Steven M. Sipple: NU’s home-field dominance of yore declines into unpleasant discussion | Football

I’m sure Scott Frost appreciates your confidence.

My sense is, Nebraska is indeed ready for Illinois — and, yes, that’s factoring in the ongoing NCAA investigation that came to light Wednesday.

My sense is, Nebraska players are well aware of a palpable feeling of doubt and anxiety among many in the fan base and are hungry to prove people wrong.

That said, you don’t hear many bold proclamations coming out of NU’s preseason camp. The vibe has been matter-of-fact and workmanlike, with a quiet confidence. If anything, Wednesday’s news might galvanize the players.

“I just want to win,” Husker inside linebacker Luke Reimer said earlier this month. “I want to get to a bowl game. That’s it. Personal accolades, I don’t care at all. I just want to win. I’m tired of not going to a bowl game. I’m tired of having a losing season, not having the best season we can have. I’m pumped. I can’t wait to play Illinois.”

Frost, the fourth-year Nebraska head coach, has discussed the importance of his team building confidence early in the schedule. He genuinely likes his roster. But he’s right, the program is in need of an injection of positive energy in the form of W’s. Although Frost doesn’t say it, we know the Husker fan base is likely to turn negative quickly if Illinois prevails Aug. 28. That’s just the way it is around here, for better or worse, especially in the wake of the program’s struggles in recent years.

Frost has to be cognizant of how energy outside the program can seep into it. He has to have a plan in that regard.

You’re right, Illinois is a veteran outfit. Yes, Bielema knows what it takes to win in the Big Ten, having guided Wisconsin to three Rose Bowls. His offensive line has three “super” seniors, and there’s a stable of running backs ready to roll. All told, the Illini return 15 starters from the team that won last season in Lincoln.

However, Nebraska will defeat Illinois this time around. I write that with confidence.

If Illinois prevails, it won’t be because Nebraska was poorly prepared mentally or physically or from a game-plan standpoint.

The Huskers will be dialed-in hard. That’s my sense after basically a month of interviews.

Wednesday’s news doesn’t change that.