[Husker] Husker Outlook

[Steve Stone]

Duane wrote:

>Well, I can't argue with your logic -- we both see the glass as less than
>full, but more than half full.  We'll see where the season takes us.  I
>agree that the preponderance of swing games being played outside of Lincoln
>is a huge obstacle to getting a better record overall.

I have to agree. But most of the non-Husker football world won't 
notice this or take it into account.

>A couple of very minor points in your discussion however:
>First, I agree that Ganz used his feet to buy time to get the pass off, but
>I think you will find Lee is both faster and a better runner overall.

I'd classify Ganz as a "scamperer" rather than a runner. He was very 
effective when he chose to run, but I suspect the coaching staff 
discouraged him from running unless absolutely necessary.

>I hear that Watson is going to increase the number of "zone read" plays (can
>you say "option?") to take advantage of Lee's speed.  It is possible that
>this will be reconsidered given yesterdays news that Spano is out for the
>year.

Lee, like Ganz, will have to run on occasion, like it or not.

>Second, given Roy and Q (plus Lee if they continue to use the zone read
>plays), expect a shift in yardage mix from passing to running.

The Huskers seem loaded with promising youngsters, one of whom will 
emerge as the third man. Just how far he emerges may become a factor.

>Third, I'm more optimistic about the LB's than are you.  Last year we had no
>returning starters, Glenn (an unpracticed RB) at one spot, Dillard
>(previously a backup to McKeon) and Wortman (a walk-on with little playing
>time).  This year we have Dillard (8 starts) and Lawrence (4 starts)
>returning. Yes, I know Dillard and Lawrence may not start but their
>experience puts us ahead of last year in any case.  Add in all those
>redshirt freshmen and Martin and things should be better this year.

Not only did we lack starters last year, but most of the first-string 
linebackers were hurt or disabled for a major part of the season. All 
things considered, the reserve linebackers came through like 
gangbusters.

Personally I don't concern myself so much with wins and losses, but I 
do want to see the Huskers being competitive in   e v e r y   game. 
That would be a  big advance over last season.

Early last year, no one had a clue how the transition to Bo-ball 
would go - - not the coaches, not the players, not the media or fans. 
In my view it took place between the Missouri and Texas Tech games. 
After that, except for the Oklahoma game, it seemed to me that they 
played better than they were entitled to.

Logic would seem to indicate that a year's experience with Bo-ball 
should give the Huskers a decided advantage that has nothing to do 
with the physical aspect of the game. Football isn't always a logical 
sport, but one can hope.

Steve Stone