3-0!!!

Optimists will point to Nebraska's 3-0 record and cheer loudly. But, as this season progresses, it's becoming painfully apparant that year 2 of the West Coast Offense is even worse than year 1. While a 7-6 victory over Pitt is nice, it sure makes you start scratching your head when you realize that one week ago, the Ohio Bobcats beat Pitt 16-10.

There were some positive signs in the first half:

• Cody Glenn is a battering ram. Had some problems with a handoff once, but overall looked good. In an effort to get Glenn the ball, they once lined up both Marlon Lucky at IB and Glenn at FB and gave the ball to Glenn as a fullback. (One criticism of Callahan's offense is that they don't take advantage of the fullback, unlike other versions of the "West Coast". See Tom Rathman as an example of what a fullback can do in the West Coast offense.)
• Creativity on playcalling. Tierre Green and Mike Stuntz switched back to offense for a play to utilize their talents. Green runs the sweep toss like no other back at Nebraska has since his cousin, Ahman. And Stuntz lined up at I-back to attempt a IB pass, though he ended up scrambling and gaining 4 yards.
• The offensive line did look better.
  

But the headscratchers continue:

• When the game is on the line, Bill Callahan does not have faith in Zac Taylor. In the 2nd half, the offense was reduced to Cory Ross.
• Nebraska was penalized 11 times. 5 of these penalties were for shifting into an illegal formation. In the post-game interview with the Information Minister, Callahan disagreed that the formations were illegal. Perhaps they were legal, and the officials were wrong. But allowing your team to get flagged for this for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th time is just plain stubborn and stupid.
• The defense is responsible for our 3-0 record, but this defense isn't going to win many more for this team. Remember how happy we were with our defense until the Texas Tech game last year???
  

The fans leaving the stadium were extremely subdued and quiet, except for criticism of the coaching staff. Many are ready to throw in the towel. 14 games may be a little quick to pull the hook, though, on the head coach. The athletic director, however, is probably starting to feel the heat.