Callahan looks for answers
With time mercifully melting away and avoiding embarrassment no longer an option, Husker coach Bill Callahan took off his headset.
It seemed odd. Callahan is an offensive-minded guy. Those type of guys have a hard time not taking their headsets into the shower with them.
But here was Missouri on its way to a 41-6 win, and Callahan on his way to a week full of questions about where this Husker ship is headed.
So he took off his headset. There were about 70,000 voices buzzing around him. He tried to become alone anyway.
“I just needed to clear my head and think about some things and really try to evaluate where we’re at offensively, defensively,” Callahan said Monday.
“I just really wanted to get off the lines. There was a lot of chatter on the lines, and I just wanted to clear my head and really isolate myself so I could really see what was going on, so I could digest a lot of things at that particular time.”
Whatever chatter there was on those lines can in no way match the disgruntled noises overtaking the Husker fan base.
The 4-2 Huskers have twice been embarrassed on national television this year, prompting Nebraskans to wonder exactly why it appears the sky outside their windows is falling.
The Nebraska defense was undressed by Mizzou quarterback Chase Daniel and his cohorts to the tune of 606 total yards on Saturday.
It now ranks 96th in the country in total defense and is on pace to set several records you don’t want to have.
So, what’s the deal? Chemistry issues?
No, Callahan said. No, not that.
“They’re well-connected. There’s no disconnect. That’s for certain,” he said. “There’s a lot of communication and dialogue with our players. I don’t sense that is any concern whatsoever in terms of our players’ ability and their coaches that communicate to them. There’s an open door and I think our guys have done a great job of listening to the players.”
Maybe a lack of fire?
No, Callahan said. No, not that.
“I look at our football team. We’re emotionally ready,” he said. “I know during the week we practice hard, we’re intense. And I know that going into the game our guys are up and they’re spirited, and they got fire, and they want to play.
“My God, they were ready to break down the (locker room) door the other night. They wanted to play. Unfortunately, it hasn’t transpired to performance at times and that’s the disappointing thing.”
Nebraska’s offense was shockingly absent, rushing the ball for only 74 yards against a Mizzou defense that had previously looked porous.
And the Husker defense had no answer for Missouri’s spread offense, allowing a team to score more than 40 points for the third time in four games.
Only during the 1943 season has another Nebraska team allowed more than 40 points three times in a season.
Still, Callahan said don’t question the passion of the players.
“I do think these guys do have passion, they do love the game. They love playing for Nebraska. It means a lot to them. It means a lot for this football team to play hard and play with passion. They all understand that. That’s why they’re here.”
Callahan also said he thinks his defense still has full faith in what they’re doing.
“(Players) were real sincere yesterday. They were really good in our team meeting,” he said. “Our players really vocalized their sentiments about improving and practicing better. Coming from the players, I think that’s a really strong message. That’s where my confidence comes from is hearing those players talk about that.”
The coach actually said the tough times Nebraska is currently encountering could potentially bring guys closer.
With most everyone doubting, leaning on the faith of teammates and coaches becomes something of necessity.
“You work to break through and have an outstanding performance the next time you take the field,” Callahan said.
“As far as chemistry is concerned, I think times like this makes you stronger and times like this make you better because you go through some trial and error. And in the end, as you pull through and have success, it just makes you closer.”
Reach Brian Christopherson at 473-7439 or bchristopherson@journalstar.com.
It seemed odd. Callahan is an offensive-minded guy. Those type of guys have a hard time not taking their headsets into the shower with them.
But here was Missouri on its way to a 41-6 win, and Callahan on his way to a week full of questions about where this Husker ship is headed.
So he took off his headset. There were about 70,000 voices buzzing around him. He tried to become alone anyway.
“I just needed to clear my head and think about some things and really try to evaluate where we’re at offensively, defensively,” Callahan said Monday.
“I just really wanted to get off the lines. There was a lot of chatter on the lines, and I just wanted to clear my head and really isolate myself so I could really see what was going on, so I could digest a lot of things at that particular time.”
Whatever chatter there was on those lines can in no way match the disgruntled noises overtaking the Husker fan base.
The 4-2 Huskers have twice been embarrassed on national television this year, prompting Nebraskans to wonder exactly why it appears the sky outside their windows is falling.
The Nebraska defense was undressed by Mizzou quarterback Chase Daniel and his cohorts to the tune of 606 total yards on Saturday.
It now ranks 96th in the country in total defense and is on pace to set several records you don’t want to have.
So, what’s the deal? Chemistry issues?
No, Callahan said. No, not that.
“They’re well-connected. There’s no disconnect. That’s for certain,” he said. “There’s a lot of communication and dialogue with our players. I don’t sense that is any concern whatsoever in terms of our players’ ability and their coaches that communicate to them. There’s an open door and I think our guys have done a great job of listening to the players.”
Maybe a lack of fire?
No, Callahan said. No, not that.
“I look at our football team. We’re emotionally ready,” he said. “I know during the week we practice hard, we’re intense. And I know that going into the game our guys are up and they’re spirited, and they got fire, and they want to play.
“My God, they were ready to break down the (locker room) door the other night. They wanted to play. Unfortunately, it hasn’t transpired to performance at times and that’s the disappointing thing.”
Nebraska’s offense was shockingly absent, rushing the ball for only 74 yards against a Mizzou defense that had previously looked porous.
And the Husker defense had no answer for Missouri’s spread offense, allowing a team to score more than 40 points for the third time in four games.
Only during the 1943 season has another Nebraska team allowed more than 40 points three times in a season.
Still, Callahan said don’t question the passion of the players.
“I do think these guys do have passion, they do love the game. They love playing for Nebraska. It means a lot to them. It means a lot for this football team to play hard and play with passion. They all understand that. That’s why they’re here.”
Callahan also said he thinks his defense still has full faith in what they’re doing.
“(Players) were real sincere yesterday. They were really good in our team meeting,” he said. “Our players really vocalized their sentiments about improving and practicing better. Coming from the players, I think that’s a really strong message. That’s where my confidence comes from is hearing those players talk about that.”
The coach actually said the tough times Nebraska is currently encountering could potentially bring guys closer.
With most everyone doubting, leaning on the faith of teammates and coaches becomes something of necessity.
“You work to break through and have an outstanding performance the next time you take the field,” Callahan said.
“As far as chemistry is concerned, I think times like this makes you stronger and times like this make you better because you go through some trial and error. And in the end, as you pull through and have success, it just makes you closer.”
Reach Brian Christopherson at 473-7439 or bchristopherson@journalstar.com.
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