I am admittedly an overly optimistic person, especially when it comes to Nebraska football, but I feel compelled to share my thoughts amidst all the negativity.
After the first two games, I see a team that has a solid chance to win the Big Ten West. This would most likely require us to run the table after the Michigan game. However, I believe every single one of those games is winnable if the defense continues to build on it's play and the offense cleans up the silly turnovers -- a task many consider daunting at this point. Our biggest challenge will probably be the road game to Wisconsin. If we run the table and assume a Michigan loss, we will be sitting at 7-2 in conference play.
Let's consider a hypothetical: We lose to Michigan but finish the season in the conference at 7-2. What would need to happen for us to win the West?
Minnesota
Loss - Ohio St
Loss - Michigan
Loss - to one of the following: Wisconsin, Iowa, other? This doesn't feel like a Minnesota team that can beat the rest of the west.
Wisconsin
Loss - Ohio St
Loss - Nebraska
Iowa
Loss - Penn St
Loss - Nebraska
I think it is unlikely Purdue or Illinois compete for it this year, but let's be honest, the division is so bad this year the winner could have 3 conference losses.
Again... this is just an optimistic view. I find it far more enjoyable to think about a positive version of the future, rather than a negative one. I honestly do not think our offensive woes are as insurmountable as many posters seem to think. There's still a lot to play for and I hope giving away the Minnesota game doesn't come back to haunt us at the end of the year.
After the first two games, I see a team that has a solid chance to win the Big Ten West. This would most likely require us to run the table after the Michigan game. However, I believe every single one of those games is winnable if the defense continues to build on it's play and the offense cleans up the silly turnovers -- a task many consider daunting at this point. Our biggest challenge will probably be the road game to Wisconsin. If we run the table and assume a Michigan loss, we will be sitting at 7-2 in conference play.
Let's consider a hypothetical: We lose to Michigan but finish the season in the conference at 7-2. What would need to happen for us to win the West?
Minnesota
Loss - Ohio St
Loss - Michigan
Loss - to one of the following: Wisconsin, Iowa, other? This doesn't feel like a Minnesota team that can beat the rest of the west.
Wisconsin
Loss - Ohio St
Loss - Nebraska
Iowa
Loss - Penn St
Loss - Nebraska
I think it is unlikely Purdue or Illinois compete for it this year, but let's be honest, the division is so bad this year the winner could have 3 conference losses.
Again... this is just an optimistic view. I find it far more enjoyable to think about a positive version of the future, rather than a negative one. I honestly do not think our offensive woes are as insurmountable as many posters seem to think. There's still a lot to play for and I hope giving away the Minnesota game doesn't come back to haunt us at the end of the year.
