I agree that we appeared slower and got mauled on the line. Looking at recruiting rankings, they aren't the be all end all, but they've gotta count for something. I do think we can win the West next year. We played Wisky close the 2 previous years with the Barnum and Bailey staff.....Imagine a better staff that develops and maximizes talent. A staff that might even look to the Juco route to plug obvious holes in the team....@lo country I just watched Ohio State beat us like a drum. It appeared we were a step slower, not as strong. Is that really just coaching. I watched the Wisconsin and Ohio State running backs just run away from out top players. Is that desire or is it talent. If you watched the game, and I know you did, you really believe we have the talent to win next year. I just don't see that happening, and I think it sets unrealistic expectations, that when not obtained cause more problems for the first year coach. I am all for it if it happens, but I have been on this board for a long time and seen these statements for a lot of years. And normally when we hit a team with talent, they kick our teeth in. And it has been many years, not just the last three.
This is not an overnight deal, it took Coach Osborne a long time to get to the top and I watched many games where we were not competitive with the top teams. It takes time to develop (this) program due to local talent available. Coach Osborne realized it. Seldom did we see an O or D lineman play a game until their third year in the system, normally more. We have to be willing to invest in Nebraska. Not just think it will happen overnight.
I remember Barrett Ruud made the comment in 2003 that Bo had transformed his game by showing him pursuit angles and little nuances that transformed his game. That's coaching. I look at some of the teams that go new coaches when we did and their current success. They are trending upward, we are trending downward. Thats coaching.
I look at Jaimes and Decker getting playing time and they are better than Knevel and Conrad IMHO. If not for injuries, they'd still be on the bench. Much like Lavonte David.....That's coaching. Allowing guys to repeatedly blow plays, angles, calls, protections etc and still play is coaching...
I looked at the play of Bootles and Dismuke and saw dudes making errors. At full speed. Next year we have a great class (lower rankings due to numbers) that with a great hire will still play here. Guys who on paper can make a difference.
It took TO 23 years to win the MNC, but he played for it multiple times. Bad breaks, ballsy calls and BS penalties cost us some of them.....He fielded consistent teams throughout his tenure. He observed, game planned, adapted and had teams that out worked everyone.
We get a coach who preaches accountability. To the team and each other. Demands sound technique and discipline, things missing for years and we see an immediate improvement. Get them to believe they can win instead of thinking they can keep games close.....Demand physicality...