Thoughts on the season

[Ewooc]

I am sure this has been discussed at length the last few weeks/months, but I haven't been on her for awhile. So looking to see what everyone thinks, REALISTICALLY, not perfect land. lol

I think we have potential for a 10 win season, but I also think everything need to fall into place quickly. With a new coach. Statistically speaking that usually doesn't happen year 1. I also think keeping Tommy as QB with a passing heavy offense, will not get the job done. I like Tommy, I like his work ethic, his leadership and his character, but he is not a passer and we cant expect that to change dramatically in a few months. He was brought in as a running QB to add threat to a primarily run team. So we cant expect him to all of the sudden become this amazing passer. If MR wants to go to heavy pass game Tommy will not be the guy to get that done. I can see MR going half way, 50/50 pass run to more fit Tommys run abilities . I still don't see that getting the job done either especially that Ameer is gone. He was a huge part of the run offense. I honestly see Tommy getting beat out come middle of the year.

Here is my opinion on how we do, nothing statistically analized just my opinion. I think there are many of the games that could easily go either way, all depending how the players develop under the schemes and coaches. I honestly think we have a 6 or 7 win season:


BYU- LOSS. This is going to be close I think. Could go either way. Within a touchdown. To me this game will give a feel to how the rest of the year goes. IF we go into this and destroy them it will be a really good year. If we keep it close win or lose, we will at least be on track considering the new coaching. IF we get destroyed it is going to be a long year.

SOUTH BAMA- WIN. I hope this is a no brainer and we should win by 3 touchdown min.

MIAMI- LOSS This game I see in similar standing as BYU. Although I think Miami is a touch better than BYU. They were good last year and only got better this year. Even if we had everything from last year in place it would be a very if win for us. Considering the new coaching staff and it being a home game for Miami. Think this is going to be a loss.

SOUTH MIS- WIN Should be a give me game. 3 td win.

ILL- WIN While I think ILL will be improved this year at this game will be a home game for them. I still think we will have the talent to walk away with the win.

WISC- WIN Hard to say on this one. They also have a new coach. So this I think will come down to who is the better coach. I think we do. So hope that will give us the W here. Again this could go either way.

MINN- LOSSI never thought I would say it but they are good. They have had our number the last 2 years. They have good players and a good coach. I don't see the results changing this year, I hope next year will be the year we turn that around.

NORTHWESTERN- WIN Hard to say on this one, another that I think could go either way. We have found ways to beat them. Hope that is enough this year too.

PURDUE- WIN Another one that may go either way. Again think we have the talent and coaching to get a win

MICH ST- LOSS I don't think we get destroyed by an means but think it could be a 2 touchdown loss. They are just currently at a different level, with a heisman potential QB. They should be a top 5 team this year.

Rutgers- WIN They are getting better and will make a game of it. I think this is one we should win. Again coming down to talent level and coaching.

IOWA- WIN Its Iowa. You never know what team will show up.

So realistically I think we go 8-4
Best case 10-2 will lose at least 2 out of 4 between, ( mich st, Miami, Minn or BYU)
Worst case 5-7 (BYU, Miami, MIch ST, Minn, and losing 2 of the 4 between wisc, iowa, NW and Rutgers)

No need for negative comments or bashing here. Just my opinion, no fact to back it up. Let me know you thoughts. Thanks

 

[WestCoastCornhusker]

Steve don't be pessimistic. We will be undefeated heading into BIG championship. You constantly under rate MR. He will show you how much Armstrong improve s in just a few months. Please be more optimistic Sipple.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker]

Steve don't be pessimistic. We will be undefeated heading into BIG championship. You constantly under rate MR. He will show you how much Armstrong improve s in just a few months. Please be more optimistic Sipple.

 

[NUinnwks]

Seems like a risk averse, trouble first perspective on the season, discounting the possibility that NU will be able to adapt to the new coaching staff. I think that the change in coaching staff and approach on the defensive side of the ball will lead to improved performance on the defensive side of the ball. On the offense, it seems that at least with a more rationally designed scheme and improved O-line coaching NU can see more consistency. My own expectations would be for 8-9 wins as a base expectation, but 10+ wins if key injuries can be avoided can be avoided and the players start executing the schemes effectively. Yes I understand the "pain avoidance" psychology of convincing oneself of having low expectations - then if better outcomes occur, well, it is cause for rejoicing! But I think in this case that NU has enough quality talent on the field and quality coaching now in place that my own personal expectations are higher than you state. But we shall see in real time eventually which perspective is more accurate over the next few months! GBR!

 

[k9_r]

You left off Purdue which I assume you would put as a win so then you have it at 8-4, best case 10-2, worst case 6-6.

Let's go back to BYU. That is a must win game and could set the tone for much of the rest of the season. They don't match up well v us, they're on the road, they're a TD underdog, both Sagarin and Massey rate them well below us and Riley 'n Co need this game for obvious reasons. We win.

Miami is a toss up, Wisky/Minny - toss ups, MSU likely loss, others are wins.

I make it 9.5 wins. 8-4 to 11-1.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I don't know about the rest of you guys but Riley and his staff have only made my expectations go up. I am really impressed with them so far.

 

[ThereIsNoPlace_rivals38755]

Prognostication is hard but I am just bewildered by the way fans project on a season. It really is a narcissistic fan base. MR this....new staff that...Tommy this... You've got to look at the opponents & how bad they want to beat us. They are practicing too and have had many more months of preparation to do just that. We've got major problems at QB & LB. They know it and will expose it. If you believe those positions aren't a tell-tale of a team's success, you shouldn't be professing about football.
8-4 with losses to Miami, WISC, MINN & Mich. St. & a bowl win over Arkansas. The 8 wins will be tight and scary so 7-5 is also a high probability. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[rez dog 70]

I am sure this has been discussed at length the last few weeks/months, but I haven't been on her for awhile. So looking to see what everyone thinks, REALISTICALLY, not perfect land. lol

I think we have potential for a 10 win season, but I also think everything need to fall into place quickly. With a new coach. Statistically speaking that usually doesn't happen year 1. I also think keeping Tommy as QB with a passing heavy offense, will not get the job done. I like Tommy, I like his work ethic, his leadership and his character, but he is not a passer and we cant expect that to change dramatically in a few months. He was brought in as a running QB to add threat to a primarily run team. So we cant expect him to all of the sudden become this amazing passer. If MR wants to go to heavy pass game Tommy will not be the guy to get that done. I can see MR going half way, 50/50 pass run to more fit Tommys run abilities . I still don't see that getting the job done either especially that Ameer is gone. He was a huge part of the run offense. I honestly see Tommy getting beat out come middle of the year.

Here is my opinion on how we do, nothing statistically analized just my opinion. I think there are many of the games that could easily go either way, all depending how the players develop under the schemes and coaches. I honestly think we have a 6 or 7 win season:


BYU- LOSS. This is going to be close I think. Could go either way. Within a touchdown. To me this game will give a feel to how the rest of the year goes. IF we go into this and destroy them it will be a really good year. If we keep it close win or lose, we will at least be on track considering the new coaching. IF we get destroyed it is going to be a long year.

SOUTH BAMA- WIN. I hope this is a no brainer and we should win by 3 touchdown min.

MIAMI- LOSS This game I see in similar standing as BYU. Although I think Miami is a touch better than BYU. They were good last year and only got better this year. Even if we had everything from last year in place it would be a very if win for us. Considering the new coaching staff and it being a home game for Miami. Think this is going to be a loss.

SOUTH MIS- WIN Should be a give me game. 3 td win.

ILL- WIN While I think ILL will be improved this year at this game will be a home game for them. I still think we will have the talent to walk away with the win.

WISC- WIN Hard to say on this one. They also have a new coach. So this I think will come down to who is the better coach. I think we do. So hope that will give us the W here. Again this could go either way.

MINN- LOSSI never thought I would say it but they are good. They have had our number the last 2 years. They have good players and a good coach. I don't see the results changing this year, I hope next year will be the year we turn that around.

NORTHWESTERN- WIN Hard to say on this one, another that I think could go either way. We have found ways to beat them. Hope that is enough this year too.

PURDUE- WIN Another one that may go either way. Again think we have the talent and coaching to get a win

MICH ST- LOSS I don't think we get destroyed by an means but think it could be a 2 touchdown loss. They are just currently at a different level, with a heisman potential QB. They should be a top 5 team this year.

Rutgers- WIN They are getting better and will make a game of it. I think this is one we should win. Again coming down to talent level and coaching.

IOWA- WIN Its Iowa. You never know what team will show up.

So realistically I think we go 8-4
Best case 10-2 will lose at least 2 out of 4 between, ( mich st, Miami, Minn or BYU)
Worst case 5-7 (BYU, Miami, MIch ST, Minn, and losing 2 of the 4 between wisc, iowa, NW and Rutgers)

No need for negative comments or bashing here. Just my opinion, no fact to back it up. Let me know you thoughts. Thanks

If Bo was our coach then your assessment would be be spot on. Our team was the definition of status quo under him. Riley is at a whole different level and expect us to get better. I have learned to trust my gut and it's telling me Riley is for real and made for our Blue Blood program. Nick Saban was exactly what Alabama needed to bounce back. And something tells me Riley finally left his Michigan State and is ready to roll.

 

[Ewooc]

If Bo was our coach then your assessment would be be spot on. Our team was the definition of status quo under him. Riley is at a whole different level and expect us to get better. I have learned to trust my gut and it's telling me Riley is for real and made for our Blue Blood program. Nick Saban was exactly what Alabama needed to bounce back. And something tells me Riley finally left his Michigan State and is ready to roll.

Yes I really hope so. The fan side of me is thinking yes he is the real deal and that his past will have nothing to do with how he does here. The logical side is looking at his history as a head coach in college and pros and has me hesitant. The saying History always repeats itself keeps coming to mind. With that said, I am fully supportive of this coach. Love his passion and knowledge for the game. The kids seem to really like him and many have stated they feel they are really learning a lot from him and this staff. That gives me hope we will see Nebraska back on top soon!

 

[nothingkevin]

I am sure this has been discussed at length the last few weeks/months, but I haven't been on her for awhile. So looking to see what everyone thinks, REALISTICALLY, not perfect land. lol

I think we have potential for a 10 win season, but I also think everything need to fall into place quickly. With a new coach. Statistically speaking that usually doesn't happen year 1. I also think keeping Tommy as QB with a passing heavy offense, will not get the job done. I like Tommy, I like his work ethic, his leadership and his character, but he is not a passer and we cant expect that to change dramatically in a few months. He was brought in as a running QB to add threat to a primarily run team. So we cant expect him to all of the sudden become this amazing passer. If MR wants to go to heavy pass game Tommy will not be the guy to get that done. I can see MR going half way, 50/50 pass run to more fit Tommys run abilities . I still don't see that getting the job done either especially that Ameer is gone. He was a huge part of the run offense. I honestly see Tommy getting beat out come middle of the year.

Here is my opinion on how we do, nothing statistically analized just my opinion. I think there are many of the games that could easily go either way, all depending how the players develop under the schemes and coaches. I honestly think we have a 6 or 7 win season:


BYU- LOSS. This is going to be close I think. Could go either way. Within a touchdown. To me this game will give a feel to how the rest of the year goes. IF we go into this and destroy them it will be a really good year. If we keep it close win or lose, we will at least be on track considering the new coaching. IF we get destroyed it is going to be a long year.

SOUTH BAMA- WIN. I hope this is a no brainer and we should win by 3 touchdown min.

MIAMI- LOSS This game I see in similar standing as BYU. Although I think Miami is a touch better than BYU. They were good last year and only got better this year. Even if we had everything from last year in place it would be a very if win for us. Considering the new coaching staff and it being a home game for Miami. Think this is going to be a loss.

SOUTH MIS- WIN Should be a give me game. 3 td win.

ILL- WIN While I think ILL will be improved this year at this game will be a home game for them. I still think we will have the talent to walk away with the win.

WISC- WIN Hard to say on this one. They also have a new coach. So this I think will come down to who is the better coach. I think we do. So hope that will give us the W here. Again this could go either way.

MINN- LOSSI never thought I would say it but they are good. They have had our number the last 2 years. They have good players and a good coach. I don't see the results changing this year, I hope next year will be the year we turn that around.

NORTHWESTERN- WIN Hard to say on this one, another that I think could go either way. We have found ways to beat them. Hope that is enough this year too.

PURDUE- WIN Another one that may go either way. Again think we have the talent and coaching to get a win

MICH ST- LOSS I don't think we get destroyed by an means but think it could be a 2 touchdown loss. They are just currently at a different level, with a heisman potential QB. They should be a top 5 team this year.

Rutgers- WIN They are getting better and will make a game of it. I think this is one we should win. Again coming down to talent level and coaching.

IOWA- WIN Its Iowa. You never know what team will show up.

So realistically I think we go 8-4
Best case 10-2 will lose at least 2 out of 4 between, ( mich st, Miami, Minn or BYU)
Worst case 5-7 (BYU, Miami, MIch ST, Minn, and losing 2 of the 4 between wisc, iowa, NW and Rutgers)

No need for negative comments or bashing here. Just my opinion, no fact to back it up. Let me know you thoughts. Thanks

8-4

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

I am sure this has been discussed at length the last few weeks/months, but I haven't been on her for awhile. So looking to see what everyone thinks, REALISTICALLY, not perfect land. lol

I think we have potential for a 10 win season, but I also think everything need to fall into place quickly. With a new coach. Statistically speaking that usually doesn't happen year 1. I also think keeping Tommy as QB with a passing heavy offense, will not get the job done. I like Tommy, I like his work ethic, his leadership and his character, but he is not a passer and we cant expect that to change dramatically in a few months. He was brought in as a running QB to add threat to a primarily run team. So we cant expect him to all of the sudden become this amazing passer. If MR wants to go to heavy pass game Tommy will not be the guy to get that done. I can see MR going half way, 50/50 pass run to more fit Tommys run abilities . I still don't see that getting the job done either especially that Ameer is gone. He was a huge part of the run offense. I honestly see Tommy getting beat out come middle of the year.

Here is my opinion on how we do, nothing statistically analized just my opinion. I think there are many of the games that could easily go either way, all depending how the players develop under the schemes and coaches. I honestly think we have a 6 or 7 win season:


BYU- LOSS. This is going to be close I think. Could go either way. Within a touchdown. To me this game will give a feel to how the rest of the year goes. IF we go into this and destroy them it will be a really good year. If we keep it close win or lose, we will at least be on track considering the new coaching. IF we get destroyed it is going to be a long year.

SOUTH BAMA- WIN. I hope this is a no brainer and we should win by 3 touchdown min.

MIAMI- LOSS This game I see in similar standing as BYU. Although I think Miami is a touch better than BYU. They were good last year and only got better this year. Even if we had everything from last year in place it would be a very if win for us. Considering the new coaching staff and it being a home game for Miami. Think this is going to be a loss.

SOUTH MIS- WIN Should be a give me game. 3 td win.

ILL- WIN While I think ILL will be improved this year at this game will be a home game for them. I still think we will have the talent to walk away with the win.

WISC- WIN Hard to say on this one. They also have a new coach. So this I think will come down to who is the better coach. I think we do. So hope that will give us the W here. Again this could go either way.

MINN- LOSSI never thought I would say it but they are good. They have had our number the last 2 years. They have good players and a good coach. I don't see the results changing this year, I hope next year will be the year we turn that around.

NORTHWESTERN- WIN Hard to say on this one, another that I think could go either way. We have found ways to beat them. Hope that is enough this year too.

PURDUE- WIN Another one that may go either way. Again think we have the talent and coaching to get a win

MICH ST- LOSS I don't think we get destroyed by an means but think it could be a 2 touchdown loss. They are just currently at a different level, with a heisman potential QB. They should be a top 5 team this year.

Rutgers- WIN They are getting better and will make a game of it. I think this is one we should win. Again coming down to talent level and coaching.

IOWA- WIN Its Iowa. You never know what team will show up.

So realistically I think we go 8-4
Best case 10-2 will lose at least 2 out of 4 between, ( mich st, Miami, Minn or BYU)
Worst case 5-7 (BYU, Miami, MIch ST, Minn, and losing 2 of the 4 between wisc, iowa, NW and Rutgers)

No need for negative comments or bashing here. Just my opinion, no fact to back it up. Let me know you thoughts. Thanks

It's difficult for people to be realistic at the beginning of a new season with a new coach. We have no real idea of how it is going to go. That said, it was a good post. I'll stick with my 7-5 prediction for this first year.

 

[Bleed Husker Red]

I'm all in. The only other times i felt this positive about a season was when Suh was a senior, and our first year in the big 10. We were all wrong about our big12 talent being ready for the big.

The insane Bo clan posse survived a lot of games they could have lost. I think this year Bo was going to circle the drain. I don't think it was talent, just belief in Bo and his system were waining amongst the players.

Under Bo, i would have predicted a BYU blow out loss, a melt down at Miami. Losses to Mich st, Wisc, Minn, and a coin flip at Iowa.

Under Riley and his seasoned staff, i don't see any blowout losses, but a lot of games that could go either way. Turnover margin will be huge.

We will be a better team than under Bo. It should translate to more wins.

 

[Ewooc]

I'm all in. The only other times i felt this positive about a season was when Suh was a senior, and our first year in the big 10. We were all wrong about our big12 talent being ready for the big.

The insane Bo clan posse survived a lot of games they could have lost. I think this year Bo was going to circle the drain. I don't think it was talent, just belief in Bo and his system were waining amongst the players.

Under Bo, i would have predicted a BYU blow out loss, a melt down at Miami. Losses to Mich st, Wisc, Minn, and a coin flip at Iowa.

Under Riley and his seasoned staff, i don't see any blowout losses, but a lot of games that could go either way. Turnover margin will be huge.

We will be a better team than under Bo. It should translate to more wins.

I think that is what makes this year so hard to predict. Many games have potential to go either way. Just depends on how everything falls into place (BYU, WISC,MIAMI, IOWA, PURDUE,MINN, RUTGERS) all have either way possibilities. I think the only 99.9% for sure win games are South Bama, ILL,Souther Miss. The only almost certain loss I see is Mich St. That leaves open a huge swing potential. Going to be an exciting year one way or another.

 

[Hoosker Du]

BYU- IF we go into this and destroy them it will be a really good year. If we keep it close win or lose, we will at least be on track considering the new coaching. IF we get destroyed it is going to be a long year.

Why do people think this game is an all or nothing proposition? Winning or losing the first game tells us nothing of how the rest of the year is going to go. This is a new regime. We are bound to have some inconsistency.

Making predictions is fun for fans and all, but I will never understand how people can make an assessment as it applies to the season record, based solely on the first game. That's just a silly idea, and to me is a complete waste of your time.

 

[redfanusa]

I think it is impossible to predict anything until we see the first game. The new coaching staff could have taken the bugs out of a 9-4 program and made them better, or we could all be victims of Callahanesque pre-season hype. I am going to continue with my "wait and see" approach, because seeing with my own eyes is just a few weeks away now.

 

[dinglefritz]

I think it is impossible to predict anything until we see the first game. The new coaching staff could have taken the bugs out of a 9-4 program and made them better, or we could all be victims of Callahanesque pre-season hype. I am going to continue with my "wait and see" approach, because seeing with my own eyes is just a few weeks away now.

Even Tom said that he really never knew what he had for a team until the season was about over. Of course a lot of that was the fact that the season usually hinged on that last game with OU and our schedule was mostly filled with patsies until we hit a few decent Big 8 or Big 12 teams depending on the year.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker]

8-4

I honestly think we will be undefeated heading into BIG title game. Nothing on our schedule says loss to me outside of a Ohio State. People still think Bo is running the ship. We won't make as many dumb mistakes. We usually were ranked towards the bottom with TURNOVERS and PENALTIEs. In August Anchoring Bias sets in, people expect a repeat performance not thinking who will be much more improved than others.

 

[rez dog 70]

I honestly think we will be undefeated heading into BIG title game. Nothing on our schedule says loss to me outside of a Ohio State. People still think Bo is running the ship. We won't make as many dumb mistakes. We usually were ranked towards the bottom with TURNOVERS and PENALTIEs. In August Anchoring Bias sets in, people expect a repeat performance not thinking who will be much more improved than others.

^^^real possibility^^^

 

[jimbosc]

I think we can't assume coaching fixes everything when teams have similar talent. Wisky, MSU and Minnesota fall in that category. There may be injuries or other issues that factor into other games. I see 10 wins as the upper end - but that could get us in the Conf Champ Game anyway.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I think we can't assume coaching fixes everything when teams have similar talent. Wisky, MSU and Minnesota fall in that category. There may be injuries or other issues that factor into other games. I see 10 wins as the upper end - but that could get us in the Conf Champ Game anyway.

I would be dissapointed with 7 wins this year and I think 10 wins is certainly doable

Wisky - has real issues this year on the Oline and to a certain extent on the Dline - I do not feel they have the same talent level as we do we are more talented
Minn - Again while they have some good players overall talent is less and they are missing a running back this year - their QB will never beat you through the air and if we stop their run game we should win handily
MSU - has a similar talent level imo

While we have holes so do all the other teams we wil face. I think our level of talent can match up with anyone we will face this year with the exception of OSU in the title game

 

[jflores]

I'm not nearly as scared of Minny this year as most folks seem to be. Taking out the NU name vs the Minny name factor....

They won last years game (a game that we in all likelihood should have won save DPE's game ending TO) but they weren't light years better than us. I have more confidence that we'll have some semblance of a run defense, which I don't think we could say for a Pelini led team, so we should be better prepared to have the game in hand earlier and not come down to a last minute drive. I think that fact alone will put us in a better spot vs a lot of teams, but especially vs Minny and Wisconsin.

If those two teams can't run all over you, I think we can match or out talent anyone else in the division across the top 22.

 

[otismotis08]

10-2 seems like a real possibility.
9-3 at least.
8-4 would be disheartening, though tolerable if no blowouts and other signs point to a clearly upward progression.

 

[nebcountry]

Still a couple weeks before our first game, so I guess we have another prediction thread.

Somewhere between 7 and 10 wins seems the most likely to me, just like it did 3 months ago in another prediction thread. BYU, Miami, Wiscy, Minnesota, can they beat us, Yes. Should they beat us, no. Not a popular opinion here, but I think MSU has to be favored at this point in time. If our transition year is good, 10 wins, heck maybe even 11 (pass the Kool-aid please). If our transition is bad, I can't see less than 7 wins (unless our coaching staff are morons).

I don't see us as "running the gauntlet" this year in terms of our schedule (Oregon and OhSU will ratchet up our schedule next year, but we're not talking about next year).

 

[k9_r]

Just speaking for myself I could never be OK with less than nine wins. A popular theme showing up many times in these pages is that there was no glory in Pelini's consistent 9+ wins each year. It is said that, given the weakness of our schedule, any ol' coach could do that. Well, not exactly.

I never believed just any coach could do it here. And why should I? Solich failed at it once and the execrable Calahan failed miserably at it. But I certainly believed that our nearly automatic recruiting levels vs our schedules would set up our coaches very nicely for nine wins and that's not changed for this year.

It does take a reasonably competent coach to get those nine wins and with Pelini we had that. So who among us think we didn't upgrade with Riley? I certainly do.

Nine plus wins are in the cards. To me, it would take a good ration of bad luck to win less than nine. Our recruiting is not down and our schedule is not up. A good ration of good luck could easily get us to 11 or more wins.

Let's remember, College Football Matrix has calculated that Pelini consistently under performed by one win per year and Riley has consistently over performed by .5 wins per year.

I get it that Riley needs and deserves both room and time to get things going his way and I agree. It's just that we're heading for championships, right? You can't get there if our talent levels vs our schedule doesn't win a lot of games this year. Not worried, though. Nine to twelve wins this year.

 

[HuskerAlum92]

Why do people think this game is an all or nothing proposition? Winning or losing the first game tells us nothing of how the rest of the year is going to go.

I think they are confusing the mindset of the team with their own mindset or the mindset of the fanbase in general. I'm hoping our team is more resilient than our fanbase.

 

[Hoosker Du]

I think we can't assume coaching fixes everything when teams have similar talent. Wisky, MSU and Minnesota fall in that category. There may be injuries or other issues that factor into other games. I see 10 wins as the upper end - but that could get us in the Conf Champ Game anyway.

In terms of overall talent, I see Minnesota with a fair amount less talent, Wisconsin with slightly less talent, and Michigan State with similar talent to us. MSU just has much more talent at the most important spot, at QB.

 

[dinglefritz]

I would be dissapointed with 7 wins this year and I think 10 wins is certainly doable

Wisky - has real issues this year on the Oline and to a certain extent on the Dline - I do not feel they have the same talent level as we do we are more talented
Minn - Again while they have some good players overall talent is less and they are missing a running back this year - their QB will never beat you through the air and if we stop their run game we should win handily
MSU - has a similar talent level imo

While we have holes so do all the other teams we wil face. I think our level of talent can match up with anyone we will face this year with the exception of OSU in the title game

I agree. You just never know until you play the games though. The one team you may be missing is Minnesota. I have heard multiple people say that they have the most talented D in the West division and they have a veteran QB. It will be fun to see how it all plays out.

 

[timnsun]

I agree. You just never know until you play the games though. The one team you may be missing is Minnesota. I have heard multiple people say that they have the most talented D in the West division and they have a veteran QB. It will be fun to see how it all plays out.

I hear you... What I can't overlook is that we also have a veteran QB and we will be markedly improved on defense this year. I think Leidner was serviceable, but not great. His completion percentage actually got worse from his freshman to sophomore year. TA has better stats all around, including completion percentage, yards passing, rushing, tds thrown, and has thrown fewer interceptions. I just don't think Leidner will do enough if we have a defense that can stop the run, which I think we will do. I believe that most here would say that our qb play will be improved as well simply because of coaching, so all of this will lead to a victory in Minnesota. This is how I envision it at least.

 

[dockentwo]

I doubt the announcers at the televised games will be marveling how many fb players in Red have forgotten the basics of tackling.

 

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

I honestly think we will be undefeated heading into BIG title game. Nothing on our schedule says loss to me outside of a Ohio State. People still think Bo is running the ship. We won't make as many dumb mistakes. We usually were ranked towards the bottom with TURNOVERS and PENALTIEs. In August Anchoring Bias sets in, people expect a repeat performance not thinking who will be much more improved than others.

I agree we should be potentially undefeated. I don't see one team with the exception of MSU that we wouldn't be favored against. And we were a finger tip catch away from a W on their field with Bo as the head coach!

I hope penalties won't be an issue. However, you do realize that Riley's team was ranked in 120th out of 125 teams last year in penalty yards per game. We were 54th.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I agree we should be potentially undefeated. I don't see one team with the exception of MSU that we wouldn't be favored against. And we were a finger tip catch away from a W on their field with Bo as the head coach!

I hope penalties won't be an issue. However, you do realize that Riley's team was ranked in 120th out of 125 teams last year in penalty yards per game. We were 54th.

Depends on the penalties, penalties are generally one of the least predictive stats to determine wins. However if it stupid offsides or other dumb non forced penalties killing drives that is not a good sign

 

[WestCoastCornhusker]

I agree we should be potentially undefeated. I don't see one team with the exception of MSU that we wouldn't be favored against. And we were a finger tip catch away from a W on their field with Bo as the head coach!

I hope penalties won't be an issue. However, you do realize that Riley's team was ranked in 120th out of 125 teams last year in penalty yards per game. We were 54th.

Ouch! Didn't realize this. Curious, that may be Bo's best year re: penalties and Riley's all time worst? I think MR now has much improved teachers at each position than he did last year. Better quality control help from GAs and too. I haven't been this optimistic since 1999. Can't wait to see how our defense looks too.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Just speaking for myself I could never be OK with less than nine wins. A popular theme showing up many times in these pages is that there was no glory in Pelini's consistent 9+ wins each year. It is said that, given the weakness of our schedule, any ol' coach could do that. Well, not exactly.

I never believed just any coach could do it here. And why should I? Solich failed at it once and the execrable Calahan failed miserably at it. But I certainly believed that our nearly automatic recruiting levels vs our schedules would set up our coaches very nicely for nine wins and that's not changed for this year.

It does take a reasonably competent coach to get those nine wins and with Pelini we had that. So who among us think we didn't upgrade with Riley? I certainly do.

Nine plus wins are in the cards. To me, it would take a good ration of bad luck to win less than nine. Our recruiting is not down and our schedule is not up. A good ration of good luck could easily get us to 11 or more wins.

Let's remember, College Football Matrix has calculated that Pelini consistently under performed by one win per year and Riley has consistently over performed by .5 wins per year.

I get it that Riley needs and deserves both room and time to get things going his way and I agree. It's just that we're heading for championships, right? You can't get there if our talent levels vs our schedule doesn't win a lot of games this year. Not worried, though. Nine to twelve wins this year.

Nailed it!

 

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

Just speaking for myself I could never be OK with less than nine wins. A popular theme showing up many times in these pages is that there was no glory in Pelini's consistent 9+ wins each year. It is said that, given the weakness of our schedule, any ol' coach could do that. Well, not exactly.

I never believed just any coach could do it here. And why should I? Solich failed at it once and the execrable Calahan failed miserably at it. But I certainly believed that our nearly automatic recruiting levels vs our schedules would set up our coaches very nicely for nine wins and that's not changed for this year.

It does take a reasonably competent coach to get those nine wins and with Pelini we had that. So who among us think we didn't upgrade with Riley? I certainly do.

Nine plus wins are in the cards. To me, it would take a good ration of bad luck to win less than nine. Our recruiting is not down and our schedule is not up. A good ration of good luck could easily get us to 11 or more wins.

Let's remember, College Football Matrix has calculated that Pelini consistently under performed by one win per year and Riley has consistently over performed by .5 wins per year.

I get it that Riley needs and deserves both room and time to get things going his way and I agree. It's just that we're heading for championships, right? You can't get there if our talent levels vs our schedule doesn't win a lot of games this year. Not worried, though. Nine to twelve wins this year.

This is just right on the money. Talk of 7 or 8 wins is crazy. Would anyone here really expect the top 20 coaches in America to follow bad coaches and win less games?

 

[huskerbaseball13]

I will be disappointed with anything less than 9 wins this year. If it turns out that way I don't think that means it's a slam dunk Riley will be a failure but I think we can win 9 or more games again assuming we aren't hurt by injuries at some of the positions the previous staff didn't recruit to.

 

[nebcountry]

This is just right on the money. Talk of 7 or 8 wins is crazy. Would anyone here really expect the top 20 coaches in America to follow bad coaches and win less games?

A prediction on how many games we can/will win is different than what an acceptable season is. I took the OP as strictly questioning the win/loss record, not what is a good or bad record for NU.

I don't see myself in the pro-Riley crowd or the anti-Riley crowd. If I had to pick a number, I'd say 9 wins.

 

[SilentCommit]

Just speaking for myself I could never be OK with less than nine wins. A popular theme showing up many times in these pages is that there was no glory in Pelini's consistent 9+ wins each year. It is said that, given the weakness of our schedule, any ol' coach could do that. Well, not exactly.

I never believed just any coach could do it here. And why should I? Solich failed at it once and the execrable Calahan failed miserably at it. But I certainly believed that our nearly automatic recruiting levels vs our schedules would set up our coaches very nicely for nine wins and that's not changed for this year.

It does take a reasonably competent coach to get those nine wins and with Pelini we had that. So who among us think we didn't upgrade with Riley? I certainly do.

Nine plus wins are in the cards. To me, it would take a good ration of bad luck to win less than nine. Our recruiting is not down and our schedule is not up. A good ration of good luck could easily get us to 11 or more wins.

Let's remember, College Football Matrix has calculated that Pelini consistently under performed by one win per year and Riley has consistently over performed by .5 wins per year.

I get it that Riley needs and deserves both room and time to get things going his way and I agree. It's just that we're heading for championships, right? You can't get there if our talent levels vs our schedule doesn't win a lot of games this year. Not worried, though. Nine to twelve wins this year.

Agreed with everything you posted, and great insight. My reluctance to expect an above average season comes from the understanding that coaching changes, even the positive ones, can set back progress temporarily. I do anticipate that we will be a better team and achieve at a higher level going forward, but I feel like we have to allow for the cultural, scheme, and roster turnovers that are still underway. We may well exceed expectations this year, and I hope we do. I just caution that if, we struggle early as I expect we will, not to write off Riley as a failure. That's all.

 

[swihawkeye]

BYU = win, Miami= win, Wisky = loss, agree with the rest.

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

MSU - loss
BYU MIAMI MINNESOTA WISCONSIN. -- toss ups

If we spit the toss ups and assume no upsets you end up. 9-3

I get the argument that BYU is just the first game but I do think it weighs more heavily than just a single game. This game has the potential to solidify those players who have already bought in or those that have their doubts about the new staff and schemes

Those on the fence will be swayed one way or another based on outcome.

I think it is really important to get off on the right foot against a good opponent to build momentum.

If we go 4-0 preconference I'm ecstatic and looking for big things.

 

[leodisflowers]

I'm not nearly as scared of Minny this year as most folks seem to be. Taking out the NU name vs the Minny name factor....

They won last years game (a game that we in all likelihood should have won save DPE's game ending TO) but they weren't light years better than us. I have more confidence that we'll have some semblance of a run defense, which I don't think we could say for a Pelini led team, so we should be better prepared to have the game in hand earlier and not come down to a last minute drive. I think that fact alone will put us in a better spot vs a lot of teams, but especially vs Minny and Wisconsin.

If those two teams can't run all over you, I think we can match or out talent anyone else in the division across the top 22.

Agree. I think Jerry Kill is great for Minny, but not necessarily scared of them. Cobb is gone, and so is there huge TE. We are going to be much better against the run and Leidner doesn't scare me one bit throwing the ball. I have the same feelings about Wisconsin. Their WR's aren't good. Play the run and try to have Stave beat us. I like our odds if Stave is going to be the focal point.