Houston – Two things nag at Nebraska senior offensive tackle Seppo Evwaraye.
First, the Huskers were too confident last year – borderline cocky – overlooking teams that eventually beat them. Second, opponents – and experts – may be overlooking the steadily rebuilding Huskers this year.
Evwaraye, a returning starter, insists an attitude adjustment among the players has remedied the former. Nebraska aims to flatten opponents who think the latter.
“I really do hope people overlook us. I hope they write us off,” said Evwaraye, a native of Finland. “Last year we chalked up some victories before we played the games and we lost.”
Nebraska went 5-6 last year and did not advance to a bowl for the first time since the 1968 season.
“That’s going to stick with me for the rest of my life,” said I-back Cory Ross, a senior from Denver who rushed for 1,102 yards last year.
In their second year with coach Bill Callahan, the Huskers aren’t looking for small improvement. They’re in search of a division and Big 12 title.
“Why shouldn’t we win it?” Evwaraye said. “I don’t understand what there is out there that can stop us, except ourselves.”
Junior college transfer Zac Taylor, a quarterback from Norman, Okla., and the new leader of the offense, has growing support from his teammates and the coaching staff.
“First off, he has the background necessary to function in a pro system,” Callahan said. “He’s a high-character guy, great leader, exceptionally motivated and wants to be great.”
The Nebraska roster has talent, but much of it is inexperienced. If the Huskers can get the new players acclimated to Callahan’s vast playbook, improvement can be exponential.
“I remember the first year I was with the playbook terminology, and it looked like Hebrew to me and a bunch of other guys,” Evwaraye said. “This year (during spring football), it wasn’t the same. You picked it up faster. It was more like guys trying to compete more instead of trying to learn the plays.”
