Nebraska Football: The Year 2 Matt Rhule Jump will Happen

Matt Rhule has done a terrific job of building a program that isn’t in good condition after he gets there. Usually between years 1 and 2 there is a massive jump in both wins and overall statistics. This is a much different program, however. This is a college football blue blood who has fallen on 2+ decades of losing football (outside of the Pelini era). This is a team that won 5 games despite having a multitude of injuries in many key offensive positions. This is a team that has the capability of working its way into national prominence. But will it? What are the expectations of the Year 2 bump that this Matt Rhule team should have?

First off, ANY improvement can’t happen unless the quarterback play is much better than last year. Defenses knew Nebraska wasn’t going to be able to throw the ball much, little lone deep a lot. That led to many stacking the box and shutting down the run game. Dylan Raiola’s overall talent will be able to open defenses with crucial throws and smart decisions. Look for passing yards per game (135.9 last season) and points per game (18.0 last season, which was 123rd in the nation) to go up by quite a bit this season.

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Defensively, expect not much of a change here in my opinion. The only thing I would like to see more of is turnovers caused by the defense. Nebraska only created 14 turnovers all season, while allowing a measly 18.2 points per game, which ranked 13th in the country. A lot of starters return for the second season in Tony White’s scheme, and this should only serve as a boon for the Blackshirts.

From a special teams standpoint, the field goal percentage has to be higher. as Alvano only hit 9 of 15 field goals last season. He was a perfect 27 of 27 in extra points, but when you lose three different conference games by a 13-10 score, hitting a critical field goal is paramount.

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Having factored in the talent Nebraska has, mixed with last year’s numbers, what should be the Year 2 bump? Again, Nebraska won 5 games last year, all before going winless in November. The toughest game in the opening seven on the schedule is arguably Colorado. Many scarlet-and-cream-colored glasses think this group should be 5-2 at worst after the opening seven games. That leaves at minimum needing one win in the bear of a finish the Huskers have. Say Nebraska finishes 7-5 in the regular season, will that be good enough for many Husker fans? What about 8-4?

The reality is that would indeed serve as a Year 2 bump, which is what Matt Rhule teams do. However, given the fact he has more talent on this team than he has at any previous stop at the Year 2 point, would only 2 more wins be satisfactory? How much better would the offense have to be, both on paper and the eyes? Can the defense improve on what was a surprising first season under Tony White as defensive coordinator? All of these things have to factor into the “Year 2 bump”.

I think Nebraska ultimately finishes the year at 7-5. I also think we lose a bowl game, so that drought continues. Will 7-6 be a good enough season for Husker nation? Honestly, for me, yes. The schedule suggests it to be a little easier, mixed with better weapons on offense (may they stay healthy too) and a still stellar defense. Bowl eligibility is priority number 1, anything after that is icing on the cake in Matt Rhule’s second year here. The wins will come…just believe.