The Weekly Buzz
So Texas loses Colt McCoy and loses the game. Nebraska was trying to take McCoy out of the Big 12 Championship game figuratively, but I guess 'Bama took it to a whole new literal level in the BCS Championship game. Deservedly so, the Tide rolls to the number one spot while Nebraska jumps up to end the season at 14. Much of what the Huskers did this year had to do with the great conditioning program as they were able to outplay many of their opponents late in games. Now with the season over, Zac Lee will be needing a different kind of conditioning as he prepares to rehab after surgery.
Texas loss to Alabama secures stat » With the 37-21 loss in the BCS Championship Game, both teams scored enough points to ensure that neither will surpass Nebraska's nation-leading 10.43 points per game allowed for the 2009 season. The Huskers ended up doing well in most defensive areas this season, capped off by the impressive defensive performance in the Big 12 Championship game and Holiday Bowl match with Arizona. Nebraska's win was the Big12's most impressive showing as the Conference ended up 4-4 in bowl games.
Name 13 teams better than Nebraska » The Huskers have ended the 2009-2010 year with a number 14 ranking in the polls, as the highest ranked team with four losses. It's our highest ranking since 2007 and highest post-season ranking since 2001. Not since Bo Pelini's interim coaching game in 2005 have the Huskers been ranked after the season has finished.
Conditioning a strength of this year's team » Nebraska's strength coach James Dobson has put together a conditioning program that clearly had a positive affect on the field this year. As good as the year was, Dobson feels responsible for the loss in the Big 12 Championship game. Whether that was a conditioning problem or not, much of the improvement of this team has to do with what he's put together. Now he's looking to coach what players he can as they prepare for the NFL combine. It could mean the difference for some players who won't get a shot and those who may get a call as a rookie free-agent.
Get Well Soon, Zac » Quarterback Zac Lee had surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm elbow on Wednesday. The timetable will make spring football interesting as the usual recovery time is 10-12 weeks, putting expected full recovery at around the end of March.
Traitor. » A Husker graduate student has won the EA Sport's NCAA '10 National Tournament playing as the Florida Gators.
San Diego, Ca.
1/9/2010
This ‘09 model, is justifiably considered the best since ‘01. Actually, I’m curious how it lines up with ‘03’s version, which had devolved offensively from ‘01’s, but only because Crouch was about the best college athlete in the Nation.
‘01’s team had hollowed out, depth wise. ‘03’s team had shored up, partly, some Coaching and recruiting problems. It still lacked a supporting cast for it’s tough but limited Quarterback, Jammal Lord, whereas Crouch had a better line and everything else was about equal.
Over half a decade has been wasted trying to build from that.
But, the team’s finally ready to go “next level,” now!
Ready to build up from ‘03, which surely would have been a better overall team for ‘04, had Solich and the staff remained intact. O-line depth was sliding by then too, though. That can’t be discounted.
The defense is definitely “back in black.”
The offense is about a “push” compared to ‘03’s limited effort.
It’s almost like waking up from a 6 year nap (nightmare).
Back to toughness and expectations. And internal team pride, with the expectations and competition that create the team leaders, a Coaching staff depends on so.
Plus, a rebuilt foundation of conditioning and walkon heroes, create the uniquely Husker intangible.
1/9/2010
Another good thing about Texas loosing the NC game: Nebraska remains ahead of Texas in National Championships won. NU has 5 and with the loss, Texas has 4.
1/9/2010
I went to school with the Traitor..lol…Really nice guy. I’m happy for him.
1/11/2010
I have to ask myself did the 2009 Huskers meet my hopes and expectations for this year? Albeit, a Big 12 championship would have been amazing, the truth is that this team more than exceeded expectations. They won the Big 12 north, they beat Oklahoma, and Texas and V-Tech needed miracles in the final minutes to pull out a win, they put NU back in the national spotlight, finished in the top 20, fielded one of the best defenses in the nation and one of the best in school history. I think it’s more than evident that Osborne made a great hire and that Pelini is a great head coach. I just hope next season, the offense gets its mojo back and we can really be a complete team - offense, defense, and special teams.