CharBroiled
Five-Star Recruit
First of all, I was certainly disappointed in today's loss. I know this is not the Wisconsin of season's past, but still couldn't understand how Nebraska opened by being a favorite. However, I'm not a sunshine kool-aid drinker nor a sky is falling person, but I think there needs to be an objective discussion about the things from today, things which are plaguing the Huskers.
1. Offensive play calling.
Riley has a system, a system which unfortunately was not built for the current Nebraska personnel. Tommy Armstrong is not a pocket passer, nor has he ever been so the offense must be tweaked to accent Armstrong's strengths, i.e. designed runs, zone read, bootlegs, with play action passing rather than timing and precision throws. I'm continually shocked as to why Langsdorf continues to sling the ball all over the yard. There are too many swings, screens and flat passes which go for few to no yards. I'd like to see the playbook put in more designed runs.
2. Management of the Running backs
This is also confusing as no one can find a rhythm within the offense. Unfortunately, a lot of blame can be shouldered by the lack of offensive line play as holes/seams aren't there. This o-line cannot move midgets on skates which tends towards lots of negative plays. However, the backs either dance too much back there or run straight ahead into the pile. Make a cut, and try to get north and south. But, not even the backs know who's going to get the carries. If there is a rotation, let it happen and don't change it from play to play with no rhyme or reason.
3. Banker's pass defense scheme
It's the worst in the country, unfortunately. Wisconsin threw 50 passes. FIFTY. Why? Because the pass defense is absolutely atrocious. Coming into the game, Joel Stave had only one 300 yard passing day in his career and he threw for 322 today. The scheme is broken with DBs flopping around like freshly caught fish. Banker's "quarters" coverage doesn't stop anything; the only reason Stave didn't throw for 500 plus today was because of drops and his own inaccuracy. Either Riley or Banker must be held accountable.
4. Realization of exactly how empty the cupboard was
Outside of the D-line, and some WRs, the recruiting had left Nebraska in a bit of a hole. It's clearly evident with the talent on the O-line, and D-backfield, Pelini's staff whiffed mightily on recruiting. Riley's hire came late and people have to understand that a hire in December drastically shortens the recruiting window as most high school football is over and all coaches are seeing are highlight videos and not the whole package of any inconsistencies or holes in a player's game. It's going to take a class or two to restock.
5. This team's fight
Even though things have gone horrendously wrong with Nebraska, this team still has some fight left. I also believe Riley has some fight within him as well. When he got in the official's ear about the lack of pass interference calls, followed by getting flagged, it sent a message to the team that Riley is still willing to fight for his guys. Plus, I loved the call where they ran the same play and drew the warranted flag. With the previous coaching staff, I have no doubt BYU and Miami would have hung 50 on us as those were the types of games where Nebraska folded up the tents. If Nebraska was 6-0 instead of 2-4, people would be whining about being the worst 6-0 team in the country, and rightfully so. And Nebraska might be the most injured team in the country.
6. Flag fever
I'm very puzzled about why there are so many flags. Is it because people aren't quite sure of positioning, movements, etc on both ends or is it a lack of focus or a lack of confidence in the system? This needs to be addressed because 80-100 yards of free yardage is highly unacceptable. Maybe it's a holdover from the undisciplined football we saw for the last several years.
I do think things aren't quite as bleak and gloomy as they may seem. It's definitely not a clear sky, but maybe mostly cloudy with occasional rays of sunshine poking through. One season without a coach's recruits is not enough to warrant the firing of the coach. I also think if things can click a little, this team will be fun to watch yet this season.
1. Offensive play calling.
Riley has a system, a system which unfortunately was not built for the current Nebraska personnel. Tommy Armstrong is not a pocket passer, nor has he ever been so the offense must be tweaked to accent Armstrong's strengths, i.e. designed runs, zone read, bootlegs, with play action passing rather than timing and precision throws. I'm continually shocked as to why Langsdorf continues to sling the ball all over the yard. There are too many swings, screens and flat passes which go for few to no yards. I'd like to see the playbook put in more designed runs.
2. Management of the Running backs
This is also confusing as no one can find a rhythm within the offense. Unfortunately, a lot of blame can be shouldered by the lack of offensive line play as holes/seams aren't there. This o-line cannot move midgets on skates which tends towards lots of negative plays. However, the backs either dance too much back there or run straight ahead into the pile. Make a cut, and try to get north and south. But, not even the backs know who's going to get the carries. If there is a rotation, let it happen and don't change it from play to play with no rhyme or reason.
3. Banker's pass defense scheme
It's the worst in the country, unfortunately. Wisconsin threw 50 passes. FIFTY. Why? Because the pass defense is absolutely atrocious. Coming into the game, Joel Stave had only one 300 yard passing day in his career and he threw for 322 today. The scheme is broken with DBs flopping around like freshly caught fish. Banker's "quarters" coverage doesn't stop anything; the only reason Stave didn't throw for 500 plus today was because of drops and his own inaccuracy. Either Riley or Banker must be held accountable.
4. Realization of exactly how empty the cupboard was
Outside of the D-line, and some WRs, the recruiting had left Nebraska in a bit of a hole. It's clearly evident with the talent on the O-line, and D-backfield, Pelini's staff whiffed mightily on recruiting. Riley's hire came late and people have to understand that a hire in December drastically shortens the recruiting window as most high school football is over and all coaches are seeing are highlight videos and not the whole package of any inconsistencies or holes in a player's game. It's going to take a class or two to restock.
5. This team's fight
Even though things have gone horrendously wrong with Nebraska, this team still has some fight left. I also believe Riley has some fight within him as well. When he got in the official's ear about the lack of pass interference calls, followed by getting flagged, it sent a message to the team that Riley is still willing to fight for his guys. Plus, I loved the call where they ran the same play and drew the warranted flag. With the previous coaching staff, I have no doubt BYU and Miami would have hung 50 on us as those were the types of games where Nebraska folded up the tents. If Nebraska was 6-0 instead of 2-4, people would be whining about being the worst 6-0 team in the country, and rightfully so. And Nebraska might be the most injured team in the country.
6. Flag fever
I'm very puzzled about why there are so many flags. Is it because people aren't quite sure of positioning, movements, etc on both ends or is it a lack of focus or a lack of confidence in the system? This needs to be addressed because 80-100 yards of free yardage is highly unacceptable. Maybe it's a holdover from the undisciplined football we saw for the last several years.
I do think things aren't quite as bleak and gloomy as they may seem. It's definitely not a clear sky, but maybe mostly cloudy with occasional rays of sunshine poking through. One season without a coach's recruits is not enough to warrant the firing of the coach. I also think if things can click a little, this team will be fun to watch yet this season.
