We have pumped an enormous amount of money to make a baby step

[Landomatic]

Let’s look at the top candidates trev supposedly looked at , fickell losing season, LL losing season, Chris kliman struggling 7-8 wins I believe, don’t say Dion he would have been a bad fit here, what I’m saying is nobody is having a great year

You left off Urban. I guess we'll never know what happened there, but given that he was very publicly campaigning for the job, I'll never be convinced we couldn't have had him if we really wanted him.

And Deion would have been a bad fit for who? What does this even mean? There's not a single thing he's done at sCUm that isn't an upgrade to what we got. In some cases, HUGE upgrades. That would have fit just fine.

I do agree with you on the rest. Some of them might be better Xs and Os guys, but I don't think they were moving the needle over Rhule.

Why should it be limited to what Trev looked at? Trev is a dipshit.

And then there's this^ which can't be overstated enough.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Rhule isn’t going anywhere. For better or for worse we are stuck with him.

Get some help in the transfer portal. On to next year.

 

[NikkiSixx]

What is it about the program he is running that you see short term gains and not long term growth?

It certainly can't be wins.

In year one, it was all about running the ball. Do you remember all the fullback talk?

We were told that he was going to bring us back to our roots.

Then he gets Raiola in December '23.. and everything starts changing. Their entire offensive approach changes to cater to this Freshman. Satt had no problems with this, as that guy doesn't like running the football anyway. I'm not sure what Rhule was thinking during the first year, as his OC was not congruent with what he was telling the fans back then.

Now he has some shiny new object and he's off chasing that.. I guess we became a pro style offense? I am not sure what you call it in the first part of year 2.

Then he brings in DH.. who basically runs an Air Raid type of offense.

So, I guess we are going to be geared towards that now?

The word is, Raiola won't transfer.. but what if something like that did happen?

Now you have an identity based on 1 guy who is no longer in the program.

There is no sustainability with that.

It's not sustainable to have a pass happy offense in Nebraska. You can get there, yes.. but not at the highest levels, and you can't maintain that. We don't have the recruiting pools to do that.

What made Nebraska great was the dedication to the run game, teaching big farm kids how to block and getting the best Running Backs in the country. That was sustainable.

Anyway, Rhule has yet to establish any kind of offensive identity by the end of year two. And that tells me he doesn't have any plan. He's just going after whatever new shiny object he can get and then trying to make the best of it. Heck you could pay a lot of people to go about it that way for a lot less money.

 

[Landomatic]

Rhule isn’t going anywhere. For better or for worse we are stuck with him.

Get some help in the transfer portal. On to next year.

Yep. I hate all the "next year is the year" talk and "winning the offseason" as much as anybody, but it really is as simple as what you said. Wash, rinse, repeat

 

[StoneTempleHusker]

In year one, it was all about running the ball. Do you remember all the fullback talk?

We were told that he was going to bring us back to our roots.

Then he gets Raiola in December '23.. and everything starts changing. Their entire offensive approach changes to cater to this Freshman. Satt had no problems with this, as that guy doesn't like running the football anyway. I'm not sure what Rhule was thinking during the first year, as his OC was not congruent with what he was telling the fans back then.

Now he has some shiny new object and he's off chasing that.. I guess we became a pro style offense? I am not sure what you call it in the first part of year 2.

Then he brings in DH.. who basically runs an Air Raid type of offense.

So, I guess we are going to be geared towards that now?

The word is, Raiola won't transfer.. but what if something like that did happen?

Now you have an identity based on 1 guy who is no longer in the program.

There is no sustainability with that.

It's not sustainable to have a pass happy offense in Nebraska. You can get there, yes.. but not at the highest levels, and you can't maintain that. We don't have the recruiting pools to do that.

What made Nebraska great was the dedication to the run game, teaching big farm kids how to block and getting the best Running Backs in the country. That was sustainable.

Anyway, Rhule has yet to establish any kind of offensive identity by the end of year two. And that tells me he doesn't have any plan. He's just going after whatever new shiny object he can get and then trying to make the best of it. Heck you could pay a lot of people to go about it that way for a lot less money.

So rumors and innuendo is what controls all your thoughts about the Husker football program.

Amazing.

 

[NikkiSixx]

So rumors and innuendo is what controls all your thoughts about the Husker football program.

Amazing.

huh? what rumors and what innuendo are you talking about?

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Yep. I hate all the "next year is the year" talk and "winning the offseason" as much as anybody, but it really is as simple as what you said. Wash, rinse, repeat

I fear it will indeed be wash, rinse, repeat. In year 2 all the same issues were there. We were able to claw out one more win than last year thanks to a truly awful Wisconsin team. But in reality there was zero progress. The blow out loss to Indiana was inexcusable, and losing to Iowa after outplaying them the whole game is just one more indication that no progress has been made.

We will again have a good offseason. We will sign a good class of recruits. We will no doubt sign some decent transfer portal guys. But maybe not many given the new 105 roster limits. Hopefully we keep Holgorsen. But if all the other coaches return then we will most likely be, once again, the most talented 6-6 team in America.

But what the heck. It is just a game and hope springs eternal. Here’s hoping Rhule turns this around.

 

[NikkiSixx]

I fear it will indeed be wash, rinse, repeat. In year 2 all the same issues were there. We were able to claw out one more win than last year thanks to a truly awful Wisconsin team. But in reality there was zero progress. The blow out loss to Indiana was inexcusable, and losing to Iowa after outplaying them the whole game is just one more indication that no progress has been made.

We will again have a good offseason. We will sign a good class of recruits. We will no doubt sign some decent transfer portal guys. But maybe not many given the new 105 roster limits. Hopefully we keep Holgorsen. But if all the other coaches return then we will most likely be, once again, the most talented 6-6 team in America.

But what the heck. It is just a game and hope springs eternal. Here’s hoping Rhule turns this around.

yeah, I think people just want to be positive looking forward.. totally get that. I hope we get more action and accountability and less words in 25.

 

[HuskerOH]

why? because from what I see, Rhule talks out both sides of his mouth. I never liked the hire, and while I liked all his fullback and running talk in year 1, it was just bs.. he get's 1 five star and decides to re-tool everything around this guy, and it isn't the long term approach to build an identity or a program, so to me, the guy already showed his colors.. he is a failure and won't build any long term success here.

But I also understand the people who go on about the huge buyout and all.. and they are right too.. we can't afford to re-do all this.

But if he decides he doesn't like the husker fan base looking deep up his rectum every day, he can find himself an easy exit, and we can start over and look for someone ultra competitive who actually wants to win and win big. Those guys are out there if you decide that is what you want for a football coach.

The current clown was hired by Ted Carter.. I still wonder how such a decorated Naval officer makes such a tragically bad hire of a guy who doesn't know how to lead.

Quick question...

Do you like the rushing since DH has taken over? It appears the effective passing he calls is opening up the run game and allowing the O-Line to get into a rhythm running the ball. Rushing is more than handing the ball off and hoping for the best as Satt does. DH is demanding results and if you don't produce, you can watch from the sideline.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Quick question...

Do you like the rushing since DH has taken over? It appears the effective passing he calls is opening up the run game and allowing the O-Line to get into a rhythm running the ball. Rushing is more than handing the ball off and hoping for the best as Satt does. DH is demanding results and if you don't produce, you can watch from the sideline.

Oh I think he has improved the rushing game, but we are still a pass first offense. I think he is also better at playcalling than the last guy. I agree that Satt doesn't really know how to do the running game. I also like how he is holding everyone on the offense accountable.. He's a big improvement. Hopefully we can hold on to him, but not sure how long term the DH solution is good for.

 

[Dean Pope]

OOC - Houston Baptist (FCS), Akron and Cincinnati (at Arrowhead?)

Easy games - Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan State,

Nebraska should be 7-0 in these games.

Moderate- Michigan, Iowa, USC, UCLA

Nebraska should win 2 of 4

Difficult- at Penn State... also winnable.

If we swap teams with Ohio State, then yes, Minnesota will be a easy win and Penn State is the only difficult game.

 

[StoneTempleHusker]

I fear it will indeed be wash, rinse, repeat. In year 2 all the same issues were there. We were able to claw out one more win than last year thanks to a truly awful Wisconsin team. But in reality there was zero progress. The blow out loss to Indiana was inexcusable, and losing to Iowa after outplaying them the whole game is just one more indication that no progress has been made.

We will again have a good offseason. We will sign a good class of recruits. We will no doubt sign some decent transfer portal guys. But maybe not many given the new 105 roster limits. Hopefully we keep Holgorsen. But if all the other coaches return then we will most likely be, once again, the most talented 6-6 team in America.

But what the heck. It is just a game and hope springs eternal. Here’s hoping Rhule turns this around.

The wall of text people with very low IQs have taken over.

Most likely Iowa fans.

 

[Dean Pope]

Quick question...

Do you like the rushing since DH has taken over? It appears the effective passing he calls is opening up the run game and allowing the O-Line to get into a rhythm running the ball. Rushing is more than handing the ball off and hoping for the best as Satt does. DH is demanding results and if you don't produce, you can watch from the sideline.

I love the rushing over the past three games. We've especially done well with the simple under center & handoff with the RB hitting the line quickly. I hope DH keeps that next year. Hopefully, we also keep some I formation with a fullback. I also love the two back set next to Raiola when we are in the gun. It puts a 2nd running threat in the backfield. All in all, DH has done a great job with the limited time he has had to work with. With all of that said, I know DH is all about simplicity leading to better execution so I won't be surprised if he eliminates some of the Satt stuff he used this month.

Side note: And man, do I hate these teams that cannot go under center in short yardage situations. I saw a game again yesterday-- 3rd and goal from the one. Shot gun, handoff to a back who is standing still when he gets the ball. An outside LB had time to get all the way into the backfield and make a tackle for a three yard loss.

 

[Zeke2005]

Klieman coaches circles around Rhule.

Yet this year he only has a couple more wins

 

[Zeke2005]

OOC - Houston Baptist (FCS), Akron and Cincinnati (at Arrowhead?)

Easy games - Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan State,

Nebraska should be 7-0 in these games.

Moderate- Michigan, Iowa, USC, UCLA

Nebraska should win 2 of 4

Difficult- at Penn State... also winnable.

Your easy games, Minnesota and Michigan State and northwestern are anything but easy. Are they good teams? No, Do they beat us at least half the time? Yes

 

[Zeke2005]

it's absolutely possible.. Matt has to take a very hard look at the position coaches. We need an infusion of talent at certain positions including special teams. Feel a bit like a broken record here, but he really has to start addressing things. How do you feel about the prospects long term though? Is the Rhule culture, identity, recruiting etc sustainable?

I think having a winning season is sustainable.

 

[Dean Pope]

But if all the other coaches return then we will most likely be, once again, the most talented 6-6 team in America.

You say that as if it should be accepted as an obvious fact. USC, Oklahoma, North Carolina, probably Washington are perceived as having more talent than we do. Michigan went 7-5 and they are loaded with talent- they will have four players invited to the draft for Day one. There are teams with losing records that probably have more talent than we do as well. We have some good players and some guys who play their ass off. But we've got other guys who look like they should be good, but do not play well on Saturdays (or Fridays).

 

[NikkiSixx]

You say that as if it should be accepted as an obvious fact. USC, Oklahoma, North Carolina, probably Washington are perceived as having more talent than we do. Michigan went 7-5 and they are loaded with talent- they will have four players invited to the draft for Day one. There are teams with losing records that probably have more talent than we do as well. We have some good players and some guys who play their ass off. But we've got other guys who look like they should be good, but do not play well on Saturdays (or Fridays).

You say that as if you want Satt back being the OC?

There is a definition of insanity.. which is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

 

[Dean Pope]

You say that as if you want Satt back being the OC?

There is a definition of insanity.. which is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

My post had nothing to do with the former OC. I was referring to the comment that we're the "most talented 6-6 team" as if that is a given. Not only is that not a given, most people in the know, possibly all, would say that it isn't even true.

 

[NikkiSixx]

My post had nothing to do with the former OC. I was referring to the comment that we're the "most talented 6-6 team" as if that is a given. Not only is that not a given, most people in the know, possibly all, would say that it isn't even true.

That part you quoted above was in context to "if all the other coaches return.."

 

[Dean Pope]

That part you quoted above was in context to "if all the other coaches return.."

Yeah, I wasn't speaking toward that part. There's no way Satt comes back as OC. I think the only way we see all of the coaches return is if the coordinators insist on it. I think realistically half of the coaches could move on for one reason or another.

 

[HuskerOH]

Oh I think he has improved the rushing game, but we are still a pass first offense. I think he is also better at playcalling than the last guy. I agree that Satt doesn't really know how to do the running game. I also like how he is holding everyone on the offense accountable.. He's a big improvement. Hopefully we can hold on to him, but not sure how long term the DH solution is good for.

I am not sure if a run-first offense can work in a Power 4 conference. I know it can work in the G5 because they can get the big uglies to over power the smaller D-Lines they face. I think a 55-45 quick pass to run is needed and occasionally take the top off the defense long ball with an accurate QB is the best offense to run in today's college football.

When you had the normal conferences of 10-12 teams, you could have the run-heavy offense because it was typically the Big 2 little whatever teams, and you could stockpile the O-line. Today, with 20 team conferences, they are 4-6 top teams and the remaining looking for scraps. It is almost impossible to run the table. When the 6-7 year Covid players (Roark, Gabriel to mention 2) are graduated, you will see more sanity return to the field of play and not have QBs who massacre defenses with precision passing. It is important to be balanced, but also have a quick pass offense who can run it when necessary. You need the quick passes to compliment the run.

I do miss the days of the road grater offenses instilling their will on the defense. I think those days are gone in the Power 4 conferences as long as they are as large as they are. I think DH is installing the proper offense as long DR plays within the system and stops holding on to the ball.

 

[The_Man_Behind_The_Man]

Money definitely hasn’t been well spent. Need to spend money on real football dudes that are proven winners on the field!

 

[NikkiSixx]

I am not sure if a run-first offense can work in a Power 4 conference. I know it can work in the G5 because they can get the big uglies to over power the smaller D-Lines they face. I think a 55-45 quick pass to run is needed and occasionally take the top off the defense long ball with an accurate QB is the best offense to run in today's college football.

When you had the normal conferences of 10-12 teams, you could have the run-heavy offense because it was typically the Big 2 little whatever teams, and you could stockpile the O-line. Today, with 20 team conferences, they are 4-6 top teams and the remaining looking for scraps. It is almost impossible to run the table. When the 6-7 year Covid players (Roark, Gabriel to mention 2) are graduated, you will see more sanity return to the field of play and not have QBs who massacre defenses with precision passing. It is important to be balanced, but also have a quick pass offense who can run it when necessary. You need the quick passes to compliment the run.

I do miss the days of the road grater offenses instilling their will on the defense. I think those days are gone in the Power 4 conferences as long as they are as large as they are. I think DH is installing the proper offense as long DR plays within the system and stops holding on to the ball.

Iowa and Wisconsin both disagree with you. They have been doing old school Nebraska and beating Nebraska, for at least as long as we have been in the Big Ten. We have also seen what it's like this year to have a QB who is not a run threat. The Quick passes to the sideline have produced little value in all the years going back to Mike Riley that I can remember.

 

[st3f0]

Your easy games, Minnesota and Michigan State and northwestern are anything but easy. Are they good teams? No, Do they beat us at least half the time? Yes

If Matt Rhule can't win the easy games in Year 3. Then it's time to move on from him. If he can't beat Penn State, Ohio State, etc - that's perfectly fine. But in Year 3 - he needs to beat the bottom 12 teams in the conference.

He said Year 3 is when they make the big jump and to trust the process. Next year is the when we need to see the results.

 

[HuskerOH]

Iowa and Wisconsin both disagree with you. They have been doing old school Nebraska and beating Nebraska, for at least as long as we have been in the Big Ten. We have also seen what it's like this year to have a QB who is not a run threat. The Quick passes to the sideline have produced little value in all the years going back to Mike Riley that I can remember.

Not sideline or screens, throw those effers in the trash can. Quick slants, behind the LB's. My thought is that is hard to get the proper O-Linemen. Iowa is an example, NU shut down the rushing but Iowa had no QB to pass the ball. (NU gifted them 6 points). Before the bad hire of Fickle, Wiscy had the same problem: when you stuffed the run game, they were dead in the water. You can win 7-8 games this way, but never have a run needed for a Title Game.

The Power 4 conferences are almost identical to the NFL anymore, with top-level talent spread out semi-equally to the top 4-5 schools in each conference. You need something to keep the defenses out of your backfield.

 

[Zeke2005]

If Matt Rhule can't win the easy games in Year 3. Then it's time to move on from him. If he can't beat Penn State, Ohio State, etc - that's perfectly fine. But in Year 3 - he needs to beat the bottom 12 teams in the conference.

He said Year 3 is when they make the big jump and to trust the process. Next year is the when we need to see the results.

I agree we need to win those but I disagree that they are “easy” games.

 

[Sodakred]

If money spent/win mattered, then ASU would probably be national champs this year. They hired a kid for peanuts last year. (And before someone says it, no, I don’t think they would have the same record in the B1G or SEC.)

 

[oldjar07]

I am not sure if a run-first offense can work in a Power 4 conference. I know it can work in the G5 because they can get the big uglies to over power the smaller D-Lines they face. I think a 55-45 quick pass to run is needed and occasionally take the top off the defense long ball with an accurate QB is the best offense to run in today's college football.

When you had the normal conferences of 10-12 teams, you could have the run-heavy offense because it was typically the Big 2 little whatever teams, and you could stockpile the O-line. Today, with 20 team conferences, they are 4-6 top teams and the remaining looking for scraps. It is almost impossible to run the table. When the 6-7 year Covid players (Roark, Gabriel to mention 2) are graduated, you will see more sanity return to the field of play and not have QBs who massacre defenses with precision passing. It is important to be balanced, but also have a quick pass offense who can run it when necessary. You need the quick passes to compliment the run.

I do miss the days of the road grater offenses instilling their will on the defense. I think those days are gone in the Power 4 conferences as long as they are as large as they are. I think DH is installing the proper offense as long DR plays within the system and stops holding on to the ball.

I fully agree. A run dominant offense isn't going to turn the corner unless there is plenty of flair to go along with it. Michigan was able to install it recently, but they were also an extremely disciplined and well-coached running team under Harbaugh. The other option is going back to the option, which as much as I'd love to see it, isn't going to happen. We don't have the personnel grouping or coaching to have major success with a run-oriented offense.

 

[oldjar07]

Iowa and Wisconsin both disagree with you. They have been doing old school Nebraska and beating Nebraska, for at least as long as we have been in the Big Ten. We have also seen what it's like this year to have a QB who is not a run threat. The Quick passes to the sideline have produced little value in all the years going back to Mike Riley that I can remember.

We should be aiming the ceiling much higher than Iowa or Wisconsin.