In Nebraska’s 31-13 win over Michigan State, the Huskers checked a lot of boxes that they had not done in a long time:
- First 4-0 start since 2016.
- First win in a conference opener (home or away) since 2019.
- First time scoring over 30 points in a conference road game (played outside of Maryland or Purdue) since 2019.
- First four-game stretch of wins by 18 points or more since 2009-2010. First time that has happened in the same season since 2000. And the first to time to start a season since 1998.
In the wake of that convincing win, there will be a strong temptation to move the goalposts. Less than a month ago, the thought of beating Indiana or Oregon was ludicrous. Already, I’m seeing people talking themselves into beating one – if not both – of those teams.
I just can’t go there. Not yet. My goalposts are bolted in the same place I had them at the beginning of the season. If you want to tell me that Nebraska’s strong start means the bar must be raised, I will listen. I disagree, but I’ll hear you out.
I’ll happily agree that the defense looks like a disruptive force. The offense has big-play potential and can put up points. Heck, even the special teams are holding their own. These things are all very encouraging regardless of what Nebraska’s future opponents have been doing in their first few games…