Upon Further Review: Oklahoma State @ Nebraska, 2003
9 comments so far
May 16, 2008 by
I happened across a VHS copy of the opening game of the 2003 season, which was also Bo Pelini’s debut as defensive coordinator at Nebraska. This game was interesting in a lot of ways and for a lot of reasons.
First is the cast of characters. Prior to the game there was a major pilgrimage of former players back for the opener. Leading the way in a parade of former players were Tom Osborne and Steve Pederson. Don't expect to see that pair leading a parade together any time soon. Coaching the Cowboys was current LSU head coach Les Miles and his offensive coordinator was current OSU coach Mike “I’m a Man, I’m Forty” Gundy.
The Huskers won the game by a 17-7 margin, with 7 points coming directly from the defense on a Barrett Ruud fumble return and the other Husker touchdown was set up by a fumble forced by the Blackshirts.
What was especially remarkable about Pelini’s defense was how well he timed his alignments to what the offense would do. Running back Tatum Bell was the main offensive threat for the Cowboys and so Pelini would frequently put eight men in the box to stop the run. The Cowboys ran play action passes a number of times and yet not once did Pelini guess wrong with his front. That is, every time there was an eight man front (and I counted about a dozen of them throughout the game) the Cowboys ran. Not once had Pelini stacked against the run and been surprised by a pass. Likewise, his blitzes were never mistimed against draw plays. Pelini seemed to know when the Cowboys were going to pass, even when the down and distance didn’t scream pass.
We also saw Pelini adjust in the game. It was clear early on that Pat Ricketts couldn’t handle Rashaun Woods, so Pelini stopped leaving Ricketts matched up with Woods (or at least he wasn’t matched up alone).
Pelini only blitzed about a half dozen times (and he showed blitz a few times and backed off). Two of the five Cowboy turnovers came on blitzes. But the Huskers did a good job of getting pressure with their front four. That’s worth pointing out for those expecting Pelini to be a miracle worker. It still comes down to your defensive line. If your defense can’t get pressure without blitzing, you’re going to give up some big pass plays. While the Huskers have some good options for this season, how well they reload on the defensive line will dictate how good they are in 2009 and beyond.
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ze bop May 16 08
Agree about the D line thing, that's a no-brainer.
I think they will be better this year with the increased experience.
But I think what Bo P brings to the table is a great play calling ability--as you imply--along with a top flight ability to motivate his players and put the right players on the filed in the right positions.
The unspeakable DC from the previous regime was weak in all those areas.
AustinHusker May 16 08
nice article, one of your best. Not because it will be nominated for a Pulitzer anytime soon, and of course that is not why we come to your site, but because most of us would not have thought of reviewing that game for those reasons. Nice insight. Keep it coming.
I have a hard time not being excited about the upcoming season, even though i think 9-3 would be remarkable and 7-7 is not out of the question. It seems like some of that optimism is even creeping into you.
Thanks again.
Husker Mike May 16 08
I don't keep video of old games, but that kind of jives with my recollection, other than the blitzes. Perhaps it was simply the way Pelini mixed things up, that it just seemed that he was blitzing more than he actually was.
One other trend with Pelini that I recall is that, for the most part, if you wanted to score, do it on your first or second drive, because Pelini would "feel you out", since many teams scripted their first few plays. Then, once he saw what you probably were going to do, he could then make adjustments and shut you down.
This might be a better request for Jeffie over at DXP, but I'm curious how Pelini's defenses have looked in the various quarters. I'm betting that they've looked the strongest in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
mjm May 16 08
Great article. I am excited to see how this team performs with him motivating them.
Scott May 16 08
What's VHS?
JoeBling22 May 16 08
Hey it looks like we added another recruit, this time from Euless TX..Dontrayevous Robinson a 6-1, 215lbs RB, that runs the 40 in 4.5.
Another recruit that not many teams have given a scholarship chance, but has plenty of athleticism..
hack May 17 08
miles said that when he rolled into lincoln, he figured that he and the cowboys finally had nebraska's number.
blackshirts begged to differ. after that, miles kept up with the huskers thru the rest of the season. he was impressed with what pelini was doing with the nebraska d. he resolved that if he was looking for another defensive coordinator, bo would be on the short list.
funny where life brings you if you aren't paying attention.
ze bop May 17 08
I echo the sentiment: what is VHS?
Bill in Iowa May 18 08
Simplify the D. Create confusion. Get Pressure. Use Speed. Swarm to the ball. Hit hard. Get the ball. We won't be disapointed with the Pelini defense. I think the D-line might be the surprise of the season. I expect the D-line to be the strength on D, yet I worry about depth.