(12-27-2013 01:41 PM)NIUHuskies86 Wrote:  This is a thread I planned to post today even had last night resulted in an impressive victory, because it's a question that has been on my mind since the MACC.

The last four years have almost been like two separate periods of two years. The 2010-2011 teams were the program rising to a double digit win, borderline top 25 team level. But still, at that point, the goal was simple: win the MAC.

Now, in 2012-2013, obviously that was still the goal because it's always the goal. But sometime late in 2012, we went from that to thinking BCS, and the mindset remained that way all the way until the Bowling Green loss.

The question is whether or not this program simply wants to run the MAC, or if the goals should remain bigger as they have been for the last 13 months or so. With the BCS gone, somebody in non AQ land is going to an access bowl every year. So, in theory, getting into a big postseason game should be easier. But it seems like another step needs to be taken if we want to be in that TCU or Boise State stratosphere and be good enough to win such games.

NIU prides itself on being a hard working program that makes magic with overlooked kids, but I think the recruiting has to get at least modestly better if we want to be something more than the best team in our conference. This class looks promising so far, and hopefully that continues and can be maintained beyond this year, which probably has a nice Orange Bowl bump attached to it. And beyond that, as I mentioned in another thread, obviously the 2014 team is enormous in terms of proving our staying power as, at the very least, a top MAC team. To me, 2014 is all about the next step for our program, so hopefully it's a good one.

(12-27-2013 01:50 PM)Djud Wrote:  

(12-27-2013 01:41 PM)NIUHuskies86 Wrote:  This is a thread I planned to post today even had last night resulted in an impressive victory, because it's a question that has been on my mind since the MACC.

The last four years have almost been like two separate periods of two years. The 2010-2011 teams were the program rising to a double digit win, borderline top 25 team level. But still, at that point, the goal was simple: win the MAC.

Now, in 2012-2013, obviously that was still the goal because it's always the goal. But sometime late in 2012, we went from that to thinking BCS, and the mindset remained that way all the way until the Bowling Green loss.

The question is whether or not this program simply wants to run the MAC, or if the goals should remain bigger as they have been for the last 13 months or so. With the BCS gone, somebody in non AQ land is going to an access bowl every year. So, in theory, getting into a big postseason game should be easier. But it seems like another step needs to be taken if we want to be in that TCU or Boise State stratosphere and be good enough to win such games.

NIU prides itself on being a hard working program that makes magic with overlooked kids, but I think the recruiting has to get at least modestly better if we want to be something more than the best team in our conference. This class looks promising so far, and hopefully that continues and can be maintained beyond this year, which probably has a nice Orange Bowl bump attached to it. And beyond that, as I mentioned in another thread, obviously the 2014 team is enormous in terms of proving our staying power as, at the very least, a top MAC team. To me, 2014 is all about the next step for our program, so hopefully it's a good one.

Just an FYI...TCU and Boise State combined for 12 losses this season. The goal should be to build upon the incredible run that we have been on in recent seasons; continually strive to improve, knowing that we will not always reach our objectives (MAC champions; Bowl victory, etc), and that there will be peaks and valleys along the way.

(12-27-2013 02:05 PM)NIU HOY Wrote:  I like where we are at but would love to keep the momentum of bigger and better things every few seasons. Right now we are consistently building onto an already strong foundation and there's nothing wrong with wanting that to continue. What's wrong would be if we didn't have goals and aspirations of pushing things farther. It just needs to be done the right way which I happen to believe they are doing (better teams incrementally, getting things done in the classroom, family atmosphere, standout players in key positions, etc.). Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes YEARS. They'll get to where we want them to if things are done the right way.

(12-28-2013 01:40 AM)Kansacity88 Wrote:  Need to start getting bigger up front.....on BOTH lines......PERIOD! Once that happens, the trickle down effect will happen for the LBs on down to the secondary! Trust me...it's the oldest rule in the centuries old book of football and it STILL rings true today!


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(12-28-2013 09:00 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(12-28-2013 01:40 AM)Kansacity88 Wrote:  Need to start getting bigger up front.....on BOTH lines......PERIOD! Once that happens, the trickle down effect will happen for the LBs on down to the secondary! Trust me...it's the oldest rule in the centuries old book of football and it STILL rings true today!


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Oh no!! When I used to suggest that years ago, all I heard was a chorus of why we don't need big guys, speed kills, we need gazelles on the line, and blah blah.

(12-28-2013 09:18 AM)Huskie73 Wrote:  

(12-28-2013 09:00 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(12-28-2013 01:40 AM)Kansacity88 Wrote:  Need to start getting bigger up front.....on BOTH lines......PERIOD! Once that happens, the trickle down effect will happen for the LBs on down to the secondary! Trust me...it's the oldest rule in the centuries old book of football and it STILL rings true today!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh no!! When I used to suggest that years ago, all I heard was a chorus of why we don't need big guys, speed kills, we need gazelles on the line, and blah blah.

Well then I say you, sir, were right years ago! Go you, Huskies!!!

(12-27-2013 02:27 PM)cartershaw Wrote:  

(12-27-2013 02:05 PM)NIU HOY Wrote:  I like where we are at but would love to keep the momentum of bigger and better things every few seasons. Right now we are consistently building onto an already strong foundation and there's nothing wrong with wanting that to continue. What's wrong would be if we didn't have goals and aspirations of pushing things farther. It just needs to be done the right way which I happen to believe they are doing (better teams incrementally, getting things done in the classroom, family atmosphere, standout players in key positions, etc.). Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes YEARS. They'll get to where we want them to if things are done the right way.

+1...