The Nebraska football team isn't slated for a slot in the College Football Playoffs just yet. However, after a blowout win over the Northern Iowa Panthers, there's at least some discussion about the team making the field.
The Huskers are in the Top 25 for the AP. They're also in the Coaches Poll. Though wins over Colorado, UTEP and UNI don't have them anywhere near the Top 12 yet. They could do themselves a real favor if they manage to topple Illinois on Friday night.
A battle between two Top 25 teams should give the Nebraska football a boost. If they can take care of business. For now, they're still on the outside looking in. Of course, they'll also take on at least one of the Big Ten teams that is currently in the field later this year.
That late season matchup against USC is looking even bigger than it did during the offseason. And while the SEC has a stranglehold on the College Football Playoff field for now, there's still always that chance that four Big Ten teams could get in if things shake out the right way.
2024 Week 3 12-team College Football Playoffs prediction
Rank | Team | Why are they here | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Texas | SEC Champions | NR |
2 | Ohio State | Big Ten Champions | 2 |
3 | Miami | ACC Champions | 4 |
4 | Utah | Big 12 Champions | 3 |
5 | Georgia | At Large | 1 |
6 | Ole Miss | At Large | NR |
7 | Alabama | At Large | 7 |
8 | Missouri | At Large | 8 |
9 | Penn State | At Large | 9 |
10 | USC | At Large | 11 |
11 | Tennessee | At Large | NR |
12 | Northern Illinois | MAC Champions | NR |
Ohio State, Penn State and USC are the teams looking like they're set for a playoff spot at this point. Oregon is obviously another squad that could either replace one, or be the fourth.
Still, Nebraska football is sitting right there as a possible entry to the field should things shake out a certain way. Taking over for USC is the best shot they have right now.
There is still plenty of time to go. That Week 8 matchup against Ohio State could be huge if everything else goes the right way.
Nebraska football is on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoffs field at the moment. They could get in as long as they just keep winning.