Many tapped Nebraska the best 3-9 team of all time in 2021 due to the squad’s numerous close finishes —every loss was by single digits. But that may have led to unreasonably heightened expectations for the Cornhuskers in 2022. Despite having the second-best odds to win the Big Ten West at several sportsbooks (24.9%), Nebraska comes in with the fourth-best chances in PFF’s model (11.4%). The biggest worries are with the offensive line and how new quarterback Casey Thompson will handle the group. Last year, the Cornhuskers ranked dead last in the Power Five in pass-blocking grade by double-digit points, and their highest-graded player from that group —center Cam Jurgens —is off to the NFL. Thompson —a Texas transfer — has struggled under duress in the past. His 7.8% turnover-worthy play rate under pressure in 2021 was the sixth-worst mark in the Power Five.
Bottomline:
"The Nebraska hype is getting out of control. A near-.500 record and a bowl berth — not the Big Ten West title — are reasonable expectations." Pff
Interesting read on 2022 B1G teams.