Pelini appreciates TO

In this file photo from Dec. 2, 2007, Bo Pelini, left, Nebraska’s new football coach, is introduced by athletic director Tom Osborne at a news conference in Lincoln, Neb. Pelini said Osborne sometimes pops in to talk football and give suggestions for plays to use on Saturdays. (AP File)

Well seeing as today is Tuesday, head coaches around the nation sat in front of the press to discuss the upcoming week, and here in Husker-land it was no different. Bo Pelini held court before hitting the practice field and talked about a number of subjects, although none quite as interesting as what it is like to have Tom Osborne just upstairs and the advise that TO gives.

“He comes out and watches a lot,” Pelini said at Tuesday’s press conference. “He has a tremendous understanding of offensive football, so he gives his input every now and then, suggestions and that type of thing. It’s made us a better football team.”

And those suggestions are not just disregarded as Pelini said that he has run plays suggested by TO. You can just tell that Pelini has the deepest respect for Osborne and what he means to this state.

“No. 1: He can say anything he wants to me at anytime. But No. 2: He has a tremendous understanding of the game and how to prepare and what to do. Is he walking down and saying, ‘You have to run this play?’ No, he doesn’t do that. But he’s very respectful and he understands the right way to go about it. He’s very conscious of doing things the right way in every aspect of life. And I think he understands the right way and wrong way to give suggestions.”

And how can Pelini not listen to someone he regarded as “a genius when it comes to the game of football.”

Wortman ready to play

LBs Phillip Dillard and Tyler Wortman warm up before the season opener against Western Michigan on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. Wortman has yet to see extended play, despite being a starter, because of the spread offenses the Huskers have seen this season. (Michael Mason-D'Croz)

Because of the amount of spread offenses that the Huskers have faced so far this season, “starting” BUCK linebacker Tyler Wortman has yet to see the field extensively. However, this weekend he should see a healthy amount of snaps when the Virginia Tech Hokie’s come to town with their more traditional offense.

“He understands. He knows going in,” Pelini said of Wortman. “He’s practiced a lot. It’s just a matter of what teams give us on gameday [whether he plays or not].”

I know that it goes against all logical thinking, but I actually hope that the Huskers stick to their non-base Nickle package with Va. Tech in town. QB Tyrod Taylor will present a challenge with his running ability and having that extra defensive back – with more speed – could be a boost for this defense. As I said in a previous post, the Husker will have to pressure Taylor to truly stop him, but if he gets into the open field then someone has to run him down and Tyler Wortman isn’t one who’ll do that.

Heading Home:

• Pelini also talked about Andy Christensen and said that he was available to play on Saturday. However, Pelini also said that although Christensen is going about this the right way and putting the work in, he is behind the rest of the O-Line and has a little ways to go.
• I know it’s not yet time for the Husker’s to worry about Missouri. However, the Lincoln Journal Star’s Curt McKeever wrote a great column about all the pieces that Missouri has, and raises a warning flag for Husker fans to worry about already. This will be a stressful game for everyone involved – especially Coach Pelini as he tries to figure out how to stop the Missouri offense. But as I said, it’s not time to worry about this game yet, Va Tech must first be dealt with.
• Ohio State fans can finally rejoice as RB Chris “Beanie” Wells will be in the starting line up this Saturday against Minnasota. He’ll be joined by Terrelle Pryor – who will make his second straight start for the Buckeyes – in the backfield. The Buckeyes have struggled to produce on the offensive side of the ball since Wells went down with a foot injury during the season opener against Youngstown State.
• Aside from Lane Kiffin for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, there is no coach under quite as hot a seat right now than Syracuse’s Greg Robinson. The Orangemen’s AD Dr. Daryl Gross has said that Robinson’s team has yet to show “obvious progress” and Robinson could be shown the door shortly.