Reasons for fear or cheer in the final quarter of the Nebraska football season

Nebraska football’s loss to UCLA was difficult to accept because it represented the Husker's best chance to reach bowl eligibility yet this season. I thought UCLA was a better team than their 2-5 record indicated. The Bruins extended their win streak to three games during the Husker’s bye, knocking off Iowa. Even though this might provide some solace for Huskers fans, Nebraska football must look forward to finding at least one more win in its final three games. The final three games aren’t easy, but every game is still winnable for Nebraska football.

USC, Wisconsin, and Iowa have combined for a 15-12 record this season. This is the worst record at this point in the season for the Huskers final three regular-season opponents since Penn State, Minnesota, and Iowa also combined for 15-12 after nine games in 2012. Nebraska swept those three teams before losing to Wisconsin 70-31 in the Big Ten championship game. Nebraska football’s final three opponents haven’t had a worse record since the 2010 season when its final three opponents were 12-15. Nebraska went 2-1 (some questionable calls went in Texas A&M's favor in the loss) before the Huskers lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.

While this does offer some optimism for Nebraska football fans, 15-12 is towards the middle of the pack for the team’s remaining schedules this season, ranking tied for 55th. Its final opponents are also probably better than their record indicates. USC, Wisconsin, and Iowa have combined to outscore their opponents by 223 points this season. These three teams have the 31st-best scoring margin for any team’s final three games this season.

Where is Nebraska football trending?

While it may feel like Nebraska football is trending in the same direction in 2024 as it did in 2023, looking at opponents' scoring margins does help illustrate the progress Nebraska has made. Despite playing eventual national champion Michigan early in 2023, Nebraska's first nine opponents had a total scoring margin of just eight points through nine games. This season, that mark is at 272 points.

The remaining schedule gives Nebraska football three opportunities to win games. However, if they don’t play well, Nebraska could lose all three. I still think the Huskers will get one win, if not two, from their remaining games. Even with limited practice time, I do believe Dana Holgorsen will give Nebraska a boost in offensive production and be able to use the Husker’s talent better.