Nebraska's Football Schedule: Navigating the Unpredictable Road Ahead
The Cornhuskers' journey through the college football season has taken an unexpected turn, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads. Initially, the toughest challenges were expected to come in November, with a highly anticipated showdown against Penn State on Nov. 22. But fate had other plans, as Penn State's fortunes have dramatically shifted, losing three straight games, including defeats to unranked UCLA and Northwestern.
But here's where it gets controversial: Nebraska's strength of schedule has been a rollercoaster. Before the season, they were tied for 91st in the country based on opponents' records. Now, after six games, they're ranked 74th, with the final six games looking slightly easier at 41st. But is it really that simple?
And this is the part most people miss: Despite only one ranked team on their remaining schedule, each game presents unique challenges. Let's delve into the intricacies of these matchups:
Northwestern: The Wildcats stunned Penn State, but was it a fluke? They held an early lead and won the fourth quarter, but Penn State's struggles may have been exposed earlier. Northwestern's offense is not a powerhouse, ranking low in yards per game and passing yards. However, their rushing attack is respectable, but not enough to intimidate Nebraska's defense.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions are in disarray. They lost their starting quarterback, Drew Allar, and their head coach was fired. Despite returning 14 starters from a playoff team, they've lost three straight, including to unranked teams. Their defense has been inconsistent, and without Allar, their offense may struggle. A trip to Happy Valley is always tough, but the crowd's reaction is a wild card.
UCLA: The Bruins are on a hot streak, upsetting Penn State and Michigan State. Their offense is revitalized, scoring 38+ points in two straight games. However, Nebraska's defense has been vulnerable in recent games, allowing 21 and 31 points in the middle halves. The Bruins' new offense could be a trap, especially with the road trip and their bowl bid motivation.
Minnesota: A familiar foe, the Golden Gophers have haunted Nebraska in recent years. Despite Nebraska's superior roster, Minnesota has won five straight, often in close contests. The Huskers are coming off an East Coast trip, with less preparation time for the Friday night game. Minnesota's home-field advantage and Nebraska's mid-week game struggles under Rhule add more variables.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes are a traditional nemesis, with Nebraska struggling to overcome a mental block. The Huskers are 1-9 in the last decade against Iowa and haven't won at home since 2011. The rivalry game on Black Friday, with an early kickoff and potential playoff implications, adds pressure. Nebraska's offense has improved, but Iowa's defense could still pose problems. The Hawkeyes' favorable schedule could see them peak at the right time.
USC: The Trojans are a formidable opponent, boasting one of the nation's best offenses. They've only lost to Illinois and have a talented roster. However, their offense is turnover-prone. Nebraska's defense will be tested, but their offense has shown promise under coordinator Dana Holgorsen. The game's significance is higher for Nebraska, with potential playoff implications and coaching rumors adding pressure.
As Nebraska navigates this unpredictable schedule, each game brings its own set of challenges. Will they rise to the occasion and overcome the hurdles, or will the road ahead prove too difficult? Only time will tell. What do you think, fans? Is Nebraska up for the task, or will they stumble along the way? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
