College Football Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers' 2011-12 Schedule, Game by Game

So the Big Ten just threw the gauntlet down.

You want to play with the big boys, Nebraska?

Then prove you're ready.

Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State. Nebraska's non-divisional conference games. 

Any hope for 'easy' games against Indiana, Illinois, or Purdue were just crushed.

But maybe that's a good thing...

*For argument's sake let's assume these teams maintain a consistent talent level as their current teams.

Iowa @ Nebraska

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Quarterback Richy Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rolls out of the pocket against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Iowa won 24

Another consistent power in the Big Ten.

Luckily for Nebraska, this game will be played in Lincoln. 

The Hawkeyes two losses in 2009 came by a combined 10 points.

There's not much to say here, other than that this obviously will be a tough one.

Fresno State @ Nebraska

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BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 28: Tom Brandstater #7 of the Frenso State Bulldogs looks for a reciever during their game against the Boise State Broncos on November 28, 2008 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

One of Nebraska's few gimmie games. 

Washington @ Nebraska

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SEATTLE - JULY 10: Quarterback Jake Locker of the University of Washington Huskies throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees at Safeco Field on July 10, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Pho

Jake Locker will be in the NFL.

If this game isn't a gimmie game, the Huskers are in trouble in 2011-12. 

Nebraska @ Wyoming

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BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Running back Rodney Stewart #5 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates his third quarter touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field on September 19, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado. Stewart's third quarter touchdown gave the

Nebraska's last warm-up game before Big Ten play.

Time to make sure everyone is at their top level before going to Wisconsin. 

Nebraska @ Wisconsin

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers hands off the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Wisconsin finished its 2009 season ranked 16th in both the Coaches' and the AP polls.

However, the Badgers' only victory against a ranked team came against an overrated Miami in their Citrus Bowl matchup.

But Wisconsin only lost one home matchup all year, and that game against an Iowa team that was ranked 11th at the time. 

Bottom line: On the road this will be a tough game to win. A win here will propel the 'Huskers to the top of the rankings. A loss will give them an idea of how tough the Big Ten is. 

Ohio State @ Nebraska

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Running back Brandon Saine #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 96th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

There is no denying that Ohio State is a powerhouse.

Last year, the only thing that prevented the Buckeyes from playing for the national championship was a midseason upset defeat to Purdue. 

Ohio State defeated four ranked teams in 2009, but none were true away games.

Husker fans should be happy this a home game, and one they should have a shot at winning. 

Nebraska @ Minnesota

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Da'Jon McKnight #83 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers makes a 41 yard reception against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first quarter of the Insight Bowl at Arizona Stadium on December 31, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona.

Minnesota lost more than half its games in 2009.

But that doesn't mean the Golden Gophers won't be a pesky opponent. 

Only two of their seven losses were by more than two touchdowns (Ohio State and Penn State), and four of their seven losses were to ranked teams.

The Huskers better hope they are on the level of Ohio State and Penn State and can deal Minnesota a two-touchdown defeat.

Michigan State @ Nebraska

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 10: Evan Frierson #51 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tackles Blair White #25 of the Michigan State Spartans causing an apparent fumble that was ruled down on October 10, 2009 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois in Ch

Michigan State is another team that finished 2009 with a losing record.

Same warning applies though, this won't be an easy game. 

Penn State was the only team to defeat the Spartans by more than two touchdowns.

However, because this game is at Memorial Stadium, the Huskers should make this an easy victory. 

Northwestern @ Nebraska

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Andrew Brewer #12 of the Northwestern Wildcats grabs a touchdown pass against the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2010 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

This one is kind of surprising. 

Northwestern went 8-5 in 2009, and 5-3 in the Big Ten. 

This is another team whose only two-plus-touchdown loss came to Penn State.

Not an easy victory, but one the Huskers better count on if they plan on making a BCS bowl in 2011. 

Nebraska @ Penn State

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Head coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the 2010 Capital One Bowl against the LSU Tigers at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. Penn State won 19-17. (Photo by Joe

Penn State has become a staple of the Top 10 teams over the last few years.

Surprisingly, the Nittany Lions lost both their games in 2009 at home.

Can the Huskers win this game? Sure.

Will they? That remains to be seen.

Nebraska @ Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Leach #52 of the Michigan Wolverines jogs through the tunnel before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 21-10. (Photo by Grego

Last year, Michigan went 1-7 in the Big Ten. Yikes.

Michigan looks like a program similar to Nebraska's a few years ago: A perennial power searching for a new identity.

Will the Wolverines have that by 2011? Possibly, but the Huskers should triumph in Ann Arbor.

Analysis

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 30: Jared Crick #94 of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers lines up in position during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against University of Arizona Wildcats on December 30, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Cor

The Huskers have shown a commitment to putting a good product on the field the last few seasons. But will that lead to success in the Big Ten?

Gimmie wins: Fresno State, Wyoming, Washington

Likely wins: Michigan State, Michigan

Toss ups: Minnesota, Northwestern

Tough wins: Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, Big Ten Championship

Frankly, looking at the schedule that way makes it look unlikely the Huskers have a shot at a title in 2011. At best it looks like a two-loss season, and it would take BCS chaos to get them into the title game.

However, because of the strength of their schedule, a one- or two-loss 2011-12 almost guarantees the Huskers a spot in the title game. And a two-loss season should get them a BCS at-large.

Conclusion: The Huskers are looking at a tough entry in the Big Ten. This could be a four-plus-loss season. But, there's a lot of football to be played before then.