When there is an information vacuum, speculation rushes in. Let's try to fill in a few gaps from what I've seen before in these deals.

First, forget the notion that Nebraska makes an in-season change.

About the only time that happens is when the coach is breaking rules or the law, or if his relationship with the athletic director becomes utterly toxic.

USC fired coach Lane Kiffin in late September because A.D. Pat Haden couldn't stand the sight of him any longer. That's not the case at Nebraska by any means. Eichorst has spoken well of Pelini in public, and from what I've been told, in private, too.

As for ousting Pelini after the season, several message boards and talk jockeys have declared that a done deal.

It's not.

Here's why: we don't know who Eichorst would want to hire, or if he could persuade that person to accept.