2025 prediction

[Pennsyhusker]

Ok. So I am bored. So I thought I would start one of those prediction threads that will undoubtedly descend into some kind of mudslinging eventually.
At any rate, my thoughts are that this is going to be a tough season of turmoil. As always, expectations are high. The schedule seems favorable. Year 3 of the Rhule era.
However, I think our defense will be our downfall this year. I have zero confidence in our retooled defensive line. I think we will be soft against the run and will generate very little pass rush.
I see us going 6-6 with tons of fan criticism of Rhule.
Hope I’m wrong. Big time hope I’m wrong. Shit I want us to win again. I just don’t see it happening with this defensive line.

 

[c3o]

The team changed when Holgersen arrived. We also ditched our special teams coach.

I believe the team will be good next year. I can’t tell you if they’ll win all the close games
They’ll be in but they’ll be better. .

I’ll say they win 9

 

[TarheelHuskerFan]

The team changed when Holgersen arrived. We also ditched our special teams coach.

I believe the team will be good next year. I can’t tell you if they’ll win all the close games
They’ll be in but they’ll be better. .

I’ll say they win 9

I agree with 9 wins

 

[huskerfan66]

9 Seems doable

 

[Joedaly]

I'm also worried about the defensive line. There is no real big defensive tackles we have to help stop the run. Hopefully we will be able to outscore people this year on offense. It will help having a competent OC and WR coach. I'm going to say we win 8 games.

 

[Big bo fan]

Ok. So I am bored. So I thought I would start one of those prediction threads that will undoubtedly descend into some kind of mudslinging eventually.
At any rate, my thoughts are that this is going to be a tough season of turmoil. As always, expectations are high. The schedule seems favorable. Year 3 of the Rhule era.
However, I think our defense will be our downfall this year. I have zero confidence in our retooled defensive line. I think we will be soft against the run and will generate very little pass rush.
I see us going 6-6 with tons of fan criticism of Rhule.
Hope I’m wrong. Big time hope I’m wrong. Shit I want us to win again. I just don’t see it happening with this defensive line.

You are the most pessimistic poster on here. Just last week you were bitching about the DB from Florida that decommitted and the sky was falling in our recruiting. We replaced him 4 days later with someone better and since added some with more to come .

 

[SickOfPractice]

I'll go with a 7-5 regular season record. A step in the right direction, but not the 3rd season jump many are forecasting. Anything more than 7 wins would put me into the giddy category.

 

[BugsAreQualityProtein]

Butler’s willingness to blitz gives me some hope. D line concerns me but I believe we have improved at LB and the entire secondary.

As for record it is hard for me to predict. I believe we will be 3-0 going into to our home game Michigan. If we win said game I say 10-2 is possible. If we lose I think 7-5 is more than likely.

 

[timnsun]

I get what Pennsy is saying, too many years of being burned. That said, this year does feel different. Even if our defense is down, our offense will surely out score a lot of teams. Add in the fact that our special teams should be much improved, and I think those two aspects will overcome our defensive struggles. I’m gonna say nine wins, Maybe 10 with the bowl.

 

[IM4NUalways]

Ok. So I am bored. So I thought I would start one of those prediction threads that will undoubtedly descend into some kind of mudslinging eventually.
At any rate, my thoughts are that this is going to be a tough season of turmoil. As always, expectations are high. The schedule seems favorable. Year 3 of the Rhule era.
However, I think our defense will be our downfall this year. I have zero confidence in our retooled defensive line. I think we will be soft against the run and will generate very little pass rush.
I see us going 6-6 with tons of fan criticism of Rhule.
Hope I’m wrong. Big time hope I’m wrong. Shit I want us to win again. I just don’t see it happening with this defensive line.

You are overestimating the DL last year. TY was dam good. We can fill the rest pretty easily. Might have better coaching now also. We need better secondary play especially safety. The LBers will be much better.

 

[Dean Pope]

You are the most pessimistic poster on here. Just last week you were bitching about the DB from Florida that decommitted and the sky was falling in our recruiting. We replaced him 4 days later with someone better and since added some with more to come .

I'm also guilty of being pessimistic. I was getting pretty down on our recruiting class and man did that turn around in a hurry! But I think the OP is a pretty straight shooter and after all of this crap that we've been through, there should be pessimists leading up to the start of the season. It keeps the rest of us grounded.

As for my prediction, I think lose to Michigan and Penn St. History tells us we'll go 1-1 or 0-2 against USC and Iowa. We've struggled on the road so we're not going to win all three games at Maryland, Minnesota and UCLA. So 2-1 there. And we will lay an egg in at least one game- hope it's not in a game that we should win. So I will go with 7-5 for my prediction with a bowl victory to finish 8-5.

 

[RedCap]

Just get ready to enjoy the season and see what happens. Nobody knows how it will go because there's always too many unknowns like injuries, bad/missed calls, good/bad individual plays and such. The only thing certain is that all the pre-season pundits will be wrong in whatever they predict before the season.

 

[Champs 70-71-94-95-97]

Shocker post from the OP…

 

[WHCSC]

We’ll be closer

 

[HuskerAlum92]

IMO, the threshold is 8-4. If they can’t achieve at least that with this schedule, any notion that they are on track will fall flat. It would mean they didn’t beat any of the better teams and still managed to lose to 2-3 teams that we are supposed to overcome. There would be fallout.

I think we should achieve that. And if things come together to their potential and we can avoid bad luck, I could see us going 10-2 or 11-1. But more realistically, I expect 8-4 with a chance at 9-3.

 

[Tahoe78]

You are the most pessimistic poster on here. Just last week you were bitching about the DB from Florida that decommitted and the sky was falling in our recruiting. We replaced him 4 days later with someone better and since added some with more to come .

I was thinking the same comment.... Nothing was said of year 2 with DR... Just spent the whole time talking negative.. I would like to hear a little more than "a favorable schedule" and year 3 of the Rhule era as the positives...

 

[Spinner45]

What worries me about this squad the most is time of possession. I can see games like Minnesota and Iowa where we score quickly to go up 7-0 and we can’t get off the field on the next drive giving up a lot of 3rd and longs that result in 10 minute drives by the opponent. That then throwing off our offensive rhythm and wears us down on defense allowing the other team to just toy with us all day. Beating us in the fourth

Coaches in the B1G are smart, they won’t let us get in shoot outs where Dana seems to exceed. Outside of Michigan, USC, and Penn state, the schools we play like the games to be 13-10 boring football. I think that suited Tony White just fine and that made him look really good in the B1G, better than he will look @ FSU.

Is Matt smart enough not to fall into the trap? We aren’t built to win 17-13 games against Minnesota and Iowa this year. We don’t have the running game for that.

Keep in mind, in our historic program we have never beat USC. Never. And I believe Matt’s never beat Lincoln. Likely losses will be Michigan, Penn State, and USC

Toss up games are Minnesota, Iowa and UCLA. I hate PJ and Kirk but those games are always ugly with us and things always seem to go their way. Don’t know if that’s luck our they just outcoach us. And of course UCLA has talent. These 3 games will likely be some of our coaches fate. 9-3 or 8-4 all is well. 7-5 or 6-6 heads need to roll. No more BS

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

7-5 and a bowl win

 

[TFrazier]

Honestly, hard to predict based on the factors below…

I believe the offense will be better simply because of Coach Holgosen but can it compensate for a defense that might take a step back?

I am concerned about the quality/depth along the defensive line to stop the run and generate a pass rush especially in the fourth quarter.

Based on recent past history, Nebraska could lose to a team it shouldn’t due to game management decisions or taking an opponent lightly.

Also, can Nebraska get over the mental hurdles to come back and/or close out games against tough opponents in crunch time regardless of where the game is played?

Nebraska needs to come out firing for game one at Arrowhead because that game can set the tone for the season. Many fans are chalking this up as an easy win.

Lots of questions to be answered this season…crossing fingers and hoping for the best.

 

[cruelhalo]

6-6

 

[scarletred]

Winning back to back road games especially beating Minnesota would be huge. UCLA lost their entire defense but now have Indiana’s offensive coordinator, 2-2 at least on the away games.

I believe we will beat either Michigan or USC. And we need to quit handing games over to the Clarkeyes.

I’m going 8-4.

 

[headcard]

Ok. So I am bored. So I thought I would start one of those prediction threads that will undoubtedly descend into some kind of mudslinging eventually.
At any rate, my thoughts are that this is going to be a tough season of turmoil. As always, expectations are high. The schedule seems favorable. Year 3 of the Rhule era.
However, I think our defense will be our downfall this year. I have zero confidence in our retooled defensive line. I think we will be soft against the run and will generate very little pass rush.
I see us going 6-6 with tons of fan criticism of Rhule.
Hope I’m wrong. Big time hope I’m wrong. Shit I want us to win again. I just don’t see it happening with this defensive line.

6-6 and Rhule on the hot seat. Kong would have to call a doctor about his erection if that happened.

 

[cruelhalo]

(W) Cincinnati (quasi home game)
(W) Akron
(W) Houston Christian (WTF)
(L) Michigan (a potential top 10 team)
(W) Michigan St (post bye week games are hit or miss for Nebraska)
(W) Maryland but the game is on the road
(L) Minnesota (Fleck) is 6-1 v Nebraska and a short week road game
(W) Northwestern
(L) USC (not happening unless USC completely falls apart
(L) Penn St (the bye week won't help)
(L) UCLA ( Indiana OC now at UCLA)
(L) Iowa is 9-1 v Nebraska in the last 10

 

[scarletred]

(W) Cincinnati (quasi home game)
(W) Akron
(W) Houston Christian (WTF)
(L) Michigan (a potential top 10 team)
(W) Michigan St (post bye week games are hit or miss for Nebraska)
(W) Maryland but the game is on the road
(L) Minnesota (Fleck) is 6-1 v Nebraska and a short week road game
(W) Northwestern
(L) USC (not happening unless USC completely falls apart
(L) Penn St (the bye week won't help)
(L) UCLA ( Indiana OC now at UCLA)
(L) Iowa is 9-1 v Nebraska in the last 10

Go back to the Clarkeye board.

 

[cruelhalo]

Go back to the Clarkeye board.

Fvck you dik.

You old POS

Ive been on this board 2 years less than you.

 

[scarletred]

Fvck you dik.

You old POS

Ive been on this board 2 years less than you.

🖕🏼back at ya.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I was thinking the same comment.... Nothing was said of year 2 with DR... Just spent the whole time talking negative.. I would like to hear a little more than "a favorable schedule" and year 3 of the Rhule era as the positives...

Yes I am pessimistic about our program. One winning season in 8 years will do that. Our recruiting has gotten us some good players in the past two weeks. A positive sign. But these days what does a recruiting commitment even mean?? Not much. I seem to recall similar off season hype for the recruiting done by Riley and Frost too. Remember all of that “Calibraska” bullshit? Or the optimism about the first couple of Frost’s classes?

I am focused on the on-field product. For the first time in years I am not drinking the off season kool aid. I am focused 100% on the product put on the field. And in his first two years Rhule produced teams only slightly better than Riley/Frost. It is also clear that he hired a shit offensive coordinator and a staff so completely incompetent on ST that we lost games because of it. I also think our running backs coach is a lousy recruiter.

As I survey the upcoming season I see a huge lack of depth and overall talent on the defensive line. The offensive line isn’t exactly loaded with difference makers either.
So… a very average defensive line, a mediocre offensive line, and nothing special at running back. And by the way, DR is lousy as a long ball QB. Always overthrows guys. Great intermediate and short game QB, but nothing special as a tosser of long ball passes or at eluding the rush with his legs. So maybe a big jump in year 2. Maybe. Maybe not too. Everything is just hype at this point.
There is no real proof in his first two years beyond a bunch of talk that Rhule has turned things around. So I am sorry if my pessimism offends and that I am now getting a reputation for being a Debbie downer. But this program has been a bottom feeder losing program for a long long time now. And until Rhule proves otherwise I will continue to think that the burden of proof here in our offseason hoopla is on the optimists, not the pessimists.

 

[Rick.Shaw]

Ok. So I am bored. So I thought I would start one of those prediction threads that will undoubtedly descend into some kind of mudslinging eventually.
At any rate, my thoughts are that this is going to be a tough season of turmoil. As always, expectations are high. The schedule seems favorable. Year 3 of the Rhule era.
However, I think our defense will be our downfall this year. I have zero confidence in our retooled defensive line. I think we will be soft against the run and will generate very little pass rush.
I see us going 6-6 with tons of fan criticism of Rhule.
Hope I’m wrong. Big time hope I’m wrong. Shit I want us to win again. I just don’t see it happening with this defensive line.

8 wins 4 losses

 

[Pennsyhusker]

8 wins 4 losses

Certainly possible. That means we win the toss up games.

 

[itseasyas1-2-3]

(W) Cincinnati (quasi home game)
(W) Akron
(W) Houston Christian (WTF)
(L) Michigan (a potential top 10 team)
(W) Michigan St (post bye week games are hit or miss for Nebraska)
(W) Maryland but the game is on the road
(L) Minnesota (Fleck) is 6-1 v Nebraska and a short week road game
(W) Northwestern
(L) USC (not happening unless USC completely falls apart
(L) Penn St (the bye week won't help)
(L) UCLA ( Indiana OC now at UCLA)
(L) Iowa is 9-1 v Nebraska in the last 10

First half of the year, NU is only playing one good football team. Second half looks like 3 good teams.
I see another late season swoon with the outside potential to lose at least 3 of the last 4 games.

NU got rid of OSU, IND, ILL, RUT, WISC and PUR but added MICH, MARY, NW, MN, MSU and PSU, so that's close to a wash.
Rhule likely to get outcoached in at least 4 games.

If NU wants to turn the corner, they can no longer afford to come out of the blocks sleepwalking
as they did with NO. IOWA, PUR, IND and UCLA. That shit has to stop.

Progress should be measured by NU beating teams they should beat, and then beating MN an IA and changing that narrative for good. If NU really has turned the corner, they need to beat MN and IA every single year rather its at home or on the road.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

First half of the year, NU is only playing one good football team. Second half looks like 3 good teams.
I see another late season swoon with the outside potential to lose at least 3 of the last 4 games.

NU got rid of OSU, IND, ILL, RUT, WISC and PUR but added MICH, MARY, NW, MN, MSU and PSU, so that's close to a wash.
Rhule likely to get outcoached in at least 4 games.

If NU wants to turn the corner, they can no longer afford to come out of the blocks sleepwalking
as they did with NO. IOWA, PUR, IND and UCLA. That shit has to stop.

Progress should be measured by NU beating teams they should beat, and then beating MN an IA and changing that narrative for good. If NU really has turned the corner, they need to beat MN and IA every single year rather its at home or on the road.

The UCLA and Indiana games last year were inexcusable. A complete disgrace and gave evidence of a coaching staff that had no clue … zero clue … how to get a team ready to play. It was as if our players had no preparation for either game at all.

That is why I don’t understand fans who come on here and look at our schedule and just assume we will be better and therefore just assume we will beat the toss up games against MSU, Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa.

 

[itseasyas1-2-3]

The UCLA and Indiana games last year were inexcusable. A complete disgrace and gave evidence of a coaching staff that had no clue … zero clue … how to get a team ready to play. It was as if our players had no preparation for either game at all.

That is why I don’t understand fans who come on here and look at our schedule and just assume we will be better and therefore just assume we will beat the toss up games against MSU, Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa.

The negative is that unlike last year, IF NU gets into a late season swoon, what coaching moves can we make? We've already made them all.

The more we slipped, the more Rhule pressed. Until NU finally managed to win and beat Wisconsin, Rhule met his pressers looking as if his job was on the line, when everyone knew it wasn't.

I just don't believe Rhule can handle pressure.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

The negative is that unlike last year, IF NU gets into a late season swoon, what coaching moves can we make? We've already made them all.

The more we slipped, the more Rhule pressed. Until NU finally managed to win and beat Wisconsin, Rhule met his pressers looking as if his job was on the line, when everyone knew it wasn't.

I just don't believe Rhule can handle pressure.

I have no idea about Rhule and pressure. But there has been a ton of coaching turnover in just 2 years. Some of that was not Rhule’s fault. Some was, such as Satt being an awful OC.
I am a results oriented guy. Everything else is just speculation. Rhule is a multi millionaire and should be expected to show results in year 3. My instincts see a 6/6 or 7/5 season. Best case scenario 8/4.
Everything depends on us winning those toss up games. We can’t lay a turd on the field like we did against UCLA and Indiana. And the Illinois and Iowa games still piss me off a year later.

 

[RBigredMax]

. But this program has been a bottom feeder losing program for a long long time now. And until Rhule proves otherwise I will continue to think that the burden of proof here in our offseason hoopla is on the optimists, not the pessimists.

Checks notes … we had a winning record last year.

 

[c3o]

Pessimism is the rational take. I am optimistic but I can certainly understand the OP. I’m not impressed by RHule however maybe he surrounded himself with good coaches this season

 

[tampa husker]

I'll go with a 7-5 regular season record. A step in the right direction, but not the 3rd season jump many are forecasting. Anything more than 7 wins would put me into the giddy category.

Anything less than 8 wins with this schedule and roster in year 3 is a complete failure

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Checks notes … we had a winning record last year.

Check notes: I mentioned at the beginning we had losing seasons in 7 of the past 8 years. And last year we went 7-6. The bare minimum to qualify as a winning season.

 

[phoenix4nu]

Check notes: I mentioned at the beginning we had losing seasons in 7 of the past 8 years. And last year we went 7-6. The bare minimum to qualify as a winning season.

We have had a pathetic record against conference teams since 2017. There was no difference in Rhule's first two years. We'll see if he can do better in his third year.

2017 - 3-6
2018 - 3-6
2019 - 3-6
2020 - 3-5
2021 - 1-8
2022 - 3-6
2023 - 3-6
2024 - 3-6

 

[inWV]

As people wring there hands preemptively, I like to call attention to the fact that all five of the presumptive starters on the Oline have starters experience. As does the talented QB, plus the RB and two of the WRs. Eight of 11 on defense have been starters. The team has a marquee OC and play caller, plus 3 coaches with DC experience. Ek is a solid ST coach and a big shot of energy for the program.

 

[maly]

My gut says 6-6 or 7-5.
A good coaching staff wins 8 or 9. A great one wins 10 plus.

The talent between us and most of our competitors is so close this season could go in any direction.

We have a new coordinator at all 3 facets of the game. Hopefully it all gels quickly