Pelini's Best Wins and Worst Losses

[WayUpAbove]

Bowl tie-ins change year to year and can be based on a bowl's choice. They have nothing whatsoever to do with anything related to strength of schedule.

For example, Nebraska won the Big XII North in 2010, but went to a lesser-tier bowl than Missouri. Based entirely on choice.

So we're sticking to three teams instead of the whole schedule since we didn't go to a bowl and will flush USC and Florida even though USC was a cheating Dynasty? Bowls are rewarded for records and the 2007 schedule was rewarded well for not going 1-6 and 2-5, 3-8 like the 1995 schedule was packed full of.

 

[WayUpAbove]

Bowl tie-ins change year to year and can be based on a bowl's choice. They have nothing whatsoever to do with anything related to strength of schedule.

For example, Nebraska won the Big XII North in 2010, but went to a lesser-tier bowl than Missouri. Based entirely on choice.

Just supports my point that people will twist things to make it work out for them, despite the fact that it the statistic lacks a lot of validity.

Exactly, don't let facts get in the way

 

[WayUpAbove]

Not to mention it was more difficult to get into bowls in '95 than it was in '07.

Heck, in the 70s, you had to have an excellent season to get into any bowl.

Its difficult to get in a bowl when you're 1-6 and 2-5 (the other half of the Big 8 1995) and 3-8 WSU....etc. Remember I'm talking schedule which included Texas, Texas A&M, Leach coached Texas Tech not easy drubbings like 75% of 1995 schedule

 

[kchusker_chris]

I'd say this team (based solely on what I've seen the last 8 or so games)...goes 6-6 against the 2007 schedule.

Wins

Nevada: 6-7

Ball State: 7-6

Wake: 9-4 (lead footed QB)

ISU: 3-9

A&M: 7-6 (kind of a stretch, but home game - Lane would have pounded Pelini's D)

KSU: 5-7

CO: 6-7

one of the 2 in italics.

 

[kchusker_chris]

I'd say this team...goes 7-5 against the 95' schedule (losses to KSU, CO, KS, +1 we shouldn't, + whoever we play in a bowl).

Wins

OSU: 4-8 (wins over Missouri State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Hawaii)

MSU: 6-5-1 (wins over Louisvill, BC, IL, MN, MI, IN)

ASU: 6-5 (wins over TX-El Pasa, Oregon State, BYU, Oregon, UCLA, Cal)

Pacific: (no idea...but it wasn't good I'm sure)

WSU: 3-8 (wins over Montana, UCLA, Oregon State)

Missouri: 3-8 (wins over North Texas, LA-Monroe, Iowa State)

ISU: 3-8 (wins over Ohio, UNLV, Okie state)

Oklahoma: 5-5-1 (wins over SDST, Souther Methodist, N Texas, Iowa State, Missouri)

lose 1 of these that we obviously shouldn't. 8 wins is there w/ this schedule.

 

[Guy Chamberlin]

Best Win: 2009 Holiday Bowl against Arizona.

Poised for a letdown after nearly beating Texas, we came back against a ranked and similarly motivated Arizona team, and whipped them on both sides of the ball 33 - 0 to finish the season. After taking a lot of heat for the offense, Shawn Watson had a month to prepare his read-option attack and even the modest talents of Zac Lee were able to execute it perfectly. The shut out confirmed this Husker D was a monster.

Everything seemed headed in the right direction.

 

[WayUpAbove]

I'd say this team (based solely on what I've seen the last 8 or so games)...goes 6-6 against the 2007 schedule.

Wins

Nevada: 6-7

Ball State: 7-6

Wake: 9-4 (lead footed QB)

ISU: 3-9

A&M: 7-6 (kind of a stretch, but home game - Lane would have pounded Pelini's D)

KSU: 5-7

CO: 6-7

one of the 2 in italics.

I'm saying you're being very optimistic there

I think they may have handled ISU and Ball st. Maybe, we really don't know how terrible we are yet considering we don't play anymore decent teams this year and I'm basing that on where our schedule will end up at the end of the season which I'm guessing might have 1-2 top 25 teams via the sympathy vote

 

[JJ Husker]

I'm saying you're being very optimistic there

I think they may have handled ISU and Ball st. Maybe, we really don't know how terrible we are yet considering we don't play anymore decent teams this year and I'm basing that on where our schedule will end up at the end of the season which I'm guessing might have 1-2 top 25 teams via the sympathy vote

16 rays of sunshine. Out of curiosity, do you have anything, one thing, good to say? Ever? Excuse me while I go slash my wrists.

 

[I am I]

So, 2-3 years of juco recruiting necessity, 2 losing records, complete dismantling of the interior/culture of DONU, and general malaise of 04-07 makes methink that Bo has done an even better job than previously thought.

The blowouts and collapses are confounding, and sadly, commonplace now. That just absolutely has to stop. But to come in after say, 6 yrs of systemic rot--coupled with what BBB12 has shown us--I'm really thinking we are actually on an uptick.

Given what Bo had to overcome, along with a much tougher schedule than I thought, I think he's done tremendous. I'm happy the 'scandal' broke last week, now we can just focus on playing, recruits, having fun and getting better.

BBB12--your post is why I come to huskerboard--thanks.

When was the interior/culture dismantled? 6 Years of systematic rot eh? It's no wonder this guy still has his job when this is actually believed by people. The Culture and systematic rot started long before 6 years pre Pelini. Bad recruiting, lazy coaching, terrible game planning relying on the athleticism of 1 player, big time blow outs on National TV, firing of Husker legends to save one selves bacon to the tune of still getting blown out in easy schedules was all happening well before 6 years pre Pelini.

Instead of broad sweeping statements can you please elaborate? My definition of systematic rot would be this - Continually throwing players under the bus for bad coaching, terrible recruiting/conditioning, buddy hire staff which I will admit was part of the previous problem but this new regime has taken this to ridiculous extremes, giving schollies to walk ons which I get is supposed to emulate the past but we all know the truth here would fill an entire thread by itself, owning 11 of the worst defensive performances out of top 20 and the previous coaching staff come in at #10 behind 1996 Texas and 2001 Colorado, the other 8 belong to Bo, 2 others are pre Devaney, coach continuously looking for another job knowing he's out of his league and stating so in a vulgar display of obscenities now attached to the Nebraska Brand where he tells the fans, media and the state to "F" off.

Do we need to cover what he says about/to former Husker legends that are stating glaring facts about the program, the handing out of Blackshirt tradition really doesn't surprise just because when your defenses are as pathetic as his (#109 and second only to 0-4 New Mexico State in plays of 10 yards or more allowed) We also don't have to mention his sideline buffoonery because supposedly it shows passion, not maturity. I must go or we could go on and on but since we're on an uptick you are right about that, heres the uptick

2007 averages vs Non-conference (Nevada, USC, at Wake Forest, Ball State):

29.0 points, 407.0 yards, 68.8 plays, 5.92 yards per play

2013 averages vs Non-conference (Wyoming, Southern Miss, UCLA, South Dakota State):

27.0 points, 463.8 yards, 70.8 plays, 6.55 yards per play

hopefully this answers yours and KChuskers questions. I'll keep it pretty simple.

my dad was a coach and player for nebraska in the 70s and 80s. He wasn't a top dog or anything near it, but when solich, mcbride, osborne, tenipor, etc. were cutting their teeth so to speak my dad was either playing for them or coaching along side them, so let's just say my dad had a few friends in the program. A couple years before solich got fired the program was starting to get into some turmoil (not just on the field stuff, and no, not NCAA stuff either), then 1 year after another during the whole stretch of cally years, the program was (or i should say, the program as WE knew it) was dismantled. the rats were spreading: laziness, unaccountability, softness, firings of anyone associated w the old regime (think: secretaries, janitors, etc), anyone who had loyalty and passion for the program as WE knew it. HS coaches who sent their kids as walk-ons, out. long standing recruiting ties built up over 30 yrs, out. Everything that took 2 generations to build up was gone in less than 5 years.

I said i would keep it simple so i'll stop.

the program was left in shambles, and there was no way, absolutely NO WAY callahan was going to get better.

the fact that Bo restored some ties to old players and coaches and friends of the program while getting rid of the rats while still getting 9 wins a season and a bowl game every year speaks VOLUMES to where we were in 06-07ish.

I freaking love nebraska football and maybe am a glass half full kinda guy on the program. but unless you know the people, heard the stories, really really knew how bad it was--i think you'd think we are on an upswing too.

now, bo: fix the penalties and turnovers and blowouts, thank you very much

 

[Count 'Bility]

So, 2-3 years of juco recruiting necessity, 2 losing records, complete dismantling of the interior/culture of DONU, and general malaise of 04-07 makes methink that Bo has done an even better job than previously thought.

The blowouts and collapses are confounding, and sadly, commonplace now. That just absolutely has to stop. But to come in after say, 6 yrs of systemic rot--coupled with what BBB12 has shown us--I'm really thinking we are actually on an uptick.

Given what Bo had to overcome, along with a much tougher schedule than I thought, I think he's done tremendous. I'm happy the 'scandal' broke last week, now we can just focus on playing, recruits, having fun and getting better.

BBB12--your post is why I come to huskerboard--thanks.

When was the interior/culture dismantled? 6 Years of systematic rot eh? It's no wonder this guy still has his job when this is actually believed by people. The Culture and systematic rot started long before 6 years pre Pelini. Bad recruiting, lazy coaching, terrible game planning relying on the athleticism of 1 player, big time blow outs on National TV, firing of Husker legends to save one selves bacon to the tune of still getting blown out in easy schedules was all happening well before 6 years pre Pelini.

Instead of broad sweeping statements can you please elaborate? My definition of systematic rot would be this - Continually throwing players under the bus for bad coaching, terrible recruiting/conditioning, buddy hire staff which I will admit was part of the previous problem but this new regime has taken this to ridiculous extremes, giving schollies to walk ons which I get is supposed to emulate the past but we all know the truth here would fill an entire thread by itself, owning 11 of the worst defensive performances out of top 20 and the previous coaching staff come in at #10 behind 1996 Texas and 2001 Colorado, the other 8 belong to Bo, 2 others are pre Devaney, coach continuously looking for another job knowing he's out of his league and stating so in a vulgar display of obscenities now attached to the Nebraska Brand where he tells the fans, media and the state to "F" off.

Do we need to cover what he says about/to former Husker legends that are stating glaring facts about the program, the handing out of Blackshirt tradition really doesn't surprise just because when your defenses are as pathetic as his (#109 and second only to 0-4 New Mexico State in plays of 10 yards or more allowed) We also don't have to mention his sideline buffoonery because supposedly it shows passion, not maturity. I must go or we could go on and on but since we're on an uptick you are right about that, heres the uptick

2007 averages vs Non-conference (Nevada, USC, at Wake Forest, Ball State):

29.0 points, 407.0 yards, 68.8 plays, 5.92 yards per play

2013 averages vs Non-conference (Wyoming, Southern Miss, UCLA, South Dakota State):

27.0 points, 463.8 yards, 70.8 plays, 6.55 yards per play

hopefully this answers yours and KChuskers questions. I'll keep it pretty simple.

my dad was a coach and player for nebraska in the 70s and 80s. He wasn't a top dog or anything near it, but when solich, mcbride, osborne, tenipor, etc. were cutting their teeth so to speak my dad was either playing for them or coaching along side them, so let's just say my dad had a few friends in the program. A couple years before solich got fired the program was starting to get into some turmoil (not just on the field stuff, and no, not NCAA stuff either), then 1 year after another during the whole stretch of cally years, the program was (or i should say, the program as WE knew it) was dismantled. the rats were spreading: laziness, unaccountability, softness, firings of anyone associated w the old regime (think: secretaries, janitors, etc), anyone who had loyalty and passion for the program as WE knew it. HS coaches who sent their kids as walk-ons, out. long standing recruiting ties built up over 30 yrs, out. Everything that took 2 generations to build up was gone in less than 5 years.

I said i would keep it simple so i'll stop.

the program was left in shambles, and there was no way, absolutely NO WAY callahan was going to get better.

the fact that Bo restored some ties to old players and coaches and friends of the program while getting rid of the rats while still getting 9 wins a season and a bowl game every year speaks VOLUMES to where we were in 06-07ish.

I freaking love nebraska football and maybe am a glass half full kinda guy on the program. but unless you know the people, heard the stories, really really knew how bad it was--i think you'd think we are on an upswing too.

now, bo: fix the penalties and turnovers and blowouts, thank you very much

I understand fully what youre saying. I really do. Ive heard the same kind of stuff from people who really are in the know (not just "claiming" to be). That one's that have no patience just dont have perspective of not only what we had, but what it's gonna take to get back-if that's even possible to begin with. As I said earlier, Callahan and Pedersen-intentional or not-left this program in complete shambles. As frustrated as I am with our on-field performances as of late, it still amazes (yes, amaze) that we were able to so quickly rise from ashes and be a consistent 9/10 win team(and yes, go ahead and cue the "blowout losses" and "losses to lesser opponents" crowd) and competing for conference titles more often than not in Bo's first 5 years. If youre really honest with yourself and know the ins and outs of what it takes for this program to be elite, you realize that all in all, Bo is actually doing a pretty damn good job. He just needs a little more time, and a lot more faith.

 

[jmfb]

I like Bo. Im for giving him more time

But like many Im frustrated by the same old things, turnovers, inconsistency, the blowouts and untimely penalties

Ive spoken to coaches inside the program and the "turds" they had to deal with

Ive talked with HS coaches, who never got a phone call or visit when the prior regime was in place

Yeah it is still a work in progress

Now it's their show and I certainly am hoping they complete the task back to being consistently competitive and "in the conversation" from time to time

 

[kchusker_chris]

I freaking love nebraska football and maybe am a glass half full kinda guy on the program. but unless you know the people, heard the stories, really really knew how bad it was--i think you'd think we are on an upswing too.

Ok, that puts it into a little better perspective of where you're coming from. More focused on 06'/07' and the culture of the program versus where were are now, which I will certainly agree is better. Though I'm starting to question if the laziness, unaccountability, and softness is creeping back into the program.

I kept thinking you were talking strictly about the on field performance of recent when you were discussing upswing.

 

[I am I]

I freaking love nebraska football and maybe am a glass half full kinda guy on the program. but unless you know the people, heard the stories, really really knew how bad it was--i think you'd think we are on an upswing too.

Ok, that puts it into a little better perspective of where you're coming from. More focused on 06'/07' and the culture of the program versus where were are now, which I will certainly agree is better. Though I'm starting to question if the laziness, unaccountability, and softness is creeping back into the program.

I kept thinking you were talking strictly about the on field performance of recent when you were discussing upswing.

oh no, no.....the on field product leaves much to be desired. i think a Bo team is one that you can COUNT on having turnovers and penalties, sadly. he absolutely has to get it figured out. and i think he will.

I disagree on most levels of the rats in the program (lazy turds, trouble makers, selfish, etc). the only evidence i have of that is 19 players who are playing now who already earned their degree. highest gpa in program history. bo kicking two guys off the team immediately for fighting this summer. i think so much effort has been spent getting the good kids in and the rats out it affected our recruiting and preparation. not to mention a bit of an assistant coaching carrousel the first couple years.

i've long contended on this board that the 2nd five years of his tenure are more of a benchmark than his first 5. to be in bowl games and have a shot at 3 CCs and therefore 3 BCS bowls after what he took over mark a giant uptick from the crash and collapse Callahan regime. I wholeheartdely agree we need 2-3 huge wins this year and next.

 

[skersfan]

I have said this before, and still feel it to be true. Bo has done a much better job than I thought he would, and I think he continues to strive every single day. Still feel he needs help as much as he needs time. He is still learning on the job. If he has learned enough to be loyal to the program and not friends, hires qualified OC and DC's he can turn this around quicker. Trying to train every one on the staff, and teach players a system they have never heard of or seen before is an endless job. Add recruiting, being a father figure for every single kid, the job is so overwhelming it is unbelievable, especially for a first time head coach. We demand too much. Expect too much.

Some expect MNC CCG and the like. Those are all and were unrealistic goals brought by one of the best coaches ever to walk on the field. It took him time to get there though. In todays world though you do not get that amount of time, too much money being made/lost by not winning. Bo has won enough where he keeps the seats full. Lower our expectations some is what is required. Keep the program clean, eliminate the on and off field theatrics and he can stay as long as he wants for me. Just stop the beatings, give us the hope we will be competitive in every game we play. I expect nothing more. I expect to lose to Northwestern, Penn State and Michigan State and Michigan this year. Not negative just what I feel will happen. Keep us in those games to the very end, chance to win. The others I expect this team to win. Unfortunately that is not good enough for most on this board that seem to feel entitled to being MNC contender. When we realize we are not, but work toward being one, you get much happier.

 

[Guy Chamberlin]

Bo turned the program back around and made all the right choices his first couple years. I don't think most of us minded his firey personality, especially if it rubbed off on the team.

I'm just not sure he's turned the team culture around. The very lack of fire and focus and sideline intensity you want to see. The mistakes and penalties. How each meltdown is starting to look familiar.

It seems there are a lot of knowledgeable folks, Husker insiders and former players who may not want to see Pelini fired, but who are genuinely baffled by the football decisions Bo is making. In his sixth year.

I think Husker fans expectations have been highly tempered the past few years. I don't think they're unreasonable right now. A lot of us liked the effort the Huskers gave in losing to Georgia last year. All of us were appalled by the effort in losing to Wisconsin. No MNC delusions there. Just a simple goal of non-embarrassing football.