They're back!!! Maybe not entirely in substance, but at least as a symbol. Hopefully, this may serve as a motivator the rest of the year for the Nebraska defensive players.
That they were taken away last year, should make them that much more valuable to this group of athletes. Cherish them, guys! Be proud and play like a Blackshirt!
Eleven Blackshirts were handed out today to: DE Pierre Allen, SS Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, CB Eric Hagg, CB Armando Murillo, DE Zach Potter, DT Ty Steinkuhler, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Anthony West, DE Clayton Sievers and LB Tyler Wortman.
There is a very real and palpable responsibility that goes with being awarded a Blackshirt. As a player, you are carrying on the tradition of the hundreds of players before you that have donned the black practice jersey.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Rich Glover, Larry Jacobson, Broderick Thomas, Mike Brown, Grant Wistrom, Jason and Christian Peter, Mike Rucker, and Mike Minter are just a few of the hundreds of players that have worn the Blackshirts with pride.
Above and beyond all else though, a player that wears a Blackshirt is expected to play in a way befitting of the tradition and of the guys before him. Some of the best Nebraska defenders of all time played as if their hair was on fire and they hit like a mack truck.
Opposing offenses feared the Blackshirts because they knew they were in for an all-day battle. Over the years, the Blackshirts have won a lot of games and lost some, but even after defeat the opposing team's offense knew they had been in a physical, nasty dog fight.
I really have a positive feeling about this. That in having the Blackshirts taken away from them for a time, that this group of Nebraska defenders will continue to prosper under Pelini and play the style of defense that we were all so accustomed to for so many years.
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about 1 month ago
I agree with all but Anthony West. He hasn't shown anything exceptional on defense. The line CERTAINLY has earned those Blackshirts. It'll be nice to be able to use "Blackshirts" instead of having to say "Nebraska's defense" five times in an article, haha.
about 1 month ago
D line has been playing at exceptional level all year, and not just Potter, Stein, Suh and Allan. Have a nice rotation going. I have been really impressed with the play of Pierre after stepping up for BT.
Should be very strong next year with a healthy BT back
about 1 month ago
I'm not entirely convinced the D-line is all that good. Where was it against Mizzou and OU? NU had no sacks in either game. Both games showed me the gulf in talent that presently exists between NU and the elites of the B12.
As we all know, the foundation of a great team is the quality of the line play. We'll see over the next few years how well Pelini can recruit.
about 1 month ago
Suh is going to be an all conference player. And if he's isn't there is something wrong. He leads all Big 12 interior defensive lineman in tackles by 16. He is currently the Nebraska team leader in tackles with 60. That is an unheard number of tackles for an interior defensive lineman. And Steinkuhler and Potter are having their best years and Pierre Allen has filled in admirably for BT.
Say what you want, but they are clearly the best unit of the entire team. And it's not just me saying that. Pelini and others have been quoted numerous times this year saying things like, "The d line has been playing at a high level all year" and "We are disrupting the Qb with our d line play."
Quote from Mark Mangino before the game "The Nebraska d line is clearly the best unit of the team and anyone that has played them knows that." After the game, "Suh is a guy that is very much like some of the guys they had on the d line in the 90's"
It's not all about sacks. Are they getting hits on Qb? Yes. Are they strong against the inside run? For the most part . KU went away from running inside because they couldn't. And they have batted some balls down when not getting to Qb
Have you seen many teams have much luck getting pressure on Daniel? I think OSU had three, but thats about it. Pretty difficult in that offense when he stands 7 yards behind the LOS and gets rid of ball in less than 3 seconds.
Remember the coverage breakdowns by NU secondary against Missouri and OU? I sure do. Ball comes out quick when guys are left uncovered. So, that definitely inhibits the ability of d line to get sacks. Heard the phrase "that was a coverage sack'"
How many times have you seen Bradford get even pressured by anyone? That kid never gets touched regardless of who they play. That is nearly an NFL o line that OU has. I mean they are that good.
I thought and so did Pelini that the D line played pretty well against probably what is by far the best and biggest o line they have faced all year or will.
With Barry Turner coming back next year, and Pierre Allen having played well in his spot, the d line is fine and it's just going to be stronger next year, especially if Suh comes back for his senior yr. They just need some more backers and dbs behind them that can run, tackle and cover.
Thanks for reading the article!
Go Big Red!
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