Pelini to fans: ‘My job is to win football games’

The Nebraska coach realistically prefers a balanced attack, not just rushing.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — If the type of relentless running attack the Nebraska Cornhuskers are famous for returns as a hallmark of the team, it won’t be because fans demand it.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said he “won’t pound my head against the wall” trying to please fans by running the ball when opposing defenses stack the line of scrimmage.

During a conference call with reporters Monday, the first-year head coach bluntly dispelled any notion he might craft an offense that meets the expectations of some fans. Pelini, a defensive specialist, wants a balanced offense.

“I don’t care if it’s embraced or not, to be honest with you,” Pelini said of the balanced attack he wants. “My job is to win football games.”

Fans who pine for the days when Nebraska quarterbacks ran the ball when they weren’t handing it off, pitching an option or tossing the odd pass had reason to be disappointed in the first two games this year.

Against Western Michigan and San Jose State, the Huskers rushed for a combined total of 237 yards, winning by wide margins.

But during a 38-7 victory against New Mexico State Saturday, the Huskers broke out, stampeding for 330 yards on the ground.

Pelini acknowledged that run-heavy offenses are “what people here are used to seeing.”

“We want to be able to be physical but at the same time we need balance in our offense to run and throw, and we’ve shown the ability to do that,” Pelini said.

Fans’ desire for a run-heavy attack may be stronger now as they try to erase their memories of the Bill Callahan era.

The former coach’s complicated, pass-reliant offense shocked the fan base used to the meat-and-potatoes ground game that helped win conference and national championships.

So far this year, that recipe has been successful against Virginia Tech, the Huskers’ next opponent.

The Hokies were in the Top 25 before the season started, only to lose their opener to East Carolina, which ran for 158 yards.

On Saturday, the Hokies beat Georgia Tech 20-17, but allowed 278 rushing yards.