Nebraska Football 2025-2026

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Fri Sep 19, 2025 4:23 pm

Maybe the reason the Nebraska defense struggled against Cincinnati was because they weren't expecting Cincinnati to be as good as they were. They probably took them too lightly and almost beat themselves. They were caught off-guard. Just because they struggled against Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean they will against Michigan. Perhaps now, Nebraska's more prepared than they were before Cincinnati?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:12 am

mrsticka wrote: Fri Sep 19, 2025 4:23 pm Maybe the reason the Nebraska defense struggled against Cincinnati was because they weren't expecting Cincinnati to be as good as they were. They probably took them too lightly and almost beat themselves. They were caught off-guard. Just because they struggled against Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean they will against Michigan. Perhaps now, Nebraska's more prepared than they were before Cincinnati?

I think that’s a pretty optimistic and naive viewpoint. Though, I would be ecstatic to be wrong.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:35 am

Louie wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:12 am
mrsticka wrote: Fri Sep 19, 2025 4:23 pm Maybe the reason the Nebraska defense struggled against Cincinnati was because they weren't expecting Cincinnati to be as good as they were. They probably took them too lightly and almost beat themselves. They were caught off-guard. Just because they struggled against Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean they will against Michigan. Perhaps now, Nebraska's more prepared than they were before Cincinnati?
I think that’s a pretty optimistic and naive viewpoint. Though, I would be ecstatic to be wrong.

I hope to find out the Huskers played Cincinnati soft, or that they're actually a fairly decent team. I think a combination of both.

I'm not real scared of this game tomorrow being a dismantling. All the Skers have to do is contain. Their QB ain't throwing bombs. Just contain the run. I guess if anything to worry about would be that since they've recently been a top program, is that maybe their defensive unit is bigger and/or more experienced? I don't know, haven't watched em.

I think our boys stand a good chance at winning this one. I will now go knock on wood. Keeping my red lights on overnight, flag's been flying since halfway through August. Good night everybody. GO BIG RED.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 12:59 am

One last funny thought, being a Lions fan, I had to take that flag down just til after the game tomorrow. It would be a very strong conflict of interest lol.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:19 pm

I was trying to downplay this game to myself, but when I just went out, I saw so much big red rep out there. So good to see! A lot of people with optimism! Let's go boyz!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:35 pm

Love the initial fire from the fans.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:21 pm

Per kickoff hype in the stadium is as strong as I have seen it in a long time. Even more than Colorado last season. Bud Crawford lead the ream on the field in the tunnel walk

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:52 pm

2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Nebraska just scored a touchdown and tied the game at 10. Great!

jag42 · Post by **jag42** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:58 pm

mrsticka wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:52 pm 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Nebraska just scored a touchdown and tied the game at 10. Great!

And then Michigan gets a 75-yard TD run just as soon as you think the momentum starts swinging NU's way. Grrrr.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:58 pm

mrsticka wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:52 pm 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Nebraska just scored a touchdown and tied the game at 10. Great!

I thought the same thing lol

Nothing I hate more than a break out run. 17-10

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 4:06 pm

Dylan Raiola just threw a Hail Mary pass to Jacory Barney for a touchdown! Now it's tied at 17. If it were the last play of the game and it gave Nebraska the lead and the win, then I would be ecstatic.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 4:13 pm

THAT WAS ONE OF THE SWEETEST HUSKER FOOTBALL SEQUENCES I'VE EVER SEEN!!!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 4:13 pm

I walked away from the TV assuming they were just going to run the clock out.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:15 pm

Raiola’s pocket presence leaves a lot to be desired. As does the O Line performance.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:25 pm

How many times has Michigan's defense sacked Raiola now? 5?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:26 pm

mrsticka wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:25 pm How many times has Michigan's defense sacked Raiola now? 5?

7

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:28 pm

Louie wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:26 pm
mrsticka wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:25 pm How many times has Michigan's defense sacked Raiola now? 5?
7

7?!? That's a lot. Well, that 7th one will be the last.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:34 pm

Any rush heavy team should feel good about playing us.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:38 pm

Louie wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:34 pm Any rush heavy team should feel good about playing us.

I don't know about that. They're not all as good as Michigan.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:04 pm

Game's over. Nebraska lost 30-27. Stagburn it! At least it wasn't a big huge blowout.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:10 pm

Ugh.

The Skers left 6 points on the table. FACE PALM

Another shouldda won.

I guess if there's any takeaway, its that taking points matters. Despite Michigan having all those big runs, this game should have been in the bag, a 3-6 point win. I know everybody hates the "feel good loss". But I wasn't expecting a win, just very hopeful for it. So close. They really should have won, if not for a couple coaching decisions.

All in all, one of the more exciting games in a while.

SKERS can still go 11-1, remember that

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:32 pm

In the 1st quarter when Nebraska was in the red zone and facing a 4th down, they should have just kicked a field goal instead of trying to go for it. At least they would have had some points on the board. 3 points are better than no points.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:46 pm

How exciting would it have been if Nebraska saved that Hail Mary for the end of the game and won it that way? It would’ve been bigger than the Northwestern one in 2013. That would’ve paled in comparison for sure.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:38 pm

I know it has nothing to do with Nebraska, but the Mariners just beat the Astros 6-4 and took the series against them. Their playoff hopes are all but certain now.

Why am I mentioning this, you ask? Because after Nebraska’s loss to Michigan this afternoon, I just needed something to feel good about.

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Sep 23, 2025 1:50 pm

Not Husker football related, but not going to start a new thread.

See that Oklahoma State has fired Mike Gundy as HC after 20 or so years. 3-9 last season and 1-2 to start the season, with a final blow being a 19-12 home loss to Tulsa

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/252 ... hired-2005

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Wed Sep 24, 2025 6:26 am

For those lamenting that 0-28 record against ranked opponents since 2016..

Hold your heads up, fellow Big 10 member Rutgers has lost 41 straight since 2009.

Anyone wonder if conference contraction could be on the horizon?

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Wed Sep 24, 2025 8:21 pm

But Rutgers wasn't in the Big Ten in 2009.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 5:38 am

mrsticka wrote: Wed Sep 24, 2025 8:21 pm But Rutgers wasn't in the Big Ten in 2009.

What does that have to do with the streak? Even the Husker one includes non-conference opponents.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:07 pm

Stargazer wrote: Wed Sep 24, 2025 6:26 am For those lamenting that 0-28 record against ranked opponents since 2016..

Hold your heads up, fellow Big 10 member Rutgers has lost 41 straight since 2009.

Anyone wonder if conference contraction could be on the horizon?

I would not be surprised if/when there is a consolidation of power conference teams, it will also be paired with a contraction of some longtime conference members that do not carry large viewership. In 2024, Nebraska had the 17th highest viewership in the country so I doubt they would be in trouble, but teams like Purdue, Rutgers, Minnesota, Michigan State, and some other Big Ten teams might need to worry.

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 1:15 pm

I'd like to see D1 football separated from the other (mostly non-revenue) sports. They could regroup those other sports into conference footprints that are sensible for travel, while allowing football to continue doing whatever the frack it want to do.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 1:18 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:07 pm
Stargazer wrote: Wed Sep 24, 2025 6:26 am For those lamenting that 0-28 record against ranked opponents since 2016..

Hold your heads up, fellow Big 10 member Rutgers has lost 41 straight since 2009.

Anyone wonder if conference contraction could be on the horizon?
I would not be surprised if/when there is a consolidation of power conference teams, it will also be paired with a contraction of some longtime conference members that do not carry large viewership. In 2024, Nebraska had the 17th highest viewership in the country so I doubt they would be in trouble, but teams like Purdue, Rutgers, Minnesota, Michigan State, and some other Big Ten teams might need to worry.

I really hope they'll go away from letting every school in.

Some just don't belong. There isn’t going to be a Cinderella story, so stop pushing and allowing it.

If CFB were to remain a 12 game season, that would mean 13 team conferences, no out of conference games, 52 teams. Somebody's gonna get the axe.

My vote would be any of the teams that have recently scrambled to join power conferences. We all know who they are, and they're never going to "make it", so I say we quit acting like its gonna happen, cause its not.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:03 pm

mrsticka wrote: Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:32 pm In the 1st quarter when Nebraska was in the red zone and facing a 4th down, they should have just kicked a field goal instead of trying to go for it. At least they would have had some points on the board. 3 points are better than no points.

Or maybe when they had 2nd and 3 yds prior to that 4th down they should've pounded the rock for 1st and goal instead of getting too cute with the passing game. Also recall the next drive they missed the field goal from the Michigan 26.

The bottom line is Nebraska lost at the line of scrimmage. Raiola’s numbers are good overall, but his lack of a threat with his feet is a concern with the O-line struggling to protect.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:55 pm

They really should have kicked that first field goal tho.

I even said out loud as I was watching, when they elected to go for it on 4th down instead of trying a 20-something yard field goal on the very first possession, I said "IF this ends up being a 3 point loss, I'm gonna lose it".

They missed the other field goal attempt later. So they left 6 on the table. You can say it was coaching decisions or execution. Maybe give the kicker that first chip shot, and he has the confidence and practice in him to make the next one, and its a 33-30 Husker win.

#1 frustration with any team I follow is not taking points when they're there to be had.

Should have been a win.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:54 pm

How about getting rid of the FBS and FCS subdivisions and just have everything Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, etc.

halgy · Post by **halgy** » Fri Sep 26, 2025 7:21 am

mrsticka wrote: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:54 pm How about getting rid of the FBS and FCS subdivisions and just have everything Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, etc.

There are too many teams and leagues in each D1 subdivision to be meaningful (136 in FBS, 129 in FCS). Most teams never play each other, and there is a massive spread in quality of teams.

IMO, the teams should be divided into ~30 team sub-divisions. Then, there should be promotion/relegation between sub-divisions, like in English soccer; the best 2-4 teams from each league are promoted to the one above it, and the worst 2-4 teams are related downward.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Fri Sep 26, 2025 11:57 am

halgy wrote: Fri Sep 26, 2025 7:21 am
mrsticka wrote: Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:54 pm How about getting rid of the FBS and FCS subdivisions and just have everything Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, etc.
There are too many teams and leagues in each D1 subdivision to be meaningful (136 in FBS, 129 in FCS). Most teams never play each other, and there is a massive spread in quality of teams.

IMO, the teams should be divided into ~30 team sub-divisions. Then, there should be promotion/relegation between sub-divisions, like in English soccer; the best 2-4 teams from each league are promoted to the one above it, and the worst 2-4 teams are related downward.

This would be incredible but you’d never see teams agreeing to it as they’d miss out on revenue if they are relegated. I love the idea though.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Sep 26, 2025 10:16 pm

mrsticka will appreciate this: #8 Florida State just lost in OT to unranked Virginia.

I can never understand how after a 2-10 season, they get so much benefit from the polls after beating really, a thus far also unproven Alabama in the first game. The Skers wouldn't get that kind of benefit for one good game.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Sep 26, 2025 10:19 pm

Just reinforces my belief that early season rankings are utterly pointless. Just a way to sell a "big game". It works, I guess. But I dont buy em.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri Oct 03, 2025 9:59 am

How we feeling? I'm cautiously confident. The only way this game is close is if Chiles burns us with his legs early and often.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Oct 03, 2025 11:20 am

I dont really think theres enough on tape to feel this confident -

I think its gonna be closer than 10 points. Would think Michigan State would be a quality enough team where Nebraska won't just wipe the floor with em. But I really dont have anything to go on.

Ill just take a |expletive| in the dark... Nebraska 27-20.