Texas Tech's lowest output in three years.
But that offense that seemed in good hands with Bill Callahan's right-hand man?
It just fumbled away Loss No. 2, inviting several verses of boos from Memorial Stadium's second-largest crowd in history.
Shawn Watson's slump hasn't reached Cosgrovian depths, but it's approaching the point at which Pelini must make dramatic philosophical or personnel changes before next season.
Take away the fourth quarter at Missouri, and Nebraska has scored one touchdown in 11 quarters against non-Sun Belt defenses.
Last week, Husker fans and sports columnists argued about Nebraska's game plan against Missouri.
Well, forget all that.
Those are petty details compared to the systematic offensive problems sabotaging what could've been — no, should've been — a breakout season for Nebraska.
Look around the Big 12. Look around the country. The glory is there for the taking. Nobody dominates, not even Florida and Texas.
Yet Watson's offense keeps blocking the door.
It's one thing to stumble at Missouri in a monsoon, it's quite another to fall apart on your home turf on a still, 46-degree day against Texas Tech.
Acceptable offense against Virginia Tech and Texas Tech and the Huskers are 6-0. Instead, they're 4-2 without a quarterback or a plan.
“We've got to get some things fixed,” Watson said. “It's that plain, that simple. We don't beg off from it. We're full-grown men.”
Let's run down the laundry list of offensive ills:
Ÿ Nebraska has no strengths. None. This isn't about being a run team or a pass team. That's too simple.
This is about finding something you can do well.
“On offense, we didn't come off the ball, we didn't catch the ball, we didn't make the right reads at quarterback, we didn't run the ball effectively,” Pelini said.
Watson is like the guy who visits his closet the night of the company Christmas party and can't find a single thing to wear.
“In every game, it's like, all right, if we're having trouble, we're going to this play, we're going to this set of plays,” senior center Jacob Hickman said.
“We obviously don't have that yet, for whatever reason. But we need to find our identity and we need to find it fast.”
Ÿ Nebraska still can't run the ball. Apparently, this is a touchy subject with Pelini.
“First thing I want to see is … us being able to run the football consistently and knock somebody off the football,” Pelini said.
Did Nebraska try to do that Saturday?
“You watched the game, what do you think?” Pelini said. “What do you think?”
Ÿ Penalties. Stupid, stupid penalties.
Ricky Henry's personal foul that took Nebraska out of first-and-goal at the 7 in the fourth quarter? That one takes the cake.
Ÿ Big-play capability.
Watson has designed a nickel-and-dime offense. Control the clock. Move the ball in increments, not chunks.
But the margin for error is too small.
One penalty ruins a drive because the Huskers don't have sufficient athletes on the perimeter.
Ted Gilmore still can't find someone capable of making a tackler miss, someone who sends so much as a shiver down a defensive coordinator's back.
When a ball does hit a wideout in the hands, that receiver stands a pretty good chance of dropping it.
Ÿ Last but not least: Quarterback play.
Zac Lee resembled Brett Favre in the Sears commercial Saturday. He stood and stood and stood in the pocket and couldn't release the ball.
“I just don't think he was seeing it well,” Watson said, “maybe over analyzed it a little bit.”
Cody Green entered the game in the second half. He showed a little potential, but couldn't mount a rally.
“I'm not the guy,” Green said after the game. “Zac's the guy.”
It's not Green's decision.
Pelini and Watson can sit Lee, hand the reins to the rookie, perhaps sacrifice a win or two this season and build him up for 2010 and beyond.
Or they can try to win the Big 12 North with Lee, who seems to lose confidence by the week. Chances are they play it safe and stay with Lee.
They shouldn't. Lee failed his test. And Green has the higher ceiling.
Watson wasn't prepared to choose Saturday night. Pelini wasn't in the mood.
Behind the lectern after the 31-10 spanking, his voice amplified as he fielded questions he didn't have answers to. He scowled. He cursed.
Not 50 feet away stood a lanky, genteel man in a red blazer, one of the great offensive minds of his generation, a 72-year-old wizard with 255 wins, three national championship rings — and a legacy tethered to what happens next.
At that moment, what do you think Tom Osborne was thinking?
Copyright ©2009 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
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43 Comments
Posted by: Wayne Gonyea on 10/17/09 @ 11:33 pm:
You are the only writer for either Nebraska paper who is telling it like it is.
Watson is the main problem with this pathetic offense, and Pelini, half a coach, is no asset at all to the offense. And Bo's getting more arrogant by the week.
How do you establish a power running game out of the shotgun. No tight ends, and most importantly, no fullback to lead block, run, fake up the middle to freeze defenders, kick out for a pass, or pass block. Pass happy Watson has banished both positions from the offense.
You can do everything from the I-Formation that you can do from the shotgun, plus much much more. You can also run.
The only hope for this offense lies in Colorado. We must hope when they fire their coach they hire Watson.
Posted by: Sodbuster on 10/18/09 @ 12:21 am:
What was T.O. thinking? Well naturally, why didn't I hire Turner?
Posted by: TXhusker on 10/18/09 @ 12:31 am:
No need to panic people, remember this is a young team under a new coach. Bo deserves credit for transforming this team, although they are far from an end product. I am battered and frustrated from seeing this game, but let's not lose perspective. Nebraska's power-running talent has been lean as a result of Callahan's recruiting era, so I honestly think this staff is doing the best they can with what they have. That doesn't mean that some play calling idealisms don't need changed. This offense is desperately struggling for an identity, and I do think it is time to build game around a QB, and that would be with Cody Green. Spread offenses THRIVE with mobile QBs, and wouldn't you know...we have a very talented one in our back pocket. Zac Lee has some read challenges that I don't quite understand, and it is a coaching decision now to give this offense the best chance to win. I followed Cody Green here in TX, and this kid is the real deal- good pocket presence, good vision, good speed and good arm. When he gets his feet underneath him, he will carry this team no doubt! No time is better than now to build the future of Nebraska.
Posted by: Troll on 10/18/09 @ 12:32 am:
That was the most inept offensive performance I think I've ever witnessed from a Nebraska football team in the last 40 years. An offensive line that can't sustain a block to the count of two, a quarterback that can't hit his butt with both hands, and receivers with hands of stone. I thought that our level of talent was improving but I know I'm wrong. Bo was right when he said they were out played and out coached. Coach Cotton needs to pull Henry, Smith, Williams and Jones, out of the game when they get inside the 15 yard line because those guys always find a way to get us back to the 30 yard line with their stupid penalties.
Posted by: CJ on 10/18/09 @ 12:49 am:
Ricky Henry has got to be the most undisciplined player on Nebraska's team. He has shot us in the back numerous times this season and should have never been allowed to play for this team. He absolutely sucks and just kills us with his stupid play week after week.
Posted by: Huzzker on 10/18/09 @ 3:10 am:
It's almost as if Zac Lee's been brainwashed that he's "just a game manager" and not a playmaker. He's almost afraid to make a mistake. Which, to give him credit, he doesn't turn the ball over. But he really needs to whip the ball downfield, hoping for the best (that the WR will miraculously hold onto it), or break the pocket and take off running more often.
So much was said about him being a "gunslinger" before the season, I think he's trying way too hard to fight that perception. Unfortunately, a "game manager" needs other players on offense who will make plays, and there simply aren't any (except for maybe a healthy Roy).
Posted by: oldcat45 on 10/18/09 @ 6:52 am:
No excuses this week. Dry field and all. When the other guys execute and you don't or can't, the outcome is always the same===you lose! We have survived mid-season Q=back changes before. This offense needs an on field leader.
Posted by: Captain Wahoo on 10/18/09 @ 6:54 am:
The Huskers just arent playing very smart right now. Maybe an IQ test before recruiting would help.
Posted by: Sodbuster on 10/18/09 @ 9:21 am:
Take a look at that picture of Helu trying to get through six Tech defenders. If you look closely, you can see three Husker blockers. Is each blocker supposed to take out two defenders? Where the heck is everyone else? Notice there is no lead blocker for Roy, i.e. no fullback. No defender laying on the ground. There are serious talent issues and philosophical issues (read coaching). Each week we hear about something that can be fixed. Yet it isn't. It's reminiscent of the oft-quoted remark from the Callahan era: "We're only a step away." Yet, those teams never found that extra step. I didn't watch the post game interview, nor do I want to. But, if Coach Pelini did indeed scowl and curse, and considering some of his sideline antics and treatment of players which we all have seen, then I repeat: T.O probably wishes he had hired Turner. What a class act. HEY BO!! This starts and stops with you. YOU set the example. I appreciate your passion as much as the next guy. Now, add a little class to it.
Posted by: StillAFan on 10/18/09 @ 9:36 am:
Looks like everyone is a coach here in Nebraska. Have we become so vain that we can't give an opposing team credit for playing good defense? There is no entitlement in football. The game is played and won based on more than just talent and play calling. The game is won by execution and focus. We didn't lose because of our quarterback or because of our coaches. We lost because our team did not focus and execute the plays that were called. Zac Lee has already proven to be a "streaky" player. Unfortunately, we couldn't get him rolling due to missed blocks and dropped passes. Had we gotten some confidence and momentum, the game would've been much different. Had our players played to the whistle instead of watching the opposing team return a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown, the game would've been much different. Tech was focused. We were not. We don't need dramatic changes on offense... we need to pick up our heads when the game isn't going our way and prove that we can win. As a team.
Posted by: captaincrab on 10/18/09 @ 10:46 am:
with the coaches blaming coaches the plyaers blaming coaches the players balaming olayers and Bo walking the sideline looking like a junior high coach, the Huskers have a long way to go to regain respect. Next week Iowa State. Lookout!
Posted by: Hooper on 10/18/09 @ 11:21 am:
We're trying to run USC's offense with about half of their talent. People need to wake up and get real about who we are, the kinds of players we can recruit and what kind of offense can be successful here. We need to run a scheme that gives us a unique advantage, provides identity and that is definitely not the Watson/Callahan offense. Pelini needs to throw the current offense in the garbage and start it on fire.
Posted by: Huskergut on 10/18/09 @ 11:53 am:
Nobody can know for sure, but if I had to guess about the problems with the offense, I'd say most of it has to do with Lee. I think he's talented enough, but his confidence has been so shaken he seems afraid to let go of the ball -- time and again you see him hold it and hold it and hold it. I think he's terrified of making a mistake. That's why the pass to our WRs over the middle is completely missing this year. Last season, Peterson and Swift killed teams on the deep cross. Now you never even see us throw that anymore. I don't believe Watson stopped calling it, I believe Lee's trying so hard to avoid mistakes that he is constantly checking down to comebacks and short sideline routes because he doesn't want to throw it into the middle of the field. Notice that as soon as Green came into the game yesterday, we hit three or four passes to our WRs over the middle. I don't think that was the first time Watson called those plays.
I think the criticism of Watson is a bit misplaced. Don't forget, this is the guy who dialed up a top 15 offense last year with a cast of players that was far below teams like OU, UT, Oklahoma St. and Missouri in talent. Other than Slausen, not a single guy off last season's offense made an NFL roster this year. We were racking up all those yards last season because we had a well-coached team running a really good scheme.
Yes, ultimately Watson's responsible for the offensive production this year, and if Lee isn't playing well we can hold Watson responsible to some extent for not coaching him up. But I really think Lee is a guy who has the talent, but just lost his confidence. He looks like Rick Ankiel out there, afraid to throw his fastball because he doesn't know where it will go. I think Watson and Pelini had to stick with Lee this long because they don't have a lot of options. Green isn't ready to be the starter. But I also think they're going to insert Green this week, and while we'll take our lumps as he's learning, we'll probably also see the offense open up and we'll suddenly find a couple of playmakers at WR.
Anyway, don't bail on Watson just yet. He's got a problem on his hands, but my bet is he will get it fixed.
Posted by: LongChong on 10/18/09 @ 12:13 pm:
People are forgetting that this is Pelini's second year as a head coach, ever. Way to early for cry babies to call for his head. Now Watson is a different creature altogether and Gilmore is more than fair game as well. What is Gilmore teaching these kids as to not play to their QB, to not catch balls, to stand their and watch as a defensive player runs a fumbled lateral 82 yards? Next is Cotton. While I am not on the fire Cotton mob he needs to get on his line to stop committing fouls, they are killing drives over and over again. Now Watson certainly has not forgotten how to coach an offense and to call a game. But the Play calls the last two weeks have absolutely been bewildering.. Why is Lee continously taking up to a minute per play? That is a fine strategy when the game is tight or we lead but when you are down 24-3 you don't take 8 minutes to go 40 yards, ever. I think Watson has to realize that it comes down to personell and Gilmore. Put Green in as starter, yes he will make mistakes but the defense is strong enough that against teams like ISU and Baylor he will get the time to learn. Against OU not so much but that is a risk worth taking.
Posted by: Steel City Husker on 10/18/09 @ 1:19 pm:
Seriously, I can't believe some of the comments above. Throw the offense in the garbage? Yeesh. Consider this a wake-up for the offensive staff. They've got a couple of "easier" weeks ahead of them, and should have a chance to gain back what's needed. That would include changing one of two things: A. Getting Zac to run the ball on occasion, especially if we're going to use a one-back set. Fake to the back, and take it around the edge, if not for big gains, then at least to keep the linebackers honest. Helu between the tackles with no chance of anyone taking the edge makes stuffing the run game too easy. B. If Zac's not up to the task, put in a heavy set (similar to the last drive against Mizzou) and use our uber-talented TEs and all-heart fullback to drive the ball 3-4 yards. Do that a few times, sneak an end out on a fake, and voila...now NU's in the heads of the defense. The NU offense has some good qualities, but the playbook is like a suit with no belt. Sure, you're dressed, but the pants keep falling down. A few additions, and things will look much sharper. There are things that won't change quickly, like the hands of WRs, and the power of an O-line, to name a couple. But, even a cheap suit can look good if you wear it right.
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 10/18/09 @ 1:35 pm:
I would really appricate it if you would addess the issue that people are booing as Bo was walking of the field at half time this is a time we really need to supprt our coach and players.I know we are a better class of Fans then that.Also there is rumor that Fans tickets will e pulled if they are caught booing.Either way please address this issue.
Thanks,
JP Morgan
Posted by: JET on 10/18/09 @ 1:55 pm:
This is pathetic! No focus, no heart, no offensive = no WIN! One way to get the Lee's focus is to start Cody Green. Did you see them missles this kid was firing? Sure, he was off a few times, but I would like to see him at the start at the beginning of the game and see what happens. I'm guaranteeing good things would happen. There was a lot of pressure for him being put in there trying to play catch up against a great Tech defense. I think Lee is way to timid, he is thinking way to much, I think starting at QB for the University of Nebraska has gone to his head. It's time people, for a little Code Blue or should I say Code GREEN! Start him, leave him in there and in time a short time, he will gain so much confidence Texas will be nervous come Big 12 Championship game.
Posted by: Don'tBeDumb on 10/18/09 @ 2:06 pm:
Why in the world would we want to get rid of Pelini or even think that he is not a good coach. Gill was not ready for this job and our D is one of the best in the country with a bunch of Pelini's freshmen. Imagine what it will be in three years. This is stupid and should not be argued, Pelini is a good coach and his fire is a product of him being young, he will learn to keep his cool. Be patient Husker fans, we are a lot closer to where we want to be than we were two years ago. I also think that starting Green may be the spark we need on offense, and if he doesn't do well, at least he'll gain some experience. To question are coach... I just don't know what to say right now, do you want Callahan back? do you really think Gill was ready and experienced enough?
Posted by: Husker in TX on 10/18/09 @ 3:10 pm:
There is no offense! You can't expect Pelini to be an expert at both defense and offense at this early juncture. But the head coach ought to to be able to realize when he has no offense. I don't know if he has the material or not; but I do know when dropped passes, missed blocks, fumbles, no quarterback and sensless penalties are a consistant pattern it is a coaching problem. Get a competent Offensive Coordinator, then we can see if the talent is sufficient.
Posted by: Chohusker on 10/18/09 @ 3:57 pm:
The one thing that gnaws at me, is the undiscipline way in which both the offense and defense play. On a play that is in the play book as a lateral, a receiver drops it and doesn't try and cover it. Two defenders go up to intercept a pass, but no one considers blowing up the receiver. The result is a tipped comletion and a first down keeping a drive alive. A personal foul, slap to the face on the defense on a 3rd an 8 that results in a first down and then a touchdown. It would have been a long attempt for a field goal. A time out by the coaching staff, right as the defense stuffs Tech on 4th and one and should have gained possession. 12 penalties for about 100 yards (again!). The Huskers are aggressive at the wrong time and passive at the wrong time. That is coaching, not talent. If the Huskers were a more disciplined team, they would be 6-0, inspite of the play calling.
Posted by: HZ Husker on 10/18/09 @ 4:24 pm:
Wish Watson and Pelini would humble themselves and ask T.O. to teach them the option with play action sprinkled in. That would play well to Cody Green's strengths.
Posted by: Don'tBeDumb on 10/18/09 @ 4:28 pm:
Adressing the booing.. We (I say we loosely, I was at the game, but I was not booing, but Husker fans have to consider themselves as part of the same unit) were booing the refs and then we booed again when Zac Lee came back into the game.. I don't think Lee should have come back in and I don't think the refs knew anything about how to call a penalty, they discussed everything and some flags were picked up or thrown 5 minutes after the foul.. Do I like the booing, no, was it at the coach or team, no..
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 10/18/09 @ 5:14 pm:
Hey folks, listen up. Many are the times we need to distinguish between actions and thoughts. We all entertain certain thoughts, knowing we will never act upon them. I am not advocating a coaching change. The young men on this team have been through enough coaching turmoil for a lifetime. So have the coaches and the fans. Everyone wants Bo to succeed. I merely gave a thought to the question posed in the article concerning what T.O. must be thinking. If he's like me, he may be a bit disappointed in Bo's demeanor at the post game interview. (Like I said, I didn't watch it). But I do take a little umbrage at Bo's Callahan-like response concerning the Blackshirts. Maybe we should just do away with this tradition? No coaching change is in order, although Bo does disappoint at times. IMHO T.O. must think this too. But T.O. will not act upon this... it's only a thought. Better days to be. GBR!
Posted by: DesertHusker on 10/18/09 @ 6:20 pm:
Well, we got our balloon popped but relax guys. We should go to a bowl game and we should stand a good chance of winning it. We still stand a good chance of winning the Big XII North. And with a freak game even winning the Big XII outright. But we're not in a class with the elite this year. The defense is, the offense isn't.
Is Watson a bum? He did alright last year and really pretty well in the Callahan years. I don't think he has the players to run his scheme. Remember Witt was his man and Witt left. On the other hand, I don't remember the option ever being this lame. This dink and dunk passing game is really ineffective when it's off. Right now it reminds me of a football joke that ends with...."it was tie game and finally the other team walked off in disgust. Three plays later the offensive team scored a touchdown."
I think "we have a lot of work to do" is Bo-speak for "our offensive team really sucks". But he can't come out and say that for a lot of reasons. So he didn't and people read a lot more positive into that situation than was warranted. Now they feel let down.
I'm getting tired of Bo's brusqueness in the post-game interviews.
Posted by: Dddd on 10/18/09 @ 7:18 pm:
If Nebraska put Cody Green in it would give him much more expierience for the next 3 years. Zac Lee would be a pretty good backup quarterback. They also need to use their tightends and fullbacks more. Defense looks good but the offense looks terrible. They have wide receivers that can make plays... against Sun Belt opponents. I also believe it's the play calling too. We need to get Helu and when or if Burkhead is back more carries. They are the ones who will lead this offense if Zac Lee doesn't step up. If they put Cody Green in, they could run the option or quarterback draws alot more effective then they do with Zac. Bo is doing a great job for his 2nd year but Nebraska has quite aways to go until they are back to the top in College Football.
Posted by: ghostzapper on 10/18/09 @ 8:06 pm:
CHILL OUT PEOPLE
Nebraska bounced off of that emotional win at Missouri. Period end of story. What, you thought they were Top 10 material? Not yet. This maturation is going to take time. A shake up at this time is perfect for the team. They will win the 12 north and all of you whiners will be happy . get over it. This team is two years from top stuff. Always was.
Posted by: A Husker In Tennessee on 10/18/09 @ 8:27 pm:
I agree with JP Morgan.
The booing at our own team on our own field in our own stadium as they walked into the tunnel at half time that we so fervently cheer and welcome them out of in the famous "Tunnel Walk" to begin a game, this makes no sense. This was also just moments after the TV play-by-play team for ABC were saying "Husker Fans are among the best and the smartest in the nation." These same announcers were rather silent while the booing was going on when Bo walked back out for a second to make sure he was hearing what he was hearing.
I too am not happy with the performance of the offense in the first three quarters of the Missouri game and even more disappointed by our lack of offense in all 4 quarters this past Saturday, but I have to realize, as we all should, that the actions of the fans (booing and coach bashing) is undoubtedly going to have a negative impact on the recruiting process for our coaching staff for our next incoming class of Big Red Football players.
We must support our coaches as they work to try and gel a team that all "Hard Nose" Husker fans will cheer, admire and give our all for. It will take time to get the offense in place with the recruits that we must get to get out of the "Calahan Era." Our defense has stepped up to the task and have earned their Blackshirts once again. They certainly should not loose those prized shirts based on Saturday's game. Texas Tech had a game plan and a focus on each and every down whether on offense or defense that we lacked in order to gain the pride and the win.
I do now and will always be a supportive HUSKER FAN.
A Husker In Tennessee
S Walker
Posted by: Husker4Ever on 10/18/09 @ 8:36 pm:
Everyone needs to calm down. Remember how many 9-2 and 8-4 seasons we went through with T.O. He eventually got us there and Pelini will get us there, too. You can't build tradition and sustained excellence over night. If you think it's bad now, just ask yourself - where were we two years ago? Keep supporting our guys and they'll come around. GO HUSKERS!!!!
Posted by: jmg on 10/18/09 @ 9:35 pm:
Every year, most teams have one game that is like the past game. This game was not just about one player on offense that played bad. Only one player played okay, and that was Helu. He can only do so much when the offensive line cannot block. This offensive needs help on the line. This offense is capable. But the line has to play with an attitude. It has to stop committing foolish penalties and play like a group.
Give Texas Tech credit, they wanted the game more than our guys did. They came out with an attitude and it showed. It also appeared that once the score had grown to a double digit lead, the offense lost confidence and just went through the "motions". When the line cannot block, you could have a hall of famer at quarterback and you will have the same results.
Its only the 2nd loss, lets keep cheering these guys on and get behind them. Bo Pelini and company are the right coaches. They will get this right but booing at the team and Bo is just plain ridiculous. Bo is the right coach. He showed it last year and has improved a defensive unit that was terrible a couple of years ago. Lets give the coaches time, we have seen improvement. We never saw improvement during the Callahan era.
Posted by: fumbelitis on 10/18/09 @ 9:41 pm:
I am not getting too excited since I predicted an eight win season and a trip to lower tier bowl site. Right now Husker fans we are on our way to San Antonio....
Posted by: herminator on 10/18/09 @ 9:56 pm:
I think this was the worst offensive performance I've ever seen from a Husker team! I think it's time to let Cody Green take over, this kid has a lot of talent. I remember Tommy Frazier getting a lot of playing time early. Would also like to see some wildcat formations using Latravis Washington. Let the ex linebacker come in and pound some defenders, but also brings the surprise of being able to fire some rockets downfield! The defense looks really good, but when they are on the field most of the time, bad things are going to happen! Please Bo and staff, find a way to fix it, fast!!!
Posted by: Husker Realist on 10/18/09 @ 10:26 pm:
Yes, it was a bad offensive showing and the offense hasn't done well in big games. This is a product of several things.
First, please give credit where credit is due, Tech played a great game. I'm located in Texas and have had the oppurtunity to watch them play a few times. Tech has made adjustments during this season and are playing with a more mobile quarterback who is a better leader. If they had played like this, they would have beaten Houston and would have been closer against Texas. They didn't make any mistakes and with their controlled passing game, they always score 27-37 points if they don't turn it over. They were the better team and Nebraska isn't good enough to overcome that many mistakes.
Second, Zac Lee has just started his 6th Div. 1 football game. He has definitely struggled in some of these games, but whether he is the guy or not hasn't been determined. Prior to the season, he had attempted 2 passes in games. The recruiting was off during the Callahan era and there are lots very young players on the field with little game experience. Nate Swift and Todd Petersen were two players who had capable hands and had been in the system with Joe Ganz for 5 years. He had lots of trust in them and they knew the system forward and back. For example, Niles Paul should really be a redshirt sophomore because Callahan didn't use him at all and burned his redshirt. Marcus Mendoza has had many injuries and can't stay on the field. Will Henry has never produced. On the bright side, players like Burkhead, Green, Cooper appear to have a very bright future and a knack for making good things happen. Also, Gilleylen has blossomed this year and no one more than him wishes that he hadn't dropped that pass.
Third, the college football landscape has changed in the last 10 years. Thanks to the BCS, more schools have money to spend on facilities and receive more television coverage. More schools have good to great weight rooms and conditioning programs; Nebraska is still near the top, but they aren't the king of that mountain anymore. College football is more like the NFL where more teams can beat anyone on a given week and key injuries can decimate a team. The best case in point is to look at Oklahoma; their two best players go down and they are going to be fortunate to win 9 games.
Coach Pelini is growing into his position. The team makes adjustments at halftime (he's already won more games when behind at halftime than Callahan did in four years). I do think that some offensive theory may need to be tweaked, but let's be a little more patient. He's a smart guy who is capable of adjusting and I'm guessing if he wants to make a change at any position or staff member, then he won't hesitate to do it. Go Huskers!
Posted by: statsman on 10/18/09 @ 11:12 pm:
No disrespect Husker4ever but we didnt go through any 8-4 seasons with Osborne!!
Posted by: 86redexpress on 10/18/09 @ 11:18 pm:
I for one was booing at the end of the half. It was by know means directed to the football team or the coaches. I was booing in the direction of the refs. I cant speak for others but if I had to guess they were also. That was the worst officiating I have ever seen at a college football game. I commend Bo for the way he handled all the poor calls. If the media wants to blame the fans for booing they really should find out what they were so upset about. Maybe instead of writing articles blasting our coaches they should be contacting the big 12 office and get some answers to the horrid officiating we are seeing week in and week out.
Posted by: qb18 on 10/18/09 @ 11:22 pm:
I'm ashamed. During the game the ABC announcers were talking up the fans at Nebraska, "They're so football smart", "They're so passionate', "They have such great class", and then they boo as their team leaves the field. That's so unacceptable. This team was going to be a work in progress. Go back and read the preseason predications. They got beat by a better team on this particular day. Stop asking for coaching changes. Give these guys a chance to do the job that Coach Osborne believes they can do. And as far as Coach Bo and his press conference, maybe he wouldn't need to act so agitated if he wasn't asked such ignorant questions. These guys are supposed to be informed observers, but I wonder if any of them have ever coached or even played a competitive sport at a level higher than tee-ball. It's seems that they asked questions just to purposely see if he would react angrily. Coach Bo is a passionate man who wants what every Nebraska fan wanted two year ago, a team that's competitive for four quarters. Have you people forgotton what this coaching staff did last year?
Posted by: Don'tBeDumb on 10/19/09 @ 12:03 am:
I'm tired of having to clear this up, but NOBODY BOOED AT THE COACH OR THE TEAM!! the booing was directed at the refs and I agree with redexpress that this was the worst officiating I have ever seen in college football. The only other booing was from the student section when Zac Lee cam back in the game. I'm not advocating this, but I am not going to blame the people who booed. The game was anything but winable and Lee looked like a lost pony the entire game. I'm also tired of hearing about Bo's press conference, he was asked very dumb questions and responded as any agitated person would after their team gave away a game like that. Cody Green looked a heck of a lot better than his stat line and he seems to be rather lucky, and right now that's probably a good thing. One last little comment about Watson, he's been solid for us and I was convinced that the plays he called would have won the game if the giant rolly polly we had at QB could have seen past the line of scrimmage.
Posted by: HuskerDallas on 10/19/09 @ 9:07 am:
Hooper posting on 10/18 got it mostly right. The Huskers are seriously lacking any offensive talent. Who is our recruiting closer? There was an interesting piece recently on espn.com which focused on college football's best recruiting assistants. Some of these names are not well known, but they are within coachng circles, and we need one of them. While John Blake wasn't adept at the skill position, it's pretty impressive how he just moves from school to school (now North Carolina) and makes a fairly immediate impact. At Nebraska, we need his equivalent on the offensive side of the ball. Pelini brothers will take care of defense. Until this happens, the program will be mired in 'just above mediocrity.'
Posted by: zumwalt on 10/19/09 @ 9:18 am:
Is it possible Watson has over-coached Lee? How instinctive is Lee? It strikes me that Lee's development could indicate he's too compliant. Talented, yes. But has never really found himself as a big time quarterback.
Posted by: BigXII TxGuy on 10/19/09 @ 3:08 pm:
Ok, calm down and don't get all over the offense. The huskers are still a rebuilding team. The fans were expecting too much too soon. Nebraska had not really played any teams of the caliber of Texas Tech this year. The score was not as surprising as many think considering how TECH has played for years now and how Nebraska is still an improving team-hopefully improving. One thing to not overlook is that the Nebraska defense is NOT all that stingy when it comes to the BCS teams. Tech went downfield in a hurry to start the game and went downfield again in the fourth quarter. This was a big test for the defense and they did not pass the test. Don't expect a Husker blowout over Iowa State either, If the Huskers execute, maybe they'll win by 10-14 points.
Posted by: dobo on 10/19/09 @ 6:15 pm:
Just to reitterate what others have said. IT IS VERY CLEAR WE IN THE STANDS WERE BOOING THE OFFICIALS. I haven't watched the DVR yet, but from what I saw from the stands that was horrible officiating.
Posted by: csr1919 on 10/19/09 @ 9:56 pm:
People just need to chill. Everything will be okay. Wait until the season is even remotely close to being over before you freak. Don't forget we had losing/non-winning seasons a few years ago. I would not mind Cody getting in there and starting a game and seeing how he does, as I do not see us being able to even compete with OU or Texas(if we get to the Big 12 Championship) with the current offense. Let's let those who know more about the players make the decisions, instead of calling for their heads. If you think you could do a better job, I suggest you go into coaching yourself.
Posted by: imspartacus on 10/21/09 @ 9:19 am:
Put Green in let the opposing defenses stack the line and feast on turnovers with the ducks Green throws it will be a record day for opponents! I think NU has to hit bottom like OU did years ago to get the traditionalist to shut up and buried!
Posted by: Embarrassed on 10/21/09 @ 9:56 am:
I'm embarrassed. Not by the team, but by all these so called fans. Booing Lee? Seriously? Remember, we had potential recruits in attendance during that game. Wonder what they thought of the "Greatest Fans in Football" booing their players? Remember that one, folks.
Keep in mind this is a "kid" in his first year as starter. How well would any of you do in such a situation. The guy is injured, so much that it hurts to take a snap under center for him, which is why we've ran so much shotgun. Helu is hurt bad, losing Castille hurt our depth, and Rex being down put us in an even worse spot. The OLine needs much work, but they are young too. Do you honestly think that this is all on Lee? All on Watson? Do you really think that Green would be a miracle worker with the same OLine, banged up RBs, and drop-happy receivers? No, he wouldn't. This is a young team, and a young coaching team. You must give them time. We are spoiled, and we expect to have results immediately, but that's unrealistic. You all wanted Frank gone when we didn't produce and you got the recruiting genius you all wanted, Callahan. That turned out great. He's gone now and we have a GOOD coach who is bringing things back to where they should be and now you all want him gone too? I'm baffled at the logic. Bo has a win/loss record equal to that of Bob Stoops and Mack Brown their first couple of years. BE PATIENT!! The Defense has been sorted out...now the work begins on the offense. It'll happen but we have to stand behind the team. Green is behind Zac. Suh, Pelini, Green, Zac, all think of the good of the team as a whole. Sticking together, believing in each other, that's what Pelini & Co. are teaching. Seems like we might all need a lesson as well and start acting like we care about the future, not just instant results.
Articles like this, comments like these, articles about Bo's sideline demeanor, Boos from the stands, they do nothing but drive away recruits. Shame on you, and shame on the OWH for printing this stuff.