Monday Mailbag: Four Point Husker Football Question Edition
Welcome to the last week without Husker football at the end of it. Yes, you read that correctly, the wait is oh so close to being over. In the meantime, let’s see what’s in the mailbag this week.
@eightlaces will this be the year that Bo Pelini FINALLY let's his team attempt to block a punt?
— Brad Ryan (@huskerbrad10) August 18, 2014
Brandon: From everything I’ve seen/Jake and others have told me, it’s been business as usual. Honestly, I wouldn’t let them try right now as the special teams unit has been a mess. Even if Kenny Bell or Jordan Westerkamp was returning, the Huskers would be doing themselves a disservice.
@eightlaces Is Ryker really better than Johnny? Hard to believe that would be the case.
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) August 17, 2014
Brandon: Right now this is a very subjective topic, but it’s been the same story for me since spring. Fyfe and Stanton both have strong suits and major flaws. Both struggle heavily with consistent passes and Stanton simply does not connect on the deep ball very often.
If I’m looking for a passer, I take Fyfe. If I’m looking for a runner, I take Stanton. It wouldn’t shock me if both had mini slightly-tweaked playbooks specifically for their skill sets.
@eightlaces From what I hear, the D should be much improved. What's your take?
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) August 18, 2014
Brandon: I think it’s safe to say that even with the injuries we’ve seen, this should still be a salty group. I’m very excited to see what Charlton Warren’s coaching can produce. If it’s anything like his recruiting, the secondary’s golden.
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If the defensive end spot opposite Gregory can be locked up, this front four should do well. Linebackers may start out shaky, but I like what/who I’m seeing. As long as the offense can keep them off the field so they don’t get gassed, it should be a fun unit to watch.
@eightlaces Still wonder about Papuchis ... is he worthy of being a D1 coordinator? Or is Pelini still calling the D anyway?
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) August 18, 2014
Brandon: JP and Bo are essentially one and the same. This is very much Bo’s team on either side of the ball, especially defensively. Obviously the head coach can override any call from the offensive coordinator, but yes, when it comes to defense, this is Pelini’s baby.
Totally understandable, too. His background is on defense dating back to his playing days, so it’s natural he’d want control over it.
@eightlaces Last one: Might play more frosh this year -- because of lack of depth or higher quality of recruiting lately?
— The Wild Bunch ™ (@thawildbunch) August 18, 2014
Brandon: Wow, you’re on a roll, David. Largely lack of depth, but don’t be fooled, these are quality guys. Mikale Wilbon will get some carries. It wouldn’t shock me to see Demornay Pierson-El involved in the return game or as a wide receiver.
Josh Kalu’s chances for playing time went up drastically once Charles Jackson was injured. Kieron Williams has simply been a beast during camp. He’ll earn any and all time he gets.
Long story short: Depth’s not great, but the recruits are solid.
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