Loss of Bowman Major Blow
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August 7, 2006 by
Coach Callahan said the right things following the loss of Zack Bowman to an ACL tear in his knee that will keep him from playing this season. He mentioned the other guys available and stayed positive about the team and the secondary. That’s what a head coach has to do in order to keep his team from getting down after the loss of such an outstanding player.
But in truth, short of losing Zac Taylor, no other player’s loss would have been felt so greatly. Sure, there may be better players, but the difference here is the dropoff between Bowman and the next guy on the roster. Behind Corey McKeon is Phillip Dillard, a highly coveted recruit from the class of 2005 who has now had the benefit of a spring practice. Behind Adam Carriker and Jay Moore are options like Zach Potter and Barry Turner. Steve Octavien and Bo Ruud were neck and neck at one linebacker spot and Lance Brandenburgh is a solid option behind Stewart Bradley. Behind defensive tackles Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer are prized 2005 recruit Ndamukong Suh and a mature Ty Steinkuhler (not to mention Craig Roark, another prized recruit).
The secondary has a nice compliment at the other corner spot in Cortney Grixby, but with Bowman’s size, he was the best option to shut down the bigger receivers on NU's schedule. Andre Jones looks to be a terrific athlete, but just as Bowman did, he’ll need much of the season to get on the same page with the rest of the team. The same is true of other new arrivals like Major Culbert. NU is very thin at safety, but since the starters are unproven it’s not clear whether there is much to lose yet at those spots.
On offense, the Huskers have prepared for offensive line injuries by making guys interchangeable. No single lineman would be as irreplaceable as Bowman (though Kurt Mann might be close). There are a host of options at running back, wide receiver, and tight end and the fullback doesn’t even get on the field much of the time. No, the Husker’s tandem of Zac(k)’s was their most important duo.
This changes the outlook substantially against teams like USC, Texas, and Iowa State who feature receivers that can beat most anyone. Taylor was a major key to stopping them.
In order to make up for this loss, the Husker front seven must be fearsome even in the big games. They have to get to the quarterback so fast, that opposing offenses don’t have time to exploit weaknesses in the secondary. This has worked for NU before. In 1997 for example, when a very young secondary that featured three underclassman was helped by a front four that featured two All-Americans. It also helped that two of the youngsters in question were Ralph Brown and Mike Brown who both played at an all-conference level.
So, it's up to the defensive line and linebackers to play at a very high level. Otherwise, it could be a long year for the Husker defense.
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darren Aug 07 06
Totally agree, Steve. Short of Taylor, no loss was more costly than Bowman. Beyond the loss of his abilty to cover the opponent's best WR, think about the repercussions down the depth chart.
Now, when NU goes to Nickle or Dime defenses, it means a reserve like Brothers or a true freshman will get in the mix. That has to create more opportunity for opposing slot recievers. The safeties will REALLY need to step up their games now, too.
Spinning things positively and hopefully - it sounds like Jones is legit. And, Grixby is very experienced. And, our front 7 could be enough of a nightmare to cover things up. Even an average DB can look good behind a great front 7 (e.g. Troy Watchcorn)
And if Bowman returns at full force for 2007, our defensive backfield will be loaded.