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It's Husker Football - Big Happy!

katrina

Well-known member
It's Husker Football - Big Happy!
By ED HOWARD

August 04, 2006

It’s good to feel good about Nebraska football on the day of the first preseason practice.

There is more to feel good about this year than just the usual stuff, the former being reflected in fervent wishes for a team that will kick ass and restore NU’s name to contemporary football greatness.

The Husker Nation should enjoy a particularly warm feeling about a survey of Big 12 players, conducted by the Tulsa World newspaper. It measured the sort of thing captured in that "In the deed the glory" sort of business.

Big 12 players were part of an unscientific poll that asked a bunch of questions about other teams, other coaches, players, etc.

Nebraska was No. 1 in two categories long purported to be among the uppermost in the hearts of Husker fans. The questions and results:

What’s your favorite Big 12 venue besides your home stadium?

No. 1 – Nebraska (13 votes) Quote: “Even though we won on a last-second touchdown, they gave us a standing ovation as we were running out through the tunnel.” – Chris Hudler, Texas Tech nose tackle. Note to Hudler: You would have received the same ovation if TT had lost. You needn’t have bothered with the last-second drama.

Who is the classiest team you play in the Big 12?

No. 1 – Nebraska (9 votes) Quote: “The nicest by far.” – Shawn Bell, Baylor quarterback.

On the other side of the coin, TT’s Hudler might be disappointed in the response to another question put to his colleagues.

Most obnoxious fans in the Big 12?

No. 1 – Texas Tech (7 votes) Quote: “They don’t even like Texas Tech! They’re just pissed off in general.” – Justin Warren, Texas A&M linebacker.

With that bit of happy news to begin the season’s coverage, we will now return to our regularly scheduled programming, already in progress:

Football practice begins at Nebraska and whaddya’ got?

Hopes and dreams and optimism. Determination. Confidence among teammates and coaches – and the thing that lurks in every big-time program – the Big If.

Anyone who follows college football knows about the Big If. It debuts every year at NU’s first major coach-team news conference on the first day of Fall practice.

Questions from reporters elicit enthusiastic responses from players and coaches on why the team can be better this year, why individual players can be better, why the game plans can work better.

Then, the ever-present Big If.

It can be a great year for the Huskers If the guys play up to their potential, stay focused, stay healthy, play as a team, play well on offense and defense and, perhaps most importantly, show up to play football and play for 60 minutes.

It’s understandable, and entirely legitimate, for players and coaches to roll out the hackneyed stuff. They want to show there is plenty of esprit de corps in the ranks, but they don’t want to start the season by giving other teams “bulletin board material” by sounding arrogant, overconfident or like a bunch of just plain jerks.

(It is annoying, however, when sportscasters rely on perennial clichés. They should, in fact, avoid clichés like the plague! One note for the microphone crowd: If someone sets a record, it is redundant to call it a new record. A record-setting performance is understood to be new because it cannot be anything else. And, by the way, Jim Rose does a great job broadcasting Husker football.)

Nebraska is the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 North Division this year. Pretty good for a team that went 8-4 last year, including an Alamo Bowl victory over Michigan. The Huskers finished the season with a string of wins and managed a 4-4 conference record.


________
Now, about Thursday’s media day news conference.

Strongside linebacker Steward Bradley drew attention and lots of cameras with his shoulder-length hair, the latter apparently reflecting a team more comfortable this year with … just about everything.

”We haven’t had a team this close since I’ve been here,” according to the fifth-year senior from Salt Lake City.

And quarterback Zac Taylor might be especially gladdened by the view held by running back Cody Glenn, and what Glenn sees as a key element of any running back’s job.

“Probably the No. 1 thing is somebody who’s going to protect No. 13,” Glenn said. “They preach that every day. If you’re not going to protect, you’re not going to play.”

Taylor wears No. 13. Taylor got knocked around last year. A lot.

________
Coach Bill Callahan’s opening statement at the news conference, along with responses to some questions.
We are excited to get back and get on the field. It was great to see our players yesterday. I wanted to bring you up-to-date as to what the team does when they report for orientation and what transpired yesterday. We gave our players extensive exposure in what to expect throughout the year. We enlightened our players about things both on and off the field.

The first thing we did was introduce everyone in our program. That includes our entire support staff, from the football secretaries to the trainers to the doctors, to the equipment managers and video staff.

Next, we had several presentations, the first from the top female police officer from the Lincoln Police Department. She talked about the responsibilities our players had to the community. We also had a member of the media come in and address our players about the media, because many of our new players have never seen something like this (press conference). We did that to educate our players on what to expect and so they have the background of knowing who the media is and where they are from.

We also had a presentation on sexual responsibility from a member of the Douglas County Health Department that was very enlightening so that our players understand that aspect of society.

Our nutritionist, James Harris, talked to our team at length about supplements, steroids, hydration, heat stroke and things of that nature that affect the athlete in this day and age. We had a presentation from our compliance office, led by Josh White, to educate our players on the rules. It’s a constant reminder to them about the key rules and what’s important to them and the rules that they have to abide by.

Tim Cassidy, our associate athletic director for football, educated our players on our player manual. We have an expansive player manual that we give to our players. We also sent one home so that they understand how we function. We review certain segments of it on a daily basis, things like hazing, tickets or things they would have to encounter on a daily basis or a seasonal basis.

It’s an important day, with a lot of information for our players. They have to take their mugshot, sign NCAA compliance forms, get fitted for their equipment and eat. It’s a long and tightly packed day for our players. They didn’t leave until 9:45 last night."

On awarding three walk-ons with a scholarship "We gave three former walk-ons scholarships. They are all three from the state of Nebraska and are deserving, core special teams players who had a big role on our special teams last year and we hope they do again. The first is Brandon Rigoni, from Lincoln Southeast. He’s the heart and soul of our special teams and is a great kid. He has a great attitude, it’s infectious, and he’s great to be around. Our players went crazy when we announced that last night.

The second is Andy Kadavy, from Seward. He’s a important player, a selfless player. He’s hard-nosed, tough, and a good guy to build our special teams around. He has sacrificed a lot at Nebraska. I hope you get a chance to talk to him, because he has a great story in perseverance, in what he’s had to do to be a player here at Nebraska.

The third is Ben Eisenhart, from Culbertson. He plays on every special teams unit. He’s upbeat, positive and a very hard worker. He came up to the offices every day during the summer to watch film on other teams’ special teams units. His diligence to preparation is exemplary.

We have now placed 16 former walk-ons on scholarship since I came to Nebraska. Of those, 12 are from the state of Nebraska and nine are from Class B schools or smaller. That gives credence to the fact that a player can come here, walk-on, and be rewarded for his efforts. This should provide motivation for our walk-ons."

On Brandon Johnson

"Johnson is finishing summer school right now at Compton Junior College in California. He will arrive later in camp. How much later, we don’t know."

On Ricky Thenarse

"We are anticipating that he’ll be in camp, provided that the NCAA Clearinghouse will release him. We’re hopeful he makes it (to camp)."

On Maurice Purify

"Purify is finalizing his paperwork today. From what I understand, he’s cleared and ready to go; it’s just that his paperwork needs to be rubber-stamped before he’s cleared to go."

On the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex

"It’s a phenomenal building, in every respect. There are a lot of blue-collar guys that busted their tails to get us in there early. We can’t thank them enough. They did a fabulous job and took a lot of pride in their work over there. We’re deeply appreciative of their efforts.

The complex represents a gateway to the next generation of Huskers. It’s remarkable and creates an entirely new perception and mindset for our players. It emphasizes that excellence is required every day you walk into that building. It has a championship aura about itself. It creates the mindset that we are here to win championships. That vision should be credited to Steve Pederson and his staff.

The logistics in how it’s laid out and the technology in the football offices is representative of the commitment of Nebraska Football and the state of Nebraska. It creates a championship mindset and energizes you every day that you’re in there. It has energized our staff and players. You couldn’t find a better facility in the country. If you find one, let me know, because I can’t imagine any facility than the one we have currently built.

The administration is in the final stages of moving. Our equipment staff had to make a big move to their new offices in the last couple of days, the training room is being moved right now. We’re in the final stages of our move. It’s a great place, extraordinary in every way, and symbolizes a championship opportunity for all of us."

On the progress of the program since Callahan arrived at Nebraska

"We’re in a natural progression. We’ve done a good job that the process is beginning to improve. We’re seeing improvement on a daily basis. That’s how you get better as a football team. The improvement is incremental, whether it’s offense, defense or special teams. The improvement is all coming together, and the main goal is to be the best you can be, and to maximize your performance every practice and game opportunity."

On the difference in practice since Callahan arrived

"The comparison (between practices in Callahan’s first year to practices now) is not fair in a sense because when you’re installing a new system of football, it catches everyone off-guard and there’s a period of adaptation. Now, things are much quicker and faster in terms of adapting and understanding how to practice, prepare, watch tape, get ready in the offseason and to study. Those things grow on a daily basis from our football team."

On comparing talent from Callahan’s arrival to the present

"I don’t think that’s fair. We’ve tried to improve our talent, not just our starters, but I’m huge on building the bottom of the roster and making sure that we have players down there who have a role and understand their role. The most important players at practice are the scout-team players because of the look they have to provide to the starters. If they don’t provide a good look, it hinders our opportunity to be effective on Saturday. Every role and everyone is important. We’re always trying to improve our roster and talent base."

On potential areas of improvement

"We want to continue to improve and maintain what we’ve done well, and continue to improve other areas. We’ll always take the approach that we’ll do what it takes to win football games. Part of that is to improve every aspect of our team. To single out one facet of our squad would not be fair. When we get to the games, it’s not about trying to find a way to improve, it’s about trying to find ways to win. It could be by running, by throwing, by blitzing more, by playing more zone. We do have some areas we want to work on. We are putting more emphasis on our special teams, because we see what it can do in terms of the hidden yards involved and the big play opportunities."

On the Oklahoma situation

"That was brought out by our compliance presentation yesterday. Our compliance staff does as good a job as anyone in educating our players. It’s a process where you educate your players and make them understand what goes on.

"Character counts. In the quest to win a championship, the focus and maturity of your football team has a lot to do with that. We don’t want off-field distractions or baggage. We don’t want guys on our football team that are going to take away from what we want accomplished. We emphasize to our players that they should be on time, go to class and appointments and be efficient on the field. We try to get our players to understand that, to get great chemistry as a football team, everyone has to sacrifice."

On Matt Herian

"Herian has been cleared and will be ready to go. We’ll have to wait and see. It’s a day-to-day process with Matt. We’re very hopeful and excited for his opportunity. I hope he has the greatest year of any tight end in the country. He has put so much hard work into his rehab that you root for guys like Matt. He’s a small-town guy from Pierce that just got married and is a mature, young man who wants to play for Nebraska and has a desire to do well. He has had setbacks in his rehabilitation that he has overcome. You could see that there were times where he was frustrated, but he’s persevered and done an extraordinary job of maintaining a positive attitude and focus and a determination to get back on the field. I hope the best for Matt, and that he doesn’t have any setbacks."

For Husker coverage that never ends, go to HuskerPedia.com
 

jigs

Well-known member
nice article.... except for the LIE about Jim Rose.... what an a$$. that guy is the definition of homer-jackass.
 

jigs

Well-known member
thought I would share a pic we can both enjoy.....I am sure you have heard of OU qb Bomar getting a littl under the table money......


bomar.jpg
 

katrina

Well-known member
Hey Jigs, Go Huskers!!!

If you're a husker and ya know it clap your hands.
If you're a husker and ya know it clap your hands.
If you're a husker and ya know it and ya really want to show it, if you're a husker and ya know it clap you're hands!!!
 

Big Muddy rancher

Well-known member
katrina said:
Hey Jigs, Go Huskers!!!

If you're a husker and ya know it clap your hands.
If you're a husker and ya know it clap your hands.
If you're a husker and ya know it and ya really want to show it, if you're a husker and ya know it clap you're hands!!!



Is that the sound of one hand clapping I hear coming from Kansas? :p
 

jigs

Well-known member
clap my hands..........my arse! I will clap them right around your little neck and give you a big old kiss after we win this fall!
 

cowsense

Well-known member
Hmmmm...........clapping, arses, necks and kissing...........lotza room for some interesting combinations for THE LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!! :roll: :roll:




Remember............................pictures...........lotza pictures!!!!! :twisted: :nod: :nod: :nod: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :cry2:
 

jigs

Well-known member
cowsense said:
Hmmmm...........clapping, arses, necks and kissing...........lotza room for some interesting combinations for THE LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!! :roll: :roll:




Remember............................pictures...........lotza pictures!!!!! :twisted: :nod: :nod: :nod: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :cry2:

the losers will turn left for Lincoln again this year!

and yes Kat.....I will be kissin you! I may even put on some PURPLE lip stick, just for you!
 

Mrs.Greg

Well-known member
LOL,and you guys were laughing at us Canadians about Hockey,me thinks your addictions WAY worse then ours :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 

katrina

Well-known member
So jigs my little buddy. What do I get if Nebraska wins??? Maybe I get a picture of you in a Husker T-shirt... I'll even provide the tshirt..
 

jigs

Well-known member
ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh the pressure!!!!!!!

why is it you Husker always wanna play dress up with us Cat fans??? did you not have any dollies growing up??

ok, we can swap t-shirts for the loser to wear.....he is the KSU shirt you will wear when NU loses.....

WildcatPride.jpg
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Now when is this game and where :???: I'm not that big a college football fan- but this little sidebet could make things interesting :wink:
 

jigs

Well-known member
I used to have a picture of a gal who took the powercat, cut it out, and taped it to her belly, then went sun tanning.......it turned out pretty cool. but no where near as eyepopping as thoe decals!


with Beck leaving NU, what chance do you give the CoonHuskers at going bowling this year???
 
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