ze bop Jun 25 08

Just some random thoughts I've been having of late, maybe they apply indirectly to this article:

Having thought some more--like, for a minute--about the Big XII north, I am now inclined to say that it's not so much that Big Red's foes have gotten SO much better of late, it's more that the Huskers haven't been the level of team that we are accustomed to fielding, for, say, about 7 years now; that is, we are no longer THE dominant team.

Yeah, Miz-ZOO and the Flying Manginos have been making some noise and, of those two, I think the Tigs are further ahead in terms of establishing their legitimacy. KU still does not, to me, have the type of talent that whoos a person, but you have to give Mangino a ton of credit for being an excellent coach--and please, can we try to refrain from the cracks about his weight?

Look at the south: it's still OU and TX sharing the throne, with TTech, OSU, and aTm trying to establish themselves as challengers. Such is the situation with the north, except that NE has fallen from it's throne(though we still won the north division 2 yrs ago, don't forget) and the challengers are opportunistically pillaging for all that it's worth.

So, will Big Red return to it's rightful place as the clear king of the north in ensuing years? I think it's 65/35(if my computer calculations are correct--that adds up to a 100, right?) at this point. We cannot afford to have 3 consecutive coaching failures, not that Solich and Cali were COMPLETE faliures(also, I temper that remark with my observation of the Celtics for the last 10 crappy years out here, but look where they are now, and it's like their tradition never went away). NE's rep has taken a big hit such that KU, MU, and CU are making gains in recruiting. NE does not have the recruiting luxuries--so much--that TX and OU enjoy, yet we atill have our 'brand name' somewhat in tact.

However, 'kind'(?) Husker Fan, have faith in the BO-urne Supremacy!. If anyone can get us back to where we belong and put the would-be usurpers back in their proper place, it is BO P. But, suffice it to say, this is a pivotal time in Big Red history, cuz if for some reason BO doesn't git-r-dun, it is quite possible that NE will just fade into the category of 'also ran' in the conference--alas, in the nation.

Personally, I enjoy reminiscing about the good 'ol days of OZZIE Osbourne, etc., but that is wearing thin and it is not what I want to be doing 2-3 years from now. We need to create a new future of excellence, and hence a new history....

carlinthemarlin Jun 25 08

From what I understand there wasn't much interest in Lechner. And he didn't have much interest in us. Even as far back as a year ago he was saying that he'd probably prefer to go out of state.

brad Jun 25 08

carlinthemarlin,

So did we just give up? That's why it's important to have good recruiters. Show them why Nebraska is the best place for them.

Dwayne Jun 25 08

I agree Darren but I don't expect Wisconsin to be under 500 for the upcoming season. If Lechner switches, it would be purely on the staffs' ability to pursuade Lechner that NU might be a better fit. And that could hinge on NU's record this upcoming season. It's disheartening to see a local prospect to not choose the Huskers, aka Elkhorn's Robinson. But I don't hold it against them.

OU7times Jun 25 08

Ze, What is it about Nebraska Football that makes it so appealing to recruits? I think that if you boil it down to the basics it's simple...Tom Osborne. The Man, The Legend, The Influence. I can't really think of any one reason than that. Yea, NU was great when Bob Devaney was King but Tom Osborne took it to another level. Now, lets look at reality. Dr. Tom will not be around as long as people will wish so what state does that leave the program? Bo Pelini will be the best shot (of available coaches at the time of need) to carry the torch, so to speak. Is is not scarry to think of where the program will be at that exact moment? Talk about your "big shoes to fill". People can say what they want about Solich (and I have) but one good thing was that he came from within and had that Osborne upbringing, which people just naturally assumed he would be worthy of carrying the torch. So...back to the question. What will it be that will keep bringing great athletes to Nebraska?

Dwayne Jun 25 08

Steve, I couldn't have said it better.

Dwayne Jun 25 08

The following situation I ran into strengthens Steve's point. So I'm on business in South Florida this week deep in the heart of Gator and Hurricane territory and I run into this Miami graduate who was visiting Omaha for the CWS. He's commenting on the several great restaurants that he was at but the main thing that stuck out in his mind was the overall generosity of the people. He goes further to tell me a story of a rather famous color commentator to most locals from Nebraska and the surrounding area that have any understanding of the University and how he was invited back this fall for a home football game against either Virginia Tech or Missouri. It left this man very impressed with not only the time they had during the CWS, but also the genuine kindness he felt during his visit there in Omaha. That's the thing about most NU fans, they have a deep respect for others and are very obliged to welcome a conversation with them. I felt very humble and proud to say that I cheer for Nebraska. I agree that NU football is greater than one person and it will be interesting for me to see who ESPN places as their face on the program. For me, there are only two possible choices. And there-in lies my answer to your question OU7.

alex Jun 26 08

losing lechner is no big deal. given our depth on the O-line and recent recruiting success at the position (e.g. murtha, d.j. jones, burkes, steinkulher) i question how seriously NU actually pursued the kid.

if you want to get your undies in a bunch about recruiting, you'd be better served to focus at DT. notwithstanding the allure of near immediate playing time and pelini's success molding dorsey, we STILL cannot seem to get a highly touted kid--with apologies to with apologies to quintin toailoa and thaddeus randle--in here at DT.

mizzou will do well again this year (but still lose to OU if they make it to the B12 C.G.). kansas, on the other hand, will be lucky to win 7 games.

ze bop Jun 26 08

ou7,

NE is like OU, they have a 'brand name' appeal based on decades of excellence--a real tradition.

I think BO P is the perfect guy to get NE back. He's the 'shiznit' is all I can say, he's a special coach.

I live out here in MA and look at what has gone on with the Celtics: very bad for about the last 10 yrs and in one season they turn it around and become NBA champs. Their tradition never really went away and with winning it is back in full force. Such is the opportunity for Big Red.

BoKNOWS Jun 27 08

I think Bo is going to have to rely on more than NE's tradition in recruiting. A lot of these high school kids don't remember when Nebraska was an elite program, and other teams with a more recent history of success have an advantage.

Bo better put a winner on the field this year, or it's only going to get harder to recruit top prospect. Not having a lot of luck so far this recruiting cycle.

BoKNOWS Jun 27 08

NU's tradition doesn't go as far with recruits as it used to. Most of these kids can't remember when Nebraska was an elite program, so Bo needs to take a different approach. Other schools with a more recent history of success have a huge advantage.

Bo needs to put a winner on the field to compete because other school sin the Big 12 have made huge gains over the past several years. Recruiting hasn't gone too well so far this cycle, so I hope Bo isn't over his head.