As Nebraska fans, we all have different expectations for the 2024 season. I have listened to tons of podcasts, read dozens of articles, and the ranges I see are WILD. Some say playoffs, some say 8-9 wins is the expectation, some just want to get to a damn bowl game (WE NEED THIS). So, here in June, I will throw my thoughts into the already full and wildly inconsistent hat that is Nebraska football predictions.
Well, first of all, just know you will NOT find a bigger Matt Rhule fan than me. I have had the privilege of meeting with Coach a few times, talked ball and scheme with him with drinks in our hand at a coaches clinic in Kansas City. He has won me over completely, and I fully believe in his vision. I am 100% bought in, but even I have to admit.. If this season doesn’t end in a bowl game, I think I will move to 99% bought in. Not jumping off the bandwagon, but it would give me a moment of pause.
The way this schedule works out this season, plus the experience we have coming back at key positions, especially up front, we HAVE to get to six. We don’t need a superhero effort from newcomer Dylan Raiola, (although we may get some.. I am in on him as well) we really just need to protect him and limit turnovers. Cut down on the turnovers, and there’s no reason we can’t win 8 games. Look this schedule. I am more worried about getting to 6 at this point, but it is hard to not get excited.
UTEP is a great opening game for us, finally at home and a non-Big Ten opponent. Colorado will be a great measuring stick for us, as I believe they won’t be as bad as some of my fellow fans think. UNI gives us another home night game as we go through this revamped Big Ten schedule, but we get to avoid: Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Penn State. We can’t ask for a better schedule than what we get this year, and there is a real chance we roll into Columbus at 5-2.. or.. 6-1 or.. I won’t even say it.
Ultimately, I will be happy with anything past 6. Given it is 2020’s Nebraska, and not my father’s Nebraska, I can’t get greedy. I don’t expect Natty’s right now, I just want to be relevant.. And I DO believe Coach Rhule gets us here.. So, starting now on here, social media and my podcast, we will be running with the phrase I tried to get to catch on last season.. #InRhuleWeTrust
