[Husker] Some 2004 numbers

[Dick Karre]

Fire at will? Nah, we'll fire at Steve.

The numbers you cite serve to highlight the truism that turnovers can (and 
usually do) make the difference in a game's outcome. I think you are correct 
that these numbers may give cause for hope this year. A QB better suited to 
the offense and better receivers (Herian's absense could hurt that some) 
should reduce the turnovers and just generally improve the offensive 
production. An improved O-line would obviously help, too, but that remains 
to be seen. Another reason for hope is that the special teams - especially 
place kicking and punt returns - will be better (they couldn't get much 
worse). Finally, the influx of talent on the D-line has to help the pass 
rush. The big question marks (aside from the coaches) are the lack of 
experience at LB and DB - plenty of talent there (Jackson's move to safety 
helps a lot, I think), but how quickly can it all gel into an effective 
unit?

I expect to see improvement this year - seven or eight wins, nine if the 
Huskers get lucky. I'm starting to get excited to see what all these kids 
can do.

Dick Karre
dkarre at comcast.net