[Husker] Recruits at QB?

[Steve Stone]

Duane wrote:

> I am much more optimistic than you, Dave.  This is Watson's only offense
> since being named OC that hasn't been ranked in the top 20 in the  
> country.
> Every starter from the 22 set (two backs, two tight ends and a single  
> wide
> receiver - lately our most frequently used, power-I formation), returns  
> next
> year except our center (Hickman) and Caputo has played well in reserve..   
> So
> a return to a top 20 offense next year would hardly be a shock, if not
> expected.

Yep, not a single senior play at offensive tackle in the depth chart.

> We have had several problems offensively this year, including  
> inexperience
> at QB, wide receivers who have not lived up to expectations (yet?), and
> injuries - particularly on the O-line and running back positions.  Not  
> only
> did these factors cause a reduction in offensive production, but the high
> level of turnovers and number of penalties, combined with an incredibly  
> good
> defense, changed the offensive philosophy to one of extreme  
> conservatism.  I
> suspect we have all noted that since the ISU game our offensive numbers  
> have
> become VERY limited.  Yet had we used a more conservative offense against
> ISU (one predicated on field position, protecting the ball and grinding  
> out
> an occasional long drive versus our "big play" philosophy at the time) we
> would have won that game.  Note that we haven't lost since that game  
> despite
> almost every opponent out-yarding us!  Next year I see a return to a more
> aggressive offense (provided we reduce the turnover problems).  The  
> return
> of a strong defense might be the only reason we remain conservative and  
> out
> of the top 20 in offense.  I have no idea at this point whether Lee,  
> Green,
> or even Spano will start.

Most fans are preoccupied with the play of quarterbacks, receivers, and  
running backs, but dominant linemen should get the attention.


> Defensively, we lose a lot in Suh, Turner, and both safeties.  But 7 is
> still the most returning starters that Bo and Carl have ever had.  Even  
> with
> losing 7 and 5 defensive starters the previous two years, the defense has
> risen from #114 under Cosgrove, to #55 in Pelini's first year, to #3 in
> scoring D this year.  With Steinkuhler, Meridith and PJ Smith as proven
> backups and either Thenarse returning or Hagge moving to safety, we still
> have a pretty talented group to build upon.  I don't see next year's D
> falling out of the top ten in the country.

The Husker do lose a lot when Suh leaves because he not only leads the  
charge but makes those around him play better. No small part of Crick’s  
success this year was due to Suh’s dominance. Still, Crick’s sophomore  
year has been light years ahead of Suh’s sophomore year. How good Crick  
will be next year is anyone’s guess.

> We also have the best special teams player in the country returning in  
> Alex
> Henery.  He may not win the Lou Groza award this year, but I wouldn't  
> trade
> him for whoever does.  His FG kicking is phenomenal, coupled with his
> exceptional placement of punts make him the best in my mind.   
> Long-snapper,
> holder and kickoff specialist all return as well.

Henery is the baby-faced killer of this team. And he’s likely to be better  
next year.

> I don't think the talent level is high enough for a national title, but a
> return to the top ten looks like a lock to me.

As good as this year’s defense has been, I was stunned when four Huskers  
were named to the Big 12 first-string defense. Some of it’s talent, some  
of it’s coaching, but much of it is the result of good talent developing  
into great talent.

Earlier this season I wrote that the Huskers were a year away from  
“getting there” and that my aspirations consisted of its being competitive  
in every game, bar none. So far, so good.

Steve Stone