IMO, every season should be looked at it’s own separate entity. There are different players on the roster each year, different circumstances, and opponents can change (same opponents can get better/worse, too). That’s why I hate preseason polls who basically go off on how teams finished the previous season. Clemson doesn’t look as good as they did last season, but are still in the top 2.
I guess people are frustrated because NU isn’t progressing from the 4-2 finish last year. I get it. The QB is the same, and many of the other parts are the same, but they aren’t playing as expected. However, the o-line is very different and much younger. I think the D has gotten much better, and is a good mix of veteran leaders and young talent.
I look at it that NU is getting better in getting wins so far this season. NU isn’t in the position to worry about style points. Just get W’s and keep building the program.