HUSKER NATION UNITE! This page is set up for all fans of Husker football in general, but moreso, for those who agree with BO PELINI being named the Head Coach at Nebraska. Share thoughts, comments, and anything about the coach or Husker Football!
Bo Pelini, one of the most respected and innovative defensive minds in football, begins his fourth season as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2007. During his first two years with LSU, Pelini has established the Tiger defense as one of the nation’s best.
Pelini has directed an LSU defense that ranked No. 3 in the nation in total defense in back-to-back seasons, while also ranking No. 3 nationally in scoring in 2005 and No. 4 in 2006.
In two years with the Tigers, Pelini’s defenses have produced four NFL Draft picks along with four First-Team All-America selections.
Last year, LSU’s defense thrived in its second year under Pelini, leading the Southeastern Conference in six categories and ranking among the top five in the nation in total defense (No. 3 at 242.8 yards per game), scoring defense (No. 4 at 12.6 points per game), pass defense (No. 3 at 145.7 yards per game) and pass efficiency defense (No. 3 with a 92.2 rating).
In 2006, the Tigers had streaks of 16 and 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown and they also limited opponents to only 27 first quarter points and just 87 first half points the entire season.
In addition, the 242.8 yards LSU allowed per game last year on defense was the fewest surrendered by a Tiger team since the 1976 squad allowed 233.1 yards per game. Also, the LSU secondary gave up only 145.7 yards passing a contest a year ago, the fewest since the 1990 Tigers allowed 126.8 yards per game...
In 2004, Pelini served as Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, helping the Sooners to the national championship game against USC. In his only season in Norman, Oklahoma ranked sixth in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 94 yards per game. The Sooners were 11th nationally in scoring, limiting opponents to just 16 points per contest.
Prior to his stint with Oklahoma, Pelini spent the 2003 season as the defensive coordinator for 10-3 Nebraska. In Lincoln, Pelini led a Cornhusker defense that tied the school record with 47 turnovers. In addition, Nebraska was No. 2 in the nation in takeaways and led the nation in turnover margin at +1.77 per game.
Pelini's defense also led the nation in pass efficiency defense (88.66 rating), ranked No. 2 in scoring defense (14.5 points per game), No. 11 in passing yards per game (177.8 yards per game), and No. 11 in total defense (297.2 yards per game).
At the conclusion of the 2003 regular season, Pelini was promoted to interim head coach at Nebraska where he guided the Cornhuskers to a 17-3 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. Pelini's defense held the Spartans to only 174 total yards, nearly 210 yards below their season average, while also sacking MSU quarterback Jeff Smoker five times and intercepting three passes.