Was this season a loss?

[HuskerOH]

This team is in "tweeener stage" right now. Half BP and half MR.

All things considered it was not a loss, but somewhat of surprise. Starting off 7-0 was a thrill, but we all knew the bubble would burst and reality would settle in. It did in an alarming way. Went toe to toe with Wiscy and lost a heart breaker in OT. Will not go into the OSU debacle but this is what happens when you have holes that are easy to expose.

The next 2 games went as expected and healed some open wounds and gave a glimmer of hope, but everyone knew if TA was not 100% it would not end well. TA was about 75%, and so was the rest of team for the last game. When the Bowl games comes along, TA will be 100% and so will the rest of the team, and we will see a completely different team.

There is simply not enough depth in key positions to stay up with the big dogs right now. It may be another 2 years before that occurs, but at least the depth will be better next year if the QB goes down. Everyone knew but did not want to accept the fact that this team would only go as far as TA would take them. TA has a lot of "holes" in his game and were always exploited by the defenses that beat him.

Had this team started 5-2 and finished 9-3 there would be a different voice screaming about this team. There is only one loss that I did not anticipate and that was Iowa. If TA was 100% would it have changed anything? Don't know. My concern for this situation was the fact there was no back up QB was better than a 75% TA.

My answer to the original question is.... No. I think the ship is heading in the right direction and 9-3 is an acceptable record for this year. For next year? I don't know because I'm to lazy to look at the schedule. But when you consider "all" the key games for Nebraska this year were on the road, the ugly usually surfaces in these situations.

Time to get ready for next year and start the Bowl Game practices. This is the foundation for next year and dreams of as brighter future...

 

[GBRhuskers]

Not for me. It did leave a sour taste though, I'm more interested in bowl game prep to see how the youngsters do with a lot more reps. Extremely important time for Foster, Raridon, Wilson, Farniok and pending Conrad's injury.

This is basically another fall camp, minus the install. There's also zero pressure from a depth chart standpoint. Development time, first one in 14 weeks.

 

[scarletred]

3 of the 4 toughest games were on the road and beaten soundly by two of them...

I Predicted 9-3 before the season but not the blow out losses that was the biggest disappointment for me.

 

[HBK4life]

Not for me. It did leave a sour taste though, I'm more interested in bowl game prep to see how the youngsters do with a lot more reps. Extremely important time for Foster, Raridon, Wilson, Farniok and pending Conrad's injury.

This is basically another fall camp, minus the install. There's also zero pressure from a depth chart standpoint. Development time, first one in 14 weeks.

Agreed, I will miss these seniors especially Westy and Gerry. Tommy was a tough SOB but I really, really wanna see what this offense can do with a true dropback QB. How many of our games wouldn't have even been close if our QB went through his progressions and hit the open WR?? Or TE? Or RB? Think about it. We are rebuilding the depth on both lines that was depleted by Bo's regime. Idiots with pitchforks and torches after a 9-3 season in year 2 need to go back to licking the glass on the short bus where they belong. We will be just fine. GBR

 

[Archie Graham]

No. This is what I expected. Iowa was the toughest pill to swallow.

 

[elomb3376]

No just a really sh#t way for the regular season to end.

 

[jdrpbill]

I think this year was just a step sideways, we may lack depth but I didn't see much improvement from the start to f the year to the end. The blowouts are definitely a huge concern. I think Coach Riley has put himself in a situation where year 3 could eventually decide his fate. No more excuses no more it's Bo's fault. He doesn't have to be a top 10 team yet but I believe we have to see major improvement in all around coaching.

 

[KingBlackshirt]

Not a loss at all. Back to our usual average season performance

 

[Frozone]

This team is in "tweeener stage" right now. Half BP and half MR.

All things considered it was not a loss, but somewhat of surprise. Starting off 7-0 was a thrill, but we all knew the bubble would burst and reality would settle in. It did in an alarming way. Went toe to toe with Wiscy and lost a heart breaker in OT. Will not go into the OSU debacle but this is what happens when you have holes that are easy to expose.

The next 2 games went as expected and healed some open wounds and gave a glimmer of hope, but everyone knew if TA was not 100% it would not end well. TA was about 75%, and so was the rest of team for the last game. When the Bowl games comes along, TA will be 100% and so will the rest of the team, and we will see a completely different team.

There is simply not enough depth in key positions to stay up with the big dogs right now. It may be another 2 years before that occurs, but at least the depth will be better next year if the QB goes down. Everyone knew but did not want to accept the fact that this team would only go as far as TA would take them. TA has a lot of "holes" in his game and were always exploited by the defenses that beat him.

Had this team started 5-2 and finished 9-3 there would be a different voice screaming about this team. There is only one loss that I did not anticipate and that was Iowa. If TA was 100% would it have changed anything? Don't know. My concern for this situation was the fact there was no back up QB was better than a 75% TA.

My answer to the original question is.... No. I think the ship is heading in the right direction and 9-3 is an acceptable record for this year. For next year? I don't know because I'm to lazy to look at the schedule. But when you consider "all" the key games for Nebraska this year were on the road, the ugly usually surfaces in these situations.

Time to get ready for next year and start the Bowl Game practices. This is the foundation for next year and dreams of as brighter future...

Not a loss. I don't think this team is even as good as its 9-3 record. This is basically a 6 or 7 win team that overachieved, and coaching was a big part of that. Let's see what happens when HCMR gets his recruits in here and has a quarterback who can run his system (of course, that's assuming that he makes the necessary change(s) in his assistant coaching staff after the season ends).

 

[jflores]

Not for me. It did leave a sour taste though, I'm more interested in bowl game prep to see how the youngsters do with a lot more reps. Extremely important time for Foster, Raridon, Wilson, Farniok and pending Conrad's injury.

This is basically another fall camp, minus the install. There's also zero pressure from a depth chart standpoint. Development time, first one in 14 weeks.

I'm with GBR here. We'd have taken 9-3 in a heartbeat if you could have guaranteed it over the summer. Got a little bit ahead of ourselves thinking of "the possibilities" when 7-0 came along, but eeking out a bunch of tough wins over the year put the probabilities of us doing anything "special" extremely low. Especially when combined with injuries.

I'm looking forward to next season as well, it may well be about the same wins wise, but I'm excited to see the young guys and the new style QB's take the field. And perhaps we can come out the West div champs.

For me, the major change is Bruce Read must go.

 

[timnsun]

As much as some want to clean house right now, what good will that do? Rather than helping matters, it will cripple this team beyond recognition. Even firing Riley and company to bring in Herman would be a huge risk in my opinion... Now this needs to play out for another year or two...

Changes to staff can happen, and it could be argued very easily, should happen. People need to understand we are talking about THIS year. 9-3 is good for me. We can't continue to turn in 9-3 forever, but for this year, I am good with it. This season was not a loss. Lots of good things happened, now it's time for the coaches to go in and correct the bad things that have happened. Will they do that? It remains to be seen... But judging by recent history, they will address what needs to be addressed and fix it. What were our issues last year?

Here are some of them...
Turnover margin - 2015, we were 117th at -.92 per game. 2016, we were 30th at .42 per game.
Penalties - 2015 - 109th at 7.23 penalties per game. 2016, 48th at 5.67 penalties per game.
Defense - 2015 - Total Defense 64th, 400 yards per game. 2016, Total Defense 22nd, giving up 350 yards per game.
Passing Defense - 2015, 121st, 290 yards per game given up. 2016, 40th, giving up 210 yards per game.
Closing out games - 2015, we lost 4 games in final minute of the game where we had the lead or were tied... 2016, lost 1 game in final minute (OT) where we were tied. We closed out games much better this year than last year.

I know, stats can be used to prove a point and don't mean a ton, but these things were the most complained about last season by EVERYONE. And we showed marked improvement in all of these categories. I have to believe that the coaches will look at what needs fixing for next year and focus on that as well.

We regressed in some stats as well, most notably, anything to do with ST. Offensively we also struggled more this year scoring. Injuries and lack of depth will do that to you.

 

[NU9920]

Not a loss at all. Back to our usual average season performance

Depends on how the players-coaches finish enticing great players to sign in this recruiting class. The existing roster has a great need for significant talent upgrades if that does not happen then this season is disappointing

 

[HBK4life]

As much as some want to clean house right now, what good will that do? Rather than helping matters, it will cripple this team beyond recognition. Even firing Riley and company to bring in Herman would be a huge risk in my opinion... Now this needs to play out for another year or two...

Changes to staff can happen, and it could be argued very easily, should happen. People need to understand we are talking about THIS year. 9-3 is good for me. We can't continue to turn in 9-3 forever, but for this year, I am good with it. This season was not a loss. Lots of good things happened, now it's time for the coaches to go in and correct the bad things that have happened. Will they do that? It remains to be seen... But judging by recent history, they will address what needs to be addressed and fix it. What were our issues last year?

Here are some of them...
Turnover margin - 2015, we were 117th at -.92 per game. 2016, we were 30th at .42 per game.
Penalties - 2015 - 109th at 7.23 penalties per game. 2016, 48th at 5.67 penalties per game.
Defense - 2015 - Total Defense 64th, 400 yards per game. 2016, Total Defense 22nd, giving up 350 yards per game.
Passing Defense - 2015, 121st, 290 yards per game given up. 2016, 40th, giving up 210 yards per game.
Closing out games - 2015, we lost 4 games in final minute of the game where we had the lead or were tied... 2016, lost 1 game in final minute (OT) where we were tied. We closed out games much better this year than last year.

I know, stats can be used to prove a point and don't mean a ton, but these things were the most complained about last season by EVERYONE. And we showed marked improvement in all of these categories. I have to believe that the coaches will look at what needs fixing for next year and focus on that as well.

We regressed in some stats as well, most notably, anything to do with ST. Offensively we also struggled more this year scoring. Injuries and lack of depth will do that to you.

Good stats, another is we improved on sacks this year after losing 4 of our D lineman before the season started.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

As much as some want to clean house right now, what good will that do? Rather than helping matters, it will cripple this team beyond recognition. Even firing Riley and company to bring in Herman would be a huge risk in my opinion... Now this needs to play out for another year or two...

Changes to staff can happen, and it could be argued very easily, should happen. People need to understand we are talking about THIS year. 9-3 is good for me. We can't continue to turn in 9-3 forever, but for this year, I am good with it. This season was not a loss. Lots of good things happened, now it's time for the coaches to go in and correct the bad things that have happened. Will they do that? It remains to be seen... But judging by recent history, they will address what needs to be addressed and fix it. What were our issues last year?

Here are some of them...
Turnover margin - 2015, we were 117th at -.92 per game. 2016, we were 30th at .42 per game.
Penalties - 2015 - 109th at 7.23 penalties per game. 2016, 48th at 5.67 penalties per game.
Defense - 2015 - Total Defense 64th, 400 yards per game. 2016, Total Defense 22nd, giving up 350 yards per game.
Passing Defense - 2015, 121st, 290 yards per game given up. 2016, 40th, giving up 210 yards per game.
Closing out games - 2015, we lost 4 games in final minute of the game where we had the lead or were tied... 2016, lost 1 game in final minute (OT) where we were tied. We closed out games much better this year than last year.

I know, stats can be used to prove a point and don't mean a ton, but these things were the most complained about last season by EVERYONE. And we showed marked improvement in all of these categories. I have to believe that the coaches will look at what needs fixing for next year and focus on that as well.

We regressed in some stats as well, most notably, anything to do with ST. Offensively we also struggled more this year scoring. Injuries and lack of depth will do that to you.

This is why I can't believe anybody can say with a straight face that they didn't see improvement from last year to this year. The fact we won games this year that we lost last year is improvement enough, and there's even more when you go into the numbers. People spent all last year lamenting our inability to close out games, and now that we did it this year, they act like it's no big deal. Of course there is a lot more we can improve on-just because some of us are at least satisfied with where we are at this year doesn't mean we think we've arrived and there isn't more to be done.

 

[jlb321]

This is why I can't believe anybody can say with a straight face that they didn't see improvement from last year to this year. The fact we won games this year that we lost last year is improvement enough, and there's even more when you go into the numbers. People spent all last year lamenting our inability to close out games, and now that we did it this year, they act like it's no big deal. Of course there is a lot more we can improve on-just because some of us are at least satisfied with where we are at this year doesn't mean we think we've arrived and there isn't more to be done.

absolutely saw improvement ... but still have a long ways too go

which is why it amazed me when the true husker fans would scream down anyone who wanted to discuss the deficiencies that have been on display all year ....9-3 is good ... but zero quality wins and shouldn't even have bothered to cross the state line for yesterdays game puts a bit of a damper on things

we finished 3rd in the BIG West and were the 6th best team in the BIG .. extremely average

I fully support this staff but I'm not going to manufacture a bunch of false praise for beating a bunch of stiffs, getting taken behind the woodshed by Iowa, and a 6th place finish in the BIG

 

[jawbreakingsafetyplay]

This team is in "tweeener stage" right now. Half BP and half MR.

All things considered it was not a loss, but somewhat of surprise. Starting off 7-0 was a thrill, but we all knew the bubble would burst and reality would settle in. It did in an alarming way. Went toe to toe with Wiscy and lost a heart breaker in OT. Will not go into the OSU debacle but this is what happens when you have holes that are easy to expose.

The next 2 games went as expected and healed some open wounds and gave a glimmer of hope, but everyone knew if TA was not 100% it would not end well. TA was about 75%, and so was the rest of team for the last game. When the Bowl games comes along, TA will be 100% and so will the rest of the team, and we will see a completely different team.

There is simply not enough depth in key positions to stay up with the big dogs right now. It may be another 2 years before that occurs, but at least the depth will be better next year if the QB goes down. Everyone knew but did not want to accept the fact that this team would only go as far as TA would take them. TA has a lot of "holes" in his game and were always exploited by the defenses that beat him.

Had this team started 5-2 and finished 9-3 there would be a different voice screaming about this team. There is only one loss that I did not anticipate and that was Iowa. If TA was 100% would it have changed anything? Don't know. My concern for this situation was the fact there was no back up QB was better than a 75% TA.

My answer to the original question is.... No. I think the ship is heading in the right direction and 9-3 is an acceptable record for this year. For next year? I don't know because I'm to lazy to look at the schedule. But when you consider "all" the key games for Nebraska this year were on the road, the ugly usually surfaces in these situations.

Time to get ready for next year and start the Bowl Game practices. This is the foundation for next year and dreams of as brighter future...

No, the season was not a loss.

 

[RedSea]

No. This is what I expected. Iowa was the toughest pill to swallow.

This. I expected 3-4 losses this season. I didn't expect to lose to Iowa though, not by that margin. And I didn't expect to lose by so much to OSU. So I guess overall, with regard to the coaches, I would grade the season as "adequate progress."

 

[bigboxes]

No. I always want to win them all. However, at the beginning of the season everyone on this board would love 9-wins with the possibility of 10. I predicted 8-4/9-3. I hate the blowouts, but I understand the deficiencies this team possesses. The team is building depth, recruiting looks up and those players remaining have bought in. I'm looking forward to Year 3.

 

[jmliehr]

My answer to the original question is.... No. I think the ship is heading in the right direction and 9-3 is an acceptable record for this year. For next year? I don't know because I'm to lazy to look at the schedule. But when you consider "all" the key games for Nebraska this year were on the road, the ugly usually surfaces in these situations.

Time to get ready for next year and start the Bowl Game practices. This is the foundation for next year and dreams of as brighter future...

The key 6 games next year

@ Oregon
Wisconsin
Ohio State
@Minnesota
@Penn State
Iowa

Big concerns for next year, receiver group, nobody proven beyond DPE and Morgan, TE is a wasteland. We lose 5 of our top 6 receivers and our top 2 QB's. As bad as the passing game was the past few years, there is no proof that it will be better next year. We'll be counting heavily on young, unproven (but talented) WR's. Finding a transfer/juco TE that can start will be key.

D-Line and LB's are also concerns, we have to get better at the safety position. What was a strength through the first 8 games suddenly reverted into a problem down the stretch at the safety position. Luckily there is some excellent potential in the secondary, but will we see the Williams back there next year over younger, more talented players?

 

[cubsker]

I saw some improvement - turnovers (both creating on D and limiting them on O) and defense in general for the most part. However, the offense is worse than it was 2 years ago and special teams is just an abomination outside of Drew Brown. If I have to watch DPE catch another punt with no one on our team near him while 4 opponents surround him one more time, I'm probably going to kill a penguin.

 

[HBK4life]

Good stats, another is we improved on sacks this year after losing 4 of our D lineman before the season started.

Another fun fact. First time since 1995 NU has gone 3 straight games without a turnover.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

Another fun fact. First time since 1995 NU has gone 3 straight games without a turnover.

I saw that. Very impressive. Not even the 1997 National Championship team accomplished that. For a team that turned the ball over a lot last year, that is quite the turnaround.

 

[HuskAir]

Another fun fact. First time since 1995 NU has gone 3 straight games without a turnover.

I can imagine the conversation now...

"Tommy, whatever you do, don't underthrow your WRs.... or the coverage"

When your QB doesn't even put the ball in the same realm as players, it won't get intercepted. We did well to hold onto the ball though.

 

[jeans15]

No..we are back to where we started...with a chance to get 10 wins and only 3 losses.

Next year. I expect to win the division.

We have a lot returning on defense and 4 out of 5 starters on the Oline with experience at RB.

And supposedly a Veteran QB that has been able to learn our system for a year.

 

[jlb321]

Another fun fact. First time since 1995 NU has gone 3 straight games without a turnover.

I saw that. Very impressive. Not even the 1997 National Championship team accomplished that. For a team that turned the ball over a lot last year, that is quite the turnaround.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

Is it alright if some of us find some things good to talk about, or are we supposed to just pretend that there isn't anything good about this season? You don't have to celebrate it but you don't have to be a sarcastic a-hole about it either.

 

[HBK4life]

Is it alright if some of us find some things good to talk about, or are we supposed to just pretend that there isn't anything good about this season? You don't have to celebrate it but you don't have to be a sarcastic a-hole about it either.

Agreed, For a team that has only been in the plus column in the turnover department once in the last 10 or so years finishing the season in the plus column is a big improvement.

 

[jlb321]

Is it alright if some of us find some things good to talk about, or are we supposed to just pretend that there isn't anything good about this season? You don't have to celebrate it but you don't have to be a sarcastic a-hole about it either.

sorry I need a little more time after getting woodshedded by Iowa to start manufacturing sunshine

 

[Husker.Wed.]

The loss yesterday sucked no doubt, but very few times this year was I angry. It was a fun year except for the pastings at OSU and yesterday. I am into stats and as Timnsun pointed out, many things were better. I figured we would lose 3 before the season, OSU, and two of IA, WI and MN. I also thought we might lose to Oregon. I didn't let myself get all spun up at 7-0, so I didn't crash as hard as some here when reality struck.

I think the D will be as good or better next year. I think the O will be much better with Lee or POB and some young nastys on the line.

What happens to Read will tell me a lot, and shape how I feel about HCMR. Special teams are so glaringly bad, to not do something would be derelict.

I'm good now, and a bowl win and top 15 class will make me better.

 

[GammaxuvirHusker]

Yes, this season was a loss. Every season under Mike Riley will be a loss. He's a middle-of-the-pack HC who insisted on bringing his mediocre DC and OC with him. The fact that he had to take the play-calling duties away from the OC once before should speak volumes.

Until the school gets serious, replaces the AD, and spends the money to bring in a top tier HC, seasons like this year will likely be the best we can hope for most years.

 

[little a]

This team is in "tweeener stage" right now. Half BP and half MR.

All things considered it was not a loss, but somewhat of surprise. Starting off 7-0 was a thrill, but we all knew the bubble would burst and reality would settle in. It did in an alarming way. Went toe to toe with Wiscy and lost a heart breaker in OT. Will not go into the OSU debacle but this is what happens when you have holes that are easy to expose.

The next 2 games went as expected and healed some open wounds and gave a glimmer of hope, but everyone knew if TA was not 100% it would not end well. TA was about 75%, and so was the rest of team for the last game. When the Bowl games comes along, TA will be 100% and so will the rest of the team, and we will see a completely different team.

There is simply not enough depth in key positions to stay up with the big dogs right now. It may be another 2 years before that occurs, but at least the depth will be better next year if the QB goes down. Everyone knew but did not want to accept the fact that this team would only go as far as TA would take them. TA has a lot of "holes" in his game and were always exploited by the defenses that beat him.

Had this team started 5-2 and finished 9-3 there would be a different voice screaming about this team. There is only one loss that I did not anticipate and that was Iowa. If TA was 100% would it have changed anything? Don't know. My concern for this situation was the fact there was no back up QB was better than a 75% TA.

My answer to the original question is.... No. I think the ship is heading in the right direction and 9-3 is an acceptable record for this year. For next year? I don't know because I'm to lazy to look at the schedule. But when you consider "all" the key games for Nebraska this year were on the road, the ugly usually surfaces in these situations.

Time to get ready for next year and start the Bowl Game practices. This is the foundation for next year and dreams of as brighter future...

Tired of blowouts on the national stage...

 

[jteten]

This season will have no bearing on next season. The recruiting class, weight room, returning talent and preparation will directly influence next season.

 

[HBK4life]

Yes, this season was a loss. Every season under Mike Riley will be a loss. He's a middle-of-the-pack HC who insisted on bringing his mediocre DC and OC with him. The fact that he had to take the play-calling duties away from the OC once before should speak volumes.

Until the school gets serious, replaces the AD, and spends the money to bring in a top tier HC, seasons like this year will likely be the best we can hope for most years.

OK, Let me know who your "top tier" coach will be? And what does replacing the AD have to do with anything??

 

[GammaxuvirHusker]

OK, Let me know who your "top tier" coach will be? And what does replacing the AD have to do with anything??

It all starts at the top. We have an AD who thought it was a good idea to hire a 60-year-old coach who hasn't won anything of significance in his nearly two decades of coaching college football. This hire sent a clear message that our AD is more interested in appearances than in winning championships. He needs to go.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Until the school gets serious, replaces the AD, and spends the money to bring in a top tier HC

We already replaced a cheap AD. We now have one that understands how to build a department, give his coaches what they need and allow them to do their work. They will succeed or fail on their own, it won't be because Shawn Eichorst is cheap, which he isn't.

 

[HBK4life]

It all starts at the top. We have an AD who thought it was a good idea to hire a 60-year-old coach who hasn't won anything of significance in his nearly two decades of coaching college football. This hire sent a clear message that our AD is more interested in appearances than in winning championships. He needs to go.

And your choice a for AD and top tier coach would be.....??

 

[phoenix4nu]

This was probably the exact type of season we would have had under Pelini, and for that reason it was disappointing given that we made a coaching change to improve. I don't think it should be compared to last year, because last year was an anomaly. It will take another 2-3 years before we truly know what we have with Riley. All we can do now is wait and keep our fingers crossed.

 

[GammaxuvirHusker]

This was probably the exact type of season we would have had under Pelini, and for that reason it was disappointing given that we made a coaching change to improve. I don't think it should be compared to last year, because last year was an anomaly. It will take another 2-3 years before we truly know what we have with Riley. All we can do now is wait and keep our fingers crossed.

A quick look at Riley's coaching record would tell you that last year was not an anomaly. In fact, if we win our bowl game, this year will be the anomaly (he's never had a 3-loss or better season in college). A 7-loss season fits right in his typical coaching range.

 

[HBK4life]

A quick look at Riley's coaching record would tell you that last year was not an anomaly. In fact, if we win our bowl game, this year will be the anomaly (he's never had a 3-loss or better season in college). A 7-loss season fits right in his typical coaching range.

Still waiting on your master plan for A.D. and big name coach?? You sound like a politician. You are gonna fix everything but have no plan. Just run your mouth and got nothing to back it up.

 

[nebcountry]

Was this season a loss? No, we won the games we should've won. Was this a good season? No, we were blown out by OhSU and Iowa while looking bad, and we ended up with a peliniesque 9-3 season.

iirc, we are around 0.700 all time. 9 wins ± bowl game keeps us in that vicinity. More or less a holding pattern.

Year 2 is in the books.