What Nebraska fans saw Saturday night in Lincoln is something many thought they might never see under Scott Frost’s leadership: a blow-out win over a well-coached Big Ten rival.
For three and a half years, fans have been waiting for the Frost Express Train to arrive in Lincoln. They have been waiting patiently to see the same magic Scott Frost and his assistants brought to Central Florida.
But during his time at Nebraska, Frost’s magic has not shown up. In fact prior to the Huskers’ win Saturday night, Nebraska had stumbled its way to three losing seasons. To make matters worse, the Huskers were usually their own worst enemy. The program had suffered through three losing, non-bowl seasons, a miserable 14-23 record with 16 of the losses decided by just one score.
Clearly, this isn’t what Husker fans had signed up for.
But early Saturday night, The Frost Express showed up just outside Memorial Stadium. The train carried some very valuable gifts for the Nebraska football team.
The Express brought a revamped offensive line that produced 427 yards rushing, 657 yards of total offense, no first half false start penalties, no sacks and a defense that allowed just 37 yards rushing. It also gave Nebraska a revamped punter who bounced back from a miserable performance the week before against Michigan State to make one of the longest punts (84 yards) in Husker history. Another kicker who has been struggling to make field goals and extra points made all eight of his extra point tries.
There are those who will want to dismiss the Huskers’ 56-7 win over Northwestern. The Wildcats are even worse than the Huskers they’ll point out. That is true. Northwestern is not a very good team.
But Saturday’s blow out loss of Northwestern wasn’t inflicted by an Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan or even an Iowa. It was a Nebraska team that had a losing record. It was a game of two bottom feeders. Had this been a sloppy, close win for Nebraska, few would have been surprised.
But that’s the difference. Nebraska is no longer a bottom feeder. The way they’ve been playing the last three weeks, Nebraska is perched to make some noise for a divisional and gasp, maybe even a conference crown.
I know it’s way too early to make such a bold prediction. The bottom line is Nebraska is going to be a tough out the rest of the season.
Next Up: Michigan @Nebraska Saturday at 6:30 PM
Saturday night at Memorial Stadium is going to be the loudest it’s been in years. It’s been a long time since the Huskers have hosted an opponent ranked as high (#9) as Michigan this week. Does Nebraska have a chance Saturday night?
Let’s see how good the Wolverines are They’re 5-0 which is pretty darn good. But let’s look at the teams they’ve beaten:
1.) Washington Huskies (2-3) The Huskies lost to Montana (Samori Toure’s former school).
2.) FBS Western Michigan (4-1)
3.) FBS Northern Illinois (3-2)
4.) Rutgers (3-2)
5.) Wisconsin (1-3)
Professor Khakipants’ team will be coming to Lincoln a bit full of themselves. If they plan to overlook or underestimate the Huskers, they do so at their own peril.
Michigan is favored by 3 points. That’s just fine. Apparently the oddsmakers are not very impressed by the “new” Huskers. I hope Scott Frost uses the dissing of the Huskers to Nebraska’s advantage.
Oh, and if you think Saturday night’s firepower was just a flash in the pan, you’re going to be wrong. If you are a Husker football fan, Saturday night in Lincoln is where you want to be. You’ll be able to tell your kids and grandkids you were there the night Nebraska took the Wolverines to the wire. I’m not predicting a win, but Michigan is going to know they’ve been in a battle.
Husker fans are going to be ready. They are going to bring their A Game. The Stadium is going to be the loudest it’s been in many years. The “Husker Power!” chants before the game will send chills up your spine. The noise is going to be deafening. The Huskers are going to need every ounce of juice the fans can muster.
Not to worry. Husker fans will be relentless. They will not let their team down. Get plenty of rest, Husker fans. You’re going to need every bit of strength in what’s sure to be a hard-fought, four quarter game. I’m getting chills just writing about this.
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