Go time

[Pennsyhuskers]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of positives. And no major injuries it seems.
But Akron and Houston Christian suck. Cincinnati it turns out looks good so I think that is turning out to be a quality win.
Overall, the team passes the eyeball test and they just seem different in a good way. Depth. Speed. Athleticism. Chemistry. Scheme.

But now it is go time. I remember during the Pelini years that we usually beat the teams we were meant to beat. But then we shat a turd in almost every big game. And for that reason our national brand was diminished.

Then came the 8 year death spiral. Brand virtually non existent to anyone outside of husker fans.

We desperately need to beat Michigan to change the narrative about Nebraska as a has been program. I know that seems like stating the obvious. And it is. But after two feel good beat downs against hapless teams it is now time to put up or shut up. We need a signature win. And Michigan is beatable. Beat Michigan and that stadium will be wild. I can sense that Husker fans everywhere have the same feelings about this game. Desperately hoping for that breakthrough signature victory that shows we can beat the big boys, but fighting against the gnawing doubt that it can really happen.

It can happen. I think we will win. Rhule is for real.

Key to the game: Don’t let Underwood kill us with his legs.

 

[cestrup]

I just want to see the boys fight till the end and not get ran over. We may win and we may lose but please don’t go out there and embarrass yourselves. I was front row, 50 yard line at the Indiana game last year. I don’t want to see that. I will lose even more faith in MR, if that’s the outcome. I am not a gigantic fan of his but credit is due, they have improved. They do look fast and we have weapons.

 

[Pennsyhuskers]

I just want to see the boys fight till the end and not get ran over. We may win and we may lose but please don’t go out there and embarrass yourselves. I was front row, 50 yard line at the Indiana game last year. I don’t want to see that. I will lose even more faith in MR, if that’s the outcome. I am not a gigantic fan of his but credit is due, they have improved. They do look fast and we have weapons.

I agree and somewhat disagree. I agree that we should at least be competitive and not get boat raced. We competed well against Ohio State and USC last year. We only got killed in one game. Indiana. So there is no reason to not expect us to be at least competitive against Michigan.

But despite those close losses last year to big name schools and one being the eventual national champion, I disagree somewhat with hoping that we just don’t get killed. I know you don’t want to reduce it to that so I am not attacking your post. But personally I want to get beyond the concept that so long as we are competitive that that is the most important thing.

Screw that. We need to win and I am going to be super disappointed if we don’t. We need a signature win. This is our opportunity. For once I want to see us come out and put a beating down on a blue blood school. I want Memorial rocking. I want to get ranked in the top 20. I want recruits here on that day to walk away knowing they want to be part of that. I want Gameday here when USC comes to town. I want Iowa fans to gnash their teeth and sh$t their britches.
Is that asking too much? No.

 

[RBigredMax1]

Very excited for this game. Feels like we are building toward a big W. Stadium is going to be awesome. Need the D to get in Underwood’s head and need to slow down the run!

For my annual season prediction I said we would beat Michigan and Iowa a route to 10 wins. Make it happen boys! So fired up for this game this week!

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of positives. And no major injuries it seems.

We desperately need to beat Michigan to change the narrative about Nebraska as a has been program. I know that seems like stating the obvious. And it is. But after two feel good beat downs against hapless teams it is now time to put up or shut up. We need a signature win. And Michigan is beatable. Beat Michigan and that stadium will be wild. I can sense that Husker fans everywhere have the same feelings about this game. Desperately hoping for that breakthrough signature victory that shows we can beat the big boys, but fighting against the gnawing doubt that it can really happen.

Key to the game: Don’t let Underwood kill us with his legs.

Good post. I disagree that we desperately need to beat Michigan though. Michigan is beatable and a signature win would be great but there are a lot of good things going on in this program right now. It doesn't ride on the outcome of one game. One thing that stands out to me about this year's Nebraska team is that they have more depth and no glaring weaknesses. But Michigan has beaten us by a combined score of 79-10 the last two times we played them. For once, I would rather have a team come out focused and loose and ready to pull an "upset" rather than a tight and jittery. That's my take.

On the injury front, I thought saw Emmett Johnson limping after the last play of the first half. I hope that's not a thing. I didn't hear anything about it after the game.

 

[cestrup]

I agree and somewhat disagree. I agree that we should at least be competitive and not get boat raced. We competed well against Ohio State and USC last year. We only got killed in one game. Indiana. So there is no reason to not expect us to be at least competitive against Michigan.

But despite those close losses last year to big name schools and one being the eventual national champion, I disagree somewhat with hoping that we just don’t get killed. I know you don’t want to reduce it to that so I am not attacking your post. But personally I want to get beyond the concept that so long as we are competitive that that is the most important thing.

Screw that. We need to win and I am going to be super disappointed if we don’t. We need a signature win. This is our opportunity. For once I want to see us come out and put a beating down on a blue blood school. I want Memorial rocking. I want to get ranked in the top 20. I want recruits here on that day to walk away knowing they want to be part of that. I want Gameday here when USC comes to town. I want Iowa fans to gnash their teeth and sh$t their britches.
Is that asking too much? No.

We are all obliged to feel however we want. I’m just hoping to see progress. We are a long way away from me expecting victories in my humble view.

Side note: I’m kinda becoming an Ole Miss fan. Love the style of play and I want that coach to be a Husker. They just have fun and play aggressive ball

 

[goldencohusker]

We are all obliged to feel however we want. I’m just hoping to see progress. We are a long way away from me expecting victories in my humble view.

Side note: I’m kinda becoming an Ole Miss fan. Love the style of play and I want that coach to be a Husker. They just have fun and play aggressive ball

I'm not expecting a win, but at some point, you have to beat someone you're not expected to beat in order to continue to progress. As fans, we've gotten accustomed to seeing moral victories not translate to a better football program. I do agree that beating Michigan this year isn't critical to a successful season, but I also think there's a high risk the season is going to be a disappointment if they don't get at least one, if not two wins out of the Michigan, USC and Iowa home games.

 

[cestrup]

I'm not expecting a win, but at some point, you have to beat someone you're not expected to beat in order to continue to progress. As fans, we've gotten accustomed to seeing moral victories not translate to a better football program. I do agree that beating Michigan this year isn't critical to a successful season, but I also think there's a high risk the season is going to be a disappointment if they don't get at least one, if not two wins out of the Michigan, USC and Iowa home games.

I’m not exactly expecting a loss. I’m just of the opinion that we have historically pissed our pants in these games and I’m managing my expectations. I’ve also seen Rhule get out schemed/coached plenty in these types of match ups. Hard to plan for a win when history says otherwise

 

[broken record]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of positives. And no major injuries it seems.
But Akron and Houston Christian suck. Cincinnati it turns out looks good so I think that is turning out to be a quality win.
Overall, the team passes the eyeball test and they just seem different in a good way. Depth. Speed. Athleticism. Chemistry. Scheme.

But now it is go time. I remember during the Pelini years that we usually beat the teams we were meant to beat. But then we shat a turd in almost every big game. And for that reason our national brand was diminished.

Then came the 8 year death spiral. Brand virtually non existent to anyone outside of husker fans.

We desperately need to beat Michigan to change the narrative about Nebraska as a has been program. I know that seems like stating the obvious. And it is. But after two feel good beat downs against hapless teams it is now time to put up or shut up. We need a signature win. And Michigan is beatable. Beat Michigan and that stadium will be wild. I can sense that Husker fans everywhere have the same feelings about this game. Desperately hoping for that breakthrough signature victory that shows we can beat the big boys, but fighting against the gnawing doubt that it can really happen.

It can happen. I think we will win. Rhule is for real.

Key to the game: Don’t let Underwood kill us with his legs.

Overall the program looks like it is improving and on the right trajectory. That said, it's best to avoid putting too much on the outcome of certain games. Michigan St is as important in my opinion. An emotional let down depending on the outcome must be avoided.
NU must play well, however, and show it is a team on the upper half of the Big 10. I do worry about depth and I'm glad Ives got plenty of work and TJ as well. I expect Michigan to be better than they were against OU and our lines will have to be at their best.

 

[Harry Husker]

I’m not exactly expecting a loss. I’m just of the opinion that we have historically pissed our pants in these games and I’m managing my expectations. I’ve also seen Rhule get out schemed/coached plenty in these types of match ups. Hard to plan for a win when history says otherwise

Third toughest game on the schedule IMO. Would be nice to get the conference opener before a bye week. Will not make or break the season but I think it will do a lot to calibrate expectations.

 

[Huskers12345]

Third toughest game on the schedule IMO. Would be nice to get the conference opener before a bye week. Will not make or break the season but I think it will do a lot to calibrate expectations.

Pull off the win and then get 2 weeks off. Perfect scenario if we take care of business.

 

[catch54]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of positives. And no major injuries it seems.
But Akron and Houston Christian suck. Cincinnati it turns out looks good so I think that is turning out to be a quality win.
Overall, the team passes the eyeball test and they just seem different in a good way. Depth. Speed. Athleticism. Chemistry. Scheme.

But now it is go time. I remember during the Pelini years that we usually beat the teams we were meant to beat. But then we shat a turd in almost every big game. And for that reason our national brand was diminished.

Then came the 8 year death spiral. Brand virtually non existent to anyone outside of husker fans.

We desperately need to beat Michigan to change the narrative about Nebraska as a has been program. I know that seems like stating the obvious. And it is. But after two feel good beat downs against hapless teams it is now time to put up or shut up. We need a signature win. And Michigan is beatable. Beat Michigan and that stadium will be wild. I can sense that Husker fans everywhere have the same feelings about this game. Desperately hoping for that breakthrough signature victory that shows we can beat the big boys, but fighting against the gnawing doubt that it can really happen.

It can happen. I think we will win. Rhule is for real.

Key to the game: Don’t let Underwood kill us with his legs.

This is one of those games where I don't invite my buddies because I want to concentrate on it.

 

[JDD1959]

Michigan QB mobility and Dylan's limited (mobility) could be the difference in this game. Still not sure if we'll be able to control the ball enough with the running game if we need to late. We'll see if we are up to the challenge or a "paper" tiger this week.

 

[konaki]

Matt Rhule is a builder of programs and this is his hardest build yet it's his easiest with the resources given to him. The Nebraska brand has been tarnished by many incompetent people put in charge these past decades who have brought down a once proud program. Now Matt Rhule and AD Troy Dannen both non Nebraskan's try and bring Nebraska back from the abyss. We may not win this week and who knows we may win but I do know this team and program are making progress and will soon ascend to it's rightful place amongst the other true blue bloods. Eventually you start to climb faster and faster, lets hope hope it starts Saturday and if not fear not it's coming soon.

 

[konaki]

By the way win the clock battle and don't turn the ball over and you won't see any blow outs and have a good chance to win.

 

[Zeke Husker]

There are many things in our favor, the starters have been able to roughly play 1 game worth of plays the last 2 weeks and that has meant rest and reduced exposure to injuries, depth has been displayed and confidence built. Learned to keep heat on the opponent all game long instead of letting up like the bowl game last year.
Also Large reduction in the things that really lost us games the last several year: turnovers, stupid mistakes, terrible execution, foolish penalties. Keep all of this up our chances greatly increase to win

 

[Pennsyhuskers]

Very excited for this game. Feels like we are building toward a big W. Stadium is going to be awesome. Need the D to get in Underwood’s head and need to slow down the run!

For my annual season prediction I said we would beat Michigan and Iowa a route to 10 wins. Make it happen boys! So fired up for this game this week!

Yes!

 

[OxfordComma]

Overall the program looks like it is improving and on the right trajectory. That said, it's best to avoid putting too much on the outcome of certain games. Michigan St is as important in my opinion. An emotional let down depending on the outcome must be avoided.
NU must play well, however, and show it is a team on the upper half of the Big 10. I do worry about depth and I'm glad Ives got plenty of work and TJ as well. I expect Michigan to be better than they were against OU and our lines will have to be at their best.

Nebraska needs to beat everybody that is going to finish in the bottom half of the B1G standings. That would be a meaningful step forward for this program. And it’s true that we don’t need to beat Michigan to be on that track. I had Michigan and Penn St as near certain losses. You are correct that they need to beat Mich State after the bye.

 

[Bigred2467]

Has Rhule ever beaten a top 25 team?

 

[Redscarlet]

Nebraska needs to beat everybody that is going to finish in the bottom half of the B1G standings. That would be a meaningful step forward for this program. And it’s true that we don’t need to beat Michigan to be on that track. I had Michigan and Penn St as near certain losses. You are correct that they need to beat Mich State after the bye.

Still think winning back to back road games would go along way against Maryland and Minnesota could make us 7-1 heading Into November.

 

[Kakdawg]

Yesterday was fun. A lot of positives. And no major injuries it seems.
But Akron and Houston Christian suck. Cincinnati it turns out looks good so I think that is turning out to be a quality win.
Overall, the team passes the eyeball test and they just seem different in a good way. Depth. Speed. Athleticism. Chemistry. Scheme.

But now it is go time. I remember during the Pelini years that we usually beat the teams we were meant to beat. But then we shat a turd in almost every big game. And for that reason our national brand was diminished.

Then came the 8 year death spiral. Brand virtually non existent to anyone outside of husker fans.

We desperately need to beat Michigan to change the narrative about Nebraska as a has been program. I know that seems like stating the obvious. And it is. But after two feel good beat downs against hapless teams it is now time to put up or shut up. We need a signature win. And Michigan is beatable. Beat Michigan and that stadium will be wild. I can sense that Husker fans everywhere have the same feelings about this game. Desperately hoping for that breakthrough signature victory that shows we can beat the big boys, but fighting against the gnawing doubt that it can really happen.

It can happen. I think we will win. Rhule is for real.

Key to the game: Don’t let Underwood kill us with his legs.

I think if our DL and our OL can play Michigan to a standoff we get the win. Almost all games in the BIG are won/loss there. I also believe if we can play them even there it would look really good for the rest of the year.

My fear is that it takes a minute for us to adjust to their size and strength on the DL. They have some grown men there. Speed wise I don't think they are any faster than we are. Can our OL neutralize them and protect Dylan? If so I think we will do just fine.


Can our dL hold up? If so we will be fine.



Holla

 

[konaki]

I think if our DL and our OL can play Michigan to a standoff we get the win. Almost all games in the BIG are won/loss there. I also believe if we can play them even there it would look really good for the rest of the year.

My fear is that it takes a minute for us to adjust to their size and strength on the DL. They have some grown men there. Speed wise I don't think they are any faster than we are. Can our OL neutralize them and protect Dylan? If so I think we will do just fine.


Can our dL hold up? If so we will be fine.



Holla

I give you a like because I so want our DL to hold up against MU's OL and it's going to be a tall task but it will take all our defenders to control Michigan's ground game. I only wish Matt Rhule would have invested more in the transfer portal (NIL) for a stud DL to go along with existing defensive linemen we currently have. I would guess it may have had something to do with the fact that we lost our former DC & DL coach to FSU so maybe we'll just have to wait for another shot for the 2026 season. Bottom line we play with what we have and we hope what we have plays with fire and shocks the blue. GBR!

 

[king_kong__]

Toughest team will win

Hoping that’s us for a change

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

Toughest team will win

Hoping that’s us for a change

You channeling your inner Matt Vrzal?

 

[Redscarlet]

Toughest team will win

Hoping that’s us for a change

We don’t turn the ball over and play sound special teams we will win.

 

[Pennsyhuskers]

We don’t turn the ball over and play sound special teams we will win.

I have a feeling that our guys are going to come out with their hair on fire and play lights out. I think we are the hungrier team. And the crowd will play a big role. They have a very talented true Freshman QB who will kill us with his running if we let him. But he will also, hopefully, be rattled by the crowd noise.
Special teams will be huge. Hopefully there will be no kickoffs go out of bounds this week.

 

[konaki]

This will take all 11 members of the defense to play like BLACKSHIRTS not just a few blackshirts. If every defender plays above his potential, keeps their cool we will come out winners.

 

[husk_powr04]

I less worried about Michigan and more worried about Michigan State. Those games after huge wins can be a trap.

 

[GeorgeFlippin]

 

[Redscarlet]

I less worried about Michigan and more worried about Michigan State. Those games after huge wins can be a trap.

So if you had your choice between the two which one would you take as a win and the other a loss?