Without a Doubt, 9-3 Is Improvement for the Huskers

The 40-10 beatdown that Iowa administered to the Huskers to end the regular season was an unpleasant ending to a relatively pleasant Nebraska football season. I knew the offense was going to struggle against the Hawkeyes because of the quarterback situation, but I wasn’t prepared for the defense melting down in Ohio State-like fashion.  So I’m not pleased with how this game ended, but I am pleased with how the season went, in the grand scheme of things.

Why? I went into the season with relatively low expectations; I still had doubts about this coaching staff going in.  And while I’m not sold, I am impressed by how this staff adapted and accepted the players they inherited.  And yes, in turn, the players better accepted the coaches.  The defense was significantly better (except in a couple of games), and the offense was better.  And the results were better:  9-3 (with still a chance to win a tenth) beats the heck out of 6-7.  Going from needing an NCAA waiver for a bowl game to a possible New Year’s Day bowl game is better.

It’s not even debatable.

Some will though. Some just want to be argumentative, while others are just disappointed that the Huskers dropped another egg this month. And then there a few (explitives) who just want to rag on former head coach Bo Pelini.

The Bo-leavers have a valid point; after this season, it’s Mike Riley’s offense moving forward.  Tommy Armstrong and Ryker Fyfe won’t be around after the bowl game, and the quarterback room will be occupied by Mike Riley guys.  But will it be better next year?  I fear not.