look ahead to 2017 and our schedule. It is going to be tough to get 9 wins again IMHO. Let's assume NU beats Ark. St., N. Illinois, Rutgers, Illinois and Purdue. They have to get 4 wins against these teams to get to 9 wins. Look at this quick comparison of returning starters for our 7 toughest opponents. Not very favorable for the Huskers. In hindsight, 2016 schedule looks easier due to the youth that we faced on many of these teams. Wisconsin just reloaded this year and is set up to be heavy favorites in the West division. Can Nebraska improve enough and develop young talent to be in the running for the division next year? It's going to be a big challenge and interesting to see if MR and company are up to that challenge.
Team Offense (11) Quarterback Defense (11) S. Teams (4)
Wisconsin 9 Y 8 3
Iowa 8 N 7 1
Nebraska 6 N 7 4
Minnesota 8 N 5 4
Northwestern 9 Y 10 3
Ohio State 10 Y 11 3
Penn State 10 Y 8 4
Oregon 8 Y 11 4
Note: these numbers were based upon depth charts for last week of season. It doesn't account for early NFL departures, etc....
Team Offense (11) Quarterback Defense (11) S. Teams (4)
Wisconsin 9 Y 8 3
Iowa 8 N 7 1
Nebraska 6 N 7 4
Minnesota 8 N 5 4
Northwestern 9 Y 10 3
Ohio State 10 Y 11 3
Penn State 10 Y 8 4
Oregon 8 Y 11 4
Note: these numbers were based upon depth charts for last week of season. It doesn't account for early NFL departures, etc....