Jeff Writes:
This is in total disregard to this topic. I may be converting to the Pederson Camp!? Granted, he turned Husker “football” upside down, possibly for the better (he has 1 year to prove that in my book).
But….NU has won 3 national chamipionships since his watch started, 2 with bowling, 1 in volleyball. Not to mention his hiring of a nationally renowned BB coach in Doc Sadler, already improving BB recruiting. His football decisions have taken the Huskers back to the Big 12 Championship Game, first since ‘99 (almost 4 years before Solich was fired)
Bill Callahan’s job is to win football games, Steve Pederson’s job is to create good situations for all NU athletic programs, bowling to football. The only other schools I could find with 3 Nat. Champ. in the last five years is Florida (BB and FB)
I understand that people in Nebraska love Husker Football, I do too. But the other day I was listening to, I believe the Dan Patrick Show, while he or his replacement host was discussing the ultimate college campus. A person from Lincoln called in to support UNL, he was quickly cut off by, “Huskers have a GREAT football tradition, what else you got?” Currently Nebraska can’t compete with other Big 12 teams in other sports, except for bowling and volleyball (Our bread & butter, football isn’t even to championship level) Pederson is taking the first step of realizing the “pure” college sports is sadly gone on a competitive level.
I know not many people here like to admit it, but I’m starting to believe, possibly outside of FB, that SP is doing his job well. He just might deserve the raise and extension.
***Administrator***
Definitely worth a post of its own, thanks for taking the time to share your perspective Jeff.
July 23rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Texas has 6 in the last 5 years:
Football, Women’s Indoor Track & Field, Baseball (2) Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, Men’s Swimming & Diving
I can’t stand Texas.
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Well I guess a fan has to resort to bragging about ‘bowling??’ these days with an unranked football team. What else you gonna do? 3 and 1/2 years of Bill’s recruiting and you are looking at an unranked team. We are going into the toughest schedule in years with gaping holes in the defense, very little in the way of running backs, and a QB passes on by ASU. In case no one has heard, there is a vast majority of former NC players and coaches who do not agree with Perlman. A large percentage of fans too. They would love to be talking about the Huskers return to prominence in football this coming season instead of bragging about bowling..
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Bigredfred,
I wasn’t exactly bragging about the bowling, I was just stating that SP is doing his overall job. That is obvious in this year’s football schedule, which you admit is the hardest in years. What better way to gain respect on a national level. Husker tradition won’t hide from anyone.
The point of my entry was to bring up the fact that there is more to Husker athletics than football (yes, I understand football drives Husker athletics) and SP is doing a good job of promoting the other sports. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m relatively young, only 26. But I don’t remember there being excitement about basketball or baseball 7 or 8 years ago. I’m not saying basketball has arrived but talks around the country is that Nebraska may no longer be the laughing stock of the BIG 12. Why didn’t the previous regime see this as sad?
Back to football. The gaping holes in the defense is up front and up front only! Even then I wouldn’t call it “gaping”, just unproven on a consistent level. All the players have experience. The linebackers and secondary are going to be leaps and bounds above last year!
To your QB comment. If Keller wins the job, he is the best on the roster no matter if ASU passed on him or not. Same goes for Ganz. I can tell you with certainty that BC won’t put a player on the field that doesn’t deserve to be there.
As far as RB’s. One year ago the Husker’s were seen as the deepest backfield in college football. Not even Frank Solich could prevent their injuries or departures to the NFL. How about that, 3 years at the helm and BC produced an NFL back fighting for a starting job in Green Bay (with 2 NFL prospects in his wake). Solich had Buckhalter, good in college but a career backup in the pros.
Face it Fred, things are different now. BC is not a bad coach, just different than we are used to. I would rather see the Huskers lose five games to USC, Texas, OSU, Oklahoma, Auburn (4 top 10 teams) than to go undefeated and have to argue that their games against Colorado St. and Wyoming were tough matchups.
As far as the Huskers being unranked. If you do some digging The Big Red is top 20 in many preseason rankings. For what it’s worth, if you look at the new NCAA College Football game by EA Sports, Huskers are #14. BC brought respect back to Nebraska on a national level, too bad people from Nebraska (assuming your from here) can’t appreciate that. Isn’t it interesting that ESPN no longer mentions NU’s shortcomings, instead they talk about the Husker’s return to football prominence. Apparently the rest of America believes our football program fell off the map for a while, until the offensive upgrade of Callahan. Former NC players and alumni are bitter because they had a loyalty to Solich.
In the words of my father, “GROW UP, MOVE ON” Just because you’re buddies with someone doesn’t obligate you to keep them employed. Just think how far back Neb. would be if Solich kept recruiting for a few more years (look how effective Joe Daily is in NC,which is supposed to be a simplified west coast offense, not very). Callahan has taken the Huskers to the forefront of national recruiting.
I believe this is BC’s year to get over the hump, and I can’t wait to see how you react when that no good coach is holding up the Big 12 trophy!
July 24th, 2007 at 4:28 am
Well Jeff everything you write is either what you get from your dad or just your opinion. I understand your passion for football, I just don’t agree with anything you base it on. The national perception of Nebraska is much different these days, note a quote below from Trev Alberts with CSTV. As for your dad’s comments, I don’t care who Solich was buddies with, he had 4 out of 6 years with 10 wins. He was big 12 coach of the year twice. He belongs in the Husker Hall of Fame: all of which Bill can’t duplicate. Solich recruits saved Bill’s season from being even worse than the 9 - 5 team he ended with last year. And you think he was only employed because he was a buddy?? How bout Steve getting the AD job because of the pressure his father put on UNL???
Quote from Trev Alberts- link following:
“But I think what’s happening to Nebraska right now and what those who live in Nebraska - including the local media - don’t understand is that the overall perception of Nebraska simply isn’t the same as the local one because they’re living in a vacuum.”
http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/072007aac.html
Jeff we could go back and forth all day, but keep in mind I will always try to show you reasons and facts as best I can. So far you seem to think we should hear what you are saying because it’s your opinion.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:22 am
Not to put words in anyone else’s mouth, but I believe what BigRedFred and Administrator have pointed out is similar to what many of us have been saying for many months now about Pederson, and granted it is primarily based on the Huskers’ Football Program (not so much the other sports). We’ve all pretty much echoed our frustrations from time to time with how far our formerly (ouch, it still hurts to say “formerly”!) elite football team status has deteriorated under Pederson’s watch, and it’s important that this fall has not only been on the field where we’ve had to swallow the bitter pill of 5 losses on average per season the last 3 years. As Administrator and others have indicated (Fred, Art, Jeff P, and even Pete who distinguished Pederson from Callahan in this regard), it’s the apparent loss of Husker values and tradition, combined with the poor on-the-field records, that I believe have polarized fans against Pederson. There have been many examples cited here, not the least of which has been the current regime’s treatment (or mis-treatment, if you will) of total class acts and loyal Huskers like Frank S, Doak O, and even Dr. Tom and many former players like Broderick Thomas who apparently feel like such outsiders now that they needed to organize their own golf tournament recently. I totally understand your opinions Jeff, and your well-written points about the other NU sports, but it seems to me that Husker fans in general and on this blog in particular, are most passionate and intense (far and away) about Husker football. And in that light, Pederson has not shone brightly at all, and there have been many dark days for the football program over the past few years, both on and off the field. Thanks to all.
July 24th, 2007 at 6:05 am
What else Nebraskans have is a deep respect for nearly all collegiate sports. That’s what Nebraska brings to the plate. Fact is, college sports is about giving opportunities to young people and we continue to do that while at the same time assuring they get an education. That’s the mission of the University of Nebraska and you could argue that we do it as well as anyone in the nation.
People want to live on football alone need to go find a NFL team to root for because that’s what the NFL is all about.
There’s nothing wrong with touting the prowess of bowling, or rifle for that matter. Unfortunately, these don’t feed the egos that must be satisfied.
July 24th, 2007 at 7:14 am
I agree with many of you out there that SP has not been good for the Huskers football team and overall program, in fact much the opposite. However, whether documenting criticisms of him or coming to his defense in certain areas (such as Jeff wrote), we’ve all seemed to agree that the 2007 Huskers football team performance could very well be a make or break yardstick for both SP and BC. (Administrator has also posted some story lines/opinions to that effect.) That makes me wonder about the timing of SP’s extension…I take it (sadly) that the Chancellor at NU doesn’t view this upcoming football season as make or break for SP.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:49 am
We’re all looking forward to the ‘07 season with as much optimism as possible, but let’s not forget the recent black eye that was given to the Husker football program (and specifically our head coach) in SI. BC was named as one of the ten WORST college football coaches in the nation. This article documents (an experienced and knowledgeable opinion) that he is both a bad coach and different coach than NU is used to.
I’ve interpreted ESPN’s characterization of the Husker football program returning to prominence a bit differently than you have Jeff, it’s seemed to be more in terms of potential and hopefulness of the Lincoln fans, rather than based on performance. 15 losses in 3 years is much worse than any 3 year football coaching record at NU in the modern era, and much worse than anything we achieved under Solich, who did win 10 plus games most seasons he was head man. Trev Albert summed it up pretty well too.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
In a lot of ways I agree with Jeff but I also agree with the all you others. SP has done a great job with bowling, basketball, baseball, etc for Nebraska. Like Jeff pointed out, basketball and baseball were hardly even on the map 7-8 years ago for NU. Sp has done a fantastic job at Nebraska with the “other” sports. When it comes to football SP has done mediocre. The firing of Solich was not very impressive and neither was the way he handled Doak Ostergard. Although I am not a huge fan of SP because of the way he’s handled the football program, I will still admit that he’s done a pretty good job. I like that someone has finally pointed out that there is more to Husker athletics than football!
Jeff: I aggree with your comments about the Huskers roster this season. The defensive line does not have “gaping holes”, just inexperience. Suh is pretty darn good and so is Ty Steinkuler. Linebacking corps will good like it always is and the secondary will be much improved from a year ago. Runningbacks will be good, not great. Marlon Lucky still has to prove himself as does Cody Glenn. And Bigredfred, just because ASU passed on Sam Keller Does not mean he isnt a good QB. At O-line we should be pretty solid again this year.
Times have changed, hopefully they will turn out for the better. Let’s hope for an exciting 2007. I’m sure with the talent and the depth we can be great.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
If it is of interest to anyone:
I’m currently watching “College Football Live” on ESPN and Bob Griese made the comment on the North “I gotta go with Nebraska. Bill Callahan has done a great job in bringing that program back.” The amazing thing, Mark May agreed!
The world does not revolve around cornfields and the local hardware store, maybe it should, but it doesn’t. Pederson kept Nebraska in the National Spotlight! If you are a fan of good football, that is where you want to be.
July 25th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I like bowling.
July 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Sorry, I cut myself off! Trev Alberts is right. We are living in a vacuum. Husker football was falling of the map before BC came in. A well run business knows when hard times are coming and changes course, even if it means taking a loss early on.
The national perception after looking at SI.com preseason predictions, Athlonsports.com’s predictions (probably the most touted college football site) is that Nebraska is working it’s way “back”. Not from Callahan’s first season, but from the years before him. Do we forget how the Husker’s were an argument for “why the BCS DOESN’T work?” Also, how they did not even appear in a Big 12 Championship game (including the NC appearance year) for the previous 3 years. Also the national humiliation of Solich running up the score against big bad Northwestern: flea flicker pass so Bobby Newcombe could get a TD. That is beside the point.
Joe Daily admitted to his coaches recently that he wanted to play a position that wouldn’t “HURT” his team. He admitted that he could run with the ball well and not much else. Nothing against Daily, he’s an amazing athlete, but he was supposed to be THE quarterback. People were yelling for him to replace Lord, who holds records at NU!!!
Bigredfred: I do speak my opinions, but I also base them on fact. I just happen to get my facts from national media, not local or local members of national media. If you doubt my facts, “Google” (2007 NCAA preseason rankings wikipedia) Scroll down 3/4 of the page and look at where everyone ranks NU. They are sited and factual. Also, Keller and Lucky, are on several Heisman watch lists.
There may be better coaches than Callahan, but SP did the program better from a national standpoint by replacing the old regime with the new.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I’m sorry I keep adding. One more shot on the so called coaching abilities of the past regime, I actually can’t believe no one has mentioned it before. The Colorado loss in Solich’s final year, score was 28-13 Buffs (Rival in case you forgot) with 2 timeouts remaining. I was at the game with my young twin cousins. (I almost forgot about this until I started looking at the last seasons of Solich)
The Huskers let the Buffs run down the clock to end the game. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the game was probably over. Longshot….call the TO’s, get ball back, score, onside kick, quick score, 2PT conv., & OT with momentum. A good leader would have at least tried! I had to explain that the game was out of reach to my 12 year old cousins from Texas (who lived half of their lives in Aurora,CO) and that is why the Huskers didn’t call Timeouts.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Sorry, Solich’s 2nd to last season. He did stick around to get beat by “Ole’Miss” the year I was speaking of!
July 25th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Just a couple quick points:
1. Baseball was on the upswing before SP, it started with the departure of Dave Sanders (who only stayed as long as he did because he was strong with Devaney).
2. Nebraska Volleyball has been one of the top programs in the country for at least the last 15 years.
3. I’ve optimistically picked Nebraska at 10-2 (12-0 if they beat USC), but with the schedule this season, Nebraska could just easily go 7-5 or 8-4 depending on how strong you rank K-State, Missouri, Oklahoma State or Texas A&M.
4. I think BC has been praised across the board on this site for his recruiting. It is his game planning or lack thereof that has caused the most frustration.
5. Solich beat Colorado in his final year and was later fired. Bo Pelini, as interim head coach beat Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl.
July 25th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
In Solich’s 2nd to last year, Nebraska lost 62-36. The 62 points and 586 yards of offense were the most ever allowed by the Huskers.
Under BC, Nebraska later gave up 70 to Texas Tech.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Administrator:
You may have helped prove my point about SP. Let’s accept that Volleyball and baseball were strong programs. They still are today. Also, in addition, Basketball is now something worth getting halfway excited about. From this we can gather that under SP sports have either maintained excellence or are on the upswing. With this in consideration, Callahan has improved every year (maybe not recordwise, he played a tough schedule very tough last year, 8-1 outside of top 10) From the maintaining of quality of other sports (VB, Baseball) and improving quality and support of Basketball (men and women) and with the improvement of football, don’t forget women’s softball and soccer in the last 2 years, I believe SP has done an outstanding job!
July 25th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Administrator:
The “blow-out” was in Solich’s 3rd to last year. That year the Huskers got beat by Miami. That continued to the next year when they got pummeled by a weak North and beat by Ole Miss. And the las5 year he was fired before Pelini had a meltdown in the Michigan State game.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
The NU defense only gave up 523 yard in the loss to TT. That cancels out that argument! Compared to the 586 against Colorado, 63 yards would equal 10 pts in an average game.
If we want to dive into very accurate facts, we will all notice, with the exception of his first year, that offensive efficiency has increased since Callahan took over.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Speaking of Bo Pelini, did we ever offer him the head-coaching job? I mean the guy is the defensive coordinator at LSU! I think he would’ve made a great coach at Nebraska.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Pelini had every chance to get the job. He was allowed to coach on a national stage in a televised bowl game. He used that opportunity to throw tempertantrums on the sidelines. When the game was far from over, he argued with officials over a possible turnover until they called him on a personal foul. Luckily, NU came up with the turnover a few plays later.
He will probably be a great coach someday, buy when he had the chance at NU, he blew it. He had a Def. Coord. mentality with the duties of a HC.
July 26th, 2007 at 4:55 am
We’ve had a good back & forth here with some excellent points made…bottom line is that we’ve all agreed at one point or another that this could be the year of reckoning (good or bad) for Callahan. Just like this blog, there are many different subjective opinions, just as ESPN’s Griese and May differed greatly from Mandel/SI (who put our coach in the “worst 10″) in their comments about him.
Gentlemen, the proof will be in the pudding, and the ‘07 batch is being whipped up as we speak. I for one can’t wait for the season to start, and hopefully the team can put the last 3 years of averaging 5 losses behind us all, so we can all gloat gleefully and and carefreely bask in the bright sunshine of Top 5 happiness, instead of frustratingly comparing our past elite teams & coaches to the lack of success and lack of Husker tradition we’ve had from ‘04 to now.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:47 am
@Pete, Jeff:
I’ve heard a couple off-the-record stories from journalists who cover Nebraska. In a nutshell, the job was Pelini’s but he tried to play a little blackmail for more money by saying he had control of the players and if Nebraska didn’t give in, he’d leave and take some of the key players with him. His bluff was called and the offer was revoked.
Whether this is the truth, I don’t know. The only thing I can say for sure is that it is pretty telling that he hasn’t been offered a head coaching job anywhere else since - even with a lower-tier school.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:57 am
@Jeff
Given your SP Man-Crush
just kidding - Will your perspective change if Nebraska goes 8-4, 7-5 or worse?
Also Nebraska has always been strong at bowling, but it was a club sport prior to 2003. Bill Byrne elevated it to an official program before he left.
As for the other sports. I’d still say both Men’s and Women’s basketball are underperforming. They both have solid coaches now and future prospects are positive, but until we actually see a turnaround it is all hypothetical.
Track & Field, Swimming & Diving and Gymnastics have all slipped a notch or two.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:01 am
@all
This has been one of the most engaging posts that we’ve had for awhile. Keep it going.
Best of all, props to everyone for managing to keep things positive and not resorting to name-calling or insults. Keep it up.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Remember, Kansas, yes Kansas, had 574 total yards against the Cornhuskers LAST YEAR … IN LINCOLN. With a 3rd string Quarterback no less.
I just don’t see why anyone needs to insult or criticize former Husker coaches who truly were huskers , to try to defend the current state of affairs in Lincoln. A current coach is open game as he is our current coach, and as with any job there has to be ongoing performance appraisals.
Other than that, I truly believe this should be the year for Bill and Steve for which they need to be held accountable. Their jobs should be measured with the very same yardstick used to fire long time Husker Frank Solich. (fired after a 10 win season back when the Big 12 was one of the top 2 conferences)
The people of Nebraska should accept nothing less from Bill and Steve.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:03 am
@ bigredfred
Who is criticizing former coaches to defend BC and SP? The Administrator just left a post congradulating all of us for not resorting to name-calling, insults, etc. I totally agree with you that this is the make or break year (or at least should be) for BC and SP but I dont see any posts that have used criticism of former coaches to help defend BC and SP.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Quoting Jeff: “Also the national humiliation of Solich running up the score against big bad Northwestern: flea flicker pass so Bobby Newcombe could get a TD.” I believe Jeff was trying to say the drop off came before Bill C. and for the life of me , I can’t see where that mindset is coming from as Solich and company bounced right back from the 7-6 2002 regular season, with a 10 (ten) win season. The last Solich team won their bowl and ended the season RANKED.
I do need to say I totally respect Jeff’s viewpoint and everyone else on this sight. Sometimes, in the written word (without eyeball to eyeball communication) messages get skewed. Passion can be misinterpreted for meanness. I do not intend for anyone to be offended when trying to discuss football. However, if I am misinterpreting someone and don’t agree with what I THINK they are saying, I usually just try to clarify and call them on it. No offense intended though.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Jeff, I apologize and I realize as I reread the exchanges on this article, that I jumped on your viewpoint pretty hard. Sorry. I do see your point with steve P. and I agree that all sports are relevant as well as the educational process too.
I did not intend to sound so shallow as if the whole world revolves around football. Actually, I think we are all just ‘chomping at the bit’ and itching for the 07 football season to start.
Thinking of the upcoming Wake Forest and the USC games just gives me a rush!!..
Take care to all
July 27th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Bigredfred:
no problem, that may be why this topic was so interesting. I’ll make a deal with you: I’ll quit referencing why Solich should have been fired if you stop defending why he should still be here. Our opinions will do nothing except create hostility.
Instead, I agree that we need to have an ongoing performance appraisals with the current coaches. Everyone here, including me, agrees that if BC doesn’t have an impressive year he is not doing what he was hired to do.
July 27th, 2007 at 6:23 am
Fair enough Jeff, and I couldn’t agree more. Have a great weekend.
July 27th, 2007 at 7:33 am
To BigRedFred,
You are well appreciated and respected here, for your multitude of Husker-passionate contributions to this blog and website. I (and most assuredly many others) have found your comments both highly informative and right on the money in all areas, and I consider myself fortunate to have access to your views, the Administrator’s, Bugeater’s and others on this site to enhance my fan participation regarding NU football. You bring a lot to the table here, and thanks again for both your insightfulness of both the historical perspective and current state of the Huskers. I’m still anxious to hear your prediction for ’07’s team record, and also your age if it’s not too personal.
To Jeff, you are a more recent addition to this blog, but the operative word is “addition”. Your youthful optimism, sports knowledge, and respectful commentary is also a good read each and every time I log on here. I also can not wait for Sept 1 (it’s only a month away!) and the start of this season, then we’ll really have some meat and potatoes to chew on, metaphorically speaking…
Thanks again also to Mike D, Jeff P, and Pete for their regular additions here. All of you make this a great blog and fan resource. And thanks again to the Administrator for giving us all such a great forum.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Thank you Art, I and others have found that Huskerzone.com is a great place for meaningful discussion of Husker football in a respectful way no matter what the differences. We are all in this together inspite our seperate views.
My prediction for the 07 football season is this: EVERYTHING hinges on the Wake Forest game. How the Wake Forest game goes, so goes the season. Everyone knows we will be up for a game like USC the next week.
The character of the Huskers will be evident when facing a talented foe that everyone EXPECTS them to beat and, a number of folks are overlooking Wake Forest.
If the Huskers lose, or, even if they win a close hard fought struggle over Wake Forest, the rest of the year could very well fall apart. If they win convincingly, … then, there is no telling what they might do, ..NC??
Just my thoughts. FYI, I am 52. I was playing High School footbll during the 70 and 71 championship teams so I followed them closely, knew them all by name. I was and remain in awe of not only the players, but the leaders/coaches who made the program what it was and what it stood for.
Thanks again.
July 29th, 2007 at 5:15 am
Good call, Fred! We are on the same page. Back in the Spring, I also blogged that a 2-0 start could be a springboard for a home upset in Week 3 vs USC and a great season. Not to repeat myself, but the pivotal WF game (didn’t the Demon Deacons win the ACC last year?) being on the road may work in the Huskers’ favor, i.e., both the players and Husker fans should be less likely to overlook Wake Forest in their back yard. Plus on the road, there may be less of a temptation to look past WF to Week 3/USC.
July 29th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I don’t know if my facts are totally accurate on this one but I have heard that Husker Nation will be bringing upwards of 15,000 fans. Wake Forests’ stadium only holds about 30,000 people. This might be a factor in this game!
July 30th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Excellent point, Pete…I just checked Wake’s Athletics Dept website, and it’s football stadium capacity is listed as 31,500. We could have at least half the stadium adorned in Big Red.
August 1st, 2007 at 4:41 am
I’ve marked Sept 8 on my calendar in BIG RED. I agree with Fred & Mike who have made the call that Week 2 of the upcoming season could go a long way in being an indicator of the Huskers’ 07 campaign. Thanks again for everyone’s input, and Opening Day is 1 month from today! Let’s not overlook Nevada, we should certainly beat them handily in Lincoln, but they are apparently a lot tougher (including playing in a decent conference that throws the ball a lot and can put up some serious points on the board) than our typical early Sept home game. Much moreso than a Maine or a Nicholls State, the WAC(-0) teams can move the ball and play. Just ask the Sooners.