Only four teams in the Big Ten have a better record than the Nebraska Huskers six weeks into the season.
At 5-1 (2-1 in conference play), the Huskers are just one win away from securing a bowl game for the first time since 2016 and ending the longest drought among Power Four conference schools.
However, the Big Red ended last season on a four-game losing streak and has a tough schedule the rest of this season.
Nebraska has shown enough improvement to be optimistic heading into the second half of the season but here are a few areas of concern the Huskers need to address to avoid a repeat of last year’s late-season slide.
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Special teams struggles
Yes, this is likely on the minds of many Huskers fans.
Last weekend, the Big Red had two of its punts blocked. Two weeks ago, two field goal attempts were blocked.
It hasn’t all been bad, as punter Brian Buschini has been clutch at times, including in last week’s win over Rutgers, and kicker Tristan Alvano seems to be nearing a return. However, the Huskers need to clean up any long-snapping and protection issues on kicks, be more consistent in coverage on kicks and get at least some spark from its nearly lifeless return game.