"Guys like myself, that's what we flock to."

[teachercd]

To answer your question - which is what I've said all along if you read more closely - you don't have to look at too many threads to see people talking about "only" winning eight or even seven games this year. The Vegas line is 8. Even McKewon has mentioned more than once that 7-9 should be what we're looking at. How many have specifically said "I expect to win seven"? Not very many. But we've gone round and round on all the reasons why people won't be surprised if 7 or 8 is all we win this year. There is almost no talk about winning more than nine.

Given that we've won 9 for the last seven years in a row and now most can't stop gushing about how basically every aspect of the program is improved, I don't get all the talk about how we might struggle this year and already making all the excuses for why we might not win as much. Especially when we have almost an identical schedule as last year.

There is basically no reason for this other than to want make basically any season look like a success. Or be able to point back at the end of the season and say "Well, we thought we might only win 7 to start the year so we did basically as expected". It's implied expectations as opposed to the overt use of the word you seem hung up on.

This is what the last few years of Bo have given us. Tempered expectations. The last few seasons have been a heck of a lot closer to 7 wins than 11 IMO. So...there is much less of a margin of difference between 7 and 9, and 9 and 11 (or really even 10). Because the margin is so small, a play her or a play there and we're at 7 wins instead of 9...I could see that happening fairly easily. Whether that is expectations or possiblities, doesn't really matter to me. The last few years have taught me to temper everything. It's why even w/ a staff upgrade and a schedule that every year ends up easier than it appears pre-season, I'm not expecting more than 9.

You think so? I think it is really close to 11 and/or 7...I mean, last year you have a fumble at the goal line vs Minny and the USC game was super close...heck even MSU.

 

[NUinID]

To be honest, I think that, to a casual observer, our offense won't look much different than last years. Formations will be similar, we will still run read option plays (though less than last year), and our running game will still be mostly zone. What we will see is an improvement in pass routes. Early on there was some talk of moving to a passing tree. That means about 10 standard routes that are drilled every day, that the WR and QB know like the back of their hands. So fewer 'miscommunications', and even if Tommy isn't right on the money with his throws, it will be enough in the general directions of our talented receivers that they'll be able to adjust and make a grab. I think we will see more passes to and receptions by the TE, especially in red zone situations and as check downs. I expect the running game to struggle a little early as whoever gets the starting spot settles in, but it should be serviceable enough that our offense won't be one dimensional. And, of course, there will be the occasional under center heavy or jumbo set for short yardage, goal line, and the occasional play action situations.

The only place we really need to see improvement is at QB and really we are only talking about less than 2 more completions a game for TA to get to the magic 60%.

I personally think this is a much bigger issue that can make us see improvement than what some fans are willing to acknowledge. Many times what seemed like a horrible pass was caused by miscommunication between QB and WR or the two not being on the same page as to what route needed to be ran.

Definitely, pretty much every game last year TA was throwing to an open space for an incompletion. It was at least once and usually more times that it happened in every game. Think about the last INT against MSU to end the game, miscommunication.

I think just a more disciplined game will make this team look better and hopefully play better. Cutting down on the non contact penalties will help. A 5 yard penalty can be just as damaging to a drive as a 15 yarder.

The third thing that will help is getting to the plus side of the turnover margin. That is both units working together. Fewer turnovers for the offense and more takaways for the defense.

All these little things will make NU a better product on the field and in turn will result, eventually, in more wins.

 

[BigRedBuster]

To be honest, I think that, to a casual observer, our offense won't look much different than last years. Formations will be similar, we will still run read option plays (though less than last year), and our running game will still be mostly zone. What we will see is an improvement in pass routes. Early on there was some talk of moving to a passing tree. That means about 10 standard routes that are drilled every day, that the WR and QB know like the back of their hands. So fewer 'miscommunications', and even if Tommy isn't right on the money with his throws, it will be enough in the general directions of our talented receivers that they'll be able to adjust and make a grab. I think we will see more passes to and receptions by the TE, especially in red zone situations and as check downs. I expect the running game to struggle a little early as whoever gets the starting spot settles in, but it should be serviceable enough that our offense won't be one dimensional. And, of course, there will be the occasional under center heavy or jumbo set for short yardage, goal line, and the occasional play action situations.

The only place we really need to see improvement is at QB and really we are only talking about less than 2 more completions a game for TA to get to the magic 60%.

I personally think this is a much bigger issue that can make us see improvement than what some fans are willing to acknowledge. Many times what seemed like a horrible pass was caused by miscommunication between QB and WR or the two not being on the same page as to what route needed to be ran.

Definitely, pretty much every game last year TA was throwing to an open space for an incompletion. It was at least once and usually more times that it happened in every game. Think about the last INT against MSU to end the game, miscommunication.

I think just a more disciplined game will make this team look better and hopefully play better. Cutting down on the non contact penalties will help. A 5 yard penalty can be just as damaging to a drive as a 15 yarder.

The third thing that will help is getting to the plus side of the turnover margin. That is both units working together. Fewer turnovers for the offense and more takaways for the defense.

All these little things will make NU a better product on the field and in turn will result, eventually, in more wins.

The interesting thing about that is, the QB is the one that gets blamed for every single one of those (almost) by the fans and media. In reality, we have no idea if it was the QB or WR that made the wrong read.

I remember a game where Westerkamp gave a signal to the QB that he was changing his route. The problem was, the TA was looking the opposite direction when he gave the signal, TA threw to where the original route was should have been ran and it ended up in a pick. Well, I blame Westerkamp for that because he should have easily seen that TA was looking the opposite direction.

But....guess who got crucified for the pick?

 

[Saunders]

The more and more that I think about Michigan State, I keep thinking they will be a tad down this year, despite retaining Cook. Losing Narduzzi is HUGE. I think most people will see why when the Ducks go to East Lansing.

I see Nebraska winning 10 games, and making the conference title game and get beat by OSU. I really think Elliot will make the Big 10 say "Melvin Who?". I think Elliot is the best PURE running back I've seen in some time. He honestly reminds me of Lawrence Phillips.

Nebraska will go to the Rose Bowl at 10-3 and play the Oregon/USC loser (Pac 12 Title game/rematch from reg season). Interesting thing is, does Nebraska get a rematch of USC from last season or preview of Oregon for next season.

If we lose the conference title game, there's no chance we make the Rose Bowl. Bowls don't like CCG losers.

You mean CCG losers like Ga Tech (Orange) or Arizona (Fiesta)?

Yup, with the new bowl format, the conferences have more power in the seedings.

 

[Saunders]

To be honest, I think that, to a casual observer, our offense won't look much different than last years. Formations will be similar, we will still run read option plays (though less than last year), and our running game will still be mostly zone. What we will see is an improvement in pass routes. Early on there was some talk of moving to a passing tree. That means about 10 standard routes that are drilled every day, that the WR and QB know like the back of their hands. So fewer 'miscommunications', and even if Tommy isn't right on the money with his throws, it will be enough in the general directions of our talented receivers that they'll be able to adjust and make a grab. I think we will see more passes to and receptions by the TE, especially in red zone situations and as check downs. I expect the running game to struggle a little early as whoever gets the starting spot settles in, but it should be serviceable enough that our offense won't be one dimensional. And, of course, there will be the occasional under center heavy or jumbo set for short yardage, goal line, and the occasional play action situations.

The only place we really need to see improvement is at QB and really we are only talking about less than 2 more completions a game for TA to get to the magic 60%.

I personally think this is a much bigger issue that can make us see improvement than what some fans are willing to acknowledge. Many times what seemed like a horrible pass was caused by miscommunication between QB and WR or the two not being on the same page as to what route needed to be ran.

Definitely, pretty much every game last year TA was throwing to an open space for an incompletion. It was at least once and usually more times that it happened in every game. Think about the last INT against MSU to end the game, miscommunication.

I think just a more disciplined game will make this team look better and hopefully play better. Cutting down on the non contact penalties will help. A 5 yard penalty can be just as damaging to a drive as a 15 yarder.

The third thing that will help is getting to the plus side of the turnover margin. That is both units working together. Fewer turnovers for the offense and more takaways for the defense.

All these little things will make NU a better product on the field and in turn will result, eventually, in more wins.

The interesting thing about that is, the QB is the one that gets blamed for every single one of those (almost) by the fans and media. In reality, we have no idea if it was the QB or WR that made the wrong read.

I remember a game where Westerkamp gave a signal to the QB that he was changing his route. The problem was, the TA was looking the opposite direction when he gave the signal, TA threw to where the original route was should have been ran and it ended up in a pick. Well, I blame Westerkamp for that because he should have easily seen that TA was looking the opposite direction.

But....guess who got crucified for the pick?

I won't blame all the picks on him, but the "arm punt" stuff where he just seemed to go "F*** it, I'm going deep* and overthrew the receiver by 10 yards is on him. That's gotta stop.

 

[True2tRA]

I won't blame all the picks on him, but the "arm punt" stuff where he just seemed to go "F*** it, I'm going deep* and overthrew the receiver by 10 yards is on him. That's gotta stop.

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation.

I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more but also, his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better.

I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep".

Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place?

The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every f'ing play. I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody.

There were guys down there almost every play.

Why did we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every . time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball?

Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was none. We just kept doing it over and over and over.

 

[Saunders]

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation. I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more and his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better. But I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep". Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every f'ing play. I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody. There were guys down there almost every play. Why in Holy Hell did we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball? Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was NONE. We just kept doing it over and over and over and over................

You've never heard of the Verticals concept?

 

[Landlord]

Tommy's freshman year he literally did throw the ball to nobody at least once a game. No player from either team would be within the frame of the broadcast camera. He cut back on it last season, I think, but in panic situations he would just c$%k back and launch. I'm guessing there wasn't a thought process.

 

[True2tRA]

Tommy's freshman year he literally did throw the ball to nobody at least once a game. No player from either team would be within the frame of the broadcast camera. He cut back on it last season, I think, but in panic situations he would just c$%k back and launch. I'm guessing there wasn't a thought process.

His freshman year? Man, he acts like this is his first time doing this or something? Oh, that's right IT WAS......I recall it was kind of an unplanned ocurrence too, something like the starting QB got injured and Tommy just kind of got thrown into the mix.

We all know how good Beck was at developing QB's, I'm sure the backup (Tommy) was completely ready to go at moment's notice. (sarcasm)

And still Tommy did pretty well.......

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning do it almost every game too. Man, those guys SUCK!

It's called miscommunication or guys not being on the same page. And sometimes, it's called throwing it away. Hard for you or I to tell exactly what the thought process is on those plays because we truly don't know what's going on. I do know when I see receivers streaking down the field every play because I watch it with my own two freaking eyes.

 

[True2tRA]

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation. I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more and his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better. But I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep". Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every f'ing play. I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody. There were guys down there almost every play. Why in Holy Hell did we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball? Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was NONE. We just kept doing it over and over and over and over................

You've never heard of the Verticals concept?

Man, that whole post went right over your head.

You and Mavric please, continue to try to oversimplify one of the most complicated team sports on this planet, please do, I get a laugh out of it.

 

[Saunders]

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation. I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more and his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better. But I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep". Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every f'ing play. I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody. There were guys down there almost every play. Why in Holy Hell did we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball? Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was NONE. We just kept doing it over and over and over and over................

You've never heard of the Verticals concept?

Man, that whole post went right over your head.

You and Mavric please, continue to try to oversimplify one of the most complicated team sports on this planet, please do, I get a laugh out of it.

Then please enlighten us to your point instead of rambling like a drunk uncle.

 

[teachercd]

Ha! This thread is awesome!

 

[True2tRA]

I won't blame all the picks on him, but the "arm punt" stuff where he just seemed to go "F*** it, I'm going deep* and overthrew the receiver by 10 yards is on him. That's gotta stop.

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation.

I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more but also, his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better.

I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep".

Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every play? I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody.

There were guys down there almost every play.

Why we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball?

Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was none. We just kept doing it over and over.

Can't be any clearer. I deleted the CAPS so it didn't sound like I was yelling at you. (so stupid) I deleted the curse words so it didn't come across that I'd been drinking, since you constantly run to the alcohol card when I'm stomping your argument in the mudhole.

 

[Saunders]

I won't blame all the picks on him, but the "arm punt" stuff where he just seemed to go "F*** it, I'm going deep* and overthrew the receiver by 10 yards is on him. That's gotta stop.

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation.

I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more but also, his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better.

I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep".

Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every play? I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody.

There were guys down there almost every play.

Why we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball?

Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was none. We just kept doing it over and over.

Can't be any clearer. I deleted the CAPS so it didn't sound like I was yelling at you. (so stupid) I deleted the curse words so it didn't come across that I'd been drinking, since you constantly run to the alcohol card when I'm stomping your argument in the mudhole.

Actually, that's the first time I've ever used that particular retort in reference to you, so your assertion is false.

And once again, my post asking you about verts concepts answers most of your questions. Except for the "Tommy throwing it to nobody" part.

 

[Sargon]

"f#*k it, I'm going deep" is hardly the thought process in that situation. I do agree, he needs to settle down a bit more and his offensive line needs to protect him a bit better. But I think maybe you need to look a little further into it than just Tommy saying "f#*k it, I'm going deep". Why would Tommy try to throw the deep ball in the first place? The only time you'd launch one deep is if you have receivers streaking deep down the field every f'ing play. I mean, it's not like he was throwing the ball to nobody. There were guys down there almost every play. Why in Holy Hell did we feel the need to run 40+ yard routes every damn time we threw the ball? Do the receivers not know that they can turn around and come back to the ball? Where is the thought process on that, where is the coaching? There was NONE. We just kept doing it over and over and over and over................

You've never heard of the Verticals concept?

Man, that whole post went right over your head.

You and Mavric please, continue to try to oversimplify one of the most complicated team sports on this planet, please do, I get a laugh out of it.

Then please enlighten us to your point instead of rambling like a drunk uncle.

I'm going to report you to, er, you, for jfmb'ing.

Hey Saunders, look at this post from Saunders please. Let me know what you decide. Thanks.