Huskers 411

After dropping a heartbreaking five-set match on Sunday to Florida during the finale of the Runza/AVCA Showcase at the Qwest Center, the No. 7 Nebraska volleyball returned to Omaha on Tuesday night to post hard-fought sweep of the Creighton Bluejays (26-24, 25-18, 25-15) in front of a sold-out crowd at the D.J. Sokol Arena.

Jordan Wilberger came off the Husker bench to give Nebraska a boost in her first action of the year, as put away eight kills on just 13 swings (.615) and added five blocks, including one solo stuff. Sydney Anderson contributed her first double-double of the year with 20 assists and 10 digs, while Brooke Delano led all Husker attackers with 10 kills.

Playing at the Sokol Arena for the first time in program history, the Huskers got out to a slow start in set one as Creighton took the first two points and continued to build its lead throughout the set, including six-point leads at 18-12 and 20-14. With the Jays knocking on the first-set door at 23-18, the Huskers dug deep with a 6-1 run to tie the score at 24 apiece. Following a Creighton timeout, Tara Mueller continued to control the Jays’ defense with her serve to force Creighton into committing two errors and give the Huskers set one, 26-24.

Hannah Werth and Delano carried the Huskers’ attack in set one with four kills each. Neither squad attacked well, as the Huskers hit .176 and Creighton hit .093.

Creighton again started hot in set two with a 3-0 run, before the Huskers answered with a 5-0 run of their won, including two kills from Mueller. Creighton took back the lead at 9-8, but Werth put up a solo stuff of Karisa Almgren to square the score at 9-9. The teams traded points until 17-17, when Nebraska went on 4-0 run to take the lead 21-17. After the teams traded service errors, Delano served NU to the win behind a two blocks from Wilberger and a kill from Gina Mancuso.

The Huskers’ found their rhythm both offensively and defensively in set two as they hit at a .342 clip, while holding Creighton to just .049 hitting. After recording only one block in set one, NU stepped up the pressure with four blocks in the second stanza.

Nebraska started set three with a 2-0 lead behind kills from Werth and Wilberger, marking the first time all night at that the Huskers scored the first point of a set. Following Creighton’s first point of the set, Nebraska went on an 8-2 run to take the lead 10-6, with Delano adding three more kills during the run.

The Jays did not go away quietly, as they answered back with three straight points, before a well-placed back-corner kill by Wilberger ended the run. The Jays added two more points, but the Huskers responded fast with a 6-0 run to take the lead 17-8. The duo of Mancuso and Wilberger continued to give support off the bench as the two each produced a kill and added two blocks over the run. The Huskers ended up being too much over the long haul, as they took set three 25-15 to produce their fourth straight sweep in the series.

The Huskers will now take tomorrow off before heading to Provo, Utah, on Thursday for the BYU Tournament at Smith Fieldhouse. Nebraska and host-school BYU will play on Friday at 8 p.m. (Central), before the Huskers face Cal Poly (1 p.m.) and Idaho State (6 p.m.) on Saturday. Fan can catch both days’ action on the 25-station Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and Twister 93.3 FM in Omaha. Outside the state, live audio will be streamed for free on Huskers.com.

<a href="http://www.wowt.com/sports/headlines/101943178.html?ref=178tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.wowt.com/sports/headlines/101943178.html?ref=178Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:58:50 GMT 00:00">Huskers Sweep Bluejays

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara

<a href="http://www.greenwichtime.com/sports/article/Huskers-DB-Amukamara-named-to-Thorpe-watch-list-599564.phptag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.greenwichtime.com/sports/article/Huskers-DB-Amukamara-named-to-Thorpe-watch-list-599564.phpMon, 02 Aug 2010 17:16:27 GMT 00:00">Huskers' DB Amukamara named to Thorpe watch list

18 comments so far July 23, 2010 by Darren K. Carlson

About a week ago, I ran my usual off season talent test on the Husker roster, a simple exercise I call "Five Great Players." The results looked positive. Yesterday, the Big 12 media members more or less affirmed that audit of the Husker personnel, by naming four NU players to their preseason all-conference squad. Husker fans can be optimistic for 2010 knowing that there are pieces in place for a possible conference title run. But, getting over the hump will take more than a handful of stars. It takes contributors. Football is the ultimate team game. So, who are the "next 5" for NU? Or, put differently, which players are primed to emerge or breakout for the 2010 season? Selecting this group is a much riskier proposition, but at least candidates abound for the Huskers.

An Inexact Science
It is one thing to rattle off the names of the five best players on the Husker roster and try to project them relative to the conference competition. It is something else entirely to identify the players that may breakout. It's like picking stocks - see the potential, look hard for results, and hope you get more right than wrong. In an article for last year's Cornhusker Kickoff magazine, I wrote on this subject with mixed results. The players I urged fans to watch for a breakout in 2009 included some hits (Prince Amukamara, Jared Crick), some "pushes" (Keith Williams, Will Compton) and a miss (Antonio Bell).

This process is very subjective as well. Everyone has a favorite. I asked our BRN staff, our site's facebook followers, and several of my friends and all got different answers. It is the debate that makes it fun, right? So, here is a list of players that may be primed to breakout for NU in 2010. Is it perfect? Doubtful. Do you agree or disagree? Sound off with your favorites in the comments section.

Pierre Allen
In 2009, it was pretty easy to lose track of Allen amongst all of the SUUUUUUUH cheers and amid Crick's all-conference sophomore campaign. But, the reality is that Allen had a very productive junior season (51 tackles, 5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss). He has the physical makeup of an NFL player, going 6'5'' and 265 pounds and the athleticism that made him a spectacular basketball player in high school (he actually broke up five passes last year). If there was a prototype for a player about to make "the leap" in his senior season, it is Allen.

Baker Steinkuhler
Allen's defensive line mate also appears primed to produce in 2010. Steinkuhler's physical ability and famous Husker bloodlines are enough to garner national media attention already. Beyond the name and the 5-star recruit hype, Steinkuhler showed signs of progress last year while playing in 13 games as just a redshirt freshman. Collecting 17 total tackles doesn't exactly turn heads. But, Steinkuhler will benefit this year the way Crick did last year. A line mate drawing double teams is a gift wrapped opportunity (no, an obligation!) to make plays. Nebraska's chances up front may not hinge so much on Crick being the next Suh as much as Steinkuhler developing in to the next Crick.

DeJon Gomes
Nebraska is deep and talented in the defensive backfield. Even though NU coaches say they would build their defense around the Husker "peso" back Eric Hagg and starting corner back Alfonzo Dennard is a physical freak who will benefit from opportunities by playing opposite of Amukamara, Gomes gets the nod here because he is a proven play maker. Even without playing much in NU's first four games in 2009, Gomes still accounted for 26 tackles and four interceptions in 2009. He made enormous plays against Missouri, Kansas and Texas last year. He is also versatile enough to play nearly anywhere in the Nebraska defensive backfield.

Rex Burkhead
Seldom do you see a fan base this excited about a returning rusher who accounted for 346 yards and three touchdowns. But, everybody who saw Rex Burkhead play last year knows he has the goods. He was shelved for a big stretch of the season with a foot injury. And, he played his best ball late in the year, with strong performances against Colorado and in the Holiday Bowl. It left fans craving more. Burkhead will no doubt split time with returning starter Roy Helu and face competition from Dontrayevous Robinson for carries. But, reports out of conditioning and summer drills say that Burkhead is rounding in to the type of player that NU coaches and fans expected to see - a breakout star.

Brandon Kinnie
Kinnie is another player whose physical talent outstrips his production from 2009. Catching 15 passes for 141 yards doesn't scream "breakout", but Kinnie sure passes the eyeball test. At 6'3'' and 220 pounds, he's certainly on the all bus team (players that look good getting off of the bus). Beyond that, the explanation is that Kinnie started slowly having arrived on campus from junior college. The lion's share of his production came during the last half of the season, and it became more and more obvious that this kid can make plays. He was one of the few NU offensive players able to shake free of the rigid Texas defense. At the time of his 16 yard grab in the Big 12 title game, I was compelled to stand up and shout "will somebody please get that guy the ball!" Want another affirmation of Kinnie's ability to breakout in 2010? His teammates - particularly Niles Paul - always tout Kinnie's work ethic and ability when they are asked about players ready to emerge. That should be music to Husker fans' ears.

There are still dozens of questions about this year's Husker squad. What will happen at quarterback? Which of the 10 offensive linemen on the NU 2 deep roster will emerge? What is going on at linebacker? Who will play safety? And for each of those questions there is likely an answer or two that involves naming a breakout candidate (Taylor Martinez...Ricky Henry, Jermarcus Hardrick ... Compton, Fisher, Martin...Smith, Thenarse...etc). So, what Husker players do you think will emerge in 2010? The answers could tell the story of the season.

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18 comments so far HuskerT Jul 23 10

These are 5 really good breakout picks. In addition I would throw Eric Martin in the mix. And if he is as electrifying as everyone is saying, I hope we can get the ball in Taylor Martinez's hands.

One other person that I am excited to see is Ben Cotton. I think he will make some big grabs for us considering McNeil's apparent move.

AustinHusker Jul 23 10

It is interesting how little has been said and written about the LBs.

Almost makes you think we are missing something given several of them came in with much fan fair.

Mike Jul 23 10

I like the looks of this "5" and I REALLY like Burkhead!!! When I saw him I felt this kid was gonna turn heads! GBR! I really hope "Green" will turn bigtime "Red"!!!!

Kirk Jul 23 10

Good news, this is probably the first year we are so deep, that picking just 5 guys who will really stand out is pretty hard to do. I can agree with your 5. I would also include Cam Meredith, Sirles, Qvale, Cassidy, and Fisher (based on what was said about his progress in the spring). Again, we're pretty stacked, IMHO, so I would include Ankrah, Justin Jackson, Whaley, and Blue (felt bad for the kid with his injuries and I hope he has a great year).

Brian William Barnes Jul 23 10

Very good list. Kudos to calling Crick last year BTW.

LaVonte David - If Gomes can come in from Juco and have a season like he did last year under Brothers Pelini I dont see why this guy cant fill Dillard's shoes in the middle of the D.

Thadues Randall - This guy was picked as a 1st team defender ahead of 4 star Texas recruit Ashton Dorsey who garnered honorable mention accolades by Texas media his Sr. in High School. Coaches have spoke of him a number of times as a "player" we will see.

Jason Ankrah - He was ready to play last year but took the valued redshirt. If Allen or Cameron Meredith dont break out look for the young Mr. Anrah to get a lot of playing time. The former 4 star DE out of Maryland could be poised to be a playmaker in the Nebraska defense for the next few years.

My guess is that sooner or later these 3 will "break out" for the Cornhuskers. My guess is this year or next for this triplet.

Jeff_Georgia Jul 23 10

I agree with HuskerT - if Martin has gotten his head around the defensive scheme, he could have a monster season 'cause he sure has the skills, and the desire to take someone's head off on every play. A spectator's dream.

As for Burkhead, the kid is just an old fashioned football player. I think you could put him in any number of positions on the field and he would shine: RB, wildcat, split end, safety, or LB (think Cody Grimm). Heck, you might even be able to teach him to be a corner. Great attitude, work ethic, the whole package.

Kinnie - I think he could be better than Paul (and I think Paul will have a dynamite season in '10). If he ever learns to block like Paul, you might have an All-American. Once he is comfortable with the offense and assuming QB play is anything better than average, watch out!

If Lee (or Green or whomever) can get his passing game together combined with the ability of Paul, Kinnie, and McNeil (not to mention the up and comers), the Huskers could have as potent a passing attack as you could ever want to have. Watch out Big 12(10)(Texas and The Butt Boys)!

I can't wait for the season to start!

BIGREDBADDAD Jul 23 10

I don't "get" the hype on Rex Burkhead. Don't get me wrong I like Rex, great change up to Helu, but he doesn't seem to have the big play, breakaway, change the game moves that Roy has.

Dwayne Jul 23 10

BigRed,
Among a list of things, the one which stands out with Burkhead, is that he has the intangibles that aren't taught. The "thing" that Marlon Lucky never had. He's not a liability. In other words, his coaches know what they're going to get as far as a minimum day in and day out. Very dependable player.

TexasHusker Jul 23 10

I think this year you'll see why they call him Rex Burkhead "Superman." Burkhead runs decisively, finds the hole and hits it, and he runs TOUGH. He may not take every carry to the house, but he always seems good for positive yardage, he eats up the field in chunks, makes great cuts, and it generally takes three guys to bring him down.

Roy Helu runs like a cheetah. He just blazes past, around or over you.

Can't wait to see what Tray Robinson does this year. They say he's looking like the Incredible Hulk.

Nater Jul 23 10

I saw Trey after the Spring game, and Hulk describes him well.

Dotbo Jul 23 10

I think Eric Hagg is going to go all Troy Polamalu on opponents.

The guy can do it all. Rush the passer for sacks, intercept, take down RBs, everything a LB does and more.

Eric Hagg, people. Making plays.

darren Jul 23 10

BIGREDBADDAD - I understand your concern about Burkhead. He doesn't "flash" big play potential the way some athlete do. He's not going to go 65 yards untouched. Big plays matter. They can gut an opponent.

But, just because there isn't sizzle doesn't mean it isn't a steak.

Watch the way Burkhead gets to-in-and-through the hole when he runs. See how he falls forward to turn 6 yards in to 8. Watch the way he catches a screen pass and goes immediately up the field. He does so many things and he does them very well.

It won't be gorgeous, but he can get 85 rush yards, add 50 more on catches and score the ball. In a word, effective.

darren Jul 23 10

Dotbo - you don't have to sell me on Eric Hagg. I am buying. If Marvin Sanders says he's great, that is good enough for me.

I put Gomes in this list first b/c of the production and plays from 2009. We've *seen* Gomes do it.

The comparison to Polamalu has my head spinning. That would be something. WHOO!

Can the season get here soon enough??

Grant Jul 23 10

We better hope PJ Smith has a break out year. NU lost a lot up the middle in Suh, Dillard, Asante, and O'Hanlon. Maybe Gomes fills one spot, but PJ or Thenarse better get the rest. I'm pulling for Thenarse just b/c I think he deserves to succeed, but PJ Smith has always received high marks from coaches and players. I also agree w/ Brian Barnes in his post RE: Meredith.

Palmer Jul 23 10

I just can not wait for the season to start. I think we've really got something awesome waiting in the wind. That Beat Texas video really got Texans stirred up. I just want to remind them that Bo is going to have these players focus on the game at hand. Not just Texas! I predict Neb. goes undefeated with a 42-17 victory over texas.

Troy Jul 23 10

I'd like the list a lot more if Gomes and Burkhead hadn't already broken out last year, and another player wasn't a returning 2 year starter (Allen). Way to go out on a limb there...

Dwayne Jul 23 10

I can't help but watch Baker develop and compare what he might/will do to what Suh did last season.
Baker wass a 5 star recruit and Suh was a 4 star recruit. I will be very interested in that comparison alone and what potential he has in his tank.

Randy Jul 23 10

What about Ricky Henry, I saw him in the Holiday Bowl just destroy Arizona linemen, he was very underrated. I think the whole O line is going to be good or Cotton is gone. Cotton needs to produce.

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<a href="http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/five_candidates_for_a_breakout.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2010/07/five_candidates_for_a_breakout.htmlFri, 23 Jul 2010 09:25:31 GMT 00:00">Five Candidates for a Breakout Season in 2010

With the exciting news that the Big T1e1n has extended an offer to the University of Nebraska, I thought it would make sense to use my “connections” to give Buckeye fans a little bit of insight from the other side of this announcement.

With that, here’s the second installation of “Ask A Husker” (be sure to check out the first). Last time, we got the fan perspective, hearing from a UNL alum. Today, we kick it up a notch, and chat with former Cornhusker Aaron Terpening. A graduate of North Salem high school in Salem Oregon, Terp lettered with the Huskers for four years, and was three time Big 12 academic all conference. His role on special teams and as a Rover (free safety) for Nebraska was an important part of their team from 1999-2002; he played for Frank Solich and just missed the first Pelini era. He also graduate from UNL with a Masters in Architecture, and currently works as an architect in his home town of Salem Oregon.

Welcome to the Big T1e1n! Do you get the sense that Nebraska is a good “fit” for the conference? What are your feelings about this move? What are your former teammates saying about the move?

Thanks for the warm welcome.  From what I’ve heard and read, the Big Ten Fans have been very gracious and welcoming.  That makes a big difference.  Joining another conference could be intimidating and awkward, but I think the Big Ten is going to make this transition feel natural.  I heard Delany wore a “N” lapel pin on recent visit.  That is a small thing that makes a big impact.

I’m excited and a little sad.  It’s hard to think that over a hundred of years of consistent opposition is going by the wayside.  But, I think it’s important to remember that before the Big 12 it was the Big 8 and before that the Big 6.  The Big 6 had teams like Drake and Grinnell.  So, conferences and opponents change over time.  To move to another conference is nothing new.  When the Big 12 formed and the yearly match with Oklahoma was thrown out, to me, that diminished the importance of continued rivalries for us.

If you read/listen to folks from Austin, Nebraska is the reason that the Big 12 is dissolving, At the press conferences. Dr. Osborne and others were pretty frustrated by this line of thought. As a former player, was there anything that surprised you in the way that it happened?

Look! A coach from Ohio!

I know from my experience with Tom Osborne and Frank Solich for that matter, emotion was never a huge part of the equation.  There was a time and a place for it, for sure.  And that time was about ten minutes before kick-off.  Otherwise, decisions on Nebraska’s part under TO’s leadership have always been consistent, thought through, and fair.  Nebraska as an institution would never act in a disingenuous manner toward the other institutions within the Big 12.  I don’t mind the idea that we were “at fault’ for the crumbling of the Big 12.  Who cares?

The fact is, the conference was a mess and there are/were a couple schools willing to do something about it.  I sincerely think Nebraska tried to make it work, but they were apparently unable to get any concessions by other members.  From the day the conference was formed and they made the headquarters Irving, Texas and moved it from Kansas City, things have been tilted south.  I am a bit surprised that the Big 12 didn’t do more to keep itself together.  I don’t know who’s fault that is.

Are there specific ways that you see this transition helping the Huskers? Recruiting, television, other sports?

Recruiting is something I am a bit concerned about.  I have no idea how that will go.  Not playing teams from Texas, Kansas, Missouri(maybe), and Oklahoma every year may make it more difficult to pull players from those states.  I just don’t know how that will go.

Basketball may be one sport that Nebraska could really see improvement in due to the realignment.  Husker fans have been waiting patiently for years expecting that the basketball program would follow the football programs success somehow.  Maybe this move will finally make that a possibility.

The academic part of it seems to be a great opportunity for the University of Nebraska.   I don’t know much about it, but the CIC (assuming Nebraska gets to be part of it) will be a good affiliation for the schools. This together with the athletic and monetary parts of the deal will be Tom Osborne’s legacy.  This may be bigger than his championships.  However, this might not have happened except for the trophies.

What are going to be the challenges for Nebraska in this new conference?

300+ consecutive sold out games

Nebraska will have to get used to larger crowds and different styles of coaching.  The Big 10 at the moment has some very conservative styles of football.  I think this is why Nebraska is a good fit.  But, it’ll be a challenge because their opponents may be strong in some of the same areas Nebraska is strong. When i say ‘conservative’, I mean good defense, a strong work ethic, sportsmanship, and respect for opponents.  These are all things Nebraska has excelled at and the Big 10 is known for.

You were a part of Nebraska’s historic “walk on” program- What was that like for you? How did you choose to go that route rather than accepting a full scholarship at another institution?

Being a walk-on was a dream-come-true for me.  My family were always huge Nebraska fans.  Growing up watching players like Calvin Jones and Baron Miles inspired me.  They played so hard every play, they were strong and relentless.  I wanted to be a part of that.  I modeled how I played after that.  So, to get the opportunity to make it happen was an amazing feeling.  I enjoyed it from the day I got there.  I loved practice, I loved the conditioning, I loved the humid summers and freezing windy winters.  It was all part of Nebraska football.  I miss feeling like I was going to die from lack of oxygen in 98 degrees with 98 percent humidity at five o’clock on a summer night with the other defensive backs hunched over together.  That was why I went there, to be somewhere that valued that work ethic.

What should Ohio State players and fans be ready for at kickoff in Memorial Stadium? What’s the atmosphere like on the field and in the stands for gameday?

I know other schools have great traditions, fans, and gameday atmospheres.  In my biased opinion, Nebraska’s is second to none.  It’s truly an amazing place to be on Saturdays in the fall.   Nebraska fans have some traditions like giving the opponents a standing ovation as they leave the field.  These and other things make it unique.  I hope Ohio State fans can come to Lincoln expecting to be treated well, have a great time, and enjoy some good football.

Illustration from the Daily Nebraskan

What’s the one moment or play that stands out for you from your career?

That’s tough.  Blocking a punt against Kansas State was a big deal at the time (ed. For this, he was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week).  Another fun memory was my first play my freshman year.  It was at Iowa.  Just getting to travel with the team the first game of my freshman year was a blast.  The game was well in hand and I was put in for a kick-off at the end of the game.  I made the tackle.  That was a great feeling.

ed.- Terp is humble to a fault. On the kickoff team, he played one of the most exciting and dangerous roles, the wedge buster.  In addition, he completely forgot to mention his blocked punt against Iowa State, and his career high six tackles against Penn State. Oh, and his touchdown against Kansas. Although, it was Kansas, so…

When the Big 8 transmogrified into the Big 12, the Huskers lost their great rivalry with Oklahoma. Now that you’re moving into a new configuration, the Thanksgiving game with Colorado goes to the wayside. Others have suggested that Iowa should be the new Thanksgiving game. Who do you see as the new “rival” for Nebraska?

Honestly, I’d prefer to see Nebraska continue it’s rivalry with Oklahoma somehow.  Colorado was totally fabricated and never was a rivalry for us.   I guess Iowa would be a natural rival. (ed. “Farmageddon”)  However, the historic success of programs like Michigan and Ohio State may make for some heated competitions.  We’ll see what develops.

There are rumblings that this may not be the end of expansion, that the Big Whatever We’re Calling It Now may add a couple more teams to expand their footprint to the east coast. Are there any programs you’d like to see invited to join the party?

I heard maybe Rutgers and Syracuse.  Rutgers makes some sense.  But, I don’t know about Syracuse from the whole culture standpoint.  We’ll see what happens.  I wouldn’t mind the conference the way it is for a couple years.

Your turn: Thoughts on Mich1gAAn?

Rich Rodriguez may not be “the guy”.  I feel like Michigan may be in a similar spot as Nebraska was a few years ago when they fired Solich.  To me, a 10 win season is adequate.  Consistently good teams(like 10 or more years of being in the top ten) usually have one main ingredient, a head coach who’s been there the whole time.  When Nebraska fired Solich, I predicted they would fall off the map nationally and go through the cycle of coaches for at least a decade.  I’m hopeful Pelini is it and my prediction was wrong.  But, we did go through at least one person – so I was partially right.

Stability is a big thing in college football.  Teams that have it, eventually find their way into the top ten.  Look at Iowa.  So, if Michigan can endure a few more seasons of mediocrity, Rodriquez might pull through and get them back to where they want to be.  But, if they aren’t patient, they could end up on the merry-go-round.

Thanks, Aaron- Our next installation will hopefully get some perspective from the academic side of this transition.

<a href="http://www.thebuckeyebattlecry.com/?p=5501tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.thebuckeyebattlecry.com/?p=5501Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:58:50 GMT 00:00">More Know Your Neighbor: Nebraska

Future Huskers together on Nebraska Juniors team

Silly speculation about Notre Dame & Super Conferences

Silly Notre Dame Speculation, Super Conference, Texas Wins, Huskers Lose