A new era begins

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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE

Perhaps you've heard the cautionary phrase referring to the time it required to build ancient Rome.


Well, in a similar vein, it's evidently going to take the Nebraska football team more than a day to master the West Coast offense.


The Huskers' first practice of the Bill Callahan era included some "sprayed balls and errant throws," the first-year NU head coach said Wednesday after the two-hour workout at Memorial Stadium.

Nevertheless, Callahan generally was pleased, praising his players' zip on a day warm enough for players and coaches to wear shorts.


"I was proud of the way the guys came out," Callahan said. "We're a little rusty, but I was encouraged by the energy and effort."


Callahan, hired Jan. 9 to replace the fired Frank Solich, made it clear two weeks ago during a pre-spring news conference he wants Nebraska players to "learn to practice smarter, faster and more physical." Indeed, he wants them to practice as a successful NFL team might.


The 47-year-old Callahan, of course, knows something about NFL success, having led the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season. He was dismissed after the Raiders dipped to 4-12 in 2003.


"Our kids haven't been exposed to a pro system, so it's new for them,"

Callahan said. "You really have to bear down and give them a feel for what needs to be accomplished."


Nebraska might need to work quickly, considering the enormity of the challenge it faces. After using a run-based offense for the last 20-plus years, the Huskers are switching to a West Coast attack that will feature significantly more passing.
Nebraska also is expected to make sweeping changes on defense under new coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. Consequently, the Huskers have little time to dawdle during the 15 practices the NCAA allows during the spring season.
The Red-White game is set for 12:30 p.m. on April 17 at Memorial Stadium.


"Everything that was going on today was on the hop," said Nebraska outside linebackers coach Bill Busch, one of seven new Husker assistant coaches. "It was a great first day."


Callahan said it was a day to which he had looked forward "for a long time." The Chicago native is back in the college game after a decade in the NFL. He wondered how the players would receive the new systems.


They were "a little tentative, a little anxious" at first, Callahan said. Once they calmed, things went more smoothly.


"It was up-tempo," said junior center Richie Incognito, one of eight offensive starters back from last year's 10-3 squad. "We had a goal in mind to keep it upbeat, and that's what we did.


"We didn't get too much installed, but it went smooth."


Nebraska has 113 players on its spring roster, about 40 fewer than recent years. Callahan has said he wanted to streamline the operation, meaning several walk-ons were sent packing during the off-season.


Otherwise, Nebraska's first practice with Callahan in charge didn't feel much different than the opening practices of the last few springs, said Husker senior middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, one of six returning starters on defense.


Remember, Ruud is playing under his third defensive coordinator. In essence, Ruud said, change "is becoming normal."


Busch said the primary objective for the defense during the early days of spring drills is learning alignments and assignments.


As one might expect, Nebraska players were out of position at times Wednesday.


Ruud praised the coaches' patience.


"They made it fun," he said. However, "I'm sure as we get into it, they'll be less tolerant."


He's probably right. As the leaders of the mighty Roman Empire might tell you, greatness comes with a price.


Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.