All Hail Herbie

In reading these updates from the coaches, one would get the impression that the difference between a great outcome and a poor outcome on a play is a matter of fortuitous timing and execution. A position coach should address items like footwork and reads, and not simply wish for a player to discover both in game action. The coaching establishes these items so well that they become instinctive for the player during the game. That is the moment where a player marries instinct with his talent. All fixable items, with the right instruction. We are trying to do too many things, and are scoring poorly on all. Focus on doing a few items with excellence in mind and that will translate into success in the Win / Loss column.

Prognostications and forecasts aside, NU needs a win. The Illinois loss looks terrible at this stage and we are underwater for the season if we wish to be bowl eligible. Despite assertions to the contrary, moral victories do not count for anything. The final score is irrelevant, just win baby!

The fact that you responded (unsolicited) to my comment illustrates just how much you care. I am grateful. At least it can be said that you have progressed in the past week, from out right censorship to simple shunning. By next week, you will be a champion of free speech and open debate.

Great point. Is this the secret play they worked on with the analysts? If so, it created quite an advantage for us.

Very good play. Just like Coach drew it up and practiced it. He even found a way to include a faux stumble when the defender grabbed at his ankle. I knew our offensive coaching was special. 100% improvisation by a gifted athlete. Who needs practice?

Enjoy the ribbing. I readily and happily deserve it. With all the success I am having, perhaps I could supply the flowers for the formal send off next year for this staff. November is a bit late for mums, so perhaps lilies are in order. If memory serves, Coach Osborne is similarly an avid outdoorsman who appreciates hunting and fishing. In my opinion, a more enjoyable use of time these days.

Thanks for the note lo and I agree that highlighting the fact that games are being lost in Year 4 on the basis of correctable errors is not negative, but justified. If we can all agree to dispense with the ridiculous notion that there is a significant talent gap between NU and others in our league, than it is reasonable to lay responsibility for our current state on those coaching the team. Consequently, it is then reasonable to assume that we will always be "a few plays away" from success during the tenure of this staff as mistakes the kind of which that have been made, will persist. Why field a punt inside the 1? Have we practiced blocking for extra points? Do we practice getting set prior to a snap? Do we teach defenders not to body slam opponents after the whistle? And my personal favorite, have we instructed punters to punt to the coverage side of the field? All correctable matters and not on personnel.

Frantz, your point is well taken and agreed. However, we keep evaluating the Riley and Frost tenures as 1:1 when we both know that they will not be treated the same. The Why is the most important question when we discuss a 5th Year for Coach Frost. And the answer is not found in his job performance to date, but with his history with the state, the university, and the football program as a player. For those reasons he has the option for a 5th Year, whether we are bowl eligible this year or not. If we miss a bowl this year for the 5th consecutive time, the right thing for him to do would be to move on (like Forrest Gregg at SMU). SMU never had to confront a decision on the future of the NFL Hall of Famer and alum, because he recognized that the state of the program could not be easily fixed during his tenure. Coach Frost should consider the same and the fans will think no less of him for it.

Thanks my friend. I hold no animus against fans who are simply lashing out at me as a proxy for poor team performance. That said, there is evidently a blood oath purity test involved for Board participation and I have failed to take mine. We all have the same goal, a respectable football program (on and off the field). We just have different thoughts on how to get there.

"Content moderation" on full display. Having previously worked for Facebook, would you be willing to divulge the intricacies of internet censorship policy there? We are better than this...

Agreed. 2023, with a new coaching staff, will likely be the breakthrough season. So long as we consistently lose to the 4 teams I referenced, the schedule is largely irrelevant. We will be bowl eligible when we turn the page on those 4 teams.

Happy to clarify. Detox was in reference to live game action. That was the issue causing the greatest consternation. This board is a bit like attending a therapy session, so no need to detox from therapy. As a fellow therapy participant I am confident you would agree. Or are you the therapist?

Let's all hug a tree today, preferably an Eastern Cottonwood (state tree of Nebraska). As for Martha, our relationship would never work, I believe in keeping trade secrets, not trading on them.

Appreciate your sentiments and the "mocking" execution on the board that you referenced is already well underway. I knew I could find a way to unite fans on this board, with disdain for me. Having said that, the program is so revered and supported in the state that it is sad to see it fall so far. I just needed a break from it as my frustration was tainting my attitude elsewhere. To your comments on family, your ability to now reflect and view competition through a pragmatic lens is great. Sports can promote so many good qualities (camaraderie, competition, work, etc.), but it should not replace what really matters, family. You see that and it is for that reason that you and your sons will someday reconcile. Stay strong.

Man, woman and child, your comment put 'em in the aisle! Will you promise to unfriend me as well? I am crestfallen by your remark and deeply hurt. Such a great fan showing such intolerance for other views. The inferiority complex has indeed set in.

Trade secret and confidential. Let's keep a little mystery in the relationship.

I guess I just enjoy the company of great fans such as yourself too much to give this up. Besides, without someone like me to demean, this group would lack purpose every day given what you see on the field each and every Saturday. Incidentally, I do not consider offering thanks to Coach Frost and his staff for their contributions as a gripe, but rather a courteous and respectful way for them to exit next season.

2023 seems the most feasible, assuming we bring in a seasoned coach who can return this team to fundamentals. I would not spend too much time worrying about Michigan and Ohio State as it has been Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue and Illinois that has kept us from becoming bowl eligible. Win against these four consistently and you will almost certainly be bowl eligible each and every year.

I saw the LOL and wanted to remark further. The real humorous part is the fact that my neighbor is seemingly irritated by all of the landscape work that I am doing now. Evidently, his wife has commented a time or two. And to think, if not for Mike Riley and Scott Frost, and a program they know nothing about, none of this would be possible.

Great point. That said, I contend that our problems are structural in nature, not tactical or personnel. For 4 seasons, we have consistently found creative new ways to lose football games, regardless of the opponent or personnel. Arguing about which position (individual or group) is at fault for our latest loss is a bit like shouting at the rain, pointless. This year, the defense is improved, but that will change next year as you rightly point out. Next year, the blame for losses will pivot to the defensive unit with a 5th Year Senior QB and more experienced OL personnel. Ultimately, one individual, making a $5 million annual salary is responsible, and he is seemingly unable to correct the mindset of this team, and this program. Fundamentally, it is a program that simply knows better how to lose than to win. Is that the result of being comfortable in that role, or simply having anxiety anytime we are having success? At some point, I am confident that someone will come along and re-ignite this proud program.

Finally, it is great to see other fans moving in the right direction. Red, welcome to the club. I officially detoxed from Husker live football in September, 2019 (post-CU meltdown in Boulder). At first it was awkward, but my weekends are far more enjoyable now. I actually took up landscaping and work outside on projects during the games to avoid the pull of any game action. As a fan for 35 years, I found that the games had lost all enjoyment and the results were becoming a drag on my attitude. Cutting the cord is definitely the right decision. Enjoy.

Another game, and another moral victory for the "unstoppables" as they are now dubbed. If we can gather moral victories against Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Ohio State, will we make a bowl this year? Coach Frost looks worn down and without answers at this stage. The structural issues that are present with this team are simply too great for him to correct. We are seemingly a program without a rudder, and one that simply does not know how to handle any success (in-game or season). As I have stated repeatedly, the only way Coach Frost is gone after this season is if he decides to depart. He and his staff will get 5 years. Let's be gracious and thank this staff for their contributions. That said, let's also be honest and begin to think about the changes that may be coming in 14 months. This experiment is running its' course.

Despite all the debate on this board, I thought the one item we could find agreement on was the efficacy of Dr. Phil! Nonetheless, you may have a point on the dangers of self-medicating. Binge watching a program like Dr. Phil could lead to all sorts of anxiety issues. Always consult a licensed practitioner first.

Glad to hear you are laughing for a change. We all have PTSD from this football program. Incidentally, Dr. Phil is a much healthier option than Xanax-laced Kool Aid. All seasons are now available on Amazon or through streaming.

Why be confrontational when it is far better to be real. While I love optimism, the "unstoppable" comments appear to be whistling past the graveyard. In terms of enjoyment, I get that out of injecting realism and a little sarcasm into topical discussions that range from the interesting (Coaching, schematics, etc.) to the vital (i.e. beer drinking outside Memorial Stadium), to the irrelevant (uniform styles). This board should be an insecurity free zone.