Husker Despair

[Clevinger]

For 23 years I always was able to remain optimistic, feeling like success was just around the corner.

It may still be, but I have lost that optimism. I continue to watch our games, but I have reached a point this year where it feels like a chore. I never expect anything good to happen in a season anymore.

It feels like we have been rowing in circles for decades.

Rhule had always shown improvement by year two. It feels like something is seriously wrong with our program. If it isn’t cursed, I lack a better explanation.

How does a program with our resources and fan support have one of the longest, most embarrassing streaks of seasons without even a bowl?

When did 6 wins become an insurmountable goal? That is a low f***ing bar.

***********************
READ THIS post from Pennsyhusker which is way too good to be buried in this thread:

“I have been following Husker football since 1965. I was at the game of the century with my dad in Norman in 1971. Grew up in Lincoln 5 miles from the stadium. Sold coke in the stands as a teenager. Climbed the fence with my buddies and watched every home game 70-72 from under the end zone seats. Been to countless away games and bowl games. Live in PA but have made it back for 2 home games every year since 94.

And I am about ready to say f$ck it as well to the whole shabang. I have lots better things to do with my time on Fall Saturdays and the joy is gone. I watched the game yesterday but only out of a morbid curiosity to see how badly we would lose. Hung in until the end and walked away utterly demoralized.
And if a long time fan who lived through the glory years can feel this way I can only imagine how apathetic many younger fans must be getting. The administration at NU had better figure out how to fix this sooner rather than later or else our wonderfully renovated stadium will stand half empty or worse on game days soon.
This sentiment is why I have been so impatient with Rhule. I just have a sense that unless something drastic is done this whole thing called Husker football is going to die. And sooner rather than later.”

 

[BugsAreQualityProtein]

We keep hiring .500 coaches at expect .800 results.

 

[B1G RED RULES]

We don’t like to admit it, but TO had a window of opportunity that he fully exploited and it worked wonders. Boyd Epply, recruiting nasty players, using partial qualifiers, huge walk on program with steroids, and straightforward tough ass coaching and culture.

TO retiring had nothing to do with his heart or stress. He jumped into a more stressful job right after that being a congressman. He saw the writing on the wall and all the advantages that he was able to exploit were either being taken away or other programs had caught up. He did the Jerry Seinfeld and went out on top.

All other fan bases kept saying that when TO left, we would not be a good program again and unfortunately they have been correct. As others pointed out, we have become the new Minnesota and I don’t expect that to change.

 

[phoenix4nu]

One constant the past eight years has been poor quarterback play. This year is not an exception.

 

[Clevinger]

We keep hiring .500 coaches at expect .800 results.

Honestly, our only complete head scratcher was Mike Riley. Every other guy we hired was at least a respectable/reasonable hire who had had coaching success.

Frost was the hot coach that cycle and years later went limping out of the state, reputation ruined.

Rhule can turn around Temple and post-scandal Baylor, but not Nebraska???

FML. 🤦‍♂️

 

[Dean Pope]

We keep hiring .500 coaches at expect .800 results.

We're also experiencing a new reality. There's a lot of decent football teams, well coached in that middle tier of the conference. Minnesota is having a hell of a year right now, but they're still only 4-3 and tied for 6th place in the conference. Look at the teams above us in the standings, Michigan, Wisconsin, USC, UCLA, Washington-- those are some name schools right there and the highest one on that list, Washington, is in 8th place.

 

[Clevinger]

We don’t like to admit it, but TO had a window of opportunity that he fully exploited and it worked wonders. Boyd Epply, recruiting nasty players, using partial qualifiers, huge walk on program with steroids, and straightforward tough ass coaching and culture.

TO retiring had nothing to do with his heart or stress. He jumped into a more stressful job right after that being a congressman. He saw the writing on the wall and all the advantages that he was able to exploit were either being taken away or other programs had caught up. He did the Jerry Seinfeld and went out on top.

All other fan bases kept saying that when TO left, we would not be a good program again and unfortunately they have been correct. As others pointed out, we have become the new Minnesota and I don’t expect that to change.

While I agree stars aligned for Devaney and Osborne in some ways, I don’t think anyone had caught the rocket ship Osborne was riding in 1997.

I think if Osborne had stayed we would have won another title in 1999 at least.

 

[scarletred]

The reason why Rhule isn’t successful in his 2nd year is he made a bad hire as at offensive coordinator and a bad hire for special teams and he is starting a true freshman in year 2..

 

[Clevinger]

The reason why Rhule isn’t successful in his 2nd year is he made a bad hire as at offensive coordinator and a bad hire for special teams and he is starting a true freshman in year 2..

I thought he was a great hire and still support the guy. Our face plant this year was alarming though, especially after almost starting 6-0.

 

[Landomatic]

The reason why Rhule isn’t successful in his 2nd year is he made a bad hire as at offensive coordinator and a bad hire for special teams and he is starting a true freshman in year 2..

You left off wide receiver and o-line hires. That's a pretty long list of bad decisions. Not to mention his repeated in game blunders as a coach.

 

[scarletred]

I thought he was a great hire and still support the guy. Our face plant this year was alarming though, especially after almost starting 6-0.

You understand I meant Satterfield right.

 

[Baxter48]

One constant the past eight years has been poor quarterback play. This year is not an exception.

Throw in 3rd down defense has been abysmal

 

[GaRed]

Every post above had some truths and good points. This isn't just one year, position, coach, recruiting, etc. We have had a bad combination of ineptitude in key areas seemingly every year. We needed to hire a winning coach, bring in a veteran qb, have a competent offensive coordinator, went to the portal for better lineman and skill positions for starters. I don't think Rhule is a bad coach , just not a good one. He like Frost , has sold his soul for his QB. DR needs to see pine, we all know it. I knew after Rutgers they had figured out how to get in his head. So it's the woulda, shoulda, coulda, and Flintstones language , Yeah but, Yeah but, . We can't hire coach's that avoid the obvious. So here we are. Our annual beating by Wisconsin and Iowa to look forward too. No thanks. He has lots of things to fix in the off season and if he doesn't win next year , cut his sorry ass lose.

 

[SickOfPractice]

At this point it worries me Rhule is going to play it out as previous coaches have done here - by sticking with his chosen-one QB and some questionable coaches. I hope I'm wrong. Husker Nation is pretty tired of this Groundhog Day scenario.

 

[scarletred]

You left off wide receiver and o-line hires. That's a pretty long list of bad decisions. Not to mention his repeated in game blunders as a coach.

Yea, McGuire hasn’t impressed either… As far as the line I’m not so sure it’s our deficiency with some of the veteran lineman except for Scott.

 

[huskerfan66]

Here's what very well could happen in the not so distant future.

NU proceeds with stadium upgrades and puts in a $2000 per seat requirement.

You thought the attendance at the coliseum was embarrassing for usc? Could happen here if they don't put a better product on the field. No way I'm shelling out 2 grand plus the price of tickets to continue watching this. A lot easier, cheaper and less frustrating to watch my TV from recliner. That way after the first qtr can determine if I'll continue watching or make other plans for the 2nd half.

Never thought I'd sink into this funk except in a dream of an alternative universe. Where's the DeLorean time machine??

 

[scarletred]

Here's what very well could happen in the not so distant future.

NU proceeds with stadium upgrades and puts in a $2000 per seat requirement.

You thought the attendance at the coliseum was embarrassing for usc? Could happen here if they don't put a better product on the field. No way I'm shelling out 2 grand plus the price of tickets to continue watching this. A lot easier, cheaper and less frustrating to watch my TV from recliner. That way after the first qtr can determine if I'll continue watching or make other plans for the 2nd half.

Never thought I'd sink into this funk except in a dream of an alternative universe. Where's the DeLorean time machine??

I think the premo seats between the 30’s are more than 2,000 per seat.
I could be mistaken but my relative’s have them in the southeast end zone..

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I think the OP is making a very important point. I have been following Husker football since 1965. I was at the game of the century with my dad in Norman in 1971. Grew up in Lincoln 5 miles from the stadium. Sold coke in the stands as a teenager. Climbed the fence with my buddies and watched every home game 70-72 from under the end zone seats. Been to countless away games and bowl games. Live in PA but have made it back for 2 home games every year since 94.

And I am about ready to say f$ck it as well to the whole shabang. I have lots better things to do with my time on Fall Saturdays and the joy is gone. I watched the game yesterday but only out of a morbid curiosity to see how badly we would lose. Hung in until the end and walked away utterly demoralized.
And if a long time fan who lived through the glory years can feel this way I can only imagine how apathetic many younger fans must be getting. The administration at NU had better figure out how to fix this sooner rather than later or else our wonderfully renovated stadium will stand half empty or worse on game days soon.
This sentiment is why I have been so impatient with Rhule. I just have a sense that unless something drastic is done this whole thing called Husker football is going to die. And sooner rather than later.

 

[Joedaly]

Looking at McGuire's wikipedia page, there is no way he should have been hired. He had no coaching experience or even played WR. He was just an analyst and son of a coach. And our running backs coach wikipedia is almost empty. The only thing is that he played a few snaps at Rutgers and apparently that was enough for Rhule as well. We need to be hiring a veteran's staff instead of helping out old friends find their first job.

 

[scarletred]

I think the OP is making a very important point. I have been following Husker football since 1965. I was at the game of the century with my dad in Norman in 1971. Grew up in Lincoln 5 miles from the stadium. Sold coke in the stands as a teenager. Climbed the fence with my buddies and watched every home game 70-72 from under the end zone seats. Been to countless away games and bowl games. Live in PA but have made it back for 2 home games every year since 94.

And I am about ready to say f$ck it as well to the whole shabang. I have lots better things to do with my time on Fall Saturdays and the joy is gone. I watched the game yesterday but only out of a morbid curiosity to see how badly we would lose. Hung in until the end and walked away utterly demoralized.
And if a long time fan who lived through the glory years can feel this way I can only imagine how apathetic many younger fans must be getting. The administration at NU had better figure out how to fix this sooner rather than later or else our wonderfully renovated stadium will stand half empty or worse on game days soon.
This sentiment is why I have been so impatient with Rhule. I just have a sense that unless something drastic is done this whole thing called Husker football is going to die. And sooner rather than later.

Hang in there Pennsy.
“We all stick together in all kinds of weather”

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Hang in there Pennsy.
“We all stick together in all kinds of weather”

Trying!

 

[Clevinger]

Here's what very well could happen in the not so distant future.

NU proceeds with stadium upgrades and puts in a $2000 per seat requirement.

You thought the attendance at the coliseum was embarrassing for usc? Could happen here if they don't put a better product on the field. No way I'm shelling out 2 grand plus the price of tickets to continue watching this. A lot easier, cheaper and less frustrating to watch my TV from recliner. That way after the first qtr can determine if I'll continue watching or make other plans for the 2nd half.

Never thought I'd sink into this funk except in a dream of an alternative universe. Where's the DeLorean time machine??

Years past people would be like, “You are such a bad fan” for a post like this, but I agree.

I stopped watching Indiana to go do yard work. I was just like, “F this.” Wife was surprised: “Why aren’t you watching?” She doesn’t care about football, but me not watching stood out to her.

 

[19Football19]

For 23 years I always was able to remain optimistic, feeling like success was just around the corner.

It may still be, but I have lost that optimism. I continue to watch our games, but I have reached a point this year where it feels like a chore. I never expect anything good to happen in a season anymore.

It feels like we have been rowing in circles for decades.

Rhule had always shown improvement by year two. It feels like something is seriously wrong with our program. If it isn’t cursed, I lack a better explanation.

How does a program with our resources and fan support have one of the longest, most embarrassing streaks of seasons without even a bowl?

When did 6 wins become an insurmountable goal? That is a low f***ing bar.

6 wins with a cupcake schedule like normal. We’ve won 2 games in the Big and might get to 4. Let that sink in. With an all world QB that we’ll never be able to recruit again. That’s how low is it. Imagine if DR wasn’t here. The moral would be way lower.

 

[Clevinger]

I think the OP is making a very important point. I have been following Husker football since 1965. I was at the game of the century with my dad in Norman in 1971. Grew up in Lincoln 5 miles from the stadium. Sold coke in the stands as a teenager. Climbed the fence with my buddies and watched every home game 70-72 from under the end zone seats. Been to countless away games and bowl games. Live in PA but have made it back for 2 home games every year since 94.

And I am about ready to say f$ck it as well to the whole shabang. I have lots better things to do with my time on Fall Saturdays and the joy is gone. I watched the game yesterday but only out of a morbid curiosity to see how badly we would lose. Hung in until the end and walked away utterly demoralized.
And if a long time fan who lived through the glory years can feel this way I can only imagine how apathetic many younger fans must be getting. The administration at NU had better figure out how to fix this sooner rather than later or else our wonderfully renovated stadium will stand half empty or worse on game days soon.
This sentiment is why I have been so impatient with Rhule. I just have a sense that unless something drastic is done this whole thing called Husker football is going to die. And sooner rather than later.

This post is WAY too good to be buried in the thread. Will edit my first post

In the past there was always something fixable to point to until the last coaches:

Solich: bad recruiting
Callahan: bad dc
Pelini: bad recruiting, insane
Riley: Crap hire
Frost: ???
Rhule: ???

People keep saying we aren’t cursed, but if we aren’t we have remarkably similar results again and again with different staff and players.

Our fans are BURNED OUT!

 

[Clevinger]

I think the OP is making a very important point. I have been following Husker football since 1965. I was at the game of the century with my dad in Norman in 1971. Grew up in Lincoln 5 miles from the stadium. Sold coke in the stands as a teenager. Climbed the fence with my buddies and watched every home game 70-72 from under the end zone seats. Been to countless away games and bowl games. Live in PA but have made it back for 2 home games every year since 94.

And I am about ready to say f$ck it as well to the whole shabang. I have lots better things to do with my time on Fall Saturdays and the joy is gone. I watched the game yesterday but only out of a morbid curiosity to see how badly we would lose. Hung in until the end and walked away utterly demoralized.
And if a long time fan who lived through the glory years can feel this way I can only imagine how apathetic many younger fans must be getting. The administration at NU had better figure out how to fix this sooner rather than later or else our wonderfully renovated stadium will stand half empty or worse on game days soon.
This sentiment is why I have been so impatient with Rhule. I just have a sense that unless something drastic is done this whole thing called Husker football is going to die. And sooner rather than later.

I mean, Army and Minnesota used to win national titles too. It feels like the college football gods have forgotten us.

 

[Clevinger]

Looking at McGuire's wikipedia page, there is no way he should have been hired. He had no coaching experience or even played WR. He was just an analyst and son of a coach. And our running backs coach wikipedia is almost empty. The only thing is that he played a few snaps at Rutgers and apparently that was enough for Rhule as well. We need to be hiring a veteran's staff instead of helping out old friends find their first job.

Agree. Assistants can make or break a coach and we paid a ton for…what exactly?