Notes on Q

From the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal-Star and the excellent "Life in the Red's" blog covering Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics, these recent posts of note (non-LSJ content italicized):

Today after Nebraska's practice, head coach Bo Pelini talked briefly about Quentin Castille's transfer to NSU, and Pelini echoed what Peveto reported Pelini had told him:

"I told him they'd be well-served to have him on their football team," Pelini said

While Demon fans have enjoyed visiting You Tube to watch Castille's 58-yard burst that helped spark Nebraska's come from behind Gator Bowl win over Clemson, Nebraska fans are wondering about who will handle shorter runs:

I've heard a lot of talk this week about how much Nebraska will -- or won't -- miss Quentin Castille in third-and-short situations.

A look at Q's production last year on short-yardage plays in the regular season is telling (note the following stats are corrected):

On plays of third- or fourth-down and 2 yards or fewer to go, Castille converted on 17 of 22 opportunities (all runs) for an average of 4.2 yards on those plays. On one of those plays where he didn't convert, Castille gained 37 yards on the ensuing fourth-down play.

That's not to say Roy Helu or Rex Burkhead or Ndamukong Suh can't gain a couple yards in those situations. But Q did prove dependable last season, for sure.

And a note that indicates the passion 'Husker fans have for their team and players:

Wanda Castille said her son really liked the coaches at Northwestern State, some of whom, including head coach Bradley Dale Pevento, coached with Bo Pelini at LSU. As break-ups go, this was not a messy one. And my guess is Castille will maintain a lot of fans in Nebraska who will suddenly be checking the stat page from Northwestern State games.