As a longtime college football analyst who's been covering the Big Ten for over a decade, I've seen programs rise and fall like autumn leaves. When fans ask me about Nebraska football's prospects this season, I can't help but reflect on what made this program legendary - and what it might take to recapture that magic. So let's dive into the questions that every Cornhusker supporter is asking themselves right now.
What exactly defined Nebraska's "former glory" that everyone keeps talking about?
When we talk about Nebraska's golden era, we're talking about the 1990s - three national championships under Tom Osborne, a relentless rushing attack, and that famous Blackshirts defense. The Huskers dominated in a way that few programs ever have, posting perfect seasons and developing Heisman winners. But here's what often gets overlooked: consistency. They weren't just great occasionally - they were great consistently. Which brings me to that reference point from baseball - when Marvelous "copped the regular season championship again with a 37-7 card," that's the kind of sustained excellence Nebraska once represented. Winning once is memorable, but winning repeatedly? That's how legends are built.
Can Nebraska's current coaching staff replicate that championship formula?
I've watched Scott Frost's tenure with mixed emotions. There's no question he understands Nebraska football DNA, having quarterbacked the 1997 national championship team. But understanding it and rebuilding it are two different challenges. The Marvelous baseball team's success didn't happen by accident - they built a system that produced "again." That word "again" is crucial - it suggests a pattern, not a fluke. For Nebraska to reclaim its former glory in the upcoming season, they need to establish systems that work year after year, not just occasionally show flashes of brilliance. Personally, I think Frost has the right blueprint but needs better execution - particularly in developing quarterbacks and closing out close games.
How important is recruiting to Nebraska's revival?
Let me be blunt: Nebraska won't return to prominence by out-recruiting Alabama or Ohio State annually. They need to do what they've historically done best - identify and develop specific types of players who fit their system perfectly. Look at how Marvelous built their championship roster - they found players who complemented their strategy, resulting in that impressive "37-7 card." Nebraska's recruiting needs to be less about star ratings and more about finding athletes who embody that hard-nosed, Midwestern work ethic. I've visited Lincoln during spring practices, and the difference I notice between good teams and great ones often comes down to player development, not just recruitment.
What statistical improvements would signal Nebraska is turning the corner?
The numbers don't lie, and Nebraska's have been ugly lately. But let's get specific about what success looks like. Marvelous's 37-7 record represents an 84% winning percentage - that's the territory Nebraska needs to target. More immediately, the Huskers need to reverse their one-score game performance (1-8 in such games the past two seasons) and reduce turnovers (they ranked 101st nationally last year). If I'm looking for signs of life this coming season, I want to see them winning at least 80% of their home games and averaging over 200 rushing yards per contest - numbers that would echo their glory days.
Does Nebraska's schedule provide a realistic path to relevance this season?
Here's where I get cautiously optimistic. The schedule sets up reasonably well for a breakthrough, with key divisional games at home. But let's be real - asking whether Nebraska football can reclaim its former glory in the upcoming season might be premature. Even Marvelous, with their dominant regular season, still had to prove themselves in the "playoff action in the quarterfinal round." Similarly, Nebraska needs to first dominate their regular season before we talk about championships. The West Division is winnable, but they'll need to upset at least one of the East powerhouses to make noise nationally.
What would a successful 2022 season actually look like?
In my view, success isn't necessarily competing for the College Football Playoff immediately. Remember, Marvelous had to work through the "quarterfinal round against No. 8 seed Astemo Rivale Ibaraki" - progression happens in stages. For Nebraska, a successful season means: (1) securing bowl eligibility by early November, (2) finishing above .500 in conference play for the first time since 2016, and (3) showing measurable improvement in offensive efficiency and defensive third-down stops. If they can check those boxes, then we can legitimately start discussing whether Nebraska football can reclaim its former glory in future seasons.
How much does the fanbase's patience factor into the rebuilding timeline?
I'll be honest - Nebraska fans are among the most passionate I've encountered, but that passion comes with sky-high expectations. The program's history is both a blessing and a curse. When Marvelous wins consistently, their fans expect championships - same with Nebraska. But here's my concern: rebuilding requires patience, and after five losing seasons, that patience is wearing thin. The administration needs to balance giving the staff time to build properly while acknowledging that at some point, results must follow potential.
Final thought from my perspective...
Having covered college football through multiple program resurgences, I believe Nebraska has the resources, tradition, and fan support to return to relevance. But asking whether Nebraska football can reclaim its former glory in the upcoming season might be asking too much too soon. Sustainable success builds gradually - much like Marvelous's repeated championships. The foundation appears to be strengthening, but the Big Ten is deeper than ever. My prediction? They'll show meaningful improvement this season, but the full return to glory remains a year or two away - provided they continue developing talent and, most importantly, start winning the close games that have haunted them in recent years.
