(09-25-2017 09:57 AM)7 Wrote:  You guys realize your (and my) opinions on Coach Carey mean precisely dick, right? If Carey’s record overall and against the Big Ten don’t lead you to the conclusion Carey isn’t a complete moron, that’s on you.

As easy as you can sit here and say “what if NIU blows the Nebraska game” I can sit here and say what if Hagan makes a FG against Boston College? We’d all be taking Access Bowl.

Carey is far from a perfect coach. He’s overseen three QB battles and he’s made the wrong decision probably all three times now. That’s not a good trait to have.

However, consistently fielding a really good program at a mid major is unbelievably hard. There are countless examples of mid majors who have great years and immediately become terrible. It happened to Hawaii, Fresno, and UCF. Kent State was Mat Sims missing a FG away from the Orange Bowl and they’ve been terrible since. Bowling Green had a great three year run with Matt Johnson and they’re awful. If you’ve followed WMU at all this year, you know they’re likely taking a big step back this year.

No matter how much you refuse to recognize the facts in front of you, it doesn’t change that they’re facts.

Last year was an unacceptable year, but that team was wrecked with injuries both at QB and in the secondary. This year, they still don’t have a QB but the entire defense is exceptional and the offensive line is really good.

NIU’s offense will likely cost them at least another game at some point, but this is a 7-8 win team minimum with as good of a chance as anyone to win the West.

Are the days of NIU winning 10 games every year gone? Yes, but if that’s your expectation for this program or any other mid major program you’re kidding yourself. The only program who has ever sustained that success as a mid major is Boise and that was because they held onto their coach. They’re 2-2 this year and just got wrecked by a mediocre Virgina team at home.

NIU will win 8+ games this year and has one of their best recruiting classes ever right now. The program is on solid footing, and at this point the program is fully Carey’s. Enjoy beating Nebraska (and IMO having a good shot to beat SDSU) and stop being unrealistic, miserable SOBs all the time.

Carey is going nowhere, and if you’re still sitting here rooting for Carey to get fired, you’re a bad fan. Firing Carey likely ruins a great recruiting class which in no way is good for the program.

Enjoy the fact we’re relatively back after a rough year. We’re still spoiled.

Great Post 7! Agree with your logic and sentiment.
Carey has a 63% win average at NIU !!!
How many people on this board know what the other win percentage of other NIU FB coaches over a 4 year or longer period is?

Anyone dare to post this???

NIU has a very small FB budget compared to Nebraska, and its win is logically seen as very Impressive by most NIU FB fans.

I am amaized by posters on this board like EPA. Back in 2005, when GW, got NIU to Detroit he was maybe the most enthusiastic NIU FB fan on this board. He even made a great video commemorating this dream moment!!

12 years later... suddenly NIU's recent unprecedented B1G 6 game streak is ,'unimpressive'!!!
Suddenly NIU is suppose to have the expectations of a school with a FB budget 10 times or greater than NIU!!!!
Suddenly NIU is suppose to have the depth of B1G programs to make us less prone to key injuries. If players get injured then ,'the coach is to blame'??
How irrational?

NIU FB is still an American dream come true interms of a tiny school beating major FB programs at their home grounds something that still very rarely happens!!!!

CArey is not like his two predecessors, but might well prove to be as good as Joe Novak or anyone else before since 1980.

NEbraska's loss was enough to maybe cause the AD to be fired, but several posters still remain unimpressed????

NIU is expected to go to Detroit every year?
NIU is expected to be in an Access Bowl every year??

It is time to stand behind Coach Carey and savor the rare win over Nebraska.

If NIU beats A ranked San Diego, several sleeper NIU FB fans will awake and the interest in NIU FB might increase to levels seen 4 years ago.

Yet their will still be posters on this board that will bemoan the BC loss and the post season record and rally against Coach Carey.

When will these posters realize that NIU cannot be expected to match the depth of top B1G schools and that injuries might significantly impact team performance.

Stand behind this FB team and coach and let's enjoy this season, no matter what happens.

Carey has major flaws which has cost NIU victories the past few years, there has been more than a game or two where coaching directly led to an NIU loss, that's just a fact.

The recruiting is valid point, he has made gains there, but the negatives are pretty hefty also when it comes to Carey. Time will tell I guess, I kind of lost faith after the debacles of a few years ago, but maybe all hope is not lost. To win consistently, you can't ignore an entire side of the ball though, its just impossible to have a consistent winning record when offense is not valued. The one negative which no one can deny with Carey, he cannot evaluate the QB position.

NIU has a defense that is top 25 caliber, all you needed was a slightly less than mediocre offense to make national waves this year. That is the frustrating part to me, give coaching credit for getting those players here, but the complete neglect of the offense is very frustrating.

Watch enough games of any school (except maybe Bama) and you’ll find a loss you’d likely blame on coaching. Zeke Elliot got 11 carries in a loss to Michigan State that cost Ohio State a shot at a national title. Jerry Kill started Demarcus Grady at QB over Chandler Harnish. Joe Novak didn’t go for it on 4th and 1 with Garrett Wolfe and Doug Free.

I’m not sure how many games you could realistically point directly to coaching. WIU last year, that’s one for sure. Play the correct QB and you win. It’s possible we look back and say Boston College is another one for the same reason, but I’m not going that far yet.

If you’re still blaming the Ohio State loss on Carey, that’s laughable. If you’re going to sit here and say that NIU team was only 7 points less in talent than OSU, that’s hilariously dumb.

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Yep, even last year NIU put up some points against San Diego St. For whatever reason, as you said, NIU really has struggling scoring against P5 teams.

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 12:40 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  We will need more than one score on offense to beat SDSU. Lets hope that Santa can continue to improve. Graham does not appear to have much upside, the jury is still out on Santa.

San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 04:51 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  San Diego State has never been know for their defense. If we're honest our offense has never looked good against Power 5 teams. I feel good about our chances at San Diego State. We should see improvement on offense if we can get Huff going early. My biggest issue is not Santa or Graham but how we sometimes use our running backs. Give Huff the Dam Ball! Use the run to set up the pass.

Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

It would be a game changer of sorts if NIU beat SDSU

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

For sure, but it’s doable

(09-25-2017 07:59 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

For sure, but it’s doable

They did lose to South Alabama last year so not impossible but NIU will need to be hitting on all cylinders to pull it off.

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:08 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  Where are you coming up with that? They are currently #14 in total defense and have finished as a top 20 D the last three years. They win be controlling the game with good defense and a strong running game.

Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

I watched the second half of the SDSU, Air Force game. That Airforce QB could not throw a decent pass. I have never seen a college QB with a weaker arm

(09-25-2017 09:14 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  Ok. So they've been good at defense for the last 3 years. Doesn't make that their identity. Did we not put up points against them last year? I don't think they'll be as physical or as good as Nebraska or BC on Defense.... Rankings don't tell the whole truth.

They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

I watched the second half of the SDSU, Air Force game. That Airforce QB could not throw a decent pass. I have never seen a college QB with a weaker arm

if NIU is able to beat SDSU that would shut up the Carey doubters and put a mark of legtimacy on his future

(09-25-2017 10:37 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 09:14 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 05:57 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  They are giving up 20 points a game across the first four and that includes games against Arizona State and Stanford who just dropped 58 on UCLA. I think San Diego State is comparable to BC on defense but has a far better offense. This might be the most complete team NIU plays this year.

NIU did put up points against them last year but was also down 28 - 0. Say what you want about the almost comeback but San Diego State was clearly the better team last year.

They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

I watched the second half of the SDSU, Air Force game. That Airforce QB could not throw a decent pass. I have never seen a college QB with a weaker arm

if NIU is able to beat SDSU that would shut up the Carey doubters and put a mark of legtimacy on his future

If NIU beats SDSU, then memories of the NIU-Alabama game would resurface!
In 2003, NIU beat a 21st ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa infront of over 83000 people after beating #15 Maryland in Huskie Stadium infront of over 28000 fans and a National TV audience!!!

I'm not back on the Carey bandwagon whatsoever, but one huge positive I took away from the game was how the players ran over to him to celebrate after the final snap. If nothing else that signifies the team has his back, which is a good sign considering what supposedly happened a couple seasons ago.

(09-27-2017 08:54 AM)niu_1087 Wrote:  I'm not back on the Carey bandwagon whatsoever, but one huge positive I took away from the game was how the players ran over to him to celebrate after the final snap. If nothing else that signifies the team has his back, which is a good sign considering what supposedly happened a couple seasons ago.

Very true, and it was good to see.

All I have to say is this.

We play the game on Saturday (or thursdays, boo) for a reason. It's pretty incredible what one fortuitous series or game can go and how that chances your perspective and outlook. The team should feel good and that means that are getting better reps with a good mindset.

Not sure what the game on Sat will look like, but if we lose to NEB its almost certain we lose to SDSU. Something something mind-game of tennis or something

(09-26-2017 12:57 PM)sterling1man Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 10:37 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 09:14 PM)bikechuck Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:58 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(09-25-2017 06:18 PM)7 Wrote:  They also could have easily lost to Air Force

Did you see any of the game? The field was under water most of the first half due to drainage issues and then there was a 90 minute weather delay. Sure they could have lost but not sure I would use that game as a proxy. Beating San Diego State on the road would be a huge win for NIU.

I watched the second half of the SDSU, Air Force game. That Airforce QB could not throw a decent pass. I have never seen a college QB with a weaker arm

if NIU is able to beat SDSU that would shut up the Carey doubters and put a mark of legtimacy on his future

If NIU beats SDSU, then memories of the NIU-Alabama game would resurface!
In 2003, NIU beat a 21st ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa infront of over 83000 people after beating #15 Maryland in Huskie Stadium infront of over 28000 fans and a National TV audience!!!

If NIU beats SDSU, it means Carey overcame his fear and weaknesses and actually made the right philosophical and personnel moves. SDSU will not give us the game like Nebraska did. We're going to have to play well on all phases of the game to pull off the upset. I don't think it would be much of an upset as far as talent is concerned. I think it would be a huge upset in terms that the coaching actually propelled the team for all four quarters. I hope something has been done about the FG unit to give it some life...