We are much closer than ever before and man we've worked harder to prepare

[chicolby]

Every season, we hear about how the team is closer, has more unity, and worked so much harder during the off season to be in better shape than anything they can remember.

Not to be unexpected as everyone is optimistic for a new season and freshly coming off of a lot of gym time.

The proof is in the pudding when a team faces adversity and doesn't wilt under pressure.

The interesting thing is that every year I read these articles about unity and being in better shape, I always believe them and the excitement and optimism rushes back.

 

[ExxHusker]

The optimism and the sense of dread both rush back now.

My gut says Tanner Lee is a smart leader with physical and mental QB skills. Breath of fresh air. And, we have a real defensive coach.

It also tells me the pipeline, kicking game, and pass rush ain't back and the blowouts still haunt me.

 

[phoenix4nu]

Every season, we hear about how the team is closer, has more unity, and worked so much harder during the off season to be in better shape than anything they can remember.

Not to be unexpected as everyone is optimistic for a new season and freshly coming off of a lot of gym time.

The proof is in the pudding when a team faces adversity and doesn't wilt under pressure.

The interesting thing is that every year I read these articles about unity and being in better shape, I always believe them and the excitement and optimism rushes back.

If history has taught us anything, it's that you have to take what the players and coaches say about the team in fall camp with a grain of salt. I'm sure the players and coaches from most teams say basically the same thing - even Rutgers, Illinois, Purdue, etc.

 

[Husker.Wed.]

This year I am going to lose that 30 pounds, my boss will climb off my back, and I will run into some money I didn't expect, maybe from a big raise or the lottery. It is called "hope" and is what makes life bearable for some, and fun for the rest of us.

Do I believe the closer/stronger/faster mantra every year? No. Do I hope it is true? Yes.

 

[bigboxes]

This year I am going to lose that 30 pounds, my boss will climb off my back, and I will run into some money I didn't expect, maybe from a big raise or the lottery. It is called "hope" and is what makes life bearable for some, and fun for the rest of us.

Do I believe the closer/stronger/faster mantra every year? No. Do I hope it is true? Yes.

It's called hope. It's what drives us to keep moving on.

 

[Toms Wife]

If you can't have hope this time of year, you might not be a real fan.

 

[HBK4life]

If you can't have hope this time of year, you might not be a real fan.

Or a real woman..eh Tom??

 

[dockentwo]

The optimism and the sense of dread both rush back now.

My gut says Tanner Lee is a smart leader with physical and mental QB skills. Breath of fresh air. And, we have a real defensive coach.

It also tells me the pipeline, kicking game, and pass rush ain't back and the blowouts still haunt me.

Its going to be fine ! You would not back down if we were on a field - I know it; this group too will march forward - and the pieces are coming together. So much will be better, that weaker spots will be easier to ID and repair. At least 3 great D coaches. Several potential great on the O.

 

[HBK4life]

It's called hope. It's what drives us to keep moving on.

Damn right!! Just ask Andy Dufruene. Get busy living or get busy dying.

 

[huskerfan1414]

Also keep in mind that the players quoted in these articles are usually juniors or seniors. They very well could be working harder than ever before because theyve been in the game, realize what it takes, and see the end of their career is near. Its typical...fresh and soph dont work maybe as hard as they would knowing its their final season and theyre gonna start. If that makes sense. To a small degree i think thats part of why you hear it every year...the players quoted likely are working harder than theyve ever worked because they care more than theyve ever cared.

 

[HBK4life]

My big reasons for optimism. A true passing QB. 3 or 4 of them. A new D system and fiery new D Coord. Talent being brought back to good levels. Most of Bo's boys or guys who didn't buy in. Gone. GBR

 

[swissticuffs]

Same old tune.... no difference makers in the trenches. Not understanding why they can't get the juice flowing again.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

My big reasons for optimism. A true passing QB. 3 or 4 of them. A new D system and fiery new D Coord. Talent being brought back to good levels. Most of Bo's boys or guys who didn't buy in. Gone. GBR

Which means...if it is a crappy season it is on Riley, right?

 

[HBK4life]

Which means...if it is a crappy season it is on Riley, right?

Yes, but what's a crappy season??

 

[timnsun]

Which means...if it is a crappy season it is on Riley, right?

I can almost hear a bit of glee in your voice with these words...

I guess one can hope, right?

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Yes, but what's a crappy season??

A crappy season? More than 4 losses.
4 losses is average
3 losses is really good
2 is great
1 is amazing

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I can almost hear a bit of glee in your voice with these words...

I guess one can hope, right?

Yeah...I either want to know Riley is the answer or not. Don't you?

 

[HBK4life]

A crappy season? More than 4 losses.
4 losses is average
3 losses is really good
2 is great
1 is amazing

Fine with me.

 

[nebcountry]

Which means...if it is a crappy season it is on Riley, right?

Riley gets credit for a crappy season. Just like Riley gets credit for an amazing season.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Riley gets credit for a crappy season. Just like Riley gets credit for an amazing season.

Hell yeah!

 

[huskerdude88]

I'm cautiously optimistic about the year. We still have minimal to no depth and we still can't compete in the trenches with great teams. However, our skill position players are lights out. The season will come down to whether or not we can protect Lee, generate any type of pass rush, and keep ourselves healthy. GBR!

 

[Husker.Wed.]

Damn right!! Just ask Andy Dufruene. Get busy living or get busy dying.

The big question is has our program just crawled through 500 yards of s#$%-smelling foulness and come out clean on the other side, or are we still in the pipe?

 

[timnsun]

Yeah...I either want to know Riley is the answer or not. Don't you?

Sure I do, and yes, I know what you are saying... no more excuses. And I do agree, it's on Riley to produce a winning product on the field.

But I get the sense that some of the explanations for the lack of success 2 years ago and the poor performances in 3 of our losses last year are excuses to you.

Bottom line... no more excuses.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Sure I do, and yes, I know what you are saying... no more excuses. And I do agree, it's on Riley to produce a winning product on the field.

But I get the sense that some of the explanations for the lack of success 2 years ago and the poor performances in 3 of our losses last year are excuses to you.

Bottom line... no more excuses.

Agreed.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

Same old tune.... no difference makers in the trenches. Not understanding why they can't get the juice flowing again.

Yup. Parrella is a bum as well. Can't believe he has got the Stoltenberg kid to buy into the absolute crap these coaches are selling.

 

[swissticuffs]

Yup. Parrella is a bum as well. Can't believe he has got the Stoltenberg kid to buy into the absolute crap these coaches are selling.

I didn't say anything about the coaches.... I'm not seeing any of these guys being great players. Lots of average.

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

I didn't say anything about the coaches.... I'm not seeing any of these guys being great players. Lots of average.

Plenty of talent. Great coaches like we are told Parrella is can get plenty of results. Plus Stoltenberg is from Nebraska, so that makes him better than his peers, and he also is better because he cares more and plays harder than any out-of-state kids

 

[anon_umk0ifu6vj6zi]

I didn't say anything about the coaches.... I'm not seeing any of these guys being great players. Lots of average.

No more excuses... remember? Time for Parrella to be held as accountable as any other coach here.