Nebraska Cornhuskers Football: How Can Nebraska Reach A Higher Level Of Success?

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Part six of our seven part series on how others see Nebraska’s football program will focus on The Huskers taking the next step towards success. Many in Husker Nation feel that Nebraska has been stuck in neutral for the past several years. What do writers from around the nation think The Nebraska Cornhuskers need to do to take the program to the next level?

Joe Micik from SoaringToGlory.com sees a one dementional solution that can help Nebraska make the BCS jump.

Joe: This is going to sound pretty general and will almost certainly make me look stupid, but for all the great things Nebraska did last year, they had some really titanic losses.  I would imagine that it’s deflating to give up 63 points to Ohio State, and even more deflating to let an unranked team drop 70 on you in the Big Ten Championship Game.  Nebraska won their division last year, so I don’t think they’re that far off, but the defense needs to get things under control in those big games and not let the 60 or 70 point nuclear demolition that wrecks almost everything you’ve done up to that point.

The colossal points that The Blackshirts have given up in recent seasons is demoralizing. Joe is right, if the defense plays up to their potential last year, Nebraska would have been playing for the Roses.

BigRedLouie.com editor Cam Newton addresses blowout losses as well.

Cam: This is a tough one.  They consistently have a good record each season, but they’re going to have to win a Big Ten Championship to be taken seriously.  After Wisconsin’s throttling of the Huskers last year, Nebraska is actually going to have to win one of these things to even dream of being a national contender and have the national spotlight shine on them.

Tony Orlando from BamaHammer.com knows a few things about teams that play at the highest level. His answer is as clear cut as it gets.

Tony: Win. All else is secondary. Win the big games. Win the conference. Make the nation sit up and take notice. Go to a BCS game and crush your opponent. All the rest takes care of itself.

GoldAndGopher.com writer Steve Pesek offers some advice that I wish more Husker fans would follow.

Steve: Patience. The program is in a good spot and over the next few seasons they are in position to be a leader in the division. Maybe even a legend… (pun intended). There is talent within the program and some growth potential for younger players to make a big impact. If reaching the next level means runs into the new college football playoff, then the program is primed for just that.

It can be tough for fans to be patient when it comes to winning championships. Many younger Husker fans were just kids when Nebraska was in the middle of their dynasty in the mid to late 90’s. It is easy to forget that it took legendary coach Tom Osborne two decades to figure out a championship formula.

College football is cyclical. USC was nowhere on the national radar for a few decades and then they made their run at titles. Same can be said for Ohio State. Be patient and good things will come.

Mitch Harper from LawlessRepublic.com looks at a key position in Nebraska’s offense as the possible solution.

Mitch: Nebraska always had the best running backs. Where has that been recently? Ameer Adbullah might be the next great Cornhusker back, but I feel the talent at the position should be much better at a place like Nebraska.

We know what Abdullah is capable of, especially in a season where Taylor Martinez has so many weapons offensively. Abdullah might benefit more than anyone else on the team. When it comes to those stud running backs Nebraska has been known for in the past, there are a few of those on the team that you will get to know over the next few seasons Mitch.

Finally, we wrap up part six with a response from Dave Thoman of JugOfSnyder.com

Dave: Player development. The school’s strength and conditioning program used to be the envy of the nation.

Player development is key for future success. Dave is right, there has been an issue with players really developing since Frank Solich was fired. Maybe we will see changes in strength and conditioning in 2013.