Nebraska Football 2011 Schedule: Game-By-Game Breakdown

It's February. Spring practice is still over a month away, the Spring Games are months down the road, and we've got a whole summer of conditioning and fall practice before the 2011 college football season is upon us.

Really, what better time to break down the 2011 season?

This game-by-game analysis will us the same formula I use for any season previews. To add some level of objectivity to the process, I will break the games down into the following categories:

• BETTER WIN: NU clearly should outmatch the opponent, and should only lose if something amazing (and likely embarrassing) happens. Expect to win all these games.
• SHOULD WIN: NU should have enough of a talent advantage to win, but the levels are close enough to foresee a Nebraska loss if things go well for the opponent. Expect to win most (about 2/3) of these games.
• MIGHT WIN: The matchup is at least even, if not in favor of the opponent, but NU has enough to win if it plays well in all facets of the game and doesn't get a stellar performance from the opponent. Expect to win some (1/3 to 1/2) of these games.
• WON'T WIN: The other team clearly has a talent advantage over NU, and between the talent level and other factors (such as the location of the game) makes an NU victory unlikely. Expect to win none of these games.

The predictions in this slideshow are based on what we know (or think we know) about Nebraska right now. Basically, what that means is that the predictions expect Taylor Martinez to be quarterback, and for NU's offense to be moving toward an Oregon-like spread offense with a rookie offensive coordinator.

Game 1: Tennessee-Chattanooga (Sept. 03)

The Mocs (and no, it's not the snake) are this year's FCS opponent and schedule-filler for Nebraska. While South Dakota State in 2010 proved to be a true canary-in-a-coalmine moment for Nebraska, Chattanooga should provide a warm-up for the new Nebraska offense.

CATEGORY: Better Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 38, Tennessee-Chattanooga 7

(image from sportslogos.net)

Game 2: Fresno State (Sept. 10)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Damion Owens #4, A.J. Jefferson #28 and Ben Jacobs #54 of the Frenso State Bulldogs celebrates a defensive play against the UCLA Bruins during the game on September 27, 2008 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo b

Pat Hill and the Bulldogs are keeping good on their "Anybody, Anytime, Anyplace" motto by heading to Lincoln. Unfortunately for Hill, Fresno State isn't quite the giant-killers they were when David Carr was a Bulldog. Although Fresno State will be the first FBS test for Nebraska's new-look offense, the Bulldogs will have a big task against NU.

CATEGORY: Should Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 31, Fresno State 10 

Game 3: Washington (Sept. 17)

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Keith Price #17 of the Washington Huskies is pressured by linebacker Josh Kaddu #56 of the Oregon Ducks in the third quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 5

Unexpectedly, this game is the rubber match of the three-game series between the two teams over the course of a year. The Huskies pulled the shock of the 2010 bowl season by dominating Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Expect Bo Pelini and company to remind NU of that fact a few hundred times between now and the rematch. Oh, and Jake Locker has graduated.

CATEGORY: Better Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 41, Washington 3

Game 4, At Wyoming (Sept. 24)

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 13: Marcell Gipson #2 of the Wyoming Cowboys returns a punt against the UNLV Rebels during their game at Sam Boyd Stadium November 13, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 42-16. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Bob Devaney, the architect of the Nebraska football dynasty (or, as he's affectionately known by NU fans, the Bobfather) got his coaching start at Wyoming. It's always nice, then, to see the Cowboys on NU's schedule as a link to the past. The fact that NU should have a significant talent advantage over Wyoming makes the first road trip of the season being one to Laramie doesn't hurt, either.

CATEGORY: Better Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 27, Wyoming 13

Game 5: At Wisconsin (Oct. 01)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Wisconsin Badgers huddle together during their game against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Welcome to the Big Ten, Nebraska. As your housewarming gift, your first conference game is on the road. At the defending conference champions. Who are returning a dynamic and, quite honestly, frightening rushing attack, something NU struggled mightily with in 2010. Commence the "Big Ten Conspiracy Against Nebraska" rumors in three, two, one...

CATEGORY: Won't Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 17

Game 6: Ohio State (Oct. 08)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Terrell Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for an open receiver against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Buckeyes are probably the most talented team in the Big Ten coming into 2011. But quarterback Terrell Pryor and four other Buckeyes are (as of right now) suspended for the first five games of 2011. Their first game back from suspension? Nebraska. Continue the "Big Ten Conspiracy Against Nebraska" rumor in three, two, one ...

CATEGORY: Might Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 21, Ohio State 13

Game 7: At Minnesota (Oct. 22)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Jon McKnight #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball into the endzone for a touchdown after catching a pass during the game against the USC Trojans on September 18, 2010 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minne

The Golden Gophers are coming off a 3-9 season in 2010 which saw a mid-season coaching change. While Goldy did end the season with two wins (including a shock upset of reeling Iowa in the season finale), the 2011 matchup against Nebraska has get-well game written all over it.

CATEGORY: Better Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 40, Minnesota 10

Game 8: Michigan State (Oct. 29)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Andrew Maxwell #10 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball during the Capitol One Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Image

Michigan State brings back a lot of talent from their co-conference champion 2010 season. But the Spartans won a ton of close games in amazing fashion, and got a little exposed in their bowl game against Alabama. Couple that with the game being in Lincoln, and Sparty looks to be a more manageable foe for NU than one would otherwise guess.

CATEGORY: Might Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 21, Michigan State 14

Game 9: Northwestern (Nov. 05)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Dan Persa #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats looks for a receiver as teammate Brain Mulroe #72 blocks Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated

The Wildcats (or, as I will be referring to them from now on, Nebraska's new Purples) come to Lincoln with 16 returning starters and a history of wins over athletically-superior teams. Particularly if those teams are named "Iowa." A dangerous game for NU, to be certain.

CATEGORY: Should Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 35, Northwestern 14

Game 10: At Penn State (Nov. 12)

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Derek Moye #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up for play against the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Nebraska returns to Happy Valley, a real house of horrors for NU. Penn State returns 16 starters from 2010, as well as (of course) Joe Paterno. The Nittany Lions didn't have a real marquee win in 2010, but with their returning talent, NU could be that victim.

CATEGORY: Might Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Penn State 17, Nebraska 13 

Game 11: At Michigan (Nov. 19)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Michigan doesn't have Rich Rodriguez to kick around any more. It will be interesting to see how new head Wolverine Brady Hoke integrates phenomenal talent Denard Robinson into his offense. Or, at least to keep him upright for twelve games. Transitions are tough, and NU fans should be grateful that their first trip to the Big House will be at the start of a big one for Michigan.

CATEGORY: Should Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 44, Michigan 28

Game 12: Iowa (Nov. 26)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Insight Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (Photo by Christian

The Hawkeyes had a really rough end to the 2010 season, dropping to 7-5 (and needing a miracle against Indiana to avoid 6-6). A series of arrests and an incident which landed 12 players in the hospital after an off-season workout clouded what should have been a feel-good end to the season with a convincing win over Missouri in the Insight Bowl. While Iowa may have found a star in running back Marcus Coker, the Hawks lose a lot of leadership and talent to graduation. The first year of Farmageddon (please, please, let that be the name for the Nebraska-Iowa rivalry that sticks) looks to be a bit of a rebuilding year in Iowa City. But that's something that Kirk Ferentz tends to excel at.

CATEGORY: Might Win

FEARLESS FORECAST: Nebraska 23, Iowa 17

Summary

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 works twoard the endzone during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Martinez covered the ball in the end zone

So, how does the 2011 season look for Nebraska, at least in February?

BETTER WIN: Four games, which translates to four wins

SHOULD WIN: Three games, which translates to two wins

MIGHT WIN: Four games, which translates to two wins

WON'T WIN: One game, which translates to no wins

So, based on my category analysis, Nebraska is on track for an 8-4 season in their inaugural Big Ten campaign. Of course, my Fearless Forecasts have Nebraska at 10-2, but it's the category analysis that should be considered the "official" one. Unless the Fearless Forecast turns out to be accurate, of course, then I'll take total credit for that.

Is it football season yet?

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