Nebhawk

As a fanbase, at least on this board, sound like a bunch of spoiled, rotten losers...........wait we haven't won anything since 1997. Almost 18 years now that we actually did beat our chest and be on top of the world. Since then we have fired two coaches who won 9 games the season they were fired. Solich was fired after going 59-18 overall. Don't know Bo's overall record but I think it was close to that as well. OK 2001 we played for a NC, after Colorado scored 62 on us. Check the entitlement, and leave that at the front gates Saturday. Start finding some humble pie, take a big dish full, and let this play out. The image of the program is already damaged. IT was damaged when we fired Solich, it was damaged even worse nationally when we fired Bo. Even though in some facets Bo being a dooch justified this, listen to Saban and tell me that his arrogance isn't just a bad. Sure, when they lose, he is getting pages devoted to firing him as well. How many on here even remember watching the trilogy of titles in the nineties? How many remember the 80's and all the missed titles? Those teams were great, and even then this fan base wanted Ozzy gone. Finnally he won a title, and 2 more after the first one. 3 National titles in 25 years of coaching Neb. Few coaches play for 3 titles in 25 years, let alone win 3. I think Ozzy played for 7 or 8 NC's or shares of.......... Now we can't win more than 9 games a year, and firing coaches left and right, sure the negative thoughts are out there with recruits. Sure. Why would anyone want to play here in front of this fan base that constantly wants perfection, and Titles. Its time for everyone to get over the entitlement factor, and move on. This isn't your daddy's Huskers anymore.

This kid tweaked his anke in August, came to camp out of shape. Soundsl like the kid is a natural at RB. You can't just keep having him carry the rock in practice for the practice squad. 7 games left. No different thatn DPE now coming back when he could have redshirted this year as well. I think that the RB position is a toss up. When you have a toss up situation, lets bring in the home run hitter and give him a shot.

My understanding is that Stevenson is a game changer with speed to burn. Has potential to hit a home run on every carry. So, why wouldn't you put him on the field right now and let him show what he has? If he is that explosive, and he wants to play, play him! This team needs a jump start. Burning a redshirt happens, hate to see it happen, but when you have a game changer, you need to put him on the field. Sometimes offensive lineman who may be recruited by NEB see a great back and want to block for them.

If some of you can't see that a win against Wisky right now isn't important to the program stop following the team. This has recruiting implications, future, and frankly sends a message to the other Big 10 foes that Nebraska is somewhat relevant going forward. Lose this game and yes, the season is in a tailspin that might not be recoverable. This game is important for all reasons, but the most important reason is current players confidence in themselves and coaching staff. 7-5 record isn't glamorous, but its better than 6-6. 8-4 is better and sounds like you had at least a decent season. Riley needs this win but frankly, he has a contract signed, sealed and delivered for the next few years. The program needs the win, along with the fan base.

Riley has at least two more seasons left to prove he can right the ship. I can't feel 100% either way about his coaching until at least November. He did come from a pass happy league in the Pac 12, where defense really doesn't matter. I think he can turn things around, but only if the players will buy into what he is offering. Several things can improve yet. I don't know if they can get worse, so they have to be able to improve right ? Who cares what a former player has to offer. Most former players of any coach will either love the guy or hate them, but most will play there entire carreer for that same coach. DPE might be the key addition for passing and if Stephenson plays at RB, thing could get interesting in a hurry.

To add to what teachercd said: Michigan and Florida stunk last year. Those players were welcoming a change for the most part. Nebraska won 9 games last year and had their coach fired when no one saw it coming. Start this season off with a loss to BYU in front of a home packed stadium and already are listening to how bad the team looks, coaches stink and more negative thoughts from it seems everybody in the state and former coaches, not a winning atmosphere! Michigan and Florida each hired the best available coaching candidates, where as Nebraska got on paper, a coach who could bring back together the fanbase and the program to a better image. This move wasn't about winning as much as it was about bringing Nebraska football and the fanbase to a better place. I think the thought was if Bo could win 9 games per year, be a buttonhole, surely Riley will equal that plus bring back some respect. It is not to late for that to happen. Will that happen? Tough road to follow right now, but in all reality this team could win 8 games, play in a decent bowl and depending on recruiting, be really good next year. I would rather see a team play BYU, Miami and others in the non-con over Western Illinois, South Dakato ST, Mcneese State, ETC. BYU is a really good team, but has played maybe one of the toughest scheds in the nation to this point. They went into Michigan and were physically beat up and got blown out, but still they have earned some respect with the schedule they played. Bo played small sure fire winnable non-con games that would almost guarantee a 3-1 start or even a 4-0 start. But don't kid yourself, he was always 5-3 or 6-3 entering November as well. There is chance that Nebraska this year could enter November 7-3 or at worst 6-4. Northwestern being maybe the toughest game until we play Michigan St. . I truly can see this team going 8-4 or 7-5 at the worst. 8-4 sounds and looks alot better than 7-5, but don't forget minus one cream puff in the non-con this could the identical record that most would have picked Bo to have this year as well. At least if Riles can beat a top 10 or even a Top 20 team, he has done something that BO couldn't do.

Speculation. I am sure if these players are hurting right now, confused, embarrassed, and feeling unconfident they are looking for a familiar voice. Sometimes those familiar voices can help or can make things worse, but most of the time they will encourage(I hope). Looking for someone to vent to. Thats common in my world. Having a bad day, call someone that I used to work with and say WTF. Its called a level of trust. I am concerned that if this is an issue this program and players aren't committing to the new ways yet, and this would lead to mental break downs on the field and off. This is why some caution against switching coaches every other time things get dicy. I think, and I am one who thinks Riley isn't going to get it done, but at the same time, needs to have some time to right the ship and correct this himself. The program needs him to rectify this as well. Same thing as the fan base is right now. We need to stand in line behind the program and show some solid support for the new regime. Even if it means watching a team squander leads and games. Support is necessary. Goes against what I feel down deep, but this program is fragile. Who would have ever thought 20 years ago that this football program would be so fragile and in state of getting other fans mercy and sorrow? Who ever would have thought that. I think its time for those who can't live without BO to move on and those who support current staff to be brought up front in line first now. Even if that means starting a new group of 11 on each side of the ball. Still as I sit and write this, its merely interpretation and speculation as to whats going on in my mind.

As soon as Husker nation can actually realize that since Osborne, were on our 4th coach, and that supposed great one still hasn't walked thru the door yet. Coincedence or reality bytes and we have had a bad combo of AD's and coaching hires because no one wants the job. FIrst off, hire right AD, one who has ties to major coaches if that is on the radar. Find a guy who can sell this program back into the notion its still a top 15 program at least and find that winner. I don't know if that is the answer since Devaney was the only coach to come here and win that wasn't a Husker to start with or from Nebraska. I think Pederson and Eichorst both were under the thought that they fire said coaches and the door would be knocked over with greatness wanting to right the ship. Guess what folks, apparently they weren't interested then, and frankly still don't seem interested at all. This is why Frost is the only real option to try. Its time to realize that the greatness is gone for now, and the fanbase and media have scared off those who don't want the pressure of winning NC's. Nebraska being in the Big 10 and having no recruiting base established yet, and quite frankly being out of place in current conference with Ohio St ramping up, Michigan who will soon be at that level, makes Nebraska not a good job right now. Its almost an unwinnable spot. Go get Frost, give him 7 years and I will bet by then the landscape will change once again, and it will benefit Nebraska. He will be the golden boy. He will prove to be a good recruiter, a good coach and best of all, a Nebraskan. I read this stuff each year about getting that next great coach, or throwing money at a current great, and have got to think that Pederson, Eichorst have tried to get that hire, why wouldn't they, and no one is interested in this position. Who in the right mind doesn't want to hire a coach and win a national title, with that coach. Who. I agree, Fire Eichorst. He does suck. Sucks for firing a coach that won games, even though he was a buttonhole. He was a winner. That is what it is about isn't it. Winning.

Just face the fact: You can't justify the need to want greatness. Expectations say that this football team should win 10 game a year and win bowl games and play for NC's. Everything that has taken Big Red football to this point is the "want to be relevant" The need to play meaningful November and December games, to match up in a mother of all bowl game against another great. Husker fans feel like the football nation has kicked them to the curb for good, and that frat house is closing down for all time sake. Is this payback for so many years of greatness? Is this why Alabama got fed up and hired Saban, and loaded his bank account with blank recruiting checks? I would like to see the Ol'Nebraska glory ride high once again. It might be back someday. It might not. Tom Osborne retired because the game was changing. The odds were starting to stack up against Nebraska. He could see that the Big 12 was going to catch up to Nebraska. OU and Texas were going to be key factors in winning and recruiting. I guess its time for Nebraska to either buck in and pay the pied piper and get better quickly or keep thinking that were relevent in a day when that was gone in 1997, when a legend retired and promoted Solich as the next gatekeeper. That was when this job would have drawn the best of the best in coaching hires. Don't forget, all the greatness that was Dr Tom, he in some ways also left that door wide open for mediocrity to creep in.

Who on here was knows for a fact that Tommy called the right play that the coaches signaled? Who on here knows that for sure? I am not questioning Tommy's ability, but rather his leadership ability. Jeff George was as talented as any QB to ever lace up cleats, but had no leadership, and teams got tired of playing with and for him. I question leadership. Brook Beringer was not a top tier option QB, but his leadership propelled the rest of the team to do their part, thus making him a hero. Something to be said for gathering the troops around you, and them believing you can get the job done. All in all, right now the QB is one position. I see many spots on both sides of the ball that need some attention. Where do you start? Whose attention is grabbed first? On a fair note for Tommy, when your best receiver is Westerkamp, your options become easy defensive game plans. DPE would and will make a difference if he sees the field. I am thinking he is the golden goose for Riley. Great excuse for lack of offense is to say your best threat on offense didn't see the field this year. Your game changing punt.kickoff returner was sidelined..........

Scheduling played a part in Bo's record. Mcneese St, South Dakota, ETC. Miami last year was his first real non-con opponent, and it was at home. Bo had some luxuries while coaching here. Inherited SuH. Played in a weak NOrth division at Big 12 and joined a weaker division at first in the Big 10. Even though he disliked Nebraska's fans, if not for home field advantage he wouldn't have won 9 games a season. That stadium still has an impact on the game for opposing schools. BYU would have been the best non-con team to ever play Bo at home. I am a believer that attitude is everything. This program has recruited some good players, but good players who aren't mentality able to perform week to week. That reflects coaching, both former and now. If this coach can't fix the attitude, it won't fair any better

So, we want to see the Husker do better, but when suggested for different ways for that to happen, such as play a different QB, thats not it, run the ball more is the answer. Guess what, if we can't make some simple passes for first downs, the run game won't gain 2 yards per carry. I agree, it should be more run oriented. Both ways. Need to run to set up play action. Need to pass to get some defenses to back out of the box. Its about leadership. QB leads the team. I don't see the leadership from that position. I don't see any leadership. I don't see a team, even in week one, didn't see a team that had confidence in itself. Its coaching, and its players. Its both. I don't like Riley right now, but I also question the players since they are mostly Pelini recruits. I guess when you look at the whole picture, this program was in worse shape than its record would indicate. Not to mention, last year schedule was set up for Nebraska to win 9 games. No BYU, Miam has improved, Illinois was at Illini country. Two road losses. That happens. Maybe to take a step back, Riley needs to have season to recruit his talent for his system. You can't pound a square peg into a round hole, but if all you have is square pegs, your screwed regardless.

Solich might still be here if not fired. Chances might have been to steal some more Big 12 north titles, and maybe still be in the Big 12. No, we will continue to take the Big 10 scraps and become content with being bigfat and happy rich folk. Took a program from its heritage, went back in time to the 1970's. At this point, its all about the money isn't it. Sure hasn't benefitted any of the sports programs yet, in any way. Bowling team, the bowling team I think has won a NC since the switch.... Being sarcastic, not really.

Point: Not throwing Tommy under the bus. In many instances, a QB change can lead to many good things for the whole team. Has this team changed from last year that much? Not really. Like I stated previously, Ameer was the football team last year along with some spectacular plays from DPE. The difference makes are gone, and not replaced. Same QB.....Hmmmm. Even just saying that.....Tommy has two less options available to throw too. NO underneath receiver like Ameer who could catch a 3 yard pass and go 95 yards for a score. As frustrated as any one right about the time issues and losing on last second heaves, but this team hasn't proven to me in any way they are still not playing for BO at this point. Stupid fouls, and losing receivers down field. Like I said, not throwing Tommy under the bus, but wondering if he can manage a game, better yet, can he actually get this team to respond.

Humble pie. Wisky lost to Iowa, who is undefeated. They actually might have a legit Defense. Offense is horrible, but good, solid Defense. Wisky has played better teams thus far. Wisky probably has more overall skill players on both sides of the ball currently. Will DPE ever come back, or is this a Redshirt year at this point given the current record? I see a valiant effort by the Huskers, but fall short--24-16. Wisky defense will score a touchdown in this game. That will be the difference. We have two drives stall at the 15 yard line and settle for Field goals. Thats my take as of right now. Back to topic of How could they win..............No matter who your coaches are, players need to play to win. Instead this group, even dating back to last year, has tendencies to play to not lose. Ameer was the only player last year that could be counted on to play each possession like it was life or death. The rest seem like its no big deal. That still continues this year, we just don't have AMeer for the healing process. I say, let Tommy sit a game and see if the team responds better to different leadership. Thats my winning solution.

I think he was the only coach who would listen to any offers. The firing of Bo made alot of coaches stand back and not want this chance. Riley was looking for a way out of Corvallis before he was let go! Did or was there other offers on the table.....one would hope that since this all went down in San Fran, Harbaugh was at least approached..... Since Solich was fired, the image of NU football has never been the same. In some ways, it was stupid that Solich was fired, during a season when you hired a defensive CO, and that defense was solid enough to only lose to Top 10 teams. Riley was the only choice apparently. I guess the days of having your ducks in a row, and having the next coach lined up before you fire your current 9 win coach. Pederson started this process of firing and having no hires available. Its only gotten worse

All I read is how out there somewhere is a great coach waiting to come to Nebraska that has won titles or played for or? Where is this guy, why didn't we hire him 12 years ago, 7 years ago and last year? Where is this said winner? This is been stated now for years that Nebraska needs to spend the money and get the best? Pederson tried, Eichorst tried. They both ended up with NFL rejects for splash hires. I am afraid that the job is overwhelming for most and the recruiting is too hard and the pay off isn't enough. Translation: Can't win the big one here. Can't get enough talent to come into the program. Yes one threader said the landscape has changed. Right it has. But KSU, if I heard this right yesterday, has 44 walk on's and about half of them play at some point during a season and are on the depth chart. Snyder is still building players thru the walk-on process, and still capable of play most schools in the nation to with in a touchdown score. In-state boys that want to go there and play, walk on and get weights and get better and play. Isn't that what Nebraska once was so proud to offer?

His paycheck is signed according to and how he covers the program. When you know that the coach is here to stay for a few years, you won't bash him because your lively hood and paycheck rest on his willingness to meet for interviews. That was Eichorst talking right there. In some ways this program is right back to where Steve Pederson and Callahan had it. Any negative comments look out, you won't be on the coaches call list for questions. Maybe Armstrong should be benched for a game or so and see what else is there at Qb. Hell, KSU had a wide receiver come in yesterday and almost win on the road at Okie St. Never know whats there until we see it on the field.

It has been proven now that not just any coach can handle this job. Why keep hiring them? Only a person who knows this program and state can handle the pressure of coaching here. Not saying it has to be Frost, but who else? If your not a diehard Husker or once was a die hard Husker, you won't have that in your gut for the job. Right now, this job might be viewed as a stepping stone job for some candidates out there. Hire one that views this as a destination. Hire an AD that views this as the once in a lifetime job. Those things all point towards Alberts and Frost. At least Alberts needs to be hired. Let him then figure out who is next. It starts with someone who knows the program and has some insight. As far as this season goes, I won't ever root against this team or players. RIley might get somethings changed enough to win some more games and make a bowl. Right now, odds are hugely against him and the players. Could it be a matter of hitting rock bottom, before things get better? Is this rock bottom, or can things get worse? Time is of the essence. The thing is Riley beat USC when they were #1. There is a good chance that if Michigan St stays in the Top 5, Nebraska could beat them. IF that happens, all of these thread will seem like non-sense, because he will do something that hasn't been done since Osborne retired. Then how does Big Red nation react? Thats what I see coming down the line.....lose to bad teams and beat the ones who we haven't beaten in years.......Riley factor 2.0

Texas is another Key in this fight right now. If they and they will fire Strong, they will have money and the gusto to get who they want right now. Dodd and Patterson, the last two AD's there, didn't like to hire coaches who might have more control over things in the school than them. Thats why Mack was hired before and this is why Patterson hired Strong. Now your seeing a fanbase that has been punched in the gut, and they haven't even played OU yet. If OU kills the Horns, the money is going to flow out of the oil fields into Austin overnight. Anyway, they will have money and power to throw at many coaches this season. Its a matter of which coach will take it and run to the bank. Can't compete with there in state recruiting and its a matter of overnight things can change. When they do change onc again, TCU and Baylor will be the butt of all football jokes in Texas once again.

Money will not hire the right coach. Money can help build facilities, and provide for great luxuries, but the right coach is the coach who will come here and coach for coaching the Huskers. Money is great, but it also as put Nebraska in this situation. Firing coaches after 9 win seasons. Hiring the wrong coaches to take their place. That money sure helped the program didn't it! Point to all the SEC programs you want, and then again ask yourself where there going. Auburn won a title with Gene Chizek and Cam. Wheres Chizek? Malzahn played for a title with Chizeks players, but look at what he is doing now?..! Saban is still the king of the conference. Miles is the Queen and all the rest are Jokers. Frost is the only option that will turn things around and get the program rolling again. Devaney wasn't from Nebraska. Osborne was his OC when they won. Where was Devaney before Osborne? Johnny Rodgers put Devaney on the map, along with Osborne. Devaney was starting to fail before Osborne and Rodgers showed up on the doorstep. Alberts has the hunger to make things happen. Frost has the knowledge. Forget about hiring SEC AD's. The only way they know how to build programs is by buying players and paying off coaches after they get caught to keep quiet.

Texas is a key component in the next hiring for Nebraska if you think money will fix the issue. No competing with there money. So either go first and fast or wait until next year before a change is made. Choices are going to be slim, and if Texas is the next bully on the block, they will have more money and more everything to throw at that sexy hire. This is why you go and get Frost and Alberts and get back to what is Nebraska football.

When Nebraska was on top, it had a local (TO) who was head man. Throw money at all those others, and your just throwing away money. They don't care about Nebraska or its football program, but they would come here for the fringe benefits of money. If Callahan taught us anything, it should have been that. He recruited 4 and 5 star talent to Nebraska, but it was ininspired talent playing for the name on the back of the jersey, not for Nebraska. Why would any other coach ever come here for any other reason than for the money. Yeah, Richt or Kelly would win 9 games a year, but how long would they remain in place before glam job came open? Callahan and Pelini won 8 and 9 games for the most part, but didn't have the love of the program or state in order for it to ever succeed for a long lasting time. Fire Eichorst, fire Riley and bring in Trev Alberts as AD and he will bring in Scot Frost. Those two men know Nebraska Football and love the program still to this day. This would then bring in your alums that made this program what it once was. Stop with throwing money at the hot new hire like a bunch of spoiled rotten bitches and realize that this is not Alabama or Texas. Get back to what made NU football great, and that is pride in the program, and pride in the STATE of Nebraska. Thats how its been proven to be done in the past, and thats the only way it will ever get back to its ways. Devaney made it work for 9 years, but it was Osborne who sustained this program for 25 years and made it what it was, more than most will admit or realize. It was Osbornes program.

Full circle. Lets go and bring in Brown, Cotton, Gill, Rathman, Craig. All of whom would consider bringing NU back to the top. They would gladly work with Frost. Frost or bust. Frost or bust. We have failed with guys who coached superbowls, guys who could coach defense, and now with a guys who played at Bama, coached in the NFL and coached for 20 years at a non-powerhouse program. Its time to go home with this process and get Frost back on board. Stop with dreaming of Saban, Meyers or his staff, and lets go with Cornhusker pride. Its a better deal for all.

Finding the right Head Coach is the key. Not just anyone can walk thru the doors and be the right guy. It takes someone that puts Nebraska football above everything. It takes someone that will travel the state and get to know the whole state and its people. It takes a coach who will walk into a living room and you feel the greatness. All the names mentioned, other than Scott Frost are lost causes. Osborne was a Nebraskan. He kept former players that knew his system, and they won games based on his coaching ability, not hiring DC's, OC's and special teams coaches from all over the nation. He was the coach. He made is coordinators better instead of allowing them for blame or glory, it was his calls, his games to win or lose. Scott Frost has been around some greats now, Chip Kelly, Bill Snyder, Bill Parcells, and Tom O. He has learned from some of the best ever in which ever level of football there is. Its time for that train to come rolling back into the state and Memorial stadium. Lets start paving some streets and calling them Scott Frost expressways!!