Life in the Red Group

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 8:29AM CST Love to see Braylon Heard hit the ground running next year - YCM might become a pipeline of talent for Nebraska.

Posted by: Tennessee-Husker87 on January 4, 2010 8:30AM CST Lot of things to talk about, and most of them are good … how ‘bout the 'name' for the Husker version of the wildcat formation?

Posted by: kungfusquirrel on January 4, 2010 8:36AM CST If a 10-4 season 4 points from 13-1 is what we have to get "out of the way" - I think I'm ok with that. :)

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 8:47AM CST Bo Pelini:" I just want to say Nebraska's back, and we're here to stay."

Posted by: Sker'n'GA on January 4, 2010 8:50AM CST Kung Fu I couldn't agree more - when I think how close we were to being ranked in the top 5 and in a BCS game - It's so frustrating, yet gives me so much to look forward to next year.

Posted by: SoDakHusker on January 4, 2010 9:09AM CST 396 yds proves what this offense was capable when healthy, with "healthy" being a relatively loose term considering our QB was still playing with a bad wing.

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 9:16AM CST Talk is Sharrif Floyd will commit to North Carolina - John Blake landed Suh - Floyd is rated as the top DT in the country. John Blake is stock piling talent @ Chapel Hill & Butch Davis knows how to use it. Steven M.; any idea why Sharrif Floyd never gave Nebraska a second thought?

Posted by: Ray in Bellevue on January 4, 2010 9:24AM CST Watson has a fixation on the use of the word "us" when describing his offense, or lack thereof. "It was really gratifying to be able to go back and really be 'us' and cut these guys loose and let them play," Watson said. "It was fun." So, it took 14 games to have fun. Why so long? And please let's don't blame injuries, again. Actually, "us" refers only to Watson and the dysfunctional WCO that he has imposed on the team. He keeps saying that this year we will look back and be so grateful for the struggles of last season. Let's hope that Watson does something in Spring Practice to set up the offense from the gitgo, not after the regular season is over.. Otherwise, he will be saying the same thing in 2011. Watson has enough talent, if he develops it, to play a higher brand of offense after 4 years of recruiting his players for his offense. The problem is that his offense does not work well without a 5th year QB. But, that doesn't stop him from pushing ahead whether his QB has gotten his Ph'D in the WCO yet, or not. Lee is about the only guy that fits that bill. Maybe, in 2 years Green will be ready or in 3 years Martinez. Good luck!

Posted by: joe t on January 4, 2010 9:27AM CST The key is OL depth. Cotton relied on the same 5 guys for the last half of the season and didn't trust any of the backups despite injuries, ineffectiveness and fatigue. Don't know the whole story behind that one...but it was obviously the rest allowed them to step up for the bowl game. It's amazing what an offense can do when the OL performs. Cotton's coaching should leave us all scratching our heads....

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 9:28AM CST Ray; you hit the nail on the head.

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 9:30AM CST Joe T; your are correct - I am afraid Coach Cotton is going nowhere - not when Bo keeps handing out schlorships to his sons.

Posted by: TomMe3 on January 4, 2010 9:53AM CST Tennessee-Husker87: How about "WildCorn" formation? "RexCat" formation only works while Burkhead is at NU. Maybe "WildHusker" formation... "WildBugeater" formation has a certain cache', not?

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 9:55AM CST Ray: As usual, I agree with you. Why did it take so long to try something different, to try to find something that worked? And while the production was much better for the bowl game, it feels like much of it had to do with relying on unconventional plays (wildcat, reverses, etc.) as opposed to just lining up and smashing the defense. Don't get me wrong, I love production, but what we relied upon isn't anything that we can use week in and week out to produce next year. I am very happy for our offense, but I still have so much reservation about our coaching on the O side. We had to change our O mid-year in 2008, and again mid-year in 2009. Why? Shouldn't the coaches have a much better grasp going into the season? I fear, going forward, I have to worry about more lack of vision and inability to understand our personnel. I sure hope I'm wrong, but history suggests otherwise.

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 10:36AM CST I still don’t understand why people want to bag on the coaching staff for what they had to do this year. It’s a simple fact that they used no excuses for the way they had to play this year period. They played to win. Watson uses “us” because they were all in to this as a TEAM from the head coach down to the last GA. On this year’s roster there are 22 offensive linemen and 50% of them are freshmen or red shirts. It has/ will take a little bit to get the depth to where it needs to be, but you can’t just throw some of these kids into the fire without a chance to understand what the hell their suppose to be doing. In my eyes this was a pretty damn good coaching job all the way around

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 10:40AM CST Agree with Ray about the WCO needing a veteran QB to Make it Work. (also veteran receivers) But the only trouble with placing to much of this on Wats is that this is Bo's team and Bo has never shown a shyness about voicing his opinion or making a decision. So I think the conversation went something like this: "Ok Wats here is our situation. Your starting QB is playing hurt and is still learning your system. His backup is nowhere near ready to assume the starting role. You have no depth in your offensive line and their backups were injured early and as such their development has been slowed. Your starters up front are dinged. Your best back is at about 60% and your second best runner is out for several weeks. Your senior receivers are underperforming and their backups don't know your offense yet. The only thing you really have is good tight ends but the trouble is our competition knows that also. So Wats here is what I do know. We have the best defense in the B12 and maybe the country. We also have the best field goal kicker/punter that is out there. Our kick off guy is excellent and our punt/kick off return game is solid. So what I want you to do is not LOSE games for us and my defense and the special teams will get us where we need to go." JMO

Posted by: Blue Sky on January 4, 2010 10:45AM CST Do they still have the 300 play playbook though?

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 10:50AM CST they must have the way they ran the offence last week

Posted by: DebTu on January 4, 2010 10:52AM CST So much blame attached to WCO, or is it some sort of superstitious fear? Whatever was going on in the Holiday Bowl, I loved it. And really Ray, I've tried to be nice but That Horse Is Dead. Really. Dead.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 10:55AM CST 304 play book.. they didnt have the wild corn earlier...

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 10:57AM CST charger: You forced me to say this, 102nd is not "a pretty damn good coaching job," especially at Nebraska. No excuses for that bad a performance. The bowl game showed promise, but there is a long long way to go. bigred: Bo gave control of the offense to Wats, he's said as much. Also, you can still play conservative and add a few wrinkles game to game to try and produce. However, we didn't seemingly do that until the bowl game. It is Wats JOB to figure out how to make the offense productive, even though there is a conservative approach. Saw no innovation and attempt to make it work. I hope Wats can make it work next year. This article seems to suggest things are going to be peachy next year, even though we have the same players (or redshirt freshman) running the same plays that, seemingly, wouldn't work this year. Will one year make a huge difference? I guess we can hope.

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 10:59AM CST BenAr2 You are missing my point. THEY DID WHAT THEY HAD TO DO TO WIN.......................... Sorry if you can't accept the facts.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 11:01AM CST Know I'll probably get it for saying this, but: just don't think NU will ever reach it's potential with Coach Watson. He doesn't have the coaching ability of Pelini and never will. Keep hoping someone will offer him a HC position and he will depart. Coach Pelini has worked in programs that won championships and I credit him for a very large part of their success. To me you got a Porshe and a mule in tandem.

Posted by: Denver Bob on January 4, 2010 11:03AM CST bigred-Ore....... Very good post! Your accurate (IMO) description of what and why things were done bodes well for next season. Everything is fixable for 2010 - there is no reason for all of us not to have fairly high expectations. Watson, Cotton, Brown, etc. can get this offense clicking. Bo believes in them and so do I. GBR!

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:04AM CST Exactly BRE. That is exactly what the coaches have been saying but no one will believe them. Not sure why except that the National ranking is embarrasing. We did what we had to do with what we had to do it with. I totally agree however with asking why that was the case. Evidently the back up linemen were hurt as well. Andy Christanson, Deric Myer are 2 that come to mind. 10 and 4 is OK for now IMO.

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 11:06AM CST charger, you're missing my point, THEY DID WHAT THEY HAD TO DO TO WIN . . . NINE GAMES. Maybe with a little coaching on the O side, we would have won MORE games. If you are okay with being good, rather than great, than I'm sorry for you. And you're right, I can't accept the fact that our O rolled over and played dead because our coaches couldn't make us even an average offense. I feel sorry for anyone who accepts that fact.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:07AM CST Charger, You have been AWOL. Good to see you back.

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 11:09AM CST Busie: Clearly, I agree with you 100%, however, there are clearly those who have a different opinion.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 11:11AM CST ok... what was a person suppose to do.. started the season with a pass attack.. worked against weaker teams fairly well... VT we did move the ball.. mid season.. realized the pass O would not be consistent.. went to a power run game more.. with TE's and fullback again not consistent to move the ball.. end of season really no identity for the O.. cant run, cant pass.. what was left.. u call the plays, they werent going to work.. 3 weeks later, a miracle the O moves the ball.. possibily was it injuries, lack of depth, maybe the coaches know more about the players and the situations they were put in to win... than we do...just a guess...

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 11:13AM CST PT been trying to bag bambi for the last couple weeks. The vacation was great. need to do a little bit more shooting the eyes aren't quite the same. BenAr2 the offence didn't roll over. And you don't have to feel sorry for me.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:14AM CST Ben, lets assume for a minute that the staff continued to be aggressive on offense. What we saw when that was done was turnovers and 3 and outs. What we saw the coaches way was 3 and outs minus the turnovers. Guess I like the latter rather than the former if those are my two chioces

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 11:15AM CST Coaches are supposed to know the personnel, coaches are supposed to prepare the personnel. 2 years in a row we've had to switch schemes mid-season. We had all kinds of penalties throughout the season on O. The "system" has been around since Watson got here, yet know one seemed to know what they were doing. I can go on and on, but it's all been said before and no reason to do so. This bad a year isn't a personnel issue, it's a coaching issue.

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 11:18AM CST 50 percent of the Offensive line freshmen or red shirts.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 11:22AM CST How do u coach injured players... like M. leach did.. just wondering...

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 11:26AM CST TO that's great!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:28AM CST Coaching decesions are made by Bo. I am not crazy about either Watson or Cotten and I tend to agree with Busie. We have a Porshe in one side of the Garage and A yugo in the other. Both will get you to Walmart. Just depends on your comfort level.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 11:39AM CST I dont know if i care that much for Wats myself.. but I will give him the benefit of the doubt.. 10 win season.. almost beat a team who can be NC, beat OU,MU,CU.. at the beginning of the season, how many would have taken that.. most .. and Ben, stats, are for losers.. its wins that count.. and I say .. lets see what happens next year with Wats, when he has more depth on the O line, experienced receivers, QB, and running backs.. if he cant improve.... then.. run him out of town..

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:47AM CST Lets not forget, that with all ofWatsons experience he is also in his 2nd year of having the reins. Both Calli and Barnett controled the offense. He had the title but not the job. Bo has grown tremendously in his job the last 2 years. 1 more year is where I have been from the get go. Not that I will have any more to say about then than I do now. (the deesion that is)

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 11:47AM CST PT; you love Walmart - Coach Watson & Coach Cotton seem to be entrenched into the program. Bo must remove the blinders - right now Bo has the tunnel vision of one Tony Roberts - everyone on this board knows how Tony is.

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 11:54AM CST TomOs I agree. In 08 the offense carries this team until late in the season when the defensive light comes on. People are saying I hope we can hang onto Wats for a few seasons before he moves on In 09 the "D" carries us and the offense is less than stellar and the noose is out. On balance another year would seem to be in order. I am a big proponent of continuity among coaching staffs and that they all learn together. (truth be told that was TO's secret to success.) Hate to use the tiggers as an example but how much of their troubles could be blamed on their OC moving on to Wyoming as much as the loss of bugger and Maclin

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 11:59AM CST So Who is the Pick in the Fiesta Bowl tonight?

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 12:02PM CST You know USC... gets all the talent from HS.. at least thats what the pundits say.. all 5 stars and all americans before they play a game.. they had to reload/rebuild and they finish 5th, I think in the Pac 10, which appears relatively weak this year.. I would think their OC and maybe their DC heads should be on the chopping block.. at least they would be here..

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 12:02PM CST TCU

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 12:02PM CST I'm taking TCU . Very balanced team. Was a travesty that these two had to play each other. Would have loved to see TCU and the Gators.

Posted by: Goldenrod Husker on January 4, 2010 12:04PM CST I think watson is learning more these last two years than he ever has in his career from BO. Especially the latter part of this season. Maybe he is salvagable if he continues to listen and be humble enough to change some things. What we saw against arizona was definately not the WCO. it was far from it. Maybe there is a lot we don't know about our playbook and how different it will be next year. I hope I am somewhat right for our offenses sake. I am going to choose to be optimistic for next season and put my belief in BO and his ability to coach the entire team.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:04PM CST Boisie St. fan here

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 12:04PM CST A yawner TCU 45 Boise 13

Posted by: Goldenrod Husker on January 4, 2010 12:06PM CST TomOs if Usc has another year like they did all coachs will be up for the choping block. This is a what have you done for me lately world and with coaches like Pelini out there its to tempting to make a switch.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 12:07PM CST I would say TCU.. but my picks so far have been terrible this year in the bowls.. so bet the farm on .. BS.. Boise is not a state..

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:08PM CST The Buffalo Bills just fired everybody. Be kinda hard to get a Uhaul today

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 12:10PM CST TomOs: Wins do count, and we counted less wins this year than we otherwise would have had we had even an average O. All teams have injuries, all teams go through transition, and good coaches make their players and teams BETTER. What we had to work with on offense, talent wise, is much better than what they did on the field. Our offense played worse than what it is capable of. I'm not a huge stat guy but I have seen 102nd and that is impossible to simply put aside as just one more stat. It represents, in part, the complete loss of an offense, and without the Sunbelt games, we would have been so much worse. And one final time, we won in spite of our offense, not because of our offense. A ten win season could have been more with some sort of coaching on the O side. It was nonexistent. Watson will get another year, and the offense has to get better (it can't get much worse), so I expect that we will again underperform but because we will be better next year, we will hear "we're getting better, that's what's important."

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:22PM CST Suh for Heisman, friend, is that what you really look like?

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 12:26PM CST What if, but if, could have been NC.... you have some magic wand, face it.. we had a less than average O because of lack of experience, depth, injuries, those are not excuses, that is the reality of the situation,(see USC).. Ben ... what happened between the VT game and the bowl game...all those areas above are what happened.. to make the O ineffective, did Wats all of a sudden became a good coach the 3 weeks prior to the bowl game..., jmo

Posted by: huskerdog/colo. on January 4, 2010 12:30PM CST Th "DOG" still can't get over the band fiasco! Nice to see the "O" finally show up, even tho it took ALL season! Damn Humi Bowl ran long & missed O'H's interception & touchdown! Typical ESPN CRAP! Li'l Bo P should bring in Leach to run the "O"! What's wrong with putting a player in the wood shed? His daddy was referred to as a "Hellicopter" dad - always hovering around! Apparently more to the story than meets the eye!

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:33PM CST Tom Os, I have to admit the Zac Lee in the bowl game was not the same person he seemed to have been most of the season. Every team cycles and I try to keep remembering that. We all want a viable offense but I still stand by what I said earlier. Hopefully the outstanding play in the TX game and the bowl will get the recruiting machine in high gear. Lord, let their be something like Suh with their sights on Lincoln.

Posted by: MercilessOne on January 4, 2010 12:37PM CST Love Shawn Watson! He isn't the problem with our offense and never was the problem this year. Let's hope the idiots clamoring for his dismissal are bowled over next year by an avalanche of yards and points!

Posted by: PlyNeb on January 4, 2010 12:39PM CST According to latest NCAA stats on YPG, NU has moved from 102 to 99. Other bowl teams ranked low in this stat include: South Carolina--82 Iowa--93 Rutgers--97 Boston College--98 North Carolina--108 LSU--112

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 12:39PM CST I like TCU as Well. And it is a travesty what the BCS did to those 2 teams. We have to invite you to the party but your room is over across the hall.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:40PM CST Thank you ChrisHa3, it's always a pleasure to be called an idiot. Everybody have a good afternoon, I'm out to the local eatery to cure what all ails LSU. lol

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:41PM CST Oh I know about Crick for sure, was just hoping for another big fellow as well.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 12:41PM CST Busie, Zac is a pocket passer.. and the healthy/healthier O line afforded him more time in the pocket.. with an improved O line next year with more depth, talent.. the O production this year be a faint memory... hopefully... and I hope, Lee, Green or someone can take it to another level..

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 12:43PM CST TomOs: no, he didn't, but he did try something DIFFERENT, which, as we all saw, worked fairly well. Why did it take him so freegin long? My guess is, arrogance. That, and not having any idea what to do if his system wasn't working. Little innovation, little preparedness, little productivity. The offense was sloppy, unprepared, and downright lost/bad for much of the season. All of that points to bad coaching. Took him 1/2 a season last year to correct the offensive scheme, at least last year it worked, thanks to the seniors. You obviously think something else. Again, good coaches make players and teams better, if you think we've got 102nd talent (even our 2nd string) then I think you are way off.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:43PM CST PlyNeb, why did you post that, it's bad enough to live through it, but to see it written down is worse. Just lost my apetite.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 12:48PM CST Same old s--t different day. WCO this, Watson that, 300 plays in the playbook. Not many people outside of the coaches and players have the first clue about what is going on behind the scenes with this team. Althought, there seem to be more coaches on this blog then the entire football team. lol I didn't really like the snail offense much either. It was embarassing, but I'm not a coach or player, so I'll leave the heavy lifting to them. They apparently knew what they were dealing with. And will the real Barney please stand up? lol Who the he!! was that chasing players around and yelling on the sidelines during the bowl game? More of that please. It seems to be the character of the defensive side, and it seems to be working out pretty well. Let's get a little heated over on that side of the ball and "turn them loose!" That Holiday Bowl offensive plan was a lot more like what we'll probably be seeing in the future. What's not to like about that? There will more experienced guys at every position on O next year. We'll also be better at every position next season. OL especially. What's not to feel good about that? Oh yeah, Watson will still be the OC. Careful what you wish for people. You just might not like the alternatives as well as what you've got now. Bo knows! I'll leave all the real thinking up to him. I do hope Bo can clear out a few more who are not going to every contribute to the team on the field. We really need more scholarship room for talent on the offense, and defense for that matter. Keep them cards and letters coming in!!!

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 12:50PM CST I for one am overjoyed and honored to have the luxury to critique our B12 North champion, Holiday Bowl victorious, 10 win team and I look forward to the laborous task of dissecting and pointing out areas for improvement on our B12 Champion, maybe playing for a national title 2010 team. I accept this solemn duty as a dedicated Husker fan who sure as heck didn't like being 5 and 7 and home for the holidays watching Mizzou and Kansas in major bowl games. GO BIG RED

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 12:52PM CST Tommy: You said it, I loved seeing Barney giving it to one of his players after a false start.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:54PM CST This team seemed to be "playing" at playing if that makes a lick of sense. J. Jefferson was not what we had imagined. The D side well this was Chavis's first year. I honestly don't know. Some of the anti Miles camp are calling for scalps. The time management issue caused an uproar, to me the kids did not play up to their talent level. That sounds like a politician's reply but it's all I've got.

Posted by: huskerdog/colo. on January 4, 2010 12:55PM CST Chris Ha3 - If that's a picture of you - the "DOG" NEEDS a date badly!

Posted by: LakeMacBob on January 4, 2010 12:58PM CST I disagree BenA -- "we won in spite of our offense, not because of our offense" -- the O did what they had 2do to win.. U can't play injured players, freshman are on a learning curve.. Watson did what he had 2 do 2 win. No the O was not GREAT - but it held together.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 12:59PM CST Bigred-Ore, this coach says that's the best post of the day!! Later, I'm out

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 1:00PM CST Ben U crack me up. Ya just don't want to accept the facts.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 1:01PM CST Ben - If they can get the same fire that they've found on the defense over there on the offense, look out. If they don't find that zone, I'd have to think sooner or later, Bo will find it for them. He's not interested in being 1 second away from winning. He wants to win championships. That is pretty clear. I said this many times. I want this staff to stick together, because I think some continuity is really important right now. I don't really like Cotton or Gilmore all that much, but I will say I was impressed by both of them getting it done for the bowl game. Now with a lot more compitition up front for Barney to mold a strong OL, his a$$ better shape them into a killer group going forward. The one thing that really bothers me is still recruiting. We keep winning and I think it will improve, but we still have a need for playmakers at WR beyond Niles Paul. He's starting to really show up big, but he's a senior next year and who steps up? We're making progress, but recruiting is a constant requirement. Eventually, you're only as this years class makes you.

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 1:02PM CST Busie, As a big LSU fan, the thing that seemed to jump out at me this year was a certain lack of physicality on both sides of the ball. LSU has always been a "this is what we are going to do; try and stop us" sort of team. Always on the edge of playing angry. They seemed more finesse orientated this year to me. Do you think that is a valid assessment?

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 1:05PM CST All valid points TommyOC

Posted by: Blue Sky on January 4, 2010 1:06PM CST Speaking of recruiting, has anyone heard anything more about potential QBs? Is Bronson Marsh going to visit?

Posted by: From The General on January 4, 2010 1:07PM CST Steven M.; I am still waiitng on input about Sharrif Floyd.

Posted by: Busiekcreek on January 4, 2010 1:08PM CST I'll agree on the finesse; that's what I meant when I said "playing at playing". I want finesse, I'll go to the ballet. If I don't get up from here, my friend is going to send the sheriff looking for me. 30 minutes late already, butttt, coaching is fun.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 1:09PM CST Do you think LSU just needs a coordinator with a playbook full of knowledge like Watson brings to the table? Actually, most of the SEC could use a new offensive playbook. lol You think Saban was completely uninformed when he offered Shawn a job at Alabama? Coaches, what say you?

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 1:11PM CST Coach Busie - that last one was for you :) Knowing your love for Watson and all.

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 1:12PM CST charger, do me a huge favor and tell me what facts I'm missing.

Posted by: PlyNeb on January 4, 2010 1:14PM CST Red Read that Marsh is visting on January 15, but they are looking at him as either a walk-on or grey shirt.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 1:14PM CST Yeah ... whats up with B. Marsh.. looks like one heck of heady Ball player...

Posted by: Exiled_in_VT on January 4, 2010 1:16PM CST Just found out the women's bball team is up here in Burlington to take on UVM tonight. Burlington got 30" of snow over the weekend, so I hope their plane was able to get in. If it were the men's team, I might go check it out...but I think I'll stay home and watch TCU smash Boise.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 1:21PM CST We might get Turner for 2011. He's a solid prospect. We've got some good ties to the ones who are very likely to commit. I'm still looking for some real relationship buiding by the coaches on the offensive side when it comes to recruiting the playmakers needed to really take us over the top. Beck is doing really well. I hope we can keep things together on the coaching staff for a least another year. Having good coaching talent, also provides opportunity for other teams to want to hire them. If Watson leaves in the future, I do hope Beck is the choice to replace him. Picking a Barney would not sit well with me. Bo seem smarter than that to, as least I hope he is anyway.

Posted by: Exiled_in_VT on January 4, 2010 1:24PM CST TommyOC, You think we'd stay internal to fill a coordinator position?

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 1:33PM CST Exile - Hard to say, but if we did I would hope Beck would be the top choice. A better question would be, if we went outside, would it have to be someone with Nebraska ties?

Posted by: The StepnRaZor on January 4, 2010 1:35PM CST Hi pals! Just jumping back in here. I paid $600 to watch the cowboys sodomize my Eagles. Nice. Anyways... to keep up with Tommy OC's post... and I'm sure this has been talked about at length... Jamal Turner... an all everything QB out of Arlington in the 2011 class... paid his own way to San Diego to watch the Huskers. Almost committed but the caoches told him to take his visits first. But never fear... he will commit after he gets back from Alabama, USC and TCU visits. Dudes a stud. He's a big time Husker fan. He's ours. Makes that talent heavy 2011 class even more spectacular. We just need a little RB out of San Antonio to juice it up some more. Check this out. We got Cody Green and Burkhead/Robinson one year. Then Heard the next. Then Turner and possible Green for 2011. Weird that Bo doesn't care about 'recruiting stars'... but thats all he recruits. Thats outside of Barneys boy of course.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 1:49PM CST How long is Ganz slated to be a Grad Asst? I would like to see him become a permanent part of this staff.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 1:59PM CST I don't think that Bo recruits kids because they have stars. Just so happens that some kids he feels fit his program and his "personality profile" happen to have them. Does that make any sense??

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:00PM CST Step - I'm sure you know who the lead recruiter is on guys like Heard and Turner. He seems to be the primary guy out there making things happen. I wondered if he wasn't told that he'd be the next OC when he took the job at NU? Either way, I think he's doing a nice job for us.

Posted by: The StepnRaZor on January 4, 2010 2:09PM CST I'm 100% on the Beck bandwagon. I would love to see him as our OC. There is no question imo that Beck will be our guy when Wats moves on.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:11PM CST If any coach recruits players just because they have STARS, that would be pretty short sighted. I think Bo and his staff are looking for kids who fit they system and the chemistry of what they are trying to create at Nebraska. Playmakers and STARS do pretty much go together, but there is also character, personal drive and work ethic, the interest in putting team before themselves, etc... Watching the HS All America game the other day, I wasn't real high on the comments coming from some of those kids as they committed on national TV, but I guess that is to be expected when they have been the STARS of their teams up to this point. Rex Burkhead is a prime example of a kid who doesn't bring that "me first" - "I'm all that" attitude to the team. I'm not at all disappointed that Bo and his staff are looking for kids who want to be at Nebraska, to be part of what Nebraska is, and not just to be a showcase for what they are all about. That is a trade off for getting some of these really talented kids. They need to the talent, but they want the character and team first attitude to go with it. Not always that easy to fine both.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:17PM CST I'm right there with you Step - 100% Beck as well. I thought the reason he took the job when offered was he'd be our next OC.

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 2:20PM CST Ben & Suh Facts Hickman & Williams only returning starting linemen. (Williams is probably undersized to be a tackle) Burkes was lost due to medical reasons. Half of the linemen are yes…..freshmen or red shirts. Undisclosed injuries to the offensive line & starting QB no excuses from the staff or players. No threat from the wide receiver position the seniors this year were a bust & that’s on them not the staff to top that off 2 of the 3 jrs were also a bust.. Swift & Peterson had no problems with the offensive schemes. And to top off the wide receivers almost 50% of them are freshmen & red shirts (to be exact 47%) To me these are facts. You two can call them what ever u want.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:24PM CST charger - Don't go letting some little facts get in the way of making sense of the offense's lack of performance. You know it was all pretty much Zac, Watson and the giant sized playbook no-one understands until they are seniors. Of course we don't want to let Rex in on that. He might think he should have redshirted. lol

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 2:27PM CST Tommy, thanks u made me feel better. :>)

Posted by: GBR in Texas on January 4, 2010 2:31PM CST Afternoon boys. I see we have a little cunnin' and discussin' going on here.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on January 4, 2010 2:34PM CST Wow! That should be "cussin' and discussin'." Guess I should proof read.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 2:36PM CST A bowhunter would be "At full Draw" LOL

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:41PM CST cunnin works fine

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 2:42PM CST Charger.. lest u forget... Roy and Rex were hurt or out for several games.. of course our 3 and 4th string RB's should be running for 200 yards a game behind the banged up line and wounded QB... but dont get me wrong.. there is just no excuse for it...

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 2:43PM CST Thank you charger: 1) Lots of O.L. came back with good experience and all we kept hearing about coming into this year is great depth and experience. Side note: qb who sits in the pocket and takes sacks makes the O-line look that much worse. Kudos to Lee in bowl game for actually moving up field. 2) Actually, I saw quite a bit of excuses from the staff all year, namely injuries and inexperience. 3) Chris Brooks was a bust? Okay. Niles Paul and Kinnie are pretty good. And Swift and Peterson did well with Ganz. Maybe when you play together for 4 or more years, you get pretty good together. So, as has been said many times, I guess when most of the team is seniors, we should be pretty good on offense. That's terrific charger. We can look forward to a good offense every 4 years, awesome! A few points. If we have all these problems with inexperience, why does Watson insist on running his WCO? IF IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK (which it is his job to know) DON'T DO IT. Also, DON'T RUN THE SAME 5 OR 6 PLAYS ON OFFENSE 6 WEEKS IN A ROW. Mix it up, just a bit, put together some wrinkles every now and then, just to give us a chance. TommyOC: "lack of performance" is one thing, being downright "bad" is something else. You guys can keep blaming the players; it makes much more sense to me to put this bad of an offense on the coach who ran it. We've got good athletes at 1st and 2nd string, and they stunk, not because they aren't capable, but because our coaching (one in specific) wasn't capable.

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 2:43PM CST Charger, In all the ways that we are "back" there is one area where we are not. NU used to be "we don't rebuild; we reload" we are not back to that status yet and we just lost too many experienced offensive weapons on 08 so this offense had to be rebuilt. Your points are well taken and no one replaces a OC who just finished a ten win season. (Except maybe Steve P) OT How is Briar Cliff doing on the hardwood this year?

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 2:44PM CST GBRT. We are discussing the relative merits of stainless steel vs white. Side by side vs top freezer. Crushed Ice and Water vs Ice maker and the tap. Just a few things you might be interested in.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:49PM CST GBR - well now we really do have the coach in the house, so please provide us all with an overview of the NU offense of the future. Give us your wealth of knowledge and throw in a few "Zac this, and Watson that" while you're at it for good measure. lol I know it's not a popular opinion, but I think keeping this staff together for awhile and allowing for them all to develop together is s good thing. Although I was not a big fan of the snail pace offense incorporated into their plan this past season. I was also not a party to what was going on behind the scenes, so I'll assume they did what they thought was best and what would work to win them games. I think last count they were at 10 wins this season. Oh I know, it should have been 13, but it would certainly have been 11 if it weren't for that crappy defense at the end of the VT game, and how could they allow TT to score so many points? What are those guys anyway, some sort of powerful offensive machine? Lord knows it was Watson's fault all those guys fumbled and dropped passes and threw INT's against ISU. We really need to make some changes in order to be gooder. :) Sorry, I can't help myself.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on January 4, 2010 2:50PM CST I'm in agreement about Beck as the next OC. I don't necessarily believe that he was told he would definitely be the next OC, but I'm sure it was stated as a possiblity. I have always been one to say that none of us are privvy to what goes on at practice, or behind closed doors in meetings, so I do agree with TommyOC about letting Bo & Co. do the 'heavy lifting' on the decision making and day to day operation of the program. I have had, and do have, confidence in the coaching staff. Learning the system is learning the system. It's not that tough. Yes, it is like learning a foreign language but it does take effort. Typically, those that have difficulty learning a system are making it more difficult than it really is. Their lack of confidence in their mental abilities is what holds them back, at least that's been my experience.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 2:53PM CST Tommy is feeling froggey. Lol

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 2:54PM CST bigred-Ore BC is 4-1 in conference 12-3 overall. not bad.

Posted by: BenAr2 on January 4, 2010 2:56PM CST TommyOC: I haven't seen anyone mention the defense. I think everyone is pretty excited about how they played all season. Oh wait, you were being funny because there really isn't anyway Watson could not be a good O.C., sorry about that.

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 2:57PM CST The Offense will be better next year. Or maybe it won't. They defense Will be better next year. Or maybe it won't. We will not lose a game next year. Or maybe we will. But this program is fun to watch again. It is a joy to be a Husker again. Thank you Bo Pelini and your staff. It is nice to be back.

Posted by: GBR in Texas on January 4, 2010 2:58PM CST I just saw your 2:49 post TommyOC. You pretty much nailed it with para #2. I've not been able to understand why so many couldn't understand that the offense used in the 2nd half of the season was part of a plan to give them the best chance to win games and reach their team goals. My opinion about the TT game is that they lost focus. They let the officials get to them, which I can't blame them as the officials got to me as well, but it was so bad that they couldn't get their focus back and things got out of hand. Got off-season in 10 minutes, gotta go. I'll be back during the Fiesta Bowl.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 2:58PM CST GBR - You make some great points about learning the system. Ricky T. would have been starting in the back end if he was a little quicker at the learnin part. I think some forget that every kid who can play football is not a Rhodes Scholar to boot. Teaching and physical development is all part of the deal when coming up to this level. So far, I'll give these guys a passing grade in the two short years they've been around. Wonder what the next two years hold in store for them. I'm sure changes will occur, just based on their ability to move up the ladder. It doesn't make much sense to me to continue to beat down the guys who are working hard to bring a winner back to us all. I'm gonna keep supporting them and drink the kool-aid. Even Barney won me over a little bit this past week. That ain't easy considering I've never really been a big fan. See, even an old turd like me can change. lol

Posted by: bigred-Ore on January 4, 2010 3:00PM CST GBR TX and to add to what you said the other part is repetitions; when reading and reacting turn into instinctive and automatic you got yourself a football player. Charger, That's great I remember that they usually put a competetive product out on the floor.

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 3:01PM CST You know what might be possible next year.. is that.. we might have a top 20 offense and good defense and have a similar record.. just a thought...

Posted by: charger on January 4, 2010 3:03PM CST Wow GBR in Texas u should have been here earlier. i had my hands full trying to get my point accross.

Posted by: jd hail on January 4, 2010 3:05PM CST I don't understand why everyone is upset about TCU having to play Boise, the only travesty is that they both can't lose. If you want a big boy game and BCS money then fix your schedules. I am tired of Boise's fans whining all the time. I pick TCU in a blowout.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 3:06PM CST TomOs - I think we're gonna have both. A good offense and a good defense. Now if the defense is great again, and the offense is just pretty darn good, well then look out cause Bo will certainly be fired and Barney will be promoted to HC. I'm gonna start the chants now. "Barney as HC of Nebraska." Go-Big-Barn-Yard!!!

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 3:13PM CST You know what kinda scares me next year is.. we really lose a lot of experience and talent off this years D.... I know we have a lot of good players... but the chemistry of Asante,Matty, Dillard and Suh with the other guys on D.. reminds me a little of what happened this year with the lose of Swift, Peterson and Ganz.. I know doubting Thomas.. and it is easier to pickup the D then it is the O, usually.. but this was one heck of a D...

Posted by: Ray in Bellevue on January 4, 2010 3:19PM CST I agree with everyone on the board because there are good points to be made on both sides of this issue of a substandard offense. For those who think another year of experience will help, I agree that it can't hurt. Incoming freshmen may also make a differance on the OL. Lee may be better than ever, after surgery. Green and Martinez may also make us proud faster with Ganz helping out. The offensive coaches may have also been doing a great job, considering injuries and inexperience last season. Watson may even be changing somewhat in his philosophy by adding the Wildcat, option, etc. Maybe, he will look like the Wizard of Oz this season. And finally, if we trust in Bo, everything will work out for the best, because Bo knows best. But, can we please sort most of this out during Spring Practice, with the available personnel, so we don't have to make so many major offensive system changes during the season? Can we move the ball consistently against all comers, both running and passing? And, finally can we beat Texas twice, first in Lincoln and again after the season to win the Big 12 Championship, even after the final second is played. Hurrah! Maybe, we can!

Posted by: drivebyposter on January 4, 2010 3:22PM CST The good news in Lincoln is that Walgreens will start selling wine and beer. wahooooooooooooooooo They are everywhere Now if, like in Boulder, they can get some of them Medical Marijuana dispenseries opened up, Lincoln will have move forward, errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr backward errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrforward

Posted by: Wrestler on January 4, 2010 3:22PM CST I agree with PT, believe it or not, on recruiting and Step, observes some good rated stars in the crop wanting to come to NU? Coach Bo and any good coach of any sports, recruits for their system and their style of motivation etc. etc. and what they see as potential in coaching up an athlete to the next level? Smart athletes with good vision, choose programs that they fit into, and like the personalities for development of coaching, within that system as well? And how their personal talents mesh, with the goals and needs of that particular program? And then there are a few knuckleheads that choose for a myriad of different reasons, such as I, when debating Mooner Nooners and Okie Lite for wrestling? Saw them as fairly equal, and my determining outcome to choose the school that afforded me, the winning history as a fan for college football, plus at the time, the girls were a little more impressive at Mooner Noonerville? GBR! Zhou Da Hong!

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 3:23PM CST Ray just a slight adjustment... beat TX and put them out of the Big 12 CG.. and beat OU in the Big 12 game... now that would be satisfaction..

Posted by: PT Husker on January 4, 2010 3:40PM CST No No. Now if we could just get the staff to open up a bit with the info they let out. The stars would be aligned.

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 3:45PM CST Gee Ray, was that really you posting that, or did your alter-ego come out with that one. lol That was good stuff, btw.

Posted by: Wrestler on January 4, 2010 4:06PM CST I respectfully disagree with the General, thinking TCU vs Boise State will be a yawner? Boisie St. fan here, Busiekcreek's choice? TCU is a excellent team, and as close as NU's victory to UT, maybe that close to selection of TCU in NC game? Boy, we now know choosing Cincinnati, would have been a huge mistake? But don't discount Boise State, and their capabilities in a bowl game, on national stage? My gut says, this will be one of the better bowl games? There is a reason why Boise State is trying to upgrade their scheduling and finding it hard for takers? Sorry DBP, but for years AFA wanted to play Puffs, on a annual basis, then a real round robin with three teams in CO. CU, CSU and AFA? Puffs want no part of a annual game with Zoomies? After Houston game, it gets more clear for me? Always has been, not first big bowl victory for AFA, many in the past? GBR! Zhou Da Hong!

Posted by: PlyNeb on January 4, 2010 4:08PM CST How common is open access to team practice and public disclosure of lifting information? Is Nebraska unique in their approach, or one of many who limit access?

Posted by: TomOs on January 4, 2010 4:35PM CST TCU and Boise should be a circus act.. high scoring slug out.. should be a great game..

Posted by: TommyOC on January 4, 2010 4:59PM CST Suh - I wasn't real clear on why they needed the snail offense approach either. I never really got the idea of putting your two quicker better receivers on the scout team either, but they dropped some balls, oh wait, so did Paul, McNeil and everyone else on the team. Roy was hurt more than we knew, so was Zac, but what does that say about the others backing them up. Lack of confidence in the offensive line and the offense as a whole is what it said to me. I hope for the future and never want to see us go into a schell like that again, ever. It was nice to see such an awesome defense, but they could have certainly opened up a little of what we saw from them in the bowl game long before the bowl game. If they would have been willing to dip into their deep offensive playbook, that would seem more like a halftime adjustment than a complete snail change of the offense as a whole. JMO. I'm still behind them all 100%, but that was some sad stuff to watch for sure.

Posted by: drivebyposter on January 4, 2010 5:13PM CST "most of us don't think" Interesting introspection.

Posted by: Islander/Husker on January 4, 2010 5:13PM CST I can see both sides of the offense arguement. Nobody is an idiot for expressing their view point. Especially Busie. An idiot she is not in fact she is the smartest poster on the LITR. Time will tell which viewpoint is right. I do think the offense has to have good production in twenty ten. Right now Watson is our guy, he is going to be the OC next year and if our offense dpes does not do well in 2010, Bo will make the changes for the next year. I do think team wise we will have a very good year next year. A top ten finish for sure, with the potential to be higher. We have come a long ways since 2007. This is just me, but I would rather have a great defense and a so so offense that a great offense and a so so defense. A outstanding defense will keep you in games and give you a chance to win. In 2007 we had a pretty productive offense, but they knew that had to score on every possession because our defense could not stop anybody. When you give up 73 points you are not going to beat anybody.

Posted by: drivebyposter on January 4, 2010 5:32PM CST "silver steel, side by side, all kinds of ice front dispenser, ice cold water" and most imporant, built into the center island, the matching dual drawer diswasher.

Posted by: Joe Don Looney on January 4, 2010 11:41PM CST no nothing is right. But the spread works when you have the talent -- TT was still a blast to watch w/o Leach. So was Oregon in a loss. Remember the WV flying circus? Speed, sure handed & footed receivers, quick backs, a quick thinking QB and esp. a disciplined O-line. WC fails in college b/c it takes years of experience and maturity to master (Callahan was an utter fool). All of these are in short supply @ NU. Hard to blame Watson w/o talent and Cotton's miserable discipline-less coaching. Watson has to mix it up to keep Ds guessing b/c everything is so unreliable. Can Bo recruit A-level O talent to bring home the big win against Iowa State and TT?

Posted by: lincolniter on January 5, 2010 12:03AM CST When you dont perform at a high level around here people will be upset. Thats not going to change. We need a smashmouth offense to go along with that smashmouth defense. If that happens you can bet there will be multiple national championships. We need to walk on that field and not just know were going to win but know were going to dominate. We need to start knocking the crap out of these teams. No more winning ugly. Its time to start blasting teams. Nebraska will be back when they slap teams upside the head and put up 14 points in the first 5 minutes of the game. Go Big Red!!!

Posted by: huskerdog/colo. on January 5, 2010 12:32PM CST The "DOG" thinks Dr."hollywood"watson, callasham & the "hawkster have a lot in common! Snale oil salesman all! Finally put together a COMPLETE GAME "O" & "D" (except Sun Belt championship)! Unfortunately it took ALL season!

Posted by: huskerdog/colo. on January 5, 2010 12:36PM CST DOG can't spell!! Should be snake oil salesmen!