The article discusses the future of the Nebraska football team under coach Matt Rhule, who has been under a contract extension based on hope. The article suggests that the team is in Year 4 under Rhule and is facing a crossroads season with a new quarterback and a new vision. Despite offering an extension to Rhule in the middle of last season, the deal was not without risk, as it guaranteed 90% of his salary through 2032. The author suggests that instead of blaming Rhule for his extension, Nebraska should consider hiring someone who can beat Iowa. Despite averaging six losses a season at Nebraska and producing three NFL Draft selections in three years, the team's 2-10 record in November coincides with a 2-34 loss to rival Iowa. The failure to recruit and develop an elite quarterback is seen as a key reason for this failure.