THOUGHTS:
Unlike Green Day, I’d prefer you wake me up when September begins! College football returns in earnest, the corn sweat isn’t nearly as terrible, and I get older and grayer. It ushers in the truly remarkable time of year where I can spend nearly 18 straight hours watching multiple sports, where the only breaks are to get up and use the bathroom. That was the dream when I was a younger man, but those have changed, as I now have to try and teach three children how to follow my example.
The Huskers begin their quest towards a season goal which widely differs depending on the individual asked. The team itself knows what they are but are probably loftier than most of us would dare to dream. I think a genuinely huge portion of Husker Nation has devolved into “expect the worst but hope for the best”. Me, I’m hopelessly optimistic. I think this could be a good season for us, even if it isn’t a huge jump in total victories.
INTEL:
One thing that sticks out to me most is the lack of height amongst the D-Line, but not it’s overall “size”. Last year, the linemen were much smaller in terms of weight, easily being pushed around by the bigger offensive lines in the Big Ten. This seems to be corrected, mainly by the use of a front four, but the defensive tackles in particular look to lack a bit of height.
Offensively, the O-line looks to be one of the stronger points. A few key additions in the transfer portal, along with some game discipline could go a long way to giving Nebraska success. The running back room is clearly the biggest question mark, but both Mozee and Nelson have shown flashes, especially in that fun first quarter in last year’s bowl game. The wide receiver room looks to be one of the more athletic ones we’ve had in a little while.
PREDICTIONS:
My predictions over the last 3 years haven’t been the best, but this year I feel confident. I think Nebraska starts off the year 5-0, with the big matchup against defending national champion Indiana (yes that still actually happened, Google it) being the sign of the back half of the season. If Nebraska puts up a good showing against Indiana, I think Nebraska finishes 8-4. If not, I still think 7-5.
Wins (If we go 8-4): Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland, Washington, Rutgers and Iowa.
Losses: Indiana, Oregon, Illinois and Ohio State.
Wins (If we go 7-5): Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland, Washington and Rutgers.
Losses: Indiana, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State and Iowa.
Look, I know EVENTUALLY we have to be a ranked team, and that’s where I think either Washington or Iowa come into play. We’ve proven we can beat Iowa in Iowa City (can’t do it at home though), and I’m not sure what to think of the Huskies but still believe they are top 25 material coming into Lincoln on Halloween. I would offer up Illinois, but Bret Bielema eats our lunch. He eats everyone’s lunch. He’s not quite P.J Fleck against us, but close enough.
SUCCESS:
I think 8-4 in the regular season is a successful season here. I know, we’ve gone back-to-back years with 7-6 records, but 2 years ago was with the bowl game win, last year was not. An 8-4 record would be a 1 game improvement, which means it is a step in the right direction. If Nebraska finishes 7-5 in the regular season, the bowl game is a must win or this season is a wash. I know making a bowl 3 straight years is nothing to write home about, so the logical step forward is making a BETTER bowl game. That eighth win in the regular season would do that.
The pressure from Nebraska fans will always be “National Championship or Bust”. I have no problem with that thinking. In fact, you should think that anyway. Winners have a winning mentality. Hard work pays off when it starts between the ears. It will eventually translate between the lines on the field. Let’s get this thing rolling baby! Go Big Red!