The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.

Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites. Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with. Each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2018 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:


SCOTT FROST

An elite athlete out of Wood River, Nebraska, it was assumed that highly touted signal caller Scott Frost would, like many in the home state that worships it's state University football program, sign to play football at The University of Nebraska.

Frost signed with Stanford to play safety for brilliant coach Bill Walsh. You see, Frost has a plan for reaching success, doing it his way.

Nebraska coach Tom Osborne had kept in touch with Frost (Osborne knew his parents, both former athletes at Nebraska) and after two season, Frost returned home to play, quarterback, for the Cornhuskers.

Frost was not exactly welcomed back the team members, but he won them over with a work ethic and commitment to teamwork. Eventually, Frost won the starting job, but quickly came under extreme criticism after a shutout loss at Arizona State. Frost had a plan.

Under the direction of Frost at signal caller, Nebraska would win the National Championship with an undefeated season culminating with an Orange Bowl Victory over Tennessee. As it turned out, this would be the last game Tom Osborne would coach at Nebraska.  I was thankful to be there to witness it all.

Frost spent some time in the NFL playing safety, even playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his playing days ended (he looks like he could play today), Frost entered the coaching ranks; a sponge under some of the most brilliant minds in coaching.

Frost was having great success under Chip Kelly at Oregon, eventually moving to offensive coordinator after Kelly moved on. From that spot, athletic director Danny White hired as head coach at UCF, who had just suffered through a winless campaign. The Knights were 6-6 in year one, but incredibly went undefeated in year two, dumping Auburn in the Peach Bowl and laying claim (why not?) to the National Title.

Meanwhile, the beloved Cornhuskers had hit rock bottom, going 4-8 with battering losses along the way.
Frost was loved by all in Orlando with the Knights, and while it had great appeal to continue what he had started there, the Big Red came calling and Frost did exactly what we all hoped; he came home.

In the summer before the 2018 season, Frost invited Tom Osborne down to speak to his football team at UCF, which included a speaking gathering I attended.  I had an opportunity to meet Frost, and in speaking with him immediately got the sense that he possessed the "it" factor.  Nice, measured and intelligent, it was apparent then and was when Husker AD Bill Moos inquired, that without question Frost checks very box.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, in Husker Nation is over the moon Frost is heading the Big Red, hoping he can recapture the success and pride that had always surrounded the Nebraska football program. One man is not the answer, but Frost will, and has, surrounded himself with a team that operates from the same page.

I have always cheered Scott Frost, and appreciated his ascension to achieving the goals he set for himself.
Now directing Nebraska, I have no doubt he will utilize the tools and skill that have helped him throughout his career to restore the order of Nebraska football, which will make all of us in Husker Nation, and his mentor in Coach Osborne, quite proud of our native Son.

The HALL of BAHL welcomes Scott Frost to the 2018 class!  #GBR


DALE EARNHARDT JR

Dale Eanrhardt Jr. could have taken a different path, most certainly in the horrific aftermath of his father Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash in turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway in February of 2001.

Junior had always been at his fathers side, and by the time of the death of Dale Sr., Junior was already making a name for himself on, and perhaps much more importantly, off the track.

The NASCAR faithful were going to like and admire Junior anyway, but the love and affection for his dad swamped him. While this was positive, it also came with a tremendous amount of pressure. With the help of many, but more on his own back, Junior handled it all like the champion he is.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has married, and has now retired and become a father himself with his lovely wife Amy. Dale Jr. won a lot of races, many significant ones at Daytona, but he never won a NASCAR championship. But don't get it twisted, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a champion, on the track and in life.

While Dale Earnhardt Jr. was never my "favorite" driver, he was always someone I pulled for when the cut the good ole boys loose. Junior, like his father, always piloted a Chevrolet, retiring in the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS, which as the owner of an SS just shifts my gears!

We won't lose track of Junior in retirement, as he has inked a deal with NBC Sports to analyze races for their portion of the race coverage.  We will appreciate hearing Junior's thoughts on what is going on out there on track where our heroes race for the checkered flag.

Dale Earnhardt Jr could have been a jerk, a legacy guy who banked on his fathers success. Dale Jr., certainly in part to his upbringing, chose a different path, one that included competitiveness with kindness, the drive to win with knowing how to employ sportsmanship in losing, and more importantly, helping others.

This is the exact kind of individual who should line the halls of Halls of Fame. And in 2018, we will welcome Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to do exactly that in the Hall of BAHL!


TURNER GILL

The Scoring Explosion! These were exciting times, the early eighties, for Nebraska football.

An offense which unleashed a barrage of points on opponents, ignited by an explosive rushing attack led by option wizard quarterback Turner Gill. During his career at Nebraska, Gill was 28-2.  Under his direction, the 'Huskers played for the National Title in The Orange Bowl twice, losing to Clemson 22-15 in 1981 and 31-30 to Miami in 1983. Gill turned an ankle against Clemson, which, according to coach Tom Osborne, really hurt Nebraska offensive with Gill out. An undefeated Nebraska team fell at Miami, with a two point conversion pass from Gill batted down.

I was in attendance for both of these contests, and while the outcomes were not what we had hoped for, we always stood in good company with Turner Gill.

With his eligibility expired, having suffered from concussions and not the prototype NFL signal caller, Gill, who was also a fantastic baseball player, went on to play minor league ball with the Cleveland Indians.

But Gill returned to Nebraska to become a coach under Coach Osborne, and remained on staff from 1992-2004. Gill then became coach of The University of Buffalo, having great success, which propelled him to getting the job at Kansas. That did not go well, and Gill was let go. Landing on his feet, Gill became head coach at Liberty University, where he continues today.

Given Gill's strong commitment to his Christian faith, Liberty is a fantastic place for him to influence young men, both on and off the field.

Turner Gill was a special player, and watching him run the Nebraska offense was a sight to behold. But Gill is a better man, and he has been easy to cheer for throughout his life.

Gill is a 'Husker, and he will always be remembered with great fondness by the Cornhusker faithful. We are honored to induct form Nebraska standout quarterback Turner Gill to the Hall of BAHL.


ODELL HAGGINS 

I recall while I was at Florida State, a young mild mannered new recruit arrived from Bartow. Indeed, the arrival of Odell Haggins on campus would change Florida State University forever! 

Starring on the defensive front, seemingly often at the nose tackle spot, Odell Haggins earned All America honors for the Seminoles. After being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Haggins returned to join the Seminoles coaching staff after his brief handful of seasons in the NFL.

Haggins worked his way up on the coaching staff, eventually handling the defensive line, a unit that produced many All Americans and NFL draft picks under his tutelage. Players who have been coached by Odell have the utmost respect for him.

After Bobby Bowden retired, new coach Jimbo Fisher retained Haggins, where Haggins defensive unit continued to thrive. As Fisher unceremoniously departed FSU, Haggins got an opportunity to coach Florida State as head coach on an interim basis, which turned out to be the final 2017 postponed home game against Louisiana Monroe and the Seminoles Independence Bowl game versus Southern Mississippi, both wins.

This was very fitting, because few individuals rival the love for our university Odell Haggins has. Haggins is a Seminole, true and true. He bleeds Garnet and Gold. An the Seminole faithful love him!

Seminole fans were thrilled to learn that new coach Willie Taggart, who grew up a Seminoles fan, recognized the coaching prowess of one of our favorite Seminoles and retained Haggins as defensive line coach, helping a link to legendary coach Bobby Bowden remain.

Odell Haggins, rolling in all those years ago from ole Bartow, remains one of the most beloved Seminoles, and a gentleman we are honored to place in the 2018 Hall of BAHL class.


MICHAEL WALTRIP


I first became a fan of Michael Waltrip, younger brother of NASCAR Champion Darrell, when he emerged on the scene driving the Pennzoil Pontiac Grand Prix.  Anyone in a Pontiac had my support.

For many years, Michael had a rough go of it, and held the record for most career starts without a win before winning his first, a Daytona 500 on February 16, 2001, the day his great friend and mentor Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost his life. I was there, and while we were thrilled for Michael, our joy was short lived. Micheal even penned a book describing the days events, called "In the Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything."

Michael Waltrip is a two time Daytona 500 champion, but all along the way, even having struggles before finding success and then failure again as owner of his own race team, Micheal has been a great friend to everyone in the NASCAR community, extending well beyond the drivers to the fans.

Michael is an inventor as well. At 6'5, Waltrip, not foreign to high speed crashes, designed a roof hatch for easy exit for a driver of his size. It was more comical than practical, at least I think. Waltrip likes to clown around.

Now retired, Waltrip, is a fixture on the FOX Sports NASCAR broadcast team, well know for talking to drivers along pit road before the race, a very popular segment on the FOX race coverage. Waltrip is always quick to help in philanthropic efforts, and remains committed to frequent interactions with the fans through social media.

My family had the opportunity to meet and visit with Michael Waltrip, along with Brian Vickers, at a corporate event prior to a Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.  It was quite a hoot.

Since then, I run into to Michael from time to time, having visited with him at the High Banks and even out on the golf course. Recently, at the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Golf Tournament, Michael told me he liked golf more than driving, as he had "never caught fire playing golf." Waltrip, who plays often plays pickup hoops, does not golf particularly well, down at the level of Larry The Cable Guy, but he has a great time.

"Mikie" is a very cool guy, great fun to be around; a championship driver who we are excited to induct into the Hall of BAHL.

Glorious Morning Frost

There was a very welcomed cool Frost across Cornhusker country this morning.

As former Husker DE Adam Carriker so eloquently tweeted:

Scott Frost, native son and former Husker star quarterback who after some years playing in the National Football League successfully climbed the coaching ladder to find himself winning the AAC Championship as head coach of UCF, was announced this afternoon as head football coach of his, and our, beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The events that led to the hiring of Frost were plentiful, but as the landscape is reviewed, desperately needed. Nebraska has not won a championship of any kind since 1999. While there have some good times (some thought at one point Bo Pelini, who won at least 9 games every season he coached, was going to take there but faltered on reaching the elite), the program has been in a declining state since the legendary Tom Osborne retired.

With Bo Pelini fired, mostly for an adversarial relationship with superiors along with sideline behavior unbecoming someone representing Nebraska, Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst went on his own and hired Mike Riley from Oregon State, a very nice man with a long and varied coaching record who represented the antithesis of Pelini.

Most in Husker Nation were against at the hire; I was not. I thought, given his experience, he would be able to excel with the resources Nebraska would give him, as he had achieved with so much less. I was quite wrong in my assessment of the hiring of Mike Riley.

Riley is a good man, and he represented Nebraska with dignity. Much of his command off the field was quite good, and recruiting, the mother's milk of a successful football program, was steadily ascending. However, the product on the field was poor. The first of Riley's three seasons were littered with mind boggling and painful last second losses, but culminated with perhaps the best game, a victory over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl which seemed to give indication of what could be. A 9-4 season in 2016 seemed decent on the surface, but the victories were close wins over weak teams, and other than falling to Wisconsin in a close one, the Big Red was not competitive against other top teams, with big losses to Iowa and Tennessee to close out the season.

One could argue the program was ascending, but in early 2017 the case being made on that point came crashing to reality in a stunning home loss to Northern Illinois. Nobody would state it publicly, but unless Nebraska ran the table, the Mike Riley tenure would end.

Then came news that Chancellor Ronnie Green and Hank Bounds had decided that Nebraska would part company with AD Eichorst. Husker Nation was enthusiastic about this appropriate development. Since Eichorst was fired, and he was the one who hired Riley, it seemed they were somewhat joined at the hip, and with Eichorst gone, Riley would soon follow.

In short order, Green announced Nebraska had hired Bill Moos from Washington State, and formerly of Oregon, as new Athletic Director. Moos signaled that he would evaluate the status of the football program and would not make any changes until the season was over.

Meanwhile, the records were being set with the football program; records of futility. Nebraska was widely embarrassed, again, in a home loss to Ohio State. A come from behind victory at Purdue masked 58 minutes of ineffectiveness. Then, Nebraska was listless at Minnesota and got scorched for over 50 points in defeat (Minnesota was shut out in their next two games).  Penn State clobbered the Huskers and Iowa knocked Nebraska out in a humiliating home loss to close the season, as this group finishes 4-8 and ineligible for a bowl contest. In the last three games, each of Nebraska's opponents scored over 50 points, something that had not happened since the era of World War II.

Unacceptable.

Moos then promptly dismissed Riley and the staff, save Trent Bray. This move shocked absolutely nobody.

As the season was painfully drawing to a close, we learned of many areas of concern within the program. The lack of toughness and want to on the field was obvious, but behind the scenes the most significant of the issues was a lack of leadership, with differing factions between various levels of the program.  Along with the play on the field, this was not an environment which set a foundation for success. Quite the contrary.

A clean slate was required, one which fumigated the acceptance of losing.  Leadership was needed in the form of responsibility, accountability and disciple; the definition of the known goals and objectives and prices that need to be paid to reach the desired levels of achievement.

A return to the way Nebraska used to handle its business.

When Moos arrived, he did not sit behind a desk. He met the people; via social media, sports talk shows, around campus and at the games. He reached out to boosters and fans alike, and this group smothered in frustration gave him an earful.

They told him what to do, but Moos already knew what to do; hire a great football coach who understood what the fabric of Nebraska football was and could restore the order.

As it turned out, the most sought after and successful young football coach in the country was one of our own. It was Scott Frost, who knew exactly the characteristics of Nebraska, the state and the football program.

Moos seems a powerful man quite comfortable in his own skin, but he no doubt realized that although every Husker from Orlando to Spokane wanted him to hire Frost, Frost was indeed the top candidate for any football program in need of new direction. For Nebraska, Frost was the only candidate.

Scott Frost had Tom Osborne down to speak to his Central Florida boosters and team before the season in August. I attended the events, and outside of hearing Osborne speak, had a great time reminiscing about the glory days of Husker football with former linemen Bill Bobbora and Greg Austin. Austin, or Coach G, who is the offensive line coach for Frost at UCF,  is reportedly joining Frost at Nebraska, and this is great news as the offensive line play was among the areas on the field that were most disappointing.

While the events were quite enjoyable, one thing stood out to be sure, and that was how much Tom Osborne meant to Scott Frost.

Walking out to our trucks after an evening event, Frost and I discussed how meaningful it was for him to quarterback Nebraska to the win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl giving the Huskers the 1997 National Title, which turned out the be the last game Osborne would ever coach.  Frost said it was just such an honor for him to have helped get that victory for his beloved coach.

I am not sure if Osborne and Frost discussed anything about Frost potentially coming home at these events, but given the vibe I observed, I had zero doubt Frost would return to Lincoln if called upon.

Nebraska called, and although it was no doubt a difficult decision, Frost chose to come home.

Make no mistake. Frost genuinely loves his team at Central Florida, and the fine people of this wonderful university. Orlando is not called The City Beautiful for nothing; Frost and his family adore the area.

But, Nebraska is home. That red "N" means so much to Nebraskans, and an opportunity to restore this proud program to its rightful level among the nations elite that those in Husker Nation can be proud of once again is a task Frost could not turn away from, and did not.

I have no doubt Frost will accomplish his goals. Spend five minutes with this man, and you will know that he is a principled and caring individual, a humble but intoxicating presence that while demanding the best from those around him, understands that hard work and integrity that take individuals, and teammates, a long way.

Oh, and Frost likes to have a lot of fun along the way.

The announcement of Scott Frost as head coach of the Cornhuskers, with Tom Osborne standing by along with over 100 former players who showed up, to not only congratulate Frost, but to offer assistance, brought allergic reactions to the eyes of hundred of thousands (105,000 on Huskers.com to view presser) Husker faithful across the nation, myself gleefully included.

It was a glorious morning of Frost on the ground in Lincoln today.

Welcome home Coach Frost!  We are thrilled beyond words to have you back home with us.

Good Luck and Go Big Red!

Gridiron Graveyard

It has been an extremely painful college football season this season, unlike any in my lifetime.

From the team of my heritage and foundation, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and my alma mater, the Florida State Seminoles, unprecedented futility and ineptitude has stricken the once powerful pair.

Let's start with Nebraska.

The 'Huskers, with a storied history placed among the elite of the game (top five in all time victories), have slipped since the dominance of the mid 90's under Tom Osborne where they won three National Championships going on a 60-4 run.

Since Osborne hand picked Frank Solich to replace him (who was ushered out the door by an idiotic athletic director), the Huskers have basically tread water since 2000, with no conference titles. Three coaches have had their ups and downs, including the current coach Mike Riley.

I was excited, perhaps soaked with bias, when Riley was hired. I had always appreciated him from afar and was intrigued at what he could do with the resources Nebraska could provide.

Riley made missteps in putting together his original staff, which he has attempted over his tenure to address. However, it appears the athletic department and Riley had some miscommunication going on which did not allow everyone to act as one. This has hampered the ascension of the program.

After a brutal start of several last second close losses, year one gave hope as Nebraska played it's best game of the season taking out UCLA in a California bowl game. Year two saw Nebraska start 7-0 with a top ten ranking, but even a casual observer could see they were not very good. They collapsed, with several late lopsided losses to finish 9-4.

Riley had been recruiting well, and it was thought 2017 would start slow but begin to emerge with a combination of young talent assisting the veterans as the Big Red built for the future.

None of that has occurred, and the one thing that would be unacceptable, a home loss to a game considered won before kickoff, happened as Northern Illinois beat a seemingly uninspired Nebraska team.

All season, and for much of the tenure of Riley one could say, Nebraska has always play uninspired. All over the field, there appear a lack of "want to." Sometimes, it seems losing is not all that painful.

The coaching staff has made mistakes a plenty. We always refer to the horrendous job OC Danny Langsdorf did in an inexplicable loss at Illinois in year one, relentlessly throwing the ball into a stiff wind with a precarious lead, only to loss at the end. I have never thought he was any good.

The offensive line, is, well, offensive. High recruits regress in ability. The same people play, even if they are failing to do the job. Receivers drop passes, and who knows what the criteria for the depth chart at running back is. Observers of the program are seeking promising alternate players they know of on the side of milk cartons.

Defensively, people are shifting positions. One guy plays one week, goes on sabbatical only to show up out of nowhere weeks later. Areas of strength turn concerning. A pass rush is invisible. There is no fire, and teams have ridiculously been able to push around our defense when they need to.

Riley lost me after Northern Illinois, but had he gotten it done against Wisconsin I could have understood the spot of those backing him, what with the outstanding recruiting class that "appeared" on it's way.  But, Nebraska allowed Wisconsin to break it's will in a devastating display at Memorial Stadium.

Thankfully, AD Shaun Eichorst was terminated, and Bill Moos has taken over.

Moos observed Nebraska get smashed at home by a strong Ohio State team, which was demoralizing for those who consider themselves Cornhuskers.  It was brutal.

Moos appears to have already reached a decision that Riley will not return. It is the right decision.

With that assumed by most of Big Red nation, most have checked out on Nebraska 2017. That is understandable, but unfortunate. We are fans always, not just when wins are pilling up.

Fans are looking to the future, and that future includes a former Big Red quarterback named Scott Frost. Lighting the world on fire at UCF, Frost is the hottest name for those who are seeking a coach, most notably, the University of Florida.

Mike Riley is a very well respected individual and good football coach, but at 64, he may be inching toward retirement. Rather than think in the terms of dismissing Riley for poor performance, I would prefer to think of Nebraska as seizing the opportunity to bring home one of us, who has all the tools and acumen to perhaps be a one time in a generation coach who could instantly ignite a beaten down fan base.

Yes, it would appear recruiting could take a hit, especially in California where Riley was flat doing work, but the fact remains Nebraska is 4-4 and fighting for a bowl game, irrelevant on the national landscape.

As the new AD Bill Moos accurately stated, that is not where Nebraska belongs.

Come late November, Nebraskans will hope to look outside and find the landscape covered with FROST!

Now let us visit on the debacle that is taking place in Tallahassee, where Florida State, fresh of the 2013 National Championship, is laying an egg of gargantuan proportions.

Florida State, which started the year ranked third in the Associated Press, faced top ranked Alabama in the opener.  It was to be an epic game, with the loser not considered out of any national championship consideration. Florida State was in the game, got hosed by the refs before the half, and then mentally got loose. Alabama makes teams pay dearly for losing focus, and FSU lost the game 24-7.

But much more importantly, late in game the Seminoles lost quarterback Deondre Francois for the season due to a knee injury. And the season has gone swirling downward ever since.

Due to a questionable lack of depth at the quarterback position, Jimbo Fisher was forced to promote true freshman James Blackman to the position. Blackman has a bright future, and may win the job outright in 2018, but he was not ready to guide the Seminoles in 2017.

But, he is, and in all honesty, while he has made his share of true freshman mistakes, the young man is not the problem.  What is the problem is a lack of mental focus and overall leadership, both from the players and the assistant coaches.

The offensive line played fairly well against Alabama, but quickly regressed and has been a significant issue throughout the year. Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick (out injured now but perhaps coming back) have done well at running back, but he receiving core lacks quality depth, and while there have been moments, lacks consistency and has been unable to rise up to help the young quarterback.

Defensively, it is most puzzling. The line, who appear to house quality starters and depth, is stout one play and pushed around the next. Boston College ran it down FSU's throat, so obviously, these guys are not giving it 100% every play. The ends excel at rushing the passer, and are highly thought of. But, they crash down on running plays, failing often to close the corner hence allowing big plays around the perimeter. The linebacker play is erratic. Matthew Thomas is all over the field making big plays, but then we look up and see a back bursting through the middle for a big gain. It is very rare to see somebody fill a hole with some authority, making the observing eye question the "want to." We think Derwin James is not the player he was prior to his injury. When you are in his space, he will destroy you, but he is not making the distance plays coming from his spot to disrupt pass attempts of loose runners. The other safeties have disappointed, but the biggest disappointment has been All America corner Tavarus McFadden. He dances around if he defends a play well (or the opposing receiver drops the ball), but his lack of focus in getting beat cost us the game against Miami. He has been just awful at returning punts as well, and the special teams has not been good at all, really hurting the 'Noles against Alabama.

The issue is not talent, but rather between the ears, which is most disappointing. It is shocking Coach  Fisher has not been able to right this ship, and now, a record 35 year string of bowl appearances is in dire jeopardy. Of course, if you get beat at Boston College 35-3, you don't really deserve to attend a bowl game.

Sadly, it does not appear enough players on the field are as concerned about these issues as I am, which is beyond concerning.  And, the fans see it, with many choosing to remain amid the flowing beers at Madison Social then making their way into the scorching heat of these noon games teams who are 2-5 are forced to play.

Assistant coaches will be shown the door after this dismal campaign, and if Jimbo Fisher is not careful, he may be joining them. Fisher has earned the right to get a chance to fix it, but I can absolutely assure you a losing record without a bowl bid is not going to be tolerated at Florida State, particularly considering the team has more talent than almost every team they play.

We are watching who is going through the motions and who is out there giving it all with Seminole pride! With Syracuse in town for parents weekend, this would not be a good time to embarrass yourself. In fact, it is time to play Seminole football, beginning the road to reestablishing owning DOAK and restoring our rightful spot among the elite of the college football landscape.

No Excuses At Nebraska

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS:

A stunning, intolerable and inexcusable step backward took place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as Nebraska fell to Northern Illinois 21-17.

We can discuss thoroughly the reasons why and how this could have happened, but the end result of this mind boggling loss is that folks in charge of various aspects of the program need to be fired. Period.

We have been a longtime fan of Mike Riley. It appears that strides were being made, and Riley has to get kudos for making changes to his staff (each seemingly a strong upgrade) every year he has been at Nebraska.  More changes are needed.

A central reason for the debacle on Saturday was the inability of Nebraska to line up and run the football. With much of the line returning, there is no pop, no toughness and no firing off the ball. Nebraska ran for approximately 3 yards per carry, which is unacceptable for any team, much less at Nebraska. Coach Mike Cavanaugh can no longer be given the benefit of the doubt and must be terminated, which should happen today as time is out. The lineman on the field do not appear to be be being held accountable. If they are not getting it done, lets find someone who can. I wondered if the toughness I hear about in Boe Wilson might have been an option on Saturday, if for nothing else but to send a message. Given the line cannot run block, you might think they could protect the passer, but they are woeful at that as well as Tanner Lee has been under extreme duress.

Tanner Lee
Photo/Lincoln Journal Star

Under heat, Lee has not performed well. On Saturday, he tossed two pick sixes to UNI, difficult for any team to overcome.  Much of the fan base loved Tommy Armstrong at signal caller, but cringed as he had a pension for throwing to the other team. At least, for the most part, he balanced it with outstanding plays. Very few of those happening now.

When Lee does fire it in there, the much ballyhooed receiving core continues to drop balls.  An interception at Oregon, another pick six, bounced off the face mask of Stanley Morgan.  Everyone out there has had critical drops, which extends it to a mental issues which fall at the hands of the staff.

The play calling is also quite suspect. I have never bought into Danny Langsdorf at offensive coordinator, and have not seen the high level aptitude many around the program have voiced. When is the last time the Big Red got up on someone pulling away and hanging half a hundred?  There is not sense of offensive urgency, and the lack of attack arsenal places the team in situations they have no business being involved in. The famous game at Illinois a few years back remains the classic example. Hard to dump Langsdorf right now, but maybe Riley can call plays?

And Langsdorf appears to have some doghouse, perhaps considered an accessory unit. I think running back Devine Ozigbo is on house arrest in there. Ozigbo is a fiery competitor, but he watches; while we get beat.

The defense is showing signs, but when they needed a stop yesterday, they could not get one.  DC Bob Diaco spoke of his 3-4 as reactionary, as reported yesterday by Howard Griffith of BTN, not attacking. That mindset is a mistake, but Diaco did attack some late in the game.

Recruiting seems to be going well, much superior to recent years back. But when these guys get on the field, nobody is stepping up to showcase their talents. Where was the fire in someone yesterday. Did you see an offensive lineman offended that his quarterback was planted six inches deep in the turf? Hell, I was offended at my bar stool. Who on the receiving core appeared torques at the passes hitting the turf? Catch the damn ball! One wonders if the troubling result yesterday will negatively impacting a decent recruiting class that is, or was, shaping up. Nebraska certainly needs the help.

I remember hearing Bill Callahan being interviewed on the Husker Radio Network after Nebraska escaped Ball State a decade or so ago. Callahan was thrilled at the statistical prowess of his passing attack on the day, seemingly unaware that 30 years of Nebraska history almost melted away in the sun with another Nate Davis pass under his watch.

Callahan did not care. Does Riley? Does anybody out there on the gridiron? Don't they feel a responsibility to the fans, the higher standards set by the former players, or themselves?

Does AD Shawn Eichorst care? His tenure has been dismal. All programs are not where they need to be, with many appearing to be slipping. Eichorst is tied to Riley, so it seems Riley cannot stay if Eichorst is removed. But, Eichorst needs to be removed, and if that means Riley has to go as well, so be it.

I like Mike Riley, and have supported his hire. However, what happened Saturday is entirely unacceptable. Firing Riley could really negatively affect recruiting, but there are no more exits for him after Saturday. I hope he recognizes the crossroad the Nebraska football program stands at.

At an event for UCF in Orlando a couple weeks back where Tom Osborne spoke, I spoke with Scott Frost, a very impressive individual and obviously good football coach. Maybe somebody else should speak with him. Perhaps a new athletic director named Trev Alberts.

Bo Will Go

This morning, Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst terminated the tenure of Bo Pelini as head coach at the University of Nebraska. Bo Pelini helped restore the order after the disastrous Bill Callahan regime, running the football program adhering to Nebraska principles and no doubt a very good football coach.  A measurement of that can be seen by the reactions of the players who play for him, who are without question hurt deeply by this decision.

Bo Pelini
Photo/Aaron Babcock

While player admiration is an outstanding attribute, the overriding factor at the end of the day is winning football games; not only football games, but key football games of significance versus conference rivals and non-conference top tier teams where glimpses of ascending status can be seen.  Legitimately competing for championships is also important, and for those who coaches who are decent at the former but failing in the latter, tenure is short.

With that stated, Bo Pelini is out at Nebraska. 'Husker AD Shawn Eichorst said Bo Pelini "didn't win the games that mattered the most".  Agreed.

I thought the hire of Pelini was outstanding, and had hoped things would have turned out differently. However, sadly, this was the right decision. Pelini is a good man and good football coach, but Nebraska continued to lose relevancy and should demand more out of the traditionally proud football program than the gridiron company currently being kept.

Many in Husker Nation think the fan base expects too much, viewing Pelini having won nine games in each of his seasons as above average and a new normal of what Husker fan expectations should be.  I find that defeatist.  Although times, and quite frankly, the game, have changed, there is no reason to think the University of Nebraska cannot achieve and maintain greatness; competing for and winning championships.

Under Pelini, the team is stable leaning toward regressing.  Rather than keep Pelini and remain stagnant, the time is now to seek new leadership to take the program higher from the very solid base Pelini built in the aftermath of Callahan.  I for one appreciate very much the job Pelini did in restoring the order.

While the players are venting heavily on social media, and I recognize they are young men, many away from home on a relationship built with Bo who are hurt, Husker fans across the nation have been hurt as well. Getting waxed by Wisconsin on national television repeatedly, losing to Minnesota, failing to score a big win over a top ten team and needing individual player heroics to beat pedestrian Iowa, not to mention McNeese State, is not where this once proud program should be standing.

It is not, and it needs to change.  It will change.

Firing Pelini was the easy decision.  Now comes the hard part, hiring the next coach.

There are many names being thrown about, but it I got a vibe from the Eichorst presser that he has his guy. Lists are popping up everywhere with potential candidates to succeed Pelini, and I do not have a favorite.  I would like a coach that employs a run based open offense and an attacking defensive scheme.

It does not seem you can turn over a program of national historical prominence such as Nebraska to a favorite son former quarterback who is currently in his second season as the offensive coordinator at Oregon. After all, Scott Frost has said that Duck signal caller Marcus Mariota is the best player he has ever seen, and with that the Ducks might be 7-3 without him, which takes some shine off the coaching efforts. Perhaps a better option would be Craig Bohl, a former Nebraska assistant who after directing 1-AA North Dakota State to three consecutive national titles is in his first season at Wyoming. Or, maybe, Jim McElwain at Colorado State.  A seemingly unrealistic candidate who is mentioned that I like is Georgia coach and Nebraska native Mark Richt.  Minnesota coach Jerry Kill is intriguing, with the job he has done for the Gophers eye opening.

Interesting options include Willie Fritz of Georgia Southern and Justin Fuente of Memphis.

Among the candidates I would not support are Greg Schiano, Jim Tressell, Paul Chryst, Al Golden, Pat Narduzzi, Dave Doren and Tom Herman.

Eichorst is on the clock, and this decision had better be a good one. GBR!