Does Nebraska Have a Good Football Team? A Detailed Analysis

Nebraska football, specifically the Nebraska Cornhuskers, is one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a tradition dating back to 1890, the team has experienced numerous periods of success, including multiple national championships and conference titles. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to maintain the level of dominance it once had. This article will take a closer look at the current state of Nebraska football, examining its historical success, recent performance, strengths and weaknesses, and future prospects.

A Brief History of Nebraska Football

Nebraska’s football program has a rich history, with the following highlights:

1. National Championships: The Cornhuskers have won five national championships, with their titles coming in 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, and 1997. The 1990s were particularly dominant under head coach Tom Osborne, as the team claimed three titles and was considered one of the best programs in the country.
2. Conference Championships: Nebraska has secured a total of 46 conference championships, mostly during its time in the Big 8 and Big 12 conferences. The program moved to the Big Ten in 2011, but it has yet to win a conference title in this new league.
3. Heisman Trophy Winners: The Cornhuskers have produced three Heisman Trophy winners: Johnny Rodgers (1972), Mike Rozier (1983), and Eric Crouch (2001).

The team has traditionally been known for its powerful running game, tough defense, and physical style of play. The “Blackshirts” defense and the option offense were hallmarks of the team’s identity during its most successful eras.

Nebraska Football in the Modern Era

In recent years, the performance of the Nebraska Cornhuskers has not lived up to the program’s storied past. The team has struggled to consistently compete for championships, and several coaching changes have resulted in a lack of stability. Here’s a look at the Cornhuskers’ performance over the last decade:

1. Coaching Changes and Inconsistency:

   • Since the departure of Tom Osborne in 1997, Nebraska has gone through a series of head coaches, including Frank Solich, Bill Callahan, Bo Pelini, Mike Riley, Scott Frost, and now Matt Rhule. This frequent turnover has contributed to a lack of continuity, making it difficult for the team to develop a consistent identity and winning culture.
   • Scott Frost’s Tenure (2018-2022): Scott Frost, a former Nebraska quarterback who led the team to a national championship in 1997, was hired with high expectations. However, his tenure was disappointing, with a record of 16-31, and he was dismissed during the 2022 season. The team struggled to achieve a winning season under his leadership.

2. Move to the Big Ten:

   • Nebraska’s transition to the Big Ten in 2011 was expected to bring new opportunities for the program, but it has faced challenges competing against traditional Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. The Cornhuskers have not won a Big Ten championship since joining the league and have struggled to consistently finish with winning records in conference play.

3. Recent Records and Bowl Appearances:

   • Nebraska has not made a bowl game since the 2016 season, and the program has had only a few winning seasons in the last decade. The team’s performance has often been characterized by close losses, struggles in one-possession games, and inconsistency on both sides of the ball.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current Team

The current state of Nebraska football is a mix of optimism and ongoing challenges. Under new head coach Matt Rhule, there is hope for improvement and a return to competitiveness. Here are some strengths and weaknesses of the team:

1. Strengths:

   • Recruiting Potential: Nebraska has a dedicated fan base, world-class facilities, and a history of success, all of which can be leveraged to attract recruits. The hiring of Matt Rhule, who has a reputation for rebuilding programs, has also brought renewed hope for recruiting success.
   • Support and Fan Base: Nebraska football enjoys one of the most loyal fan bases in college sports. Memorial Stadium in Lincoln has a longstanding sellout streak, and the support for the program remains strong despite recent struggles.
   • Defensive Improvement: While the team has struggled overall, the defense has shown signs of progress, with the “Blackshirts” nickname still carrying historical significance. Improved defensive play could be a foundation for future success.

2. Weaknesses:

   • Offensive Inconsistency: The Cornhuskers have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position and have faced difficulties in establishing a reliable running game. Turnovers and penalties have also been a significant issue.
   • Struggles in Close Games: In recent seasons, Nebraska has lost many one-possession games, which has hurt the team’s ability to build momentum and confidence. Addressing this issue is crucial for the program’s turnaround.
   • Lack of Big Ten Success: Competing in the Big Ten has proven to be challenging, with Nebraska often falling short against top-tier teams. The program needs to close the gap with the Big Ten’s elite to achieve success.

Future Prospects and Potential for Improvement

The hiring of Matt Rhule as head coach before the 2023 season marked a new chapter for Nebraska football. Rhule is known for his ability to turn struggling programs around, as seen in his previous coaching stints at Temple and Baylor. His approach to building a winning culture emphasizes discipline, development, and recruiting, which could help Nebraska regain its competitive edge.

1. Building Through Recruiting:

   • Nebraska’s ability to recruit top talent will be crucial for its future success. Rhule’s focus on bringing in players who fit his system and developing them into high-level contributors could gradually improve the program’s performance.

2. Strengthening the Defense:

   • Returning to the defensive prowess of the past could be a key factor in Nebraska’s resurgence. Rhule’s emphasis on physical play and defensive fundamentals could help the team reestablish its reputation as a tough defensive unit.

3. Adjusting to the Big Ten Style of Play:

   • Competing in the Big Ten requires a physical style of play and effective line play on both sides of the ball. Nebraska needs to adapt to this style and build a team that can control the line of scrimmage, especially against top teams in the conference.

4. The Role of the Fan Base:

   • Nebraska’s loyal fan base can continue to play a vital role in the program’s recovery. Their support helps create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and could be an asset as Rhule and his staff work to turn the program around.

Is Nebraska a Good Football Team?

Currently, Nebraska may not be considered one of the top programs in college football, as it has faced challenges in recent years and struggled to maintain consistency. The team has not reached a bowl game since 2016 and has found it difficult to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten.

However, the program’s rich history, strong fan base, and potential for improvement under new leadership provide reasons for optimism. With Matt Rhule at the helm, there is hope that Nebraska can rebuild and return to being a competitive team in the Big Ten and beyond.

In summary, while Nebraska football may not be considered “good” in the traditional sense at the moment, the program is certainly not without potential. With the right leadership, recruiting, and player development, the Cornhuskers could once again become a team that competes for conference titles and national recognition.