When it comes to college football analysts, few are more respected than Phil Steele. That's why when he talks about what he expects from the Nebraska football team, fans should listen.
The good news is that when Steele spoke about the Huskers on Monday, he was pretty optimistic about their chances to make some real noise this season. In fact, he thinks the Cornhuskers could be a legitimate "surprise team" that will at least be a playoff contender, as long as they take care of business.
Favorable slate makes Michigan, Minnesota and USC pivotal playoff tests for Nebraska football
"It's year three for Coach Rhule," the analyst pointed out about the Nebraska football team. "And generally it takes time to, like the offensive line, for example, the first two years, somewhat inexperienced. And let's face it, they've been injury-plagued."
“I think Nebraska’s legitimate. When I say a surprise team, that means a playoff contender.” - @philsteele042
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Phil Steele believes the Huskers could break out in college football this season.
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"What'd they lose, like three starters early last year off the offensive line? They just need to keep these guys healthy. Now all those injuries have added up, and now they've got a lot of players with experience. In fact, they've got a bunch of players that have nine plus, seven players that have nine plus career starts under their belt. So you've got a deep offensive line that can rotate."
After pointing out several other players, including Dane Key as possible standouts, he moved to reviewing Nebraska's schedule.
"I've got them favored over Cincinnati, Akron, Houston Christian. I think they knock off Michigan at home on September the 20th. And then they have Michigan State at home. Maryland's winnable. Minnesota's going to be a tough test..."
"I rate the USC game a toss-up at home ... But other than that, I mean, at Penn State, it's the only game I have them a true underdog in all year. So I think Nebraska's a legitimate when I say surprise team, that means a playoff contender. And I think the Michigan game, the Minnesota game, and the USC game are your three key games to determine whether or not this team has a shot of making the playoff this year."
Nebraska football fans would undoubtedly love to see the season come down to a couple of big wins.