Bo and Paps

StPaulHusker said:
BigRedBuster said:
OK....this is the first I have been around a computer since the game. I briefly looked through the threads and didn't see this discussed so sorry if it has been.

What was going on there? It looked like total confusion.

My opinion is that the coaches were trying something new to figure out how you can substitute on defense against a fast paced offense that doesn't huddle. We were way ahead and the game wasn't in question so the coaches were experimenting a little.

Have the coaches given any explanation?
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I have not heard of an actual explanation but I don't think you rip into a coach on the sidelines if you are experimenting with your defense.
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Well, I wasn't wanting this to be added to the discussion about Bo and Paps arguing. I was at the game and wasn't paying attention to the side lines. I was simply paying attention to what was happening on the field and trying to figure out what they were trying to do.

It appeared to me that Illinois was keeping their personnel package close to the side lines until right at the last minute and then they went to the line and snapped the ball. It looked like the staff was taking the opportunity to figure out if there was a way to substitute to counter act that.

 
A couple observations. Let me preface this by saying I like Bo, and Paps for that matter. However, liking guys does not necessarily mean they are the right guys for the job. And, I'm not saying Bo is not the right guy for the job but, I am reserving judgment on that.

1- Bo is a firey, low tact type of guy. Old school football coach type if you will. That doesn't bother me at all. Being the HC at a D1 program like Nebraska is much different than most other professions where that type of behavior is frowned upon. I've worked with guys like this, my dad was a bit that way, and I can also be a d!(k when presented the right opportunity. I am sort of tired, really tired actually, of all the whining about Bo yelling at coaches and players. Passions run high in the middle of a game. These guys are big boys- they can handle it (much better than some fans obviously). Praise in public is always a good thing but criticize in private may have to fall by the wayside on the sidelines. Bo has these guys backs and they know it. It is obvious that the players like him. Please let it go.

2- Paps appears to be a nice guy. Sorry but that isn't a compliment for a DC. To some extent the players reflect the attitude of their coach. IMO the last thing you want on the defensive side of the ball is a congenial, timid, nice guy attitude. I have been trying to come up with the name of a well known successful defensive coach that wasn't a hardass and I am drawing a blank. I would bet there are a few but I think you get my point. Paps is in a sort of catch 22 position. He isn't/wasn't qualified for the job yet he has it. And, sure Bo is responsible for him being in that position but, if he is going to be the defensive coordinator, regardless the conditions, he has to be able to handle the repercussions when his unit isn't performing. That many substitution penalties is not performing. I don't blame Bo at all for blowing his stack over it. This isn't coffee klatch at the local church so grow up and welcome to the jungle.

Hold these guys, Bo and Paps, accountable for the results and performance on the field all you want but, can we stop with the sniveling about the angry faces, yelling, and sideline behavior. It's all just a little too wimpy for me. /rant

 
Is anyone clear what Papuchis' role in designing and calling the defense really is or how much direct control Pelini still exerts over the defense?

 
Well, Bo designed the defense and calls it during games. I don't think that's under dispute. Papuchis probably has a considerable role during the week in installing Bo's defense for him and coaching the players on that side of the ball, along with the positions coaches, since a chunk of Bo's time is taken up with other things (as the head coach). Bo might take a more hands on approach, when he has to.

Point being, it is Bo's defense and everything, but Papuchis isn't taking up an idle assistant coaching spot, either. He has a job to do and it's possible to do that job well, or poorly.

 
zoogies said:
Well, Bo designed the defense and calls it during games. I don't think that's under dispute. Papuchis probably has a considerable role during the week in installing Bo's defense for him and coaching the players on that side of the ball, along with the positions coaches, since a chunk of Bo's time is taken up with other things (as the head coach). Bo might take a more hands on approach, when he has to.

Point being, it is Bo's defense and everything, but Papuchis isn't taking up an idle assistant coaching spot, either. He has a job to do and it's possible to do that job well, or poorly.
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I have only seen where that is speculation. Do you have absolute proof of that from the coaches or players?

 
Didn't BigWillie post an article from McKewon referencing Bo calling plays? Don't we have pictures of Bo with the playsheet during games? Do we really think mastermind John Papuchis designed the Nebraska defensive scheme?

 
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Sorry, I'll dig it up when i get the chance. Iirc it described the operation from the call to the signaling in (pap)

 
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