Husker Fans' Feelings About Freeman
8 comments so far
October 12, 2006 by
Nebraska will be facing Kansas State’s freshman quarterback Josh Freeman on Saturday, noteworthy because of choice to go to KSU after already verbally committing to NU. Freeman’s method of communicating that choice – via text message – also stands out. So now, a year later, how do Husker fans feel about facing Freeman?
While my close friend the research methodologist would surely tell me that a random sample of 1000 Husker fans is probably the best way to go, we can’t afford that at BRN. So, I took the pulse of Husker nation more informally, asking several fans how they felt about Freeman starting Saturday. The resulting “focus group” revealed some interesting answers. Here they are for you to consider. Please post in the comments if you have feelings you would like to share, too.
“I feel fine about it. I wish we would all just move on. The kid made a decision he felt was in his best interest. It turns out he would be starting sooner at K-State than NU. Reason being....K-State isn't as good as NU this season. My "move on" comment does have a disclaimer though. He better make sure his rib protectors are working 'cause Carriker, Bradley, and McKeon are coming and I doubt they share my feelings on it!”
-Grant in Beatrice
“Yes, he did de-commit via text message but let's remember that he was a teenager at the time. What were you doing at the ages of 17 and 18??? I'm sure his main reason for going to Kansas State was being able to play right away. In this day and age a lot of these kids are just looking to have the stats to draw attention to get them to the next level. After hearing a couple of his interviews I don't think it matters to him about wins and losses, just as long as he is the starting QB at Kansas State.On the other hand, I would like to see Adam Carriker and the rest of the Blackshirts show him how it would feel being the scout team QB at NU. Restore the Order.”
- Scott in Lincoln
“Prince's little prodigy is going to get hit and he is going to get hit hard. It angers me that the little traitor is starting, but this is what Prince promised him. I would be very surprised if we don't have at least six sacks and he doesn't throw a couple of picks.”
- Tony in Omaha
“The last freshman quarterback that I can remember getting the better of NU was Major Applewhite, and "Josh Freeman, you are no Major Applewhite". NU is restoring the order, one North team at a time. The road to the North division is going to be paved directly over Freeman’s big head.”
- Bart in Ohio
“This is karma at its best! I hope he runs a couple times just to see what our linebackers can do to him. I am sure we might see some smiles between Callahan and Cosgrove this weekend!”
- Katie in Omaha
“Initially, I was upset with young Mr. Freeman for reneging on his commitment to the Big Red. However, after thinking it over, I understand. I was 18 years old once. I had what many folks would call in politically correct terms, a "rectal-cranial inversion." I made a lot of poor decisions when I was 18, and many I am not proud of. I blame most of this on his parents. His parents should have been value-driven enough to say, "Son, we support your decision to go to Kansas State, but you need to do this thing the right way. Call Coach Callahan and let him know that you are sorry, feel that you let him down, but ultimately you feel K-State is the best place for you." At least by doing it that way he could have saved face.”
- Josh in Lincoln
“Somebody better send him a text message to inform him he will have a target on his chest this weekend.”
- Ryan in Omaha
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Steve Oct 12 06
Scott nailed it. That's what you have Ron Prince, a kid who is ultimately more about himself than about winning. Now a smart kid will realize he helps himself get to the next level by helping his team win. But who knows, will he take a sack instead of throwing the ball away to help his completion percentage? Will he shy away from taking the big hit to keep from getting hurt? Or is he ready to sacrifice himself for a team without great prospects for winning? Time will tell but I have my doubts
Nebraskan for K-State Oct 13 06
Enjoy. Talk it up. You'll get your shots, thanks more to our weak offensive line than your Blackshirts. Freeman's best years are to come, and if you get to him this year it will just improve his play for the future.
For the record, our "backup" QB Meier is as good as (better in many respects) the inexperienced Freeman. If Freeman goes down or gets out of hand with mistakes, he's poised and ready to show the KSU coaches that he should not have been pulled and will take advantage of his new opportunity. That also goes for the 5 or 6 seniors on the team who are suddenly second string behind freshman. They are the juniors you needed a last minute field goal to beat in Lincoln last November. Be careful what you wish for Huskers.
I think NU *SHOULD* win this game, but if the team or coaches are even partially as distracted as you all seem to be with Freeman, I like K-State's chances. Our defense is solid, and you'd better hold your breath on every single special teams play, because that may end up being the difference - not the Quarterback.
Staci Oct 13 06
If this game really does come down to special teams, I like our chances. But, in all honesty, we know that won't be the case. It's going to come down to our blackshirt pounding Freeman! (If he's not running away scared.)
ryan Oct 13 06
If I were a senior at K St. and I got benched I would be bitter. They have to be second guessing their coach. Second guessing their AD. And second guessing their decision to come to Manhattan that they made three years ago. They will most likely look back in anger about their Purple Career.
Tim Oct 13 06
You have Freeman all wrong. He does care about his team winning. The best way that you can insure a team wins is by playing on that team and contributing to it. That is exactly what he is going to do and that is what he has stated he is going to do. As for Saturday's game, NU might win, but I don't think that they will rattle Freeman, no matter how many times they sack him. He is probably aware that the blackshirts will be gunning for him. I doubt that he needs a text message to inform of that. But he has too much poise and maturity for a Freshman to let it get to him.
Keith Lindgren Oct 13 06
I grew up and was educated in Nebraska, living and dying with the Huskers through the really bad years from 1942 through 1962. I listened to Lyle Bremser(sp) on Lexington radio 880. It seems too many Husker fans don't remember the long period of losing season when only true Nebraska fans stayed tuned to the games.
I am now retired in Kansas and a KSU fan as well as the Huskers.
How very sad I am to see the "we are going to get him" mentality on this board. I have little doubt that Nebraska also recruited players away from other teams over the years. Most importantly, as many mentioned, all these players are just very young men doing the best they can.
Regardless who wins we should pray no one gets hurts on eiither team. Isn't that what college sports is supposed to be about, teaching boys to become men?
ryan Oct 17 06
In response to Keith.
Must be hard being a fan of both Nebraska and K-State. Rooting for the Huskers AND Wildcats is like rooting for the Yankees AND the Red Sox. I just don't see how it can be done. Both are in the same league (conference), same division, fighting for the same prize.
One team has numerous championships, the other has....one. Oh wait, the Red Sox did win a championship, and K-State has not.
Nevermind, bad comparison.
Ryan
Keith Lindgren Oct 20 06
RYAN,
YOU FORGET KSU DID WIN THE BIG 12 FOOTBALL TITLE IN 2003.
KSU WON THREE BIG 12 TITLES IN 2003: FOOTBALL, WOMENS BASKETBALL, AND VOLLEYBALL. PLEASE LOOK IT UP AND KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BEFORE WRITING A CYNICAL ARTICLE.
WHEN YOU GROW UP YOU WILL LEARN THERE ARE MANY MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE THAN FOOTBALL OR ANY OTHER SPORT.
ENJOY THE GAMES AS ENTERTAINMENT NOT LIFE OR DEATH