Can we just be honest for a minute? Analysis of week one and all is great and I’m still pouring over all of it, but let’s be real for a second. Here are five non-BS takes.
1. Nebraska plays tight late in games
— It’s not an attack on the players or the coaches, but it’s just obvious. They are in a game or have a lead, and they simply get nervous and make key mistakes. Whether it’s a coaching decision (Scott Frost, Matt Rhule, or even before them), a fumble, or a missed assignment, no one loses more close games they had a chance to win than the Huskers. It sucks for them, but it is what it is.
2. Nick Saban has lost some confidence in his team
— Fans won’t like this one, but it’s true. The MTSU game isn’t an indicator, as it was just a mismatch, but from dumb penalties last season to Saban avoiding a depth chart for the first time as the Alabama coach, something feels different about this team. It’s not as talented as in years past at many positions, and the team isn’t as scary as it used to be. And either is Saban.
3. Lincoln Riley will never care about defense
— It’s just not who he is. You want a Heisman QB? An exciting offense? He’s your guy. But if you also want a team that will drive you insane and oftentimes even play down to opponents and make them look better offensively than they are, he’s also your guy.
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4. Brian Kelly is a bad fit for LSU
— A fellow Northeasterner like me, Kelly is a fish out of water in Louisiana, and it will become an issue if he struggles. He was perfect for a Midwest program with high academics, but in Louisiana, you need to relate to your players and the state culture to succeed in the field and in recruiting. He’s been okay at that so far, but this has a chance to be as bad a fit as Bryan Harsin at Auburn or Charlie Strong at Texas.
5. Butch Jones isn’t cut out for this
— Nearly crying on the sidelines and having a player console you as a leader of men is just ridiculous. Arkansas State has been a proud program, and losing 73-0 to Oklahoma in a game that could have been worse is embarrassing. And getting emotional about it in front of your players is unacceptable.
