We're actually a little better than I expected coming into the year. I knew the defense would take a step back, and they did a little. The rushing defense wasn't as good because the D-line wasn't as good without Big Suh. That was expected. The pass defense was great, but we play a lot of pass defense (peso) and that's why it looked so good and also hurt the run D's stats. Still outstanding.
The O, overall, is way better than I thought it would be because of Taylor's running. Especially early in the season. Remember, the O last year was horrible. Easily the worst O I have seen at UNL and I've been a fan since the early 80's. Sure there were some bad times, but there were some good times too and that didn't happen last year. Last year's O was just plain ol' inept. This year's O was better, but still has a long way to go before we can think about competing for a National Title.
Somebody above said that Zac Lee wasn't a liability. Wow. Zac Lee was horrible, especially in UNL's losses. Not one TD in any of those losses if memory serves. As frustrated as I was in the O in this year's title game, it wasn't nearly as frustrating as last year's title game where UNL didn't even sniff the endzone.
What really, really hurt the team this season were the fumbles. Even the ones we didn't lose hurt because they helped in stalling the O. A few dropped passes against Texas didn't help either, but the fumbles really, really hurt...along with some questionable playcalling.
Next year is a little scary. I'm not worried about the schedule, but I'm worried about all the losses we'll see in the defensive secondary. I'm worried about the loss of our All World kicker. I'm worried about the O without Taylor. I don't believe the rumors, but if Taylor does leave then what? I don't think Cody Green is a D1 prospect let alone a four star QB. CG appears slow on his feet and inaccurate as a passer. And I think the coaches feel the same way or else Taylor would not have played in the games where it was obvious he wasn't 100%.