With less than a week until our Huskers kick off the 2024 season, I want to take the time to give my predictions for each of our 12 regular season games. This is a crucial season for the Huskers to show how much we have improved, and that we still have what it takes to be a great team. I will give a more in-depth preview the Friday before each game, but for now here’s a few thoughts. Let’s take a look at the schedule.
First up is UTEP. They have a new and young head coach in Scotty Walden. There are quite a few playmakers, but still many questions. The team is very new, and it might take some time to get everyone on the same page. The quarterback position is another question mark going into the season. As for Nebraska, I think we need to focus on consistency and making positive plays on both offense and defense. Although there may be some negative plays, it is all about how we respond. I think if we stay consistent. we will have a good game.
Nebraska 45 – Utep 13
It’s always a big deal when Nebraska plays Colorado. There is a lot of history between the two and the game is always important. Colorado is an interesting team that everyone has an opinion about. Whether you love them or hate them, one aspect that is great for their team is the amount of speed in their skill positions. They are very talented and have a lot of skill. However, they lack a team culture. I think that Nebraska is going to have to play very hard and old-school in this game. With all of the history between the teams, I think that Colorado is really going to bring it and Nebraska is going to have to match the energy. If we can do that, I see us winning this rivalry.
Nebraska 30 – Colorado 24
Next on the schedule is Northern Iowa. Northern Iowa is starting this season off in a tricky place. They only have two starters returning on defense, and a lot of new coaches. I think Nebraska has a good chance of winning this game and should focus on themselves and their development.
Nebraska 35 – Northern Iowa 10
We will be opening Big Ten play with Illinois. We should win this game, but I have to admit I’m a little worried. With this being a Friday night game on a big stage I’m not sure what to expect. Nebraska has a tendency to lose games that they should win, and I could see this being one of them. Illinois is coming into this game with a lot of experience and a good defensive line. They tackle very well which might make it hard for the run game to get going. Unfortunately, I could see this being the heartbreaker this season, but I’m hoping that I’m wrong.
Nebraska 21 – Illinois 24
Purdue hopes to have a better season this year than last. With only four wins and a brutal defense they are hoping to clean some things up. Nebraska’s strategy is simple: we should run the ball and use our weapons to take advantage where we can. Purdue will undoubtedly give it all they have and try their best.
Nebraska 27 – Purdue 14
This Rutgers team looks like it could be improved from last season. It looks like they have some weapons and potential to be a pretty good team. On paper, it looks like they have a good strategy. It seems like they may be like Iowa and run the ball, control the clock, and have a good defense. However, I believe that Nebraska can match this energy. If we can do this, we have a good chance at winning this game.
Nebraska 27 – Rutgers 21
Indiana has an entire new coaching staff coming over and a lot of players following them from James Madison University. This staff is known to do well at defending the run, and I expect this to carry over to Indiana. We will need to use our offensive weapons effectively. and bringing a lot of pressure on the defensive side. If we can accomplish this and not commit turnovers, we will do well.
Nebraska 20 – Indiana 17
Ohio State is a powerhouse that is potentially the top team in the country this year. They are loaded on both sides of the ball, which worries me. In order for Nebraska to win, they are going to have to be consistent, not commit turnovers, play, tough, and make big plays when necessary. I think we will do well in the first half and keep it close, but I believe Ohio State will pull away in the second half. I just don’t see it happening for us this season.
Nebraska 21 – Ohio State 42
UCLA is from LA, sorry I had to I couldn’t help it. They have some great coaches, including Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. He will run the ball a lot and do everything it takes to make sure his team wins. Nebraska will need to put up points and make sure they’re touchdowns not field goals.
Nebraska 38 – UCLA 35
USC has one of the best head coaches in Lincoln Riley. His offense is typically very skilled and effective, but the defense often struggles. His defensive staff typically has a hard time as well. Their defense is very talented and may have a good season but it’s hard to say due to his past defenses. What really worries me is the strength of Riley’s offense.
Nebraska 28 – USC 38
Wisconsin is just one of those teams that we can’t seem to get past. The last time we beat them was what, 2012? Wisconsin had a strong run game last season but did not use it very often. I expect them to utilize it more this season and think that they will be very effective. With it being so late in the season, I’m a little worried that we won’t be able to handle it.
Nebraska 24 – Wisconsin 27
Our final game is against Iowa. It will be nice to not have to worry about being bowl eligible. Iowa has a tough team, but I think that we will be able to get past this. By seeing teams with similar schemes, I expect us to move past this and improve in those areas. I honestly think that we can get the win and potentially spoil Iowa’s chance at getting a spot in the playoffs.
Nebraska 14 – Iowa 13
Right now, I have us with a record of 8 and 4. Now I realize that this is lower than some predictions, but I don’t want to set my expectations too high because we still have a pretty young team. I think this team has a lot of potential, and at the end of the day I would like to see growth and development. The most important thing is that we play tough and competitive football. I believe we will, and our record will reflect this.
What do you think Nebraska’s record will be this season?
