Sam Keller = Joe Dailey?
10 comments so far
March 28, 2007 by
While few will admit it, many Husker fans were gratified to see former Husker Joe Dailey fail as North Carolina's quarterback in 2006. Nothing against Joe personally, but if he'd played at an All-ACC level after transfering, what would that say about Coach Callahan and by extension Nebraska's future under him?
Chances are, ASU fans will feel the same way about Sam Keller at Nebraska. Sure things already came apart at ASU after Keller left, but it's bound to be that much more bitter for Sun Devil fans if they see Keller lead Nebraska to a BCS bowl in 2007.
It's likely that any number of ASU fans were glad to hear about Keller's recent disturbing the peace charge. Not too different from the collective sigh from Husker fans when Frank Solich got arrested for drunk driving as Ohio's head coach. In sports, you don't like to see one man's trash become another's treasure, unless it's your treasure.
So for at least one year, KSU and Colorado fans will be joined by Sun Devil fans in wishing horrible Saturdays for Nebraska. It's not as personal, but probably just as real.
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bpmoran Mar 28 07
Nice title. It just conjures up a great picture in my mind.
Actually, I'm worried about Sam Keller = 1996 Scott Frost. Frost is one of our best qb's ever, but he stuggled to meet the lofty expectations placed on him here in his first year.
Hopefully, Keller will be different.
Husker Mike Mar 28 07
Joe Dailey didn't play too badly at times for North Carolina last season. Remember the Notre Dame game when he outplayed Brady Quinn last season? (And to be fair, awful at times as well.) A lot of people point out that Dailey is moving to receiver, but that could have as much to do with the fact that Butch Davis wants to build for the future, and wants to invest his time with the freshman and sophomore QB's rather than a 5th year senior.
But a lot of people are going to judge Keller (and Davis) by the label on the helmet. Look at the ridicule Frost took for taking a GA role with Kansas State, but welcome the former Colorado Buffalo player who came to Lincoln to join the support staff.
darren Mar 28 07
Husker Mike,
I agree that it is more about the name on the front of the jersey than the back for many NU fans. That's the good news for Keller. He's a Husker. But, some booed Frost in '96, too...
And, be honest. Joe D cost NC at least four games, and his coaches their jobs. I'm not going to pull any punches. He might have been one of the least clutch players in America last year. Of course, Sexton wasn't any better for them.
Bob Mar 28 07
I saw Dailey lose a game at Iowa State by missing open receivers. I wish Callahan had not stuck with him as long as he did.
Gregory Mar 28 07
I watched just enough of North Carolina last year to confirm what I didn't want to see. Daily doesn't have good enough quarterback instincts. I tried to keep up with the preseason competition in 06, I was happy when Daily beat out the frosh. But, it was such a replay of '04, that you have to move on and hope he at least graduates- which it appears he will.
I'll remember him as a sort of star crossed player, who probably would have been a wonderful, 3 year starter in the old system. The kid never had a chance.
That said, Keller will finish the spring so much better prepared to deal with this offense than Daily was. Sam is a real deal, bonafide quarterback. However the player he turns out to be, he could have run anyone's offense, but the old one. If he picks it up on time, he's the type of (take what we want) guy, that Callahan has been looking for, since Rich Gannon got hurt in '03.
Also, remember how often Callahan had Daily go deep in '04. That package returns with Keller.
Erik Bradley Mar 30 07
Just want to say that I am an avid Sun Devil Alum and Fan. With that in mind...I hated the 'Huskers' for as long as I can remember but will be looking forward to see Sam in the 2007 football season. Despite not being a Devil anymore, many us still wish the best for Sam and that he would have finished his college career, where he started it. So for the first time in my life...I will be cheering for the 'Big Red' and Sam. If he takes the Huskers to a BCS Championship...that will be icing on the cake for most of the Devils who were happy to see Koetter out the door. Go Huskers!!!!
Josh Apr 09 07
I agree with Erik, Steve Hanway is wrong. This time Sam was cheated by a coach, using that term loosely. I have never cheered so hard as in 96 when we beat the Huskers but I will cheer just as loud for the Huskers this year and think they will be happy and very satisfied with one heck of a QB. Anyways Go Sam! from another ASU Alum.
Vince Apr 13 07
Actually you are wrong...many of us Sun Devil fans will be cheering for Sam and his success. He was a very good QB at ASU and we miss him. No one will ever know what was in the coaches head when he flip-flopped on QBs but few of us would have been upset or surprised to see Sam lead the Devils last year. He is a soirited leader and NU is luck to have him! Go Devils!
Steve Apr 13 07
Glad to be wrong guys! =)
Dick May 01 07
The comparison between Keller '07 and Frost '06 doesn't work. What top 5 defenses had Frost lit up prior to being the starter in '96?