Losing so many close games over the past 8 years is indeed an indication of a losing culture that simply does not know how to win close games. In particular, our teams have choked at the end of games making stupid mistakes. I think in some ways the environment at Nebraska creates an enormous pressure on the players to win games. I think we have the athletic tools to turn it around this year. But do we have the culture and mental tools to win those close games?
The Colorado game this Fall is a case in point. I am very worried about that game simply because I want to win that game, and so do most other fans, more than I have wanted us to win a game since Texas in Lincoln in 2010. The scenario is similar. Seeking to avenge the controversial loss to Texas in 2009, and having the best overall talent any Pelini team had, the fan hype and overall environment for that Texas 2010 game was off the charts. And Texas ended up not being all that good that year. But we played nervous and tight, TMart had a wretched game, and we layed a big steaming turd on the field that day. I think the players were wound too tightly and were too nervous. I fear that the CU game this year could be the same --- unless this year is different. Unless Rhule can get them to shut out all the hype and have confidence they can play with passion and beat those asshats.