Steven M. Sipple: Even guest coach gets good vibes about NU
Print
digg it!
Facebook
del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
Fark It
Reddit
Although I have an uneasy feeling about Nebraska’s alleged “trap game” today, I think the Huskers ultimately will avoid succumbing to the quagmire.
It could be scary at times, though.
Meanwhile, Dale Jensen provides Nebraska football fans with a much more soothing report after watching from the Husker sideline as a guest coach during last week’s game.
“I saw the soul of Husker football back,” Jensen said this week. “No question, I saw that soul return. I watched those guys operate as a family.
“I paid very close attention to how the players interacted with each other, and they clearly like each other and play hard for each other,” added Jensen, a prominent Nebraska donor who’s one of five general partners in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ baseball team.
Jensen’s opinions resonate not only because of his involvement with a major-league franchise, but also because of his past involvement with the NBA Phoenix Suns (he recently sold back his interest to the managing general partner), as well as his obvious business savvy.
Nebraska’s football program is headed in the right direction, said the Lincoln native and passionate Big Red fan, who revolutionized the banking industry with computer software and solutions during the infancy of the computer era.
Perhaps Nebraska’s forward energy will help the Huskers avoid falling into the aforementioned “trap” (can a four-loss team really encounter a “trap” game?).
The “trap” theory suggests Nebraska (6-4, 3-3 Big 12) might suffer a natural letdown because it faces a lackluster opponent a week after a significant and emotional home victory against a decent Kansas squad.
You also wonder about the potential for distraction in the Nebraska camp in the wake of Cody Glenn’s suspension from the team. You wonder if scuffling Kansas State (4-6, 1-5) — after four generally debilitating losses in a row — might suddenly rise up in defiance of Ron Prince’s firing last week.
On the other hand ...
Although Nebraska continues to make too many mental errors, the Huskers’ effort and energy have been excellent throughout the season. Defenders flew to the ball with abandon last week. Quarterback Joe Ganz completed a handful of clutch passes. A unified team playing with a hard edge and clear sense of purpose actually might have a distinct advantage against a K-State program that’s unsure exactly where it’s headed in the long run.
Jensen witnessed firsthand a program with a positive vibe. He pays close attention to detail and likes what he saw in Nebraska’s team meetings, locker room and on the sideline.
“Some guy would make a great play, and when he came to the sideline it was like watching a guy come back to the dugout after he hit his first grand slam,” Jensen said. “I saw fire and intensity in the players and watched and listened to the coaches and how they worked with the players. I am incredibly, incredibly pleased with what I saw.”
Jensen was a guest coach along with Lincoln financial adviser Jim Pittenger and former Nebraska fullback Joel Makovicka. They ate breakfast with the team, attended game-planning sessions with position units and listened to Bo Pelini’s pregame speech. The Huskers each week play host to guest coaches.
Jensen said Nebraska did exactly what it set out to do game-plan wise.
Asked to size up Pelini’s overall game-day performance, Jensen said, “It was perfect. He lets his guys do what they do best. He’s the field general. And he rallies everybody up.”
Those close to the program marvel at Pelini’s speeches. He gets players’ rapt attention and clearly sets the tone for the entire organization.
Jensen was impressed by the organization on the sideline.
“You didn’t have a lot of guys running around saying, ’Where’s so-and-so?’ ” Jensen said. “Guys were ready. There wasn’t any jacking around.”
Jensen praised Jeff Jamrog for playing a lead role in helping “glue the program’s soul back together.” Jamrog, NU assistant athletic director for football operations, has overseen revitalization of the walk-on program and played a primary role in rallying former Husker players.
Chemistry permeates the entire athletic department, from top-level administrators to athletes in other sports, Jensen said.
At least that was the vibe he felt last Saturday.
Nebraska now has a chance to close Pelini’s first season with a flurry. The key today might be special teams. K-State has blocked a nation-leading eight kicks this season, including four punts. Few plays are more effective at changing momentum — and firing up fans — than a blocked punt.
With a triumph today, coupled with a Notre Dame loss to Navy, Nebraska playing in the Jan. 1 Gator Bowl becomes a serious possibility, assuming a regular season-ending victory against Colorado.
For the record, I do possess an extremely peaceful, easy feeling about the Huskers battering the Buffaloes, especially if Big Red successfully steps around today’s “trap game.“
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
Most Commented Football