Realistic Expectations...

BIG ERN

BIG ERN

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That was one of the worst losses outside of the Wisconsin beat downs, but the sky isn't falling IMO.

  • We lost our leading receiver who set school record in rec. yards (Bell)
  • We lost our leading rusher (Ameer) who was probably the 2nd best RB in the nation last year and is 2nd all time in school history for rushing yards
  • We lost our leading sacks leader (Randy) who was one of the better DEs ever to come through Nebraska
  • We lost our leading tackler from last year in Zaire
  • We didn't have the best punt returner in the nation and our 1st/2nd best WR in DPE
  • We didn't have Michael Rose who IMO is our second best defender on the team
  • We didn't have our starting TE and backup/starting CB

Going off who was 'coming back', getting a new coaching staff, and playing a solid BYU team who is known for winning big openers, this was a way tougher test than people gave credit for. Might sound like some excuses, but outside of our poor o-line and passing defense I thought we looked like a pretty good football team.

People need to realize that a running defense will pay off a lot better in B10 play. Things need to be shored up of course, but I still think we have a chance to win the West - have to beat Wisconsin October 10th.

Maybe I had a few beers, but I still feel confident in this squad. Some thoughts on who I know shouldn't be playing or were somehow overrated by fans/coaches:

  1. Gifford - I seen no reason why he should have played today. I have no doubt in my mind that Newby or Ferguson would have played better.
  2. Davie - Who ever hyped this kid up, and why? Didn't see much last two years and played very poorly today.
  3. Brown - Well, he isn't his brother and I always thought Bondi never got a real shot at the job
  4. A. Williams - I think he will end up being a good player, but would have rather seen K. Williams get the start and PT. True freshman in this game didn't pan out and I think K. Will is the better option regardless.
 
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I'm guessing 8 wins. I think we'll lose to Miami, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Minnesota or Northwestern. I'm okay with that assuming we improve next year.

 
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LumberJackSker said:
Moiraine said:
I'm guessing 8 wins. I think we'll lose to Miami, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Minnesota or Northwestern. I'm okay with that assuming we improve next year.
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so we don't beat a single team with a pulse
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I'm in the camp that thinks the 1st year is difficult. I believe I've always said I think we'll have 8 or 9 wins in year 1 and then get better.

 
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I was very happy with the way Young played. We are actually a pretty young team on defense. Will bode well in a year or 2.

 
I expect that this team hasn't reached its ceiling yet and that we'll keep getting better. I still think 9-10 wins. People who are freaking out over this game need to either a) stop drinking, or b) start drinking. It'll be fine.

 
Penalties, a turnover, inconsistency along the lines, and no consistent commitment to the rushing attack.

This is exactly what COULD have happened, and did, when you make big coaching changes, lose a lot of players to injuries and suspensions and play a formidable opponent in week one.

Here's how I look at it, though - I'd rather have some tough losses and the prospect of a more promising future than settle for another #9wins. There are positive to build on here.

 
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LumberJackSker said:
Moiraine said:
I'm guessing 8 wins. I think we'll lose to Miami, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Minnesota or Northwestern. I'm okay with that assuming we improve next year.
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so we don't beat a single team with a pulse
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Yes, in other words, a Bo Pelini season. Seriously, WTH are you complaining about, if there wasn't a coaching change you'd have the same thing today, possibly worse.

 
LumberJackSker said:
Moiraine said:
I'm guessing 8 wins. I think we'll lose to Miami, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Minnesota or Northwestern. I'm okay with that assuming we improve next year.
Click to expand...
so we don't beat a single team with a pulse
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Really no different than the last 7 seasons. Only, sometimes we'd beat a team we shouldn't only to follow it up by losing to a team we shouldn't.

Mike Riley is about doing things differently to try and get a different outcome. There's A LOT going against this team right now and it is what it is.

 
I hope we can correct all the mental mistakes we make year after year. How can you win when we have so many penalties? Lack of fundamentals at the D1 level drive me nuts. Fix the basics and we win.

 
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