What should be discussed in new 90s Husker documentary
Next, Thursday, May 14th, a new two-part documentary will be released that will take a deep, inside look at the dynasty that was the 1990s Nebraska Cornhuskers. The resume is well known, with Nebraska winning three National Championships in four years. But that success did not come without controversy or tragedy. “Day by Day: The Rise,” a new documentary from filmmaker Justin LePera will tell that story. There are certain events and people connected to this story that I feel should be discussed in-depth, and hopefully, given that the film is in two parts, it will be able to take the time to discuss those events with that level of nuance. This isn’t the first time this story was attempted to be told in documentary form. In 2017, ESPN was actively working on a documentary for its “30 for 30” series that would have documented the 1994 and 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Unfortunately, that film has since been scrapped by the company, with no official reason. “Day by Day: The Rise is currently only scheduled to be shown in Nebraska, but should the release go wider or the film becomes available via streaming, we’ll let you know. But now, here are the eight topics I hope are looked at in-depth during the movie.
Major Football Figures Interviewed
Michael Patrick/Knoxville News Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
This detail has already been confirmed by the trailer. I was hoping to hear from the hall of fame coaches and players that Osborne coached against. From his legendary battles with Barry Switzer at Oklahoma or his heartbreaking losses to coaches like Bobby Bowden at Florida State, are confirmed to be interviewed for the film, and I say good. I want to hear what his peers thought of him as a coach and how they viewed the accomplishments of that era. We also know that Peyton Manning will be featured. Considering that Manning played in the last game Osborne ever coached, it’s fitting. I hope there are a few more surprises.
Offense
(AP Photo/Jeffrey Boan)
There’s nothing more beautiful in all of the football for my money like a perfectly executed option play. It’s like watching poetry in motion. And while the spread offense has become the offense in vogue right now, I still prefer the Power-I Option, but I’m a dinosaur. What do I know? I hope the intricacies of the offense are discussed in-depth and how an offense that many so-called experts considered conservative became one of the most explosive offenses in college football history.
Defense
(AP Photo/Marte Lavandier)
When it comes to Husker football, the man with the most significant impact mentioned the least is defensive coordinator Charlie McBride. McBride was in charge of the Cornhusker’s defense for 18 years, 16 with Osborne. An All-Big Eight end and punter, McBride’s defenses would play a vital role in the success of the mid-90s Huskers, and yet his name is rarely mentioned. Yet, in his last six seasons, Nebraska finished in the top 10 in all four major defensive categories pass efficiency, scoring defense, total defense, and rush defense. Coach “Do it Again,” as his players called him, has always deserved his do for what he helped accomplish, and I hope this film delivers it.
Controversy
Anne Ryan-USA TODAY Sports
That era of success for Nebraska football did not come without its troubles. Several high-profile off-the-field incidents took place that cast a dark cloud over the program. Most discussions or articles looking back on those controversial moments and some of the questionable decisions made in response usually are only given a cursory mention. I hope the film isn’t afraid to spend time and discuss in detail what happened, how the staff handled it, and what the national media said in response to those moments. In his book “Faith in the Game,” Tom Osborne himself wonders if he handled those incidents correctly, and I, for one, would like to hear him discuss his thought process during that time in depth.
Recruiting
(AP Photo)
That success of the mid and late 90s came from Nebraska completely overhauling its recruiting process. After some blow-outs in bowl games in the late 80s and early 90s, it was clear that Nebraska had to change the way it went about identifying and recruiting talent. Hopefully, what was learned from those losses and how those lessons were put into practice will be discussed in depth. It’s one of the decisions that changed Nebraska football forever, and it deserves some time to be looked at in detail.
How it all led to Osborne's retirement
(AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)
Last but not least, how did the pressure from the success on the field and the stress from the drama off of it lead to Tom Osborne’s retirement. Osborne himself has talked about it in detail but I’m curious to see how it affected others around the program.
Final Thoughts
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
The 90s Huskers are always remembered fondly, and a plethora of YouTube videos allow us to relieve that era on the field, but I want to hear more about what happened off of it. Hopefully will know a bit when “Day by Day: The Rise” is released on May 14th.
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