Nebraska Football 2019

[Coyote]

[Busguy2010]

Not that it particularly matters at this point... But everybody, inside and outside the state are so high on the Huskers. They are "Ranked" #26 in the preseason coach's poll. that is such a favorable starting spot for this team. IMO it makes it an unfairly easy task to get back ranked again. Imagine if they had to claw their way up from 100 something. That's hype for ya.

[Louie]

It really all depends on just how good Adrian is this year, as well as how we bounce back from graduated seniors in the secondary, receiving, and running back areas.

[Busguy2010]

I really enjoyed how Ozigbo panned out. I liked him his whole career and thought something was up with his coaching that held him back. Turned out to be the case and now he'll be hard to replace. Far as I know, theres no big receivers to replace Stan with the big guy threat.

I dont think they've earned that kind of ranking. Shoot, they'll be top 25 after a week one win if any of the other teams slip up.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

All the hype about how well the Huskers are going to do this year is pure nonsense. We should be happy if after the first 6 games we have won at least half of them. After last year that will be major progress. It is almost a given that at best we will win 4 of the first 6 games. At worst we could win only 2 of the first 6 games. I will predict we will be 3 and 3 after 6 games.

Every year HBO goes to a NFL training camp. This season they are at the Raiders training camp and they just came out with the first episode. So far John Gruden's Raiders look like a mess. Funnier still is Richie Incognito who is now a Raider and he gets covered a few minutes in the show. Richie fits the old Raider mold of giving bad sorts second chances that is for sure. Ritchie looks like sure fire proof that players in the NFL can still get around the steroid testing if they know how.

[youtube][/youtube]

[Busguy2010]

All the hype about how well the Huskers are going to do this year is pure nonsense. We should be happy if after the first 6 games we have won at least half of them. After last year that will be major progress. It is almost a given that at best we will win 4 of the first 6 games. At worst we could win only 2 of the first 6 games. I will predict we will be 3 and 3 after 6 games.

The games in question for me are:

@ Colorado
vs Ohio State
vs Northwestern
@ Minnesota
@ Purdue
vs Wisconsin
@ Maryland
vs Iowa

To me, the S'kers are "guaranteed" 4 wins this season... vs South Alabama, vs Northern Illinois, @ Illinois, and vs Indiana. That's a pretty good guarantee after a 4-8 season.

As for the 8 in question, I feel all but a couple could count as wins for the Huskers. I'm still inclined to mark off Ohio State and Wisconsin as Losses. I won't say much right now, I'll just make my guess, so the total absolute worst result, for now is:

vs South Alabama W
@ Colorado W
vs Northern Illinois W
@Illinois W
vs Ohio State L
vs Northwestern L
@ Minnesota L
vs Indiana W
@ Purdue L
vs Wisconsin L
@ Maryland L
vs Iowa L

My absolute worst season possible is 5-7.

Its absolutely fair to assume they would be better than that. So if I split the rest of the "tossups" that gives them a 8-4 record... Which is honestly acceptable, so long as they look good on the field.

On the other hand, the schedule is extremely favorable. IF the team is very consistent and persistent, and the traditional conference powers are less powerful (Ohio State losing Urban Meyer, Wisconsin looking on the down trend toward the back half of last year), I could see Nebraska making a backdoor appearance in the championship game at 10-2 or 9-3.

I always have to see the first 3 or 4 games and how the team looks in order to make a prediction on how the grind of the season will go. College football is such a crapshoot anyway. Everything now is hype and hope.

[Busguy2010]

We should be happy if after the first 6 games we have won at least half of them. After last year that will be major progress. It is almost a given that at best we will win 4 of the first 6 games. At worst we could win only 2 of the first 6 games. I will predict we will be 3 and 3 after 6 games.

I don't disagree, a 3-3 start could happen. But I think they will start 4-0, beating Colorado on the road. If they can start 4-1, I could optimistically see them going 8-1 into a pivotal game with Wisconsin.

The Skers had that opportunity last in:

2016: 7-0 start going into a pivotal division game against Wisconsin
2014: 8-1 start going into a pivotal division game against Wisconsin

And they lost both. And slid from there.

If the Huskers can start that well this year, the game against Wisconsin (In Lincoln) will be a huge. If the team can start that well and beat Wisconsin this year, that to me would be a sign of the program turning the corner.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Not that it particularly matters at this point... But everybody, inside and outside the state are so high on the Huskers. They are "Ranked" #26 in the preseason coach's poll. that is such a favorable starting spot for this team. IMO it makes it an unfairly easy task to get back ranked again. Imagine if they had to claw their way up from 100 something. That's hype for ya.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all to have higher expectations for the Huskers this year. Finishing 4-8 last year, they can’t (pretty much) go anywhere but up from there..

In college football, home games take on a much more significant influence than the NFL.. And NU’s home schedule is VERY favorable in this regard. Every BIG conference game against the traditional “toughies” are at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. NU’s 2 toughest road games are likely Colorado and Maryland. On their 12 game schedule, the Huskers play 7 at home and 5 on the road. Overall, for this season, the NU schedule is an advantage..

Anyone who understands the game of football, should understand games are won (and lost) up front, on both sides of the ball.. Every indication is that NU is more talented, strong, agile and quick along their offensive and defensive lines. This will be the biggest indicator of progress for the 2019 Husker football team..

Therefore I predict, based on schedule, talent (overall on all levels of the offense and defense)..and with an extra year of stability under coach Frost and his staff - an 8-4 or 9-3 season for the Huskers.. If NU starts 4-0, I think a 9 win season is definitely within their reach...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

an 8-4 or 9-3 season for the Huskers.. If NU starts 4-0, I think a 9 win season is definitely within their reach...

I agree. Especially considering even last year, they were closer to a 9 win team than farther (5 close losses).

I think they will start 4-0. That, I'm practically certain of. Depending how they look in those 4 games, I will be able to adjust my expectations for the rest of the season. If they look really good in those games, I see no reason why I shouldn't expect them to win the west.

As of right now, I think they will be 9-3 with losses to Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Maryland.

But like I said, we will have to see how the team looks and how the other teams look. If the Huskers look that good, and the other powerhouses don't, I may go full-on 15-0 mode.

[Louie]

an 8-4 or 9-3 season for the Huskers.. If NU starts 4-0, I think a 9 win season is definitely within their reach...

I agree. Especially considering even last year, they were closer to a 9 win team than farther (5 close losses).

I think they will start 4-0. That, I'm practically certain of. Depending how they look in those 4 games, I will be able to adjust my expectations for the rest of the season. If they look really good in those games, I see no reason why I shouldn't expect them to win the west.

As of right now, I think they will be 9-3 with losses to Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Maryland.

But like I said, we will have to see how the team looks and how the other teams look. If the Huskers look that good, and the other powerhouses don't, I may go full-on 15-0 mode.

How is everyone so high and mighty on Maryland?

[Busguy2010]

How is everyone so high and mighty on Maryland?

For me, it is: A very far away road game, so late in the year, against a team that last year: beat Texas (a team that was ranked 9 by year's end) and was so close to beating Ohio State. Not that I think Maryland is a good team, but they showed up in their two biggest games.

If everything goes well, Nebraska @ Maryland could be one of their biggest games. So if last year carries over to this year, this game has trap written all over it.

I think the Huskers will lose a game they shouldn't, and I think that would be @ Purdue or @ Maryland, simply because, for whatever reason, those teams had a knack at (or coming really close to) picking off really good teams last year.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

If everything goes well, Nebraska @ Maryland could be one of their biggest games. So if last year carries over to this year, this game has trap written all over it.

More then likely Maryland will be a big game for Nebraska due to the fact that they will need the win in order to get a bowl bid. Nebraska's first loss will be week 2 in Boulder Co against the Buffaloes. Southern Alabama is the first opponent and Nebraska is now listed as a 35 point favorite. I bet Nebraska does not win by 35 but they will win for sure. So Nebraska will show up week 2 in Boulder with nothing under their belts but a win against a wet paper sack S Alabama team and a 2018 losing season. Oh I forgot they will show up with some culture too! Were going to need to some luck to get past Colorado did I say that yet.

[Busguy2010]

I certainly won't rule out the possibility of the Huskers starting 1-1. We really don't know what to expect at this point.

[Omaha Cowboy]

How is everyone so high and mighty on Maryland?

For me, it is: A very far away road game, so late in the year, against a team that last year: beat Texas (a team that was ranked 9 by year's end) and was so close to beating Ohio State. Not that I think Maryland is a good team, but they showed up in their two biggest games.

If everything goes well, Nebraska @ Maryland could be one of their biggest games. So if last year carries over to this year, this game has trap written all over it.

I think the Huskers will lose a game they shouldn't, and I think that would be @ Purdue or @ Maryland, simply because, for whatever reason, those teams had a knack at (or coming really close to) picking off really good teams last year.

Well, we’ll see. I agree that it’s a conference road game far away from home. These are never easy..

For those here who have bloviated about how the Huskers will struggle this upcoming season, it’d be nice for you to provide your football related reasoning as to why. Because you simply have a “feeling” that’ll be the case is silliness.. I’ve posted why I believe the Huskers will be an improved team in 2019 over the past season.. and have given actual football related reasoning as to why.. I challenge you to at least attempt to do the same...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omababe]

I certainly won't rule out the possibility of the Huskers starting 1-1. We really don't know what to expect at this point.

Colorado, most certainly, will be a challenge!

[GrandpaaSmucker]

For those here who have bloviated about how the Huskers will struggle this upcoming season, it’d be nice for you to provide your football related reasoning as to why. Because you simply have a “feeling” that’ll be the case is silliness.. I’ve posted why I believe the Huskers will be an improved team in 2019 over the past season.. and have given actual football related reasoning as to why.. I challenge you to at least attempt to do the same...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

How reasonable is it for the Fake News, coaches, players and fans to suddenly anoint Nebraska as a legit team despite the fact that they have not proven it yet? It is not bloviation to suggest the Huskers will struggle again this year. It is called reality. The real goal for this season is to stop losing to the bad teams.

[Busguy2010]

How reasonable is it for the Fake News, coaches, players and fans to suddenly anoint Nebraska as a legit team despite the fact that they have not proven it yet?

I don't think its reasonable. I think all teams should start the season where they finished the previous year; An objective measurement of their place in football. Instead, they factor in their subjective projections to rank the teams. I don't even know what place Nebraska finished in last year, but I know it wasn't pretty. I feel like they're receiving a pretty generous gift to be ranked 26, making it much easier to be ranked highly deeper in the season.

I know you don't think this will happen at all, but imagine if the Huskers start 5-0, beating an undefeated and probably top 5 Ohio State. All the sudden Nebraska goes from 4-8 team to top 10 or 5 team. It just doesn't seem like a fair assessment to me.

I was expecting the Huskers to maybe be in the top 25 after a 4-0 start. Now, with this ranking, I'm betting they will be in the top 25 after a 2-0, maybe even just a 1-0 start. That just doesn't seem correct.

[Omaha Cowboy]

For those here who have bloviated about how the Huskers will struggle this upcoming season, it’d be nice for you to provide your football related reasoning as to why. Because you simply have a “feeling” that’ll be the case is silliness.. I’ve posted why I believe the Huskers will be an improved team in 2019 over the past season.. and have given actual football related reasoning as to why.. I challenge you to at least attempt to do the same...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

How reasonable is it for the Fake News, coaches, players and fans to suddenly anoint Nebraska as a legit team despite the fact that they have not proven it yet? It is not bloviation to suggest the Huskers will struggle again this year. It is called reality. The real goal for this season is to stop losing to the bad teams.

I’m simply asking for football related reasoning as to why you say the team will struggle..

What you call reality, is likely “fake news” . The reality and “fake news” you reference probably lies somewhere in the middle.

I can see, based on recruitment, strength and conditioning and the way this team played the 2nd half of last season - as being enough for me to believe this team will improve. They have a deeper and stronger offensive and defensive line, a QB with 1 year of experience under his belt, a LB corps that is as talented as NU has had within probably the last 5 years..Returning experience at the cornerback positions and one extra year of consistency of coaching under Scott Frost and his staff.. All of this is REALITY.. I’ll also add in the reality that every big conference game NU plays in 2019, against the traditional Big 10 “baddies”, will be at home..

Again- This all points to a team, imo, that is on the right projected path to improvement. I say this adds up to a likely 8-4 season.. Possibly 9-3 if everything falls in the right place and the team doesn’t sustain major injuries..

I don’t know if someone would necessarily describe an 8 or 9 win team as “legit”..that really depends on a persons definition of “legit” given the context of this discussion. Do I believe this NU team will complete for the national championship? NO. Do I believe they’ll win the Big 10 conference? NO. Do I expect the 2019 Husker football team to be in contention to win the Big 10 west? YES. I think this is a pretty realistic, football related view of why I believe NU will be an improved team in 2019. I’ll give you that the first step is for NU to stop losing to “bad teams”..

Remember, this struggling team, last season, ousted you from contributing to this forum for a couple of months because you took the “fake news” cheese and didn’t believe in them.. Even after I tried to talk you out of it, lol..

How unreasonable is it for me to ask you, on the opposite side, to provide a football centric counter-point of reasons why the Huskers will struggle in 2019?.. No offense Smucker, but I won’t be holding my breath for a response...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

I don’t know if someone would necessarily describe an 8 or 9 win team as “legit”..that really depends on a persons definition of “legit” given the context of this discussion. Do I believe this NU team will complete for the national championship? NO. Do I believe they’ll win the Big 10 conference? NO. Do I expect the 2019 Husker football team to be in contention to win the Big 10 west? YES. I think this is a pretty realistic, football related view of why I believe NU will be an improved team in 2019. I’ll give you that the first step is for NU to stop losing to “bad teams”..

These are reasonable expectations. And you still realize that it could end up worse than your expectations.

I don't even expect them to win the west, but I do expect them to play for it late in November. The game against Wisconsin to decide the winner of the west, with the Iowa game equally important in retaining the lead. I can see this year's division schedule to matter more than it ever has since Nebraska joined the conference. I expect Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Northwestern all to be in contention late.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don’t know if someone would necessarily describe an 8 or 9 win team as “legit”..that really depends on a persons definition of “legit” given the context of this discussion. Do I believe this NU team will complete for the national championship? NO. Do I believe they’ll win the Big 10 conference? NO. Do I expect the 2019 Husker football team to be in contention to win the Big 10 west? YES. I think this is a pretty realistic, football related view of why I believe NU will be an improved team in 2019. I’ll give you that the first step is for NU to stop losing to “bad teams”..

These are reasonable expectations. And you still realize that it could end up worse than your expectations.

I don't even expect them to win the west, but I do expect them to play for it late in November. The game against Wisconsin to decide the winner of the west, with the Iowa game equally important in retaining the lead. I can see this year's division schedule to matter more than it ever has since Nebraska joined the conference. I expect Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Northwestern all to be in contention late.

That pretty much sums up where I’m at in terms of expectations for the 2019 Huskers..

We’re definitely on the same page...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omababe]

So? Now that legal sports betting is now available to us, how many are planning on betting for or against Nebraska in a few weeks?

[GrandpaaSmucker]

So? Now that legal sports betting is now available to us, how many are planning on betting for or against Nebraska in a few weeks?

I plan on betting on all of the Nebraska games. I went to Ameristar today for lunch and it was dead enough to convince me already that people will not be running to Council Buffs to bet sports. That being said the 75 yr old man in front of me had a 3 or 4 thousand dollar stack of hundred dollar bills he was wagering. Being a low roller I bet 20 on the Yankees tonight and 10 on the Chiefs vs the Steeelers tomorrow night.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Remember, this struggling team, last season, ousted you from contributing to this forum for a couple of months because you took the “fake news” cheese and didn’t believe in them.. Even after I tried to talk you out of it, lol..

How unreasonable is it for me to ask you, on the opposite side, to provide a football centric counter-point of reasons why the Huskers will struggle in 2019?.. No offense Smucker, but I won’t be holding my breath for a response...

There are just too many guys from last years team still around. A team that was so awful that they lost their first 6 games in a row. Nebraska was only able to win 4 games last year and they were all bad teams. The only team Nebraska was able to beat last year that was any good was MIchigan State. I did not see the MIchigan State win coming and that was the one game that surprised me. If I had known that MIchigan State had such a horrible back up quarterback I would of known Nebraska had a chance. Nebraska really did not win the game against MIchigan State rather Michigan State gave the game away since they only scored 6 points. It was not Nebraska's great defense that held Michigan State to 6 it was the MIchigan State quarterback was so awful they could not move the ball to save their lives. Lets not forget one of those wins was a team (Bethune Cookman) that they went out and hunted up to pad their schedule with enough wins to maybe make a bowl. The talent was bad enough all around on Nebraska last year that all the weight lifting and culture in the world ain't going to make them much better this year. The only wildcard is Martinez. If Martinez is ready to go Patrick Mahomes then Nebraska has a shot at going to a bowl this year. I don't know what they have been feeding Martinez but he looks beefed up big time. One of the few ways Nebraska could make up for the lack of talent would be if Martinez would start posing a credible run threat himself. All the hopes of the state of Nebraska and Scott Frost fall on Martinez. Without Martinez having a breakout year Nebraska will be in a whole lot of trouble. Were going to find out real fast if Martinez has gotten any better in week 2 at Colorado.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Remember, this struggling team, last season, ousted you from contributing to this forum for a couple of months because you took the “fake news” cheese and didn’t believe in them.. Even after I tried to talk you out of it, lol..

How unreasonable is it for me to ask you, on the opposite side, to provide a football centric counter-point of reasons why the Huskers will struggle in 2019?.. No offense Smucker, but I won’t be holding my breath for a response...

There are just too many guys from last years team still around. A team that was so awful that they lost their first 6 games in a row. Nebraska was only able to win 4 games last year and they were all bad teams. The only team Nebraska was able to beat last year that was any good was MIchigan State. I did not see the MIchigan State win coming and that was the one game that surprised me. If I had known that MIchigan State had such a horrible back up quarterback I would of known Nebraska had a chance. Nebraska really did not win the game against MIchigan State rather Michigan State gave the game away since they only scored 6 points. It was not Nebraska's great defense that held Michigan State to 6 it was the MIchigan State quarterback was so awful they could not move the ball to save their lives. Lets not forget one of those wins was a team (Bethune Cookman) that they went out and hunted up to pad their schedule with enough wins to maybe make a bowl. The talent was bad enough all around on Nebraska last year that all the weight lifting and culture in the world ain't going to make them much better this year. The only wildcard is Martinez. If Martinez is ready to go Patrick Mahomes then Nebraska has a shot at going to a bowl this year. I don't know what they have been feeding Martinez but he looks beefed up big time. One of the few ways Nebraska could make up for the lack of talent would be if Martinez would start posing a credible run threat himself. All the hopes of the state of Nebraska and Scott Frost fall on Martinez. Without Martinez having a breakout year Nebraska will be in a whole lot of trouble. Were going to find out real fast if Martinez has gotten any better in week 2 at Colorado.

Alright man. Good post..

Can’t say I agree with some of it, but your points are pretty legit, coming from the other side of the spectrum..

I will say, most college football players, with an extra year of experience under their belts, coached by the same competent coaching staff- tend to get better the following season. We’ll see about that. NU has infused better depth of talent along the offensive and defensive fronts and that is where the biggest noticeable improvement will be seen imo.. Of course, barring injury, Martinez should be even better this year. The kid has the “it” factor. Another player to watch is the new running back transfer who previously played at Georgia Tech. I’m nearing that kid may be a beast..

We’ll definitely see what the season brings, and look forward charting the game by game outcomes on this thread...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

I want to comment on some of your points, from top to bottom.

There are just too many guys from last years team still around...

The only team Nebraska was able to beat last year that was any good was MIchigan State..

I did not see the MIchigan State win coming and that was the one game that surprised me. Nebraska really did not win the game against MIchigan State rather Michigan State gave the game away since they only scored 6 points. It was not Nebraska's great defense that held Michigan State to 6 it was the MIchigan State quarterback was so awful they could not move the ball to save their lives...

This is a good point. Even though Frost has more of his recruits now, the kids still went 4-8 on the field, though, I think the back half of the year was a sign of improvement. BUT you could argue Michigan State should have been a loss if the weather wasn't such a factor, and Bethune-Cookman, you could say, wasn't even a legit win. Say they didn't pick up Bethune-Cookman, and lost to Michigan State... We're talking about a 2-9 season.

Though traditionally Michigan State has been pretty good, I'd say last year they weren't that good.

I didn't see that win coming either. I agree in a way that Michigan State lost the game, rather than Nebraska won. That win felt so lucky. The weather was so bad for both teams that both offenses were really horrible, and the defensive stops made were due to the offenses playing poorly, not the defenses playing well.

[Stargazer]

Martinez doesn't need to improve at all.. that's a ridiculous assertion (his play is literally why he's received all the pre-season recognition). It's all on the defense (and Chinander... who I personally think, is the 'weak link' in this staff). The offense produced way more than enough to win many more games last year. It was the defense that couldn't reciprocate.

[Omababe]

I plan on betting on all of the Nebraska games.

One of the guys at work was questioning whether they will be using local "lines", which will heavily favor Nebraska and Iowa, or if they will be using National lines, which will be calculated to be more of an even chance?

Anybody know?

I went to Ameristar today for lunch and it was dead enough to convince me already that people will not be running to Council Buffs to bet sports.

I'll check it out tomorrow, but probably will not do any bets until football starts. I plan on doing like one $20 a week. Playing for fun, not to get rich.

I'm not surprised it was dead on a weekday. I'm very sure that both (all) will be packed during football season, and, probably basketball season, even though I never got in to basketball. Every game is like reading a book and realizing hey, haven't I read this before?

[Busguy2010]

It's all on the defense (and Chinander... who I personally think, is the 'weak link' in this staff). The offense produced way more than enough to win many more games last year. It was the defense that couldn't reciprocate.

I think this is an accurate assessment.

[Busguy2010]

Ridiculous. The Huskers are officially ranked 24 to start the season.

[Busguy2010]

https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings

Anybody care to embed?

[Louie]

Positivity about an upcoming season is one thing, but for us to be ranked preseason is wayyyyyy too optimistic.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The Hype Train is real folks!..

It’s kind of embarrassing actually ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

Many teams have records of 8-4 and end up the season ranked.

Preseason polls have but two purposes ... sell newspapers and sell talk radio advertising.

Take the hype. It does no harm.

[Busguy2010]

Many teams have records of 8-4 and end up the season ranked.

Preseason polls have but two purposes ... sell newspapers and sell talk radio advertising.

Take the hype. It does no harm.

If the premise of the preseason rankings is to guess where a single team will end the season, then I don't disagree with a 24 ranking. If that's literally how they qualify this ranking, then I'll accept it.

However, I have always thought that early rankings have had an affect on mid-season and late-season rankings. Say Nebraska is undefeated and ranked 15 when Ohio State comes to Lincoln, and Ohio State wins. Whoever decides rankings looks at how they beat a top 15 ranked team and that's a positive mark on Ohio State's resume, so they move into the top 4 that week and continue to win and never exit the top 4.

It seems to me if a team has a good win early in the season, it certainly has a padding affect later in the season.

I personally think there shouldn't be rankings until week 7. But apparently that wouldn't be any fun, and could potentially ruin the momentum the top teams ride from the previous season(s).

[Omababe]

They were telling me (the ubiquitous "they") that if the Coaches Poll were extended to 26 teams, Nebraska would be 26.

It's obvious that both the media and the coaches have confidence in Scott Frost and the improving team. Let's hope that this is a trend to continue this season.

I noticed from the sheet I picked up at Ameristar the other day that Nebraska is favored by five (5 - count 'em - 5) touchdowns in the opening game! I think the first real test will be Colorado.

[bigredmed1]

They were telling me (the ubiquitous "they") that if the Coaches Poll were extended to 26 teams, Nebraska would be 26.

It's obvious that both the media and the coaches have confidence in Scott Frost and the improving team. Let's hope that this is a trend to continue this season.

I noticed from the sheet I picked up at Ameristar the other day that Nebraska is favored by five (5 - count 'em - 5) touchdowns in the opening game! I think the first real test will be Colorado.

Don’t bet on Nebraska. Ever.
Scott Frost could field a team of Heisman trophy winners and be playing the fighting wheezers of Fill in the ablank College, and you would still be well advised to keep your money in your pocket. Bookies live on the fee they charge to move one pot of money from the losers to the winners. They want the pots to be the same size. They get this by setting odds that get people to play against the favorite, but not so high that it’s obvious. Norte Dame and Neb have large fan bases who will bet their teams and the bookies take their money.

[bigredmed1]

They were telling me (the ubiquitous "they") that if the Coaches Poll were extended to 26 teams, Nebraska would be 26.

It's obvious that both the media and the coaches have confidence in Scott Frost and the improving team. Let's hope that this is a trend to continue this season.

I noticed from the sheet I picked up at Ameristar the other day that Nebraska is favored by five (5 - count 'em - 5) touchdowns in the opening game! I think the first real test will be Colorado.

Don’t bet on Nebraska. Ever.
Scott Frost could field a team of Heisman trophy winners and be playing the fighting wheezers of Fill in the blank College, and you would still be well advised to keep your money in your pocket. Bookies live on the fee they charge to move one pot of money from the losers to the winners. They want the pots to be the same size. They get this by setting odds that get people to play against the favorite, but not so high that it’s obvious. Norte Dame and Neb have large fan bases who will bet their teams and the bookies take their money.

[mrsticka]

There sure are high expectations for Nebraska this year. I hope I'm not disappointed at the end.

[Omababe]

Don’t bet on Nebraska. Ever.

Well, uh, I just did!

Sometimes you just have to say "what the {heck}."

Yeah, I'm expecting it to be a blowout beat-down "Dammit, Osborne, quit running up the score!" type of thing. The bookies are saying that it will be a 5-score beat-down, but my hunch says it will be higher.

[bigredmed1]

Good luck. Just remember that the bookies live on the Vig. They want the same money on both sides and they are really good at setting "optimistic" odds in games with teams like NU or Notre Dame. They are like the people who design carnival games so that they are just rigged enough to give the house an avantage, but no so rigged that the players catch on. If you are interested in this area of history, read the stories about Lucky Luciano's casino days in the 20s. His competitors rigged their games and watered their drinks. They couldn't keep the fans coming back. Straight drinks and straight tables, kept his fans coming back. After his time, the green squares for zero started showing up on roulette wheels. Just a bit more house advantage that played against both red and black players.