Around the Big Ten

[entropy]

Yeah. Probably nobody in EL has experience throwing girlfriends down flights of stairs. Then again probably nobody in Lincoln knows how to properly burn a couch. That's why neither program is headed for the playoff next year.

so, you're saying Michigan knows how to do both..

[froot loops]

Hack with a burn

[Wild Hoss]

so, you're saying Michigan knows how to do both..

Well, one thing they have in common with Nebraska and Sparty is that they aren't in the playoff, so...

[AlabamAlum]

The recruiting game has changed a lot since T.O was on the sidelines at Nebraska. What he did during his heyday that would still work is that the Huskers had better linemen -on offense and defense- than virtually everyone they played. Loved watching the Husker o-line work. And those Blackshirts on the D-line were nearly as impressive. Throw in a QB who could run and a bruising back or two and the Huskers became a dynasty.

That said, of the last 10 national champions, all 10 manage their rosters (as Talent put it) aggressively. I do not see that trend changing.

[iam416]

It took Osborne 25 years to win. He won 3 with 2 being split. He spent the bulk of the 80s getting his ass kicked by more talented rosters at the end of the season and in bowl games and M as well.

He'd have to recruit like an MFer to win today. It's that simple. I'm not saying he wouldn't, but there is no way he could rely on UNL's walk-on program.

[entropy]

should have won in 82, but thanks to bad officiating in the PSU game..

Should have won it in 83 too..

The TO didn't recruit theme is really not true.. he had some excellent recruiting classes. Moving from the 5-2 to the 4-3 on D was the most significant improvement, imo.

and let's not confuse NC with successful seasons.

[iam416]

and let's not confuse NC with successful seasons.

How could I? We're on a M forum. Come to think of it, the entire "should have" lead-in was brilliantly M, too.

[AlabamAlum]

Talent throwing the heat today. Not even gonna pretend to offer an off speed pitch.

[iam416]

For realz.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE4Nms6fqAA"]Major League Strike Out - YouTube[/ame]

[Wild Hoss]

The recruiting game has changed a lot since T.O was on the sidelines at Nebraska. What he did during his heyday that would still work is that the Huskers had better linemen -on offense and defense- than virtually everyone they played. Loved watching the Husker o-line work. And those Blackshirts on the D-line were nearly as impressive. Throw in a QB who could run and a bruising back or two and the Huskers became a dynasty.

That said, of the last 10 national champions, all 10 manage their rosters (as Talent put it) aggressively. I do not see that trend changing.

IDK that Osborne's roster wasn't aggressively managed, its just that he used attrition in lieu of pulling 'ships. We didn't typically have a lot of seniors that didn't contribute in those days...the environment was too difficult for most kids to just hang around for a jersey. That 1995 senior class only had four guys out of 23 who didn't play regularly, outside of STs.

[AlabamAlum]

I wasn't the one who suggested that T.O. didn't aggressively manage rosters. And the who 'pulling scholarships' is really overstated. It doesn't happen that much, but when it does, deserved.

[entropy]

How could I? We're on a M forum. Come to think of it, the entire "should have" lead-in was brilliantly M, too.

well, I am brilliant.

[entropy]

I do believe that if MSU wants to continue down their path and recruiting style, they will be a successful program. Do that over 10-15 yrs and the right kids will come to EL and they'll compete for it all. There is nothing wrong with taking a TE who is 6'5" and underweight and letting him grow.

They just have to make sure they're getting enough speed at the skill positions and the rest will work itself out.

[entropy]

Regarding walk-ons... it will never be the same for any team now or in the future. College costs have outpaced wages. It's too expensive more most kids to walk-on vs take a scholarship at another program, even FCS.

Hoss and I have talked about this before... the quality of walk-ons is not what it used to be in the past and at UNL, compared to the past, the style of OL play compounds the problem.

[AlabamAlum]

Well, I guess it depends on your defintion of successful. This is the 50th anniversary of MSU's last NC. Alabama is hoping for its 9th NC in that same timeframe (stfu about 1973, Talent).