Well, folks, it's just that simple. The series at Minnesota is Nebraska's chance to either jump start a stretch run or slip into the middle of the pack both nationally and in the conference. On the road versus a top 50 RPI opponent who also happens to lead the league at the moment? It's all there for the taking.
If this happens...
3-0: Hallelujah! Huge RPI bump. Essentially eliminate Minnesota from title contention. Possibly alone in first place. All the sins of the past week are forgiven.
2-1: This should be the expectation. Solid from an RPI standpoint and still in good shape conference race-wise.
1-2: Not great. The absolute minimum acceptable result. Probably means treading water in the RPI.
0-3: Disaster. This would mean losing six out of seven, a sub-.500 conference record and concerns about the wheels falling off the season become real.
The good news is the Huskers have absolutely owned John "Loser" Anderson and his Gophers since joining the Big Ten. They're 11-2 during that stretch including a sweep the last time they visited Minneapolis. Let's hope that continues starting tonight.
If this happens...
3-0: Hallelujah! Huge RPI bump. Essentially eliminate Minnesota from title contention. Possibly alone in first place. All the sins of the past week are forgiven.
2-1: This should be the expectation. Solid from an RPI standpoint and still in good shape conference race-wise.
1-2: Not great. The absolute minimum acceptable result. Probably means treading water in the RPI.
0-3: Disaster. This would mean losing six out of seven, a sub-.500 conference record and concerns about the wheels falling off the season become real.
The good news is the Huskers have absolutely owned John "Loser" Anderson and his Gophers since joining the Big Ten. They're 11-2 during that stretch including a sweep the last time they visited Minneapolis. Let's hope that continues starting tonight.