Ndamukong Suh Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
13 comments so far
December 1, 2009 by
Ndamukong Suh can now officially be known for something more than his bulging biceps and difficult-to-pronounce name. Today, the Big 12 named Suh the Defensive Player of the year for the 2009 season. Several other Huskers were also honored with spots on the All-Conference teams. But, as with the rest of the season, the story for Nebraska centers on Suh.
A Little History
Winning this honor puts Suh in elite company. He is just the second Husker to be named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Big 12. Grant Wistrom earned that distinction in 1996 and 1997. Suh is is also the second Husker to ever win "Defensive Lineman of the Year" from the Big 12, joining 2006 honoree Adam Carriker. But, Suh is the first player to bring home both awards in the same year.
Also, the last Husker to be named a Big 12 Player of the Year was Zach Taylor (a true BRN favorite), also in 2006. Though, of course that was for offense.
By the Numbers
There is absolutely no denying Suh's success this year. Just consider his statistics. He has an outrageous number of tackles - 70 - with 16 of them for a loss. He has collected 7.5 sacks so far to go along with 24 hurries. Beyond that, he has broken up 10 passes and blocked three kicks. That's not only worthy of recognition, it's gaudy. For a player to lead a team in tackles AND pass breakups AND blocked kicks is almost video-game ridiculous.
More Hardware Coming?
Not surprisingly, Suh is a finalist for just about every defensive or lineman award you can think of - the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy, the Lombardi Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott Trophy. He's been in the conversation for the Heisman trophy. For a defensive lineman to even be discussed for that award is remarkable.
It's easy for Husker fans to assume or take for granted Suh's ability and gloss over the recognition. But, I can think of maybe a handful of players to be finalists for that much hardware. What we are witnessing is truly special, whether he wins any or all of those awards or not.
Beyond the Numbers and Awards
Suh's impact on the field is not even properly addressed by his fantastic statistics or his list of possible awards. This young man has truly made his place among the all-time Husker greats, and we all got to witness it. That's not just my opinion. Charlie McBride, who knows something about defense and Husker history, said as much last week.
Suh makes his teammates better. He creates favorable match ups for his line mates, keeps blockers off of the linebackers and puts pressure on quarterbacks to force interceptions. He's a force. A game changer. A real war daddy.
Perhaps most importantly, Suh has been the player that most helped Coach Pelini forge a new Nebraska idenity. Offensive minded coaches have their quarterbacks. For defensive coaches, it's about defensive linemen. Suh has been the big, broad, imposing face of Husker football this year. His dominance goes hand in hand with NU's prominence. For that, and all of his contributions, fans should be most thankful.
Congratulations to Ndamukong Suh, the Big 12 Conference's 2009 Defensive Player of the Year.
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AustinHusker Dec 01 09
Nice article and it is great to see the rewards coming after so much work. Hopefully there is one more reward coming Saturday night in Arlington. Along those lines I thought you guys might enjoy an article about being a Husker fan.
www.femmetales.com
There is also a mention of my favorite Husker site mentioned late in the article.
GO BIG RED
AustinHusker Dec 01 09
I should have mentioned the article contains strong language, but if you are a Husker fan like I am sometimes that sh*t, I mean stuff happens.
Ty Hughes Dec 01 09
Duh! An obvious choice. It's been marvelous to watch him and the impact he has had on teammates as well (Crick). I'm taking in every moment to the end of his career. The Pelinis along with Ndamukong's work have earned him "millions" this year.
WyHuskerFan Dec 01 09
Looking forward to Suh being named MVP of the game on Saturday. GBR!
James Moore Dec 01 09
An absolutely stunning development. Who would've thunk it?
Seriously speaking this is just a special talent & I am so happy that he had the opportunity to play for Coach Pelini and Coach Pelini. The job they did with this young man is just awesome. From an intriguing talent with potential to an absolutely dominant presence to the No. 1 overall pick. . .
Congratulations Mr. Suh!!! It has been a pleasure to watch you develop and grow over the years. We will be talking about you for a long time to come. A true Husker legend worthy of being mentioned with all the great Blackshirts that came before him. . .
OU7times Dec 01 09
I don't want to offend anyone but here's my perspective on how Saturday's game most likely will go:
Nebraska will have to play it's best game of the season for sure. Seriously, NU's 'D' will have to win the game along with any gimmick plays on offense.
McCoy has a fast release where Lee has a tendancy to telegraph his throws. I see 2 Zach Lee ints (minimum)in this game. If Green has to come in and play, it's all over.
TU's 'D' is ranked #5. I can't seet NU being able to run or pass because of their anemic offense. All told, It's just another home game for Texas and they play well at home.
Be aware, Mack Brown is on a mission and if he gets the chance to make you look silly, he will. McCoy probably will play the whole game, too (Heisman statement game). Mack Brown will pull out some plays no one has seen yet this year.
I can foresee McCoy leaving the game with an injury because he will throw so much his arm will fall clean off. It will open up what little running game they will use.
McCoy is a bigger threat from anywhere OUTSIDE the 'red zone'. It's just more room to work with and that's just scarry and that has to always be in the back of your mind as a defensive player. McCoy is just a big,big play maker.
Nebraska does have a great punter.
Take Texas minus the 8 points in the first half for the 'mother load'.
If I am wrong I'll be the first one to post that I was wrong.
I would love to discuss this.
GOOD LUCK, Big Red!
Dwayne Dec 01 09
I am just thinking about how much in potential earnings Suh gained by staying his senior season instead of leaving after his junior year. One would have to consider base salary and signing bonuses for a possible second rounder last year versus a possible top three overall pick, length of contract, and any possible endorsements he may garner now. I'm sure someone's had to run some rough numbers and I'm sure the amount is staggering...
James Moore Dec 02 09
OU7,
We HAVE to get 21 points out of our offense. This offense just has to find a way to grind out 3 TD's. The question becomes one of field position. We need some short-field situations to put us in a situation where we don't have to march 60, 70 or 80 yards. We just haven't proven the ability to put together long, mistake-free drives this year. Shorten the game to 10-yards at a time, and force Texas to stay on the field defensively. Turn this game into a war every play. Hit, hit and hit. It's more physically taxing to get hit, get up, and then hit again than any other aspect of football. These guys want to get out and run. Force them to play assignments and hit. . .
Offensively if you run a 10 spread you are making one assumption: namely that the G-C-G can handle their blocks one-on-one. If one of these assignments break down then you have to change protection patterns in a major way. The no huddle tries to speed the game up to the point where assignments, down & distance, and gameplans go out the window. Forcing tempo like this is an attempt to hide something. For Texas it is that they CANNOT run the football. They just can't. Once the blocking assignments break down you lose the ability to provide timing to a 10 spread. There's just nobody in college that can block Suh one-on-one. No hubris or bias but just fact. He's special and if Texas decides to go one-on-one with Mr. Suh, then they will see him early and often. Rush 4, stay in lanes, run matchup zone schemes with some man. Only thing that worries me is that McCoy will make some plays with his feet and mobile QB's have made plays against Coach Pelini-led defenses at times throughout the past. . .
I feel very good about Dennard, Amukamara, Gomes, Hagg, Asante & O'Hanlon. They'll be ready. The era of busted assignments is over, they cover extremely well, hit and tackle soundly, and are very comfortable with the schemes and assignments asked of them. More or less the same gameplan and personnel packages that we had to use against Oklahoma we'll have to use against Texas. I like our matchups against their offense. Dillard can clean up and tackle anything they offer in the backfield in space. . .
Nebraska 27-13
Andrew Dec 02 09
OU7times - How do you think Texas is going to pass all over Nebraska? We have one of the best pass defenses in America with two first team all Big 12 players on it. This will be a low scoring game...
Andrew Dec 02 09
OU7times - How do you think Texas is going to pass all over Nebraska? We have one of the best pass defenses in America with two first team all Big 12 players on it. This will be a low scoring game...
OU7times Dec 02 09
@ Andrew,
Texas won't be able to run against Nebraska so they will have to pass. Nebraska has the #25 pass defense and Texas has the #13 pass offense. Looking at who Nebraska played during the season, I have to believe that quality of opponent says it all. 3 of Nu's wins were against Fla Atl, La Laff, and Arkansas St. 12 points allowed in those 3 games. Those teams were ranked in the 90's or higher if I remember correctly. Va Tech was a solid win for NU but hardly a passing jagernaught. OU had around 10 major injuries this season by the time NU game rolled around. I have never seen that many key injuries to a major college football team, ever. Nebraska won fair and square to be sure but these are the realities of hard contact sports. Landry Jones is a nervous pocket passer who throws on the run out of necessity. Not one of the greatest passers against real competition. Colorado is a joke and if that game was in Lincoln it wouldn't have been close. Let's face it, the Big 12 North (except NU) was bad competition to measure your team against.
Texas Tech beat NU at NU by 21. Texas Tech won by passing.
I am just saying that Texas is in a different dimention than most of college football and they aren't as good as they were last year, in my opinion. Mack and his heir apparent are just too much and should win it all.
Nebraska will have it's hands full with this years Heisman winner.
You might very well see blocked field goal attempts from long range by Texas.
Summed up, I just feel quality of opponents could very well rear it's ugly head in the Big 12 Championship game
OU7times Dec 03 09
Correction,
Va Tech was a solidly played game by NU against a quality team.
My bad.
CARL ZIEMBA Dec 04 09
GO BIG RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE JUST AWESOME AND HERBIE WILL BE RIDING BEVO SATURDAY NIGHT.....GO HUSKERS!!!!!!!!!