Recaps, National Championships, and Playoffs?!

Big Red Recap:

I'll be damned. I'll admit it. I did not expect Nebraska to beat UCLA (Even though I did say if the score was going to be within a touchdown or whatever then Nebraska would have a sure-fire edge). The defense held it's ground (and UCLA decided to not exploit our defense for whatever reason). The special teams made some good plays, and our offense hardly turned the ball over! Wait...you're saying Armstrong threw the ball less than 20 times? (his season average ended up being 30 attempts per game). And we...hang on; ran the ball three times as much with our two tanks and everyone else that's significantly better than Tommy's arm? Wow. Like I said, I'll be damned. I didn't think that kind of combination would actually win a game.

That last part was extreme sarcasm by the way, I'm not sure how well that travels over the internet. This was shades of last year's Dallas Cowboys when they held Tony Romo to a career low in terms of throwing the ball and ran the damn ball with DeMarco Murray as they ripped their way to a 12-4 record (and a decent playoff run, until, of course, Dez didn't catch it. I don't blame him with Romo throwing). I'm just saying it must be a coincidence that if you don't give a guy that's prone to turnovers the opportunity to turn the ball over, then you'll see less turnovers and more long term success. It's science I tell you! Now again, I can't rip on Armstrong (or Romo it seems) too much, as we have seen in both instances that without Armstrong we'll lose to a shitty team (cue Purdue) and without Romo the Cowboys can't do a damn thing (cue this entire season when Romo got injured). What is done is done though, Nebraska ended the year with a 6-7, still losing, record. Which is interesting to note, as Nebraska was 5-7 coming into their bowl game (a losing record), yet they ended up with a similar record than a team who entered 6-6 (a non-losing record) who would end up losing their bowl game. Weird how the world works. It still wasn't the 9-win ideal season that every Nebraska fan is used to (in fact I still say it was worse given our schedule and team talent should have been a minimum 7 wins). But there is some hope. Sure we lose our two tanks (Cross and Janovich) but we still have Newby who has shown improvement (he's no Abdullah by ANY means) and our new tank Ozigbo is showing some great promise to fill in the shoes of Cross and Janovich. Westerkamp should be returning, and Morgan Jr. has shown to be one heck of a freshman receiver. On defense, it really can't get any worse than it was this year. The secondary will have more experience, and the only major name we're losing up front is Gangwish. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about a guy named De'Mornay.
Way too early prediction for 2016: 10-2 (7-2) (Yes, I have currently slated an upset of Oregon at home, which unfortunately might not be as great of a game as it'll seem now. Still will be one hell of a game to go to. Better be a night game.)

Twas the Night Before a Bowl Game...

...when all through the stadium, not a creature was stirring. Except Mike Riley who gets his final shot of redemption for the year against UCLA. I was very critical earlier when I said at 5-7 Nebraska doesn't deserve to go to a bowl game and it's a nasty blow to what UCLA has done to go to a bowl game to play a team with such a shoddy record when they were close to going to the Pac-12 title game. All of that aside, there is a game tomorrow and everyone needs to deal with that fact. UCLA has dealt with injuries that could have perhaps gave them the extra boost to get into the title game, and Nebraska has dealt with Tommy Armstrong. Whichever is worse, you decide.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Part 2 (The Part People Care About)

Now the fun part! Let's go bowling folks. 41 times. This time I'll be competing straight up against my computer so there won't be any haters. But bowl games are tougher as they are just one and done, which means no home field, and all motivation. One team may want to be there to prove themselves, while the opponent may have gotten stuck there...A lot of close matchups (as bowl games should be) so most of these predictions go either way and are usually within a touchdown spread.

Editors Note: Last year's formula provided a 70% success rate against my 50% picking skillz

(Source: USA Today)


New Mexico Bowl: Arizona vs. New Mexico - Computer: Arizona 34-30. Me: Arizona 31-27

Much like most of these bowl games, it will be fairly competitive. New Mexico did have a nice season coming out of the Mountain West, but Arizona should be able to edge them.

Las Vegas Bowl: BYU vs Utah - Computer: Utah 28-24. Me: BYU 31-30

One of the first truly close games of the bowl season comes to you courtesy of the battle of Utah...in Las Vegas. A great Utah defense versus a relentless offense. BYU with a small additional defensive edge however. This one I'll admit I was going back and forth with, but I'll fight my computer. (And lose)

Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs Appalachian State - Computer: Ohio 24-21. Me: App State 27-20

Both teams looked pretty damn good...unfortunately Ohio's was early in the season and App State came alive recently...gotta go with the hot hand on this one computer.

Cure Bowl: San Jose State vs Georgia State - Computer: SJSU 30-27. Me: SJSU 34-24

San Jose State has been playing meh ball all year, but so has Georgia State, and Georgia State is in a weaker conference...

New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs Louisiana Tech - Computer: Tech 34-31. Me: Tech 38-31

A slightly disappointing season for Louisiana Tech will get met with a solid season from Arkansas State (motivational factor alert!) Both teams know how to score points, so this one will be the first close shootout of the bowl season, but Louisiana Tech knows how to do it better. And small home field advantage.

Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky vs South Florida - Computer: Kentucky 31-28. Me: Kentucky 41-31

Another potential shootout bowl with a small home field advantage favoring the Bulls, however Western Kentucky has been one of the most underrated teams all year long.

Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs Utah State - Computer: Akron 24-21. Me: Utah State 31-21

Interesting choice computer...mind you this is the same Utah State team who hung up 52 on Boise State and has stayed very competitive in all of their games. Akron doesn't have much going for them, but we'll see if my computer isn't blowing smoke.

Boca Raton Bowl: Temple vs Toledo - Computer: Temple 28-27. Me: Temple 27-24

Another very fun to watch matchup pits two teams that had really phenomenal seasons against each other. Sadly one has to win. Survey says that team will be Temple and that brutal defense. (Can't we just all give them medals? I guess that's what the bowl game in of itself is for...)

Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs Northern Illinois - Computer: Boise 31-28. Me: Boise 31-28

Northern Illinois hasn't been the same since Jordan Lynch left, Boise State has seen better days themselves. Pity party bowl game! I'll take my computer on this one.

GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs Bowling Green - Computer: Bowling 34-31. Me: Bowling 38-27

Georgia Southern is a great story, they transitioned after being an FCS powerhouse (much like Appalachian State has) to be a very solid mediocre FBS team, they got a great matchup against Bowling Green, who has also been a very underrated team. But the computer and I are taking the established FBS squad on this one. (Editors Note: Speaking of adjusting bowl games, Western Kentucky/Bowling Green would be a GREAT game to watch, mostly because they would just be flying down the field non stop. In turn, Georgia Southern/South Florida would still be a great matchup)

Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs Western Michigan - Computer: Michigan 31-30. Me: Michigan 34-31

Damn, if Nebraska wasn't in the Big Ten, they maybe would've gone to the Bahamas. Not a bad reward for those non-major conference teams. In other news, this could either be a shootout or a runaway game for Western Michigan, who I must remind you, gave Michigan State a run for their money earlier in the year. (But then I'd have to see pictures of my Scarlet/Cheer friends and be utterly jealous that they got to travel there)

Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State vs Cincy - Computer: Cincy 30-27. Me: SDSU 34-27

Damn, if Nebraska wasn't in the Big Ten, they maybe would've gone to the Hawaiis. Not a bad reward for those non-major conference teams. In other news, this could either be a defensive stalemate or a runaway game for San Diego State, who I must remind you, gave no team a run for their money earlier in the year. They did win the Mountain West though. (But then I'd have to see pictures of my Scarlet/Cheer friends and be utterly jealous that they got to travel there)

St. Petersburg Bowl: Uconn vs Marshall - Computer: Uconn 21-17. Me: Marshall 27-15

Uconn has actually played some interesting games this year. They upset Houston to put a blemish on their record, almost got the best of Missouri in Missouri (pre-Missouri scandals), and they've been quietly one of the best defenses in the nation. Unfortunately, even though they allow less than 20, they hardly score 17 themselves...defense wins championships, but offense wins games. Just ask the 2006 Bears. (Or the Seahawks, the defense/special teams pretty much won them their Super Bowl against the Broncos, but against the Patriots their offense couldn't produce)

Sun Bowl: Miami vs Washington State - Computer: Miami 31-28. Me: Washington 45-38

Shootout! Miami has had a meh season, but shall never be terribly overlooked, whereas Washington State was very very very close to bringing it back together for a Pac-12 title run.

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington vs Southern Miss - Computer: Washington 27-24. Me: Miss 34-24

Remember when Southern Miss almost beat Nebraska? Yeah turns out they're actually not bad. Washington turning in another meh season as usual.

Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana vs Duke - Computer: Indiana 30-28. Me: Indiana 27-21

I'm saving myself by constantly saying "Oh close match up here!" as I prefaced earlier, a majority of these are. Just because I agree with my computer (or my computer agrees with me...*Twilight Zone*) doesn't mean that they'll be one sided. Anyway, Duke coming in hot with a bad season, Indiana coming in hot with a better-than-expected season. Points to the team that can run it farther!

Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs Virginia Tech - Computer: Tulsa 30-27. Me: Virginia Tech 27-20

Really computer? I mean, I still hate Virginia Tech as much as the next Husker fan, but really? Not on Beamer's farewell tour. I'll be a mad man if its right I guess...

Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA vs Nebraska - Computer: UCLA 31-28. Me: UCLA 34-30

As of right now I'll give Nebraska some shred of dignity of keeping it close against an overrated team, but stay tuned for details.

Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Navy - Computer: Pittsburgh 24-20. Me: Navy 34-24

Navy and Keenan Reynolds with a spectacular season, personally wish it could've gone better because I love it when small teams do great things, but oh well. To those about to rock Pitt, I salute you.

Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs Minnesota - Computer: Minnesota 24-21. Me: Minnesota 24-17

 Minnesota has had a struggling season, but they should be able to soundly put away Central Michigan

Armed Forces Bowl: California vs Air Force - Computer: California 28-24. Me: California 35-31

California got off to a really hot start with high QB prospect Jared Goff, then they got to the meat of their Pac-12 schedule. I had California taking this year as a step in the right direction and they definitely have done that to obtain relevancy within the Pac-12. A win here will confirm that (Assuming Goff doesn't jump to the NFL)

 Athletic Bowl: Baylor vs North Carolina - Computer: North Carolina 35-34. Me: North Carolina 45-31

This one was supposed to be a good game, but then Baylor got a million injuries that just slows down the team's fast paced offense. Baylor will take a back seat to the Tar Heels own high octane offense

Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs Colorado State - Computer: Nevada 27-24. Me: Nevada 24-20

Ironically no team from Arizona is playing, much like how Hawaii isn't in the Hawaii bowl. Either way this will be a close game contested by two programs that have fallen into mediocrity. And yet Nebraska still gets to play UCLA why again?

Texas Bowl: LSU vs Texas Tech - Computer: LSU 35-31. Me: LSU 38-27

And yet here we get a Texas team playing in the Texas Bowl. Texas Tech is still far and away from even being competitive against a stable LSU team. Fortunately, LSU has lost stability this season after starting 7-0, but then only winning 1 of their last 4 to finish 8-3, this may make for a close shootout, assuming LSU can find a way to score points again

Birmingham Bowl: Auburn vs Memphis - Computer: Memphis 35-27. Me: Memphis 38-20

Lol. I saw that Vegas has Auburn as a 2 point favorite. I'm not sure which Auburn team they're looking at (or which Memphis team they're looking at) but I'm seeing an Auburn team who almost (should have) lost to Jacksonville State, and a Memphis team who out-shot Ole Miss. Memphis would be the one "underdog" I'd ride to the casino and back

Belk Bowl: NC State vs Mississippi State - Computer: Mississippi 28-27. Me: Mississippi 31-24

Mississippi State may have been a one hit wonder, but Dak Prescott is still Dak Prescott, and well, being a one hit wonder is better than anything NC State can say

Music City Bowl: Texas A&M vs Louisville - Computer: A&M 27-24. Me: A&M 24-20

Some late QB controversy in A&M that could put some salt on this pick, but we'll stick tough with them as there are other players on a football team aside from the QB

Holiday Bowl: USC vs Wisconsin - Computer: USC 24-21. Me: USC 34-24

It was supposed to be USC's dream season with Kessler under center one last time, but their coach got drunk and made some interesting remarks. And on that day we learned that a drunk Sarkisian is a sober Pelini. And oh yea Joel Stave is still overrated AF.

Peach Bowl: Houston vs Florida State - Computer: Florida State 28-27. Me: Florida State 24-23

Houston had a spectacular season, hence the shot to take on usually-overrated-Florida State, and they will make a game of it. Unfortunately, I don't think the high flying Houston offense will be able to budge much against the Seminoles D.

Orange Bowl (Playoff Semi-Final): Oklahoma vs Clemson - Computer: Clemson 31-27. Me: Clemson 41-35

If there is one team that can stop Clemson it would be Oklahoma (and maybe Alabama, but one thing at a time). Since losing to Texas, Oklahoma has just absolutely ripped apart everyone they have played, because that is the appropriate response if you ever lose to Texas. But Clemson comes prepared to play, and Clemson is the one team you don't want to get into a shootout with. The dream season continues. This game will be what Ohio State/Alabama was last year. Probably.

Cotton Bowl (Playoff Semi-Final): Alabama vs Michigan State - Computer: Alabama 27-24. Me: Alabama 38-20 

Alabama is just too good and frankly Michigan State isn't 12-1 good. The Spartans are a bit undeserving of being in the playoff, but that's how the lay of the land works. But man wouldn't it be cool if they did win it all and Nebraska fans can be like "Hey, remember you guys have a -1 on your record."

Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs Tennessee - Computer: Northwestern 27-21. Me: Northwestern 24-17

I'll still never buy into Tennessee, and Northwestern is having a dream season of their own with a 10-win season

Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs Florida - Computer: Florida 24-21. Me: Michigan 20-17

Anybody like defenses? This is your game. Anybody like first year coaches somehow doing spectacular with their teams? This is your game. As much as I don't like giving Harbaugh a win, Florida's QB struggle will be the X factor.

Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs Ohio State - Computer: Notre Dame 28-24. Me: Ohio State 35-27

Starting to get to the juicier bowl games. Ohio State should be contending for a national title, but reaming Notre Dame will have to do

Rose Bowl: Stanford vs Iowa - Computer: Stanford 28-27. Me: Iowa 27-17

Bleh. Can both teams lose? Stanford is overrated and Iowa is a little bit too. Iowa should have beaten Michigan State because they play similar styles of football, except Iowa does it better (hence why Nebraska was able to beat Michigan State but lose to Iowa on the same field, sans-Armstrong throwing 4 INT) So I'll take the Hawkeyes in this battle of the birds. Oh and Stanford is still the Cardinals and Cardinals are gross.

Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss - Computer: Oklahoma State 31-30. Me: Ole Miss 34-31

This one can easily be a shootout, or if Ole Miss shuts down Oklahoma State, a one sided blowout. Because we all know Big 12 teams can't play defense, sans-TCU

TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs Georgia - Computer: Penn State 24-20. Me: Georgia 28-17

My computer might know something I don't, with Penn State being one of the better defensive teams in the nation and Georgia not being as hot as they used to be, but oh well projects are fun.

Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs Arkansas - Computer: Kansas State 31-28. Me: Arkansas 38-30

Kansas State barely became bowl eligible, Arkansas had high expectations, and still have a couple solid wins under their belt, this one shouldn't be very close.

Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs TCU - Computer: TCU 38-34. Me: TCU 45-42

Outside of the playoff games, this will be one of the best games to watch. Two programs that were supposed to be in the national title hunt, got plagued with injuries, but whipped it back into shape. Grab some popcorn for this one.

Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs Arizona State - Computer: Arizona 34-28. Me: Virginia 31-30

And the bowl season will end with a close, but not quite as compelling matchup, so why not fight my computer.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Part 1 (Recap and NFL Chatter)

I apologize for the lack of postings these past few weeks, you know, finals and such. When we last checked in, Nebraska somehow wound up going a pitiful 5-7 on a minimum 7-win schedule based off talent...and they're still going bowling. Bowl games are meant as a reward for teams who do well enough to keep playing some of the big boys, get a week off and go enjoy a nice and sunny place (unless you wind up going to Detroit or something). They're also really nice for the Akron's and the Central Michigan's of the world, those teams in the really non-important conferences who never get big recruits but they still turn out decent seasons, these bowl games are great for them to show the world that they can compete with the big boys.
But this year there was an issue. Ya see, the big hogs at corporate wanted more money in their pockets, so what do you think was the answer for more money and more TV time? More football. As a consumer, more football will never result in a complaint for me, but in order to give the consumers more football, they had to pick up a couple teams that were previously ineligible for a bowl game (You must be at least .500, 6 wins, 6-6, whatever, to be eligible for a bowl game). Which means that we might be watching some pretty lame games in theory (if a team couldn't manage to win at least half of their games this year, then naturally they must be bad, right?) Eh kinda. Here's a quick scoop of that (we'll break it down later, don't worry!):

Turkey Today, Hawkeye Tomorrow

The Big Red Throwdown:

Nebraska will be bowl eligible if they win against Iowa. People are happy to hear that. Why are people happy to hear that we even have the opportunity on the LAST GAME of the year? Just goes to show how shitty of a season Nebraska has had this year. Going from a projected worst-case 7-win team, to "holy crap we need to scrap together 3 straight wins, 2 of which against undefeated teams, just to pull up to .500". And Nebraska has actually delivered, which is great, I like a team with some spunk. Which is also good news for Mike Riley, because right now he only has one double digit loss (albeit to Purdue...) and is currently undefeated against ranked teams (Top 10 even for that matter). That sentence is probably the only thing that's renewing my faith in Riley as Nebraska looks into next year, but they got to get through the current task at hand and that is beating Iowa.
(Side Note: According to my data that's finally up to date, Nebraska is listed as the best team with a losing record based on competitiveness and how they played their schedule, including beating out some winning teams with cupcake schedules. So Mike Riley has that going for him too.)

Wait, you mean Nebraska needs to actually try against Iowa? Who would have ever thought that Iowa would be relevant this late in the season? The Huskers have certainly circled their calendars for this day since Iowa was 7-0, but this is absurd. Nebraska can stop TWO undefeated seasons from happening (someone fact check the last time that happened please). It is already satisfying to see that 1 behind Michigan State's record, especially after they knocked off Ohio State this past week, it would be great if Nebraska can do it to Iowa now too (would make up for seeing that 1 in front of Purdue's record right?)

And by all means, Nebraska has the power to pull this "upset" off. Iowa is a very similar team to Michigan State, decent QB play, a punishing run game, and a stiff defense (I'd say Iowa is better in those last two categories). But that's where Nebraska doesn't slouch; against teams with good running and decent defenses, they've proven themselves to be competitive in those games (Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State sorta kinda). So while Iowa might be taking pride in the fact that they can plug in the next RB in the depth chart when one gets hurt, I'd say they better have been working on their air game if they want to win.

Nebraska O vs Iowa D: Edge Nebraska. Armstrong needs his A+ game, because any silly mistake, Iowa will capitalize on in an instant

Nebraska D vs Iowa O: Edge Nebraska. Bring on that run game Iowa, Nebraska can take it.

Special Teams: RIP Demornay, I'll probably give this one to Iowa unless they start using Stanely Morgan to return punts

Nebraska 27, Iowa 20

P.S It's going to be cold as balls at the game so bundle up!

The Rest of the Week in College Football:

Playoff Top 25:
1) Clemson
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma
4) Iowa
5) Michigan State
6) Notre Dame
7) Baylor
8) Ohio State
9) Stanford
10) Michigan
11) Oklahoma State
12) Florida
13) Florida State
14) North Carolina
15) Navy
16) Northwestern
17) Oregon
18) Ole Miss
19) TCU
20) Washington State
21) Mississippi State
22) UCLA
23) Utah
24) Toledo
25) Temple

MY FINALLY UP TO DATE TOP 25:
1) Alabama
2) Florida
3) Notre Dame
4) Clemson
5) Ohio State
6) Iowa
7) Michigan State
8) Oklahoma
9) Stanford
10) Michigan
11) Baylor
12) Northwestern
13) North Carolina
14) Oklahoma State
15) Utah
16) UCLA
17) TCU
18) Texas A&M
19) LSU
20) Ole Miss
21) Temple
22) Western Kentucky
23) Georgia
24) Toledo
25) Wisconsin

So what does all of that mean for my opinions? Well in terms of the Top 4...(barring unforeseen losses)

-Clemson is in (barring a loss to South Carolina or North Carolina (ACC Champ game))
-SEC Champ is in, and there will ONLY BE ONE (Unless the SEC Champ has 2 losses, in which case there will be 0 SEC reps)
-Big 10 Champ is in (Sooo...Michigan State)
-Then it leaves the mess of Big 12 vs Notre Dame. If Oklahoma beats State (which it will), then Oklahoma steals it from Notre Dame no matter how deserving Notre Dame may be (because humans). In which case Notre Dame fans better be Florida State or Auburn fans and hope that they beat Florida or Alabama respectively giving the SEC champ 2 losses and have no SEC team in the playoffs (boy that'd be a sweet sight)

But it's also rivalry week so there are plenty of loaded games with implications to predict; so let's get to it!
Last Time: 3-2, Overall: 37-25

Baylor @ TCU - TCU 42, Baylor 34

TCU is healthy again while Baylor is not. Not much else to say here besides I'm sure TCU is upset at what happened last year that cost them a whole lot...

Ohio State @ Michigan - Ohio State 34, Michigan 27

I still can't believe the Buckeyes lost to a team that played two backup QBs...at home...against a team Nebraska beat haha. Anyway, I like what Harbaugh has done with Michigan, and via long shot technicalities, Michigan can still get into the Big Ten Championship game, but they need to win this one first, which well, sorry Harbaugh. Maybe next year.

Ole Miss @ Mississippi State - Miss 30, State 24

Second year in a row that this game will be a good one, not quite as good as last year, but still good enough to watch. Watch for Chad Kelly to keep airing it out over the not-so-great pass defense of the Bulldogs on their way to a Rebel victory

Florida State @ Florida - Not State 27, State 21

Florida hasn't been the same since it's star QB got caught doping, but they're still a solid team as a whole. Much more respectable than the Seminoles anyway.

Notre Dame @ Stanford - Notre Dame 38, Stanford 27

Remember when I said Cardinals were overrated? Yup.
(Not the bird though, the actual bird is adorable as heck)

Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State - Not State 41, State 35

Couple weeks ago I had my money on State...eh not so much anymore. The Cowboys have shown vulnerability against Iowa State and eventually losing to Baylor. The Sooners have the ability to blow open those vulnerabilities.

Stuck in a Rut(gers)

Recap:

Remember when we all speculated that Mike Riley gets wins over Top 10 teams? Well last Saturday was good proof. It was an ugly win, and truthfully 9 times out of 10 Michigan State is winning that game, but once again, we take those. Down 13 going into the 4th quarter I had a good vibe claiming that "You know, given how each team has played, Nebraska might actually pull off the comeback". Then Michigan State killed 12 minutes of the 4th quarter and my hopes were quickly dashed, I'll admit it. And now here we are circling Black Friday as Nebraska is planning on stopping Iowa's parade as well.

Spoiler Alert! | Vs. Michigan State

Recap:

I don't know if anyone wants to read a recap of what happened at Purdue.

The Big Red Throwdown:

But the fact of the matter is, that what happened at Purdue, happened, and Nebraska fans need to live with that result. No matter how crappy the level of play was, that happened. As a result, hell is nearly breaking loose, but the good news is we can now say that we can't blame Armstrong for Nebraska's bad luck. It does boil down to the coaching staff and their attitudes. I almost want to pull up results from the Pelini era of times when we got blown out by a crappy opponent (Don't let the eventual 10 point loss fool you, you don't go down 42-16 against a Drew Brees less Purdue team, ever.) But I don't have time for that if you cannot tell. Articles are being published left and right about what the hell is going on Nebraska and clocks are already counting down and blah blah blah. Here's my bottom line: Eichorst needs to go, like now. But here we are, reports are bubbling that Eichorst is in the works of getting an extension. Uhh no. Fans, donors, boosters all want his ass gone, not sticking around more. Riley on the other hand, the leash is quickly getting shorter because you don't get blown out by Purdue, even if you're fielding a JV team (because Purdue themselves are a JV team). I'll give Riley another year if he can come out of this scrum alive (meaning he beats Rutgers and maybe one of Michigan State or Iowa) but if he loses to Rutgers next week, he needs to go. You can't have 8-9 win talent on a roster and lose to the two worst teams in the Big Ten, road game or not. Purdue and Rutgers can hardly fill stadiums, and half of the half filled stadiums are Nebraska fans anyway. I don't care if we beat State AND Iowa, if we lose to Rutgers that just can't happen in a season.