The Nebraska Cornhuskers are hoping to build on last season's breakthrough under Mike Riley, going 9-4 after a 7-0 start. However, they are experiencing a good deal of turnover at several major positions, including quarterback. Will the Huskers be able to compete at the top of the Big Ten West? Here's a game-by-game prediction of Nebraska's schedule this year:
Week 1: vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
Nebraska is opening the season with what appears to be an easy win, giving them the ability to start to break in their young players - and a new quarterback in Tanner Lee.
Week 2: at Oregon Ducks
Prediction: LOSS (1-1)
Oregon will be better this year under new head coach Willie Taggart and it will be a tough road test. I expect this to be a close game, but the Ducks will pull away in the fourth quarter.
Week 3: vs. Northern Illinois Huskies
Prediction: WIN (2-1)
Another Group of 5 school, another home game, another win for Nebraska. They should get back on track after that Oregon loss.
Week 4: vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Prediction: WIN (3-1)
The Scarlet Knights are making progress under head coach Chris Ash, but they still have a ways to go before they're competitive in the Big Ten. Chalk this up as an easy win for the Huskers.
Week 5: at Illinois Fighting Illini
Prediction: WIN (4-1)
The Lovie Smith experience has not been great for Illinois, and many expect them to repeat last year's 3-9 record...or worse. Nebraska holds a major talent advantage in this one.
Week 6: vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Prediction: LOSS (4-2)
Nebraska could pull off a home upset in this game but I don't see that happening. The Badgers return 17 starters from last year's 11-win team and are one of the favorites to win the conference.
Week 7: vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Prediction: LOSS (4-3)
We saw just how much more talented Ohio State is than Nebraska in last year's 62-3 blowout. This won't be a repeat of that - especially not in Lincoln - but the Buckeyes should win comfortably thanks to the play of J.T. Barrett, along with their stout defense.
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: at Purdue Boilermakers
Prediction: WIN (5-3)
Purdue has been at the bottom of the Big Ten for a while now and that's not going to change anytime soon. Nebraska will get back on track after the bye week.
Week 10: vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Prediction: WIN (6-3)
Northwestern has a legitimate Player of the Year candidate in running back Justin Jackson, and many like the Wildcats as a dark horse in the Big Ten West. Those thoughts will come crashing down against a Huskers team that is simply more athletic and versatile.
Week 11: at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Prediction: WIN (7-3)
Minnesota has major questions at quarterback, along the offensive line and in the secondary. Even though this is a road game for the Huskers, Bob Diaco's defense will flex their muscle and lead Nebraska to a win.
Week 12: at Penn State Nittany Lions
Prediction: LOSS (7-4)
That said, Nebraska's defense won't have the answer for Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley and Penn State's offense (to be fair, no one really has those answers). PSU wins this game in Happy Valley.
Week 13: vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Prediction: WIN (8-4)
This would be the perfect way for Nebraska to end the season. Their defense will be able to limit Iowa's one-dimensional rushing offense and win a close game.
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