{mosimage} Yes I am still alive and kicking, been so busy with my "real job", that I just haven't had a chance to write anything for my "High-paying" job here at Deathrattle. I know that many of you have been waiting in wanted anticipation for what the Nebraska Cornhuskers will have for the 2008 season and Spring practice just started about a week ago with the annual spring game scheduled for Saturday April 19, 2008.

One major change with this first spring workouts under Pelini is that every player started on equal terms in regards to the depth chart, Pelini and staff brought in no preconceived notions on who the starters were going to be, they watched very little film from last season, they wanted to make sure that the players understood that what happened last year was last year and would have no bearing on this season; Great move. With Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson returning from last season the offense will maintain it basic look running the Nebraska version of the spread, which of course was very effective and not the team's problem, no, that (problem) was on the defensive side of the ball.

After the first week of workouts, probably the most startling news out of Lincoln was the fact that 3-year letterman, running back Cody Glenn went to coach Pelini and requested to try a move to the defense at linebacker. This helped free up a pretty big log jam at the I-back position what with returning players Marlon Lucky, Roy Helu and Quentin Castille all who contributed last season as well as Kenny Wilson, who missed all of the 2007 season with a broken leg also back. So far the reviews of Glenn's switch to the "dark side" have been promising, even making an interception during one of the practices. Whether the move becomes permanent this fall remains to be seen as Pelini has to replace all 4 linebackers from last season, so there are openings available.

Just prior to spring practice Pelini made it clear that he expects 100% concentration and dedication for this team and he instituted a "zero tolerance" policy regarding bars and clubs for the team. This rule came about after 2 of last year's players, Carl Nicks and Maurice Purify were ticketed at a party. No word on whether Pelini is "patrolling the local pubs", but there have definitely not been anybody breaking this rule since the 2^nd week of March, when it was announced.

One of the more pleasing things to come out of the first week of spring drills has been the increased level of intensity out of the defense. As some of you may recall, I was thoroughly disappointed with the defense last season and after the 4^th or 5^th game I was calling for last year's coordinator (Cosgrove) to be fired, which never happened. Bo Pelini and his brother Carl, who is the defensive coordinator, have brought back the swarming, 11 men to the ball attitude that was so effective the one season they ran the defense in 2003, when the set Nebraska records for turnovers caused in a season. Last season the defense only recorded 8 interceptions and recovered 3 fumbles, you don't win very many games when you don't cause turnovers. As a comparison, in 2003 against Texas A & M the Huskers defense caused 8 turnovers in that game alone. Coaches are stating that the players are playing with a lot of confidence, a missing item from last season, when players feel better about themselves; they perform better and make more plays. They are having fun, and when defensive players have fun they make plays and improve the moral on both sides of the ball. This season the defense is setting the tempo in practice, making the offense react to them rather than the other way around. Havoc is a great word to describe what the defense is causing this spring.

According to the ticket office, only about 8,000 seats remain for the spring game. Now I have not been able to determine if the entire stadium is open for the game or not, but if so, you are talking about 75,000 plus crowd for a spring game, now that is something to get excited about. Keep the faith and GBR!

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