Mike Bilotte talks desirability of NU coaching job

[Red I 73]

Former Oregon football coach when asked how he would rank the Nebraska football job he said it is not a top 10 job and maybe not top 20. He said you have to remember Nebraska fired the last three coaches and history to a recruit is only the last 3 to 4 years. Outside reality

 

[TightlineHF]

Former Oregon football coach when asked how he would rank the Nebraska football job he said it is not a top 10 job and maybe not top 20. He said you have to remember Nebraska fired the last three coaches and history to a recruit is only the last 3 to 4 years. Outside reality

He may not be far off. But I remember Colin Cowherd making a very similar argument about the Alabama job shortly before they hired Nick Saban. He talked about how Alabama's tradition did not matter any longer as it was too old, how Alabama's fans were unrealistic and created a fish bowl environment that would deter good coaches, and how Alabama had to recruit against other SEC programs that had recent success. We know how that turned out. People have opinions. We will see what happens.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

That's a good point. The only caveat there is Saban was a great college coach that was failing in the NFL and was desperate to get out. No great active college coaches were lining up for that Bama job. Is there someone in a similar situation out there now?

 

[Harry Caray]

Former Oregon football coach when asked how he would rank the Nebraska football job he said it is not a top 10 job and maybe not top 20. He said you have to remember Nebraska fired the last three coaches and history to a recruit is only the last 3 to 4 years. Outside reality

If we paid a Top 10 salary like we can afford to, it would be a Top 10 job.

We're not even paying a Top 40 salary for our current coach. And we're getting what we paid for. Even Purdue went out and paid more than we did to get a good coach.

 

[TightlineHF]

That's a good point. The only caveat there is Saban was a great college coach that was failing in the NFL and was desperate to get out. No great active college coaches were lining up for that Bama job. Is there someone in a similar situation out there now?

Time will tell.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

I'd say Chip Kelly fits that bill, but does NU want him? I have a feeling he'll wind up back in the PAC12 with UCLA though.

 

[cecilB]

He may not be far off. But I remember Colin Cowherd making a very similar argument about the Alabama job shortly before they hired Nick Saban. He talked about how Alabama's tradition did not matter any longer as it was too old, how Alabama's fans were unrealistic and created a fish bowl environment that would deter good coaches, and how Alabama had to recruit against other SEC programs that had recent success. We know how that turned out. People have opinions. We will see what happens.

Mike Belotti, a former coach, a very good one, and someone still in touch with the college game

vs
Colin Cowherd, a guy that hasn't played, coached, and is an out of touch shock jock.

I know who's opinion carries a bit more credibility. Or, I should say, my opinion is its clear who an a$$hat, and who speaks from a perspective of credibility

 

[Joe M]

It's easy to rank jobs abstractly in terms of "top 10" or "top 25". I'd be interested to see his actual numerical ranking.

 

[PAOK]

Well he has a point until everyone remembers that Bo was here for 7 years and was basically begging to get fired in the last 2-3. We gave that guy 4-5 second chances and millions $$$ to go with them.

Also the next coach won't have national championship pressure, AT FIRST. We will be happy just to get back to consistent winning seasons and bowl wins. Any improvement from our current state of wetting our pants on national television will be greatly appreciated and buy an extension or two.

 

[maplesyrup95]

I have a relatable story that I think will be applicable to this situation. My current boss was one of the key members who turned around Converse back in the early 2000s. Their team sold it to Nike in 2004. Even though they sold it to what we call the "establishment," converse will live on for a really long time because of that team. Converse was on the verge of bankruptcy but he and his team saved the brand. Now, you still see millions of Chuck Taylors across the world because of him and his team's turnaround story. With all of that said, it's because he had a passion for the branding and apparel industry that he was able to turn it around.

The Nebraska brand is a lot like Converse was pre-2004. Historically relevant, but not cutting edge or relevant in recent history. Losing revenue every time we get blown out by 20+ points. However, the Nebraska brand can potentially be saved if we get A players involved. After hearing the Converse story, I will refuse to believe that "it can't be done in Lincoln again." I get what Belotti is saying, and yes it will be hard to get a coach who truly wants this job, but I still believe that line of thinking is bullshit, so I don't buy it. If Washington State in Pullman, WA can turn around a dumpster fire, if Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK can have success, if North Dakota State where the population is in the lower 5 of 50 United States can have success, if Kansas State in Manhattan, KS can have success.... I could go on and on.

Like Converse, Nebraska is bigger than all of these brands. It will just take the right players with a passion for Nebraska to right the wrongs of the past 18 years. Someone and some team will turn around Nebraska. Whether that's sooner or later, we don't know. It looks to me that Moos' attitude is on par with what we want.

"It's time to start circling Nebraska on the schedule again."

 

[TightlineHF]

Mike Belotti, a former coach, a very good one, and someone still in touch with the college game

vs
Colin Cowherd, a guy that hasn't played, coached, and is an out of touch shock jock.

I know who's opinion carries a bit more credibility. Or, I should say, my opinion is its clear who an a$$hat, and who speaks from a perspective of credibility

True. But he based his comments on recent firings and the short attention span of recruits. Not a lot of deep coaching analysis in those comments. I actually find Cowherd's arguments as compelling. All of those reasons are valid and make it more challenging for Nebraska. At the same time, Nebraska has a strong commitment to success, a great fan base and player experience, great facilities, weak division, and rich tradition (which means something to some of the coaches, if not many recruits). And both Callahan and Riley have now proven that you can recruit elite talent to Nebraska. You just have to have elite recruiters and work harder than most places.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

If we paid a Top 10 salary like we can afford to, it would be a Top 10 job.

We're not even paying a Top 40 salary for our current coach. And we're getting what we paid for. Even Purdue went out and paid more than we did to get a good coach.

Numbers 6-9 in the top paid college coaches for 2017

Tom Herman, Texas $5.25 million 5 years/$28.75 million
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M $5 million 6 years/$30 milion
Gus Malzahn, Auburn $4.75 million 5 years/$23.75 million
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa $4.5 million 10 years/$45 million

You don't always get what you pay for.

Why do you want to over pay just to be in the top 10? If your coach isn't one ten best coaches in America, paying him like he is doesn't make it true.

Find a coach that will make your team better and pay him what he is worth.

Paying him $6 million a year doesn't make him a top 5 coach, it just makes him a top 5 paid coach.

 

[bomber89]

this is why i dont like the idea of hiring someone from the coasts as our AD or Head Coach. I was not part of the so-called TC crowd; I just wanted the best AD & HC. I still want that but I would much rather have a winner and someone from the midwest. I really dont like these East & West Coast guys telling me how good or bad Nebraska is. Screw them!!

 

[timnsun]

this is why i dont like the idea of hiring someone from the coasts as our AD or Head Coach. I was not part of the so-called TC crowd; I just wanted the best AD & HC. I still want that but I would much rather have a winner and someone from the midwest. I really dont like these East & West Coast guys telling me how good or bad Nebraska is. Screw them!!

I agree... ever since frost went from Oregon to Florida I hate the guy! Screw him!

All sarcasm aside, Moos seems to have a reputation as a builder, which means he could be good for us. Time will tell.

 

[Red I 73]

I have a relatable story that I think will be applicable to this situation. My current boss was one of the key members who turned around Converse back in the early 2000s. Their team sold it to Nike in 2004. Even though they sold it to what we call the "establishment," converse will live on for a really long time because of that team. Converse was on the verge of bankruptcy but he and his team saved the brand. Now, you still see millions of Chuck Taylors across the world because of him and his team's turnaround story. With all of that said, it's because he had a passion for the branding and apparel industry that he was able to turn it around.

The Nebraska brand is a lot like Converse was pre-2004. Historically relevant, but not cutting edge or relevant in recent history. Losing revenue every time we get blown out by 20+ points. However, the Nebraska brand can potentially be saved if we get A players involved. After hearing the Converse story, I will refuse to believe that "it can't be done in Lincoln again." I get what Belotti is saying, and yes it will be hard to get a coach who truly wants this job, but I still believe that line of thinking is bullshit, so I don't buy it. If Washington State in Pullman, WA can turn around a dumpster fire, if Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK can have success, if North Dakota State where the population is in the lower 5 of 50 United States can have success, if Kansas State in Manhattan, KS can have success.... I could go on and on.

Like Converse, Nebraska is bigger than all of these brands. It will just take the right players with a passion for Nebraska to right the wrongs of the past 18 years. Someone and some team will turn around Nebraska. Whether that's sooner or later, we don't know. It looks to me that Moos' attitude is on par with what we want.

"It's time to start circling Nebraska on the schedule again."

I don't think Mike was saying that Nebraska can't be turned around. He was saying that the idea of Nebraska being an even top twenty five job because of the history of job security (coach firings) would give a top coach pause because of the expectations of the University and the fans. Yes you can throw top dollars out there to hire a perceived outstanding coach, but that doesn't guarantee success. If I remember correctly, after Frank's firing, Urban was said to not be interested because we fired a 9-3 coach. Husker fans can be a great asset, but also a liability.

 

[maplesyrup95]

I don't think Mike was saying that Nebraska can't be turned around. He was saying that the idea of Nebraska being an even top twenty five job because of the history of job security (coach firings) would give a top coach pause because of the expectations of the University and the fans. Yes you can throw top dollars out there to hire a perceived outstanding coach, but that doesn't guarantee success. If I remember correctly, after Frank's firing, Urban was said to not be interested because we fired a 9-3 coach. Husker fans can be a great asset, but also a liability.

I see what you’re saying. I just don’t want the mentality that we can’t get it done ever again or huge excuses that we can’t do this or that. Because I know we can. When that happens is the question mark. But no doubt our fan base is a double-edged sword.

 

[Red I 73]

B

I see what you’re saying. I just don’t want the mentality that we can’t get it done ever again or huge excuses that we can’t do this or that. Because I know we can. When that happens is the question mark. But no doubt our fan base is a double-edged sword.

I think the difference between not and after Frank's firing is the respect of the AD that is at Nebraska

 

[cecilB]

True. But he based his comments on recent firings and the short attention span of recruits. Not a lot of deep coaching analysis in those comments. I actually find Cowherd's arguments as compelling. All of those reasons are valid and make it more challenging for Nebraska. At the same time, Nebraska has a strong commitment to success, a great fan base and player experience, great facilities, weak division, and rich tradition (which means something to some of the coaches, if not many recruits). And both Callahan and Riley have now proven that you can recruit elite talent to Nebraska. You just have to have elite recruiters and work harder than most places.

well I don't find CC compelling, but to each their own.

A non-nebraskan, and not a dipstick like CC, would look at the following in what you consider a 'weak' division...

great facilities (training facilities) - check, but where does it really rank in comparison to Iowa (Dinardo's favorite in the B1G), NW (are you kidding me, new and state of the art overlooking Lake Michigan), Wisconsin (actually showing its age some), Purdue (currently building), Minnesota (currently building), Illinois (currently building). NU is on the brink of having the oldest training facilities in the West.

great facilities(stadium)- check. Camp Randall, Kinnick, the thing in the twin cities are all different, but pretty cool - purely subjective on how a non-nebraskan or outsider, like Belotti, would rank.

great fan base - check. Same for wisconsin and Iowa. Although ours is acting like big babies right now and despite proclaiming to be teh best inteh land, it's a hard place for player crticism

Strong Commitment to success - see facilities and coaches. Ferentz=like it or not is almost certainly a hall of fame coach closing in on B1G records for wins. Wisky = PC is good. Ill= a super bowl coach, PU=wow, what a job that guy is doing. NW=has a rep and offers stability, Minn=clown

player experience - academics vs the rest of the west, ah nope. NFL preparedness- line up behind Iowa and Wisky for the past decade or two. Critique by fans...we're in a class by our self.

Rich Tradition - check. However, the most National titles in the West...I think that's Minnesota. Most recent BCS caliber games, again behind Wisky and Iowa. QBs, that's Purdue. Heck, even the Heisman's likeness of of an Illinois player. The whole conference drips in tradition, and each team is proud of theirs.

You didn't list money - push. The B1G and BTN have leveled the playing field.

Proximity to recruits. We're the outpost, with the smallest surrounding population. Next is Iowa who shares another D1 school, but the state has twice the population of Neb. They are 3 hour drive from Chicago, with in 4 and half hours to Minneapolis, KC, St. Louis.

My whole point is things are competitive, winning is harder than it use to be, all other things are pretty subjective....thus, I see what Belotti is getting at.

And, Nebraska needs a really good coach to combat all of these reasons.

 

[TheNewNU]

this is why i dont like the idea of hiring someone from the coasts as our AD or Head Coach. I was not part of the so-called TC crowd; I just wanted the best AD & HC. I still want that but I would much rather have a winner and someone from the midwest. I really dont like these East & West Coast guys telling me how good or bad Nebraska is. Screw them!!

Ever been to Eastern Washington? Well I have. Its not the coasts. It reminds me a lot of the Nebraska panhandle as do the people. You wanted a midwest AD? We just got one.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

B

I think the difference between not and after Frank's firing is the respect of the AD that is at Nebraska

Has moos even gotten to Nebraska yet? Seems a little early to be talking about who and what he is as an AD.

 

[H8FULLGR8]

Nebraska can certainly find a coach that can recruit enough talent and game plan well enough to be competitive in B1G West year in and year out and not look like their in over their heads against the team or teams at the top, mainly tOSU, PSU and Wisconsin.
Every fan wants their team to compete for NCs, but few Nebraska fans put that as a must have for a coach to be retained for 5-10 years.
IMO, Pelini would still be around if he had any self control or could at least act like a sane person on the sideline. When Harbaugh appears to have more self control in comparison to Pelini, that’s a problem.
I’d accept winning the B1G West 5 out of 10 years and the off years going 8-4 or 9-3. Getting a couple B1G championships every ten years shouldn’t be considered impossible at Nebraska.
If we keep a coach around for 20 years and he is on average 7-5 with no outright B1G titles and makes 4 plus million a year, well then we have a problem.

 

[cecilB]

Nebraska can certainly find a coach that can recruit enough talent and game plan well enough to be competitive in B1G West year in and year out and not look like their in over their heads against the team or teams at the top, mainly tOSU, PSU and Wisconsin.
Every fan wants their team to compete for NCs, but few Nebraska fans put that as a must have for a coach to be retained for 5-10 years.
IMO, Pelini would still be around if he had any self control or could at least act like a sane person on the sideline. When Harbaugh appears to have more self control in comparison to Pelini, that’s a problem.
I’d accept winning the B1G West 5 out of 10 years and the off years going 8-4 or 9-3. Getting a couple B1G championships every ten years shouldn’t be considered impossible at Nebraska.
If we keep a coach around for 20 years and he is on average 7-5 with no outright B1G titles and makes 4 plus million a year, well then we have a problem.

yes. that would clearly not fly here. We have a track record where better records than that aren't enough. I presume you are making a dig at Iowa's coach. I have never understood this.

If you are hired for your job, work there for 20 years, in almost any field but the insanity that is college P5 coaching, isn't it typical that the person with 20 years of experience makes more coin than someone with far less experience doing the same thing?

His salary is not the outlier that people like to make it out, specifically when factoring in what is common place in any other thing beyond commission sales.

IMO, they all make too much, but 7 figures+ 3-5% per year for 20 years, compounds.

 

[Red I 73]

Has moos even gotten to Nebraska yet? Seems a little early to be talking about who and what he is as an AD.

Well the history he has established at his other three stops seems to be an indication that he is better than Steve Petersen. Who did you want to lead the athletic department?

 

[H8FULLGR8]

Well the history he has established at his other three stops seems to be an indication that he is better than Steve Petersen. Who did you want to lead the athletic department?

Wasn’t drunk is an Iowa troll.

 

[jrhuskerdad]

Nebraska is a trend setting program. We'll look back and say that we were one of the pioneers in the college game to adopt the NFL model. You have three years to produce or you're out. #Next!

 

[H8FULLGR8]

yes. that would clearly not fly here. We have a track record where better records than that aren't enough. I presume you are making a dig at Iowa's coach. I have never understood this.

If you are hired for your job, work there for 20 years, in almost any field but the insanity that is college P5 coaching, isn't it typical that the person with 20 years of experience makes more coin than someone with far less experience doing the same thing?

His salary is not the outlier that people like to make it out, specifically when factoring in what is common place in any other thing beyond commission sales.

IMO, they all make too much, but 7 figures+ 3-5% per year for 20 years, compounds.

I hear you and I wasn’t mentioning any team trying not to invite unwanted or unneeded attention, but it’s less about the salary and more about the results over that time span. I should’ve just stated multi-millions instead of being specific.

 

[big red22]

That's a good point. The only caveat there is Saban was a great college coach that was failing in the NFL and was desperate to get out. No great active college coaches were lining up for that Bama job. Is there someone in a similar situation out there now?

Boy that sound eerily similar to the Chip Kelly situation doesn't it?

 

[bomber89]

I agree... ever since frost went from Oregon to Florida I hate the guy! Screw him!

All sarcasm aside, Moos seems to have a reputation as a builder, which means he could be good for us. Time will tell.

My post was meant in regards to people who are from (meaning raised or lived most of their life) the east & west coast. I thought that was kind of understood but I guess I must be more explicit.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Wasn’t drunk is an Iowa troll.

O man the day h8fulgrade8 calls you a troll is a low day. Are you not the guy currently posing as an illini fan on our board? Yes, I am an Iowa fan. I have told my story on here a couple times and don't care to go over it again but I have strong ties to Nebraska, thus I pay attention to the huskers. The new guy may or may not be an outstanding hire, it just seems a little early to talk about anything he has done.

 

[H8FULLGR8]

O man the day h8fulgrade8 calls you a troll is a low day. Are you not the guy currently posing as an illini fan on our board? Yes, I am an Iowa fan. I have told my story on here a couple times and don't care to go over it again but I have strong ties to Nebraska, thus I pay attention to the huskers. The new guy may or may not be an outstanding hire, it just seems a little early to talk about anything he has done.

If you’re not drunk you’re paranoid, personally I’d rather be drunk.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

O this is going to be good........ paranoid about what?

(Alcohol is a depressant that lowers inhibitions, if I were drunk I would have reduced anxiety aka not paranoid) that being said it is just about beer30.

 

[Hoosker Du]

I have a relatable story that I think will be applicable to this situation. My current boss was one of the key members who turned around Converse back in the early 2000s. Their team sold it to Nike in 2004. Even though they sold it to what we call the "establishment," converse will live on for a really long time because of that team. Converse was on the verge of bankruptcy but he and his team saved the brand. Now, you still see millions of Chuck Taylors across the world because of him and his team's turnaround story. With all of that said, it's because he had a passion for the branding and apparel industry that he was able to turn it around.

The Nebraska brand is a lot like Converse was pre-2004. Historically relevant, but not cutting edge or relevant in recent history. Losing revenue every time we get blown out by 20+ points. However, the Nebraska brand can potentially be saved if we get A players involved. After hearing the Converse story, I will refuse to believe that "it can't be done in Lincoln again." I get what Belotti is saying, and yes it will be hard to get a coach who truly wants this job, but I still believe that line of thinking is bullshit, so I don't buy it. If Washington State in Pullman, WA can turn around a dumpster fire, if Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK can have success, if North Dakota State where the population is in the lower 5 of 50 United States can have success, if Kansas State in Manhattan, KS can have success.... I could go on and on.

Like Converse, Nebraska is bigger than all of these brands. It will just take the right players with a passion for Nebraska to right the wrongs of the past 18 years. Someone and some team will turn around Nebraska. Whether that's sooner or later, we don't know. It looks to me that Moos' attitude is on par with what we want.

"It's time to start circling Nebraska on the schedule again."

I realize that other Converse shoes lost a great deal of popularity, but that franchise shoe, the Chuck Taylor, never lost its appeal.

 

[jteten]

You know what is desirable? $$$$$$$

Throw lots of it out there and almost any job looks like a top 10 gig.

 

[timnsun]

My post was meant in regards to people who are from (meaning raised or lived most of their life) the east & west coast. I thought that was kind of understood but I guess I must be more explicit.

I was being sarcastic.

I thought the all sarcasm aside comment was understood. I should have been even more explicit than you and for you.

 

[maplesyrup95]

I realize that other Converse shoes lost a great deal of popularity, but that franchise shoe, the Chuck Taylor, never lost its appeal.

I know, and that’s what his team focused on and it took them to the moon.

 

[nudan92]

What big-time college football program is putting up with year 3 coaches with ~.500 records? What college football powerhouse is giving 5 years to "get it done"? Tennessee? How's that working out for them? I don't buy that Nebraska is not a top 25 job. College football coaches know they have to produce and produce quickly or they're gone.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

What big-time college football program is putting up with year 3 coaches with ~.500 records? What college football powerhouse is giving 5 years to "get it done"? Tennessee? How's that working out for them? I don't buy that Nebraska is not a top 25 job. College football coaches know they have to produce and produce quickly or they're gone.

Cough washington state did cough 3-9, 6-7, 3-9. Out of leach, the guy hired by your new ad.

 

[nudan92]

Cough washington state did cough 3-9, 6-7, 3-9. Out of leach, the guy hired by your new ad.

Washington State is a college football powerhouse?

 

[TightlineHF]

well I don't find CC compelling, but to each their own.

A non-nebraskan, and not a dipstick like CC, would look at the following in what you consider a 'weak' division...

great facilities (training facilities) - check, but where does it really rank in comparison to Iowa (Dinardo's favorite in the B1G), NW (are you kidding me, new and state of the art overlooking Lake Michigan), Wisconsin (actually showing its age some), Purdue (currently building), Minnesota (currently building), Illinois (currently building). NU is on the brink of having the oldest training facilities in the West.

great facilities(stadium)- check. Camp Randall, Kinnick, the thing in the twin cities are all different, but pretty cool - purely subjective on how a non-nebraskan or outsider, like Belotti, would rank.

great fan base - check. Same for wisconsin and Iowa. Although ours is acting like big babies right now and despite proclaiming to be teh best inteh land, it's a hard place for player crticism

Strong Commitment to success - see facilities and coaches. Ferentz=like it or not is almost certainly a hall of fame coach closing in on B1G records for wins. Wisky = PC is good. Ill= a super bowl coach, PU=wow, what a job that guy is doing. NW=has a rep and offers stability, Minn=clown

player experience - academics vs the rest of the west, ah nope. NFL preparedness- line up behind Iowa and Wisky for the past decade or two. Critique by fans...we're in a class by our self.

Rich Tradition - check. However, the most National titles in the West...I think that's Minnesota. Most recent BCS caliber games, again behind Wisky and Iowa. QBs, that's Purdue. Heck, even the Heisman's likeness of of an Illinois player. The whole conference drips in tradition, and each team is proud of theirs.

You didn't list money - push. The B1G and BTN have leveled the playing field.

Proximity to recruits. We're the outpost, with the smallest surrounding population. Next is Iowa who shares another D1 school, but the state has twice the population of Neb. They are 3 hour drive from Chicago, with in 4 and half hours to Minneapolis, KC, St. Louis.

My whole point is things are competitive, winning is harder than it use to be, all other things are pretty subjective....thus, I see what Belotti is getting at.

And, Nebraska needs a really good coach to combat all of these reasons.

I am not sure what the argument is here. As I said, he is probably not far off. And I did not say "Colin Cowherd" was compelling, but rather his comments about the Alabama job at the time. I will say this. Although I agree that college football is very competitive, I think you overstated your point many times in the above commentary. As an example, let's talk about tradition. There is no doubt that Nebraska is fast losing the relevance of is championship tradition. But there is equally no doubt that Minnesota's is gone. There is just no reason to even mention it. It is a waste of energy. And to compare the Iowa fan base to ours is misplaced. Ask yourself if the Iowa fan base would still be selling out that stadium if they had experienced the embarrassment that Nebraska fans have experienced over the past 18 years. Although Iowa has good fans and reasonably strong attendance, Nebraska is in a different class. For example, it made news a couple years back when Iowa sold out two games that year. Again, we agree in principle. I just disagree with some of your examples. BTW, I wholeheartedly own that I am a biased fan...of course, that applies to every fan. Some just do not realize it.

 

[cecilB]

I am not sure what the argument is here. As I said, he is probably not far off. And I did not say "Colin Cowherd" was compelling, but rather his comments about the Alabama job at the time. I will say this. Although I agree that college football is very competitive, I think you overstated your point many times in the above commentary. As an example, let's talk about tradition. There is no doubt that Nebraska is fast losing the relevance of is championship tradition. But there is equally no doubt that Minnesota's is gone. There is just no reason to even mention it. It is a waste of energy. And to compare the Iowa fan base to ours is misplaced. Ask yourself if the Iowa fan base would still be selling out that stadium if they had experienced the embarrassment that Nebraska fans have experienced over the past 18 years. Although Iowa has good fans and reasonably strong attendance, Nebraska is in a different class. For example, it made news a couple years back when Iowa sold out two games that year. Again, we agree in principle. I just disagree with some of your examples. BTW, I wholeheartedly own that I am a biased fan...of course, that applies to every fan. Some just do not realize it.

Yes, that is what I am saying. Iowa put fannies in the seats for a 19 year stretch when the best they could muster were a few .500 seasons. Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State, osu have incredibly strong followings, and really full, but not always ‘sold out’ stadiums. Yes, ‘sold out’ is in quotes. It’s such a weird thing to cling to if one really stops to think about it.

Each also shares its state with other D1 programs (except Bucky). Heck, since you brought them up...the state of Iowa sometimes has 120,000 fans in seats watching Home p5 programs on the same weekend. Michigan 170,000. They like their teams just as much as we do. They travel equally as good to bowl games and road games. The optics on the TV make their home stadium look just as full.

We’re all a little biased. As a fan base we’ve lost a measure of subjectivity....self proclaimed best fans, best tradition, best/better recruiting classes, best coach until he proves he isn’t....yada, yada, yada.

It’s systemic from the message boards, ADs, to boosters, to shock jocks, to newspaper schools.

Until we collectively quit acting like we have a rightful place, or we are entitled, rather embracing Nebraska traits of rolling up the sleeves, working, respecting... I believe the slog to get to where we want to go will be longer.