Didn't read the whole thread, but just responding to the OP: The issues with Frost's NU go way deeper simply than a change in culture or toughness. Yeah, no doubt the culture under Riley sucked and was likely still toxic from the Pelini exit. But even with the proper culture in place, Frost's play calling has been questionable since day one and it largely cost us the Minnesota game Saturday. Player recruiting and development are also sadly lacking in year 4.
Frost can flip the culture, but if he is going to continue to have a four-year starter at QB making high school mistakes, then we will never win consistently. If he is going to play Big Ten football yet go for it on 4th and short out of the gun, then we should plan on more failing. If he is going to continue to trot out a kicker that is arguably the worst we've ever had, then how can we ever expect to compete for titles? Most of the losses this year fall right in Frost's lap. He's been out-coached in nearly every loss. Play-calling, time management, lack of development, freshmen mistakes at nearly every level of the offense. It takes a special kind of poor coaching to totally dominate a game like MSU and still lose. I wanted him to succeed as much as anyone else here, but you have to trust your eyes. This is poorly coached football.