Latest Nebraska ranking shows doubters dwindling despite depressing defeats

Dylan Widger-Imagn ImagesIt's not surprising that Nebraska basketball fans were feeling a little mopey on Monday morning. After all, a Huskers team that started the year 20-0 finished last week without a win. However, for those who were feeling a bit down, NU's No. 9 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 should give them a little lift.

Despite two straight losses, pollsters still think Fred Hoiberg's crew is among the best in the country. This is still relatively uncharted waters for the Cornhuskers, who are used to arguing about making the NCAA Tournament bubble, not staying in the top half of the AP rankings.

In the long run, this ranking isn't much more than bragging rights, but that alone makes…