I know everyone wants to be champion and some guys have very high expectations for NU but I think back on one of the first threads I ever participated in about 9,000 posts ago. The poster asked, What defined a successful season? I remember the dark ages and realistically understand that when you put together the records of all the teams that play on a given Saturday it turns out to be pretty average. Every winner has a loser and every team spends a ton of $ and energy to be the best they can be.
I determined then that if every game counted to advance the team, That was a good season. I remember too many years where games # 6-10 were meaningless to NU and would not advance the program to the post season. The guys played so many games just for pride or obligation. It was difficult to be excited for those games as a fan and naturally many people, even the players checked out.
I've become a little spoiled in the last 20 years or so with so many competitive teams and seasons. The thought that we might actually be 0-12 or even 2 and 10 is simply incredulous to me anymore though I had bad dreams about it after the ISU game. Still, I really appreciate going into the Illinois game with more on the table than the Land of Lincoln trophy.
This season my have met my minimum requirement for success in one respect but in many respects was really quite excellent. Our QB and made huge gains with two seasons of eligibility left to play. Austin Carr and Justin Jackson led the B1G in their respective positions. We had the B1G sack leader. We were competitive in every game even playing OSU toe to toe in their stadium. They overcame many early season injuries to key players.
The team really gave us an enjoyable season and I look forward to what ever bowl we play.
I determined then that if every game counted to advance the team, That was a good season. I remember too many years where games # 6-10 were meaningless to NU and would not advance the program to the post season. The guys played so many games just for pride or obligation. It was difficult to be excited for those games as a fan and naturally many people, even the players checked out.
I've become a little spoiled in the last 20 years or so with so many competitive teams and seasons. The thought that we might actually be 0-12 or even 2 and 10 is simply incredulous to me anymore though I had bad dreams about it after the ISU game. Still, I really appreciate going into the Illinois game with more on the table than the Land of Lincoln trophy.
This season my have met my minimum requirement for success in one respect but in many respects was really quite excellent. Our QB and made huge gains with two seasons of eligibility left to play. Austin Carr and Justin Jackson led the B1G in their respective positions. We had the B1G sack leader. We were competitive in every game even playing OSU toe to toe in their stadium. They overcame many early season injuries to key players.
The team really gave us an enjoyable season and I look forward to what ever bowl we play.