State of the Union: Nebraska
6 comments so far
January 22, 2007 by
The first in a 12-part series on the current state of the Big 12.
To understand why Husker fans are excited for the future, you need to understand where the program has been. Under head coach Tom Osborne, the Huskers averaged more than two all All-Americans per year and at least 10 wins against fewer than two losses a year with three national championships and a winning percentage of 83.6%. Frank Solich got off to a good start by going 42-9 (82.4% winning percentage) in his first four seasons, all with upperclassman recruited under Tom Osborne and eight All-Americans (an average of two per year). Since that time, only three All-Americans have passed through Lincoln that were recruited by Solich and none of them beyond the 2003 season. The Huskers have gone 39-25 in that span (60.9% winning percentage).
To understand why Husker fans are excited for the future, you need to understand where the program has been. Under head coach Tom Osborne, the Huskers averaged more than two all All-Americans per year and at least 10 wins against fewer than two losses a year with three national championships and a winning percentage of 83.6%. Frank Solich got off to a good start by going 42-9 (82.4% winning percentage) in his first four seasons, all with upperclassman recruited under Tom Osborne and eight All-Americans (an average of two per year). Since that time, only three All-Americans have passed through Lincoln that were recruited by Solich and none of them beyond the 2003 season. The Huskers have gone 39-25 in that span (60.9% winning percentage).
But beginning with the recruiting class of 2005 the Huskers have been upgrading the talent and re-establishing their position as the team to beat in the Big 12 North. Since the 22-18 run (55.0% winning percentage) between the Colorado games of 2001 and 2004, Nebraska has improved to 17-9 (65.4% winning percentage). That's progress even if the Huskers are not yet where they want to be.
2007 will be a pivotal year for the Bill Callahan regime. NU has a murderous out of conference schedule ahead (including three bowl teams and two BCS conference champions). The Huskers will need to find some quality depth to survive such a tough schedule. It appears they'll have that depth at most spots on offense. Defensively (particularly along the defensive line), it remains an open question.
If Nebraska doesn't find answers, the Husker fans' excitement will quickly become anger and the torch-wielding mobs will start forming around the NU Athletic Department. Fair or unfair the expectations are rising and anything less than another Big 12 North title game appearance will bring the naysayers out in force. Welcome to Nebraska, Coach Callahan.
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gregory Jan 22 07
Steve,
I really, really, think it comes down to the wide recievers. {Our supposed strength.} You look at returners and depth on the O-line, {hopefully Slauson didn't make too much trouble for himself} along with the redshirts and newcomers. The I-Backs- minus Brandon, will "hit stride" as they say. I can't wait to see how J.B will be used in the H-back role. Physically, Sam Keller might as well be a rookie in the NFL. We have depth at QB, too. Joe Ganz is ready as a 4th year junior.
So, back to the recievers. About as veteran a corps. as a college team can have. Will they step up? Will they fight to make the clutch grab, for their Quarterback? Will they beat press? Find creases in zones, on time? I just think it comes down to them. I think everyone else, {including the new D-line} is ready for "honors" as Tom used to say!
doombob Jan 24 07
I am excited for next year because there are no longer any holdouts from the Solich era. Even if Callahan bombs, we still have a staff geared towards recruiting the best, most likely only a one-year lull if we change coaches. If he does well next year (10 wins or more), I see 3 Big 12 North Championships in the next 4 years.
James Moore Jan 24 07
Spot on Gregory. Although I decided to get bullish on Keller this week. The biggest thing I like about Keller is the experience (being a 22, 23, or 24 year old senior is huge, especially the difference from a 19 year old to a 5th-year senior) and the fact that he will have a HUGE chip on his sholder could be a great motivating factor for him. I think we'll get the absolute best he has to offer. If he is what he's supposed to be then he's the top QB in the conference along with McCoy. If the WR's get better separation, Suh, Turner and company emerge as expected, and the return of Bowman should have us ready to go. Anyone happy that we had 4 IB's last year's roster?
k. abbey Jan 24 07
All sounds good now but what about inexcusable coaching (fundamental) errors? All the talent in the world won't change that.
Steve Jan 25 07
Was it coaching errors in 1990 that caused the Huskers to give up 41 points to FSU, 27 (in one quarter) to CU and 45 each to OU and Ga. Tech? I'd say it was a lack of talent. Bring in better players and the rest tends to take care of itself. I call it the "even Barry Switzer has a Super Bowl ring" theory.
Nick Jan 29 07
I agree, Steve. It's still too early to judge coaching errors with Callahan. And although a Big XII North loss would be utterly confusing and heartbreaking with this team, I would have to see some real problems before I'm ready to naysay Callahan as our coach.
I mean, what more do we think another coach could do for our team in just three years?