Not sure if Steve's iced in or not, but he should be checking in shortly.
@DaninNashville: I think it will be a secondary coach, but I don't have any names. Diaco might have a few guys in mind.
@BigRedneck: He surely will have an impact on Nebraska's practice regimen.But it's ultimately Mike Riley's call, obviously.
@Mitch: Nebraska is counting on two, and perhaps three, newcomers at WR to play right away.
Don't tell me we have technical difficulties.
Still here if anybody can get through. I've heard from two people who sent questions but I don't see them. Hmmmm.
I really apologize for technical difficulties. I can now see questions. We'll start fresh.
@JimNE: You would have to admit that injuries were a critical factor (hindrance) to that group's chances of showing improvement.
@Cubbiesfan: Not as yet. Stay with me on that one. Thanks for your patience.
@DaninNashville: I'm not convinced we put all in-state recruits on a back burner, as you state, but I do think Nebraska's recruitment of Walker could have been handled much better.
@BigRedneck: NFL player-personnel types generally have an easy time figuring out why they should draft certain players. It becomes pretty evident on film. But many NFL folks come to campuses to find out why they SHOULDN'T draft certain players. I'll leave it at that.
@Troy: Mike Riley has said he plans to have two secondary coaches. I'm going by that. I do think it's important that that assistant is a strong recruiter. That sort of goes without saying.
@MartinVanNostrand: I'm already hearing media types talking about 2017 being a "transition year." I really wonder what Nebraska fans think of that notion. It seems acceptable to a few people with whom I've discussed the issue. I really need to think about it. And by "transition year," I mean another year of four or more losses.
@SiliconValleyHusker: There are several factors in this discussion. Certainly, Tom Osborne benefited greatly from Prop 48 players (Eric Johnson and Terrell Farley come to mind, but there are many others). Osborne also benefited greatly from cutting edge strength and conditioning -- which the rest of the world noticed and copied. Back in the 1990s, Tom could sell players on being on TV regularly, a benefit limited to only the elite programs back then. Bottom line, times have changed drastically.
@DaninNashville: I am definitely not ruling out a change on that side of the ball.
@rluben: I've talked to Pelini about this subject in the pass. Yes, under Pelini, Nebraska sometimes would line up in a 3-4 look. Remember the spinner (stand-up DE?) But when the ball was snapped, it was a 4-3. The key part of the discussion is this: The only time Bo went to a 3-4 look was when he wanted to heat up the quarterback. With Diaco, the 3-4 is the base system.
@JimNE: I have a hard time holding Mike Cavanaugh responsible for the offensive line's lack of depth. The previous staff didn't leave much depth. There's no other way to put it. However, you make a great point about the bowl game. Cavanaugh's line was healthy, but still played at a disappointing level. It definitely makes me wonder ...
@Hess: I think Wisconsin, come August, will be the overwhelming pick to win the Big Ten West Division. The Badgers definitely will be my pick. As for the rest of the division, the Chicago Tribune last week picked the Huskers to finish fifth. That seems awfully low. I think you could make a strong case for anywhere from second to fourth.
@BigRedneck: Both Cavanaugh and Riley have stated that they've long leaned toward playing five guys together most of the time, with chemistry and continuity in mind. Thing is, Milt Tenopir has said he did the same. Of course, Tenopir had the benefit of being able to play reserves in blowouts -- which obviously is a benefit that NU seldom enjoys these days.
@MartinVanNostrand: My co-host on The Ticket (93.7 FM) said on this morning's show that he was open to the idea of a transition year, what with a new defensive coordinator bringing in a 3-4. What's more, Nebraska obviously is transitioning (that word again) to a new quarterback. Do I think a transition year is acceptable? I have to think about it long and hard. I really want to hear from readers on this topic. Is another four-loss season without a divisision title OK, in the context of significant changes in the program? I'm genuinely interested to hear what people think.
@JimNE: I must admit Travis "Hall" threw me for a loup, at least for a second. :)
@Ryan: I think Tristan Gebbia actually might have the most "arm talent" of the three. But Tanner Lee is the odds-on pick to be the starter for a reason. He possesses a strong arm, quick release, accuracy and apparently a strong grasp of the offense. However, I don't rule out Patrick O'Brien making a push for the starting job. I think Nebraska fans should hope O'Brien makes a strong push because stiff competition is good for everyone involved. Plus, O'Brien obviously would be only a play away from being the starter -- assuming he doesn't beat out Lee in the first place. Gebbia needs time to develop physically. He's listed at 6-3 and 180 pounds, but 180 seems a generous estimate.