Brian Rosenthal: Everyone is taking off the gloves
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One fan stood behind the Nebraska bench with a paper bag over his head. Written on the bag: “Save NU, Bag Callahan!”
A couple of folks in the heart of South Stadium held a white sheet with the words “SURRENDER STEVE PEDERSON.” They lofted it after a second-quarter Oklahoma State touchdown. It mysteriously disappeared.
Throw in some empty seats in the second half, the fact passers-by were passing on ticket offers of $20 for a pair … well, you get the picture.
It’s not a pretty one.
But we know it’s really, really bad when announcers on the Husker Sports Network become vocally disgruntled.
There were words like “despicable,” “disgraceful,” “speechless” … and I’m sure others that reporters heard while listening on the elevator ride to field level in the fourth quarter.
The spin control appeared to finally be spinning the other way.
It started last week, when color commentator and former Husker player Matt Davison was especially critical of Nebraska. He made some less-than-flattering yet refreshingly-truthful comments during an interview on ESPN’s telecast of the Missouri game.
That sparked rumors last week that Davison’s job was in jeopardy, that Pederson wouldn’t allow such blasphemous talk.
Davison didn’t want to discuss the situation Saturday, but suffice it to say his job is secure.
That makes sense, if you think about it. At some point, the Husker Sports Network loses credibility by keeping the positive Pederson-fed spin rolling. The network wants listeners, and listeners want to hear candid comments. Kudos to Davison for being the first to take off the gloves.
Now, will Pederson get out of his bunker and field listeners’ calls on his Monday radio show? Or should we expect an in-depth interview with women’s gymnastics coach Dan Kendig?
Osborne speaks
Sam Keller had never met Tom Osborne, or seen him in person, until Friday.
Osborne, the retired Nebraska coach and former congressman, addressed the team with a speech about sticking together.
“He had some great messages,” Keller said, “and hearing it from a coach who’s been there and won championships … you have respect for a guy like that.”
Nebraska linebacker Lance Brandenburgh, a lifelong Husker fan, seemed in awe.
“For him to come in there,” Brandenburgh said, “was like the President of the United States to come in.”
Osborne and other coaches and players from the 1997 national championship team took the field before the game, parading from North Stadium with the Tunnel Walk music. They stood along the Nebraska sideline and greeted the current Huskers when they emerged from the locker room.
The warm fuzzies quickly disappeared after the game began.
“I’ve been a Nebraska fan ever since I was born,” Brandenburgh said. “It definitely hurts to know that they were there and we came out and didn’t perform.”
Unified?
The media has asked various questions of players about team unity and chemistry, with generally the same response: Everything’s fine.
Of course, it doesn’t look that way in a game.
Tackle Carl Nicks came the closest to admitting that everything may not be perfect.
“Obviously, it could be stronger,” Nicks said, when asked about team unity. “I don’t want to say it’s weak, but it’s not strong.”
Are there certain areas that aren’t strong?
“Everything.”
Like?
“Just everything. You name it. You tell me.”
Nicks said, “No,” when asked if there was bickering among players.
“We could just pick each other up, I guess, a little bit more, but nobody’s moping, if that’s what you mean.”
Going deep
* Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove declined to talk about defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who didn’t start. Word is Suh sat because of his involvement in a practice fight. Judging by Victory Haines’ two black eyes and swollen nose, the non-start was probably warranted.
* There were no loud boos … is that a good thing or no?
* Don’t worry. This isn’t anything a couple more five-stars can’t fix.
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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