It is Gameday and hard for this NU fan to sleep, so I thought to share some of my general observations and opinion about the team as we kick it off in few short hours from now. I apologize in advance for the long post.
1- Congratulation to all the players who have earned the coveted "Blackshirt". Now they must uphold this honor by playing like the way a Blackshirt defense is supposed to. Also congratulation to all the Captains for earning that honor. Special shut out to Utter for working his butt off to go from a Walk on to a Captain. I am very proud of him.
2- Speaking of the Blackshirts, it is great to have a coach and a former Blackshirt like big John here who exemplifies what that tradition is all about. Our DL players and this defense are very fortunate to have him here.
3- It is great to see Whitaker back on the filed practicing. I think he could play in this game IF needed, but I don't think there would be a need. We will need him at 100% against the Ducks though.
4- Yesterday's Walk thru practice has been the 3rd or 4th practice in a row that Tommy has looked very good to me. His decision making has been solid, his accuracy has been very good, and the best news is that I have not seen him throw too many INTs. It seems to me he is checking it down more often and I have noticed him tucking the ball and running more when the protection is not there. By no means flawless in the passing game, but he has improved. This is not meant to hype Tommy and I am fully aware of his flaws, but I am optimistic and hopeful that he will have a much better season and it all should start with this game.
5- IMHO, DPE is ready and itching to play this game. Wouldn't surprise me IF he takes a PR to the house this Saturday while adding a TD catch.
6- Our defensive back 7 is much better than last year and that is the best news for this defense that is trying to find ways to pressure the QB by front 4. The loss of Reed and Gerry in this game is troublesome and their loss is going to be felt, but I think we will be fine with what we have in this game. I have been very encouraged by Anderson's progress and think he will do a good job this Saturday. Jackson should see a ton of action this Saturday and I can't wait to watch him play.
7- A. Williams is such a smart safety that he reminds me a little of a young Mike Brown when he was entering his Sophomore season. Without Gerry and Reed, he needs to be great in this game and manage the secondary tomorrow. I have a feeling he will do this and might even cause a turnover or 2.
8- The execution of our blitz packages needs to get better as I believe we might rely on this a bit more this year and specially early in this season.
9- Drew Brown continues to amaze me with his improved leg strength and accuracy. He is going to have a great season and this team needs that. I also think he would be an excellent choice and hope to be our first player who represents Sam Foltz as the "5th Captain".
10- Our OL must step it up in pass pro and clean up some of the pre- snap penalties. I really like the size and physicality of this OL and think our run blocking has improved. This should help us to become a better running team and to be able to dominate teams like Fresno on the ground without much of a problem. Fresno is not great against the run and gaining 200 plus yards on the grounds should be well in reach in this game.
11- Big Mick being healthy and playing at the level he is now, give this old coach a great deal of hope for our DL's improved play. It will be hard for most OGs or Centers to block him one and one and that is a great news for our other DT and all of our DEs.
12- M. Newby is playing at a very high level now. I am so proud of him for never giving up and improving his game to the level now that I always felt he was capable of ever since we recruited him. IF you want to use a cover 3 more often, Newby is the perfect OLB for that who is fast enough cover the flat and curl routes and also strong enough to be effective against the run. He is not too bad coming off the edge either.
13- Luke Gifford has been putting together some great practices in the row. He will play this week and I thing we will see a much stronger and improved player in Luke. I really like the way he plays and love his future here.
14- I didn't have T. Newby on my list of the most important players who I thought we could not afford to lose, but as I said in that thread, he is running much more decisively now and is a much more powerful runner than last year. He has practiced well. Will it translate to better performances during the games? I certainly hope so as I want nothing but to see him to have a great Sr year here.
15- I have been worried about Westy not being fully healthy, but I think he is feeling much better with that groin as he was running beautiful routes at full speed the last few days.
16- I don't think Reed will be ready by next game, but I hope I am wrong because we need him back playing at 100%.
17- Lamar Jackson is the real deal and every bit as good as advertised. He is going to have a special career here. I still like him more as a safety though.
18- Tre is the real deal too and much better player than his 3 star ranking. Love his toughness and vision. As coach Langs said, we don't want to overload him mentally, but this young man is a fantastic RB.
19- JoJo is just a football player and is always near the ball. Kid is going to be a special player here for the next 4 years.
20- C. Carter has never looked or played better than he is now. It is great to see this monster of a TE will be a big part of our offensive game plan for this game and beyond. I also think Sam Cotton is going to have a good game.
21- Folks often don't appreciate the importance of having good QB-Center exchange as it is one of the most basic and fundamental part of the game. Watching some of the games last night I was amazed how poorly this was being executed by some teams. Our team has been awful in this area the last couple of years which effected several plays, but Utter is doing a much better job in this area. I have been critical of his play last year at LOG and believe he is much more effective as a Center. However, I am also concerned by the way our DTs pushed him back at times and clogged the middle. His battle with Fresno's young but very big NT is something that intrigues me and I will be watching that very closely. IF we have to double team their NT a lot, this should present some opportunities for their often blitzing LBs. But those blitz opportunities for them could also provide our RBs many opportunities to bust a few big runs going right at them.
22- It is fun watching Hahn pull. He is actually a pretty nimble guy for being as big as he is. I hope he has a huge game and dominates Saturday!
23- Some question Mike Weber getting the blackshirt and I can understand their point of view. However, I have no doubt that he is a fantastic player and the most important back up on that defense (I know there were not too many "OR" on that released depth chart, but when 2 players at the same position get blackshirts, then I think that comes very close to a "OR"). He is one back up/starter that his play is not that far off from the starter, Bando. And as we all saw last year, our MIKE play might have even been better when he was in. This is a very long and physical season that awaits us and I am glad we have 2 outstanding players at MIKE who are equally great QBs of our defense. We need them both even more now that Ferg has decided to RS (IMO a good decision on his part).
24- I am very excited to watch McNitt in this game. He is going to get a good test in his first start with the way they blitz and with the way we want to establish the run game. He has come a long ways since the Spring.
25- I though I might say it one more time that "Stan the man" Morgan is a "Future Husker star"! And "that is all I have to say about that"!.
As for this team entering this season, I believe some of the tragic and tough events that happened this off season have strengthen this team and have brought them even closer together. This team has a very good and much better "chemistry" going into this season than last, and that should prove to be one of the bigger factors for my optimism about this team. this improved chemistry is something that someone like DiNardo would have zero knowledge of and does not figure that in his evaluation of this team.
Being a year removed from a major transition now is also another factor which I believe is lost by many national media football "experts" predicting a very gloomy results for this team. I believe the knowledge of players about our offensive, defensive , and STs systems is much ahead of last year which is hard to quantify, but we will see the results of this on the filed soon. Players play faster when they know what they are doing.
Our coaches have also a much better understanding of this team/players. I am sure when someone like DiNardo makes a 6-6 prediction and uses the "lack of offensive identity" as his main reason, fails to realize that what an experienced HC like Riley is doing is adjusting his "desired and preferred offensive identity" because he now knows what the strength and weakness of his personnel are much better than last year. This better knowledge about players and making adjustments accordingly by the HC, is one the benefit of having an experienced coach fully learning about his new team and making adjustments to win. That possibility of coach Riley taking advantage of being a year removed from the "transition" seems to be lost on "experts" or at very least is being under valued by them.
I also get it that some of those concerns and issues raised by the media types about this team are accurate, valid, and understandable. Those issued could at least begin to explain their low expectations of this team. I said in my Post Spring observation thread, that the DL and OL were my 2 main concerns with this team and still do feel the same. And I think this is a big factor for some of those "6-6" type predictions we see. Another factor could be that as much as the analysts might talk highly of Tommy's athletic abilities, the fact that we are still using this very talented QB who is not best suited for this (even modified) offense could worry anyone. Having many inexperienced players playing at several key spots is always another major concern for those evaluating this team from a distance.
I get it, However, despite having those issues, as someone who has been around this team some, I am 100% certain that overall, this is a much improved and more athletic team than the last year's team (Some national writers just look at our last year's record and assume much will be the same this year). Our DL and OL are not the deepest or the most experienced groups that we have had here, but they are being well coached, are talented, and are showing improvements with each practice.
I believe our players are much further along in understanding and execution of our systems now than they were entering last season. I know we are young and inexperienced, but am confident that our coaches can develop them to become better players as we go. I also know those young players are very talented hardworking guys who are willing to work and learn.
I also know Tommy is not a perfect fit for this offense and makes boneheaded mistakes at times, but I take a guy who is tough and talented enough that could possibly have 4000 yards of total offense this year. I also believe a good QB coach like Langs could and will help Tommy to cut his INTs this year.
I also know we are a better conditioned team from last year and this should and usually does pay great dividends in October and November.
Finally, it is because of all the great things that this team brings to the table that I can not wait for the start of our season today. While recognizing the weaknesses of this team and not expecting perfection, I am hoping for the kind of start that reinforces why I like this team more than some, and love to see the kind of a team performance that eases some of those pesky concerns that still giving me a pause about this team.
I like this team now and despite some weaknesses, IF we avoid injuries in general and particularly on OL, DL, and QB positions, I believe this very young but talented team will get much better as the season progress and will be in the hunt for the West division title until the end and with some better luck, hopefully wins it by beating Iowa at the end.
But again I could be wrong.
First game day of the season is here and I am hopeful, pumped, and ready for some Husker football!
GBR!
1- Congratulation to all the players who have earned the coveted "Blackshirt". Now they must uphold this honor by playing like the way a Blackshirt defense is supposed to. Also congratulation to all the Captains for earning that honor. Special shut out to Utter for working his butt off to go from a Walk on to a Captain. I am very proud of him.
2- Speaking of the Blackshirts, it is great to have a coach and a former Blackshirt like big John here who exemplifies what that tradition is all about. Our DL players and this defense are very fortunate to have him here.
3- It is great to see Whitaker back on the filed practicing. I think he could play in this game IF needed, but I don't think there would be a need. We will need him at 100% against the Ducks though.
4- Yesterday's Walk thru practice has been the 3rd or 4th practice in a row that Tommy has looked very good to me. His decision making has been solid, his accuracy has been very good, and the best news is that I have not seen him throw too many INTs. It seems to me he is checking it down more often and I have noticed him tucking the ball and running more when the protection is not there. By no means flawless in the passing game, but he has improved. This is not meant to hype Tommy and I am fully aware of his flaws, but I am optimistic and hopeful that he will have a much better season and it all should start with this game.
5- IMHO, DPE is ready and itching to play this game. Wouldn't surprise me IF he takes a PR to the house this Saturday while adding a TD catch.
6- Our defensive back 7 is much better than last year and that is the best news for this defense that is trying to find ways to pressure the QB by front 4. The loss of Reed and Gerry in this game is troublesome and their loss is going to be felt, but I think we will be fine with what we have in this game. I have been very encouraged by Anderson's progress and think he will do a good job this Saturday. Jackson should see a ton of action this Saturday and I can't wait to watch him play.
7- A. Williams is such a smart safety that he reminds me a little of a young Mike Brown when he was entering his Sophomore season. Without Gerry and Reed, he needs to be great in this game and manage the secondary tomorrow. I have a feeling he will do this and might even cause a turnover or 2.
8- The execution of our blitz packages needs to get better as I believe we might rely on this a bit more this year and specially early in this season.
9- Drew Brown continues to amaze me with his improved leg strength and accuracy. He is going to have a great season and this team needs that. I also think he would be an excellent choice and hope to be our first player who represents Sam Foltz as the "5th Captain".
10- Our OL must step it up in pass pro and clean up some of the pre- snap penalties. I really like the size and physicality of this OL and think our run blocking has improved. This should help us to become a better running team and to be able to dominate teams like Fresno on the ground without much of a problem. Fresno is not great against the run and gaining 200 plus yards on the grounds should be well in reach in this game.
11- Big Mick being healthy and playing at the level he is now, give this old coach a great deal of hope for our DL's improved play. It will be hard for most OGs or Centers to block him one and one and that is a great news for our other DT and all of our DEs.
12- M. Newby is playing at a very high level now. I am so proud of him for never giving up and improving his game to the level now that I always felt he was capable of ever since we recruited him. IF you want to use a cover 3 more often, Newby is the perfect OLB for that who is fast enough cover the flat and curl routes and also strong enough to be effective against the run. He is not too bad coming off the edge either.
13- Luke Gifford has been putting together some great practices in the row. He will play this week and I thing we will see a much stronger and improved player in Luke. I really like the way he plays and love his future here.
14- I didn't have T. Newby on my list of the most important players who I thought we could not afford to lose, but as I said in that thread, he is running much more decisively now and is a much more powerful runner than last year. He has practiced well. Will it translate to better performances during the games? I certainly hope so as I want nothing but to see him to have a great Sr year here.
15- I have been worried about Westy not being fully healthy, but I think he is feeling much better with that groin as he was running beautiful routes at full speed the last few days.
16- I don't think Reed will be ready by next game, but I hope I am wrong because we need him back playing at 100%.
17- Lamar Jackson is the real deal and every bit as good as advertised. He is going to have a special career here. I still like him more as a safety though.
18- Tre is the real deal too and much better player than his 3 star ranking. Love his toughness and vision. As coach Langs said, we don't want to overload him mentally, but this young man is a fantastic RB.
19- JoJo is just a football player and is always near the ball. Kid is going to be a special player here for the next 4 years.
20- C. Carter has never looked or played better than he is now. It is great to see this monster of a TE will be a big part of our offensive game plan for this game and beyond. I also think Sam Cotton is going to have a good game.
21- Folks often don't appreciate the importance of having good QB-Center exchange as it is one of the most basic and fundamental part of the game. Watching some of the games last night I was amazed how poorly this was being executed by some teams. Our team has been awful in this area the last couple of years which effected several plays, but Utter is doing a much better job in this area. I have been critical of his play last year at LOG and believe he is much more effective as a Center. However, I am also concerned by the way our DTs pushed him back at times and clogged the middle. His battle with Fresno's young but very big NT is something that intrigues me and I will be watching that very closely. IF we have to double team their NT a lot, this should present some opportunities for their often blitzing LBs. But those blitz opportunities for them could also provide our RBs many opportunities to bust a few big runs going right at them.
22- It is fun watching Hahn pull. He is actually a pretty nimble guy for being as big as he is. I hope he has a huge game and dominates Saturday!
23- Some question Mike Weber getting the blackshirt and I can understand their point of view. However, I have no doubt that he is a fantastic player and the most important back up on that defense (I know there were not too many "OR" on that released depth chart, but when 2 players at the same position get blackshirts, then I think that comes very close to a "OR"). He is one back up/starter that his play is not that far off from the starter, Bando. And as we all saw last year, our MIKE play might have even been better when he was in. This is a very long and physical season that awaits us and I am glad we have 2 outstanding players at MIKE who are equally great QBs of our defense. We need them both even more now that Ferg has decided to RS (IMO a good decision on his part).
24- I am very excited to watch McNitt in this game. He is going to get a good test in his first start with the way they blitz and with the way we want to establish the run game. He has come a long ways since the Spring.
25- I though I might say it one more time that "Stan the man" Morgan is a "Future Husker star"! And "that is all I have to say about that"!.
As for this team entering this season, I believe some of the tragic and tough events that happened this off season have strengthen this team and have brought them even closer together. This team has a very good and much better "chemistry" going into this season than last, and that should prove to be one of the bigger factors for my optimism about this team. this improved chemistry is something that someone like DiNardo would have zero knowledge of and does not figure that in his evaluation of this team.
Being a year removed from a major transition now is also another factor which I believe is lost by many national media football "experts" predicting a very gloomy results for this team. I believe the knowledge of players about our offensive, defensive , and STs systems is much ahead of last year which is hard to quantify, but we will see the results of this on the filed soon. Players play faster when they know what they are doing.
Our coaches have also a much better understanding of this team/players. I am sure when someone like DiNardo makes a 6-6 prediction and uses the "lack of offensive identity" as his main reason, fails to realize that what an experienced HC like Riley is doing is adjusting his "desired and preferred offensive identity" because he now knows what the strength and weakness of his personnel are much better than last year. This better knowledge about players and making adjustments accordingly by the HC, is one the benefit of having an experienced coach fully learning about his new team and making adjustments to win. That possibility of coach Riley taking advantage of being a year removed from the "transition" seems to be lost on "experts" or at very least is being under valued by them.
I also get it that some of those concerns and issues raised by the media types about this team are accurate, valid, and understandable. Those issued could at least begin to explain their low expectations of this team. I said in my Post Spring observation thread, that the DL and OL were my 2 main concerns with this team and still do feel the same. And I think this is a big factor for some of those "6-6" type predictions we see. Another factor could be that as much as the analysts might talk highly of Tommy's athletic abilities, the fact that we are still using this very talented QB who is not best suited for this (even modified) offense could worry anyone. Having many inexperienced players playing at several key spots is always another major concern for those evaluating this team from a distance.
I get it, However, despite having those issues, as someone who has been around this team some, I am 100% certain that overall, this is a much improved and more athletic team than the last year's team (Some national writers just look at our last year's record and assume much will be the same this year). Our DL and OL are not the deepest or the most experienced groups that we have had here, but they are being well coached, are talented, and are showing improvements with each practice.
I believe our players are much further along in understanding and execution of our systems now than they were entering last season. I know we are young and inexperienced, but am confident that our coaches can develop them to become better players as we go. I also know those young players are very talented hardworking guys who are willing to work and learn.
I also know Tommy is not a perfect fit for this offense and makes boneheaded mistakes at times, but I take a guy who is tough and talented enough that could possibly have 4000 yards of total offense this year. I also believe a good QB coach like Langs could and will help Tommy to cut his INTs this year.
I also know we are a better conditioned team from last year and this should and usually does pay great dividends in October and November.
Finally, it is because of all the great things that this team brings to the table that I can not wait for the start of our season today. While recognizing the weaknesses of this team and not expecting perfection, I am hoping for the kind of start that reinforces why I like this team more than some, and love to see the kind of a team performance that eases some of those pesky concerns that still giving me a pause about this team.
I like this team now and despite some weaknesses, IF we avoid injuries in general and particularly on OL, DL, and QB positions, I believe this very young but talented team will get much better as the season progress and will be in the hunt for the West division title until the end and with some better luck, hopefully wins it by beating Iowa at the end.
But again I could be wrong.
First game day of the season is here and I am hopeful, pumped, and ready for some Husker football!
GBR!
