Despite a 3-0 start to the season, it's becoming clear that the Nebraska football team is getting much in the way of respect nationally. That's not hard to understand, considering their non-conference schedule included games against the Akron Zips and Houston Christian Huskies. Still, it seems strange that despite another blowout win on Saturday, the Huskers dropped precipitously in the latest ESPN FPI rankings.
On the heels of the Huskers' 68-0 win over the Akron Zips, they took down Houston Christian 59-7. And had the backups not played the entire second half, it could have been much worse.
On Sunday morning, the updated ESPN FPI rankings were released, and the Nebraska football team checked in at No. 17, which on its face is something Cornhuskers fans would take. However, the catch is that ranking means they dropped five spots, despite a 52-point victory.
Nebraska football drops in ESPN FPI despite 52-point win
Last week, the Huskers were up at No. 12 in the rankings. Which is why it makes little sense that they dropped so far.
If there is still a positive for NU outside of being in the Top 25 for this ranking, it's that they are also ranked in the top half of the Big Ten. Only Oregon (1), Ohio State (2), USC (4), Penn State (6), Michigan (9), and Indiana (16) are ranked ahead of Matt Rhule and Co.
That makes next week's matchup against the Wolverines that much more critical for the Nebraska football team. Should they win the home game, they will almost certainly surge up the FPI ratings.