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There will not be an undefeated season for Scott Frost and staff in Year Two at Nebraska. No sane fan expected that, but the voltage difference between the preseason hope and in-season reality has delivered a much larger jolt than many expected. My prediction of 8-4 is already feeling shaky - even though I guessed that one of those losses would likely come in non-conference play (with Colorado being the most likely loss).
The football we’ve seen thus far is one reason for that shaky feeling. After blowing a 17 point halftime lead, the Huskers fell in overtime to Colorado. At this point of the season, Nebraska has played two good offensive quarters of football out of eight (nine if you count overtime). If this was an offense laden with upperclassmen, I would be more worried but the youth on that side of the ball means that we will see growth. I’m sure of that. I’m equally sure we will continue to see growing pains. Hopefully, less of them as the season moved forward.
The defense has shown they are capable of disrupting opposing offenses, but a lack of true pass rush (reliance on blitzing) is and already has come back to haunt the Huskers. The depth of the Blackshirts (outside of the DL) is a work in progress.
While it may seem like dark times, remember where we were a year ago Husker fans. This is only partly cloudy. We may be longing for sunshine, but grab your umbrella and boots and find a reason to dance in a puddle. That’s way more fun than arguing on Twitter anyway.
FanPulse Top 25
Not much movement in the top 10. Michigan dropped after a double OT tussle with Army. Army is a notoriously difficult squad to prep for, but Michigan fans are wringing their hands over offensive hiccups as much as Husker fans right now. Penn State is quietly putting together a better-than-expected campaign. They are also a very young team, but they have done what they should against non-conference foes. Win big. Their conference opener against Maryland in two weeks is looming larger with the Terps surprising performances so far landing them at the #22 spot.
Also receiving votes:
- USC
- Boise State
- Army
- Stanford
- Memphis
- Virginia
Confidence Factor
On the FanPulse survey, fans are asked if they are confident in the direction of the team. Last week, Husker fans were 93% confident (the graphic didn’t make it into the article because it came a couple days late). This week, there is a dip (not surprising).
So what do you think Husker fans? Does the top 25 look about right to you? How about your confidence in the direction of Husker football?