The Weekly Buzz
Huskers are dreaming big. There seems to be anticipation for this next season that hasn't been felt in Lincoln and around the country since the 90's. All of the Big 12 is in a state of flux this year, but NU is poised to make a move to the top. With the Huskers getting such wide reaching exposure because of their defensive efforts and the adventures of Ndamukong Suh last year, the coaches are trying to take advantage of having Nebraska in the forefront of people's minds right now. Let's hope this momentum keeps up.
Now is the time » SI writer Stewart Mandel looks at the state that the Big 12 is in and wonders if Nebraska is ready to make the leap back to "normal" for us. There are plenty of questions surrounding Big 12 teams this year, most of them with negative connotations, but Nebraska looks in good shape. Since it has been over a decade since we have come away with a Big 12 title, it seems only fitting that the questions surrounding our program are all positive, such as Can we Restore the Aura?
Non-Big 12 Texas Teams 1, Texas 0 » According to Dan Beebe, the Big 12 Championship Game won't be permanently anchored to the Cowboys stadium behemoth just yet. Decisions will be made about the next few years in this year's off-season. I'm all for a rotation of sites in football and basketball, and will be willing to boycott some of my favorite brands to ensure that happens if it comes to that.
Free Press » With all the free publicity that the University has been getting because of Suh and the great defensive season, the team's recruiting is expanding to include top players from all over the country. Ted Gilmore is believing that an aggressive push can get talented players to Nebraska because of the buzz and exposure the program is having. The defensive resurgence brought on by Bo Pelini's leadership has put our name in a national spotlight.
San Diego, Ca.
3/13/2010
“Young men are calling us asking about the program,” Gilmore said. “We’re feeling it.”
“Their program has an awful lot to present right now,” Ft Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas coach George Smith said. “They have a great reputation.”
Must be true!
Suh being showcased in New York for the draft can’t hurt, with replay after replay of him tossing blockers around as easily as he launched ball carriers, while sporting the N on his helmet.
Beating Texa$ in town, then at Jerry’s World for the rematch, will also lend “gravitas” to recruiting work.
3/14/2010
I think I recall a BRN article a year or two ago about the importance of the Huskers reclaiming the national spotlight. Unfortunately 16-18 year old high school recruits don’t remember the 90’s and don’t really care. I really expect 2011 recruiting class to be the best we have seen in a decade.
3/14/2010
I agree with you Bill EXCEPT NU needs to have 4 straight years of lights out recruiting. Example: Right now UT has 8 out of the Top 100 National Recruits for next year and has done the same the past 2 years. Getting 2 or 3 of those type to NU certainly will be great but not great enough. I will say it again. Everyone in American has a pretty good starting lineup finally due to the 85 limit. It is when you get a backup at each position that is a 4 or 5 star player that you really start to make headway against UT UF OU USC, etc. Not sure it is time to celebrate yet. Lets give it 2 more years and see how this plays out before we tell American NU is back. The announcers will tell everyone this coming year the NU is back and that is great unless you choke in a game and then they will turn against NU big time…see the point.