If you want change--vote with your feet, don't go to the Minnesota game

[VectorVictor]

There are a hell of a lot of passionate Nebraska fans that have been spooled up by the most recent debacle in Madison that want change but feel as though they have a voice in the matter. As much as it pains me as a die hard Nebraska fan, the only way change happens is if Nebraska fans make a statement by not going to our next home game against Minnesota.

 

If there are lots of empty seats come Saturday on national television, that's going to be the only way your voice gets heard and amplified. Michigan, for all their deserved grief and incompetence, figured this out, and they jettisoned an AD and will soon jettison their coach as a result. Nebraska with a half-empty (or even 1/3rd empty) Memorial Stadium would make a resounding statement that would not be ignored by the media, and would force our AD to not only look at change (if he isn't already), but have a dialog with the fanbase to communicate that the status quo is not acceptable.

 

Now, there are concerns with doing this:

• Is it fair to the kids to do this on their Senior Day? No, and fans that feel bad about this need to reach out by correspondence via the AD office to those seniors so you can personally let them know that you appreciate their efforts and that this wasn't anything to do with them, but voicing your concern with the coaching staff and the direction of the program.

• Would this impact the sellout streak? Likely not, since most of the tickets have already been sold, and the NU AD likely has a contingency plan to unload tickets in a manner to maintain said sellout streak.

• Is this going to negate the influence that our big boosters have? No, but it does steer their influence and the discussion--as much money as these boosters contribute, if Nebraska starts looking as though it's losing the fanbase, that will impact merchandising, recruiting, and Nebraska's overall cache (or what's left of it) in college football. Boosters may not want to make a change, but they'll be forced to the table to discuss. It's not unlike the scene in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", where the mother describes to her daughter that while her husband may be the head of the family, she is the neck and directs where the head is looking.

• Am I asking for Bo to be terminated? No, unless the AD feels it necessary. I do feel that each position coach and coordinator needs to be evaluated, as well as team philosophies and ancillary parts that support our football team, such as our sports psychology department and strength and conditioning instructors.

Now, granted, it's sacrilege to say 'don't go to a Nebraska game'. But folks, Nebraskans in this state built this program by pitching in, and Nebraska is an example of how a small state of 2.5 million can all rally around a common goal and come out with something beautiful. This is a program that our forefathers built with personal donation, big or small, with each purchase of a hat, a shirt, a pennant, or some other Nebraska Cornhusker-themed tchotchke.

 

Fans still have a voice, and we need to use it by keeping it home on Saturday.

[Redux]

Holy crap...

[beanman]

Or just leave early after we're getting the sh#t kicked out of us. That's less douchey.

[Count 'Bility]

This is why it's so tough for me if I was a ticket holder. Senior day. Guys like Ameer deserve to have a full stadium. I just feel there would be better ways to make a statement. We should be able to trust the folks in charge enough to make the right decisions without having to ruin what is probably the last great thing we have, and that is the perception of a loyal fanbase, win lose rain or shine.

[Redux]

This is why it's so tough for me if I was a ticket holder. Senior day. Guys like Ameer deserve to have a full stadium. I just feel there would be better ways to make a statement. We should be able to trust the folks in charge enough to make the right decisions without having to ruin what is probably the last great thing we have, and that is the perception of a loyal fanbase, win lose rain or shine.

 

THIS

[VectorVictor]

This is why it's so tough for me if I was a ticket holder. Senior day. Guys like Ameer deserve to have a full stadium.

 

I agree that it sucks for the seniors, especially guys like Ameer. But unfortunately, we only have one home game left, and we've already seen that our AD is fine with the status quo (see the Iowa game last year).

 

Something needs to change, and we have an AD that doesn't care to say anything during the season. I get that he doesn't want to throw out a knee-jerk reaction, but something of this magnitude needs to be addressed by the AD so the fans know this isn't acceptable and that it's being addressed.

 

And this suggestion isn't for everyone, but for the folks that want to force change per their thread posts and lament that they're powerless to do so, this is a simple reminder that they're not.

 

Too bad this debacle didn't happen sooner--this suggestion would have been a lot more palatable with a foe like Purdue than Minnesota on Senior Day...but it is what it is.

[dtbugeater]

This is ridiculous. The team has lost two freaking games. That doesn't mean you should be happy about the Huskers getting demolished by the two good teams they played but get a grip.

 

If they tank the next two then grab some pitch forks--but there is no bonus for being the first to this party. Why not wait until this season is over and reflect rather than make a rush to judgement.

 

And for all of you "it has been 7 years" people. Shoot, you never got better a something after 7 years? I'm a better dad than I was 7 years ago, better husband too. Better at my job as well...

 

I'm not saying you should just take it and live with it. I am not lowering my standards. I'm just saying that there is a time and place. In my opinion this isn't it.

[admo]

Maybe wear blackshirts to support the defen......

[huskerfan92]

This is ridiculous. The team has lost two freaking games. That doesn't mean you should be happy about the Huskers getting demolished by the two good teams they played but get a grip.

 

If they tank the next two then grab some pitch forks--but there is no bonus for being the first to this party. Why not wait until this season is over and reflect rather than make a rush to judgement.

 

And for all of you "it has been 7 years" people. Shoot, you never got better a something after 7 years? I'm a better dad than I was 7 years ago, better husband too. Better at my job as well...

 

I'm not saying you should just take it and live with it. I am not lowering my standards. I'm just saying that there is a time and place. In my opinion this isn't it.

 

I'm sure you became a better dad and husband between years 1-3. It's year 7 and we're still seeing the same old Pelini. Nothing is changing with this guy which is why we keep having these discussions every year around this time.

[admo]

Although I do understand the meaning behind the suggestion of the OP. But I would recommend anyone with a ticket to go and be loud, or give it to someone who wants to go.

[NUpolo8]

This is ridiculous. The team has lost two freaking games. That doesn't mean you should be happy about the Huskers getting demolished by the two good teams they played but get a grip.

 

If they tank the next two then grab some pitch forks--but there is no bonus for being the first to this party. Why not wait until this season is over and reflect rather than make a rush to judgement.

 

And for all of you "it has been 7 years" people. Shoot, you never got better a something after 7 years? I'm a better dad than I was 7 years ago, better husband too. Better at my job as well...

 

I'm not saying you should just take it and live with it. I am not lowering my standards. I'm just saying that there is a time and place. In my opinion this isn't it.

That's the point. Bo isn't better after seven years. And neither is the team

[NUpolo8]

This is why it's so tough for me if I was a ticket holder. Senior day. Guys like Ameer deserve to have a full stadium. I just feel there would be better ways to make a statement. We should be able to trust the folks in charge enough to make the right decisions without having to ruin what is probably the last great thing we have, and that is the perception of a loyal fanbase, win lose rain or shine.

 

What guys like Ameer deserved was a better leader so his last games weren't Minnesota and whomever our bowl opponent is on December 28th

[BaytownHusker]

I am a FAN of The players who play the game, a FAN of Nebraska. I will be making the trip to Lincoln leaving out Wed night to see my first ever home game. I dont care who is coaching or if we are 0-10 going into it. I will be there.

[dtbugeater]

ok, I get it. the team isn't better 7 years later.

 

so, boycott the game of a 8-2 team because you are pissed?

 

I'm not saying you have to go. don't go if you don't want to... but for anyone to suggest that what we need is for fans to not show up so we can get the change we deserve seem premature to me.

 

Note--I'm not saying keep bo no matter what. I'm saying that many of these posts are pre-mature.

 

Let's say the "fire him now...we know what we are getting" side is right. What bonus do you get for saying it now? why not let the season play out. Maybe you even let an additional season play out? another 10-4 season? Is that the worst thing that can happen to Nebraska football?

 

Let's say that camp is wrong and this staff needs a little more time. What are you possibly giving up to make this change happen a little sooner? Could this staff get better? Does a coordinator change or an emphasis on a different part of the game (O-Line) reap rewards?

[Jeremy]

Disagree. If I could, I'd go to the game and be as loud as ever. The kids need support from the stands if they aren't getting it from the sideline. Stickin' together in all kinds of weather.