Nebraska vs. Cincinnati

[DavidSaxophone]

I could see a slow first half start for us on offense, a few new key starters to break in, but more creativity in the redzone that produces points. Something like a 24-17 win for us feels pretty likely. I just feel like with them being better than a UTEP and other teams typically being better at playing loose than we are, we wont be able to do anything we want right away as we're shaking the rust off, but the offense will find a groove as the game possesses and we end up not being too worried in the final 15-20 minutes. Scoring 40+ just seems so unimaginable...but if we did...vibes would be HIGH in Lincoln, probably all the way into the Michigan game.

www.campus-clash.com

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

We are going to beat the **** out of Cincy. Their QB is like 1-10 all time vs. Power 4 schools. Their OL is a new makeshift group. Our team finally has depth and more talent. They probably are the equivalent of a Purdue or Northwestern right now. We should curb stomp this team.

 

[BleedRed89]

I could see a slow first half start for us on offense, a few new key starters to break in, but more creativity in the redzone that produces points. Something like a 24-17 win for us feels pretty likely. I just feel like with them being better than a UTEP and other teams typically being better at playing loose than we are, we wont be able to do anything we want right away as we're shaking the rust off, but the offense will find a groove as the game possesses and we end up not being too worried in the final 15-20 minutes. Scoring 40+ just seems so unimaginable...but if we did...vibes would be HIGH in Lincoln, probably all the way into the Michigan game.

www.campus-clash.com

If we win 24-17, it's going to be a very disappointing season.

 

[cornhead1.]

If we win 24-17, it's going to be a very disappointing season.

Better than losing 24-17, first games are tricky. I'll take any win we can get in this one...time to work through some hiccups before Michigan

 

[Huskers+123]

We are going to beat the **** out of Cincy. Their QB is like 1-10 all time vs. Power 4 schools. Their OL is a new makeshift group. Our team finally has depth and more talent. They probably are the equivalent of a Purdue or Northwestern right now. We should curb stomp this team.

I will trust Phil Steele on this one.

Regarding Cincinnati: “This year they have 18 returning starters including QB [Brendan] Sorsby so are a veteran team,” Steele wrote. “They had three Net Close losses and were +26 ypg in B12 play (No. 8). They make the Going Up Chart for Off YPP and go from No. 112 on my Experience Chart to No. 26. The Bearcats make my Most Improved list and will surprise a lot of folks this year.”

Phil Steele ranks Top 12 most improved teams in College Football for 2025

College football writer Phil Steele ranked his top-12 most improved teams in college football in his College Football Preview Magazine.

www.on3.com

NU can't take them lightly. They have a D lineman that will be on some All America lists and a QB that can run the ball.
If the Huskers can run the ball effectively on offense, and stop the run on defense, they should win.

 

[Pennsyhuskers]

I see a close game in the first half. I think we pull away in the second. NU by 17 in the end.

 

[king_kong__]

I see a close game in the first half. I think we pull away in the second. NU by 17 in the end.

Because we’ve proven to be such a 2nd half juggernaut

we better jump out to a big lead right away if we want to run away with anything

 

[BleedRed89]

Because we’ve proven to be such a 2nd half juggernaut

we better jump out to a big lead right away if we want to run away with anything

Yeah. Thats sort of the point of the sentiment. If Nebraska does not come out and look like a completeltly different team from the jump, then expectations need to be tempered.

This is a team that is allegedly hyper focused on a single goal, and have aspirations of playing for a national championship. When you have an overwhelming disparity of talent over your opponent and have your eyes set on a title - rust is not an excuse. Maybe for the first few series. But it needs to click game 1.

Either this team really has made the jump or not. Its binary to me.

 

[king_kong__]

Yeah. Thats sort of the point of the sentiment. If Nebraska does not come out and look like a completeltly different team from the jump, then expectations need to be tempered.

This is a team that is allegedly hyper focused on a single goal, and have aspirations of playing for a national championship. When you have an overwhelming disparity of talent over your opponent and have your eyes set on a title - rust is not an excuse. Maybe for the first few series. But it needs to click game 1.

Either this team really has made the jump or not. It’s binary to me.

The only point putting Cincinnati in the same sentence with Purdue and northwestern proves is you don’t watch or know anything about college football

your opinions shall be treated thusly

Cincy has as many pros on their roster as we do. Maybe more.

 

[BleedRed89]

The only point putting Cincinnati in the same sentence with Purdue and northwestern proves is you don’t watch or know anything about college football

your opinions shall be treated thusly

Cincy has as many pros on their roster as we do. Maybe more.

Where precisely did I mention Purdue or Northwestern you sanctimonious ****?

 

[king_kong__]

Where precisely did I mention Purdue or Northwestern you sanctimonious ****?

Sorry, got one dumbass confused with another

if we win 24-17 I will be ecstatic & it will raise my expectations from 7 wins to 8 in the regular season

 

[BleedRed89]

Sorry, got one dumbass confused with another

if we win 24-17 I will be ecstatic & it will raise my expectations from 7 wins to 8 in the regular season

Lovely. And since you've decided to kick off this conversation by pretending to take the intellectual high ground, please. Entertain tell. Tell me what specifically about my statement was so moronic. Don't be ambiguous. Tell me precisely what was so idiotic about my comment.

I cannot wait to watch this unfold. I imagine the gymnastics that are about to be on display will be of Olympic caliber.

 

[king_kong__]

Lovely. And since you've decided to kick off this conversation by pretending to take the intellectual high ground, please. Entertain tell. Tell me what specifically about my statement was so moronic. Don't be ambiguous. Tell me precisely what was so idiotic about my comment.

I cannot wait to watch this unfold. I imagine the gymnastics that are about to be on display will be of Olympic caliber.

The only way is beating a P4 team in a season opener for the first time in 15 years signifies the start of a “disappointing” campaign is if you’ve had your memory erased and have been butt funneling koolaid propaganda

we have very few good players and zero depth. This “overwhelming disparity of talent” is a figment of your imagination.

a win against a Big XII opponent on ESPN in a standalone prime time game is almost certain to be a highlight of Year Three

 

[BleedRed89]

The only way is beating a P4 team in a season opener for the first time in 15 years signifies the start of a “disappointing” campaign is if you’ve had your memory erased and have been butt funneling koolaid propaganda

we have very few good players and zero depth. This “overwhelming disparity of talent” is a figment of your imagination.

a win against a Big XII opponent on ESPN in a standalone prime time game is almost certain to be a highlight of Year Three

Winning your opening game is not a litmus test of success for a team that claimw to have national title aspirations. My statements didnt even address my personal projections for the season. They discussed the TEAMS comments about their goals for 2025. And in order to achieve them, fighting tooth and nail to beat a team like Cinci that I will put my money where my mouth is right now 5 figures deep that Nebraska has more future NFL talent than Cinci, is not indicative of a team thats going to compete for a title.

Thats it. That was all I said. Meanwhile you're over here engaging in some phantom argument about our expectations as fans, and calling me a dumbass over it. Go take it up with the 105 t-w-a-t (Rivals still gonna censor it?)

 

[king_kong__]

Winning your opening game is not a litmus test of success for a team that claimw to have national title aspirations. My statements didnt even address my personal projections for the season. They discussed the TEAMS comments about their goals for 2025. And in order to achieve them, fighting tooth and nail to beat a team like Cinci that I will put my money where my mouth is right now 5 figures deep that Nebraska has more future NFL talent than Cinci, is not indicative of a team thats going to compete for a title.

Thats it. That was all I said. Meanwhile you're over here engaging in some phantom argument about our expectations as fans, and calling me a dumbass over it. Go take it up with the 105 t-w-a-t (Rivals still gonna censor it?)

24-17 will be the start to a disappointing season is what you said

that is a dumb comment

and if you’re betting $10k+ that we will have more guys drafted than Cincy after our staff has produced zero then that checks out

 

[BleedRed89]

24-17 will be the start to a disappointing season is what you said

that is a dumb comment

and if you’re betting $10k+ that we will have more guys drafted than Cincy after our staff has produced zero then that checks out

Yes. It would be a disappointing season. For the reasons I quite literally just listed. The boys want to win.

My brother in Christ, for coming out of the gates slinging insults over respective intelligence between us, you read at a 3rd grade level.

And put your money up then *****. Plenty of 3rd party services that will hold it for us.

 

[BleedRed89]

24-17 will be the start to a disappointing season is what you said

that is a dumb comment

and if you’re betting $10k+ that we will have more guys drafted than Cincy after our staff has produced zero then that checks out

And wait....what do you mean our staff hasn't hasn't produced a draft pick? If youre insinuating last years picks "dont count" because they werent recruited by Rhule, you continue to exceed my expectations. Pssst. The kids Rhule recruited are just now becoming eligible to be drafted.

Fvcking incredible.

 

[king_kong__]

And wait....what do you mean our staff hasn't hasn't produced a draft pick? If youre insinuating last years picks "dont count" because they werent recruited by Rhule, you continue to exceed my expectations. Pssst. The kids Rhule recruited are just now becoming eligible to be drafted.

Fvcking incredible.

The transfer portal exists

he’s brought in 2 crops of upperclassmen who are now making cold calls

 

[king_kong__]

Yes. It would be a disappointing season. For the reasons I quite literally just listed. The boys want to win.

My brother in Christ, for coming out of the gates slinging insults over respective intelligence between us, you read at a 3rd grade level.

And put your money up then *****. Plenty of 3rd party services that will hold it for us.

Yea

our guys are the only ones in the country who want to win

Cincy’s got a guy in the middle of their DL who will be a higher draft pick than we’ve produced in a decade

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Yea

our guys are the only ones in the country who want to win

Cincy’s got a guy in the middle of their DL who will be a higher draft pick than we’ve produced in a decade

And with him they still gave up 26 ppg last year and lost 7 games.

 

[Walleye 1]

The only way is beating a P4 team in a season opener for the first time in 15 years signifies the start of a “disappointing” campaign is if you’ve had your memory erased and have been butt funneling koolaid propaganda

we have very few good players and zero depth. This “overwhelming disparity of talent” is a figment of your imagination.

a win against a Big XII opponent on ESPN in a standalone prime time game is almost certain to be a highlight of Year Three

Awww the over emotional Ape is back in prime form just before the season. So emotional to make a middle school girl cringe.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

I am not sold on Cincy being good. But I am also not sold on NU being good.

There is a reason the betting line is where it is...

 

[king_kong__]

Awww the over emotional Ape is back in prime form just before the season. So emotional to make a middle school girl cringe.

So you disagree that a win over Cincy by any margin would be a great start to the season?

Because that’s exactly what I’m saying.

 

[BleedRed89]

The transfer portal exists

he’s brought in 2 crops of upperclassmen who are now making cold calls

And he now has plenty of NFL talent to work with. I still fail to see your point. In fact, I fail to see the point of your Fandom in general when you're this enraged by any sense of optimism.

This is a game. Its supposed to be fun. When you've become so bitter that even in seasons with reason for optimism you want to lash out with childish insults the moment someone suggests positivity surrounding the upcoming season, you should re-evaluate whether you're actually having fun anymore.

 

[king_kong__]

And he now has plenty of NFL talent to work with. I still fail to see your point. In fact, I fail to see the point of your Fandom in general when you're this enraged by any sense of optimism.

This is a game. Its supposed to be fun. When you've become so bitter that even in seasons with reason for optimism you want to lash out with childish insults the moment someone suggests positivity surrounding the upcoming season, you should re-evaluate whether you're actually having fun anymore.

I’m the one saying a win by any margin will be a great start to the year

Pretty optimistic compared to your “24-17 will lead to a disappointing season” stance.

 

[BleedRed89]

I’m the one saying a win by any margin will be a great start to the year

Pretty optimistic compared to your “24-17 will lead to a disappointing season” stance.

You're one disingenuous mofo. You're acting as if im saying the sky is falling if that were the outcome. Of course progress can still be made this season regardless. But the team has made it known their expectations. So yes. Id consider them not achieving their stated goals a disappointment.

Now if you'd like to be incredibly dramatic to that comment, I cant stop you.

 

[Huskerbooster]

We will score to go up 28-17 in the third quarter and go for an onside kick.

 

[king_kong__]

You're one disingenuous mofo. You're acting as if im saying the sky is falling if that were the outcome. Of course progress can still be made this season regardless. But the team has made it known their expectations. So yes. Id consider them not achieving their stated goals a disappointment.

Now if you'd like to be incredibly dramatic to that comment, I cant stop you.

And winning our first game by <7 would qualify as not achieving these stated goals?

 

[OxfordComma]

I am on record stating my meets-expectation level for this season is 8-4. Vegas has 7.5 wins. The supposedly hardest games on the schedule are in order: Penn St, Mich, USC. We could go 0-3 in those games plus one random other and meet expectations. When I think of the random other, I am thinking Minnesota vs Iowa.

8-4 feels like an unlikely outcome if we start 0-1 after Cincinnati. I don’t care if it’s a close game, as long we win. I also hope we look fundamentally sound in all phases. No special teams gaffes. Not getting whipped on either line. Having enough poise to close out a close game.

 

[BleedRed89]

And winning our first game by <7 would qualify as not achieving these stated goals?

No. Because regardless of whatever silly argument you're trying to start here, I can assure you that when these two rosters are compared in a couple of years time, Nebraska will have the more talented roster. This was a 5 win team last year in a bad conference. If your stated goal is to compete for a title and you're scratching and clawing to beat Cinci? Then yes. Absolutely. But only in that context. Which is clearly what I've said from the beginning.

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

I think this is the same @Cornicator, but from another board. Probably need to quit sucking off Sorsby the way we are, but here is his analysis from the other board:

Now you might be asking why the hell am I posting about Jeff Sims ... aka Jeff Sins. Well, Its somewhat relevant to Brendan Sorsby, the Bearcats QB. Going back to the 2023 season, Sorsby is 1-10 in his last 11 games vs. Power 4 programs not transitioning from the G5. That means he did beat UCF and Houston, two other former American Conference programs. But if you watched those teams in the Big 12, you know they aren't close to Power Conference schools, so I'm not counting them.

Well that 1 win out of the last 11 Power conference matchups came against Arizona State when Jeff Sims had to make an emergency start. Its almost comical when you think about the fact that Sims was so bad that he caused a Playoff caliber team to lose a game to Sorsby and Cincinnati, both of whom have been consistently overmatched vs. Power conference programs.

Also, if you look Sorsby's total body of work between Indiana in 2023 and Cincy in 2024, he's only 2-16 vs. Power Conference opponents. That other win was an upset over Wisconsin in 2023 where the Badgers committed 2 fumbles, 10 penalties, and were without their starter Mordecai who of course finally got healthy in their bye before the Nebraska game that season.

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

Quick Analysis - This team isn't even a close to being even in the middle tier of the Big 10. If we are going to win 9+ games as a lot of people think this game should not be close. Dana and the O are going to eat. The only thing is to control Sorsby's run game, but nothing outside of that should scare NU.

QB - See above. We are pumping up a guy that hasn't done much
RB - Two former Big 10 backs that were leaped by others.
TE - Stud player. Ok Group.
OL - A group that really struggled that is plugging holes with transfers. Still concerns with depth. They won't be good.
WR - Ok I guess.

DL - Have a few players, but we have our best OL in years.
Secondary - Their secondary gave up a ton of big plays last year and still is young. This is our bread and butter now.
LB's - Have some decent players, but let's see how they matchup and have to deal with EJ out of the backfield or running with our TE's.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

I think this is the same @Cornicator, but from another board. Probably need to quit sucking off Sorsby the way we are, but here is his analysis from the other board:

Now you might be asking why the hell am I posting about Jeff Sims ... aka Jeff Sins. Well, Its somewhat relevant to Brendan Sorsby, the Bearcats QB. Going back to the 2023 season, Sorsby is 1-10 in his last 11 games vs. Power 4 programs not transitioning from the G5. That means he did beat UCF and Houston, two other former American Conference programs. But if you watched those teams in the Big 12, you know they aren't close to Power Conference schools, so I'm not counting them.

Well that 1 win out of the last 11 Power conference matchups came against Arizona State when Jeff Sims had to make an emergency start. Its almost comical when you think about the fact that Sims was so bad that he caused a Playoff caliber team to lose a game to Sorsby and Cincinnati, both of whom have been consistently overmatched vs. Power conference programs.

Also, if you look Sorsby's total body of work between Indiana in 2023 and Cincy in 2024, he's only 2-16 vs. Power Conference opponents. That other win was an upset over Wisconsin in 2023 where the Badgers committed 2 fumbles, 10 penalties, and were without their starter Mordecai who of course finally got healthy in their bye before the Nebraska game that season.

..sweet read.

 

[Pennsyhuskers]

I think this is the same @Cornicator, but from another board. Probably need to quit sucking off Sorsby the way we are, but here is his analysis from the other board:

Now you might be asking why the hell am I posting about Jeff Sims ... aka Jeff Sins. Well, Its somewhat relevant to Brendan Sorsby, the Bearcats QB. Going back to the 2023 season, Sorsby is 1-10 in his last 11 games vs. Power 4 programs not transitioning from the G5. That means he did beat UCF and Houston, two other former American Conference programs. But if you watched those teams in the Big 12, you know they aren't close to Power Conference schools, so I'm not counting them.

Well that 1 win out of the last 11 Power conference matchups came against Arizona State when Jeff Sims had to make an emergency start. Its almost comical when you think about the fact that Sims was so bad that he caused a Playoff caliber team to lose a game to Sorsby and Cincinnati, both of whom have been consistently overmatched vs. Power conference programs.

Also, if you look Sorsby's total body of work between Indiana in 2023 and Cincy in 2024, he's only 2-16 vs. Power Conference opponents. That other win was an upset over Wisconsin in 2023 where the Badgers committed 2 fumbles, 10 penalties, and were without their starter Mordecai who of course finally got healthy in their bye before the Nebraska game that season.

In other news, Nebraska under Frost was Northwestern’s only win in a 1-11 season for them.
And even under Rhule we have proven time and again that we can lose to some pretty mediocre teams. And we have made some very mediocre QB’s look like Tom Brady.
I am very optimistic for this season. I think we turn the corner. But my prediction is that the Bearcat QB will do some damage against us. We have talent on defense. But has it gelled?

 

[ZJSARENOTFREE]

In other news, Nebraska under Frost was Northwestern’s only win in a 1-11 season for them.
And even under Rhule we have proven time and again that we can lose to some pretty mediocre teams. And we have made some very mediocre QB’s look like Tom Brady.
I am very optimistic for this season. I think we turn the corner. But my prediction is that the Bearcat QB will do some damage against us. We have talent on defense. But has it gelled?

Definitely need to prove it for sure, but if Nebraska is going to meet it's lofty goals, this should be a layup. Because it is week 1, there may be a few issues, but that is expected on their side as well. We have the better team and should play like it. I'm thinking like a 45-24 type game. They may not get 24, but I also see us getting past 40. If it is close or we lose we are the exact same team as last year and should expect a 6-7 win season again.

 

[TarheelHuskerFan_rivals]

I love how Kong constantly gets in these debates with so many people and is able to twist logic to make it look like everybody is wrong but him every single time

 

[TarheelHuskerFan_rivals]

I love how Kong constantly gets in these debates with so many people and is able to twist logic to make it look like everybody is wrong but him every single time

My favorite part of reading this board next to HBK's updates

 

[konaki]

Kong is no football coach or football analyst but he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[king_kong__]

I love how Kong constantly gets in these debates with so many people and is able to twist logic to make it look like everybody is wrong but him every single time

Claiming a win by any margin over a Big XII team on opening night is a sure precursor to a disappointing season is among the dumbest, most koolaid-fueled opinions I’ve ever seen on this board

And that is saying something

 

[Lars72]

Claiming a win by any margin over a Big XII team on opening night is a sure precursor to a disappointing a season is among the dumbest, most koolaid-fueled opinions I’ve ever seen on this board

And that is saying something

Over the last 25 years, I’ve seen too many poor decisions by coaches & players to claim a win, much less than claim a win by a margin. Even if it’s a 1-11 Northwestern team.