Nebraska football: Ranking the 2018 Huskers’ opponents

The absolute low point of Nebraska football’s 2017 season was a blowout loss to Minnesota. The Cornhuskers didn’t just lose. They lost 54-21.

That 54 points was obviously a season-high for the Gophers who ranked 108th in the country in scoring offense. They ranked 122nd in the county in passing offense.

At least they ranked in the top 50 in rushing offense. Still, a Huskers team that was trying to salvage a season instead saw it go down the drain in Minnesota.

It’s going to be a different story in 2018. The Gophers are the second of three teams on the slate that didn’t make a bowl last year as they went 5-7. Did I mention the 30 point loss was a low point?

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Minnesota has to replace it’s starting quarterback and most of its receiving corps. If there’s a bright spot, it’s that starting running back Rodney Smith comes back.

Just how bad was the Gophers’ offense? He had 977 yards rushing but just three touchdowns a year ago.

While there was quite a bit of excitement surrounding PJ Fleck when he first arrived in Minny, they’re probably going to take a bit of a step back this season. It seems hard to fathom that the defense will be as good as it was a year ago as they also play a tougher conference schedule.

The Nebraska football team is going to be fired up. They’re also going to be pretty desperate for conference wins. That makes Minnesota a marked school.