Red, from Omaha
Q: Come on, Terry. In the past I have always agreed with you (great minds think alike) ... but on this issue with Robin Miller and DeAntae Grixby, saying they've been held back by injuries doesn't hold water. Both have been suited up at games and still did not get into play. What's this "work their way back into the mix?" stuff. Head coach Frank Solich and running backs coach Dave Gillespie had them suit up, so why were they not given a chance to show what they had? I say give everyone a chance or cut the crap about "we haven't found that play maker I-back yet," Please
A: Red, I know you're a big fan of Miller and Grixby and I'm sure they're good players, but neither of us are at practice every day and truly knows what's going on there. Honestly though, if you're the head coach of a team that is 6-4 and struggling to win games and you have a couple of running backs in your program that could be true difference-makers, wouldn't you play them? So would Solich. Nobody wants to win any more than Frank does, so I've got to believe that he's playing the best players at every position.
Ray, from Grand Island
Q: What do you think of this Husker team?
A: We could probably spend all day on this one, but here's some general impressions. Nebraska could be just a year away from being really good again. With improved decision making in the passing game, Jammal Lord could be a huge weapon again next season. The offensive line will once again have to replace a couple starters, but what's new? Despite a disappointing record so far, this team hasn't quit, which is impressive for a program that is usually playing for at least a conference title. Nebraska may be taking its lumps this year, but I think the future looks bright.
Dana, from East St. Louis, Ill.
Q: I just finished watching Frank Solich call a passing play with 16 seconds left with no timeouts. Solich has ruined Nebraska football. Tom Osborne left with a well-oiled machine and now we have this. Please replace this man! Tell me a good recruit we have had since Solich has been coach?
A: Exactly what was Solich supposed to do? Run and get tackled in bounds as the final seconds burned off the clock? Kick the field goal and go into overtime -- if Josh Brown made it or it didn't get blocked -- where Nebraska might have lost anyway. Why not take a shot at the end zone and the win? It wasn't like the Huskers were unbeaten or anything, trying to protect a chance at the national championship. They were underdogs, trying to knock off a top-10 team. You might be surprised to find that a large number of Nebraska fans have come out in support of Solich's decision to go for the win. As for recruits, how about freshmen Fabian Washington, Matt Herian, David Horne, Mark LeFlore and Ross Pilkington from his latest class? Not too shabby, I'd say. If ruining the Nebraska football program is playing for the national championship 10 months ago, then I think most Husker fans would like for him to continue his path of destruction for years to come.
Vern, from Aurora
Q: While it's admittedly early could you talk briefly about next year? Is Amos going to be back at full speed to take Groce's corner spot? Any blue-chip rush ends heading to Nebraska to help take the double-teaming off of some of our young talented defensive tackles?
A: Unfortunately, I can't help you out a lot with potential rush end recruits -- at least not until February -- but I think there's a general feeling of optimism about next year simply because so many young players have made major contributions this season. I would expect Amos to be back at full speed to replace Groce and the defense should be much improved as rush end Chris Kelsay and linebacker Scott Shanle are the only other senior starters this year. However, the Huskers players insist they're not looking toward 2003 just yet. They've got three games left and they feel they owe it to the seniors to try and finish strong.
