Nebraska football, once a powerhouse, has been mired in mediocrity for the past decade, and the reasons behind this decline are multifaceted and intriguing. Let's dive into the factors that have contributed to this prolonged slump.
The Rise of the Big Ten
One of the most significant shifts in college football has been the transformation of the Big Ten conference. With the arrival of Urban Meyer and the influx of TV money, the league became a talent acquisition powerhouse. Nebraska, once a dominant force, now finds itself struggling to keep up with the league's new egalitarian structure. The days of easy wins against Illinois and Indiana are long gone, and the Huskers now face formidable foes with similar advantages.
Leadership Dysfunction
The administrative side of Nebraska's football program has been a mess. From the departure of Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst to the laissez-faire leadership of Bill Moos, the program has lacked a strong and unified vision. The interference from the Regents, particularly Jim Pillen, created a toxic environment, hindering the ability to make crucial decisions, such as the ill-fated contract extension for Scott Frost.
Strength and Conditioning Woes
The strength and conditioning program under Lincoln Riley was a step backward for Nebraska. The team's lack of fundamental exercises, like back squats, resulted in a physically overmatched defense. When longtime strength coach Randy Gobel returned, he was shocked by the team's condition, highlighting the depth of the problem. The human body takes time to rebuild, and Nebraska's struggles in this area have been a significant factor in their decline.
Special Teams Neglect
Special teams have been an afterthought for Nebraska, and it has cost them dearly. The lack of focus on this aspect of the game has resulted in close losses and a perception of being unlucky. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy; by not investing in special teams, Nebraska has convinced itself that it's at a disadvantage, when in reality, it's a choice they've made.
Development and Retention Issues
Nebraska has struggled to develop its talent and retain players. The advent of NIL and the Transfer Portal has exacerbated this issue, with players seeking quicker playing time and better deals elsewhere. The program has failed to recruit and develop players effectively, often chasing stars while missing out on local talent who would have stayed and contributed. This compounding investment problem has led to a constant turnover of the roster, while rivals like Iowa and Wisconsin have built stable, successful programs.
Psychological Fragility
Nebraska's psychological fragility is a recurring theme. The team has a history of collapsing under pressure, with one bad play leading to a downward spiral. This mental weakness has infected multiple staffs and is a significant barrier to the program's success. Until Nebraska addresses this issue, they will continue to confuse talent problems with temperament issues, and close losses will remain a curse.
Neglecting the Run Game
Nebraska is perfectly suited for a run-heavy offense, with the weather, talent, and fan culture all favoring this style. Yet, the program has often tried to build around pocket passers, with disastrous results. The focus should be on building a strong offensive line, a deep backfield, and a dominant run game. This is a fundamental aspect of the game that Nebraska has overlooked, and it's a mistake that needs rectifying.
Puzzling Assistant Hires
Nebraska has had the financial means to build elite staffs, but too often, they've settled for mismatched and incoherent coaching brains. The lack of Big Ten experience among Frost's assistants and the differing philosophies among coaches have hindered the program's progress. The recent hire of Geep Wade as offensive line coach is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen if it's part of a coherent plan.
In conclusion, Nebraska's mediocrity is a result of a perfect storm of factors. From leadership dysfunction to psychological fragility, the program has a lot to address if it wants to return to its former glory. It's time for Nebraska to take a hard look at itself and make the necessary changes to compete in a transformed Big Ten landscape.
