Wall Street Husker
Kansas 2007

I decided not to write anything last week because another heartbreaking loss to Texas was too much to take. One universal truth transcends even this season. The University of Texas always has our number. And I hate it.

It’s painful watching this continue. I love Nebraska. I want them to be successful. I want them to win. But it is time to make some serious changes. Now. Not at the end of the season. Now. Let’s post our spot on Monster.com now and beat Texas A&M to the punch.

Credit the offensive team for coming out and playing with a passion we have not seen in some time. Maybe Ganz was the right decision from the beginning. He had a good game, some bad decisions, but decisions that the Nevada game would have cleared up. Most college programs would have gone with the third year junior over the senior transfer – regardless of resume. Such a tough position to be in for Callahan. Put in the crowd favorite who communicates like he belongs on the five o’clock news, or the guy who has battled with his teammates for two years, rep after rep. It’s a catch 22. If Ganz doesn’t produce, you yell because Keller should be in, and visa versa. Taking a look around the league, we find quarterbacks all over that fit the same mold as Ganz. Reesing, Hawkins, even Daniels, were all questioned when they first starting running their deals. They are all producing beyond expectations. But nonetheless, you reap what you sow. It comes down to Callahan deciding to bring in transfers and build his program around that.

What is there to write about this defense? We really have become the official highlight film of opposing teams for future recruiting visits. “Look, that is Nebraska - look what we did to them.” Give them a mark for Texas during the first three quarters. But what was that? Why would we not execute something similar to that game plan against Kansas? And if not, why would there be no changes (again) at halftime. Kansas’s offense is not that good.

I am disgusted. I prefer to focus on the future of the program for the rest of the season. It is the only thing that is keeping me interested at this point.

There are a few things that are obvious about the changes that are coming up:

1. Bill Callahan will be fired at seasons end. There is no salvage to his tenure, no place for him in Nebraska history. 10 years from now, we will all look back and laugh at the complete debacle that he and his coaching staff have become. I take my hat off to the players. They have all been wooed by his smooth talking, “You can play in the Pros” demeanor. Yet, they still continue to play week in and week out.

2. Bo Pelini should be Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. It’s clear that if this program is to get back to mediocrity (or Top 25), it will need defensive leadership over the next 5 years. I think that Turner Gill also would do a good job. But we all know that defense wins championships and he was the right person for the job after Frank was let go. Not BC. Dream scenario: Bo at the helm & defensive coordinator – apologize to Turner, give him a raise and the offensive coordinator position.

3. I’m going to go out on a limb here. Kevin Cosgrove should be fired. Not at the end of the season. Now. What do they have to lose? Can it get any worse? The answer is no. 76 points scored, the most in the history of the program, demonstrates that it can not get any worse. So make the change now Bill Callahan. I find it ironic that our defensive players decided to shed their blackshirts because of horrible play, yet our defensive coordinator thinks that he has the right to wear a black shirt on the sideline. Talk about a ‘disconnect’ between the coach and the players.

4. If no Turner Gill on staff, then Sean Watson would be a good look at offensive coordinator next year. Since he came down from the booth, I have seen nothing but marked improvement in the way our offense plays the game. Put him on the sideline next year elbow to elbow with Bo as leadership of the new program.

5. Joe Ganz will be the starter next year at quarterback. He has shown that he deserves to be given the reigns. Aside from some starting game mistakes, he showed great heart and enthusiasm. His ability to be mobile was what we needed all year. Credit him for not complaining about playing time. Complain that this coaching staff could not see the writing on the wall with Keller. Dirk Koetter saw it 3 years ago – even he was fired. Keller was immobile and his low release point led to more fumbles then needed.

6. Jon Blake’s loss last year was more detrimental than anticipated. Wyatt has struggled. His defensive line is the worst in the country. The talent on the line is not 119th. Techniques on getting off blocks, various stunts, explosion off the line, etc, are all things taught to new talent. Its not just Cosgrove, it is the entire defensive staff. These decisions are all on BC.

7. Marlon Lucky is MVP of the year for the Huskers. He has played very well considering the controversy surrounding the team. Even when BC moved to playing the freshman, he did not complain, just kept getting better. Credit goes out to Purify as well. Ganz clearly knows he is the go to guy, where Keller never seemed to find him. The difference is Ganz’s ability to extend plays, giving Purify the extra few seconds needed to develop space between him and the defender. His one handed catch was awesome.

Up next is Kansas State who did us all a favor by losing to Iowa State last week, making us tied for dead last in the Big 12 North. Thanks KSU. It will be interesting to see how this week transpires from the leadership of the Cornhuskers. Does TO go against his word and make changes now? Does BC step up and have Cos resign? Does Cos step up and resign himself? The suspense is killing me.

I think we have a shot against KSU in Lincoln. With Ganz at the helm, I have confidence in our ability to move the ball. Watch for early in the game to see what Cos decides to do. If we sit back in that soft zone that Cos constantly thinks is going to be effective, we will lose. If we get after Freeman and make him force throws, we have a shot. It’s been so long, I’m not really sure what a win feels like, but it would be nice…

From the Big Apple – to the Big Red Country…

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