How many more times are we going to see the same movie and the same ending unfold? It’s been like this since Frost was the head coach and you can’t ask anymore from Husker fans, you just can’t. Fans had every right to show their anger and disgust by throwing things on the field even if it isn’t very becoming of us as the fans we are known to be. Let’s just get this out of the way right now. I wanted Matt Rhule fired after last night, and for good reason, but I really like the guy and I do believe he’s really trying to fix this nightmare. Plus, we can’t buy him out, so hopefully Troy Dannen holds his feet to the fire a bit and tells him that he has no choice but to turn this around. Should we fire Dana Holgersen? Yes. This team still doesn’t have an identity. It did to start the season, but like every other pass happy coach we have ever had, they immediately abandon the run once it feels like it isn’t producing.
Nebraska fans aren’t stupid, we know what works and we saw how south it can go under Bill Callahan when you try focusing on the pass because it has the potential to rack up scores quickly. Life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon and football has always been a run first sport. If Rhule and Holgersen can’t figure out that if you don’t stick to a dominant ground game and work it until the final whistle sounds, you won’t be successful. Ask Wisconsin of the 2000s and Nebraska of the 90s, they’ll tell you. Instead of balloons we should throw t-shirts down on the field that say “Run the Damn Ball”.
Colandrea is the right fit, even with his shortcomings because he still gives us the best chance to win games. The problem is, Holgersen abandoned what was working and decided to put it all on AC’s shoulders, expecting him to carry us when he’s not built for that. Sure the offensive line has been disappointing but let them punish defenses for a bit at least. On that note, we shouldn’t be having the pre snap and mindless offensive penalties that cripple drives at this point. That should have been solved in year two. Our receivers, which are one of the most talented groups in the big ten, are turning into a “me first” group that doesn’t focus on team play, they aren’t blocking well at all and are dropping passes in big moments. Gilmore, I’m looking at you, kid, and Barney needs to start pulling his weight as well, these guys not only should be getting open downfield, but also be catching everything coming their way.
There’s no doubt that this team is different and the most talented under Matt Rhule and he deserves all the credit for that, but damn. Let’s talk about Caleb Benning for a second. Love this kid. He is the type of player Nebraska needs to focus solely on recruiting, the player that gives it his all and steps up when his number is called.
We’re done with this crap. It has to be fixed and should be by this point. Stop trying to ease into things or overthink game situations and just play with heart, guts, and instinct. It’s not Rocket Science for god’s sake. When Matt Rhule said he called the blitz that gave up the touchdown it immediately brought me back to Ireland when Scott Frost went for the onside kick instead of listening to his special teams coordinator, causing a complete collapse and giving Northwestern its opportunity.
Here’s my final thoughts on how to fix this crap. First of all, hire Grant Wistrom and Jason Peter as quality control, allowing them access to players during practice, in the locker room, and leading team meetings. Second, bring in a local farmer or small business owner to speak to the team everyday about what it means to work hard and that they are playing for something bigger than themselves. It takes self sacrifice. Third, keep it simple and nasty. Rhule is not a motivator even though he gets it. John Johnson of Corn Nation mentioned that he needs to only be a CEO and stay out of the play calling and little things because it’s not his strength. Damnit.
They’d better start winning out because it’s November and every team is weaker than expected. No more excuses. Go Big Red and stop crapping on us fans.
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