Aug. 12, 2004

From The Daily Nebraskan (UWIRE) LINCOLN, Neb. -- - Much has been said about Nebraska's switch to the West Coast offense. But it might just be the Cornhuskers' defense that does most of the talking in 2004. At the Big 12 Media Days in Kansas City last week, NU Coach Bill Callahan said the Huskers must rely on the defense to be successful during his first season at the helm of Nebraska's football program. "If we are to contend for a championship ring this season, it will lie on the shoulders of defense early," Callahan said. "That allows us as an offense to buy some time." With NU's season opening on Sept. 4 against Western Illinois, it's not just the offense undergoing changes. The Blackshirts are switching from more of a zone coverage defense to a man defense. There's also a completely new defensive coaching staff, led by Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. "(The new system) is real good," senior linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "Luckily, Coach Cosgrove was pretty open to communication and was easy to get along with. That made the transition a lot easier." Junior free safety Josh Bullocks also said the changes have gone smoothly. Bullocks thrived under the NU's zone defense in 2003, setting a school record and finishing second in the nation with 10 interceptions. The system may be different this year, but Bullocks is hoping for similar results. "I have to put myself in a position to make plays," Bullocks said. "I think the coaches are going to allow me to do that. If the quarterback puts the ball in the air, my teammates and I are going to go up and get it." The Huskers return six defensive starters, including three from the secondary as well as senior Lornell McPherson - the Huskers' nickel back in 2003. Although the Huskers have only one returning starter atop the depth chart on the defensive line, the line was one of the strong points during spring practice. "There have been times during spring practice where our defense flashed signs of dominance," Callahan said. In 2003 under the direction of Defensive Coordinator Bo Pelini, who is now coaching at Oklahoma, the Blackshirts were dominant at times and struggled other times. During their 10-3 campaign last season, the Huskers held their opponents to 14 or fewer points in nine games. But in each of NU's three losses, the Huskers allowed at least 30 points. The Huskers tied a school record by forcing 47 turnovers, helping the Huskers lead the nation in turnover margin at plus-1.77 per game. The Huskers had a school-record 32 interceptions in 2003. But that was with zone coverage, which usually leads to more interceptions. Another change for Ruud and other upperclassmen will be a completely new coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. This will be Ruud's third defensive coordinator in as many years. "It was tough dealing with all the changes, but I think overall it probably made me a better player," Ruud said. "Even though every coach has a different philosophy ... it's helped me understand defenses and offenses a lot better." HUSKER NOTES Callahan said he wanted to have a clear starting quarterback by the Huskers' first game on Sept. 4. "We'd like to establish a quarterback to take over the reigns and I think that's crucial," Callahan said. "The quarterback position is the most important part of our offense. I've never been a rotation guy." Callahan said sophomore Joe Dailey is the Huskers' top quarterback going into fall practices, which start Aug. 9. But heralded junior college transfer Jordan Adams has enough time to learn the new system before the season starts, Callahan said. "We've got great competition," Callahan said. "It's wide open." The Huskers are picked by media to finish third in Big 12 North Division, behind Kansas State and Missouri. Colorado is picked fourth, followed by Kansas and Iowa State. In the South, Oklahoma is picked to finish first, followed by Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Baylor. The Huskers have three All-Big 12 preseason selections by the media. Ruud and Bullocks are on the defensive side with junior tight end Matt Herian being the lone offensive selection for the Huskers.