Who Can Beat Nebraska in the Big 12? (North That Is)

As a long-time and current Husker fan, I unfortunately have to put a disclaimer on any rambunctious thoughts.  (North That Is) for this one.

But in pure reality, what about those Huskers?

Only one lonley second kept these undermanned Huskers away from a Big 12 Championship just last season.  A game in which the superbly talented Longhorns were supposed to win by 13 to 15 or more points depending on your game "hook."

When all was said and done in that Big 12 Championship game, a Longhorn "rout" ended up in a last second, one-point difference. 

So what about 2010?  You know, the "Next Year," just like every Cubs fan talks about, and unfortunately every Husker fan talks about over the last 13 years.

Well it is next year, and it is now.

And this talk is about who can beat Nebraska in the ENTIRETY of the Big 12, and not just the Big 12 North anymore.  The boundaries have stretched, and everyone living and breathing below Kansas City know all about it.

Who can beat Nebraska?

From here on out, I'll simply refer to the games ahead of my beloved Huskers, and end with their chances of defeating my beloved team.

September 4:  Western Kentucky

While the Huskers will get lambasted for scheduling the newest entrant to College Football, it should be recognized that defending champions in Florida, decided to play WKU in their 1st game in 2007.  At the very least, the Huskers are taking on a team that should be night and day better than that team the Gators saw in 2007. 

Husker Loss Percentage:  Less than 1 percent (entire first and second strings would have to be injured in order for the mighty Huskers to lose this one).

September 11th:  Idaho  

At home again, the Huskers should find themselves in a comfortable environment facing an Idaho team fresh off of a bowl win just last year.  While state favorite in Nate Enderle from North Platte is a solid QB from Idaho, this one should get ugly early and often.  Of note, the Huskers have never lost a game at home against the WAC. 

Husker Loss Percentage:  3 percent  

September 18:  @ Washington  

First road game for the Huskers includes a very much up and coming Washington squad.  With a player that is being heralded as the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL draft, Jake Locker and company pose a lot of problems.

Nebraska will need a solid effort to come out of Seattle with a win.  If the defense isn't up to Pelini standards, the Huskers are very well able to get beat in this one.

The offense will have to produce something as well.

Husker Loss Percentage:  40 percent

September 25:  South Dakota State (Homecoming)  

This is a joke.  I don't care how you window dress it, this is a flat out embarrassment for Husker football.  SDSU may become an FBS school, but it isn't now. 

IF, and I mean a HUGE IF, the Huskers lose this game, bigger egg on face than when Michigan lost to a "legit" App State team.

Husker Loss Percentage:  .0001 percent

October 7:  @ Kansas State  

Nebraska was dumb enough to have this game rescheduled for a Thursday night game in Manhattan, KS.  On ESPN.

Many a grave has been laid on a Thursday night road game for favorites in these types of contests.

Will the Huskers succumb to such an omen?

Maybe.

The Wildcats didn't exactly roll over for the Huskers in Memorial Stadium last year, and they have some solid guys back off of that team that gave the Huskers fits in a 17-3 loss.

We have all seen teams overcome 14+ point differences from the year before in conference play, to only come through with a win in the following season.  Especially on National Telvesion, and against their most hated rival.

This is a scary game for Nebraska, especially with Texas on tap.  Snyder made some things work in the Big 12 last year, and you know he'll try to have something special for the Huskers this year.

Husker Loss Percentage:  35 percent

October 16:  Texas  

Mark your calendar.  This IS the game on the Husker schedule.  And hopefully a game that will be switched to the frenzied night time crowd in Lincoln.

If not, it is a matchup of last year's Big 12 Championship game that still has a Husker crowd simply waiting in the wings.

While Texas will have played their "biggest" rival two weeks before, this one could be as critical as any game for them.  Even if they lose to Oklahoma two weeks before, this is a game that gets Mack Brown and company into a great bowl game like they have enjoyed over the past decade.

If they beat Oklahoma, then this game looks to be thier biggest step towards a National Title game entry, just like last year.

Husker Loss Percentage:  45 percent

October 23: @ Oklahoma State  

Huskers haven't done well in Stillwater for a long time.  Okie State has our number. 

Can the Huskers recover after the big game with Texas?  Maybe.  But since the adoption of the Big 12, Nebraska has never beaten Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

Never, is a tough word to overcome.  Are we ready for "never" type seasons?

We'll see in Stillwater.  Okie State is in recovery mode, but still is very very dangerous.  They have as much talent as anybody in the North, and a trip to Stillwater has not suited the Big Red well as of late.

Husker Loss Percentage:  35 percent (and that is generous).

October 30: Missouri  

Chalk it.  Huskers will win this one.  Our newfound rival in the North is full of smack and wannabe.

The 52-17 beatdown that Mizzou gave the Huskers in 2008 won't be forgotten.  Look for former Husker commit in Blaine Gabbert to have his worst game in his entire career in Lincoln.  Not that last year's rain-soaked loss wasn't bad, but this one will be worse.

Bo Pelini will put together a masterpiece defensive effort, and the Huskers will roll.

Husker Loss Percentage:  1 percent   (best bet on the season for Nebraska as likely 8 to 15 point favorites.  Lay the number).

November 6: @ Iowa State  

After an eight turnover loss in our own stadium, don't doubt that the Huskers will be prepared for this one.  Even after some "tough" matchups that have already been mentioned. 

While the 'Skers may be laying 20 or more, they will be the right pick in this one.

Husker Loss Percantage:  2 percent

November 13: vs. Kansas

Our favorite son in Turner Gill will be returning home.  He has a first team without four of the best in Kansas history in:  Todd Reesing, Dezmon Briscoe, Kerry Meier, and Jake Sharp. 

While Turner is looking to build, the Huskers are looking to win, and win big.

The Huskers will likely be favored by 20 or more.  Lay the number at this point in time.

This one could get ugly.

Husker Loss Percentage:  0 percent  (I guarantee this win).

November 20: @ Texas A&M  

The game I'm most scared about next year.  They may well have the best QB and offense in the country.  Jerrod Johnson is the real deal and Christine Micael and company should be able to run the ball.  They also have the best WR crew in the entire Big 12. 

The real question?  Can aTm play defense?

Our toughest game on our schedule?  Likely.

Husker Loss Percentage:  60 percent

November 26/27: Colorado  

Depends on our record.  Are we 11-1 or anything there in between?  They'll give us a game, and it will likely be the difference in Nebraska playing in a BCS type game.  At this point, I fully belive that Nebraska is in the Big 12 Championship game, but maybe not.

Either way, Huskers roll Colorado at home for the first time in a long time.  Laying 20+ should be the norm, and I'd lay the 20. 

Husker Loss Percentage:  5 percent

So...

With my percentages in total, I forsee a two-loss Husker season that is also a possible Big 12 Champ and an outside National Champ.  With a perceived two-loss season, I'll see us in the background, waiting for another year.

What say you?