But, is that the prototype to be successful?
Apparently not. We were all told "Just wait until he gets his guys at Nebraska. He did a good job at Oregon State and now he has better resources at Nebraska, just wait." Heck, Look back to my posts just prior to Saturdays game and I was saying the same thing. But here is the deal. Riley is an incredibly nice guy (shocker) I am proud to have him represent a football program I love so much because he's a genuinely really good guy. I want him to do well because he is so likeable and it would also mean great years for Nebraska.
But I am starting to think Riley was brought in for the perception of the program. It wasn't about wins or championships, it was about doing the same as Bo, but just in a more likeable way. it was a rebuilding process for the image of the football program and not a rebuilding process for the production of the football program.
In year 3 it is completely unexcusable to lose the way we did to Oregon who is coming off a 4-8 year and under a first year head coach. Why is it that Nebraska takes 3 years to "rebuild" and a program like Oregon can suddenly rebuild in year 1? Why is it that year 3 in Riley's offense that Oregons defense, who was one of the worst defenses last year come out and create turnovers and hold Nebraska's offense to only 14 first half points? We are being sold Diaco's D is a new scheme and it will take time for players to get use to it and learn it. Well, Oregon is in game 2 of their new defensive coordinator and they shut us down in the first half and when it mattered most in the second half.
We will win 8, 9 games this year just like Bo would have, but in a more likeable and more respectful way. We aren't going to be winning any championships soon and we aren't even going to be winning the B1G West anytime soon. Wisconsin owns this things and its pretty sad that we are predicted, before this season started, to finish third behind Northwester. Yes, Northwestern. Nebraska finishing behind Northwestern. What is wrong here? The expectations of this program and rightfully so, are to compete and win championships. At this point I'd just accept winning our divisional title when you look at who is in our division. But that isn't even the case.
We are in year 3. Yet considered to be rebuilding and told/sold to be patient and that good things are coming Nebraska's way. It is garbage. We will win 8-9 games this season, but we won't even be close to competing with the big programs, which is the same thing different year.
Side edit here; I love Nebraska football, always will, it is more then apart of my Fall Saturdays, it is apart of my life and childhood, I will continue to love Nebraska football regardless of their season because I take such great pride in the program and it's fans. My rants are just my opinion on things and I am sure others will have different opinions and I am not here to try and convince those of opposite opinions. At the end of the day we are all apart of this Big Red Family, which makes this fan base so incredibly great.