Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander evidently is aware of the Husker football fan skepticism that largely defines this offseason.
Three straight seasons without a bowl take a toll.
In assessing last season's performance by his defense Monday, Chinander expressed optimism that improvement is on the way -- and was basically apologetic for doing so.
"I don't like saying this, and nobody wants to hear it probably, but we're very close," the third-year Nebraska assistant coach said.
Nebraska's defense made strides in key areas last season, but the strides weren't big enough to make much of a dent, as the Huskers finished 5-7 overall (3-6 Big Ten) while ranking 66th nationally in points allowed per game (27.