It's not about just "not acting like Bo". It's about a culture of positivity that is everything about who Riley is and what he brings to the table. You're right, it's much, much easier to appreciate when it comes with wins. It doesn't mean it's lacking without them.
How about the absolute blitz of a campaign that
'Nebraska is an amazing place with amazing support for coaches and students alike. Come here'?
How about
'We understand that fans will get angry when things don't go well. Caring is what makes this place great. I wish we would do better for everyone'?
How about not having a finger-pointing culture where the fans, the media, bloggers in basements, the former Huskers are wronging the team? How about the leadership shown in the face of adversity and poor results?
How about Jack Gangwish? Not that this wasn't Gangwish anyway, but as a team captain he's going above and beyond to be everything the coaches preach, especially for a guy in his position. He's showing his teammates, by example, how it's done. Last year was a much better year in the W/L column, and the entire team from the coaches (and, unsurprisingly, down to the players) conducted themselves far worse in reaction.
How can all of this a)
not be appreciated, and b)
not be considered a pretty significant undertaking? It isn't merely about not being an embarrassment. Putting a culture like this in place takes active effort -- especially when the chips are down, as they are now -- and a lot of intent about it.
The Armstrong thing is so overblown. McKewon was extremely passionate about this point and made a big deal in his podcast that week about how it was clear that something was communicated to Riley about how it came off, and he came in Monday emphatically addressing it. But he lost the game, so fans will still try to think of a way to consider the guy who told Tommy that Monday, "You hear what I said? If they ask about the play, it's my fault. It's my fault" as some guy who throws his players under the bus.
There's a reason that people (media types, former Huskers coaches, HS coaches, parents of HS recruits) rally around Riley in such a positive way. He's the kind of guy who inspires it, and that can't be taken for granted. No, he's not the
only guy who could. But we can appreciate that he's exceptional in the area of being "one of the good guys in football coaching".
In summary, you're right about the wins. Winning cures all, it affects perceptions. That's all fine; people can feel however they wish. Hopefully, this explains where I'm coming from.
*Of course, I'd still prefer wins.