Pelini says defense on ‘cusp’ Defensive coordinator thinks NU has horses World-Herald News Service LINCOLN — Carl Pelini says players are grasping scheme better in second year. Come Saturday, there’s a fair chance that the defensive coordinator will start at line- backer two freshmen and a sophomore. His secondary is coming off a season in which it ranked 82nd in the nation in pass efficiency defense. And the defensive tackle in charge of keeping Ndamukong Suh free from double teams has exactly two career tackles. Yeah, it’s fair to say there are a few ques- tions about the Husker D, which gave up four touchdowns a game in the Pelini broth- ers’ opening act. Yet the older, more tranquil sibling says The associated press this about his defense’s prospects for 2009: Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini, (left) yells instructions to his team with “I think we have the horses, I think we his brother and Nebraska defensive coordinator, Carl Pelini, looking on during a have the depth,” Pelini said. “I think we’re game against Western Michigan last August. at the cusp of being really good. Again, we’re not there yet . . . But we’re close.” field. other: What’s your philosophy on covering The quote won’t wind up on any oppo- “Breakdowns were an issue (last sea- this route? How would you defend that for- nent’s grease board. But Pelini, who consid- son),” he said. “You’ve got 10 guys on the mation? ers confidence one of his more consistent same page and one guy not. When you’re All steps toward constructing the Ne- traits, will clearly be disappointed if his playing team defense, you can’t have that. braska defensive philosophy. men in red don’t force a few more punts Those seem to be going away. In year two, if a coach raises a concern this fall. “More and more, we’re seeing 11 guys on in a meeting, it’s common to hear another The No. 1 reason: continuity. the same page. You’re not perfect, because coach say he has already discussed it with “If you really look at it,” Pelini said, “this they’ve got great athletes, too. A receiver his players. The heavy lifting is out of the is the fourth time (spring 2008, fall 2008, might make a great catch. But you’re not way, now it’s a matter of arranging furni- spring ‘09, fall ‘09) we’ve started at the be- seeing people run wide open. You’re not ture. ginning and worked our way through the seeing a running back break through a gap- Now assistants can spend more time entire installation. Each time the guys have ing hole because someone went the wrong studying specific opponents’ keys, zeroing grasped it more quickly. way.” in on minor mistakes. “I just hope — knock on wood — but I Pelini thinks every position will be better “It just seemed last year . . . there were think the execution should be at a higher than it was last fall. He credits the coaching just times when we were trying to figure level.” staff’s time spent hashing out ideas. out how to handle certain things,” Pelini He anticipates improvement because of The first year together, coaches had said. “Now it’s a matter of really honing in what he sees, or doesn’t see, on the practice “great discussions,” Pelini said, asking each on techniques within the scheme.”