Pelini, players say outlook good for '09 season

Bo Pelini sat down in front of more than 50 reporters with a slightly amused look on his face.


With all the microphones on and cameras pointed his way, the second-year Cornhusker coach cracked a small grin and said, "How ‘bout it."


Pelini appeared more comfortable under the spotlight compared with what was seen last season, when the coach often appeared tense and relegated himself to coach-speak rather than candor.


"Hopefully I've grown up a little bit into the position," Pelini said. "I've learned a lot my first year, and hopefully I can learn from anybody. You don't have all the answers. You learn every step of the way, and if you continue to learn you make yourself better."


Pelini wasn't only trying to develop himself as a coach but also turn around a team that went 5-7 in 2007.


In his first year, NU improved in almost every statistical category in the book, including scoring, first downs, total rushing, total passing, total offense, interceptions, fumble recoveries, time of possession and so on.


Pelini sparked Nebraska's resurgence with a limited playbook. Pelini admitted he didn't really dive into the true intricacies of the ideal defense he wants to run.


That changes this year.


The Husker coach said he has big plans for his defense in 2009, and it all starts with the first spring football practice today.


"I think back to my situations where I've gone into year two and year three," Pelini said. "Going into year two here, I expect us to take a big, big jump. When I looked at last season, we were our own worst enemy. I think we have a chance to be a lot better."


At times last year, Pelini said, the defense wasn't playing disciplined football. He put most of the blame on coaching but has high expectations for the Huskers' return to the upper echelon of college defenses.


Junior linebacker Blake Lawrence said he's ready to take on the challenge.


The Kansas native stood out in Nebraska's Gator Bowl win in January, notching four total tackles and an interception in the game.


"Personally, I think last year was a crash course," Lawrence said. "This year is more about taking what we've learned and where we've ended the season last year, and adding what we've focused on this winter and turning it into a final product."


Senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh couldn't agree more. He said the spring will be spent mostly on fine-tuning the base system that was implemented last season.


Once that knowledge is ingrained in each player, it opens the door for Pelini to implement his more advanced ideas and schemes that never saw the field in '08.


Nebraska returns seven starters on defense, including Suh, senior defensive end Barry Turner and senior safety Larry Asante.


Considering the team was one win away from a division title and won a January bowl game, Husker faithful should be feeling pretty good.


"I have high expectations. Very, extremely high," Pelini said. "We made a jump last year from what they were the year before. We are nowhere near where we want to play defensively, and I expect to get there this year."


spencerschubert@dailynebraskan.com