Callahan on the Record
Big 12 Media Days kicked off on Monday. Obviously numerous stories are being generated by the coaches and players talking with the media. Faced with this crush of press coverage, I've often found it better to just get the transcripts and read the comments verbatim, without any reporting framing the quote in their own context. But, in case you don't have time, I've reviewed the transcripts and pulled a few nuggets I think are interesting.
This first part covers just coach Callahan's statements. Subsequent articles in this series will cover other coaches from around the conference.
On running the football, which turned into an answer about the offensive line
We've got good experience. We're bigger, square, much thicker inside than what we've been in the last two years, and of course on the outside we have more continuity in terms of our tackle play. [....] And that line is beginning to gel and beginning to emerge. And the off-season is so important in the weight room, on the field, in the running program. Those guys were together and they're a tight-knit group. They know each other a lot better in terms of communication abilities and calls. So, we anticipate that we'll be much improved as we head in to the season.
REACTION - Take note, Husker fans. Our offensive consistency will turn on this group. NU has skill players and a returning QB. So, if the o-line improves as much as coach is implying, that could be very good news. I love hearing words like "gel", and "communication" about this group. More than any other unit on the field, they much work in a very coordinated manner. This is very good news.
Callahan also named several linemen by name in other parts of his answer. He's obviously happy to have a returning Sr. center in Kurt Mann, who he called a smart guy. Interestingly, he said Slauson could play inside or outside. It's possible a move to guard could be in his future, or he could at least play in that spot in a pinch. That may hinge on whether Murtha gets his head on straight at tackle, I think.
On the shift toward more passing offenses in the Big 12
When our defensive coordinator started defending the teams in styles, in schematics, around the conference, it was drastically different than where it was in the Big 10. That was different. We adjusted. We acclimated going into our second year.There's not many teams that you can look around and they're going to line up in the I formation and try to come downhill at you. There's just not many teams doing it.
REACTION - Yeah...70-10 against Texas Tech in 2004...not a great start. Glad they "acclimated". In more seriousness, many more Big 12 teams use shotgun or spread offenses. At least half the teams in the conference will line up with that notion in mind, now that Baylor and Colorado have joined the party. Counterintuitively, I think that might be an affirmation that NU needs to seek balance running and throwing, and try to be the most physical team in the conference.
About his quarterback Zach Taylor
He's a coach on the field for us. And, he's got that leadership ability. And he has that personality and character that you want leading your football team. He did as good a job as any first-year quarterback in this system that I've ever been around at any level, college or pro. And he's making steps, we took a number of steps in the spring with him.
REACTION - This is...awesome. Seriously, NU MUST keep Taylor healthy. If they do, I think we can throw our hat in the ring with anybody in the conference.
About the changing landscape of the north (coaching changes)
It's kind of unique. I was looking at our schedule. We've been studying it since its come out. And we're essentially playing seven new teams.
REACTION - Coach is referring to 4 non-conference teams and the changes at K-State, CU and Missouri not having Smith. This is an intriguing way to think of it. Certainly, facing new coaches and schemes will tax NU's coaches in terms of game preparations the weeks leading up to those contests, as well as in-game adjustments. Like everybody else, the coaches must go to the next level, too.
On his running backs
We'll play the best back. Whether it's by committee, whether it's two, three, four, five, however it shakes out, that's our goal.
REACTION - Okay, then. Thanks for clearing that up. Seriously fans, get ready for a serious competition at running back. And, be ready to see 2 or more backs getting carries in every game. They are all talented. The "separation" coaches are looking for will almost surely come in the form of how well they execute important aspects like blitz recognition and pickup, and the ability to run routes. What a luxury it is to have 4 talented backs coming back!
On expectations
As you look at the history of the Big 12 Conference in the last 12 years, I think there's only three teams that really hit the trifecta. That's winning the division. Winning the conference and then winning the National Championship game. So, when you study that, teams like Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, only three teams you know to really capitalize on that opportunity. Se we always sell it to our players from the aspect of capturing the Division first and then winning he Big 12 Championship, putting yourself in position to be in the title game. That's the essence of this conference competition, and that's what we embrace, and that's what we look forward to and that's the expectation of our program.
REACTION - Damn straight, coach. Look at that list of 3 teams, folks. This is NU's conference and we need to OWN the North division! Two-thirds of the "trifecta" hinge on one game, the conference title game. The most important third is that first one...winning the division. NU needs to put themselves on that title-game field year in and year out. Own the division for 5 years, and surely one year NU can break through.
See you in Kansas City, coach.
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