Yeah. Why we struggle to regain our composer is a big concern. But play calling sure didn't help.
Most definitely. I'm of the opinion that it's a lack of player leadership/accountability, followed a little bit by Pelini's composure and then just a general youth issue. To me, David and Dennard are the only two guys defensively that scream leadership and toughness. They're gone next year, so who steps up? The team needs multiple guys on each side of the ball showcasing good leadership skills and holding one another accountable - it can't all come from Pelini.
As far as Pelini is concerned, Sam McKewon brought up a good point yesterday. On one drive in the second half, Nebraska got called for pass interference. Instead of keeping his calm, or even arguing about the call, Pelini is over yelling at the ref about Baker Steinkuhler getting shoved to the ground. It wasn't the right time, and it was a time Pelini needed to keep himself together. As Pelini goes, I think this team goes. And it appears they rely on him for a lot of direction and leadership, so if he is getting frustrated and losing a little control I think the team does as well.
And then the youth is, well...obvious. We had something like 6 or 7 guys play on offense this year who have never really played (guys like Moore, Bell, Turner, Abdullah, etc., are a few that come to mind).
Excellent post and point as well. Other than Rex on offense, we really lack leadership. Don't know who steps up on D next year either.