During Bo Pelini’s first-ever press conference as a head coach, he made sure to give credit where credit is due. He said, “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for Frank Solich.” He thanked Solich for the opportunity to become a defensive coordinator and added that he thinks Solich doesn’t get enough credit for his decades long service to the University.
Here’s the audio from the press conference, care of Huskers.com.
Some interesting notes…During T.O.’s introduction he called Pelini a great motivator and said “it doesn’t matter what you have in your head if you can’t translate it to the field.”
Pelini called Nebraska “a special place” and said of all the places he’s been as a coach, no place can match Nebraska for what the program means to the state.
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I thought Bo did an excellent job in all areas. He covered all the weaknesses of the previous staff and gave credit where credit was due.
[Bo Pelini Radio Interview update]
Bo Pelini says….Lets bring the tradition back….let’s get back to where Nebraska Football has been, my door is open to everyone…..we are all in this together.
I cannot be happier right now!!!
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Me too!!!! GO BIG RED
December 2nd, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Bo is smart to use NU’s tradition, something BC did not do. I know that all of the previous All-American pictures are back up. That is something BC had removed. I was also happy to hear that Bo is still going to call the defense.
December 2nd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
I’ve admitted that Pelini wasn’t my first choice, but the guy made several comments today that leads me to believe that he’ll do just fine and my Huskers will be back.
Roughly paraphrased:
1. I’m a first year head coach and admit that I don’t know everything, but having a legendary coach in the building that I can discuss and bounce ideas off is something that many coaches don’t the privilege of doing.
2. He didn’t commit to a specific offense and instead actually complimented the offensive power we have right now saying we’ll probably make some tweaks but we won’t change things dramatically.
3. He talked about his experience and brought up Frank Solich saying that many people forgot what he did for the program. (I thought Solich earned a couple more years after shaking up his staff, but I’m not Solich backer). He did a great job reaching out to all the fans who have felt disconnected.
Early prediction for 2008: 9-3 with Big 12 North Game and Bowl Game TBD.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:08 pm
I too agree with 9-3 maybe 10-2, but then again, I said that last year also
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:50 pm
8-4.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:54 pm
After hearing Bo’s speech I feel very confident that he is the guy to get us back on track. I love how he wants to get the walk-on program back and how he is very pleased to be working under TO. He relates well with the fans and he has a passion for the game that is 10 times more fiery than Callahans. The biggest reason I think Bo is the right choice is because our players will play for Him. They will be 100% behind Him and will do their best to win as many games as possible.
My wishful thinking prediction for ‘08: 11-1 regular season.
Realistically: 8-4, 9-3, or 10-2.
Hopefully we can beat OU or VA Tech.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I really liked how Bo gave alot of emphasis on how important TO is in this whole deal, and how happy he is to have TO as a mentor. I think this is something BC missed big time and is another reason for huskers to embrace him.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:21 am
The talent is there, if bo keeps watson, which it sounds like he will, then there is no reason our offense wont improve. ( it showed it can definatly score points with watson calling the plays). This leaves bo with the job he is best at, making defenses great. I think we have a real shot at being very good next year. I dont think a 1-2 loss season is that far out of reach.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Men, we have less talent then you think. Potter is bad. Our D line is bad. Thank god that Rudd is gone. We need to play our young studs on D.
December 3rd, 2007 at 2:02 pm
@LE
Thats what most were saying after 2002, Bo took that middle of the road D and let them play. No read, read, read react on defense. they were catalysts, they caused problems, they made o coordinators step back, change course. Bo’s defense liked to punch you in the mouth, and take the gold fillings on the way out. The defense for the last four years has always been on their heels. we will see a passionate group, mark this rant Suh will dominate the interior like we haven’t seen for years. The defense will react alot more next season as opposed to sit back and read under Cosgrove. It is hard to see a diamond, until all the crap is chipped and polished off. we have enough talent to win that is the bottom line.
December 3rd, 2007 at 3:30 pm
@REDTILDEAD
I completely agree, we are still nebraska only with have a layer of sludge covering us. Give bo spring and fall to get the power washer out and hose us back to the shing gem we once were. He WILL ride these players day in and day out and I think we are going too one of the most explosive defenses on the field next year. Talent or not bo will get these guys to play until they drop. Opposing teams wont know what hit them. You can guarentee that we will be highly aggressive and it will be like night and day comparing this year to next year
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:38 pm
@LE
I thought Potter came along really well this year. Maybe not in the beginning, but at the end he was playing pretty good. Let’s not forget who he replaced and that doesn’t come along very often. I was more disappointed with the weak side. Barry Turner’s extra weight did him no justice. I agree on overated Ruud, but who know’s how he would’ve played under a different system. The crap is coming off and we’ll see what’s going to happen.
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:48 pm
We’ll be better. In 03 we also had NFL talent. We don’t have that on our D-line right now. I agree Suh can be a difference maker, but he has to prove it. As we all know, in football, you are only as good as your line. Offense and defense.
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:56 pm
We’ll be better and STRONGER…. The strength & conditioning program is just one of the things that has been missing. And will return!
GBR