They play not to lose instead of paying to win. Everyone wants to win and they give their all. The coaches call plays that they feel will put them in the best position to win. But the mindset of playing teams to keeping it close does not generate an attacking approach of the offensive players and are almost hesitant to make plays. Running the ball consistently up the gut with a back that is best outside of the tackles. Running the ball on 3rd and long to avoid a mistake. This shows that they just don't want to make a mistake to lose the game and try to keep it close. This results in dropped passes, a running back that is focused on making a big run because he has to. They opened up against NW and the first two drives made it look like the offense was breaking through. A good mix of plays that started with the passing game. Then when they didn't produce points we see the same old running between the tackles, running on 3rd and long with the quarterback. Against ISU they had to score to stay in the game and they did. NS made big throws with guys making big plays. They are a better team than NW and MSU but playing not to lose creates self doubt and leads to mistakes. The tools and skills are there, they just need to take advantage and change the mindset. This mindset will keep them in games with the likes of PSU, OSU and WIS but will also keep them close to NW, MN, PUR ILL and everyone else that takes the field with them.
