I wish we knew what Riley is really thinking

[chicolby]

The guy has been around football too long to be clueless. Fact of the matter is he knows more about football than any of us on this board.

I wonder what he really thinks (whether right or wrong).

For example, is he thinking "man, I've got a bunch of slow guys on this defense?" or "man, the things I could do if I had an offensive line who could block." or "My QB can't follow my instructions and when he does, he misses open receivers."? Or possibly, "man, my buddy isn't getting it done coaching on the defensive side of things, but I can't possibly let him go."?

Of course, publicly, he can't say these things, but I wonder what's going on in his mind right now.

 

[jflores]

The guy has been around football too long to be clueless. Fact of the matter is he knows more about football than any of us on this board.

I wonder what he really thinks (whether right or wrong).

For example, is he thinking "man, I've got a bunch of slow guys on this defense?" or "man, the things I could do if I had an offensive line who could block." or "My QB can't follow my instructions and when he does, he misses open receivers."? Or possibly, "man, my buddy isn't getting it done coaching on the defensive side of things, but I can't possibly let him go."?

Of course, publicly, he can't say these things, but I wonder what's going on in his mind right now.

Riley isn't naive. Of the part of the PC I heard today, he processes and understands what is going on rather well. He even manages to be polite about what he is observing, from folks who are upset and not always polite in his direction.

He maintains quite a level head and certainly has a steady worldview that guides him. One doesn't get any sort of impression that he's going to panic and just start flailing around to try and save himself. He made pretty clear that although some things can and do change, there are other things he has as core values that he would try and do in any program, big or small.

The main thing I heard during the time I listened, was a walking up to the line (but not going over) and saying "hey in about 6 weeks I need to get rid of a dozen of these Boliever bozos who are causing all kinds of havoc up in here". He said it in a nice way "we struggle greatly with the mental and cultural aspects of what's going on" or something to that effect.

He did make note that he liked his assistants the teaching that was going on. He made note that Bounds was at practice and supportive of what was going on. One doesn't get the sense he's going to start chucking coaches overboard, but rather, he's going to try chucking players and rebuilding the roster first. He may have been positive towards his coaches so as to protect their future if he does fire some of them, but that is one of the great mysteries we won't find out for a while.

Keeping the coaches probably not an implication that some fans want to hear (certainly not me as I think Stewart and Read deserve to be gone at a minimum), but in the end his butt is on the line and if he's comfortable with it, he's comfortable with it.

 

[850FloridaRED]

I almost wonder if those players who haven't bought in and are practicing hard for those watching but come game time, are cashing it in. I know that sounds silly but given what we've seen this season by some players and the knowledge posted by some who have disclosed some of what's going on, it's a legit possibility.

Now given that, I would have to believe that Riley and his staff can see the same stuff we do when they break down the video of the past game. I'd like to know what they are concluding compared to what we fans are believing is happening. They have to be seeing this stuff. I can't fathom them watching some of the video where a player elbows another one to cut him off from making a player, or that said player is simply standing and watching the play develop in front of him not making any effort to make a tackle and they are blinded to it.

The real question is why aren't they doing anything about it? They gain nothing by being passive. If anything, it's feeding the problem.

 

[jflores]

I almost wonder if those players who haven't bought in and are practicing hard for those watching but come game time, are cashing it in. I know that sounds silly but given what we've seen this season by some players and the knowledge posted by some who have disclosed some of what's going on, it's a legit possibility.

Now given that, I would have to believe that Riley and his staff can see the same stuff we do when they break down the video of the past game. I'd like to know what they are concluding compared to what we fans are believing is happening. They have to be seeing this stuff. I can't fathom them watching some of the video where a player elbows another one to cut him off from making a player, or that said player is simply standing and watching the play develop in front of him not making any effort to make a tackle and they are blinded to it.

The real question is why aren't they doing anything about it? They gain nothing by being passive. If anything, it's feeding the problem.

Well, normally you'd just say "hey jack hat, take a seat on the bench".

This last week, without addressing any potential drama cases, we almost had to pull redshirts to field a secondary. Two weeks ago, the same on the DL.

If I were a 20 year old kid again, I'd look around and see that I wasn't nearly as powerless as the situation would normally seem to dictate. If I had an axe to grind.

 

[Clevinger_rivals246724]

I think that he thinks he is in over his head.

I think he didn't know what he was getting into. I think he hired comfortable assistants instead of good assistants. I think he is grasping for a way forward. I think he realizes that his start here (and past at OSU) is so bad that he knows he'll have issues recruiting. I think he knows that he is on thin ice.

He genuinely seems like a good guy. Hope the best for him. Sad to watch this mess.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

I think that he thinks he is in over his head.

I think he didn't know what he was getting into. I think he hired comfortable assistants instead of good assistants. I think he is grasping for a way forward. I think he realizes that his start here (and past at OSU) is so bad that he knows he'll have issues recruiting. I think he knows that he is on thin ice.

He genuinely seems like a good guy. Hope the best for him. Sad to watch this mess.

I agree with pretty much everything except the recruiting part.

 

[Hoosker Du]

I think that he thinks he is in over his head.

I think he didn't know what he was getting into. I think he hired comfortable assistants instead of good assistants. I think he is grasping for a way forward. I think he realizes that his start here (and past at OSU) is so bad that he knows he'll have issues recruiting. I think he knows that he is on thin ice.

He genuinely seems like a good guy. Hope the best for him. Sad to watch this mess.

As much as I want to be angry at Riley, I just can't do it. I don't know if he is going to last, but I want more than anything for things to work out for him.

With Bo, he could have been run over by a Mac Truck, and I would have shrugged and said "Oh well," because he is, was, and will always be an A-hole. But Riley is a guy that has built up a lot of good will by doing things right from the time he arrived in Lincoln, and despite he and his staff doing poorly, it makes me sad that he might get sent packing.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

Riley isn't naive. Of the part of the PC I heard today, he processes and understands what is going on rather well. He even manages to be polite about what he is observing, from folks who are upset and not always polite in his direction.

He maintains quite a level head and certainly has a steady worldview that guides him. One doesn't get any sort of impression that he's going to panic and just start flailing around to try and save himself. He made pretty clear that although some things can and do change, there are other things he has as core values that he would try and do in any program, big or small.

The main thing I heard during the time I listened, was a walking up to the line (but not going over) and saying "hey in about 6 weeks I need to get rid of a dozen of these Boliever bozos who are causing all kinds of havoc up in here". He said it in a nice way "we struggle greatly with the mental and cultural aspects of what's going on" or something to that effect.

He did make note that he liked his assistants the teaching that was going on. He made note that Bounds was at practice and supportive of what was going on. One doesn't get the sense he's going to start chucking coaches overboard, but rather, he's going to try chucking players and rebuilding the roster first. He may have been positive towards his coaches so as to protect their future if he does fire some of them, but that is one of the great mysteries we won't find out for a while.

Keeping the coaches probably not an implication that some fans want to hear (certainly not me as I think Stewart and Read deserve to be gone at a minimum), but in the end his butt is on the line and if he's comfortable with it, he's comfortable with it.

It really is amazing that people can listen to the same press conference and hear completely different things. I thought I heard both Riley and Banker say that they were not questioning anyone's effort.

I know there are some players that will be processed at the end of the year, and I think that should happen every year. An athletic scholarship should not be a 4 year scholarship, it should be like a band or academic scholarship that you have to continue to earn every year. I don't think teams should take it as far as Bama does, but there are a few players every year that for whatever reason or not going to contribute and don't act as if they care--those players should be processed.

What I took away from the press conference was that he thought his little speech at the beginning was going to take care of the hard questions. Which it didn't. The tough questions came and at times he almost looked like he was in disbelief that he was under this much scrutiny. To his great credit, I thought he handled the press conference very well-in typical Riley fashion. I do think it was an eye opener for him, because I don't know think he is used to the heat he was getting today.

I was impressed at one point he actually admitted that the staff was failing--in the eyes of everyone...or something along those lines. I found it somewhat troubling that he wasn't able to answer the question about how they were going to turn the program around. Something like I think what these kids need is more coaching.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

As much as I want to be angry at Riley, I just can't do it. I don't know if he is going to last, but I want more than anything for things to work out for him.

With Bo, he could have been run over by a Mac Truck, and I would have shrugged and said "Oh well," because he is, was, and will always be an A-hole. But Riley is a guy that has built up a lot of good will by doing things right from the time he arrived in Lincoln, and despite he and his staff doing poorly, it makes me sad that he might get sent packing.

I know exactly what you mean. He really is a classy, good guy. I honestly felt bad for him today, watching the press conference. I would hate to see it go bad, because I don't want him to have to deal with all the criticism and scrutiny. Unfortunately, that is part of the gig at big time programs. I really don't think he knew what he was getting himself into when he came here.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I think that he thinks he is in over his head.

I think he didn't know what he was getting into. I think he hired comfortable assistants instead of good assistants. I think he is grasping for a way forward. I think he realizes that his start here (and past at OSU) is so bad that he knows he'll have issues recruiting. I think he knows that he is on thin ice.

He genuinely seems like a good guy. Hope the best for him. Sad to watch this mess.

Clev - I have been reading your posts for years and whether I agree or not, always consider your point of view because your posts are solid, except this one. Reread what you just wrote. Do you really believe he thinks he is in over his head? I mean REALLY? Being a head coach at D1 takes a certain mindset (confidence bordering on arrogance, if not flat out arrogant). I don't recall any D1 coach ever who didn't think he had all the answers. If people didn't buy in, well, that's their problem. If things weren't good, "we just need more time for my process to work." I do not believe he or any other D1 coach feels he is in over his head.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

It really is amazing that people can listen to the same press conference and hear completely different things. I thought I heard both Riley and Banker say that they were not questioning anyone's effort.

I know there are some players that will be processed at the end of the year, and I think that should happen every year. An athletic scholarship should not be a 4 year scholarship, it should be like a band or academic scholarship that you have to continue to earn every year. I don't think teams should take it as far as Bama does, but there are a few players every year that for whatever reason or not going to contribute and don't act as if they care--those players should be processed.

What I took away from the press conference was that he thought his little speech at the beginning was going to take care of the hard questions. Which it didn't. The tough questions came and at times he almost looked like he was in disbelief that he was under this much scrutiny. To his great credit, I thought he handled the press conference very well-in typical Riley fashion. I do think it was an eye opener for him, because I don't know think he is used to the heat he was getting today.

I was impressed at one point he actually admitted that the staff was failing--in the eyes of everyone...or something along those lines. I found it somewhat troubling that he wasn't able to answer the question about how they were going to turn the program around. Something like I think what these kids need is more coaching.

Things were pretty nasty for him in San Diego, the link is an example. I don't think he is surprised about the scrutiny here, he knew full what would happen if they laid an egg. What is interesting about his response to the questions in the San Diego article is they sound familiar to his answers today.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2001/nov/05/chargers-not-up-to-par-vs-kc/

 

[BHeinDaHuskers]

I'm believe he thinks this, "I should have rented instead of buying."

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I'm believe he thinks this, "I should have rented instead of buying."

Ha! Amen...

 

[bigbadjim990]

Doesn't matter what he thinks. He needs to start winning. That's why he has the job. Real simple.

 

[jflores]

Clev - I have been reading your posts for years and whether I agree or not, always consider your point of view because your posts are solid, except this one. Reread what you just wrote. Do you really believe he thinks he is in over his head? I mean REALLY? Being a head coach at D1 takes a certain mindset (confidence bordering on arrogance, if not flat out arrogant). I don't recall any D1 coach ever who didn't think he had all the answers. If people didn't buy in, well, that's their problem. If things weren't good, "we just need more time for my process to work." I do not believe he or any other D1 coach feels he is in over his head.

Agree. Riley knows he's on thin ice but he's been in the game far too long and explains things far too well to think he's flailing around directionless.

He may well think his chances are not good of getting good enough performance out of these guys fast enough to save his job. But he's no panicky teenager who just wrecked dads car

 

[jflores]

It really is amazing that people can listen to the same press conference and hear completely different things. I thought I heard both Riley and Banker say that they were not questioning anyone's effort.

I know there are some players that will be processed at the end of the year, and I think that should happen every year. An athletic scholarship should not be a 4 year scholarship, it should be like a band or academic scholarship that you have to continue to earn every year. I don't think teams should take it as far as Bama does, but there are a few players every year that for whatever reason or not going to contribute and don't act as if they care--those players should be processed.

What I took away from the press conference was that he thought his little speech at the beginning was going to take care of the hard questions. Which it didn't. The tough questions came and at times he almost looked like he was in disbelief that he was under this much scrutiny. To his great credit, I thought he handled the press conference very well-in typical Riley fashion. I do think it was an eye opener for him, because I don't know think he is used to the heat he was getting today.

I was impressed at one point he actually admitted that the staff was failing--in the eyes of everyone...or something along those lines. I found it somewhat troubling that he wasn't able to answer the question about how they were going to turn the program around. Something like I think what these kids need is more coaching.

Well this goes back to what he really thinks. He gave a vocal vote of confidence in his ability to do football stuff. He gave a vote of confidence in his staff. He seemed real iffy on the mental and cultural aspect of where the team was right now. He stopped short of saying he needs to process a number of folks and show the door.

But basically after watching today I feel like that is what he believes and will remain unsaid. If he was going to directly answer the question about how does he turn this thing around he'd have to

1 diagnose the problem as mostly player culture and throw them under the bus
2 tell dirk or whoever asked the hard question that his solution is to gut and rebuild the roster


Answers you aren't going to hear from any coach let alone Riley. So all he can really say is to keep at it and coach harder

 

[jflores]

I think the reality of the PC situation is that no coach is really going to be forthright as the fans want them to be.

I've watched a lot of football over the years, bad losses, the whole bit, this program and others. Never seen any coach at any level when asked "coach how do you turn this around?" do the following

"Well its pretty obvious that pass defense is a weak point." (Riley has said this). "I'm not liking how Daniel Davie isn't in the same zip code as his man, and so I'm really counting on guys like Lee to step up when Davie leaves". "And because Davie should be more servicable than he is, I'm dissatisified with Coach Stewart. I've laid out a series of benchmarks I need to see from him unit and if he doesn't meet them in the next three games, I'm going to send him packing. I have my eye on Marvin Sanders and Deion Sanders as replacements.".

Before this turns into a debate on how likely any of those fictional changes are, it just demonstrates that what fans would like to hear, and what fans are going to hear are two different things. Riley, if he's even considering staff changes, isn't going to talk about it in front of the whole world before the season ends or the actual change is made.

 

[Foosball is the devil]

Everybody hears something different. The only thing I dialed into was a comment to the effect of,,,"well, we'll see how many we have"
This seemed to be a reference to complete inadequacy of available bodies. This was the closest thing I heard to an excuse, which I really admire the guy for.

 

[St. Anger]

It's clear that he's unable to make tough decisions and that's why I fault him. He should go.

 

[rez dog 70]

It's clear that he's unable to make tough decisions and that's why I fault him. He should go.

I think he's caught between a rock and a hard place right now. True accountability starts as soon as the seasons over. If he refuses to make the hard decisions then he truly owns it if and when it blows up in his face again next year.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

The most telling thing I've seen from Riley and staff is our last drive against Wisconsin. They were terrified.

 

[rez dog 70]

The most telling thing I've seen from Riley and staff is our last drive against Wisconsin. They were terrified.

They didn't look terrified. Riley looked like a beat man without any answers. It was called inevitability.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

I think the reality of the PC situation is that no coach is really going to be forthright as the fans want them to be.

I've watched a lot of football over the years, bad losses, the whole bit, this program and others. Never seen any coach at any level when asked "coach how do you turn this around?" do the following

"Well its pretty obvious that pass defense is a weak point." (Riley has said this). "I'm not liking how Daniel Davie isn't in the same zip code as his man, and so I'm really counting on guys like Lee to step up when Davie leaves". "And because Davie should be more servicable than he is, I'm dissatisified with Coach Stewart. I've laid out a series of benchmarks I need to see from him unit and if he doesn't meet them in the next three games, I'm going to send him packing. I have my eye on Marvin Sanders and Deion Sanders as replacements.".

Before this turns into a debate on how likely any of those fictional changes are, it just demonstrates that what fans would like to hear, and what fans are going to hear are two different things. Riley, if he's even considering staff changes, isn't going to talk about it in front of the whole world before the season ends or the actual change is made.

Here are a couple areas where we disagree. I don't see any players not playing hard. Riley and Banker both said the same thing. If there are players not giving effort and they are still playing them-that is on the coaches-period.

Next, the Nebraska fan base is an intelligent fan base--well mostly. The staff can and should be specific in what areas need fixed. If someone asks them how are they going to fix the pass defense, they should address the specifics. For example-we need our corners to play with better eye discipline. Our safeties need to work on taking better angles. Our staff needs to look at our defensive alignment at times ect. When they say blanket statements like: we need to give them more coaching...it makes you wonder if they really know how to fix the problems. It is an honest concern because they haven't fixed it in 9 games. Do they have an answer? Based on Banker's history I seriously don't know.

Getting rid of the bad apples does not magically fix all the problems. What you said earlier should be the case: Riley should need to see significant improvement from the o-line coach, secondary coach and the defensive coordinator...not sure about the S&C coach-I personally think the team is soft-especially the offensive line. If Riley really does want to succeed he would hold them accountable for their poor performances and demand improvement. 9 games in, there should be improvement. He won't though-which tells me all I need to know about why this staff will likely not succeed.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

I've watched a lot of football over the years, bad losses, the whole bit, this program and others. Never seen any coach at any level when asked "coach how do you turn this around?" do the following

I have seen coaches address specific issues that need fixed. You probably don't see it here because compared to the south, the media throws out softball questions here. I swear the media was so terrified of Bo leaving the podium and strangling them, they were afraid to ask real questions.

He could go into specifics. I think he said last game about guys not staying in their gaps-was the issue on the long QB run. He is not correct in that statement. On that play, there was bad alignment. Nebraska was overcommitted to the short side of the field (6 defenders). That left the wide side of the field exposed. Then you throw in the fact that because the corners play with such poor eye discipline, the CB followed his receiver that ran up and blocked Gerry. That took 2 guys out of the play, the CB that had no idea what was going on and Gerry. The other corner did the same thing-took himself out of the play following his receiver. So the 5 guys on the other side of the field: two were d-lineman and they were blocked. 2 corners took out the other 3 guys. Result-easy TD. Hard to say that they guy didn't stay in their gap when there was no one close to that gap-because of the alignment.

Plays like this aren't the result of player effort. It is a result of poor technique and poor scheme. These are the things the coaches should be talking about. I think if most fans heard the coach specifically point out what the problems are, they would be more patient-because they would think-well at least this staff knows what the problem is-they should be able to fix it.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

They didn't look terrified. Riley looked like a beat man without any answers. It was called inevitability.

Red Rover...I think someone hacked your account.

 

[jflores]

I have seen coaches address specific issues that need fixed. You probably don't see it here because compared to the south, the media throws out softball questions here. I swear the media was so terrified of Bo leaving the podium and strangling them, they were afraid to ask real questions.

He could go into specifics. I think he said last game about guys not staying in their gaps-was the issue on the long QB run. He is not correct in that statement. On that play, there was bad alignment. Nebraska was overcommitted to the short side of the field (6 defenders). That left the wide side of the field exposed. Then you throw in the fact that because the corners play with such poor eye discipline, the CB followed his receiver that ran up and blocked Gerry. That took 2 guys out of the play, the CB that had no idea what was going on and Gerry. The other corner did the same thing-took himself out of the play following his receiver. So the 5 guys on the other side of the field: two were d-lineman and they were blocked. 2 corners took out the other 3 guys. Result-easy TD. Hard to say that they guy didn't stay in their gap when there was no one close to that gap-because of the alignment.

Plays like this aren't the result of player effort. It is a result of poor technique and poor scheme. These are the things the coaches should be talking about. I think if most fans heard the coach specifically point out what the problems are, they would be more patient-because they would think-well at least this staff knows what the problem is-they should be able to fix it.

We've heard Riley mention specifics before. HTO, myself and others have noted it was nice to hear after most press conferences a little more in-depth than "they didn't execute".

However, even though Riley does get more specific, he's not going to go where fans want him to go in terms of remedy. If you say "our alignment was awful on that play" the first reaction here is "well that is on coaching" and then "fire Banker" if not "fire all of them".

Riley is not going to stand up at the press conference, give a bunch of specifics, and then say "because of this half of my coaching staff is fired" or "I know, we've had bad alignment at times all year, I resign". Instead we're going to get "we're going to keep at it" and "we know we need to play better" that everyone from Les Miles to Urban Meyer to Riley gives.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

We've heard Riley mention specifics before. HTO, myself and others have noted it was nice to hear after most press conferences a little more in-depth than "they didn't execute".

However, even though Riley does get more specific, he's not going to go where fans want him to go in terms of remedy. If you say "our alignment was awful on that play" the first reaction here is "well that is on coaching" and then "fire Banker" if not "fire all of them".

Riley is not going to stand up at the press conference, give a bunch of specifics, and then say "because of this half of my coaching staff is fired" or "I know, we've had bad alignment at times all year, I resign". Instead we're going to get "we're going to keep at it" and "we know we need to play better" that everyone from Les Miles to Urban Meyer to Riley gives.

Actually, Urban always went into specifics. He would say, the long run we gave up was because of bad alignment and "we" (meaning both players and coaches) need to get that cleaned up. The truth is that bad alignment is on the coaching staff. People aren't going to say fire Banker because they make a mistake. People are going to say fire Banker IF he doesn't fix the mistakes.

If he answered how to fix the pass issues with: We are not playing with good eye discipline and we need to do better as coaches and players. He is stating the truth and putting accountability on both players and coaches. Explains to fans that they know the issues and they are going to work to fix them.

Like you said, I don't expect him to come out and be completely honest. I don't expect him to say, our defense is getting out coached. That is also the truth but then the people would be calling for his buddy's head. That last case doesn't matter, because that is going to happen anyway.

 

[jflores]

Actually, Urban always went into specifics. He would say, the long run we gave up was because of bad alignment and "we" (meaning both players and coaches) need to get that cleaned up. The truth is that bad alignment is on the coaching staff. People aren't going to say fire Banker because they make a mistake. People are going to say fire Banker IF he doesn't fix the mistakes.

If he answered how to fix the pass issues with: We are not playing with good eye discipline and we need to do better as coaches and players. He is stating the truth and putting accountability on both players and coaches. Explains to fans that they know the issues and they are going to work to fix them.

Like you said, I don't expect him to come out and be completely honest. I don't expect him to say, our defense is getting out coached. That is also the truth but then the people would be calling for his buddy's head. That last case doesn't matter, because that is going to happen anyway.

"need to get that cleaned up" is general though. Riley has done this in varying verbiage and gone into specifics in varying verbiage.

When the season started, I had the same basic theory, if the fans knew to a greater degree what was going on, there would probably be a little more understanding on the whole. That has not to a large degree panned out. I don't think the SEC in general is a good example of any more understanding to be honest. Auburn fires coaches like we change underwear.

This is for several reasons. One is that alot of fans, don't buy into the notion that Damon Benning put forward a few weeks ago that "you are who you are and you probably aren't going to wake up one week and have a pretty good pass defense during the season". He was indicating that by and large we would see movement game to game, but basically the major improvement would come in the off season. If you look at any conversation that fans have on the street or on message boards, they continually center around "is this the week the light bulb comes on?". It can, but it probably won't. So you have a situation where former players and current staff, are looking to the off season to make major gains, but fans hyping and deflating themselves on a 7 day schedule.

Then you have the issue of fan expectation on timelines for absorption. Basically, if on one week Riley says we have XYZ issue and we're going to work on it, if we ever have that issue again, everyone throws up their hands incredulously and is like "this is Nebraska. we address mistakes and we never make them again, Osborne and Peter never let a guy make the same mistake twice". Then you get highlights from Tommie's Take where he says something like "I've been at practice, I've seen them teach good fundamentals, then I go out and watch on Saturdays and one play the line does fine and the next minute DPE is on his back 7 yards behind the line. at some point, it has to be on the players to *receive* coaching"

And it goes on, but yah, I appreciate the insights from the staff, because I'd rather hear about it then just be left to my own devices, but really the sum affect of what its done for people is just make them really really positive about who they want fired since Riley pretty well straightens out for them that "everybody thought the secondary screwed up here but it was actually the LB that got sucked out of position".

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

Auburn fires coaches like we change underwear.

Would it interest you to know that since 1999 Auburn has had 3 coaches (Tuberville-Chizik-Gussy) to Nebraska's 4 coaches (Franky, Billy Boy, Bo and Mikey)

are looking to the off season to make major gains

We disagree here. You get the major gains during the season when you are practicing every day and playing. Sure they can work on their craft during summer 7 on 7 player ran drills, but most improvement comes during the season. Something we haven't seen enough of. No one is expecting Nebraska to all of a sudden play perfect, but it would be nice to see noticeable improvement.

but really the sum affect of what its done for people is just make them really really positive about who they want fired

What is wrong with holding people accountable for not doing their jobs? If you were not doing your job at work, wouldn't you expect to be held accountable? It isn't about firing everyone. It is about putting an expectation on them to improve.

 

[jflores]

"We disagree here. You get the major gains during the season when you are practicing every day and playing. Sure they can work on their craft during summer 7 on 7 player ran drills, but most improvement comes during the season. Something we haven't seen enough of. No one is expecting Nebraska to all of a sudden play perfect, but it would be nice to see noticeable improvement."

I would assume that during the season when you are practicing alot, you can make pretty good gains. Common sense tells you this. However, I do think Damon's point has a lot of truth in it. A given team in a given year mostly doesn't change it stripes. If you are playing every game close, you generally stop the run, and your pass defense is extremely suspect, then at the end of the year you probably aren't playing in a bunch of games where your pass defense is average, the bottom drops out of your run defense, and you start getting in high scoring shooting matches. Your blue print is more or less your blue print. We do see teams however, transform as a team and individually drastically in the off season.

Vrzal basically backed him up on this in Over Reaction. Saying basically these games are won or lost in the off season. Some discussion ensued saying that in a typical game week, you are wrapped up in game prep, and the "learning of football" takes place when there isn't an opponent on the schedule.

I agree 100% that you have to have some measure of progress and accountability. I think folks are struggling to find out what that measure should be, and what appropriate accountability is. I didn't look at the defensive numbers for Purdue, but by all accounts the numbers against NW were the best they had been all season? The coaches and the OWH were noting that the secondary was contesting more plays and so forth. Is it enough? "Fight on". And of course, accountability, which we mostly take to mean firing someone. Might putting on notice work? "we either have a Top 50 pass efficiency defense in 2016 or I'm getting a new secondary coach"

One might reasonably ask the question, if the coach has identified the mental part of the game as a chief struggle, does firing portions of the staff and introducing more new faces and instability, and yet another scheme, play to the issue identified? Or does retaining some stability with a secondary coach for one more year and seeing if any improvement takes place in the mental game make more sense?

I'm fine with either approach, because I think you could justify either.

 

[Bay_Area_Husker]

I'm sure he is confident that given time and resources, he will have a winning program. I'm guessing he also feels very unlucky in the BYU, Illinois, and Wisconsin games. If he wins those, Nebraska is 6-3 with a chance of taking down a major scalp this weekend.

 

[jflores]

I'm sure he is confident that given time and resources, he will have a winning program. I'm guessing he also feels very unlucky in the BYU, Illinois, and Wisconsin games. If he wins those, Nebraska is 6-3 with a chance of taking down a major scalp this weekend.

Yah he said as much to open the PC Monday. Thems the breaks.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

Vrzal basically backed him up on this in Over Reaction. Saying basically these games are won or lost in the off season. Some discussion ensued saying that in a typical game week, you are wrapped up in game prep, and the "learning of football" takes place when there isn't an opponent on the schedule.

Fundamentals are coached every week-especially if you continue to fail. For example, if your team is missing a lot of tackles every week-you have to drill it in practice. All the game planning in the world will not make up for missing tackles. Same deal with the secondary. It doesn't do any good game plan if you are going to let the receivers run by you and you basically play follow the leader.

If he wins those, Nebraska is 6-3 with a chance of taking down a major scalp this weekend.

I would say that you could throw Purdue in there and you are looking at 7-2. Realistically, there is not one team that Nebraska has played that they couldn't have beat.

 

[SilentCommit]

"I wonder what time Golden Corral starts serving dinner buffet?"

 

[mel mains]

I almost wonder if those players who haven't bought in and are practicing hard for those watching but come game time, are cashing it in. ...

I can't fathom them watching some of the video where a player elbows another one to cut him off from making a player, or that said player is simply standing and watching the play develop in front of him not making any effort to make a tackle and they are blinded to it.

I think it's pathetic and libelous to accuse players of not trying in games. Hate Bo or his assistants all you want. But even a single player is laying down, not trying?

You should be ashamed of yourself. And I doubt you'd have the balls to name the player, much less say that to his face. He and I suspect his teammates would erase yours.

But then you'd just accuse them of being Bo-brainwashed and your anonymous weasely circle "logic" could start again.

And frankly I'm surprised the mods on this board let these accusations go on day after day.

 

[jflores]

I think it's pathetic and libelous to accuse players of not trying in games. Hate Bo or his assistants all you want. But even a single player is laying down, not trying?

You should be ashamed of yourself. And I doubt you'd have the balls to name the player, much less say that to his face. He and I suspect his teammates would erase yours.

But then you'd just accuse them of being Bo-brainwashed and your anonymous weasely circle "logic" could start again.

And frankly I'm surprised the mods on this board let these accusations go on day after day.

There were some GIFs of McMullen basically standing around on several plays earlier in the year. I don't think anyone has made a "greatest hits" for each of the players, but its far from libelous to say that the effort hasn't been there every down. The coaches by and large have indicated the effort is pretty good.

Especially when talk radio for 2 months has trotted a never ending stream of former players in front of us to tell us player effort is an issue. And as we're seeing now, the media isn't necessarily in Riley's camp.

 

[SilentCommit]

I think it's pathetic and libelous to accuse players of not trying in games. Hate Bo or his assistants all you want. But even a single player is laying down, not trying?

You should be ashamed of yourself. And I doubt you'd have the balls to name the player, much less say that to his face. He and I suspect his teammates would erase yours.

But then you'd just accuse them of being Bo-brainwashed and your anonymous weasely circle "logic" could start again.

And frankly I'm surprised the mods on this board let these accusations go on day after day.

Like Nate Gerry? Not sure if he just had a bad game last week, but go back and watch the game again, if you can stomach it. Forget the .gif of him picking off Daniel Davie.....check out the effort on the play where Purdue's running back pushes the pile and keeps the play moving. Like McMullen just standing around, as jflores mentions? You can be aggressive and angry about it all you like, but you should instead be angry that some of our players are cashed out already, which does a huge disservice to those that aren't. We may not want to accept this, but the evidence is there. I don't like it either. It's only part of a wealth of problems the team has. But it's intuitively obvious to even the most casual of observers.

 

[mel mains]

Like Nate Gerry? Not sure if he just had a bad game last week, but go back and watch the game again, if you can stomach it. Forget the .gif of him picking off Daniel Davie.....check out the effort on the play where Purdue's running back pushes the pile and keeps the play moving. Like McMullen just standing around, as jflores mentions? You can be aggressive and angry about it all you like, but you should instead be angry that some of our players are cashed out already, which does a huge disservice to those that aren't. We may not want to accept this, but the evidence is there. I don't like it either. It's only part of a wealth of problems the team has. But it's intuitively obvious to even the most casual of observers.

You've got "evidence" that Nate Gerry "is not making any effort to make a tackle?" No, you've got your "acceptance" and "intuition." He may not have made the tackle, and he may have taken a poor angle and picked off a teammate, and there's film of all that. But evidence of "not making any effort?" Sorry, but you've got bupkis, and it's astonishing to me that athletes who work their asses off in practice, year-round, get hurt and yes sometimes lose and lose badly, have to listen to know-nothings accuse them of not trying. It's pathetic rumor mongering, and those who persist should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

Like Nate Gerry? Not sure if he just had a bad game last week, but go back and watch the game again, if you can stomach it. Forget the .gif of him picking off Daniel Davie.....check out the effort on the play where Purdue's running back pushes the pile and keeps the play moving. Like McMullen just standing around, as jflores mentions? You can be aggressive and angry about it all you like, but you should instead be angry that some of our players are cashed out already, which does a huge disservice to those that aren't. We may not want to accept this, but the evidence is there. I don't like it either. It's only part of a wealth of problems the team has. But it's intuitively obvious to even the most casual of observers.

Gerry may have a problem taking proper angles and he may not have put forth all the effort you wanted to see on one play--but I see a guy that plays hard and cares about the program. I think it is unfair to question the players effort when they are far more committed and invested to the program than almost all fans.

 

[jflores]

You've got "evidence" that Nate Gerry "is not making any effort to make a tackle?" No, you've got your "acceptance" and "intuition." He may not have made the tackle, and he may have taken a poor angle and picked off a teammate, and there's film of all that. But evidence of "not making any effort?" Sorry, but you've got bupkis, and it's astonishing to me that athletes who work their asses off in practice, year-round, get hurt and yes sometimes lose and lose badly, have to listen to know-nothings accuse them of not trying. It's pathetic rumor mongering, and those who persist should be ashamed of themselves.

Listen to Damon Benning's segment with Aaron Semm.