Pelini Still Believes Huskers Can Win Big Ten

Pelini Still Believes Huskers Can Win Big Ten

There’s an old movie line from a high-ranking soldier who said there are two kinds of people in this world: Those who stand up and face the music, and those who run for cover. Speaking Wednesday at a fall Husker Athletic Fund Luncheon inside Memorial Stadium, Bo Pelini proved he was on the right side of the equation despite the disappointment he experienced last Saturday night at Ohio State, his alma mater.

In a 12-minute speech, Nebraska’s fifth-year head football coach showed his true grit. He acknowledged problems he believes are solvable and expressed confidence in his team. He displayed heart-felt respect for Nebraska overall and for Husker fans in particular.

He was his usual direct, straight-forward, steely-eyed determined self, yet somehow different before, during and after fielding a few questions from Nebraska donors. Those fans must have heard what they wanted to hear because most on the crowded West Stadium third floor gave Pelini a standing ovation. It was textbook Pelini with a twist. Those who love his resolve saw every angle of his decisive nature. But they also saw his more compassionate, empathetic and optimistic side … all at the same time.

We’ve selected three Pelini quotes that resonated with us:

1) “In my heart and in my mind, I still believe we can win the Big Ten Championship.”

2) “As bad as you guys feel about Saturday, I promise you that I feel 100 times worse.”

3) “I feel a responsibility to you all, and last Saturday wasn’t it. It’s time for me to get that rectified and get this thing going in the direction that you all expect it to go in and should expect it to go in.”

Before introducing Pelini, Husker Sports Network play-by-play man Greg Sharpe praised last weekend’s Ohio State atmosphere but added that it “pales in comparison” to Nebraska’s Tunnel Walk entrance and the Huskers’ overall game day atmosphere.

Big Red Fans Give Bo a Standing O

Pelini may have been an Ohio State Buckeye captain, but the last statements he made at the luncheon sparked the spontaneous standing ovation.

Nebraska’s head coach related how he “walked away thinking about the atmosphere, the fans and all the things that come into play, and just how fortunate I am to be in the position I’m in and the responsibility that I’m in,” Pelini said, “because it (Ohio State) pales in comparison to what we have here, and the resources we have, and you all are the people that make that possible for me and for our football team. I appreciate it.”

And every Big Red fan in the room had to appreciate Pelini, who pointed his thumb at his own chest when he described what has to be fixed to make a successful six-game stretch run over the last half of the regular season.

Immediately after Nebraska’s loss at Ohio State, Pelini told his players, his coaches and members of the media that the Huskers need to run the table to achieve their goal of winning a Big Ten championship. We all know that in sports, and in life, believe is the biggest part of achieve, and make no mistake. Bo Pelini believes he can do it, and he plans to prove it as a coach and a team and with a lot of help from the most loyal fan base in college football.

Let’s Get Ready to Rummbbblllle!

Boiling it down, Northwestern is the first day of the rest of Nebraska’s 2012 football life.

So get ready to rumble.

Bo’s using this extra week to get his team and himself ready.

You need to be a member of Huskerspot3 to add comments!

Join Huskerspot3

Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • ok we won but it wasn't pretty and decisive. The one thing that Taylor may accomplish is having more come from behind wins than any Nebraska quarterback ever and maybe in college history.

  • This Nebraska defense stinks. This team stinks. dropping the ball, throwing to the other team. can't block

  • I think Bo really does realize that, as a head coach, if you can't win in Nebraska  you can't win anywhere.  He has all the resources ANY head coach would love to have.  The people of Nebraska are "All N" when it comes to funding and supporting the program.  Somehow Bo got to be an enigma to fans here and that is how he got hired.  I am not saying I want him sent away, I am saying he hasn't lived up to the reputation.  If he is going to return Neb to the glory days he has got to do something different from what he is doing now.  I am not a huge fan of his defensive coordinator either.  Waaaayy too emotional on the sideline.  Very UnNebraska like.  We don't need a guy acting like a player during the game...we need someone keeping his cool, thinking ahead, and making adjustments.  He is young, I get that, and I get that assistants take on the personality of the head guy but I just think his mindset is in the wrong place. 

  • Haven't you learned?

     

    Bo's talk is just that.

     

    He has NEVER won the "big one". Our team is FAR less talented on defense in 2012 than in 2011.


    What, other than wishful thinking, would make these donors think anything different?

     

    THE GOOD OLD DAYS ARE GONE!

     

    This is our new reality.

  • More blah, blah, blah, from Pelini. How long have we been stuck on 14 recruits for next years class? This guy is in over his head and all he can pay us is more lip service. Show us the money Bo. Go out and do your job. Act like a true representative of Nebraska when you speak to the PRESS not some nit wit without an education.
    • He is a nit wit and not the brightest bulb in the fixture.

    • Maybe if a majority of husker fans and media were worth talking too,   he wouldn't act like he does.  But with comments like this you reap what you sow. 

      • Enablers response.
  • good point on the self destruct Country seems like we beat ourselves in so many of the blow out losses 

    you  really can't point the finger at the D alone when we're giving away pick 6's and punt returns all over the place

    much like Nebraska, Northwestern has an improved offense and a declining defense so expect a score fest saturday afternoon and hope we  come away with a road win

    poundtherockeattheclock GBR

    • NW could really hurt us with punt returns.  They're first in the B1G and 3rd in the nation, averaging almost 25 yards per return.  But, lucky for us, we lead the conference in most offensive categories.  Go Big Red, and the real NU!!!  Outrun, Outscore, Outlast! (and no Outhouse D)

This reply was deleted.