Nebraska's perfect start and the role of analytics

Nebraska is utilizing sports analytics in scouting, recruiting, health and nutrition, player exertion, injury prevention and more.After defeating Indiana on Saturday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have already matched their win total from last season and are off to their best start (6-0) since 2001 when they won their first 11 games and lost in the BCS Championship Game against Miami.

Mike Riley deserves credit for the Huskers' turnaround, but maybe there is a secret to their success that is rooted in data and statistical analysis.

We surveyed a portion of college football's top teams to gauge who was using analytics within their programs. The results were surprising -- and show that CFB is at the…