Wednesday, September 2, 2009

What must happen for the Huskers to be relevant again

“Relevant” – it’s a term that Nebraska football fans have heard uttered so frequently but a word that could not really describe the program from 2002-2007 during a 44-32 span.

The Huskers took a quasi-step toward being significant on the national radar screen during a 9-4 campaign in 2008, Bo Pelini’s first as head coach. Most importantly, Nebraska won six of its last seven contests. However, the important thing is not so much the 9-4 record but sustaining – and enhancing -- that success. Like it or not, the past several years Nebraska has been a blip on the screen on college football’s national map. Even with the success in Pelini’s first season, Nebraska draws nothing more than a charity mention – and understandably so. After all, it has been a few years since the Huskers have had a win that makes people stand up and take notice. Plus, Nebraska’s performance in primetime televised games has generally been less than stellar – at best.Again, Nebraska took their first steps to gaining back relevancy in the Gator Bowl against Clemson in beating a Tiger club that was physically superior 26-21. The Huskers played well in a New Years day bowl and defeated a decent club who were trying to bounce back with a new coach (Dabo Swinney). However, in many peoples eyes, this still isn't enough to change the perception of Nebraska football as a team who can't be overlooked.

For all the good things Nebraska did a year ago, it is still not yet a team fears to play. So what does Nebraska need to do to change that perception?For starters, the Huskers cannot have any more blowout losses. Losing to a better team is one thing but getting your doors blown off and looking like you don’t belong on the same field as the other team is another. That means no games like last year’s 52-17 loss to Missouri or a 62-28 loss to Oklahoma. Preventing this from happening will hinge on how well our defense steps up. It doesn't matter how good your offense is, you can still get blown out if you don't have a great defense. If you do have a good defense, you shouldn't give up more than 28 points no matter who the opponent is.
The Huskers also need to re-establish ownership of the Big 12 North.

Nebraska also must beat a ranked club this year.

The opportunities are there.
Virginia Tech is the first. Now, I'm not hanging the season on a win or loss in Blacksburg, but at some point in the season we need to defeat a top 20 opponent, a top 15 would be even better.I think all of the above expectations are very reasonable this season. This isn't about win/loss record. It is about becoming a truly respectable football program again. One who plays hard week in and week out whether it be Iowa St. or Oklahoma. I think we have all the reason in the world to believe that with our talent level, good coaching and the strides we've already made, these goals are very attainable. I look forward to being back "on the map" next year in the eyes of the college football world. I think we will be.

If we control, what we “can” control, then we are at least 9-3. We were among the worst in the country in turnover margin, and penalties per game in 2008. If we get back at least to average in those departments, coupled with an improved defense, then we can expect 9-3. Some smart play, some good fortune, limited injury situation, solid special teams, and a fortunate fumble/pick/return and we can get to 10-2, we have to keep from beating ourselves.

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