Chasing 1: Nebraska football's march to a bowl bid could be terrifying, exhilarating

In just three days, Matt Rhule will officially get his seventh shot at doing something no Nebraska football coach has done in 8 years. With a win over UCLA, the Huskers will officially be bowl eligible.

Six wins has been incredibly elusive for the Cornhusker since Mike Riley inexplicably won 9 games in his second season at the helm. Since then, not a NU squad has won more than 5. But the two teams that Rhule has helmed got closer than any other.

Still, six previous attempts at winning a 6th game, and failing every single time has Nebraska football fans extremely nervous. His squad is essentially almost exactly where it was a year ago. They’re sitting at 5-3 with four games to go in the regular season. Standing in their way to a bowl is schedule that once again includes Wisconsin and Iowa. UCLA and USC replaced last year’s Maryland and Michigan State.

Nebraska football is chasing 1: Next few weeks could be terrifying

This stretch last year is exactly why the phrase “Chasing 3” was born. NU had a chance to go bowling and instead, lost three of their final four games by 3 points. They also lost a game in OT and of course, lost a fourth game by 3 points earlier in the year.

It’s actually a little crazy how similar this season has been compared to the last campaign. Indiana’s blowout win replaces Michigan. Illinois’ OT loss replaces Wisconsin. A 4-point loss to Ohio State where they had a lead late and then threw an interception on the final drive replaces the 2023 opener against Minnesota.

Seeing how similar the two marches to a bowl game are, it’s no wonder Nebraska fans are incredibly nervous despite four chances at the post season, needing just one victory.

All the stress, all the pain, all the anxiety of the next 8 years could be doused in just three days. 

But the Nebraska football team will need to put aside its own anxiety as it chases one win. And should they do it, the dam could burst and things could really be changing in Lincoln.