The road to championships

[SnohomishRed]

I am curious what the board believes in our current direction. Are you happy that we are progressing towards championships or if not what do you think the program could do to get us on the right road. I am not intending this to be a pro or anti Riley thing. I think that is not material right now as he is our coach and will be even in worst case scenarios for the next three years.

As far as myself - I think we need to make some strategic changes to get on the right path. The main thing I see right now that we are lacking is an Identity

What are we truly committed to and by extension known for in the media. When youi look at top programs in the Big10 - you think OSU =Talent/speed, Michigan= toughness( yes harbaugh has established this that quickly)Wi- running game and big o-linemen, MSU = tough attacking defense

When the media grabs onto something they build it into a persona for a program. The kids today, then gobble this up. I truly believe recruiting to an extent is driven by how you are perceived through the media's eyes today.

Right now NU has been protrayed in the media as a has been program with a bunch of whiney fans still stuck in the glory days. heck during a game last year then used charts to show why NU would not be back becuase of recruiting distances. The media does not believe NU should expect titles and shokd be happy with 8-9 wins a year because they are a small state. This perception is hurting us on the recruiting trail and imo is not true.

The most important thing this program needs right now is vision. Determine how you want to be known, plan for it and put it in place. I do not think being known for the past is good, I also do not think having a lot AA is the image we want. I believe we need to reshape this programs image to something more appealing to kids today. We need an image that makes kids want to play for us - especially on defense. This is where I think we own an advantage, the blackshirt tradition is appealing and if we can become known for exciting defensive play the media will gobble it up

 

[HuskerTimOmaha]

I believe the program is in a better place now than it was 14+ months ago. Whether that results in expectations met, only time will tell. I also believe the next coach will take over a much better program than what coach Riley took over in December 2014.

It's going to be a long off-season..

 

[otismotis08]

There's that IDENTITY word again.
The last time we were really relevant, it used to be Blackshirts and the option.

 

[DudznSudz]

I agree with the original post, and tend to be a big fan of HuskerTimOmaha's analysis as well. Here are my thoughts:

I think in the past, reliance upon good (but not the best in the nation) recruiting was coupled with, at the time, a novel strength and conditioning program, a committment to having a brutal, tough defense, and a fairly unique offensive strategy (the option) yielded success. It still took years of work to build teams that could win national championships, but Nebraska was always a highly ranked team that played in a major bowl game due to the above.

I actually place a lot of blame on the current state of things to the way that Osborne must have run the program back in the day (a program built, basically, around him). Without him, the whole thing just came apart. That, bad luck with some of the athletic department staff, and terrible planning on the part of the athletic department overall basically crashed a once-great and very unique program that had been built specifically to overcome its natural deficiencies (state location and population, recruiting limitations). The old advantages of always being on TV, having a good strength and conditioning program, and running a unique offense no longer worked, and here we are.

Sadly, I also agree that while Pelini did, as Osborne says, rescue the program from a complete tailspin, he implanted a very "us against them" mentality in the fans and players; the media does seem to look down on this program now, or consider it very much a "has-been" school.

So what must change? We're in, in my opinion, the premiere academic and athletic conference in the country now (I'm excluding the Ivy League, because duh). The conference yields us plenty of money and access to great media markets, but we're still stuck having to recruit the hell out of whatever we can get, because we just do not have the natural advantages of recruiting location of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

I think we have to rebuild the idea that this program is unique, tough, and can consistently win. We're again in the weaker of the two divisions of our conference, which means we should be going to the Big Ten Championship game 7 out of 10 times in a decade (maybe more). I like the idea of building an offensive attack that is...let's just say a little different from what many of our Big Ten neighbors are doing (more passing, 50/50 balanced attack, etc). But I tend to agree with the idea of the original poster: a key legacy of our program, now that the option-style offense isn't consistently run anymore, was our brutal, physical defense. That NEVER gets old. Even people who do not like Nebraska recognize that for years, it was one of, if not the, best programs to go to for a defensive player who wanted to end up in the NFL. I say focus on that; fat, savage linemen are plentiful in this area of the country, but recruit some speed and athleticism from California, where this coaching staff seems to have some established channels.

Thoughts?

 

[TheBeav815]

My long view is still that Riley will be the set-up guy who upgrades the talent level and then ends up moving on by one means or another when the result on the field is still only pretty good.

HOPEFULLY at that point, "the guy" will be available to NU.

 

[Harry Caray]

I think the expectation should be that we at least win the West Division by Year 3. If you look at blue-blood schools that bring in new coaches after a rough patch, they best ones were almost always competing for championships again within 3 years (see Stoops, Saban, Meyer, Carroll, Brian Kelly, etc.). We should be able to win a fairly weak West division by then. A conference championship and/or BCS Bowl by Year 5 would be nice. With Riley's age, if he can't win one by then, it's probably not going to happen.

I agree with Tim that the next coach should take over a pretty good situation, especially if next year's recruiting class lives up to the hype. It will certainly be a better culture. Unfortunately, if that next coach is Frost, we won't have the right personnel to run his offense and we'll have to go through another major transition in offenses. But there's not need to get that far ahead of ourselves. Hopefully Riley can get it turned around.

 

[St. Anger]

This class was essentially on par with a Bo class. Far and away the biggest variable that we've (mostly) yet to see is development. If Riley and co. can develop (on the field and in the weight room), then we will certainly be contending for titles.

 

[DudznSudz]

I agree, and I think having Boyd Epley back, as well as Mark Phillip, a strength coach who looks TERRIFYING and who considerd Boyd Epley to basically be God, should help us a lot in terms of player development from a strength and conditioning standpoint.

 

[SilentCommit]

I am curious what the board believes in our current direction. Are you happy that we are progressing towards championships or if not what do you think the program could do to get us on the right road. I am not intending this to be a pro or anti Riley thing. I think that is not material right now as he is our coach and will be even in worst case scenarios for the next three years.

As far as myself - I think we need to make some strategic changes to get on the right path. The main thing I see right now that we are lacking is an Identity

What are we truly committed to and by extension known for in the media. When youi look at top programs in the Big10 - you think OSU =Talent/speed, Michigan= toughness( yes harbaugh has established this that quickly)Wi- running game and big o-linemen, MSU = tough attacking defense

When the media grabs onto something they build it into a persona for a program. The kids today, then gobble this up. I truly believe recruiting to an extent is driven by how you are perceived through the media's eyes today.

Right now NU has been protrayed in the media as a has been program with a bunch of whiney fans still stuck in the glory days. heck during a game last year then used charts to show why NU would not be back becuase of recruiting distances. The media does not believe NU should expect titles and shokd be happy with 8-9 wins a year because they are a small state. This perception is hurting us on the recruiting trail and imo is not true.

The most important thing this program needs right now is vision. Determine how you want to be known, plan for it and put it in place. I do not think being known for the past is good, I also do not think having a lot AA is the image we want. I believe we need to reshape this programs image to something more appealing to kids today. We need an image that makes kids want to play for us - especially on defense. This is where I think we own an advantage, the blackshirt tradition is appealing and if we can become known for exciting defensive play the media will gobble it up

I rarely find myself in agreement with you, but on the subject of Identity, you couldn't be more right. That's why I'm happy to report that I'm pleased with the program's direction. Anything beyond a cursory examination of Riley's tenure to date reveals an intent, will, and plan. 6-7, you say? Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue (for Pete's sake, Purdue!) you say? #25 recruiting class, you say?

In my honest opinion, anyone who expected the program not to take a step back this year wasn't seeing clearly. More importantly, anyone who thinks the program hasn't started back on the path to success still isn't seeing clearly.

 

[nebcountry]

These kinds of topics get me thinking questions. But first, we had a problem, recognized the problem, and then fired the problem. So, that's a good start. As far as progressing, ask me again at the end of the 2016 season. Until there are tangible positive results, I'm left judging based on a 6-7 season and a 25th ranked recruiting class. I do have optimism looking into the future. Identity? Not really concerned.

Short Term
I think a good portion of our success hinges upon our qb play and our coaches ability to adapt to our qb's talent. POB looks like a good prospect, early enrollee, encouraging media. He'll have to prove it on the field against D1 talent, but I would guess he'll do well. We picked up transfer Tanner Lee. I don't know much about Lee, but other more knowledgeable people do and he's here, so he'll get his shot as well. FWIW, TA is going to be more receptive to coaching for his final year? Neither pro nor anti on TA, but if he's gonna make statements he better back them up.
If we can't complete 65% (ballpark not absolute) of our passes and we're throwing INT's, we better be thinking run, practicing run, and committing to run. And "NO", I don't mean mandatory running it 60+% every game.

Long Term
Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting. This year's class is signed, barring a late pick up, and has been discussed quite a bit. Where's that dead horse, ah there it is, my opinion we should be able to land top 20 classes.
This will be taken negatively, so be it. I will personally celebrate when 2017 prospects are being talked about, that don't include members from Keyshawn Johnson's 7 on 7 team. Don't get me wrong, I like the recruits from KJ's 7 on 7 team, but we need more then that to get better again. SO AGAIN, I like the KJ players, but let's start hearing about some other guys. And for you peanut gallery inhabitants, before you go on about not being Alabama and not getting scores of 5* players, please refer to the statement following the "dead horse" comment.

Summing it up, optimistic but I need results.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I agree with the original post, and tend to be a big fan of HuskerTimOmaha's analysis as well. Here are my thoughts:

I think in the past, reliance upon good (but not the best in the nation) recruiting was coupled with, at the time, a novel strength and conditioning program, a committment to having a brutal, tough defense, and a fairly unique offensive strategy (the option) yielded success. It still took years of work to build teams that could win national championships, but Nebraska was always a highly ranked team that played in a major bowl game due to the above.

I actually place a lot of blame on the current state of things to the way that Osborne must have run the program back in the day (a program built, basically, around him). Without him, the whole thing just came apart. That, bad luck with some of the athletic department staff, and terrible planning on the part of the athletic department overall basically crashed a once-great and very unique program that had been built specifically to overcome its natural deficiencies (state location and population, recruiting limitations). The old advantages of always being on TV, having a good strength and conditioning program, and running a unique offense no longer worked, and here we are.

Sadly, I also agree that while Pelini did, as Osborne says, rescue the program from a complete tailspin, he implanted a very "us against them" mentality in the fans and players; the media does seem to look down on this program now, or consider it very much a "has-been" school.

So what must change? We're in, in my opinion, the premiere academic and athletic conference in the country now (I'm excluding the Ivy League, because duh). The conference yields us plenty of money and access to great media markets, but we're still stuck having to recruit the hell out of whatever we can get, because we just do not have the natural advantages of recruiting location of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

I think we have to rebuild the idea that this program is unique, tough, and can consistently win. We're again in the weaker of the two divisions of our conference, which means we should be going to the Big Ten Championship game 7 out of 10 times in a decade (maybe more). I like the idea of building an offensive attack that is...let's just say a little different from what many of our Big Ten neighbors are doing (more passing, 50/50 balanced attack, etc). But I tend to agree with the idea of the original poster: a key legacy of our program, now that the option-style offense isn't consistently run anymore, was our brutal, physical defense. That NEVER gets old. Even people who do not like Nebraska recognize that for years, it was one of, if not the, best programs to go to for a defensive player who wanted to end up in the NFL. I say focus on that; fat, savage linemen are plentiful in this area of the country, but recruit some speed and athleticism from California, where this coaching staff seems to have some established channels.

Thoughts?

Some good thoughts here - I think while people focus on the disadvantages we have we do have some real advantages

• We play in a division which is perfect if you are trying to build something - Win the west and we are in a one game playoff - Look at Iowa last year
• We have a long standing and passionate fan base - That should be used and is
• We have been there before and want to be back. I do think this pressure pushes things and coaches a little harder

This statement I am in 100% agreement I think we have to rebuild the idea that this program is unique, tough, and can consistently win

 

[SnohomishRed]

I rarely find myself in agreement with you, but on the subject of Identity, you couldn't be more right. That's why I'm happy to report that I'm pleased with the program's direction. Anything beyond a cursory examination of Riley's tenure to date reveals an intent, will, and plan. 6-7, you say? Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue (for Pete's sake, Purdue!) you say? #25 recruiting class, you say?

In my honest opinion, anyone who expected the program not to take a step back this year wasn't seeing clearly. More importantly, anyone who thinks the program hasn't started back on the path to success still isn't seeing clearly.

I hope Riley is the guy but bringing this program back is going to take vision and leadership at all levels with this University - I was thinking the other day about our game with Clemson in 2008 - two evenly matched programs at the time both rebuilding both with new coaches. look where they ar enow and look where we are. They had a plan a vision and worked to put it in place and now they are a top program

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

I hope Riley is the guy but bringing this program back is going to take vision and leadership at all levels with this University - I was thinking the other day about our game with Clemson in 2008 - two evenly matched programs at the time both rebuilding both with new coaches. look where they ar enow and look where we are. They had a plan a vision and worked to put it in place and now they are a top program

Their coach likes it there, sells fan support, embraces the fans, and his boss has not had to ignore him putting his name in for multiple other jobs. His boss has also not had to cover up his ignorant behavior that repeatedly cost the reputation of himself and his school.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I hope Riley is the guy but bringing this program back is going to take vision and leadership at all levels with this University - I was thinking the other day about our game with Clemson in 2008 - two evenly matched programs at the time both rebuilding both with new coaches. look where they ar enow and look where we are. They had a plan a vision and worked to put it in place and now they are a top program

Wanna know what I remember about that game? OK, prolly not but I'm gonna tell ya anyway..

"Nebraska's back and we're here to stay"

 

[DudznSudz]

Yeah I cannot emphasize that part enough, SnohomishRed:

1.) The Big Ten is a very equitable conference that has buckets of money, great academics, and their own TV network.
2.) Big Ten West is in one sense a lot like Big 12 North: Its pretty weak, absent the years Iowa or Wisconsin are decent teams.
3.) I know football is more complex than this and that generally things have evolved, but the Big Ten in particular is not known for Pro-style offenses. Its known for fatass linemen and smashing running games.
4.) A huge plus on the California front: outside of USC, the west coast doesn't really have a traditional football power. Oregon being Nike U and Stanford being really good are kind of newer phenoms, and I would argue that the west coast athletic culture still isn't nearly as into football as the Midwest and South are. So, if you are a California recruit, would you go play for a local program with a comparatively short record of success in a stadium that isn't even always full, or go play for a traditional powerhouse team that will frequently play Michigan or Ohio State on tv and where the fan culture is just this side of insane for the sport?

Conclusion: With what this program is capable of, and the trajectory it's on, we are in a prime position to start being that strong, oddball team that consistently wins our division again by being tough and not a whole lot like most of the other teams in the conference, just like we were in the Big 8 and Big 12.

 

[SnohomishRed]

Wanna know what I remember about that game? OK, prolly not but I'm gonna tell ya anyway..

"Nebraska's back and we're here to stay"

That was Arizona in 2009

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

That was Arizona in 2009

MY BAD!!!! Gawd I don't even remember playing 'Zona.

 

[SnohomishRed]

Things sure seemed a little brighter at that point

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Things sure seemed a little brighter at that point

I don't agree. I think our future seems brighter right now personally. I'll take our current coach over the old one all day long. Both took over a total mess, and as soon as Pelini ran out of Callahan's recruits he couldn't do squat. MR will bring in better classes than Bo did and I think he's a better coach and person and kids and parents will like him a lot. I like our direction personally.

 

[chicolby]

If you look at nearly any team worthy of executing at playoff levels, you'll see a mostly nasty defense element. Maybe OU's D wasn't all that stout, but they were better than Nebraska's. Clemson, Bama, and Michigan State all had solid D.

The offenses varied. Clemson and OU with a mobile QB. Bama with a Heisman RB, Michigan State with a pro-style QB (albeit a hurt one.) All seemingly had some ability to run the ball.

While I believe in having an identity, I don't think it has to go down to the style of offense a team runs. A championship identity is one where a team and coach think alike - they compete to the bitter end. They execute with perfection.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

Wanna know what I remember about that game? OK, prolly not but I'm gonna tell ya anyway..

"Nebraska's back and we're here to stay"

I was there. Suh's coming out party. Decent bowl trip, a bit chilly.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

MY BAD!!!! Gawd I don't even remember playing 'Zona.

He said it after the Clemson bowl win too. Inside the stadium after the game when we got that important trophy. At least I am pretty certain, things were fuzzy that day. Enjoyed NYE the night before a bit too much.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

He said it after the Clemson bowl win too. Inside the stadium after the game when we got that important trophy. At least I am pretty certain, things were fuzzy that day. Enjoyed NYE the night before a bit too much.

I thought so, I honestly would have bet on it, but to be fair I suck at betting.

 

[SilentCommit]

I hope Riley is the guy but bringing this program back is going to take vision and leadership at all levels with this University - I was thinking the other day about our game with Clemson in 2008 - two evenly matched programs at the time both rebuilding both with new coaches. look where they ar enow and look where we are. They had a plan a vision and worked to put it in place and now they are a top program

They had a plan and vision, and they stayed the course. That was 8 years ago. We've been on our current plan and vision for 1.5 years. Don't despair, look to the future with renewed optimism.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

They had a plan and vision, and they stayed the course. That was 8 years ago. We've been on our current plan and vision for 1.5 years. Don't despair, look to the future with renewed optimism.

I'm sure he will.

 

[vs540husker]

Is Nebraska on the road to a championship? Not in my opinion, unless you're counting a division title (but you never know). Is Nebraska on a better path than they were 1, 2, or 3 years ago? Yes.
While the season was frustrating and the W/L record certainly not what you'd like to see, there were some positives. No record amount of yards given up, no blowouts, and they showed a lot of improvement at the end of the season after the Purdue game (sans Armstrong turnovers).

Next season imo, will be much more indicative of where this program is at. Coaches and players will have had that ugly 2015 season under their belt and now will face Oregon and Ohio State. Those two games will be big barometers as to where Nebraska stands and what the coaches are capable of.

 

[nebcountry]

The identity will come, based on results. We win big (more than 10 games), they'll be calling our team technical masters, junk yard dogs, highly disciplined machines, whatever fits our style of play. The identity will come based on how and what are team does, which depends on coaching style and what the coaches are asking for. Now, it may take a couple years for a media transformation, but it will come. I don't see this coaching staff radically changing systems every other year, we'll have an identity after we start winning.

 

[Soda Popinski]

Our identity should be that we only run the ball 98% of the time. Any more than that and it's too predictable. Passes should be of the shovel variety.

 

[Harry Caray]

Their coach likes it there, sells fan support, embraces the fans, and his boss has not had to ignore him putting his name in for multiple other jobs. His boss has also not had to cover up his ignorant behavior that repeatedly cost the reputation of himself and his school.

I thik the biggest difference is Dabo went out and hired top-notch, proven coordinators like Venables and Chad Morris. Bo and Riley hired their buddies.

I'm not giving up on Langsdorf or Banker by any means, but if we continue to struggle the next couple years, will Riley be willing to make the tough staff decisions? Many in Oregon believe Riley left because of his extreme loyalty to his staff.

 

[jteten]

This staff has a style and an identity in mind. However, they tried to work with the talent and skill set on hand and that didn't mesh with their intended style. It will continue to change and, for better or for worse, this team will look like they want it to by year 3....at least in style and gameplan.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

I thik the biggest difference is Dabo went out and hired top-notch, proven coordinators like Venables and Chad Morris. Bo and Riley hired their buddies.

I'm not giving up on Langsdorf or Banker by any means, but if we continue to struggle the next couple years, will Riley be willing to make the tough staff decisions? Many in Oregon believe Riley left because of his extreme loyalty to his staff.

This is spot on. I would have a lot more hope if we would bring in proven coordinators. Not only did Dabo do this but look at what Saban did with Kiffin. As far as Oregon State goes, it is quite obvious that is the reason Riley packed up.

 

[TruHusker]

Serious question is what the heck does this identity mean and why does the press care? They simply repeat what others say. Too much coming at all of this from every angle but the ones that count. The last time I looked, the press doesn't play in the games. It appears to me when people get on the identity kick it means they want Nebraska to play a certain way.

The teams of the 80's and 90's, despite the implication that all of this is Tom's fault, did a variety of things extremely well. They were way ahead of most teams in the S&C area which is no longer an advantage. The conference was relatively weak aside from OU who eventually went through their down cycle.

I agree with a dominating D. But that was part of the entire team - that attitude of outworking the other team and physically beating them down week in and week out. That was the identity. It was an attitude and coaching that promoted it. Coaching is a very simple yet complex proposition and everyone thinks it is some simple formula anyone can do. At every level there are those who are successful and you have to ask why? They have the complete package. They can spot talent, teach the extremely finer points of each position, break an opponent down to expose every flaw, and be relentless in their desire to be the best. Talk to coaches and when they have great talent they coach in a much different way. They get into more details about footwork, hand placement, hip strength, leverage, etc etc. Get a year where you are struggling with talent and you focus on the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, catching and running.

I personally don't care what kind of offense the Huskers run or D for that matter. If you first get the coach-able and skilled athletes and have technicians working with them every day they will eventually produce. Any weaknesses in the system will be exposed. Take Bama for instance. They don't run anything fancy but do they come after you to knock your stinking head off on both sides of the ball. Where is their identity? It is pure, mistake free, hard hitting, bone jarring football. That is all I want. I want players who are going to sell out and work their butts off to build on the physical talent they have and pursue greatness. I want coaches who recruit the best players they can to the university and teach them to be responsibly men. I want coaches that teach the extremely fine points of playing football that go beyond basic.

Ask any coach out there and they do not want to face a well prepared physical team that just grinds you into submission. One that is prepared mentally for the ups and downs and can overcome the bad days and bad games. One that has complete confidence in themselves while not boastful, one that gets every ounce of strength they can on each play, one that is relentless in their goals for success. Those teams will kill you faster than anything.

So all of that running whatever you want but the foundation is going to make your team and if you have a weakness in any part of the system it will show up. The game is so complex and the playing field so much more even, your mistakes will be exposed.

As for Dabo, he has been criticized plenty at Clemson in the past. He is an outspoken Christian for one thing and some people do not like that.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

Serious question is what the heck does this identity mean and why does the press care? They simply repeat what others say. Too much coming at all of this from every angle but the ones that count. The last time I looked, the press doesn't play in the games. It appears to me when people get on the identity kick it means they want Nebraska to play a certain way.

The teams of the 80's and 90's, despite the implication that all of this is Tom's fault, did a variety of things extremely well. They were way ahead of most teams in the S&C area which is no longer an advantage. The conference was relatively weak aside from OU who eventually went through their down cycle.

I agree with a dominating D. But that was part of the entire team - that attitude of outworking the other team and physically beating them down week in and week out. That was the identity. It was an attitude and coaching that promoted it. Coaching is a very simple yet complex proposition and everyone thinks it is some simple formula anyone can do. At every level there are those who are successful and you have to ask why? They have the complete package. They can spot talent, teach the extremely finer points of each position, break an opponent down to expose every flaw, and be relentless in their desire to be the best. Talk to coaches and when they have great talent they coach in a much different way. They get into more details about footwork, hand placement, hip strength, leverage, etc etc. Get a year where you are struggling with talent and you focus on the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, catching and running.

I personally don't care what kind of offense the Huskers run or D for that matter. If you first get the coach-able and skilled athletes and have technicians working with them every day they will eventually produce. Any weaknesses in the system will be exposed. Take Bama for instance. They don't run anything fancy but do they come after you to knock your stinking head off on both sides of the ball. Where is their identity? It is pure, mistake free, hard hitting, bone jarring football. That is all I want. I want players who are going to sell out and work their butts off to build on the physical talent they have and pursue greatness. I want coaches who recruit the best players they can to the university and teach them to be responsibly men. I want coaches that teach the extremely fine points of playing football that go beyond basic.

Ask any coach out there and they do not want to face a well prepared physical team that just grinds you into submission. One that is prepared mentally for the ups and downs and can overcome the bad days and bad games. One that has complete confidence in themselves while not boastful, one that gets every ounce of strength they can on each play, one that is relentless in their goals for success. Those teams will kill you faster than anything.

So all of that running whatever you want but the foundation is going to make your team and if you have a weakness in any part of the system it will show up. The game is so complex and the playing field so much more even, your mistakes will be exposed.

As for Dabo, he has been criticized plenty at Clemson in the past. He is an outspoken Christian for one thing and some people do not like that.

I think identity for all of the top teams right now is the ability to run the ball. I am not sure how important that is at the pro level but at the college level the top teams almost always run the ball at least 60% of the time. This just isn't about the 90's but seeing what fundamentally works today. If our game plan looks like the bowl game...I'm pleased. That night we had an identity. The rest of the season...not so much.

 

[TruHusker]

I think identity for all of the top teams right now is the ability to run the ball. I am not sure how important that is at the pro level but at the college level the top teams almost always run the ball at least 60% of the time. This just isn't about the 90's but seeing what fundamentally works today. If our game plan looks like the bowl game...I'm pleased. That night we had an identity. The rest of the season...not so much.

I bet if you ask the coaches that is not what they would say. Running the ball is the outcome of what they are teaching. That is my point. You don't just decide you are going to run the ball and go out and do it. You decide you are going to be a better, more prepared, more physical football team and coach the tiniest of details and get the most juice out of every person. Then you run the ball or do whatever you want to do on O and D.

 

[HuskerTimOmaha]

I thik the biggest difference is Dabo went out and hired top-notch, proven coordinators like Venables and Chad Morris. Bo and Riley hired their buddies.

I'm not giving up on Langsdorf or Banker by any means, but if we continue to struggle the next couple years, will Riley be willing to make the tough staff decisions? Many in Oregon believe Riley left because of his extreme loyalty to his staff.

Morris wasn't hired till 2011, Dabo's third year. Venables wasn't hired till 2012, Dabo's fourth season. And Venables was catching A TON of heat in Norman...

The Manning family approves of Langsdorf, as did Coughlin, although as a QB coach, but he's just a buddy of Riley's as an OC at Nebraska to some Husker fan. Can't make this sh1t up, wow.

 

[HuskerTimOmaha]

Forgot, Dabo hired Kevin Steele as his DC.



And his OC, anyone?!? Hint, he hasn't been an OC since, currently a position coach at Bama.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

Morris wasn't hired till 2011, Dabo's third year. Venables wasn't hired till 2012, Dabo's fourth season. And Venables was catching A TON of heat in Norman...

The Manning family approves of Langsdorf, as did Coughlin, although as a QB coach, but he's just a buddy of Riley's as an OC at Nebraska to some Husker fan. Can't make this sh1t up, wow.

The last time Langs was asked to call plays the fans got so frustrated that he was then asked to stop calling plays.

 

[RedSea]

If you win a lot, you acquire an identity. Your identity is whatever you've been doing when you were winning so much.

 

[Husker.Wed.]

If you take a step back and look at the ebbs and flows here, it is interesting, if not predictable. The tribe who didn't like the Riley hire had a jubilee after Purdue, took a break after MSU, were just getting fired up after Iowa, then chilled after the bowl game. The tribe was sharpening the tomahawks when our recruiting class was 38, backed off yesterday, and have now come back with we won't win championships, this is a Pelini class, we went with plan Bs and Cs, the class is a D or F, HCMR hired his buddies, etc.

I was disappointed there wasn't a national coaching search and was surprised at the Riley hire. However, he's not going anywhere for a while, the staff seems to be desperately trying, and I plan to give him the same chance I gave the three before him (3-4 years). Does this class have me with a huge smile on my face and a spring in my step? No. But it doesn't have me worried either, and I see a lot of potential in ALL the guys we got. I agree, it is going to be a LONG offseason.

 

[Harry Caray]

The Manning family approves of Langsdorf, as did Coughlin, although as a QB coach, but he's just a buddy of Riley's as an OC at Nebraska to some Husker fan. Can't make this sh1t up, wow.

You do realize Riley had to take over the playcalling duties for Langsdorf in 2012 after the offense started tanking under Langsdorf's playcalling the previous years? Oregon State improved immediately in 2012 after Danny was demoted.

The point I made was that Dabo was willing to fire Steele and Napier and bring in more proven coordinators to elevate the program. Bo was not willing to do that here, and Riley was not willing to do that at Oregon State.

Also pretty sure any coach not named Mike Riley would take Venables or even Steele over Mark Banker any day.