Bo Pelini was the leadoff speaker for the Big 12 Conference version of “Meet the Press” Monday afternoon, and no one had to wonder what his priorities are and probably always will be . . . defense and a strong running game.
“You can talk about throwing the football all you want. My belief is, if you want to win championships, at some point you have to be physical and run the football,” Nebraska’s second-year head coach told sportswriters and sportscasters at the Big 12 Football Media Days in Dallas.
Running the football helps your offense and helps you play good defense, Pelini said before correcting himself to say “great defense.”
You have to be able to do what you want to do and are supposed to do, and then do it, he said, adding that it’s the only way to take care of business.
That philosophy not only complements what Pelini expects to be a much improved Nebraska defense this season, but also plays to one of the Huskers’ greatest strengths – a proven tandem of junior running backs and a couple of newcomers who can only strengthen that position.
“I love our running backs. I love our running back position,” Pelini said, referring to California native Roy Helu Jr. and Texas native Quentin Castille. “Roy had a great year last year, and he’s ready to take it to another level. Quentin kind of stepped up at the end of the year. They're a good 1-2 punch, and they're both going to get a lot of carries. Football is a physical game, and we're going to need both of them."
While he didn’t mention two Dallas-area incoming freshmen running backs by name, Pelini referred to Rex Burkhead from Plano and Dontrayevous Robinson from Euless as talented players who have a chance to grow up in the system and help build the future of the program.
Nebraska’s head coach confessed that the Huskers are “not even in the same galaxy” of where he wants to be defensively, but, he said, they’re going to play solid defense and will not be satisfied until they’re a dominant defensive team again.
One writer asked Pelini about the importance of a Blackshirt, and Pelini didn’t even blink before answering: “A Blackshirt is something kids take a lot of pride in. It’s a very special tradition in this program . . . one that will be here forever.”
Last year, Nebraska’s head coach said the Blackshirts were their own worst enemy in failing to meet a high level of expectations. He said part of the problem was coaching and part of the problem was players being accountable.
The most dramatic improvement on defense came in the Huskers' 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson.
“It hasn’t been anything magical. We just started doing our job and playing more consistently,” Pelini said. “If we continue to do that, we’ll be able to compete with anybody.”
True to his nature, Pelini made no predictions, but he didn’t hide from great expectations either.
“Our talent level is better this year,” he said. “We’re young in some spots, and we’re not as deep as I want to be across the board. But we have enough resources. I think we’ll be a better football team.”
And a more physical football team. Pelini said he wasn't satisifed with nine wins last season, and he won't be satisifed until Nebraska dominates teams physically, especially on defense. It's the mentality of the players and the coaches, and it will not change as long as he's the head coach.
Pelini said his job is to continue to build the program on the principles Nebraska has embraced for nearly half a century, and he made sure the Big 12 media understood his clear-cut goal for the program. “We won’t be satisfied until we win ‘em all and compete for a national championship,” he said.
Three players – Helu, defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and offensive lineman Jacob Hickman – joined Pelini in representing Nebraska, the Big 12 North Division favorite, at the media sessions, which will continue Tuesday and Wednesday.
Asked about the overall health of his team, Pelini said offensive lineman Jaivorio Burkes will not play this season, but added that linebacker Blake Lawrence and quarterback Kody Spano are both healthy.
Pelini, the Huskers and all the other conference teams will be gunning for a return to Texas for the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
