(12-19-2018 11:13 PM)VegasHuskie Wrote:  We have seen "greatness", at least our version of it. We played in an access bowl, and were one game away from playing in a second consecutive one.

We have seen what NIU can achieve at it's highest level, and I don't think it unreasonable to hope that the program can return to that extreme level of achievement.

To use the Kansas City Royals; they played in consecutive World Series'. They are now down again and they will always have a difficult time returning to that pinnacle because of the market they play in and the financial constraints they play under. It isn't that dissimilar to the disadvantages that NIU has to fight through.

I don't think Royals fans, however, will be on any message board stating they would just be content if their team can win their division and not compete for another World Series berth.

It's not a perfect analogy, but you get my drift. Watching the Huskies in the Orange Bowl was one of the proudest moments of my life as a sports fan. I am sure we all felt like that.

I find it confusing why those of us who hope to see NIU return to that type of glory are ostracized and mocked. Winning the MAC is cool, but it is no substitute for a bigger national achievement. The playoffs will be expanding soon, and G5 teams will have a shot at a national title. That's what I want for NIU, far fetched as it may seem

We don't even need to be great and win 11-12 games every season, but we should certainly be more competitive in games. We were pretty uncompetitive on offense with 5-win Florida State, and pretty much did nothing on offense against Iowa, Utah, BYU, EMU, Miami, UAB, and WMU. This offense isn't just bad, its ineffective. Whatever they are doing clearly is not working (all four play calls of lateral pass, 5-7 yard sideline pass, Childers up the gut, and RB up the gut).

Offensive lines used to be our strength, since Carey (who was an OL player/coach) took over they have mostly been average. Something needs to change, it's unlikely this defense will be as good next year. Our defensive line was what allowed our defense to be so successful this season and losing two players like Smith and Corcoran who wrecked havoc all season is going to be tough to replace. So with a weaker defense the offense and punt/kick return needs to up its game. We also lose a senior kicker, who got better as the season went on but prior to him our kicking game was pretty bad too.