defense is the key this year

[SnohomishRed]

While I know offense is the thing most all talk about and post about. In my mind as long as the offense is serviceable I don't care.

I am excited about the defense. The move by Riley to fire his buddy Banker and then to spend whatever was needed to hire the best D.C. Available could be a turning point for this program. No coach over the last twenty years has had the cahones to do this at NU and it gives me hope. Especially since our schemes will be updated and modernized.

We may not have all the exact player skill sets needed this year but I expect improvement and when I say improvement I expect our defense to keep us in every game. I expect no 63 point disasters or running backs going for 400 yards in three quarters. I expect to see some grit from these guys and not roll over the first time something bad happens and I expect this defense to be better at the end of the year from the first of the year. And last I expect this defense not to get manhandled by Iowa

Is that too much to ask for from a one million dollar assistant coach?

 

[HuskerHusaria]

I hope we get our defensive players excited enough to throw the bones with us...

 

[bigboxes]

While I know offense is the thing most all talk about and post about. In my mind as long as the offense is serviceable I don't care.

I am excited about the defense. The move by Riley to fire his buddy Banker and then to spend whatever was needed to hire the best D.C. Available could be a turning point for this program. No coach over the last twenty years has had the cahones to do this at NU and it gives me hope. Especially since our schemes will be updated and modernized.

We may not have all the exact player skill sets needed this year but I expect improvement and when I say improvement I expect our defense to keep us in every game. I expect no 63 point disasters or running backs going for 400 yards in three quarters. I expect to see some grit from these guys and not roll over the first time something bad happens and I expect this defense to be better at the end of the year from the first of the year. And last I expect this defense not to get manhandled by Iowa

Is that too much to ask for from a one million dollar assistant coach?

To be fair, it wasn't a blowout until Tommy was knocked unconscious. We didn't have a good enough backup that could handle the Buckeyes. Yes, it's an excuse, but without an offense that kept their offense off the field, our boys on defense flat out got gassed. But you are correct, a better defense will help take pressure off the offense. It works both ways.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

To be fair, it wasn't a blowout until Tommy was knocked unconscious. We didn't have a good enough backup that could handle the Buckeyes. Yes, it's an excuse, but without an offense that kept their offense off the field, our boys on defense flat out got gassed. But you are correct, a better defense will help take pressure off the offense. It works both ways.

If we are talking about last year's OSU game, then yes, SnomishRed is correct. The game was over. It was over quickly. I love Tommy for his effort and to try and lift his team up at all costs. Tommy was a legend and bled for us. Ohio St was simply greater than us. This was a total blowout. We saw how we stood against the elite when it is "no holds barred".

 

[bigboxes]

If we are talking about last year's OSU game, then yes, SnomishRed is correct. The game was over. It was over quickly. I love Tommy for his effort and to try and lift his team up at all costs. Tommy was a legend and bled for us. Ohio St was simply greater than us. This was a total blowout. We saw how we stood against the elite when it is "no holds barred".

I'm not saying that we would have won the game, but Tommy was hauled off halfway through the 2nd quarter I believe. We may not have scored much, but with him we were able to move the chains and keep OSU off the field. With no sustained drives on offense, our D just got wore out. What was once a closer game became a blowout, IMO.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

I'm not saying that we would have won the game, but Tommy was hauled off halfway through the 2nd quarter I believe. We may not have scored much, but with him we were able to move the chains and keep OSU off the field. With no sustained drives on offense, our D just got wore out. What was once a closer game became a blowout, IMO.

I agree with ya. If Tommy was around we would have probably kept it close! Id love to think that OSU wouldn't be able to run it up on us... but, I can see a team throwing in the towel once their leader is hospitalized.

 

[bigboxes]

I agree with ya. If Tommy was around we would have probably kept it close! Id love to think that OSU wouldn't be able to run it up on us... but, I can see a team throwing in the towel once their leader is hospitalized.

I think that OSU would have pulled away and won by like 35-13 that day if Tommy could have played on. But with that O-line and Fyfe it just wasn't going to happen.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

I think that OSU would have pulled away and won by like 35-13 that day if Tommy could have played on. But with that O-line and Fyfe it just wasn't going to happen.

I love me some Commander Ryker, but you are correct. We saw him back up Tommy in a couple games and he was bad. Admirable to take over. He shined so bright against a BAD Maryland team. I hope he'll never forget that performance... reminded me of Joe Ganz, lol.

 

[Cornicator]

I truly believe Nebraska moved to the 3-4 because Mike Riley knew his personnel would be best utilized out of the 3-4.

Freedom, Carlos Davis, Weber, and Dedrick Young will all benefit from the position change.

 

[dockentwo]

To be fair, it wasn't a blowout until Tommy was knocked unconscious. We didn't have a good enough backup that could handle the Buckeyes. Yes, it's an excuse, but without an offense that kept their offense off the field, our boys on defense flat out got gassed. But you are correct, a better defense will help take pressure off the offense. It works both ways.

Thank you; this is often missed. That and it wasn't TA's best start to begin with, but we were battling.

 

[TruHusker]

I truly believe Nebraska moved to the 3-4 because Mike Riley knew his personnel would be best utilized out of the 3-4.

Freedom, Carlos Davis, Weber, and Dedrick Young will all benefit from the position change.

In some interview I thought I remember MR saying he always found the 3-4 hard to plan against and he was the only team running it in the CFL and that gave him an advantage. He always wanted to run it and then Diaco became available, he went for it. I am excited to watch the development of this D under him. I hope the other Day coaches get as enthused so we have some back up when and if he decides to bolt for a different gig.

 

[yort2000]

To be fair, it wasn't a blowout until Tommy was knocked unconscious. We didn't have a good enough backup that could handle the Buckeyes. Yes, it's an excuse, but without an offense that kept their offense off the field, our boys on defense flat out got gassed. But you are correct, a better defense will help take pressure off the offense. It works both ways.

Playing against one of the most talented teams in the country on the road, that game was over after the 3rd play from scrimmage.

 

[SnohomishRed]

In some interview I thought I remember MR saying he always found the 3-4 hard to plan against and he was the only team running it in the CFL and that gave him an advantage. He always wanted to run it and then Diaco became available, he went for it. I am excited to watch the development of this D under him. I hope the other Day coaches get as enthused so we have some back up when and if he decides to bolt for a different gig.

I hope the defense shines under Diaco but even if not an important precedent has been set. It is now know NU will step up and pay big bucks for an assistant. I think this has been something holding us back, we always paid in top twenty but never stepped out of the pack, we now have and I dont think there will be any going back and due to this I expect us to hire some guys we may not have had a chance at before

 

[bigboxes]

Playing against one of the most talented teams in the country on the road, that game was over after the 3rd play from scrimmage.

Yes, that game was never in doubt. My point is that it wouldn't have been a 63 point blowout with a healthy Tommy under center.

 

[TruHusker]

I hope the defense shines under Diaco but even if not an important precedent has been set. It is now know NU will step up and pay big bucks for an assistant. I think this has been something holding us back, we always paid in top twenty but never stepped out of the pack, we now have and I dont think there will be any going back and due to this I expect us to hire some guys we may not have had a chance at before

I see the point you are making on paying assistants. It will make it easier to attract and keep well paid assistants in many cases. I am the odd duck I suppose, I never took a job because of the money, often took one that was a better fit rather than one that would make me rich. That's probably where I screwed up!

 

[Toms Wife]

One think I learned being a college player is that a high quality defense is much more important than offense. It is so much easier to be consistent on defense and that helps win games over the long haul. For example, it is easier to block and pass the ball well game after game than it is to consistently hit well. The old saying is true, "Defense wins championships."

 

[Bremser]

While I know offense is the thing most all talk about and post about. In my mind as long as the offense is serviceable I don't care.

I am excited about the defense. The move by Riley to fire his buddy Banker and then to spend whatever was needed to hire the best D.C. Available could be a turning point for this program. No coach over the last twenty years has had the cahones to do this at NU and it gives me hope. Especially since our schemes will be updated and modernized.

We may not have all the exact player skill sets needed this year but I expect improvement and when I say improvement I expect our defense to keep us in every game. I expect no 63 point disasters or running backs going for 400 yards in three quarters. I expect to see some grit from these guys and not roll over the first time something bad happens and I expect this defense to be better at the end of the year from the first of the year. And last I expect this defense not to get manhandled by Iowa

Is that too much to ask for from a one million dollar assistant coach?

Defense is the key every year...

 

[SnohomishRed]

I see the point you are making on paying assistants. It will make it easier to attract and keep well paid assistants in many cases. I am the odd duck I suppose, I never took a job because of the money, often took one that was a better fit rather than one that would make me rich. That's probably where I screwed up!

With all the money flying around - the next major arms race is going to assistants salaries - There was a thread about Minn building a 166 million athletic complex - once thats built what will they do with their money - Luckily NU upgraded facilities before the others and now we are a full share Big10 we have the cash floating around lets spend it on coaches I say. One major advantage we still have is the fan base and ability to generate money and profit. Osborne was stuck in the past where coaches made nothing or very little. It would not surprise me for an assistant to break 2 million a year very soon and it would not hurt my feelings if it was us. Want to recruit well ? pay a top recruiter a million bucks a year when they are currently making $500K and see what they say

 

[timnsun]

One think I learned being a college player is that a high quality defense is much more important than offense. It is so much easier to be consistent on defense and that helps win games over the long haul. For example, it is easier to block and pass the ball well game after game than it is to consistently hit well. The old saying is true, "Defense wins championships."

you mean your husband, right? One thing your husband learned being a college player?

 

[Pennsyhusker]

you mean your husband, right? One thing your husband learned being a college player?

Oops! Lol. Caught!

 

[HBK4life]

you mean your husband, right? One thing your husband learned being a college player?

 

[Pennsyhusker]

you mean your husband, right? One thing your husband learned being a college player?

Great catch Timsun.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

One think I learned being a college player is that a high quality defense is much more important than offense. It is so much easier to be consistent on defense and that helps win games over the long haul. For example, it is easier to block and pass the ball well game after game than it is to consistently hit well. The old saying is true, "Defense wins championships."

I didn't know you played CFB....

 

[timnsun]

I didn't know you played CFB....

Just trying to put the puzzle together... I'm thinking Tom's wife's name is Katie. Katie Hnida. She was a kicker at Colorado.

Either that, or Tom forgot which role he was playing today.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

Just trying to put the puzzle together... I'm thinking Tom's wife's name is Katie. Katie Hnida. She was a kicker at Colorado.

Either that, or Tom forgot which role he was playing today.

I laughed way too hard at that

 

[TruHusker]

Is this like a coming out party?

 

[8675309husker]

Isn't Tom from Tulsa? If so I will figure out who he/she/it is...

 

[Charlie Marlow]

Isn't Tom from Tulsa? If so I will figure out who he/she/it is...

Why? That stuff should be off limits

 

[Charlie Marlow]

Is football the only sport where defense is important?

 

[Charlie Marlow]

What was once a closer game became a blowout, IMO.

Our defense didnt stop them once...the entire game. They didnt wear down

 

[bigboxes]

Our defense didnt stop them once...the entire game. They didnt wear down

With Tommy in the game we were able to keep their offense off the field for longer periods of time. With Fyfe in the game there were three and outs. The longer our defense was out on the field the more tired they got. Then the worse the score got. OSU was the better team last year, no doubt. With Tommy, we were not going to win that Saturday. But with Tommy, we would score a few more times and stay out on the field longer on offense, hence keeping them off the field on offense. Instead. our defense, which would have had trouble with OSU regardless, got wore down a lot quicker, leading to the blowout. THE END.

 

[Charlie Marlow]

Or he could have thrown a few more pick sixes. Our defense didn't stop them even once the ENTIRE game. They would have done far more than 'pull away' for 35 pts. THE REAL END

 

[Toms Wife]

you mean your husband, right? One thing your husband learned being a college player?

No...I meant me. I played college volleyball at Yale. You can always play good defense, move your feet, pass the ball, get the block in the right position, etc. But when it comes to hitting sometimes you just don't have it. It's like a jump shooter in basketball or a quarterback in football. Sometimes you just are not on.

Timnsun, I said, "...high quality defense is much more important than offense. It is so much easier to be consistent on defense and that helps win games over the long haul. For example, it is easier to block and pass the ball well game after game than it is to consistently hit well. The old saying is true, 'Defense wins championships.'"

Why would I talk about consistency on defense and then talk about blocking and passing well? You do understand that in football those are things the offense does, but in volleyball those are things the defense does, right?

P.S. Tom never played a lick of defense on the Yale football team. Why would he know anything about defense?
P.P.S. The Bulldogs have been doing well in recent years by making a little noise in the NCAA tournament. Not bad for an Ivy.

 

[Toms Wife]

No, I really did play college volleyball. You can believe or not.

I think the response probably should be, "Sorry, I was wrong."

 

[huskerfan1414]

No, I really did play college volleyball. You can believe or not.

I think the response probably should be, "Sorry, I was wrong."

You said football, dumbass.
Stop acting like youre a chick, its wierd. Why someone would want to be wierd is beyond me.

 

[bigboxes]

Or he could have thrown a few more pick sixes. Our defense didn't stop them even once the ENTIRE game. They would have done far more than 'pull away' for 35 pts. THE REAL END

Once you get to THE END you don't get another ending. Nice try. We wouldn't have lost by as much with Tommy in the game.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

Is football the only sport where defense is important?

Well, kinda. When NBA players who actually try on defense are called "two-way players"...

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

No, I really did play college volleyball. You can believe or not.

I think the response probably should be, "Sorry, I was wrong."

Jesus tap-dancing Christ...what the hell is the matter with you?!

 

[timnsun]

No...I meant me. I played college volleyball at Yale. You can always play good defense, move your feet, pass the ball, get the block in the right position, etc. But when it comes to hitting sometimes you just don't have it. It's like a jump shooter in basketball or a quarterback in football. Sometimes you just are not on.

Timnsun, I said, "...high quality defense is much more important than offense. It is so much easier to be consistent on defense and that helps win games over the long haul. For example, it is easier to block and pass the ball well game after game than it is to consistently hit well. The old saying is true, 'Defense wins championships.'"

Why would I talk about consistency on defense and then talk about blocking and passing well? You do understand that in football those are things the offense does, but in volleyball those are things the defense does, right?

P.S. Tom never played a lick of defense on the Yale football team. What would he know anything about defense?
P.P.S. The Bulldogs have been doing well in recent years by making a little noise in the NCAA tournament. Not bad for an Ivy.

Blocking is a lot easier than spiking? I didn't know that. Thanks!

 

[Toms Wife]

Blocking is a lot easier than spiking? I didn't know that. Thanks!

First, what is this spiking of which you speak? It's hitting.

Second, yes setting the block is about effort. It takes good footwork and jumping ability is a must but any player will tell you blocking is about hustling to the right spot. It doesn't mean you will always literally block the ball but being in the right position limits the hitter's options. Maybe you are taking the line and forcing a tight cross court. Maybe you are forcing a shot down the line. Maybe you are forcing a roll...etc.

Hitting is much more based upon feel. Like a shooter in basketball or a quarterback in football, some nights you just have it. The defense may be good but you are seeing everything well and your arm swing has that extra zip where you feel you can't miss. Other nights you might have some wide open opportunities and you just can't make the kill happen.

To get back on track, defense is something that you can consistently bring and the best teams do it every night. It's true in volleyball, basketball, and yes...football.

P.S. Timsun, it's OK to be wrong sometimes.