I was in school at UNL the last time Nebraska started a season 1-2. In 1981, I was starting my sophomore year.
It was shocking starting out the season losing 10-7 to Iowa. Little did anyone know they'd go to the Rose Bowl that season, it was their first winning season since 1961 and the perception was that we'd just lost to a horrible team. Then Nebraska lost two weeks later at home to Penn State and blew everyone blew their lid.
We didn't have internet, and obviously no social media, but the grumbling amongst Husker fans was much the same; Tom Osborne needed to be fired and run out of town along with the rest of his staff. Osborne had earned the reputation of not being able to win the big one, whether it be Oklahoma or a big-time bowl game.
Osborne was too calm, too nice a guy, didn't run the right offense, didn't run the right defense, wasn't playing the right players - take everything said about Mike Riley and his coaching staff right now and the same things were being said about Osborne all those years ago.
After starting 1-2, 1981 Nebraska went on to win their next eight games, that included a 37-14 stomping of Oklahoma in Norman. They finished the season playing Clemson on the Orange Bowl. Osborne had a shot at a national title; Clemson was #1, Nebraska #4, but #2 Georgia and #3 Alabama had both lost their bowls. Alas, it was not to be as Clemson won 22-15 (aided by a number of questionable officiating calls).
Again, Osborne couldn't win the big one, and the complaints started up again. The same complaints would plague Osborne throughout the 80s.
They're the same complaints as those being throw about Mike Riley around now. They're the same complaints levied against every coach that loses, ala banners advocating the firing of Al Golden flying over Miami on Saturday.
We don't know what's going to happen with this team or with Mike Riley. I'd say "sit back, relax and let's see what happens", but I know there isn't much fun in that. Maybe just a caution then....
Don't take this stuff too seriously. Vent in the comments section, but don't allow yourself to get so wrapped up in it that it's making you completely crazy. (And here I blaspheme). It's just Nebraska football.
Reviews And Such
MARSHALL KOEHN DESTROYS PITT'S HOPES, THEN DESTROYS A FEW CHEERLEADERS - Black Heart Gold Pants
Good day to be a Hawkeye. Not so good day to be a Hawkeye cheerleader.
Penn State 28, Rutgers 3: 3 Key Takeaways From the Nittany Lions' Win over Rutgers - Black Shoe Diaries
Penn State set out to make a statement against Rutgers in what could possibly be an annual StripeOut game, and a statement they made.
Hey, Wha Happen: Penn State 28, Rutgers 3 - Black Shoe Diaries
Penn State's 21 point second quarter lifted the Nittany Lions over a floundering Rutgers squad.
Troy vs. Wisconsin: Badgers's defense bends, holds Trojans to zero touchdowns in 28-3 victory - Bucky's 5th Quarter
For the second straight week, the Wisconsin Badgers held their opponent out of the end zone.
Troy vs. Wisconsin: Badgers' balance on offense progressing in 28-3 win - Bucky's 5th Quarter
The Wisconsin Badgers' rushing attack continued to round into shape on Saturday against the Troy Trojans.
Wisconsin football: Badgers move up to No. 21 in Coaches poll, No. 22 in AP poll - Bucky's 5th Quarter
After their 28-3 victory over the Trojans, the Badgers move up in both polls.
North Carolina 48, Illinois 14: Players of the Game - The Champaign Room
There weren't many, but a few players shined in the 48-14 loss.
Five things we learned from Indiana's 38-35 victory over WKU - The Crimson Quarry
Jordan Howard's ability to close out games, defense and special teams showing up in key moments, a great new helmet, and other highlights from yesterday's thrilling victory in Bloomington.
Minnesota vs. Kent State: Win Recap and Stroll Through Twitterland - Week 3 - The Daily Gopher
A stroll through Gopher memory lane as the script has been flipped.
Northwestern 19, Duke 10: Player grades from NU's come-from-behind victory - Inside NU
Many thought Northwestern's undefeated start to the 2015 season would end Saturday in Durham. It did not, as the Wildcats overcame a halftime deficit to get a huge win. Here's how we graded the Wildcats' individual performances:
Rutgers Football: Takeaways from the loss to Penn State - On the Banks
Spoiler Alert: It was uglier than we feared it would be.
Week Three Game Balls: Ty Isaac & Blake O'Neill - Maize n Brew
It doesn't get much more Big Ten than this week's game balls.
Ohio State's defense is a safe bet but not much else is after an ugly W vs. NIU - Land-Grant Holy Land
A rock-solid defense and an offense in need of serious guidance were both on display Saturday in an ugly win.
Separating the fact from the fiction with Ohio State's offensive struggles - Land-Grant Holy Land
Let's take a look at the facts.
New bowl projections, with Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff - SBNation.com
Let's guess about some sports! Specifically, every college football bowl game for 2015.
Ole Miss and Notre Dame are the country's 2 best teams right now - SBNation.com
Welcome to The Top Whatever, in which Spencer Hall ranks however many teams he feels like ranking.
The Big Ten West: As Hot as Saved by the Bell Goes to Hawaii - Off Tackle Empire
The champion of the Big Ten West may have no chance of winning the conference, but it is without question the more interesting, competitive division.
College football rankings: Big Ten has top 2 in new AP Top 25 - SBNation.com
As more rankings come in, they'll be included and combined for a composite once final.
Missouri and Auburn remained ranked in the Coaches Poll.
Nebraska
BigRedNation.com - The Carriker Chronicles: Nebraska vs Miami
After the #Miami game, as a former player, I was frustrated & proud of#Nebraska at the same time. We were outplayed at times during the game, but in the end we were 2 evenly matched teams. I feel better about the #Huskers now, than I did even before the game.
BJ Day To No Longer Play For Nebraska Cornhuskers Due To Injuries - BT Powerhouse
Nebraska has learned that redshirt freshman BJ Day will be stepping off the court going forward.
3 & Out: Miami 36 Nebraska 33 | Hail Varsity
The Hail Varsity staff offers three final takeaways from Nebraska's loss to Miami.
Beyond the Box Score: Miami 36 Nebraska 33 | Hail Varsity
Taking a look at the stats from Miami's win over Nebraska in this week's Beyond the Box Score.