Huskerfan1985

Just curious, you've probably stated elsewhere, but who is on your short list?

It has gotten us division titles and appearances in conference championship games. You know someone is committing a logical fallacy when they accuse you of being pathetic for something you aren't even doing. I'm not using division titles to argue that we are good, or relevant, or that things are hunky dory - I'm not arguing anything. All I am doing is pointing out that Dirk Chatelain, and many of the people on this board, are only looking at half of the picture. You also have to look at the divisions we have been in though. The Big XII north was pretty bad and the legends division isnt drastically better. division titles and appearances in conferernce championship games are the same thing. Context is important too.

I would argue that in the context of a season where we will not only not win our conference but not win our division, or play in/win a BCS bowl, that such things are of primary importance. It's fine to discuss coaching changes, but if we're ignoring the good our players do, what message does that send? I get your point, we shouldn't ignore that fact the AA is a stud, Gregory is unstoppable, and that our O-line basically had their way with MSU. But, to play devil's advocate what else does it say? That even with some exceptional talent and outstanding play, we continue to spin the wheels. The "talent" gap that everyone has been complaing about looks to be narrowing if not becoming a thing of the past. so why did we do less this year than last year? Please don't say we are a young team Besides its easier for everyone to "solve" everything wrong with NU and discuss at lengths end. However, there isn't really a discussion to made for the players other than, "yep, they played really well and looked" thats not intended to take anything from them, just that there isn't a lot to be said imo.

Before I respond, know that I like this kid and I hope and guess that his future is bright. In today's day and age, being a freshman just is not an excuse anymore - especially for something as fundamental as being turnover prone. Johnny Manziel was a freshman when he took the nation by storm Jameis Winston is a freshman. Marcus Mariota absolutely tore it up as a freshman. Maty Mauk (Missouri) is a freshman replacing Franklin and playing decent for them. Christian Hackenberg (Penn State) is putting together a pretty fine season as a true freshman. Baker Mayfield (Texas Tech) has also put up huge numbers and solid play as a true freshman walk on. Jared Goff (Cal) is another true freshman with a really good, relatively consistent (not a lot of turnovers) season. Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, RGIII, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, etc. etc. etc. etc. were all relied upon and capable enough to be trusted as freshman quarterbacks. Looking only at the numbers, Tommy couldn't even hold freshman Taylor Martinez' jock. You quote those 2 as having good seasons but Cal is one of the worst teams in the nation lol.. Hackenburg is doing what he can with his team but last I recalled is Tommy has a better record so far out of those 2 buys but yet everyone wants to sit him down. What gives. Some one up there said Stanton is gonna be a clone of TA.. Well that sucks since people are saying TA is slow and cant hit the side of a Barn since his knee surgery.. Oh well isnt Stanton coming off a knee injury. Obviously, the environments, surrounding players, and situations for each quarterback are going to be different. Sure, Tommy is 5-1, but so what? Cody Green was undefeated as a starter, yet we all know how inadequate he was as a quarterback. Win/loss record without context is meaningless, and for the two bolded to have significantly better performances and seasons on worse teams only strengthens my case when looking only at the quarterback. Tommy's 5 wins include Purdue and Illinois (combined record of 4-16, absolutely awful), South Dakota State (An FCS school), a Hail Mary by a different quarterback against 0-6 Northwestern and an average Michigan team. I'm just not impressed by that. Blasphemy, I thought Armstrong was the next Tommie Frazier because he runs the option and has the first name Tommy..........

I'm not meaning to pick on this poster but I think this is a perfect example that sums up answers to so many of the questions in the original post. I didn't know we had an extremely long losing streak going? Husker fans are their own worst enemy. Literally, I know many MANY fans outside Huskernation that respect our program and what our coaches and players are doing much more than many Husker fans. And, sorry, other groups of fans are NOT like this. There is a large amount of our fans that absolutely are not going to even enjoy the season (not saying this is what this poster was meaning but I'm taking this to the next level) unless we are winning a championship. They absolutely can not sit and enjoy a game and enjoy what is being accomplished. I've given this example before. Two years ago when we had the amazing come back against OSU in Lincoln, TM made a key pass across the middle for a first down. The entire stadium was rocking....except the idiot beside me. His only comment was...."He f'ing threw behind his receiver again". Really That is all you can come up with jerk wad when we are making a historical come back? I moved back to Nebraska in 2006 and I was excited to be back in Husker Nation to be able to get together with other fans to watch games.....Nope.....I honestly don't enjoy it because all the do is sit around and bitch....cry for the back up QB and cry for Bo to be fired....or cotton...or Beck....or Pap. Quite frankly, I'm so tired of it that I many times don't even get into conversations with other fans in real life. I'm not saying I'm a great Xs and Os guy. In fact, that's one reason I try to come to boards....to learn. BUT, some people (it seams) don't even try. It's like the fan on here the other day that was complaining about why Ameer wasn't on the field for the first fumble between Tommy and Newby....ummmmm....he was. We have extremely loyal fans. Sorry for the rant....but, your post hit on a few things that bug me. AND.....apologies to the poster I quoted. I used your post as a simple example but by no means do I mean to shine the light just on you. I don't think they literally meant losing games in a row. I think he was referring to BIG games on a national stage. If that's the case, then it is an even better example of my main points. If you study this quote, it fixates on our failures and doesn't acknowledge the successes between those failures. This happens SO often with Husker fans. The failures get fixated on...then they get exaggerated...then, before you know it....everyone is miserable and think our program is a complete failure and everything needs to be changed and that is the only way we will ever be happy. I think your missing the posters point or maybe you are satisfied with this and the last couple seasons. The program is failing to take steps forward. Ok, so don't focus on the failures.......what exactly are you celebrating then? Am i missing some great achievement? I don't enjoy complaining and i'll be a fan regardless because, well it's Nebraska and I don't know any better. But the short comings of the program have become very predictable and I believe, fixable. Do you know what the highlight of this season has been? a final drive to win on the road to a BAD Michigan team. Please explain the exaggeration. There are also a lot of people the desperately want / wanted bo to succeed, but it just isn't going to happen.

I'm not meaning to pick on this poster but I think this is a perfect example that sums up answers to so many of the questions in the original post. I didn't know we had an extremely long losing streak going? Husker fans are their own worst enemy. Literally, I know many MANY fans outside Huskernation that respect our program and what our coaches and players are doing much more than many Husker fans. And, sorry, other groups of fans are NOT like this. There is a large amount of our fans that absolutely are not going to even enjoy the season (not saying this is what this poster was meaning but I'm taking this to the next level) unless we are winning a championship. They absolutely can not sit and enjoy a game and enjoy what is being accomplished. I've given this example before. Two years ago when we had the amazing come back against OSU in Lincoln, TM made a key pass across the middle for a first down. The entire stadium was rocking....except the idiot beside me. His only comment was...."He f'ing threw behind his receiver again". Really That is all you can come up with jerk wad when we are making a historical come back? I moved back to Nebraska in 2006 and I was excited to be back in Husker Nation to be able to get together with other fans to watch games.....Nope.....I honestly don't enjoy it because all the do is sit around and bitch....cry for the back up QB and cry for Bo to be fired....or cotton...or Beck....or Pap. Quite frankly, I'm so tired of it that I many times don't even get into conversations with other fans in real life. I'm not saying I'm a great Xs and Os guy. In fact, that's one reason I try to come to boards....to learn. BUT, some people (it seams) don't even try. It's like the fan on here the other day that was complaining about why Ameer wasn't on the field for the first fumble between Tommy and Newby....ummmmm....he was. We have extremely loyal fans. Sorry for the rant....but, your post hit on a few things that bug me. AND.....apologies to the poster I quoted. I used your post as a simple example but by no means do I mean to shine the light just on you. I don't think they literally meant losing games in a row. I think he was referring to BIG games on a national stage.

Do you know where all the positives threads are? AA, the o-line, the defense, etc... It's because they don't matter in the big picture here. Sure there were some positives, but we still found a way to crap the bed, ie UNFORCED turnovers. It's been a hallmark of this program to find the silver lining, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter because there are no banners and no reason to believe anything will change. As for Bo, I would prefer that we part ways at the end of the season one way or another. it doesn't really matter if he's fired or leaves on his own. if he leaves on his own, its him admitting defeat in my eyes. I will give bo credit though. whoever walks in is coming into a MUCH better situation than he walked into. There is talent, the program is stable, there is support. He has basically positioned us to take the next step, i just don't think he will ever be the guy to do it. There are seriously a handful of things that the next coach needs to address (or Bo, but i seriously doubt he can change if he did end up staying). Get some experienced assistant coaches, pay attention to special teams, and learn how to manage a freaking roster (recruiting needs, red shirts, playing time, transfers) and try not to be such an a hole to the media. If these issues were addressed, I honestly think fans would be shocked at the improvement, but what do i know.

It's a good article but I have a hard time putting this one on Bo. Unfortunately, this just the kind of game rs freshmen qbs have from time to time. Our errors were self inflicted period. The offense had openings all game long. The area there is no excuse for is the return game. Been a problem for years.needs fixed a year ago.

wow, this sounds like the kiss of death. For some reason i feel like we win this one, but logic tells me otherwise. Our offense is so banged up. I just think we will have a really hard time moving the ball. But, then again if our defense can force a turnover or by some act of God we run a punt back or something crazy, we have a good chance.

The second problem, MUCH preferable to the first problem. I'll take no punt return yards if it means our offense gets the ball after the punt. True, but to average 3 yards per return at this point in the season is a joke. It illustrates giving up completely on that aspect of the game. Many teams rely on special teams for a boost, if not a score. Our return game is non-existant and after the muffed punt last week, we will likely see nothing but fair catches the rest of the season.

i just find it strange that for the second straight year our punt return game is terrible. Last year we could barely catch a punt. This year Westercamp has done a good job for the most part, but even still he rarely has anywhere to run. At the same time, we rarely pressure a punter or block a punt. I guess i'm at a loss for what we are trying to do in the return game.

I rewatched the game last night and had a couple of things to discuss. First, Shean McDonough (spelling?) mentioned that NU has one of the worst punt return average in FBS averaging somethin like 3 ypr? Last year we muffed so many punts, it has been a relief to see Westercamp catch everything except the last one unfortunately, but 3 ypr is terrible. Ironically, if he wouldn't have muffed it, i think he had a big return coming. Anyhow, why does the punt return game continue to be dreadful for almost to full seasons? On another note, is Hoke the most worthless coach in FBS? ok, maybe a little harsh, but the guy doesn't even wear a headset most of the game and looks like he can barely dress himself. Honestly, WTF was he wearing, smh. You are the head coach of a top 5 winningest program, you may want to dress like it lol. Back to NU, I just wanted to say Thad Randle played GREAT. he hasn't got much love this year, but he played lights out on Saturday. Gregory is a beast. the linebackers played really well as did Corey Cooper and Alexander. Ciante played a very solid game too. I do find it strange that Bando and Gerry, didn't play much this week though. We really seem to change our LB's week to week. Anyhow, would love to hear everyone's thought.

Hey FYI Michigan didnt lose to Notre Dame this year so.....talk to smarter people I guess

You serious? I'm not sure anyone can argue that our defense didn't play well for most of that game. We started out terrible. But what did Northwestern do after the first quarter? A whole lot of nothing, is the answer. 2-14 on third down conversions, less than 40% completion percentage for 80 yards passing, etc. I was trying to say that the D played well against NW. It didn't quite come out that way.......

Might be a little undersized but only 10-15 lbs from several of our other LBs so not that bad. It would be interesting to see how we might play a 3-4 but I would think the OLBs would be more hybrid DEs (like Gregory) than undersized LBs like Gerry. Maybe one of each against teams that spread it out more. I just think about what our front 7 will look like next year without randle and ankrah. should be something like moss, gregory, curry? valentine, bando, gerry, santos, rose.... should be very good athletically without any "chosen" seniors that never lose their job.

well played.

I hadn't thought about Gerry in the Nickel until just as I was typing that. But he has the speed and likes to hit so it might be a good fit. I still think we need some play-makers at Safety, which is why I'd like to see Gerry back there. I'm not impressed with Cooper (too slow, imo) or HJax. Alexander has looked OK in the chances he's gotten and maybe Singleton will develop. probably depends on how much bigger Gerry gets. he seems a little undersized a LB now yet doesn't exactly play a ton of coverage either. When he was recruited, i thought he was supposed to be a safety/ nickel back but basically came into camp with an extra 20lbs of muscle or something crazy....if i were to guess, i'd say he would stay at LB, especially if we are going to play more 3 -4 and face spread offenses.

I would agree, but Bando does seem a half step behind at times or shows some hesitation even though he's where he should be. he shows a lot of promise and based on what i've seen, Santos shouldn't be taking any snaps from him. I really think he has a TON of potential and will eventually be a HUGE playmaker later on in his career. What is everyone's thoughts on Gerry. He played a lot early, but now doesn't see the field much. anybody have any info?

If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that the D gives up 24 to NW, i would've counted it as a win. I'm not sure anyone can argue that D played well for most of the game and did their job. What we will see next week is an entirely different story.

Normaly, i would totally agree with this but i lean towards the "if both teams have equal talent" we tend to fall WAY short. I would guess Michigan wins comfortable 24 - 14. Probably would be closer with a heathy Martinez, but not drastically different.

sieze the carp

Yes, hopefully that is the case. don't get me wrong he looks good, its just that he's had some one on one opportunities to break a big one, opposed to the 10 to 15 pick up.

IMO to sum up TA, the first two games SDS and Illinois, he basically only threw passes to the right side. Against Purdue, Purdue had just went through a major defensive overhaul, switching to a 3-4 defense. i was not surprised that he made some mistakes because i'm sure he nor the coaches really knew what Purdue was going to show because they making major changes. As for Northwestern, it looked to much to me like a freshman trying to do a little too much. the last pick could happen to any QB that wasn't ready for a D -lineman to drop and plus he was being pressured. his second pick was the worst, he should have just thrown it out of bounds. Honestly, for me, it wasn't the picks that bothered me as much it was a couple of the other throws. the downfield passing looked BAD. the only ball that had chance was the one to Enunwa (which if Enunwa sticks his arms out to catch, we probably get the PI call). there was another 3rd down pass that looked like a touch pass to Burtch that was off by 10 yards. My guess is that TA is a work in progress and that we need to stick to what does well in handing off to abdullah and running the option.

it is truly amazing. not trying to bad on the kid but i've seen it at least twice where he is one on one in the open field and he basically tackles himself. Hopefully, he gets a little more shifty and starts turning those into long runs.

Idk, it's hard to quantify. To me, Oregon passes the eyeball test. It seems like the past 5 years they have been running a consistantly dominant program. While they have not won a NC, they played for one and are consistantly in BCS bowls and winning. It's pretty obvious that it's not just a single "special" player or a fluke year either. I would have no problem calling Oregon an elite program today.