Decisions of Risk

Bo Pelini
Photo/ngngsports.com

Nebraska has lost yet another game which is deemed unacceptable.  There is a tradition of winning, competitiveness and sportsmanship around this program, which seems to be sifting from the grasp of the current coaching staff.

I had previously written that Bo Pelini would need to win out after the Minnesota road loss to save his job, and he did not.

The Husker fan base suffers a major divide on whether Pelini should be retained, and the media, most notably some of the Omaha World Herald staff, some Omaha radio personalities who are also playing favorites in this case and former Husker great Tommie Frazier.

Bleacher Report compiled a list of the pros and cons regarding his status.

I must admit I am very conflicted on this. I could do a punt counter punt all day long.

On the positive side of the ledger, the players love Bo and he does many things well. The program is clean, the academics are good and not withstanding the losses, there have been more wins.  In addition, the team is young and the future appears bright.

On the negative side, first of all firing him would be a huge financial blow to UNL in poor economic conditions. The injuries, particularly to Martinez, were significant in 2013. The most fundamental principle of the game, protecting the football, remains elusive under Bo.  As a defensive guru, there are mind boggling glaring issues with respect to formation, physicality and adjustments that are present.

Pelini stated he was comfortable with what his staff has accomplished, but I can assure you I am not only uncomfortable, but embarrassed, by getting whipped by the likes of Minnesota and Iowa, another home loss. 

At the end of the day, I would have him continue as coach at this time, but would need newly established goals to be met moving forward. There is quite a bit of young talent on the squad. An announcement one way or the other should come promptly, for the uncertainty is significantly damaging recruiting.

It did, as AD Shawn Eichorst released a statement which said Pelini would continue as coach.

There is a strong element of the fan base that is horrified at this decision.  Tom Shatel at The Omaha World Herald comments, and Mitch Sheman, at ESPN, formerly with the OWH and not a Pelini fan, did a piece at ESPN.com.

Ohters, think Eichorst was not clear, and that Pelini is still going to be terminated.

After the Eichorst statement, Pelini released a statement of thanks and apology.

The bowl game will present an opportunity for the future for Pelini and his relationship with this university, and 2014 will be a season where measurable gains, from conduct on the field to performance on it, will need to be obtained. 

We will all be watching.