Okay, so this week it was time, once and for all, to get rid of the pile that's been growing on my desk for months. As I sifted through the layers of junk, I found copies of last fall's sports sections, football mags, old candy wrappers, final notices from the gas company etc. It was the football stuff that got me to reflecting on the 2015 Husker season (that is, right after I made a desperate call to the gas company). I came up with the following list of the year's highs and lows. Drum roll, please...
THE BEST OF THE REST
1.) Beating Michigan State
The win came at a time in which the Husker football program desperately needed something good to happen. And what a win it turned out to be. MSU would go on to beat Iowa for the B1G championship and make it into the FCS championship series, losing to eventual NC winner Alabama. Without beating Sparty in Lincoln, the Huskers likely wouldn't have been invited to a bowl game.
2.) Beating UCLA
What a way to end a very difficult year! We may never know the full impact the win over UCLA will have on the Husker football program, but it probably didn't hurt this year's good recruiting class. Although the Huskers trailed 21-7 in the second quarter against a good UCLA Bruin football team, NU rallied to tie it at 21 going into halftime. The game was played in Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on the day after Christmas in prime time on national TV and was the only bowl game played that night. The Huskers won the game because of great execution and a perfect offensive game plan. Kudos go to Mike Riley, OC Danny Langsdorf and the bowl's MVP, Tommie Armstrong.
3.) The loyal Husker fans
Yes, despite the Huskers' dismal record last year, fans continued to pack Memorial Stadium to cheer for the Big Red. They kept the 347 consecutive home sellout streak alive, at least for another year. Big Red fans are the best! I'm not so sure this entry shouldn't be listed as Number One.
4.) The fourth quarter comeback at Miami
After an inept three quarters of football, the Huskers somehow came alive and staged an unbelievable comeback that included two successful double extra point tries. Down the stretch, NU outscored the Hurricanes 23-0 to tie it at the end of regulation at 33. It was an amazing comeback that, unfortunately for Husker fans, didn't have a happy ending.
5.) The emergence of Sr. RB Andy Janovich
Coach Mike Riley must have seen something the former staff didn't. Give Andy the ball! It's too bad Janovich had to wait until his final year at NU to showcase his talents both as a running back and a vital member on special teams. Andy's totals for 2015 were 42 rushing attempts for 265 yards for a 6.3 yards per carry average. And who can forget his 55 TD run late in the Wisconsin game? Way to go, #35. We're going to miss you. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-o2QsFD7K4)
6.) Trent Bray's coaching
Because of injuries, suspensions and lack of depth, his crew of linebackers continued to get better. He coached the kids he had and did a very good job in getting his players ready each week.
7.) The emergence of RFr. Nick Gates at RT
Due to injuries to Chongo Kondolo, the RFr. responded with great performances, especially when Zach Sterup was moved next to Nick at RG. Gates is a stud who is just going to get better and better.
8.) Holding Iowa to 250 total yards offense
Coming into the game, Iowa was 11-0 and headed to the B1G championship game for a showdown with Michigan State. NU allowed only 250 yards of Total Offense against Iowa, held their offense to 0 for 9 on third down conversions and limited Iowa QB C.J. Beathard to 97 total passing yards. But once again, Nebraska's self destructive ways were too much for the Huskers to overcome.
9.) Stanley Morgan, Jr.'s one-handed TD catch
In another Foster Farms Bowl moment, Tommy Armstrong's perfect pass to wide receiver Stanley Morgan, Jr. was a thing of beauty (http://btn.com/2015/12/27/video-nebraska-wr-stanley-morgans-one-handed-td-grab/). He caught it with his left hand and tumbled into the end zone. STJ, like fine wine, will get better and better with age.
10.) Terrell Newby's 69 TD run at Minnesota
It was a thing of beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1EiRnHwvNk). The blocking was perfect and #34 took off for the races.
11.) Josh Kalu's 41 yard TD interception at Minnesota
Man, was that great seeing him weave, reverse his field and head for the end zone. Josh's Pick Six (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OcQtNPZfMY) put an exclamation point on a 48-25 win over the Gophers. The Huskers will need more of that kind of play in 2016.
12.) And last but not least
Let it be known that unlike previous years, this Husker team never quit. They never gave up, even when the team suffered through several last minute losses. They could have given up. But they didn't.
THE WORST OF THE WORST
1.) Losing to Purdue
No Husker team should ever lose to a team as bad as Purdue. Even with a former walk on starting for the injured Tommy Armstrong, the Huskers should never allow such an embarrassment to happen. NU was the Boilermaker's only conference win last season as they finished at 2-10 for the year.
2.) The OT meltdown at Miami
After staging an almost impossible 4th quarter rally, the Huskers imploded in their only possession of OT. Tommy tossed an interception and Alex Lewis, co-captain, was flagged for a costly late hit out of bounds that gave Miami the ball on the Husker 12 yard line. A few plays later, Miami kicked the winning field goal. Sigh...
3.) Mike Riley's handling of Lewis' Antics
What was Alex Lewis thinking when he made a late hit on the Miami defender after the Miami player intercepted Tommy Armstrong in OT? What a bone headed mistake. Lewis' behavior was bad enough, but after the game, the senior co-captain (!) was seen dissing a contingency of Husker fans who had made the trip to see the game. That Riley did not suspend him or at least have him publicly apologize to Husker fans is baffling. Lewis' lack of class is an insult to all the great Husker fans.
4.) The loss (twice) of DPE
Who knows what a difference a healthy De'Mornay Pierson-El would have made last year. He was the nation's leading punt returner in 2014, but a pre-season injury kept him out for several weeks and his season ended a couple of weeks later due to a freak end zone celebration play. We miss you, #15. Come back healthy this fall!
5.) Injuries in general
There were so many injuries last year, it's surprising that the Huskers were able to win as many as 6 games.
6.) Losing at Illinois
This is another program the Huskers should never lose to. And due to some poor execution late in the game and some inept clock management, the Huskers left the door wide open for Illinois to win the game in the closing seconds.
7.) The BYU Hail Mary play
This was another game the Huskers should have won. But poor play on the Hail Mary pass gave the Cougars the win and Nebraska lost its first opener since the Reagan Administration.
8.) The home loss to the Badgers
The Huskers were hanging on for dear life to a one point lead late in the game, but Wisconsin mounted a last minute drive that ended with a 46 yard field goal by Troy Gagliamione to win it 23-21 with 4 seconds remaining.
9.) Failure to develop a backup Husker QB
It was frustrating that the Huskers weren't able to develop a suitable back up to Tommy Armstrong. It's true that Ryker Fyfe. TA's backup threw for a ton of yards in the Husker loss at Purdue, but he had 4 INTs and had another costly fumble to help blow the game open (55-45) for Purdue.
10. Not developing a consistent running game
The Huskers couldn't run when they needed to. The bowl game was an exception. The question is: Were the 326 yard rushing against UCLA an aberration, or a portent of things to come?
11.) The repeated attempts to make Tommy Armstrong a passer
It boggles the mind why the Husker coaching staff continued to try to make TA the next Tom Brady. (Didn't Bill Callahan try that with Joe Dailey?) Having TA chuck it down field for 70 yards at a crack was baffling. Tommy has many strengths, but passing ain't one of them.
(I know, the list doesn't have an equal number of highs and lows, but that's just the way it is.)
(Okay, you can tell the drummer to stop...)
You may contact the writer at HuskerDan@cox.net
THE BEST OF THE REST
1.) Beating Michigan State
The win came at a time in which the Husker football program desperately needed something good to happen. And what a win it turned out to be. MSU would go on to beat Iowa for the B1G championship and make it into the FCS championship series, losing to eventual NC winner Alabama. Without beating Sparty in Lincoln, the Huskers likely wouldn't have been invited to a bowl game.
2.) Beating UCLA
What a way to end a very difficult year! We may never know the full impact the win over UCLA will have on the Husker football program, but it probably didn't hurt this year's good recruiting class. Although the Huskers trailed 21-7 in the second quarter against a good UCLA Bruin football team, NU rallied to tie it at 21 going into halftime. The game was played in Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on the day after Christmas in prime time on national TV and was the only bowl game played that night. The Huskers won the game because of great execution and a perfect offensive game plan. Kudos go to Mike Riley, OC Danny Langsdorf and the bowl's MVP, Tommie Armstrong.
3.) The loyal Husker fans
Yes, despite the Huskers' dismal record last year, fans continued to pack Memorial Stadium to cheer for the Big Red. They kept the 347 consecutive home sellout streak alive, at least for another year. Big Red fans are the best! I'm not so sure this entry shouldn't be listed as Number One.
4.) The fourth quarter comeback at Miami
After an inept three quarters of football, the Huskers somehow came alive and staged an unbelievable comeback that included two successful double extra point tries. Down the stretch, NU outscored the Hurricanes 23-0 to tie it at the end of regulation at 33. It was an amazing comeback that, unfortunately for Husker fans, didn't have a happy ending.
5.) The emergence of Sr. RB Andy Janovich
Coach Mike Riley must have seen something the former staff didn't. Give Andy the ball! It's too bad Janovich had to wait until his final year at NU to showcase his talents both as a running back and a vital member on special teams. Andy's totals for 2015 were 42 rushing attempts for 265 yards for a 6.3 yards per carry average. And who can forget his 55 TD run late in the Wisconsin game? Way to go, #35. We're going to miss you. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-o2QsFD7K4)
6.) Trent Bray's coaching
Because of injuries, suspensions and lack of depth, his crew of linebackers continued to get better. He coached the kids he had and did a very good job in getting his players ready each week.
7.) The emergence of RFr. Nick Gates at RT
Due to injuries to Chongo Kondolo, the RFr. responded with great performances, especially when Zach Sterup was moved next to Nick at RG. Gates is a stud who is just going to get better and better.
8.) Holding Iowa to 250 total yards offense
Coming into the game, Iowa was 11-0 and headed to the B1G championship game for a showdown with Michigan State. NU allowed only 250 yards of Total Offense against Iowa, held their offense to 0 for 9 on third down conversions and limited Iowa QB C.J. Beathard to 97 total passing yards. But once again, Nebraska's self destructive ways were too much for the Huskers to overcome.
9.) Stanley Morgan, Jr.'s one-handed TD catch
In another Foster Farms Bowl moment, Tommy Armstrong's perfect pass to wide receiver Stanley Morgan, Jr. was a thing of beauty (http://btn.com/2015/12/27/video-nebraska-wr-stanley-morgans-one-handed-td-grab/). He caught it with his left hand and tumbled into the end zone. STJ, like fine wine, will get better and better with age.
10.) Terrell Newby's 69 TD run at Minnesota
It was a thing of beauty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1EiRnHwvNk). The blocking was perfect and #34 took off for the races.
11.) Josh Kalu's 41 yard TD interception at Minnesota
Man, was that great seeing him weave, reverse his field and head for the end zone. Josh's Pick Six (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OcQtNPZfMY) put an exclamation point on a 48-25 win over the Gophers. The Huskers will need more of that kind of play in 2016.
12.) And last but not least
Let it be known that unlike previous years, this Husker team never quit. They never gave up, even when the team suffered through several last minute losses. They could have given up. But they didn't.
THE WORST OF THE WORST
1.) Losing to Purdue
No Husker team should ever lose to a team as bad as Purdue. Even with a former walk on starting for the injured Tommy Armstrong, the Huskers should never allow such an embarrassment to happen. NU was the Boilermaker's only conference win last season as they finished at 2-10 for the year.
2.) The OT meltdown at Miami
After staging an almost impossible 4th quarter rally, the Huskers imploded in their only possession of OT. Tommy tossed an interception and Alex Lewis, co-captain, was flagged for a costly late hit out of bounds that gave Miami the ball on the Husker 12 yard line. A few plays later, Miami kicked the winning field goal. Sigh...
3.) Mike Riley's handling of Lewis' Antics
What was Alex Lewis thinking when he made a late hit on the Miami defender after the Miami player intercepted Tommy Armstrong in OT? What a bone headed mistake. Lewis' behavior was bad enough, but after the game, the senior co-captain (!) was seen dissing a contingency of Husker fans who had made the trip to see the game. That Riley did not suspend him or at least have him publicly apologize to Husker fans is baffling. Lewis' lack of class is an insult to all the great Husker fans.
4.) The loss (twice) of DPE
Who knows what a difference a healthy De'Mornay Pierson-El would have made last year. He was the nation's leading punt returner in 2014, but a pre-season injury kept him out for several weeks and his season ended a couple of weeks later due to a freak end zone celebration play. We miss you, #15. Come back healthy this fall!
5.) Injuries in general
There were so many injuries last year, it's surprising that the Huskers were able to win as many as 6 games.
6.) Losing at Illinois
This is another program the Huskers should never lose to. And due to some poor execution late in the game and some inept clock management, the Huskers left the door wide open for Illinois to win the game in the closing seconds.
7.) The BYU Hail Mary play
This was another game the Huskers should have won. But poor play on the Hail Mary pass gave the Cougars the win and Nebraska lost its first opener since the Reagan Administration.
8.) The home loss to the Badgers
The Huskers were hanging on for dear life to a one point lead late in the game, but Wisconsin mounted a last minute drive that ended with a 46 yard field goal by Troy Gagliamione to win it 23-21 with 4 seconds remaining.
9.) Failure to develop a backup Husker QB
It was frustrating that the Huskers weren't able to develop a suitable back up to Tommy Armstrong. It's true that Ryker Fyfe. TA's backup threw for a ton of yards in the Husker loss at Purdue, but he had 4 INTs and had another costly fumble to help blow the game open (55-45) for Purdue.
10. Not developing a consistent running game
The Huskers couldn't run when they needed to. The bowl game was an exception. The question is: Were the 326 yard rushing against UCLA an aberration, or a portent of things to come?
11.) The repeated attempts to make Tommy Armstrong a passer
It boggles the mind why the Husker coaching staff continued to try to make TA the next Tom Brady. (Didn't Bill Callahan try that with Joe Dailey?) Having TA chuck it down field for 70 yards at a crack was baffling. Tommy has many strengths, but passing ain't one of them.
(I know, the list doesn't have an equal number of highs and lows, but that's just the way it is.)
(Okay, you can tell the drummer to stop...)
You may contact the writer at HuskerDan@cox.net
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