Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of Nebraska football and rank their upcoming games by difficulty!
The Road to Glory: Nebraska's Toughest Battles Revealed!
As the college football season progresses, Nebraska's schedule is shaping up to be a real head-scratcher. What was once expected to be a challenging November now has fans and analysts rethinking their predictions.
The Penn State Puzzle
Initially, everyone agreed that the showdown with Penn State in Happy Valley would be Nebraska's toughest test. However, Penn State's recent losses, including back-to-back defeats to unranked teams, have changed the game. Despite this, Penn State still boasts a talented roster, and with their head coach recently fired, this matchup remains intriguing.
But here's the twist: Penn State is now without their starting quarterback, Drew Allar, who was likely headed for the NFL draft. Will this absence impact their performance against Nebraska?
Northwestern: A Tough Opponent, But...
Nebraska's next game against Northwestern presents an interesting challenge. While Northwestern pulled off an upset against Penn State, it's important to note that their victory might be more about Penn State's struggles than Northwestern's prowess.
Northwestern's passing game is weak, ranking near the bottom in college football. Their rushing attack, although solid, isn't enough to make them an offensive powerhouse.
Nebraska, on the other hand, has clear advantages in offense, defense, and special teams. With a home advantage at Memorial Stadium, the Cornhuskers should have the upper hand.
UCLA: The California Contender
UCLA, the hottest team in the Big Ten Conference, is currently on a roll. After a rough start, they've turned things around with back-to-back upsets over Penn State and Michigan State. Their new play caller, former Bruin quarterback Jerry Neuhisel, has breathed life into the team, scoring over 30 points in their last two games.
However, Nebraska's defense has shown some vulnerabilities, and UCLA's new-found offensive spark could pose a threat. This game could be a potential trap for the Huskers, especially with the Bruins' newfound motivation to make a bowl bid.
Minnesota: A Familiar Foe
Minnesota has become Nebraska's nemesis, with the Cornhuskers losing five straight to the Golden Gophers. Despite having a more talented roster and better statistical offense and defense, Nebraska just can't seem to shake this boogeyman.
The Huskers will also be coming off a trip to Maryland, with less time to prepare for the quick turnaround to Minneapolis. This could be a challenging game, especially with Minnesota's recent win over Purdue.
Iowa: A Mental Block
Nebraska has struggled against Iowa in recent years, with a record of 1-9 over the last decade. The mental block is real, and the Huskers will need to overcome this hurdle if they want to beat the Hawkeyes.
The pressure will be on Nebraska, especially if they enter the game with high expectations and a potential College Football Playoff bid on the line. Iowa, on the other hand, will be looking to spoil Nebraska's best season in two decades.
USC: The Top-Ranked Threat
Nebraska's toughest test might just be their game against USC. The Trojans have one of the most lethal offenses in college football, led by coach Lincoln Riley. Despite their ranking, USC has a weakness for turnovers, which could be a key factor in this game.
Nebraska's defense will be under the microscope, and their offense will aim to continue its renaissance under coordinator Dana Holgorsen. This game will be a true test of the Huskers' mettle.
So, which game do you think will be Nebraska's toughest challenge? Will they rise to the occasion and overcome these obstacles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Stay tuned for more Nebraska football updates and analysis!
