Just where Nebraska basketball will be ranked when the new AP Poll comes out isn't known yet, but if the way some analysts have punished the Huskers for a rough spot holds true, it won't be pretty.
Several analysts believe that because NU lost 3 of 4 and three straight to Top 15 teams, they aren't the juggernaut they were thought to be earlier in the season. The frustrating part of that is that two of the losses, to Michigan and Purdue, were by a combined five points.
More than that, Nebraska had both wins within its grasp. That's especially impressive against the Wolverines, who are likely to be the No. 1 team in the country when those new polls do release.
How analysts are evaluating Nebraska after its recent stretch against top teams
Joe Lunardi has long been someone who considered Nebraska one of the best teams in the country. He was someone who had them as a No. 1 seed before almost everyone else in earlier Bracketologies. However, now, despite being a sparkling 22-3 on the season, the Huskers are a 4-seed in his latest release. They're not even the top 4-seed in the tourney, as that honor belongs to Vanderbilt. It's worth noting that the Commodores had their own rough spot, but since they're back on the winning track, they're getting too much respect.
Andy Katz is another who had been a big backer of the Huskers. However, in his latest power ranking, Nebraska has been bumped out of the Top 10.
Katz has the Huskers at No. 12, which, in any other season, would be something to celebrate. Still, being ranked behind Iowa State and Kansas feels like a slap in the face. Especially the Jayhawks.
The Cornhuskers can win their respect back. That's the good thing. It starts on Tuesday against Iowa. The Hawkeyes aren't ranked, but they are 18-7 on the season and 8-6 in the Big Ten.
Should Nebraska manage to beat Iowa, it would be the first win they've gotten over a team with a winning record since January 10. It would show Fred Hoiberg's team is as good as they looked earlier in the year.