Posted: Thursday, October 7, 2004 7:00 pm
Callahan lauds Tech's commitment': It was interesting this week to listen to Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan discuss Texas Tech's wide-open passing offense. "It's a commitment more than it is the plays," he said. "It's a commitment to do it every down, and do it again, and do it again, and do it again. It's unique. They have a lot of confidence in the system and the players they have there." It will no doubt take a similar commitment at Nebraska for Callahan's West Coast offense to experience sustained success in coming years. So far, Nebraska has struggled with the transition to its new offense. However, Callahan remains resolute, saying he'll continue to "push the system."
Let's not go overboard: OK, Texas Tech's offense is impressive in many ways. However, some fans and pundits speak of Tech in such glowing terms that you'd think the Red Raiders are coming off of a national championship season. In fact, Tech head coach Mike Leach's teams have lost at least five games in each of his four full seasons in Lubbock. This season, the Red Raiders lead the nation in passing offense, averaging 423 yards per game. Of greater significance, Tech ranks 25th in scoring offense, averaging 33 points. "They're OK, but they're not great," said former Husker defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, now a co-coordinator at Oklahoma.
Dailey handling the heat: It's difficult to say how Joe Dailey speaks and acts behind the scenes. But in the front of the media, the Nebraska sophomore quarterback appears to be holding up well under trying circumstances. Indeed, one has to admire the kid. The pressure on him is enormous, as Husker Nation wants badly to see a smooth transition from the old offense to the newfangled attack. The thing is, Callahan's version of the West Coast offense is complicated. It takes time for NFL quarterbacks to learn it. So imagine the degree of difficulty for a 20-year-old who was recruited for another offensive system. Bottom line: NU fans may need to be patient. Dailey, though, says the Husker offense may be on the verge of a breakout game. Stay tuned.
First true road test awaits: Yes, we know, Nebraska defeated Pittsburgh three weeks ago at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field. However, floods in the region limited attendance to 40,133 in a stadium that seats 65,000. It wasn't a daunting atmosphere for the Huskers. Tonight likely will be a different story, as Jones SBC Stadium is expected to be close to full capacity (53,000). Tech is 21-6 at home in Leach's four-plus seasons at Tech.