Nebraska losses called ‘growing pains’ by coach

OMAHA, Neb. – A 40-15 loss to Kansas could be seen as a step backward for Nebraska. Coach Bill Callahan prefers to call it a “growing pain.”

As many question the direction of the Cornhuskers under the second-year coach, Callahan says he sees signs of progress.

“Is its consistent enough? For the fans, they’re going to look at the bottom line,” Callahan said Monday during the Big 12 coaches’ teleconference.

After its 36-year winning streak over Kansas ended Saturday, the bottom line shows a Nebraska team that’s 5-4 and in need of a win over Kansas State on Saturday or at Colorado on Nov. 25 to avoid missing a bowl for the second straight year.

The Huskers have lost three in a row and four of their last five after a 5-1 start.

“I knew there were going to be some real challenges coming in here,” Callahan said. “There was going to be some growing pains with where the program was at, the way the changes were going to be reflected, really a flipping of culture in so many senses.”

But Callahan, who junked the triple-option offense for his West Coast system, said the hard times are part of the process of change.

“All the great programs have gone through a period of their history where they’ve changed,” he said. “We’re in that process. There is progress being made. Some areas have really improved. But we’re not complete yet.”