Frost is by far the bigger disappointment because heading into year 4 we may be worse than when he arrived. The only thing we have to hang our hats on is pre season hype which for three years has been complete BS from Frost. Nothing on the field exudes confidence heading into next season.
Like it or not how many wins do you realistically see in 2021, four? I really hope for major improvements but reality tells me it will just be more of the same.
This is inaccurate in a lot of ways:
QB - Tanner Lee threw 16 Interceptions in 2017, its dramatically better going into 2021
OL- depth going into 2021 is on another planet from the mess left by Coach Midget and 10 scholarship dudes who shouldn't be on a Big Ten Roster.
TE- Fidone, Austin Allen, Vokolek? Hell, Tyler Hoppes was pretty good in 2017, but Nebraska will be a lot more dangerous at that spot next season.
DL- When Riley foolishly shifted to the 3-4 in 2017, Nebraska had the smallest 3 man front in the Big Ten. Going into 2021, Nebraska is going to have the biggest in the league and will present one of the most physical and athletic fronts in recent memory.
LB- This is where the difference in talent is the most stark and obvious. In 2017, Nebraska played 5 linebackers total. WIth Honas and JoJo returning in 2021, Nebraska will have their deepest unit in almost a decade.
DB- One of the primary reasons both Pelini and Riley struggled vs the run is the Huskers were never physically versatile enough at the back end of the defense. The DBs in 2017 were either too small to hold up in run support while also getting bullied by bigger and more physical receivers. Or in the case of a dude like Antonio Reed, they were good vs. the run by overmatched in coverage. Nebraska doesn't have that issue anymore. They have a legit NFL draft prospect in CTB, and a corp of defensive backs who are versatile thru physicality and athleticism.
So where was the 2017 better than this current group?
WR - In 2017, Nebraska had Stanley Morgan, JD Spielman, and Demornay Pierson-El. Riley did a poor job of bringing in underclassmen with his 16 and 17 classes outside of JD. This created a major hole on the roster. The 2017 class, in particular was an abomination at the skill positions.
RB - In 2017, Nebraska wasn't very good running the football, but the team had more talent.
Devine Ozigbo and Tre Bryant were two very good college Runners. Bryant's injuries were a tough break. The 2016 and 17 classes were not good thanks to Reggie Davis. But Frost and Ryan Held have put their faith into some smoke and mirrors. Dudes like Mo Washington and Greg Bell have set the roster back and were not worth the risk.
Special Teams as a whole - You know how everyone mocked Bruce Read and his massive $450,000 salary as a Special Teams Coach? While it made for good jokes, the dude was clearly better at his job back then than whatever Nebraska has been trying to do under Frost. Yuck.
So how can they get improve in 2021?
WR - Oliver Martin, Nixon, Alante Brown, and Levi Falck need a full spring to help build rapport with Adrian. Betts needs to continue progressing, and this team could really benefit from a legit Power 5 Transfer to come in an be a true Vertical Threat on the boundary oppositte Betts. That would free up Wandale from constantly getting bracketed. It also gives the younger guys a little more time to develop in the offense.
RB - I think Nebraska desperately needs go to the Transfer Portal Route for this spot. I don't believe a true #1 exists on the Husker roster at this time.
Special teams- Burn it all to the fvckin Ground.
As for the Schedule, I don't think its even half as daunting as everyone thinks for 2021.
Oklahoma and Ohio State should both be great.
I actually think Minnesota is going to be good in 2021.
- Illinois will be replacing as many as 15 starters
- Most of Northwestern's starters are seeking transfer or going to the NFL, which tells me Fitz is leaving.
- Michigan State is potentially cleaning out their whole roster. They are basically in year one reset again.
- Michigan is a mess offensively and switching defenses.
- Wisconsin has absolutely no skill talent and the heart of their defense is going to the NFL.
- Iowa will have their biggest rebuild of the last 7 seasons.
- Buffalo is a MAC team that will be replacing their only weapon capable of hurting Nebraska
- SouthEast Louisiana will be dreadful
- Purdue is going to spiral out of control next season
Saying Nebraska will only win 4 games next year is foolish and ignorant.