TGHusker
Heisman Trophy Winner
I came across a book in a used bookstore the other day that dealt wt historical what ifs - small changes in history that would have had a big impact - speaks to the 'little things matter' concept. It got me thinking last night as I laid in bed wt a migraine (love cheese but some give me an allergic reaction), what about some of NUs 'what ifs'
If Tom had not gone for 2, he would have won the NC wt a tie wt Miami (so the claim of conventional wisdom). How would that have change NU football in the 1980's or would it have remain the same.
1. It could have meant better recruits and we negate the Soon Magic and we win another NC or even 2 - the 1980s would be the decade we longed for again.
2. Tom retires sooner and the 1990s dynasty never occurs
3. Status quo changes nothing: we remain near the top of the rankings for most of the decade -except for a loss in the bowl game or to the Sooners. We still have very talented players - but a step behind in performance to the sooners and the bowl teams .
#3 is my view - what is yours?
Other little one play changes in history
1. 1982 PSU catch out of bounds ruled a catch
2. 1993 - FSU the phantom clip and the no call FSU fumble
3.1996 -NU foot poisoning - stomach sickness - CCG vs texas
4. 1999 - Alexander fumbles the ball going across the end zone vs texas
Change these 4 historical events plus the going for 2 in 1983, I think we could easily say NU would have 4-5 more championships. We were the best team in 1999, 96- we would have been a favorite although not as clear cut. 1982, 83, 93 no doubt those 3 plays cost us a NC.
So how would those 4-5 more NC reflected on NU now? Perhaps impossible to speculate - but I think we'd be in a better position than we are now.. A 1999 NC by Solich may have placed us on the different path & timetable.
If Tom had not gone for 2, he would have won the NC wt a tie wt Miami (so the claim of conventional wisdom). How would that have change NU football in the 1980's or would it have remain the same.
1. It could have meant better recruits and we negate the Soon Magic and we win another NC or even 2 - the 1980s would be the decade we longed for again.
2. Tom retires sooner and the 1990s dynasty never occurs
3. Status quo changes nothing: we remain near the top of the rankings for most of the decade -except for a loss in the bowl game or to the Sooners. We still have very talented players - but a step behind in performance to the sooners and the bowl teams .
#3 is my view - what is yours?
Other little one play changes in history
1. 1982 PSU catch out of bounds ruled a catch
2. 1993 - FSU the phantom clip and the no call FSU fumble
3.1996 -NU foot poisoning - stomach sickness - CCG vs texas
4. 1999 - Alexander fumbles the ball going across the end zone vs texas
Change these 4 historical events plus the going for 2 in 1983, I think we could easily say NU would have 4-5 more championships. We were the best team in 1999, 96- we would have been a favorite although not as clear cut. 1982, 83, 93 no doubt those 3 plays cost us a NC.
So how would those 4-5 more NC reflected on NU now? Perhaps impossible to speculate - but I think we'd be in a better position than we are now.. A 1999 NC by Solich may have placed us on the different path & timetable.