Husker Football: The Best and Worst of What’s Left
I’m a fan of hypotheticals, theory and philosophy, even when it comes to Husker football. Some people don’t like to chart the grand scheme of what could be. Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is apparently one such person.
"“You know what? I don’t get into all these big-picture talks. That’s one football game. This program has won a lot of football games.” – Lincoln Journal Star; Nov. 15, 2014"
That’s okay, though. I’m going to take the pressure off of Pelini and give you two takes: the best and worse case scenarios for the 2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team’s remainder of its season.
Considering Melvin Gordon just set a new FBS record of 408 rushing yards in a single game (on a record 25 carries, no less), good news seems best to start with.
Best Case Scenario
For whatever reason, the college football gods damn Gordon and the Badgers to a two-game losing streak. Nebraska, revitalized and wanting to put on a show for Senior Day, defeats Minnesota before heading to Iowa City and reclaiming the Hy-Vee Trophy.
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The Huskers end up representing the Big Ten West in the conference championship game at 10-2. They will lose in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, Wisconsin proved that much.
A 10-3 Nebraska squad heads to the Holiday Bowl where it faces the UCLA Bruins in what’s practically their backyard. Since we’re talking good news, passing defense appears optional for the Bruins. The bad news: Brett Hundley.
Final Record: 10-4 (8-2 Big Ten)
Worst Case Scenario
Senior Day turns somber as an emotionally drained Husker defense (notice the absence of the term “Blackshirts”) doesn’t let David Cobb do quite as much damage as Melvin Gordon did, but enough that Minnesota has a two-game winning streak against Nebraska.
Iowa takes it straight on the chin from Wisconsin during Minnesota’s win over the Huskers, but Iowa manages just enough of a surge to trip up the Big Red. It’s ugly, it’s nasty, it’s as B1G as it gets.
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
The USC Trojans meet Nebraska in the Foster Farms Bowl (formerly the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl). Sunny San Francisco, CA and the 49ers’ home turf welcomes the two teams and, much like UCLA, passing defense is again optional.
However, much like UCLA, there’s plenty of talent to go around. Even though the Trojans don’t have Gordon, they can spread the Huskers out.
Win or lose, the dreaded Four Loss Curse lives on, Pelini posts his worst record overall and in-conference as the Huskers’ head coach and Nebraska finishes the season unranked for the first time since 2008, his rookie year.
Final Record: 8-5 or 9-4 (4-4 Big Ten)
What likely happens is probably somewhere in the middle. However, those Golden Gophers barely let the Buckeyes get away with a win. They won’t be intimidated by Nebraska or Memorial Stadium. Then again, after another Wisconsin blowout, who would be?
Let the roller coaster continue.