Well, NU will have an inexperienced QB next year. We lose what 2 or 3 OL? We lose Lucky in the backfield along with Ganz. We lose our top 2 receivers. Next year's North division could very well be a tossup. There's no reason to think Mizzou won't be in that tossup.
I have said a number on time on this board that exact same thing. I even said (almost got sick there) that KU should be the favorite based on what they return. I just wont sit here and take a jab about how MU is going down based on what we lose when NU loses just as much if not more.
Look at the quality of talent MU is losing next year. Think about it real had, and then tell me NU is losing just as much, if not more.
NU loses some experience on offense, but they seem to be gaining athleticism. And I'd take the Nebraska defensive line over anybody's in the North. And like I said, the corners and safeties have nowhere to go but up right now.
Nobody said NE is losing as much talent as Mizzou. Let's just say for the point of discussion that Mizzou will lose more between now and next season. In absolute terms, I think they will. That said, I still think think this year's squad is good enough to survive a significant loss and still remain competitive in the North. Not dominant, but competitive.
On the other hand, Nebraska is not in a position to weather anything more than a minimal loss of talent. In other words, a $5 loss for a man with $50 to his name hurts a lot more than a $1000 loss for a millionaire.
That's not to say that Mizzou has a top-flight football program, 'cause they don't. We had our chance to show some chops against Okie Lite and UT but didn't get it done. While I'm still very bitter about those losses, I'm hoping they'll step up over the course of these next three games and show me something I still haven't seen this season - true character and resilience against a quality team.
I'd also like to respectfully remind everyone here that when it comes to the North, MU's the only show in town right now. Next season might be a different story, but these last two seasons have been ours.
I personally don't think that's saying much, as the North is down. Way down. And though you might think the Huskers are now or will soon be in a position to challenge us, the fact is you got your pants pulled down around your ankles on October 4th, on national TV no less. You're going to have to wait until next year to show that things have changed. Speculation is folly.
There's no point in talking about a re-match. Anymore than there's any point in talking about a fifth down in 1990, or 'the kick' of 1997.
It's done, it's over. The future is all that matters.
If there's one thing I've learned as a Mizzou grad, it's how to accept reality. Brutal as it can sometimes be.
I just wish the melvins among you could be as objective about your school's program as I try to be about mine. A lot of you are, but the homers need to either step away from the keyboard or get a clue. It'd make for much more interesting reading.
Peace out...
