As Husker fans we pride ourselves on defense. We are all in on the ‘Blackshirts’ and the tradition they bring to Nebraska. And if you’re my age, you witnessed some of the greatest defenses in Husker history through the 90’s. Heck, I’m even old enough to remember when we ran the 5-2 with the ‘Sandman’ lined up as a standing defensive end.
But over the last three seasons we’ve seen a 3-3-5 and now we are going to a 4-2-5. I’m happy about it myself. I’ve always liked the four-man defensive front.
So, I find it interesting that Nebraska and Penn State under Matt Campbell are abandoning the 3-3-5 defense for a 4-man front because of the Big Ten’s ability to run the ball with huge offensive lines. While in contrast, Illinois is changing over to the 3-3-5 defense.
What will the Illini look like. Will they be disruptive … just hold up … or be a bust? The 4-2-5 versus the 3-3-5 in the Big Ten. Let’s watch the Illini this season and see what kind of success they have. I don’t have to tell you to watch the Huskers and see what kind of success we have with the 4-2-5 defense.
It’ll be interesting to see.
The Coaching Test
I’m going to give you four players I’ll be watching who are no longer or never were Huskers. Why? Because everything I’ve been saying about Nebraska’s coaching staff failing the players last season can be proven this season through four guys. Well, four plus what we see from our Huskers.
Two former Huskers I’ll be watching are Princewell Umanmielen and Keona Davis. Both began their careers at Nebraska and appeared to have unlimited potential with both size and athleticism. After two seasons at Nebraska Umanmielen transferred to Ole Miss, then followed Lane Kiffin to LSU. Davis transferred to Miami last fall. The fact they landed at LSU and Miami tells you all you need to know about their talent. The question is, why did they leave Nebraska. For me the answer is simple – coaching. They didn’t feel like they were being developed. Their goal was to reach the next level, and they couldn’t see that happening with the coaching they were getting at Nebraska. We have a good idea what Umanmielen is capable of and if I’m right, I anticipate Davis making a big impact under defensive line coach Jason Taylor.
The other two are players who I’m watching left San Deigo State for a payday after having success under Manning and Aurich as defensive ends. They are Trev White and Ryan Henderson. Both were Aztecs last season and if you don’t think they left because of money, look no further than the schools they left for, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. White now at Tech, had 10.5 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks under Manning. Henderson now at A&M, had 9 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks.
So, you have two guys under D-end coach Roy Manning who had almost 20 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks and now are with new teams and new coaches. What will we see from these guys. Increased output … flatline performance … or a fall off? The results won’t have a direct correlation to Manning and his ability to coach, but you must believe it’ll tell you something about his coaching ability.
I’ll leave you with my two examples of scheme and coaching. What you have is a litmus test for success and are the Blackshirts on the right track. What will we see from the Husker defensive line this season – am I right – is good coaching as important as I think it is?
Football season is upon us Husker fans.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Artwork owned by Lyle Harmon and ‘Off the Cob’
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