This past week I took a few minutes and made a list of everything that could be wrong with Nebraska football. This is not a list of what I think is wrong, but a comprehensive list of possibilities. I loaded up a piece of mindmapping software and did a "brainstorm", and below is what I came up with. (Were we engaged in politics or talk radio, each one of these items might be considered "talking points.")
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List making is a normal approach to problem solving. When confronted with a network failure, for example, I typically start by making a list of all possible causes, even if some sound ridiculous. (Years ago, I mentioned that our problem with a network might be "TCR's"; trained communist rats who were in the ceiling chewing on network wires. "TCR's" made the potential causes list if for no other reason that breaking up the tension.)
There is no order to this list, nor is there any type of grouping, although perhaps that should come next. Before I do that, I'd like your input on whether or not there is anything missing from the list.
When I mention grouping, I am talking about aligning objects that are obviously related - those that by removal automatically eliminate other problems from the list. For example, you might think that the offense is too complex, that there is too much passing, and the team is too soft. Those problems might be solved all together by bringing in a new coach who prefers a simplified run-first offense, although we could have considerable debate on whether that would automatically solve the team's problem of being "too soft".
Different people will prioritize problems differently. It's obvious that firing a coach is a very high priority for many because it's so often the answer that fans present when confronted with an underperforming team - note that this is not just Nebraska fans. For reference: show me a team who's lost a game and whose fans like their offensive coordinator.
You might be convinced to lie to yourself as a way of getting through the process of problem solving. You might tell yourself that replacing the coach will automatically solve the problems with team leadership and confidence. You might convince yourself that bringing in better players will solve problems of poor coaching.
Human beings routinely lie to themselves. We have a habit of believing there is an "Easy" button, that solving one issue will automatically make every other problem go away. This applies to your teams at work as much as it does Nebraska football.
Wouldn't everything be better if you had a different boss? Wouldn't work be more satisfying if Bob, the one guy who complains about everything, would get a different job?
Take a look at the list and tell us what's missing. That's your assignment for this morning!
Stuff
One Frame At A Time: Minnesota | mgoblog
Still can't get over that ending.
Goldy Gopher's Halloween Costumes - Ranked - The Daily Gopher
My favorite Goldy game each year is the Goldy Halloween costume game.
Virginia Tech football: Frank Beamer leaves big legacy - College Football - SI.com
Frank Beamer made Virginia Tech go big time but never did himself. That was key to the stability of the success he built.
The Legacy of Frank Beamer- THE BEST COACH IN THE WORLD! - Gobbler Country
A look back into Frank Beamer's coaching career as seen through the lens of this writer and his eighth grade self, who recounts his chance encounter with the coaching legend.
Dan Wolken of USA Today: Sonny Dykes could leave Cal if contract not extended - California Golden Blogs
Academic restrictions, contract situation, relationship with the athletic director cited as major issues.
"The Return" Exposes Miami Hate as Other Blown Calls Ignored - State of The U
In the past, I never bought into this. I always felt this was a myth, wildly exaggerated by select Canes fans. The persecution theory would explain so much. It would make it easy to understand why the Hurricanes were hated.
Notre Dame fires academic coach accused of sexual coercion - NY Daily News
Notre Dame fired an academic coach amid claims she coerced school athletes into having sex with her daughter.
This is just kinda.... weird.
Recap: Iowa State Shuts Out Texas in Homecoming Victory - Wide Right & Natty Lite
The Cyclones shut out the Longhorns to improve their record to 3-5 on the year.
IOWA HAWKEYES REMAIN 10th IN A.P. POLL, 11th IN AMWAY COACHES POLL - Black Heart Gold Pants
No upsets, no movement. Because nobody stayed up to watch Stanford.
MMQB: Was Saturday's Game the Best Performance of the James Franklin Era? - Black Shoe Diaries
What do you think?
The BT Powerhouse Spooktacular Costume Contest Winners - BT Powerhouse
The BT Powerhouse Spooktacular Costume Contest Winners
Roundtable: Corey Clement a welcomed return for Wisconsin in 48-10 win - Bucky's 5th Quarter
A last look back at Wisconsin's domination of Rutgers.
Nebraska
Nebraska Football, A Real Ghost Story | Hail Varsity
After one of the more haunting losses in the storied history of Nebraska football, where do the Huskers turn next?
Column: Wounded Nebraska a dangerous road trip for Michigan State | MLive.com
The Spartans have won four games by a touchdown or less this season, while the Cornhuskers have lost five games by a touchdown or less.
Michigan State's 'program' outshines Nebraska's tradition right now
If you're ranking programs in the Big Ten, Ohio State's an easy No. 1, maxing out in every category. And then it's about how you weigh things.
Nebraska at Purdue: In Tweets! - Hammer and Rails
Twitter was fun to watch on Saturday as Purdue won!
Spartan Staff Visited Mike Riley-Coached Program - Huskers.com - Nebraska Athletics Official Web Site
During that productive span, Michigan State’s football staff visited a Pac-12 Conference program that he respected highly. “I’ve known Mark for quite a while,” Nebraska Coach Mike Riley said Monday at his weekly press conference, pointing out that Dantonio and his staff visited Riley’s Oregon State staff a few years ago
Armstrong working his way back
The junior quarterback missed Saturday’s loss to the Boilermakers as he battled turf toe. Nebraska made the decision to leave Armstrong behind so the team could travel an extra quarterback in his place.
Michigan State's bye offered a productive week of healing
No. 6 Spartans hoping to get Allen, Hicks and London back in time for Saturday vs. Nebraska