March 27, 2008

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

There are many factors that go into winning at an elite level. Coaching and talent are integral to success, while good team chemistry is often an attribute that goes unnoticed.

Interestingly enough, team chemistry might actually be the most important attribute a team can possess. Just ask Nebraska head coach Mike Anderson.

The Huskers went 32-27 last season and finished fifth in the Big 12 with a 14-13 record. They also made another postseason appearance with a trip to the Tempe Regional.

Nebraska's season was ended by Arizona State in the championship round. And though most view that as a respectable showing, Anderson believes last year's team could've accomplished much more if it wasn't for off-the-field issues.

Fortunately for Anderson, the 2008 team appears to have a different personality.

"This year's team is completely different from last year's team in terms of attitude," Anderson said. "I will say this though, 95% of our players last season made good decisions. The 5% that didn't made this program look bad."

Though last season gave many the opportunity to ask Anderson about his team's off-the-field troubles, this season has been a different story thus far. Fans and media alike are much more concerned with how the red-hot Huskers are performing on the field.

It's a welcomed change for Anderson.

"When people were saying our program was out of control last season, our players got ticked off during the offseason," he said. "We can't have one or two guys getting away from our ultimate goal. This year's team has bought into the idea of a program."

Much has changed in the past year. The Huskers are off to one of the best starts in school history, while new pitching coach Eric Newman is already turning heads.

Two weeks into Big 12 play, the Huskers are 19-3 overall and a perfect 5-0 (with a tie) in conference.

"This team has surprised me a bit," Anderson said. "I thought we'd play better baseball the second half of the season, so in terms of exceeding early season expectations, I'd certainly say yes."

At first glance, the Huskers don't have overly impressive offensive numbers. However, this team thrives on getting it done when production is needed the most.

It's like old times for Anderson and the Huskers.

"I'd never say we're overly confident, but I'd say the confidence level of this team is good," he said. "We feel good about our team moving forward."

Nick Sullivan leads the Huskers with a .380 batting average, while Bryce Nimmo, Mitch Abeita and Jake Opitz are each hitting over .345.

Though several Huskers have impressed at the plate, Anderson is especially pleased with Abeita and Opitz.

"Abeita got consistent in the middle of last year and really hit the ball hard in the fall," he said. "He's not really a different player, he's just more experienced. He can be a bad ball hitter and that's an advantage for him."

While the offense has gotten it done, the pitching staff has been most impressive, entering this weekend's series at Texas with an outstanding 2.09 team ERA.

The pitching staff's success stems from two individuals ? senior right-handed pitcher Johnny Dorn and new pitching coach Eric Newman.

Dorn has been a staple in the Nebraska program, and pitches by example. Newman, meanwhile, brought an impressive resume to Lincoln, Neb., and continues to be an outstanding teacher of the game.

"I see the same Johnny as always, but his work habits have progressed each year. He has always been great," Anderson said. "Johnny is quiet and humble, and he's not our vocal leader. But I will say this, the players feed off his work habits and composure on the mound."

In his final season with the Huskers, Dorn is 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in 34 1/3 innings of work. He has also struck out 37 and walked eight, while opponents are hitting .197.

Junior right-handed pitcher Aaron Pribanic has been the biggest surprise for Nebraska. Pribanic didn't have the best stuff during fall workouts, but has since elevated his game thanks to Newman.

"Coach Newman has done an outstanding job making Pribanic what he is today," said Anderson. "Pribanic has a live arm and great velocity, we're just fortunate he keeps getting better and better."

Pribanic is 2-0 with a 1.44 ERA in 31 1/3 innings of work. He has also struck out 26 and walked nine, while opponents are hitting him at a .224 clip.

With the return of veteran pitcher Johnny Dorn and the addition of Coach Newman, the Huskers appear to have the perfect recipe for success.

Though leadership and coaching have carried the Huskers this far, good team chemistry could guide this team to even greater heights by season's end.

It's just the way Anderson likes it.

Kendall Rogers is the college baseball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at rogersk@yahoo-inc.com.