[Husker] Four Husker Horses

[Steve Stone]

Some recent posts have touched on the subject of which of the Four 
Horses will put in an appearance next and how Callahan might decide 
the question. I have no more insight on the matter than other posters 
but thought I'd give my own view:

Callahan and Norvell don't actually decide which backs are going to 
see action by a rotation scheme or by running schemes against the 
scout teams. In effect, the strengths/weaknesses of the defensive 
front seven on the opposing team make that decision. On the field, 
plans and plays and schemes always come down to individual players.

A single negative mismatch at, say, left tackle can have the effect 
of neutralizing the running or passing game. While such a mismatch is 
seldom as visible as when a wide receiver beats a cornerback on a 
passing route, it is every bit as malignant. (A similar situation 
occurs on defense - - for instance, when Husker opponents double-team 
Carriker, some other Husker defender goes unblocked, throwing the 
entire opposing offense out of its preferred alignment.)

Yesterday after watching the Coach Callahan show, I also watched the 
Ron Prince half-hour show on Saturday's KSU-Baylor game. Basically it 
was a highlite show but gave me a look at 'Cat football. Not that I 
came away full of fresh knowledge, but it was interesting.

HuskerListers can believe that unlike my brief TV exposure to KSU 
football, Husker coaching staff members have been following Kansas 
State in excruciating detail for six weeks (or longer) while 
preparing a preliminary prescription for what they hope will be a 
cure followed by an autopsy. Further, since arriving in Lincoln late 
Saturday night, Callahan and crew have been analyzing the Purple 
Players with an eye to vivisection, and the strengths/weaknesses they 
perceive will lead them to use backs A, B, C, and D in a sequence 
they perceive as effective.

So far Callahan and crew have got it pretty much right.

Steve Stone