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How would a win over MSU change the narrative?

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Bay_Area_Husker

Freshman
Sep 3, 2007
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It's not likely that given its recent performance and injuries, Nebraska will beat MSU. But what if?

It's intriguing, and I'm not sure how I would make sense of it. On one hand, a win over a top-ten, undefeated team in November would be something we haven't seen for many years. It would arguably be the program's biggest win since Missouri in 2010 (or Oklahoma in 2001). It would cool down Riley's hot seat a bit and provide a spark of optimism.

On the other hand, a win over MSU would prove that we had the talent to compete in the Big 10 all along this season. In some ways--and I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth--it would make silly losses to Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin all the more aggravating.

The season has had ups and downs and has generated plenty of argumentative pendulum swings. It wouldn't surprise me to see a Husker victory Saturday.

Curious how others think a win over MSU would change or solidify their own season narratives.
 
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suhnami_rivals

Senior
Nov 25, 2009
3,879
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We'd still be under .500. But some people would start hoping we could still make a bowl. Those same people were certain we'd beat Purdue as well.
 
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Nebraska Gator II

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2003
424
163
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Bay_Area_Husker said:
On the other hand, a win over MSU would prove that we had the talent to compete in the Big 10 all along this season. In some ways--and I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth--it would make silly losses to Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin all the more aggravating.
Click to expand...

You can't do anything to erase the 6 losses this year...the past is the past.

A win over MSU would be a huge for this staff. With all the recruits in the stands-it would go along way about getting them excited about the program. The fans could take a sigh of relief-it would show improvement and make the future look a lot better. I think that is all most fans want to see right now, just to show improvement--even if it doesn't result in wins.
 
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huskerssalts

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2014
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I believe a win over MSU would give some fans hope, they see MSU as Bama, OSU or any type of top team. If we come in and beat these guys, without some help in some way, it would be viewed as progression and would show hope. I know we can win this game but i also know we could lose the game as well. It all fall one Tommy, his arm and chooses, Oline and the defense as whole. If we can get good or solid play from all groups, we can win this game, remember last years game was lost on a dropped td pass in the final seconds at MSU house. Its very winnable but we need to be solid all around.
 
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jflores

All-Conference
Feb 3, 2004
8,993
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Well fans swing wildly. You'll probably hear "bowl" talk, you'll probably hear about "lights going on", but then you'll hear lots of cynicism too. Losing a bunch of games and then winning one big one is squarely within his historical MO, so alot of folks on the "fire him now" train, aren't going to take any of the positives too seriously, although they will probably be more than happy to suck up any recruits the win might get us if only for the next staff.

A win over MSU will probably throw a wrench into that national narrative, its hard for haters here in Nebraska to say "he is obviously in over his head and should be fired in Year 1" when Herbstreit goes on Game Day and says "its been a rough year for NU, but the team showed heart all year in some close games and ultimately was rewarded with the biggest win in the last 15 years for the program". It will be interesting to see how it changes the political dynamic with boosters and Regents and so forth if we do win.

The issue generally goes from "can he do it?", to "we've seen him do it, can he do it consistently?". It will add more questions then answers IMO
 
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siegsker

Sophomore
Aug 13, 2010
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It wouldn't. Riley isn't a Nebraska guy and he'd probably win by passing the ball.
 
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nebcountry

Senior
Oct 29, 2013
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If we were to beat MSU there's only one way that I see it, and that it's GOOD. When is win considered bad? It would point to a mess (coaches, transition, players) that was our season up to this time. The verdict would still be out in my mind, one solid win doesn't balance out a crappy season. BUT, it's definitely a move in the right direction.
 
otismotis08

otismotis08

All-Conference
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12,529
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Only temporarily.

MSU doesn't look like a playoff-caliber team this year to me. That said, it would be a strong win but quickly forgotten as the season has already been soiled. Win out, and maybe the seat cools down.
 
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GBR_Atlanta

Junior
Mar 9, 2015
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Oh I think it would get people fired up, especially recruits. I agree with Gator though, you can't erase 6 losses, especially the ones to JV teams like Illinois and Purdue. Right now I'm just looking for improvement, and the coach's willingness to make changes on the roster and staff. Iowa just keeps getting better. Hope we have it together by then.
 
GimmeRed

GimmeRed

All-Conference
Nov 9, 2005
44,127
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Mike Riley will be coaching Nebraska next year if we finish 3-9 or 6-6. I'd much rather have a 7-6 team at the end of the year with a bowl win to build on.

I've pulled for this team since 1968 when I was first old enough to understand what was going on, and I'll damn sure not quit over what I believe to be an incompetent staff.
 
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The_Glove_Man_rivals300278

Senior
Jun 9, 2010
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If Nebraska beats Sparty this weekend...

I will eat a bug.

Bay_Area_Husker said:
It's not likely that given its recent performance and injuries, Nebraska will beat MSU. But what if?

It's intriguing, and I'm not sure how I would make sense of it. On one hand, a win over a top-ten, undefeated team in November would be something we haven't seen for many years. It would arguably be the program's biggest win since Missouri in 2010 (or Oklahoma in 2001). It would cool down Riley's hot seat a bit and provide a spark of optimism.

On the other hand, a win over MSU would prove that we had the talent to compete in the Big 10 all along this season. In some ways--and I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth--it would make silly losses to Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin all the more aggravating.

The season has had ups and downs and has generated plenty of argumentative pendulum swings. It wouldn't surprise me to see a Husker victory Saturday.

Curious how others think a win over MSU would change or solidify their own season narratives.
Click to expand...
 
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SkerInCo

All-Conference
Apr 26, 2004
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It won't. We won't go to a bowl game and most opinions will remain the same.

Riley will not win a conference championship at Nebraska. Ever.
 
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big red23

All-Conference
Dec 15, 2003
9,923
1,107
113
Bay_Area_Husker said:
It's not likely that given its recent performance and injuries, Nebraska will beat MSU. But what if?

It's intriguing, and I'm not sure how I would make sense of it. On one hand, a win over a top-ten, undefeated team in November would be something we haven't seen for many years. It would arguably be the program's biggest win since Missouri in 2010 (or Oklahoma in 2001). It would cool down Riley's hot seat a bit and provide a spark of optimism.

On the other hand, a win over MSU would prove that we had the talent to compete in the Big 10 all along this season. In some ways--and I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth--it would make silly losses to Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin all the more aggravating.

The season has had ups and downs and has generated plenty of argumentative pendulum swings. It wouldn't surprise me to see a Husker victory Saturday.

Curious how others think a win over MSU would change or solidify their own season narratives.
Click to expand...
Haven't read a single post, but I can assure you that a win over Michigan State will not shut the complainers up. They will say "Riley has always been able to beat a high ranked school, but those wins never amounted to anything" <-Guaranteed

There are a few names on here that wouldn't be happy even if we one the National Championship, they enjoy the hell out of complaining! They just enjoy being a pot stirrer and it makes them feel good about themselves.

Tulsa Tom comes to mind when I say that
 
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JohnRossEwing

All-Conference
Jul 4, 2013
11,899
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It will totally change things...
After the Minnesota win the mood was insane!
Heck, after each loss it is a madhouse until about Wednesday when people starting getting positive again.

A win over MSU would be crazy fun
 
o_h3

o_h3

Junior
Oct 6, 2001
772
394
1
Would change everything in my mind. Bo was never able to win a single game that mattered vs a top 10 opponent.
 
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B1G RED RULES

All-Conference
Sep 7, 2013
4,154
1,055
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Bay_Area_Husker said:
It's not likely that given its recent performance and injuries, Nebraska will beat MSU. But what if?

It's intriguing, and I'm not sure how I would make sense of it. On one hand, a win over a top-ten, undefeated team in November would be something we haven't seen for many years. It would arguably be the program's biggest win since Missouri in 2010 (or Oklahoma in 2001). It would cool down Riley's hot seat a bit and provide a spark of optimism.

On the other hand, a win over MSU would prove that we had the talent to compete in the Big 10 all along this season. In some ways--and I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth--it would make silly losses to Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin all the more aggravating.

The season has had ups and downs and has generated plenty of argumentative pendulum swings. It wouldn't surprise me to see a Husker victory Saturday.

Curious how others think a win over MSU would change or solidify their own season narratives.
Click to expand...
Yes - half the board would be stroking it like they were after the Minn win. Some would be perplexed that we were not getting some votes in the latest poll.
 
N

Nebraska Gator II

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2003
424
163
0
Sooner_or_Later said:
Would change everything in my mind. Bo was never able to win a single game that mattered vs a top 10 opponent.
Click to expand...

Wait, you have already completely bought in to Riley, excuse every loss--somebody else's fault ect...so if it changes everything in your mind, does that mean you would become anti-Riley?
 
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Nebraska Gator II

Sophomore
Jan 6, 2003
424
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GBR_Atlanta said:
Oh I think it would get people fired up, especially recruits. I agree with Gator though, you can't erase 6 losses, especially the ones to JV teams like Illinois and Purdue. Right now I'm just looking for improvement, and the coach's willingness to make changes on the roster and staff. Iowa just keeps getting better. Hope we have it together by then.
Click to expand...

I actually didn't state that very well...I went and edited my post.

I actually kind of meant it as, the past is the past--you can't do anything about it now...but it could bring excitement and make the fan base feel more confident that maybe this staff can get it done.
 
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Hoosker Du

All-Conference
Dec 11, 2001
44,018
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I've never really lived my life in hypotheticals. That's why I laugh when people put percentages on the likelihood of kids committing. Maybe that's why I've also always liked documentaries much more than seeing Ironman fly all over hell and back with a nuke in tow.
 
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NikkiSixx_rivals269993

All-Conference
Sep 14, 2013
9,783
2,226
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A win on Saturday does change the narrative, but how much will depend on how the game is actually played. If MSU beats themselves with penalties and turnovers, it doesn't change the narrative quite as much. If we beat them by out playing them and/or out scheming them, then it does move the needle a little more.

We can certainly win this game, and it's now November, so it's time for this team to start playing well in all phases of the game. At this stage of the season, they are out of excuses for not playing as best as they actually can. I think we will see a hard fought game.
 
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bigbadjim990

Sophomore
Nov 7, 2004
2,380
145
0
It would show he actually has some leadership and coaching skills when it matters(game day). It could be a sign of his ability to turn this mess around. I'm doubtful.
 
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