I didn't have to watch the Zips game because it wasn't broadcast in my region so it didn't sting me as much as usual. In reading about it, it is pretty clear that it was lost via disastrous turnovers for TDs on a scale I have never seen before. When has NU ever had 2 pick 6s and a fumble go for 6 all in the same game?
What has been bothering me though is how consistent NU has been at losing these early games against teams that technically shouldn't be able to stay on the field with them. I don't need to list them because you know them all too well. NU should have been boasting 29 or 30 wins in the last three seasons instead of 27. I think it hurts the program in many ways.
1) Every season NU starts with a loss that reinforces the just nu reputation.
2) By midseason the record is just mediocre and casual fans and students are losing interest.
3) Serious fans have to hold themselves in check through out the season because we are humbled by the losses. It is tough to get in the face of other B1G fans when you're making excuses for early losses to teams that they consider pansies.
4) Serious fans have to hold back their enthusiasm half the season or more worrying that we will not even make a bowl this year.
5) Students are deprived of the heady experience of a dominant win where they can be rowdy and proud and then we wonder why they don't show up.
6) The media is not impressed and like it or not NU needs the coverage and the respect that gets NU at least to the level of others receiving votes.
MRCat 95 has said that the loss to Miami of Ohio galvanized the team. He was there, I believe him. Has Fitz allowed this the be and acceptable outcome due to his experience? I find that hard to believe but if he wants more fans in the stadium he has got to give the fans some good times at the expense of the hurt feelings of teams that NU is prepared to slaughter.
Something needs to change in the preparation and motivation prior to these games or NU will not move up tot he next level. Fortunately, NU is 1 and 0 in the west and will be even after the Michigan game. A serious fan can still hold out hope for a Division championship even if we go to 1 and 3 but no one else will.
What has been bothering me though is how consistent NU has been at losing these early games against teams that technically shouldn't be able to stay on the field with them. I don't need to list them because you know them all too well. NU should have been boasting 29 or 30 wins in the last three seasons instead of 27. I think it hurts the program in many ways.
1) Every season NU starts with a loss that reinforces the just nu reputation.
2) By midseason the record is just mediocre and casual fans and students are losing interest.
3) Serious fans have to hold themselves in check through out the season because we are humbled by the losses. It is tough to get in the face of other B1G fans when you're making excuses for early losses to teams that they consider pansies.
4) Serious fans have to hold back their enthusiasm half the season or more worrying that we will not even make a bowl this year.
5) Students are deprived of the heady experience of a dominant win where they can be rowdy and proud and then we wonder why they don't show up.
6) The media is not impressed and like it or not NU needs the coverage and the respect that gets NU at least to the level of others receiving votes.
MRCat 95 has said that the loss to Miami of Ohio galvanized the team. He was there, I believe him. Has Fitz allowed this the be and acceptable outcome due to his experience? I find that hard to believe but if he wants more fans in the stadium he has got to give the fans some good times at the expense of the hurt feelings of teams that NU is prepared to slaughter.
Something needs to change in the preparation and motivation prior to these games or NU will not move up tot he next level. Fortunately, NU is 1 and 0 in the west and will be even after the Michigan game. A serious fan can still hold out hope for a Division championship even if we go to 1 and 3 but no one else will.
