You know what's weird?

[Scoop123]

The way last season finished I don't remember being that pessimistic about the immediate future of Nebraska football. Not because we haven't had much lower points than a 7-6 finish - but because this time the wheels completely fell off in the last several games and I felt completely STUCK - as in, cannot fire the coach (stupid extension), etc. I have predicted 4-5 wins during this offseason.

The weird thing is this: The more I read and think about it - I think we can win 7, and maybe 8. That would be a miracle when you consider what I have thought the last 9 months. If I was a betting man I'd say 6... but decent chance at 7 or 8. Pretty low expectations for a Husker fan - but I feel it's reasonable. Why the upgrade from me?

- Geep will get it done. OL Transfer talent helps our coach who has a great track record
- Aurich is a quality DC - and the guy last year was as bad as it gets (and we still won 7)
- Dana will have more control over the offense (less audibles and catering to Raiola's style/demands). It's do or die for Dana and his track record suggest it will be "do."

The key will be the DL. I'm pretty down on the DL roster (I'm not an expert) but the DL coach "seems" impressive (still no expert). RVP was one of the bigger disappointments I remember in recent years last season. Probably something to do with my higher expectations of him, but I was not impressed. Hopefully he can show better and the DL pulls it together. If they do, I see 7 or 8. A few lucky bounces gets us to 9, but I won't dream of that until Rhule improves his game management or gives up the reins in that area.

I expect several improvements in key areas - HC is not one of them. Sorry. But still getting a bit more optimistic.

 

[Spectrumalaska]

You are joining Nikki land

 

[Spectrumalaska]

In all honesty I really do not expect a good season. I am just becoming tired of what I have gotten excited for over the years.

I also do not like the new money structure. I am old, live a long ways away now, but still am the 6 year old runnng around on the field in 1966.

I also mowed a lot of grass that was extra seed from the turf mantainence, at our home and the old rental. I am a certified crumdgeon.

 

[Scoop123]

I hear you loud and clear. Here's the thing. I have simply moved from SUPER pessimistic to "Still Unhappy with Rhule" and where the team is / has been. No kool-aid here. I will not celebrate 6-7 wins in a season like the dorks next door do. 6-7 wins at Nebraska is sad in year 3 and will be if he does it in year 4.

This is no celebration - just pulling myself out of the Rhule basement a little bit.

 

[skin-tight]

5 wins---tops

 

[dinglefritz]

The way last season finished I don't remember being that pessimistic about the immediate future of Nebraska football. Not because we haven't had much lower points than a 7-6 finish - but because this time the wheels completely fell off in the last several games and I felt completely STUCK - as in, cannot fire the coach (stupid extension), etc. I have predicted 4-5 wins during this offseason.

The weird thing is this: The more I read and think about it - I think we can win 7, and maybe 8. That would be a miracle when you consider what I have thought the last 9 months. If I was a betting man I'd say 6... but decent chance at 7 or 8. Pretty low expectations for a Husker fan - but I feel it's reasonable. Why the upgrade from me?

- Geep will get it done. OL Transfer talent helps our coach who has a great track record
- Aurich is a quality DC - and the guy last year was as bad as it gets (and we still won 7)
- Dana will have more control over the offense (less audibles and catering to Raiola's style/demands). It's do or die for Dana and his track record suggest it will be "do."

The key will be the DL. I'm pretty down on the DL roster (I'm not an expert) but the DL coach "seems" impressive (still no expert). RVP was one of the bigger disappointments I remember in recent years last season. Probably something to do with my higher expectations of him, but I was not impressed. Hopefully he can show better and the DL pulls it together. If they do, I see 7 or 8. A few lucky bounces gets us to 9, but I won't dream of that until Rhule improves his game management or gives up the reins in that area.

I expect several improvements in key areas - HC is not one of them. Sorry. But still getting a bit more optimistic.

Straight KoolAid IV baby. It’s like a box of Russell Stover chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. It’s fun to find out.

 

[dinglefritz]

I hear you loud and clear. Here's the thing. I have simply moved from SUPER pessimistic to "Still Unhappy with Rhule" and where the team is / has been. No kool-aid here. I will not celebrate 6-7 wins in a season like the dorks next door do. 6-7 wins at Nebraska is sad in year 3 and will be if he does it in year 4.

This is no celebration - just pulling myself out of the Rhule basement a little bit.

6 would be disappointing. 7 is my expectation. 8 still leaves me wanting more.

 

[mgbreeze]

We'll know soon enough and I can't muster the stomach to speculate much. I'm sure we're all assuming 3-0, but watch us struggle in any of those game. Kinda circling MSU and the Terps, if either of those teams ***** slap us we'll know where we're headed.

 

[dinglefritz]

We'll know soon enough and I can't muster the stomach to speculate much. I'm sure we're all assuming 3-0, but watch us struggle in any of those game. Kinda circling MSU and the Terps, if either of those teams ***** slap us we'll know where we're headed.

Enjoy the season.

 

[Spectrumalaska]

Straight KoolAid IV baby. It’s like a box of Russell Stover chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. It’s fun to find out.

I still say Kool Aid needs to be the jersey sponser patch

 

[inthedeed]

rhule in charge should be enough

 

[OxfordComma]

My metric that I am looking for as a simple sign of progress and foundation to build upon: just simply don’t lose to anybody that finishes with a losing B1G record. With this year’s B1G schedule, that doesn’t even require that we have a winning B1G record. 3-6 would likely do it. Maybe 4-5 would be required if Washington or Illinois sucks. But as simple as it seems, we haven’t managed to do it in a decade. If that continues for 2026, that probably means 5-7 overall at best.

 

[RBigredMax1]

I still say Kool Aid needs to be the jersey sponser patch

This is so perfect.

 

[Spectrumalaska]

This is so perfect.

Put the smiling red pitcher on a round white patch!

 

[Spectrumalaska]

Jim Jones ruined koolaid schtick.

We have the basement of a museum in Hastings dedicated to it.

Programs across the country now deridingly talk about drinking the koolaid.

It is ours and we need to embrace its signficance by claiming it as our sponsor.

All other innuendo is yours to interpret.

 

[NikkiSixx]

The way last season finished I don't remember being that pessimistic about the immediate future of Nebraska football. Not because we haven't had much lower points than a 7-6 finish - but because this time the wheels completely fell off in the last several games and I felt completely STUCK - as in, cannot fire the coach (stupid extension), etc. I have predicted 4-5 wins during this offseason.

The weird thing is this: The more I read and think about it - I think we can win 7, and maybe 8. That would be a miracle when you consider what I have thought the last 9add months. If I was a betting man I'd say 6... but decent chance at 7 or 8. Pretty low expectations for a Husker fan - but I feel it's reasonable. Why the upgrade from me?

- Geep will get it done. OL Transfer talent helps our coach who has a great track record
- Aurich is a quality DC - and the guy last year was as bad as it gets (and we still won 7)
- Dana will have more control over the offense (less audibles and catering to Raiola's style/demands). It's do or die for Dana and his track record suggest it will be "do."

The key will be the DL. I'm pretty down on the DL roster (I'm not an expert) but the DL coach "seems" impressive (still no expert). RVP was one of the bigger disappointments I remember in recent years last season. Probably something to do with my higher expectations of him, but I was not impressed. Hopefully he can show better and the DL pulls it together. If they do, I see 7 or 8. A few lucky bounces gets us to 9, but I won't dream of that until Rhule improves his game management or gives up the reins in that area.

I expect several improvements in key areas - HC is not one of them. Sorry. But still getting a bit more optimistic.

The addition of Geep is going to pay massive dividends, at least for one season. Rhule has a history of running off coaches that outshine him. Little man disease at its finest.

Aurich is TBD, and Dana is on the hot seat imo. He is an improvement over Satt, but that's not saying much. He hasn't shown me he's better than Shawn Watson or Tim Beck.

Rhule, is doing a good job recruiting and marketing, and that's the lane he should stay in.

The AD is one big loser taking credit for everyone else's success and clearly wants to squeeze the fan base while he stuffs his pockets with cash.

I'm excited for this year because of devine intervention.. but as soon as it's over and everyone else thinks we're back, the roster will change, as will the philosophy, and we will return right back to the dogshit decision making Rhule is known for.

 

[orclover11]

The way last season finished I don't remember being that pessimistic about the immediate future of Nebraska football. Not because we haven't had much lower points than a 7-6 finish - but because this time the wheels completely fell off in the last several games and I felt completely STUCK - as in, cannot fire the coach (stupid extension), etc. I have predicted 4-5 wins during this offseason.

The weird thing is this: The more I read and think about it - I think we can win 7, and maybe 8. That would be a miracle when you consider what I have thought the last 9 months. If I was a betting man I'd say 6... but decent chance at 7 or 8. Pretty low expectations for a Husker fan - but I feel it's reasonable. Why the upgrade from me?

- Geep will get it done. OL Transfer talent helps our coach who has a great track record
- Aurich is a quality DC - and the guy last year was as bad as it gets (and we still won 7)
- Dana will have more control over the offense (less audibles and catering to Raiola's style/demands). It's do or die for Dana and his track record suggest it will be "do."

The key will be the DL. I'm pretty down on the DL roster (I'm not an expert) but the DL coach "seems" impressive (still no expert). RVP was one of the bigger disappointments I remember in recent years last season. Probably something to do with my higher expectations of him, but I was not impressed. Hopefully he can show better and the DL pulls it together. If they do, I see 7 or 8. A few lucky bounces gets us to 9, but I won't dream of that until Rhule improves his game management or gives up the reins in that area.

I expect several improvements in key areas - HC is not one of them. Sorry. But still getting a bit more optimistic.

Matt Rhule was blessed with coaching against four teams with interim coaches last year. Has to be a record. The great Matt Rhule, who is in line to make over 8 million this year finished 1-3 against those interim coaches, 3 of whom were replaced. His average margin of defeat was 20 ppg. Coaches break down, are one trick ponies and the game changes around them and they get left behind. We saw it with Frank, Bo, MR, Frost, and now Rhule.

 

[TDLaww2020]

Taking bets now on how many of these posts we'll see every week until gameday. O/U 1.5

 

[dinglefritz]

Matt Rhule was blessed with coaching against four teams with interim coaches last year. Has to be a record. The great Matt Rhule, who is in line to make over 8 million this year finished 1-3 against those interim coaches, 3 of whom were replaced. His average margin of defeat was 20 ppg. Coaches break down, are one trick ponies and the game changes around them and they get left behind. We saw it with Frank, Bo, MR, Frost, and now Rhule.

He has definitely underperformed his contract and that extension was RIDICULOUS. That said, as fans, we kind of need to separate the money from the results. The money to begiin with was Trev’s fault. I said during the search that I would have been fine with a young up and comer no name hire. I suspect Vigen would have won just as many games for a LOT less money. Boosters want splash though so we went Rhule.

The results though aren’t really tied to the money. Opening up the checkbook wasn’t a guarantee and that isn’t really Rhule’s fault. Would people like Rhule better if he was making 2 and not 8? He would have been gone this past fall if his buyout was 8-10 million instead of 70.

 

[WHCSC]

6 would be disappointing. 7 is my expectation. 8 still leaves me wanting more.

That’s what she said

 

[davecisar]

I’m optimistic that Geeps big emphasis on the counter run game will at least improve our running game. He’s been successful with it at every stop. Inside counter, counter trap and counter trey and with the boot off of it and boot / waggle style play action pass off the counter with a guy that can run- can be very effective especially near the goal line. Do we have a back who can be patient, press the edge - wait for his blocks and hit it up hard inside? Emmit would have been perfect for this scheme. We definitely have the Quarterback for it.

Been burned for decades by the off season propaganda so I’m still where I’m at, knowing my optimism for better results has been crushed by 2 decades of consistently bad Husker meltdowns. But as a fan of a different and creative run game- maybe at least I can see that.

 

[RikeMiley]

I think UCLA is low, I think their new coach will be a lot better

 

[orclover11]

He has definitely underperformed his contract and that extension was RIDICULOUS. That said, as fans, we kind of need to separate the money from the results. The money to begiin with was Trev’s fault. I said during the search that I would have been fine with a young up and comer no name hire. I suspect Vigen would have won just as many games for a LOT less money. Boosters want splash though so we went Rhule.

The results though aren’t really tied to the money. Opening up the checkbook wasn’t a guarantee and that isn’t really Rhule’s fault. Would people like Rhule better if he was making 2 and not 8? He would have been gone this past fall if his buyout was 8-10 million instead of 70.

The worst case scenario...if we lost Rhule, lost our roster, replaced him with a nobody would be 3 wins. So basically we are paying 8-10 million a year for wins against Maryland, Michigan State, and Rutgers. Does that sound like good value? All of the NIL, the investment, the payroll is getting us wins against the bottom of the conference. This is a sick program. If we had a guy making 30-50th in salary people would only complain that we didn't get a better coach, having a guy making top 10 money seems criminal.

 

[steinek11]

We are picked 11th in the Big Ten. These guys are usually pretty accurate. We shouldn’t expect too much more.

 

[king_kong__]

this year is the first time since 2017 Geep's boss is neither a tough dude nor a decorated OL coach himself.

the wide-spread assumption that he will do here what he did at GT seems pretty outlandish to me considering the culture and the two guys above him (softest head coach in the country, most pass-happy OC in the country).

 

[Anon1752071136]

Show us.

 

[suffocation_]

The weird thing is this: The more I read and think about it - I think we can win 7, and maybe 8.

I used to be this way too, then 2021 broke me and forced me to aggressively pursue honesty.

It's not too late, buddy

 

[suffocation_]

6 would be disappointing. 7 is my expectation. 8 still leaves me wanting more.

8 would be Rhules most impressive season by far.

 

[dinglefritz]

8 would be Rhules most impressive season by far.

Especially with the schedule this year. I try to be logical. We are where we are until they prove something different. I use we in the first part because I view the fans as a part of the deal. I use the word they in the second part because as fans we can’t change the narrative. The players and coaches have to do it. I’m ambivalent about Rhule but as a fan, I’m pulling for him to succeed.

 

[K Rod]

If our QB1 does not get injured, I can see us winning 6, possibly 7. It is time for Matt to knock off a ranked team. Time to beat Ioway. And time put a full season together without the implosion at the end. That is my yardstick. Tough schedule or not, it is time to move forward.

If we fall short, which I kind of expect, it will not be a shock by any means. NU doubled down the S & C coach so for the first time in years, will be see our guys not getting beat up and pushed around on the lines? Again, IMHO the strength program has been a part of the problem. If the line play improves, on both sides, then we should be able to hang with almost anybody. Like Dingle, I hope Matt moves us forward. But after year 4 you better be OVER .500 here. Bottom line.

 

[orclover11]

Especially with the schedule this year. I try to be logical. We are where we are until they prove something different. I use we in the first part because I view the fans as a part of the deal. I use the word they in the second part because as fans we can’t change the narrative. The players and coaches have to do it. I’m ambivalent about Rhule but as a fan, I’m pulling for him to succeed.

There are consequences to mediocrity. If we win 5 or 6 again but Rhule gets to stay in charge it hurts the program over the long haul. This is a very important transitional period, falling behind right now will leave us permanently behind when things keratinize and the chaos levels out. The best thing for the program is to get a generational coach, or at least get a mercenary who we know is good. The latter is probably out of the question because of the decimation of the program, so we need an inspired and talented coach. Rhule is burned out, lost his confidence, and all of his worst traits are coming out, as they do. It is hard to hope for 5-6 wins and an extension of this crap, versus 3 wins and maybe a new coach and a chance to make it into the top 10 in the conference.

The season is a wash already, and that is the sign of a dangerously bad coach...he will have every opportunity to prove naysayers wrong, but has yet to do so and will not do so. I think the incompetence goes much higher than him and probably allowed him to get the job after being thrown out mid-season at Carolina so maybe the stadium needs to empty out before adults can take over again.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Matt is still pursuing the NFL pro style model, and while we won't see that this year, it's one of the main problems with keeping a coach like this employed here.

 

[dinglefritz]

Matt is still pursuing the NFL pro style model, and while we won't see that this year, it's one of the main problems with keeping a coach like this employed here.

Our coordinators are not NFL style coordinators now. They’re college guys. Heck, NFL coordinators are running a lot of concepts now that used to strictly be considered college concepts.

 

[RikeMiley]

Our coordinators are not NFL style coordinators now. They’re college guys. Heck, NFL coordinators are running a lot of concepts now that used to strictly be considered college concepts.

I don't even know what Dana is doing anymore, I don't know if this is concerning or reassuring depending on your viewpoint but Colandrea said they're running plays he brought over from UNLV.

 

[dinglefritz]

I don't even know what Dana is doing anymore, I don't know if this is concerning or reassuring depending on your viewpoint but Colandrea said they're running plays he brought over from UNLV.

That’s a good thing. Dana is an innovator and UNLV’s offense is from the same tree as Dana’s. I love the clips from Andy Reid where he talks about using plays he has stolen from college or that were given to him by a janitor. He took one I think from a janitor, ran it during a game and they scored on it.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Our coordinators are not NFL style coordinators now. They’re college guys. Heck, NFL coordinators are running a lot of concepts now that used to strictly be considered college concepts.

Well you prove my point about Matt's decision making. I guarantee you, Matt is still trying to run a pro style offense & defense.. getting fired from the NFL will forever mean he will be trying to prove that he can be an NFL coach. This is bad for Nebraska.. that kind of scheme does not work here. Look at the QB that they were going after from Notre Dame.. another statue with an arm. We got lucky he looked elsewhere and Colandrea bought a black shirt that just happened to be a Husker shirt.

Matt gets basically ZERO credit for what is about to happen this year, and then when everyone else gets on the bandwagon, you're going to see a collapse of it after Colandrea is gone.. look at who he has recruited.. it won't work here. Coach after coach after coach does this same crap, and we see the same results.

 

[dinglefritz]

Well you prove my point about Matt's decision making. I guarantee you, Matt is still trying to run a pro style offense & defense.. getting fired from the NFL will forever mean he will be trying to prove that he can be an NFL coach. This is bad for Nebraska.. that kind of scheme does not work here. Look at the QB that they were going after from Notre Dame.. another statue with an arm. We got lucky he looked elsewhere and Colandrea bought a black shirt that just happened to be a Husker shirt.

Matt gets basically ZERO credit for what is about to happen this year, and then when everyone else gets on the bandwagon, you're going to see a collapse of it after Colandrea is gone.. look at who he has recruited.. it won't work here. Coach after coach after coach does this same crap, and we see the same results.

So specifically tell me how Matt is trying to run a pro style offense and defense?

 

[NikkiSixx]

So specifically tell me how Matt is trying to run a pro style offense and defense?

that's been his stated goal for a long time. he's got a pass happy OC.. he doesn't value the RB position, that is straight out of his mouth. They didn't go get a guy in the portal when they needed to, only when our fake RB got in trouble. 2 fake RB's in the running back room. How many receivers are we going after? it's endless, the amount of receivers that they keep trying to bring in. Look at who they recruited coming in next year.. seems like a legit pro style QB.. he has no wheels. You can see it everywhere, you just have to be able to look, and listen. Something you should work on perhaps.

 

[dinglefritz]

that's been his stated goal for a long time. he's got a pass happy OC.. he doesn't value the RB position, that is straight out of his mouth. They didn't go get a guy in the portal when they needed to, only when our fake RB got in trouble. 2 fake RB's in the running back room. How many receivers are we going after? it's endless, the amount of receivers that they keep trying to bring in. Look at who they recruited coming in next year.. seems like a legit pro style QB.. he has no wheels. You can see it everywhere, you just have to be able to look, and listen. Something you should work on perhaps.

Mmm. Your points aren’t exactly specific evidence of an NFL approach. Tell me what offensive plays they run or defensive schemes that are exclusive to the NFL. Seemed like Mendoza threw the ball quite a bit for Indiana. That kinda worked.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Mmm. Your points aren’t exactly specific evidence of an NFL approach. Tell me what offensive plays they run or defensive schemes that are exclusive to the NFL. Seemed like Mendoza threw the ball quite a bit for Indiana. That kinda worked.

I dgaf about Indiana. There is a formula that works here, but go ahead, keep chasing shiny objects.