Fall Camp For Fans: Required Reading

3 comments so far August 6, 2007 by Darren K. Carlson

As of today, the Huskers are practicing. They are getting ready to make a run at the Big 12 title and the BCS. They are committed to their goal. Their mission officially starts today.

So, I ask - are you committed? Being a truly great fan requires more than just saying "Ruuuud" when Bo Ruud makes a tackle, and more than just knowing how to pronounce Ndamukong Suh's name. Can we get better as fans, and live up to our reputation as the best in college football? What will you the fan do over the next 30 days to get ready?

For starters, I suggest you read this.

It is a transcript of a speech given by the recently departed Bill Walsh. It's long, but worth it. It details football game planning in a very understandable way. If the WCO is a "religion", Walsh is its Messiah, and Callahan a disciple. And, it should give you at least some insight in to what Coach Callahan and staff are thinking and doing as they prepare.

As I read it, I had many "ah ha" moments about choices Coach Callahan has made in recent seasons. In particular, the sections on trick plays (or "specials"), halftime adjustments, and goal line offense revealed a lot to me.

It is fair to expect followers of any "religion" to read important texts and commit parts of them to memory. So, I am "assigning" this reading to you because football is what we do. We knew (and still know) the ins and outs of effective option football. Heck, we all ran it in school yards at age 12. Women and children know to key on the fullback in a triple option. We know to watch quarterback draw out of the shotgun, and on and on.

To reach that level of mastery with our current offensive scheme sooner, it will take more than just watching each game. We must be more informed watchers. That requires work.

Once we all know and understand better, it is incumbent on us to spread the word. The conversations we have in the stadium, in living rooms and online will seek to further that understanding, and pass it on to others.

Now, get reading and get ready for the season.

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