Josh Oct 13 07

Sorry, Steve. I don't feel sorry for Cosgrove. He's a horrible excuse for a defensive coordinator. I'm guessing part of the reason the kids love him is that in his book - or so it seems - no one is accountable for their performance, or lack thereof.

Husker Mike Oct 13 07

Before today's game, it could be argued whether the Huskers were at Defcon 3 or 2.

After getting throttled by Oklahoma State at home, we are OFFICIALLY at Defcon 1. I think you are kidding yourself about Cosgrove needing "one more win". He's gone at the end of the season. Right now, the question is whether Callahan can survive this season, and that's looking unlikely at this point.

Greg Morrow Oct 13 07

The team has quit on the Coaches. Which, of course, is on the Coaches. Apart from some possible exceptions, I don't think there's animosity from the players towards the Coaches, they may even hold them in high regard. It just seems like there's a lack of confidence with the systems in place.
Lack of confidence- ensuing frustration, then the futility of not knowing if their teammates are going to do their parts effectively.

What could happen now, I suppose, is guys going into protective preservation mode. (Some people refer to it a playing for yourself).
Coaches may do the same.
Somehow, the heart of these players have been extricated from them and now the wolves are putting on their dining attire.

Kyle Oct 13 07

Right now for how we played everyone on the defense side the ball coaching wise should be fired. We dont pressure the QB so he has all day to pass. We dont tackle period. Connors sit and wait for the ball to get the WR and then tackle in general we just give away yards. I know the odds of it happening but maybe we can beg and when i say beg i mean give him a butt load of money and get bo back in my option he should have just taking the head coach job he's a defense genius. There for sure has to be a coaching change the nebraska systems has to go back to what it use to be and callahan cant take us there. You have to know when to let go. And now is the time to get out with the bad and in with the good

Scott Oct 13 07

I think at this point any win for the remainder of the season would be considered a decent size upset considering our performance as of late.

Cosgrove did nothing at Wisconsin and he has done nothing here. I'm not putting all of the blame on him but he is ranking at or near the top. I think the Vikings are sighing with relief right now. He was probably considered for that job like Pelini was for head coach here. Callahan brought him in by way of the buddy system and that has been my feeling since day 1.

Callahan had a good year in Oakland and the next year they were one of the worst in the NFL. Do players quit on him? Is he ONLY a recruiter???

This team will NOT go to a bowl game this year unless something changes very fast. We don't compete and we can't stop opposing offenses. Our offense plays what are supposed to be weak defenses and we can't even score points to make it interesting.

I'll still support the team and I'll go to the games and I'm not boycotting anything but I hope this thing gets turned around. The TRUE fans deserve it. For those that want to boycott and won't go to games or watch games anymore....STAY AWAY!! Go jump on the USC or Florida bandwagon each year and let the true Husker fans be.

Sunita Oct 13 07

Offensive worries - do yu think the offense is even getting a chance? Not with this def. Remember, we lost the D line, and teams are running on us.

The problem is short sited recruiting on defensive ball.

The sky is not falling. We are gettting humiliated, but its not falling. Fans, we need to support our boys. They left everything to play for nebraska, lets embrace them, even when we and they are down.

Firing left and right is not the answer. Pederson is not my favorite, and i would love to see him go, and he is not as critical as BC. BC i am sure is trying. gotta give it time.

Andrew Oct 13 07

Kyle,

What the heck are you talking about?

Andrew Oct 13 07

I don't think there is any question in my mind that Coz is gone. I said that on this site last week, I think Billy C new last week that he was going to fire him. At this point it is either him or Coz, and I think he would rather stay and coach at NE rather then keep some friend of his around.
Furthermore, how is it even a question that Coz stay around? With the records he is setting, there is no question that he is gone, he is probably already packing his bags. The respectable man would just go ahead and quite.

OU6times on probation heh, heh Oct 13 07

I hear a lot of talk about "oh no, we won't make it to a bowl this year". WHY would you want to? Jeez, cut your losses and forget about your selfish wants. Why would you want to heap any more embarrassment on these kids? It's more than obvious that this team is spiraling out of control and all some fans can think about is "going to a freakin bowl". Look, the days of 35 years straight of going to bowl games is over. Parity and mediocrity have to run their course. If the "board" doesn't run this coaching staff out on a rail, in the off season, I'd do some research and find out whose payroll they are really on. How many weeks can you allow over 500 yards on "defense"? I don't know but there is only 5 more games left. Can the peanut vendor do any worse than Cosworth? Oh, that's right, "I don't have anything to add here". Sorry ZE, and other level headed NU fans, but I had to say that.

Ben Oct 13 07

Cosgrove suffers from "ego sickness", he won't change anything because he thinks he can do no wrong:
I've got a lot of confidence in my abilities. There's going to be good times and there are going to be hard times.
Quote Oct 13, 2007 after loss to OSU

Travis Hanson Oct 13 07

The one thing that I keep hearing is how much the kids love Cosgrove and what a fatherly figure he is to them....In high school I played for a guy that myself and my teammates really looked up to and he was somewhat of a father figure as well.

Thankfully we never played really badly but on the occasions where we did play poorly and didn't execute our fundamentals it meant more to us about what our play said about Bob (our coach) then anything.

If these kids truly feel the way they do for Cosgrove I cannot for the life of me see how they can come out week after week and play with no emotion or fire. Forget the schemes and what not....They know the scrutiny and pressure Cosgrove is under right now, well come out and play with your hair on fire and fly around the field to the ball. That is one thing these players could do to show their love for their coach.

Listen some day to guys like Jason Peter, Grant Wistrom, Christian Peter when they talk about playing for Charlie....I think they would walk through a brick wall on fire for him today....They played the way they played because of their respect for McBride and TO.

You combine this lack of real emotion with poor game planning and you have the most 40 point games in Husker history....

Michael Oct 13 07

Wow, reading some of these comments is painful!!! I looked up "drivel" in the dictionary and it gave a simple, one-word definition...."Kyle".

Dude, do yourself (and us) a favor...take a couple night classes in english composition.

ze Oct 13 07

"Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner...la, lala, la.....la, lala, la......." Heimlichs all around for Tig Nation--especially l'il Pinky and Booger Dude! Choooooke!
Where's Tigerman and the gang tonight?! Ha, ha, ha, I sooo called that game.

Well, at least my default team is a quality one; they should've thrown a bomb instead of taking a knee on the last play--but my default team has class, I suppose.

No comment rgdg Big Red, except we kept Okie St. under 600 ttl yds--WOOOHOOOO! Oh, yeah, fire Coz now, I mean right now--is he fired yet? Well, Calli too, I'm done with those guys. T'aint gotta clue those guys.

KY spoiled my perfect prediction streak for today, but I'll take it.

Yipppeeee!

ze Oct 13 07

Listening to Calli's comments this week rgdg 'doing what the players want to do'--or something like that--I got this feeling that he sort of cynically had given up on them--like, 'sure what the hell'--, at least this week. Could be wrong, but it explains to me why the players looked to have given up on the coaches.

OU7times Oct 13 07

You did call it. I thought it might have been closer than that. What do you think this loss to OSU will do to to recruiting? Maybe some more "Josh Freeman" type de-commits. I say this loss, but really, all of the future uncertainty and head calling? Could be a rough stretch for Nebraska (for YEARS),regardless if Callahan is back next year or not. It is looking like Callahan has used up Solich's recruits and now he's on empty. Looks like Josh made the right move, huh?

ze Oct 13 07

Thing is, my default team ran a 3 front D and sometimes even 2, but they have the lbs and dbs to make plays. BUT, they also ran a bunch of 4 down and got heat on l'il Booger. Trade in yer Heisman for Heimlich!

Is Coz fired yet?

ze Oct 13 07

No, really, I'm sure Calli will make a fine OC on some obscure team somewhere, but he won't get anything of significance done at NE, except for bringing in some good recruits; well, that's probably past tense now, too....

BOOMER SOONER Oct 13 07

THIS JUST IN! Coach Cosgrove has been offered, and accepted, a lucrative contract with "SONIC" drive in. It's a contract reported to be worth $4.50 per hour (plus tips). He WILL get to keep his headset. Try not to screw it up, coach. P.S. Kansas is "bowl eligible".

ze Oct 13 07

OU7,

Yay Sooners!!!

So, we'll probably end up 5-7, no bowl, and they'll pull the plug on Calli and Coz. That's what I think's going to happen. So what happens with the recruits is anyone's guess. Obviously, there will be decommits and transfers. But, I think the next coach will be an effective one, so maybe we won't lose too many.

I only hope Castille stays, 'cause he's the real deal and my fav player.

"Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner......." :)

Dog Tired Oct 13 07

The second year of Callahan in Oakland is resembling this year of husker football. The whole situation is very similar, Al Davis = Steve Pederson. Callahan will buy himself another year by firing Cosgrove at the end of the year. Unfortunately, this team needs a head coach that participates on both sides of the ball, instead of 2 offensive coordinators with the person on the field calling plays. Just plain stupid.

snakeoil Oct 13 07

Will someone please find the number for Bill Cowher. He is unemployed right now and he would be the man for the job if we want to take this once proud program back to its glory days. The only way be obtain change is to overthrow the governing body so Steve Pederson you must also go.

zE Oct 14 07

Cowher is a real bad a$$, but I don't think NE could afford him--why would he want all this stress anyway? I think Brian Kelly would be a prime candidate, but he runs Leach's spread thingy which I don't know if alot of fans would support. Petrino?

Actually, I think BO P would be pretty awesome and unify the whole 'Nation'.

Fans, don't get me wrong, I'm not a hater, I would love to see Callahan--and even Coz, I guess--succeed. I like watching the WCO, personally, and I like our players. It's a mystery to me why they aren't doing better, but maybe they just aren't who I thought they were.

Anyway,the coaches signed up for this thing at NE where the standards are severe, but I think they're pretty much past the point of no return--especially for Coz. I feel bad about it, but hey, they're rich now, and can always land somewhere else.

I just would've liked to get the continuity going again.

Am I drawing conclusions here prematurely? I don't think so. I think yesterday's 'debacle III '07' pretty much sealed Coz's fate and probably Calli's.

As was said by some at the game yesterday: the performance was not even worthy of booing....I just hope some over zealous fans don't start burning effigies on said coaches' lawns, and such, like has been done in the past at Notre Dame, etc..... We as fans are better than that. However, I do think Cozahan should bring in a body guard or two until they get a few more wins......:)

It's sad. :(

Jason Oct 14 07

One thing we have to look at is this. In 2005 the huskers led the nation in sacks and tackles for losses, under coach Cosgrove. Now, I'm not sure if they're running the same scheme as 2005 or not, I can't really tell. The defense misses tackles, too many arm tackles, can't get off of blocks, no explosion off of the line, get knocked backwards, and don't attack the ball on the pass. Is that the players efforts? Is it the coaches? I believe it's a mixture of both. We don't go to their practice, so we don't know what they practice. Maybe they spend too much time on the schemes and plays, and not enough time on tackling, covering, shedding blocks and other basic defensive skills. I don't live in Nebraska, and I can't even imagine what you guys are going through.

Soonerfan01 Oct 14 07

I have lived in Nebraska for three years now and have listened while the media has tried to put a band-aid on this broken leg called the Callahan era. Being a diehard Sooner fan we have suffered under the same type of coaching debacle. Callahan was a bad choice the same as Schnellenberger and John Blake era. We also had the worst records set in school history. The problem with those coaches were that they didnt respect the program they walked into much like ... hmmm... Callahan. Hopefully this will be the end of bleeding and Nebraska can finally return to dominating the north.

Brad Oct 14 07

I don't think the Coaches & (SPED ) bleed the the same color of red as a home grown fanatic, they fail to understand just whats at stake and how it affects the once great Husker Nation! ...like Coach Osborne did!...

Maybe this is what Bill C. wanted in the first place, to sign a brand new 5 year extension, (FAIL!) and not have to work anymore, early retirement? Do you think just maybe he could dig deep into his playbook and pull something out of his ( XXX ? ) of his 30 years of experience?... Forget about it! I think its all coach speak and Bill does not even understand his own playbook, or players!

Vicki Oct 14 07

All I can say is that the ONLY reason that Callahan or his coaches won ANY games in the past here at Nebraska is because they inherited players that had been coached by others before them. The team that we have in here now, that has only experienced this team of coaches at UNL, does not have the same feeling of heart, leadership and co-hesiveness that we are used to being so proud of in this state. Callahan's crew is missing the "mental" part of the game that our prior coachng staffs integrated into their training. It apperars to me, especially after hearing Keller talk, that it is every man for himself out there for some of our key athletes. "There is NO 'I' in Team!"

I have been going to Nebraska games since I was 5 years old. I am now 48. My grandfather and father have owned seats in this stadium since the 50's. I am a professional, working 2 jobs to survive and I can't even afford tickets to go watch my Huskers play because the prices have risen to the outrageous price of $52/seat, but we can take money out of my taxes to pay million dollar salaries to the likes of Peterson and Callahan to put on their dog and pony show. I asked at the beginning of this season, "What happened to the fundamental football that I remember?" We didn't need a big screen at the field or the "hollywood style" mentality we have here now. Give me my thermos of hot chocolate, my dad's field classes, a program and a hotdog, and let me watch my Huskers play football like I used to do.

I don't fault the players. I fault their leadership, or "lack there of."

ze Oct 14 07

Jason,

Yeah, the D wasn't so bad last year either, but when they start breaking records for blowouts and ydg. against them--i.e., as in this year--old stats go out the window in a hurry, especially since there's no history of winning any big games.

A storm of public opinion is gathering now, and it's gone national. Sure, maybe the players should be held as accountable as Coz, but he will be made the 'scapegoat'--uh, I mean, 'held accountable'. I don't see how they can stop it at this point, since I don't see things changing too much for the rest of the season. 6-6, 7-5 at best.

Scott Oct 14 07

So what OU6times is trying to say is to quit now and forfeit the rest of the games?? Becoming bowl eligible would mean winning a few more games and they would go hand in hand.

But I do a agree with you about the peanut vendor...they're crafty SOB's.

Bill in Iowa Oct 14 07

More than Winning. Does anyone remember the name of this book, written by Tom Osborne? Are we still counting wins and losses, while we have a program that is clearly without emotion, passion, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence? Pederson killed the tradition of hiring coaches within the program who understand what Husker football is about. Callahan killed the walk-on program and he killed everything that went with it. We have not just lost GAMES, we are in danger of losing the very thing that defines Husker football. Its time for Husker Nation to rise up and reclaim their team. From the rumors I hear, big money in Lincoln is already amassing to buyout contracts and send everyone packing...including Pederson and Callahan. Yeah...its defcom 2. Tom Osborne was a coach who defined and translated his work ethic, values, character, and perfection to the team. We would be well served to find a new staff that understands there is more to Nebraska football than winning.

ze Oct 14 07

War symbolism pervades the game of football: bombs, missiles, traps, troops, blitzes, gaining territory and now Defcons.....

It's sooooO imperialsitic!

Buzzy Oct 14 07

The problem is (and clearly there is only ONE problem) these kids have no confidence in the system and are intelligent enough to know that the only sensible thing to do in the situation they find themselves in is to give up. What are they going to do? Hit that brick wall harder with their heads until they knock it down. How 'bout giving them a jackhammer coach? You know what they say - The best defense is a good offense. Well - how about the best defense is a good defense? Help me - I'm melting!! Good job Steve Pederson !! Care to try that again? I feel for the kids. How is recruiting going to go when it is clear that our system is screwed up this badly? At least nobody died during the game. I think the buck must stop with the AD. If house cleaning is in order, SP must go as well as KC and BC. What do you think HP? What would GWB do? Someone get Jack Stark on the phone!! BTW I think rather than DEFCON notations being used to describe the status quo, it seems that a better expression may be SNAFU 3 or FUBAR 3. Seriously though, GO BIG RED !!!

DocBonesaw Oct 14 07

Since Peterson fired Solich in such a underhanded manner, I have felt the program was in trouble. The lack of any direction used when searching for a replacement. What coach wanted to step into a program that would fire a coach that did have a winning season.9-3 in 2003.
Pederson is the one who should take the blunt of the critisism in this situation! He is the one in the HOT SEAT!!! His job should be the one in danger. Cosgrove should be removed, I agree with that. Callahan and the possiblity of a buyout, not realistic. Pederson being removed and replaced by Doctor Tom Osborne; I wish! The problem with that is would the good doctor go for it, who knows.
I have accepted the program will never be run the same as before. I distinctly feel the common fan lost when the University hired Pederson. Long live big business/Big Money in the eyes of Pederson!
DocBonesaw
Husker fan on Okinawa

CU Dave Oct 14 07

It is so nice to see the Bug-Eaters get there heads handed to them week-after-week. For so many years you would schedule cupcakes like Troy, North Texes, NE Louisiana St, etc., etc. I will give you credit though, I did learn of some colleges that I always thought were division II and some that I had never even heard of. Did it make you feel good beating teams by 50 or more most weeks? Keep up the good work!

Jason Oct 14 07

ze,

Definatley agree with you. I think the whole team including coaches need to watch clips of the old blackshirts. They need to see the fire, the determination of this program.

I'm from Oregon and I live in Austin now. I bought tickets for the game here in Austin in June. I have been waiting so long to see the blackshirts for the first time in my life. If they don't win on Saturday, I could care less about going to the game in Austin.

Bo P. Bo P. Bo P. Bo P. Bo P.!!!!

ze Oct 14 07

Jason,

It's too bad you haven't seen Big Red Live back in the glory days: I go back to the early '60s and saw about all those guys--Johnny the Jet, Tagge, Glover, Ferragamo, Turner, Fryar, Rozier, Peter bros, Craig, Frazier(WOW!)--and on and on.

The thing about guys like Jet and Frazier, you knew when they were on ther field that we were going to win, plain and simple.

I've never seen a defense play this poorly on any team, anywhere, let alone the Blackshirts, so I really don't know what to say about it, except it just looks like systemic breakdown. I don't think inspirational tapes are going to matter that much anymore this year; they've probably already watched them.

Really, if they could just play even 25% up to the level of a good D, we could win some more games. But Husker Fan is not accustomed to 'groping' for wins.

I think BO P as HC is still in the cards and all of BR Nation would be united behind it and THRILLED!

Oh, and CU DAVE: that's right, play the 'cupcake' card, nobody's ever heard of that one, and definitely NE is the only team that plays weak teams; uh, hmmmm...Montana St.... How insightful. Of course there aren't many pushovers these days, in case you haven't noticed.

And that's what I'm 'zE-in'! ;)

ze Oct 14 07

Oh yeah, at least OZ never lost to any of the cupcakes....uh, hmmmm, Montana St......uh, hmmmm.....

Mike Oct 14 07

Lived in Nebraska for about 20 years and was an avid Husker fan then and continue to this day. I still want to be a Husker fan, BUT, watching a team being destroyed through a lack of leadership is unacceptable.

I read many - many - critical and insightful commentaries. Local fans, sports writers, and magzine editors: there is one thing in common, they just can't believe this is a Husker team.

Blame: all the way from Steve Pederson, AD to the players. It AIN'T the players. It is the COACHING. I've read the bio's on all the coaches, "The Buck has to stop somewhere", and I believe that is not Cosgrove or the AD; eventhough they share in great responsibility.

There is but one "Head Coach" on any team. If one looks at Callahan, they must review his two years Oakland with the Raiders. Great first year which should be attritubed to Gruden. Poor second year; in fact a year in which he referred to some of his players as being intelligently insufficient; I think "Stupid" was the word.

Now we listen to a coach who echos weak excuses; parity - which all colleges now deal with, can't figure out whats wrong with the "Black Shirts", to saying "Yes we definitely have a running game"; which came after a dismal performance after USC and then again and again.

This coach came into Lincoln with the idea that he would bring to the Huskers such a game strategy that it would tarnish the 1990's of Tom Osborne's accomplishments. He and the AD curshed "TRADITION" of building on the present successes of the Huskers and the outstanding performance of both Bod Devaney and Tom Osborne.

When Stoops got to Oklahoma, he it made it clear that he wanted to become part of the OK "Tradition" of great coaches. He honored the past successes and has since built a return to respect of the past and enthuaism of the present.

Sorry, but Mr. Callahan is an "administrator" not a LEADER! There is a great difference. Hopefully someone or some authority will be alert enough to recognize the disasterious circumstances they now find in the Husker Nation in paying a COACH $1.75 million plus bonuses who is not going to deliver.

That's my observation and opinion and I'm sticking to it.

ze Oct 14 07

Question of the Day!!!

O.k., some say a win is a win whether it's by 1 point or 40 points--doesn't matter. Now, I don't believe this since 'wins' like Wake and Ball St. are more indicative of problems than solutions--if that makes sense.

So, is a loss a loss--one point vs 40 points?

Any thoughts....?

larry Oct 14 07

man i love nebraska football and i'll stick with them till the end but we are getting close.The whole coaching staff needs to go and let's not forget the guy who hired them PETERSON he need's to say bye bye too.We have texas a&m this week the long horns the next we got to play a thousand times better then we have and we can't do it we the callahan crew we just can't!I agree with the rest of the fans bill sounds like are best bet i say cohwer is are only hope to get the program back on track.I remember when other schools came to us to look at are program we set the standard for the big 12 now we got to look up just to see callahan standing there give me a break he's not a leader give him the boot.MAKE NEBRASKA FOOTBALL GREAT AGAIN!!!!!!

Bill in Iowa Oct 14 07

Here is one video and one article that I thought I would share, although many of you may have probably already seen these. I think its very clear, former players are very upset, big money is looking for change, Husker nation is demanding it.

Future of NU Brass Up in the Air

Jason Peter Speaks Honestly

Scott Oct 15 07

CU Dave,

Proving what we all know about intelligent life in Colorado. Amazing what a few wins in the first half of the season will do to a memory. At least we know why CU didn't schedule Chadron St. this year.

ze Oct 15 07

HELLO, VULGARITY ALERT!

Scott Oct 15 07

Did I miss something vulgar??

Tigerman Oct 15 07

Ze,
What pathetic little man you are full of bile and pettiness. You called it huh? Wow what is your prediction this week? I got one for you: no TV for you!
"When the walls come tumbling down, rumblin tumblin down........"

Scott Oct 15 07

You had to figure this was going to be a crazy season with Missouri not choking away any games up to this point. They must be ecstatic with the Pinkel factor not showing up yet this season.

ze Oct 15 07

Wow, Tig Fan is full of vitriol 'cause his pesky l'il team is what we thought it was--AVERAGE!

TTEch 14+ over Tigs, in their house.....now, how does the Tech fight song go....?

OU7times Oct 17 07

Scott, I wasn't saying give up. What I mean is if the guys are trying already and losing and/ or giving up a ton of yards, and if NU wins 6 or more games, the team probably should just not accept a bowl bid. I see this a the lesser evil as opposed to getting beat by a team (humiliation) and screw up the bowl wins and losses record. That's not a jab at NU just a serious thought.

AggieCoach.com Oct 18 07

You say that the Nebraska program is at DEFCON 3. Well the former president of Texas A&M University, Robert Gates, is now the Secretary of Defense -- something Dennis Franchione will never be called. If you guys are at DEFCON 3, we're at DEFCON 4.5 and have a direct line to the guy who can make it happen. Of course, half of the silos in the midwest are in your backyard!