Athlon has three reasons for optimism about the 2018 Huskers.

More in Husker Max

• The Huskers open as 9-point underdogs to Wisconsin.

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• This week in Husker history: Hanging a hundred on Creighton; Bill Jennings’ infamous words; a nail-biter over Missouri in 1965.

  This week in Husker history: Hanging a hundred on Creighton; Bill Jennings’ infamous words;...

• 1970 Day by Day: The romp over Oklahoma State vaults the Huskers to the top of the Big Eight charts in rushing offense and scoring offense. | Knockout punches

  1970 Day by Day: The romp over Oklahoma State vaults the Huskers to the...

• Sam Koch once thought the NFL was a long shot, but now the former Husker punter has set a record for longevity with the Ravens.

  Sam Koch once thought the NFL was a long shot, but now the former...

• The 1970 team’s Paul Rogers and Jeff Hughes did the kicking and punting but were athletic enough to do much more.

  The 1970 team’s Paul Rogers and Jeff Hughes did the kicking and punting but...

• Ohio State 52, Nebraska 17. The Buckeyes take control late in the first half and don’t look back, and targeting ejections leave the Huskers thin in the secondary. Go to the game page for coverage. | Highlights. | Big Red Over-Reaction

  Ohio State 52, Nebraska 17. The Buckeyes take control late in the first half...

• 1970 Day by Day: Piling up the most points by a Cornhusker team since 1922, Nebraska swamps Oklahoma State, 65-31.

  1970 Day by Day: Piling up the most points by a Cornhusker team since...

• It’s a daunting opener Saturday as the Huskers kick off Year 3 under Scott Frost at the Horseshoe against Ohio State. Get your pregame reads from Lincoln, Omaha and Columbus,* with more to come later. Commentary: Shatel, Sipple, Chatelain.

  It’s a daunting opener Saturday as the Huskers kick off Year 3 under Scott...

• Next week’s opponent, Wisconsin, crushes Illinois, 45-7, behind a nearly perfect starting debut by quarterback Graham Mertz.

  Next week’s opponent, Wisconsin, crushes Illinois, 45-7, behind a nearly perfect starting debut by...