The Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-9, 6-5-1 ATS, 6-5 O/U) and the Northwestern Wildcats (3-9, 3-9 ATS, 6-6 O/U) open the Big Ten season on Saturday afternoon from Dublin, Ireland. The Cornhuskers went 3-9 last year including a 1-8 mark in conference play. The Wildcats also posted a 3-9 record and went 1-8 in Big Ten action. Nebraska beat Northwestern 56-7 last season.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the season with optimism. While they posted a 3-9 mark last year they were competitive, losing many narrow decisions in the difficult Big Ten, and almost earned an upset win against Michigan late in the season. The Huskers should definitely improve on last year’s three win total and could be a dark-horse team to watch as the season progresses.
Nebraska has a new QB. Casey Thompson has arrived on a transfer from Texas and has been named the starter. The junior QB was the primary starter with the Longhorns last year and was productive, collecting 2,113 passing yards accompanied by a 21:9 TD to INT ratio.
Rahmir Johnson was Nebraska’s leading rusher last year, recording 495 rushing yards on an average of 4.4 yards per carry. The sophomore RB could be in for a breakout season. The team does not return a few key wide receivers fro m last season. Omar Manning is the leading returning WR, amassing 380 yards in 2021.
The Boneyard showed out last night ??
A big thanks to those who came and participated! #GBR pic.twitter.com/PVRHII0bqU
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) August 21, 2022
The Cornhuskers' defense was solid last season. They return many key pieces to the linebacking core including tackling leader Nick Henrich. The sophomore LB made 60 tackles. Last season’s sack leader Garrett Nelson is back for his junior season. The Huskers ranked 52 against the pass and 58th against the run in 2021.
Nebraska scored an average of 27.9 points last year, ranking them 71st overall. The defense allowed an average of 22.7 points, good for 38th in the FBS.