I am a lifetime Husker fan that hasnt missed a game since I was a small child in the 70s. In every game, except Texas Tech and Kansas under Callahan, I believed we were going to win until the last second. I always believe they are going to win. I am the true definition of a Husker fan.
That said, this year has been heartbreaking for me in many ways. First, the hire of Riley wasnt on my radar. I had dreams of big name coaches and those were crushed when he was hired. I was aware of Riley and didnt hate the hire, I just thought they could do better. But I gave him a chance and believed that he would get us a respectable season.
I had predictions of 11-1 or 10-2 at the beginning of the season. Looking at our conference I didnt see a way we would lose 3 or more games. I felt good about our season and coaching staff.
BYU was hard, but I chalked it up to being a first game. Miami was difficult to watch, but we had heart and came back. Illinois was Big 10 road game. Wisconsin, Northwestern were possible loses at the beginning of the season. I had excuses for all of the loses and then today happened. Nothing about Purdue explained away the loss. Sure we didnt have Tommy, but Purdue is a really bad team.
During the Purdue game I realized that I was becoming indifferent. As baffling as it was, I dont think I was surprised that we lost to Purdue. I no longer had faith in this team. I mean I went through the motions believing we were going to come back: With 30 seconds we just needed a couple onside kicks and TDs to win. But something changed and I realized that this is how I felt watching Callahan's worst games.
I will still support the team and hope we will get to 6-6, but I dont believe that we will. That is the difference in my fandom. I no longer believe that we will win. Maybe that is what he is talking about when he says they risk losing the fan base.
The good thing is that once they start winning again I will go back to believing they will win every game. Hopefully that will start with Michigan State.