Why Nebraska Can't Win The Big One

[kchusker_chris]

Taylor Martinez. IS an Elite QB. What he isn't.... a one man team. He has lightning speed and tons of ability, but he needs help from the defense.

He "had" lightning speed and tons of "potential". One is gone, and the other was never fully realized.

 

[Enhance]

I'd guess that respect for the staff is gone by now and... as such... the team will not be motivated and/or focused (or confidant) under this staff.

There may be some truth to it. Unfortunately, I feel uncomfortable speculating because that's all I'd be doing - speculating. Face value - this team loves Pelini and would run through a brick wall head first for him. Is there a love overshadowed by a lack of respect? Do the players trust that the coaches are doing what's best for them? I don't know.

Good post, the team is mentally weak, they don't know how to fight through adversity and they do take the foot off the gas when they are up. I think that is a Pelini thing. I think he does get conservative when he is up and before half time.

This has been a pretty big criticism of Pelini ever since he got here - conservation. Against UCLA, we had a 21-10 lead with 55 seconds left in the half and possession of the football. IIRC, we ran a couple of run plays and trotted back into the locker room. That's a very good example of what many people have been saying about Nebraska lacking a killer instinct or a desire to punish foes. They talk about being the most physical team, they preach being the most physical team, but they're not the most physical team. That disconnect from a killer instinct is truly unfortunate.

It's just unfathomable that we didn't at least try to chunk our way down the field with 55 seconds left. It's not like we were backed up in our own end zone. Not only does it show no desire to keep the foot on the gas, but in a way, it says to your players you're not sure if you trust them with 55 seconds and the need to score. Think of how big that would have been for our guys to at least get a field goal and get the ball back at half. Oh, hindsight.