LINCOLN, Neb.—Nebraska coach Bo Pelini lashed out Monday at critics of him, his assistants and players.
Fans and media have been piling on the Cornhuskers after their lethargic performance in a 31-10 loss to Texas Tech that knocked them out of the Top 25.
The sputtering offense has been the main target of vitriol on Internet message boards and sports call-in shows. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, quarterback Zac Lee and the offensive line have taken most of the heat.
After Monday’s practice, a riled Pelini said the fans can think and say what they want.
“We’re going to do what we feel is necessary to win football games. Period. End of story,” Pelini said. “I don’t get influenced by the fans, media or what anybody else thinks. When they want to come in here and watch the film and they earn the title and respect of being head coach, then they can start making decisions. Until then, the buck stops here.”
Other than a four-touchdown eruption in the fourth quarter of a 27-12 win at Missouri two weeks ago, the Huskers have struggled mightily against BCS defenses.
They failed to score a touchdown in 10 of 12 quarters against Virginia Tech, Missouri and Texas Tech. The Huskers (4-2, 1-1 Big 12) play Iowa State this week after being held under 300 yards in back-to-back games.
There have been calls for a quarterback change, and Pelini said the competition between Lee and freshman Cody Green is on this week.
Fans chanted Green’s name in the second half Saturday, and there were boos when Lee heaved the ball out the back of the end zone on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter. Green played three series and led the Huskers’ only touchdown drive.
“Fans can say anything they want,” Pelini said. “They can choose to boo. … I’ll make the decisions around here along with coach Watson and the rest of this coaching staff.”
Pelini said expectations might have been too high going into the Texas Tech game. He said he knew the Huskers had shortcomings.
“I don’t panic. I believe in what we’re doing, and I believe in the direction of this program and what we’re doing, and I’m staying the course,” Pelini told reporters. “That’s up to you guys to panic. We don’t do that.
“I don’t get real high. I don’t get real low. Everybody wants to elevate us and (say) that we were the ’85 Bears after beating Missouri. I knew better. I watched the film. I knew there were things to get addressed.”
