Every spring, it seems like whenever the Husker football media team releases a hype video or head coach Scott Frost says something positive about his team in a press conference, some fans have to grumble, “Here we go ahead. Offseason National Champions.” But beloved Husker fan, I’m here to tell you to drink the kool-aid this spring.
Gulp it. Every last drop.
Nebraska is in the midst of spring football practice. The annual Red-White game will be on April 9. (My wife and I will be there in person…with all four kids in tow. Pray for us.)
That will cap off a spring season of anticipation unlike any other in Nebraska that I can remember.
Nebraska has so many new, exciting ingredients (Mark Whipple, Casey Thomspon, Mickey Joseph, etc.) and they make the perfect recipe for Husker Kool-Aid.
Have A Great Week Husker Nation! #Huskers #gbr pic.twitter.com/UKVtxCZcmQ
— Cornhusker Memes (@CornhuskerToo) January 10, 2022
Some Husker fans get a taste of that and they look like a six-year-old who just ate broccoli. Why so serious?! Sports in the offseason are boring without the hype. This is supposed to be fun.
You’re a fan, right? You aren’t driving this bus. You’re just along for the ride. You might as well just enjoy it. Otherwise, go find another bus.
Not me. I want to get on the party bus. The one that serves that Big Red sweet drink. You should, too. I think you have many legit reasons, Husker fan, to drink – or at least sip – the Kool-Aid this offseason. Of all the ingredients that make things interesting, here are the top three that catch my attention.
Leadership Makes a Difference
New assistant coaches Mark Whipple (OC/QBs), Mickey Joseph (WRs), and Bryan Applewhite (RBs) have decades of experience. Whipple has even been a head coach. They are proven coaches who know how to develop players and, most importantly, bring a different perspective to the game. It’s too bad it took Frost five years to get to this point of having quality guys like this on his staff.
But better late than never. Sometimes, having a few old guys in the room is what it takes to change. I’ve worked with college kids. They appreciate age and wisdom more than you’d think. When a grandfather figure like Whipple walks into the room, they listen. That kind of leadership can be a game-changer for a slumping program.
Legit Specialists
When Scott Frost came to Nebraska in 2018, if I would have told you I’d be excited about a new punter in 2022, you’d think I was insane. In a way, I am insane since I’m still a Husker fan after five straight losing seasons.
I couldn’t be more excited about Brian Buschini, a transfer who was the FCS punter of the year in 2021 at Montana. It’s crazy to say this but it’s true: Nebraska was one, good punt away from beating top-20 Michigan State on the road last year. Add to this the fact that new special teams coordinator Bill Busch will dedicate 100 percent of his time to on-field coaching, and I’d be shocked – flabbergasted – if Nebraska’s special teams are not playing even or giving them an advantage in 2022.
That Sweet Schedule
Not gonna lie, Nebraska’s schedule next season is nowhere near as difficult as the past several seasons in the Big Ten (no Ohio State, Penn State, or Michigan State). They start out the year with a conference game in Dublin against Northwestern, who they beat 56-7 last year. Three weeks later, they get Oklahoma at home as the Sooners break in a new coach.
I can’t guarantee football perfection or a certain number of wins. But if Nebraska will ever turn this thing around, 2022 is the year to do it.
Don’t Predict, Just Hope
Speaking of no guarantees, fans would do well to follow Yogi Berra’s advice: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Even more so when the future is in the hands of a team that’s trying to break a curse.
I’m not asking you to make a prediction. A fan’s job isn’t to make predictions. Leave that to the media. As fans, it’s our privilege to hope for the best despite all odds.
So grab a nice, tall, red glass of Kool-aid and drink it down to the dregs. Enjoy the offseason and embrace hope. Yes, you may be disappointed and experience the proverbial groin kick when the Huskers rip your heart out again. I get that. But it comes with the territory, so be prepared.
The other option is to be a crotchety, old nincompoop as you complain on Twitter about college athletes who play a game to entertain you for a few hours on Saturday.
I know which option I choose.
Here’s to hope. Bottoms up!
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