Nebraska Football 2011 Schedule: Game-By-Game Breakdown
Nebraska Football: legendary tradition with historical teams. What more do you need to say?
The 1971 and 1995 teams are two of the best to ever play college football, so you are pretty much splitting hairs in that regard.
As for the 2011 team?
Well, they are looking to get over the hump after losing two consecutive Conference Championship games.
The difference?
Welcome to the Big Ten baby!
Or do I mean the new Big 12?
In any event, Nebraska football will be a great addition to the newly aligned Big Ten.
With that being said, take a gander at the 2011 schedule for the Cornhuskers.
Week 1: Chattanooga Mocs
1 of 12
SERIES RECORD: First Meeting
2010 RECORD: 6-5
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: After losing three of their final four games in 2010, I feel Nebraska may take some of that bad taste out on Chattanooga.
Chattanooga however, does have experience playing legitimate FBS schools as they traveled to Auburn last season.
Expect the Cornhuskers to rout Chattanooga, but don't be surprised if it stays close through the first half.
FUN FACT: Each of the past two seasons Chattanooga has played the eventual FBS National Champion (Alabama 2009, Auburn 2010).
Could Nebraska pull off the hat-trick for Chattanooga in 2011?
Week 2: Fresno State Bulldogs
2 of 12
SERIES RECORD: First Meeting
2010 REVIEW: Finished 8-5 with a loss to Northern Illinois in the Humanitarian Bowl.
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: Even though Fresno State managed to be bowl eligible by season's end, seven of their eight wins were against teams that finished with a losing record.
Not to mention they even lost to Ole Miss, who finished at the bottom of the SEC.
The upside is they have the potential to burn-up the scoreboard, the downside is they have a terrible defense.
Look for the Cornhuskers to play Bo Pelini smash mouth football and wear out the Bulldogs by half-time.
Throughout, expect the defense to force Fresno State to use their mediocre passing offense and become one-dimensional.
FUN FACT: Each school made their inaugural bowl game appearance in not only the same year, but the same day (January 1st, 1941).
Week 3: Washington Huskies
3 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Tied at 4-4-1
LAST MEETING: Washington won 19-7 in the 2010 Holiday Bowl
2010 REVIEW: The Huskies shrugged off an early season loss to the Huskers to finish third in the Pac-10.
Then came a win over Nebraska in the bowl game that capped off a four-game win streak to end the season at 7-6.
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: As a big college football fan, seeing these two play one another twice last season was fun to watch. Maybe a cross-conference rivalry is brewing?
The best part will be if both schools win their respective conference (with Nebraska now in the Big Ten), so we can see them square off in the Rose Bowl.
Heading into 2011, both schools posted a Top 25 recruiting class and have increased expectations.
Nebraska brings in four-star recruit CB Charles Jackson to help replace Prince Amukamara, while Washington retains Sophomore RB Chris Polk, and Junior WR Jermaine Kearse.
FUN FACT: Prior to playing twice last season, the Cornhuskers and Huskies had not met since 1998.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Week 4: Wyoming Cowboys
4 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Nebraska leads 5-0
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 42-32 in 1994
2010 RECORD: 3-9
WHERE: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming
PREVIEW: Sorry Wyoming fans, but Nebraska will be heavily favored come game day.
As bad a year as it was for the Cowboys in 2010, they did manage to beat the Toledo Rockets of the MAC, who finished 8-5.
Other than that, it's tough to compare anything that Wyoming has done with that of Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers have a better, well everything. Period. This game should be won by at least 21 to 24 points.
FUN FACT: In one season, Wyoming went from a 7-6 2009 campaign, including a 35-28 double overtime win in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl over Fresno State, to a dismal 3-9 in 2010. Yikes.
Week 5: Wisconsin Badgers
5 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Nebraska leads 3-2
LAST MEETING: Wisconsin won 21-20 in 1974
2010 REVIEW: The Badgers finished 11-2 as Co-Big Ten Champs, but lost the Rose Bowl 21-19 to TCU and finished ranked No. 8.
WHERE: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
PREVIEW: Despite the losses of DE J.J. Watt, QB Scott Tolzien and RB John Clay to the NFL Draft, the Badgers retain RBs James White and Montee Ball.
As a freshman, White ran for a team leading 1,052 yards with 14 TDs and a 6.7 yards per carry average.
Ball finished with 996 yards, a team leading 18 TDs, and a 6.1 yards per carry average.
If you love old-school smash mouth football, Nebraska-Wisconsin is the game for you.
As for the Cornhuskers, their inaugural Big Ten game traveling to Madison, Wisconsin to take on the defending conference champs.
Welcome to the Big Ten Nebraska.
FUN FACT: Despite Nebraska's giant lead over Wisconsin in total wins, bowl wins/appearances, national championships and conference championships, Nebraska has only three Heisman winners to Wisconsin's two.
Week 6: Ohio State Buckeyes
6 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Ohio State leads 2-0
LAST MEETING: Ohio State won 34-7 in 1956
2010 REVIEW: The Buckeyes were Co-Big Ten Champs, including a 31-26 win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl to finish 12-1 and finished ranked No. 5.
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: Talk about perfect timing for Terrelle Pryor and company to come back from their five game suspension.
However, having to face the Cornhuskers in Lincoln to open their own season will be extremely difficult.
For those that have played football (regardless of the level), practice speed and game speed are two completely different things.
Now although those Ohio State players are experienced, they will not have had the luxury of "buffing out the rough spots" so to speak against teams like Akron or Toledo (their first two games in 2011).
Nebraska on the other hand, will have already played the Washington Huskies and Wisconsin Badgers, with their actual starters.
FUN FACTS: Both Jim Tressel and Bo Pelini have ties to the Youngstown, Ohio area. Tressel coached Youngstown State University to four Division 1-AA National Championships in the 1990s. Pelini, a native of Youngstown, played free safety for Ohio State from 1987-1990.
Week 7: Minnesota Golden Gophers
7 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Minnesota leads 29-20-2
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 56-0 in 1990
2010 RECORD: 3-9
WHERE: TFC Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
PREVIEW: For as much potential this game has to be a blowout, it also is a potential trap game.
Although the Gophers finished a sad 3-9, they won their final two games over Illinois and Iowa; both of whom won each of their bowl games.
Minnesota also returns WR Da'Jon McKnight who caught 48 passes for 750 yards, and 10 TDs.
The biggest reason this is a potential trap game?
It's sandwiched between Ohio State and Michigan State. Not to mention, it is a road game.
Just beware, do not overlook the Golden Gophers, Husker fans.
FUN FACTS: Nebraska has won the last 14 games of this series. With that being said, Minnesota had a record of 29-6-2 before that streak.
Also, the Gophers have not beaten the Huskers since 1960.
Week 8: Michigan State Spartans
8 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Nebraska leads 5-0
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 17-3 in the 2003 Alamo Bowl
2010 REVIEW: Yeah it's rare, but there was a three-way tie atop the Big Ten in 2010.
Sparty finished 11-2 as Co-Big Ten Champs, but lost the Capital One Bowl 49-7 to Alabama and finished ranked No. 14.
Also, this was Michigan State's first Big Ten Championship since 1990.
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: Yes Nebraska fans, you're welcoming party to the Big Ten pits the Cornhuskers against the three Co-Big Ten Champs from 2010.
So, come time for kickoff, the Spartan offense should be the biggest concern for coach Bo Pelini.
They return QB Kirk Cousins, who threw for over 2,800 yards with 20 TDs.
On the ground, RB Edwin Baker totaled 1,200 yards rushing with 13 TDs.
Defensively however, they have lost LBs Greg Jones (two-time All-American), and Eric Gordon (92 tackles).
Also, DB Marcus Hyde (85 tackles and three picks) graduated to the NFL Draft.
Expect even more emphasis on the run-game for the Huskers, and some zone-blitz packages on defense to keep Michigan State's offense in check.
FUN FACTS: When the Huskers faced off versus Michigan State in the 2003 Alamo Bowl, coach Bo Pelini was Nebraska's defensive coordinator.
Now we know why MSU only scored three points in that game.
Week 9: Northwestern Wildcats
9 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Nebraska leads 3-1
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 66-17 in the 2000 Alamo Bowl
2010 REVIEW: Lost to Texas Tech 45-38 in the TicketCity Bowl to finish 7-6.
After starting the season 5-0, the Wildcats lost six of the last eight, including the final three.
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: Despite suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon against Iowa in Week 10, Junior QB Dan Persa still threw for over 2,500 yards with 15 TDs, and only four picks.
The Wildcats also return Junior WR Jeremy Ebert, who caught 62 balls for over 900 yards and 10 TDs.
On the other side of the ball, Junior DT Vince Browne comes back after leading the team with seven sacks.
Also, Junior safety Brian Peters plays out his college career after leading the team with 107 tackles and three interceptions.
Make no stake about it, Northwestern will be an improved team.
However, if Nebraska can do what they do best and pound the rock, while isolating WR Jeremy Ebert on defense, the Huskers can get the victory.
FUN FACTS: The last time Northwestern won a share of the Big Ten Championship was in 2000, finishing 8-4. As mentioned above, they were thwomped by the Cornhuskers in the bowl game that same year.
Week 10: Penn State Nittany Lions
10 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Penn State leads 7-6
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 18-10 in 2003
2010 REVIEW: Lost 37-24 to Florida in the Outback Bowl to finish 7-6.
WHERE: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
PREVIEW: Joe Paterno's squad will be interesting heading into 2011.
They have Sophomore QB Matthew McGloin, who threw for over 1,500 yards with 14 TDs, despite playing in only seven games.
Also, Junior WR Derek Moye looks to increase his 2010 stats of 53 nabs for 885 yards and eight TDs.
The weakness comes in the ground game, where the Lions say good-bye to Senior RB Evan Royster who ran for over 1,000 yards and six TDs.
No one else was much of a factor in PSU's rushing attack, therefore it should be easier for the Huskers to control the trenches on both sides of the ball.
FUN FACTS: To give you an idea of how long Joe Paterno has been coaching, his first year was in 1950 as an assistant for Penn State.
That season was the third game played between the Cornhuskers and the Nittany Lions. Nebraska won 19-0.
Week 11: Michigan Wolverines
11 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Michigan leads 3-2-1
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 32-28 in the 2005 Alamo Bowl
2010 REVIEW: Much like Northwestern, the Michigan Wolverines began the year 5-0, but gradually diminished as the season continued.
However, Michigan did finish 7-6, but got dismantled 52-14 by Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl.
WHERE: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
PREVIEW: Okay, so the Michigan football program hasn't been as dominant as the college football world would like it to be.
But, based on their offensive performance in 2010, Michigan is even more dangerous heading into 2011.
Sophomore QB Denard Robinson had a career year by totaling for over 4,200 yards and 32 TDs.
Also, Sophomore WR Roy Roundtree returns after catching 72 passes for 935 yards and seven TDs.
Defensively, the Wolverines are awful. However, they bring in three four-star defensive recruits to make improvements across the board, along with a new coaching staff.
With all this being said though, Nebraska still should easily control this game and brush the Wolverines aside.
The question is whether they can limit Denard Robinson and his versatility, because he cannot be completely stopped, only contained.
FUN FACTS: Not only was the previous 2005 meeting in a bowl game, but so was their 1986 match-up.
Michigan won the Fiesta Bowl 27-23.
Week 12: Iowa Hawkeyes
12 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Nebraska leads 26-12-3
LAST MEETING: Nebraska won 42-13 in 2000
2010 REVIEW: Saved the season by winning the Insight.com Bowl 27-24 over then ranked-No. 12 Missouri to finish 8-5.
One thing to note is that the five losses were only by a combined 18 points. That's only 3.6 points per loss!
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
PREVIEW: The Hawkeyes lose Senior QB Ricky Stanzi, who threw for over 3,000 yards with 25 TDs and only six picks.
However, they do retain Sophomore RB Adam Robinson (941 yards rushing and 10 TDs) as well as Junior WR Marvin McNutt (53 snatches for 861 yards and eight TDs).
As for the defense, Iowa will miss having safety Tyler Sash, DT Karl Klug and DE Adrian Clayborn.
But, they return DBs Shaun Prater (four picks, 68 tackles and 10 pass deflects) and Micah Hyde (four picks, 82 tackles, and 11 pass deflects).
With these two veterans in the secondary, it will be difficult to throw the rock.
So, much to the Cornhuskers liking, using the Brahma Bulls in the backfield will suffice as usual.
On defense, Coach Pelini needs to cause as much confusion as possible, because the Hawkeyes will have an inexperienced QB in James Vandenberg under center.
FUN FACTS: From 1891 through 1946 Nebraska and Iowa duked it out on the gridiron 35 times.
Since then however, they have only played six times, Makes you wonder.
Apparently, no one wants to save money/time/gas for the non-conference match-ups.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
