Nebraska Football: The Second Half Kick Off

Given recent(ish) seasons, by the time the second half of the season gets underway, we are already looking forward to next season, or other Nebraska sports. This season, the Huskers carry into the second half with a 5-1 record. They are currently 25th in the Coaches poll, and 27 in the AP. Even for a hot week Nebraska was ranked in the top 25 of the AP Poll (thanks a lot Bert). Safe to say, it was a damn fine start to the season.

Now for the hard part. Up next is 16th ranked Indiana. Yeah, I typed that with a straight-keyed keyboard. Following that, it’s an even tougher road game at the Horseshoe. Ohio State will have the week off to prepare for us as well. UCLA will have a bye week before travelling to Lincoln. Then it’s off to California for a hit or miss USC. Wisconsin, who is now finding its footing, comes to Lincoln. Last but certainly not least, an offensive juggernaut in Iowa (by their standards).

Many people, myself easily included, thought after the Indiana game the schedule got way tougher. That’s not the case, as it ramps up a weekend earlier than we hoped. The Huskers just have to find one to become bowl eligible since 2016 (sorry for bringing it up again), and the thought was it could very well be here. Indiana hasn’t played anyone to be genuinely feared on their schedule, but they have certainly put it to almost everyone they’ve come across.

Ohio State is going to be massively sore after that tough loss to Oregon. Giving them an extra week to prep for us seems a little unnecessary, but the schedule writers deem it to be warranted. I wouldn’t have minded facing Ohio State now given the propensity of potential let-down games after a huge battle the week before. I’m still doubting this one goes well for Nebraska.

UCLA also has a fresh week to prepare for us, but I’m really not too worried about that. The Bruins haven’t exactly struck fear into the hearts of anyone in the B1G at the moment. If Nebraska fails to win the previous two contests, a lot of people will think bowl eligibility arrives here. The crowd in Lincoln will be a good, if not possibly nervous one.

Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

Depending on the time of day, the game at USC could be an interesting one. The Trojans have blown hot and cold almost every single week, but whether or not Jekyll or Hyde shows up is anyone’s guess. Oh, and don’t forget this juicy little superstitious nugget, if you have travelled 2 time zones or more to play a conference game, you are going to struggle…A LOT. Ask anyone who has gone multiple time zones in both the B1G and ACC how it’s gone. Escaping with a win is a damn hard challenge.

Wisconsin starting QB Van Dyke tears an ACL against Alabama, and all of a sudden, the Badgers start playing like crap for 2 weeks. Uh…someone forgot to tell the cheese curds to just roll over. Wisconsin has turned back the clock to the pre-Fickell days and decided running the ball might be a good idea. It’s done wonders for the Badgers, which makes the final home game of the season a real test for Nebraska.

Then there is Iowa…who actually has put up 40+ points…TWICE???!!! What the hell?! Maybe Brian Ferentz was the problem after all. The Iowa defense doesn’t seem as daunting this season, but that’s probably because most of it got drafted in April. The Iowa running game has left off where it usually does, and Cade McNamara suddenly remembered how to throw a football. Add the fact that it’s a night game at Kinnick, and usually most everyone gets beat there. Iowa at night at home, and Bruce Banner turns black and gold randomly.

Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

At the beginning of the season, I said 7-5 was the most likely of outcomes. If one game went the right direction, 8-4 was very plausible. I still stand by those sentiments. The challenge now becomes winning a game against ranked opponents, as the next two are opportunities to get that Silverback Gorilla off our backs. If the defense stands tall, I believe we can beat Indiana. I’m fairly certain that we beat UCLA. There is your 7 wins. As for the potential 8th, well either Wisconsin’s offense goes bad again, or Iowa remembers who they are and can’t score more than 17 points. Find 7 wins and this season will be good. Go Big Red!