Buffs Euthanize Huskers’ Season
11 comments so far
November 23, 2007 by
The 2007 season has been one that most Husker fans would like to forget. Colorado made that a little easier by putting an end to it before it could be prolonged with an appearance in a bottom-tier bowl game.
Joe Ganz had the Husker offense moving at will in the first half as did his Buffalo counterpart Cody Hawkins. But in the third quarter, two Ganz interceptions and a blocked punt turned the game in Colorado’s favor.
Was the offense good enough to earn Bill Callahan another chance as NU’s head man? Yes and No. Yes, the Huskers put up some big numbers on the day. But the way they managed their first possession of the second half all but lost them the game.
On 3rd and 2 backed up in their own territory the Huskers committed back-to-back delay of game penalties that set up Ganz’ first interception. While Ganz is a new starter, he’s also in his fourth year. Two straight delay of game penalties shouldn’t happen - especially in that situation. And certainly with an 11-point lead a lot of teams wouldn’t call a pass when backed up deep. Perhaps that’s a sign of Callahan’s own lack of faith in his defense.
But it also likely sealed his fate. To have any chance to return for another season, you’d imagine that the Huskers needed a win (and a pretty one). Without it, it’s hard to find reasons to bring back this staff for another year. It seems only a matter of time before it becomes official and the Huskers will be looking for their next head coach.
Almost thankfully, the loss ensures that the exit of the staff won’t become a drawn out affair. No one needs to be kept around for the sake of a bowl game. Instead, the Huskers can hand out the pink slips, begin hunting for their next coach quickly and openly, and not give another thought to the disappointing 2007 season.
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Tyler Nov 23 07
I feel so bad for the kids. I am seething over COsgrove. So see Mo Purify crying, a non-Nebraska says a lot of the level of internal frustration the players have. I can't imagine why he would, but I really hope Lucky returns for his SR. season.
And now to watch the carnival ride for the coaches. The sooner, the better in my opinion.
Tyler Nov 23 07
I feel so bad for the kids. I am seething over Cosgrove. To see Mo Purify crying, a non-Nebraska says a lot of the level of internal frustration the players have. I can't imagine why he would, but I really hope Lucky returns for his SR. season.
And now to watch the carnival ride for the coaches. The sooner, the better in my opinion.
scott Nov 23 07
Great headline...that pretty much sums it up. This is probably the way it was meant to be. This is a talented group of offensive players and it's sad to see penalties like that still happening in the 12th game of the season. To me, that shows a lack of discipline and that reflects from the coaches.
We are not an opportunistic defense and haven't been at all this year. Its very frustrating to see an offense score 51 points and have to have scored 66 to win the game. That might be one group of players that is happy to have the season end so no more points can be scored and no more yards can be allowed. I'm not saying they didn't try because I know they did but there are some issues that need to be resolved and resoved pretty quick.
I think the change has to start at the top. Callahan hired Cosgrove using the buddy system and still hasn't seen that he is not the right man for the DC position.
ze Nov 23 07
Ganz giveth and Ganz taketh away. Great 2nd quarter and horrible third, with 3 game changing INTs. Rookie mistakes which pretty much gave them the game, but our D was typically pathetic as well.
I just can't believe our D, they had no answer for that stupid little reverse/end around play all game, just like at Wake. I mean, they've seen it a million times.
INTs really gave them all the momentum with some easy scores.
I think Calli's O is very good, better than most, but the D has been so bad.
Oh well, he and Coz are pretty much history at this point.
James Moore Nov 23 07
This one was tough. Went into halftime with a smile on my face and then watched the meltdown take it away INT by INT, penalty by penalty, and a blocked punt later. . .
I wish the kids could've had a better season than this. The offense has put up some enormous numbers but I'm at a loss for the defense. I wish that I can expect improvement, but with the standard of this year substantial improvement would mean a jump to the 50th best unit or so and 30-something points per game?
Bad news should be expected as it seems that our recruiting class is going to disintegrate over the next few weeks. I hope that we make the right decision in regards to the new coaching staff. The longer we have to wait the less time the new staff will have to plug holes left with the decommitments. Somebody at this site posted a message saying that maybe it's more important to get people who want to be here. Makes one wonder that if all these guys might decommit then you have to ask what they were promised or sold. Call me crazy but I'm expecting a rebound next year. I'm sure the new staff will have these guys hitting, hitting, hitting and working on technique 24/7.
Forever Red! Nov 23 07
This might help ease the pain. Take a look at how Bill and Kevin will be spending their time after they collect their millions!
http://www.jibjab.com/starring_you/receipt/3266078
James Moore Nov 24 07
If anyone was asked before the year started that the offense could score 51, 73, 39 and run up 610, 702 & 484 yards in the final 3 games and go 1-2 over that stretch what would you have told them?
ze bop Nov 24 07
JM.
Smoking doobies? :)
James Moore Nov 24 07
ze bop,
looooooooooooooooool brother!!! Like OU7Times said a week or so back, you bring the true color and laughs to this site. Wow, looooooooool!!!
ze bop Nov 25 07
JM,
YO! I aims to pleeeez......!
ze bop Nov 25 07
YO! Yu da man, dude!
No, really, it's pretty sad when 39 or even 51 points won't get you a 'W'. I hope I don't ever have to witness such an 'offensive' defense ag'in in all my born days.....