Husker Dan: How Will the Huskers Fare This Fall?

On paper, the ’23 Husker soccer schedule would not look too daunting, even for first yr head coach Matt Rhule and his new employees. Final yr, Nebraska misplaced three video games to groups that ended the season with dropping data: Northwestern (1-11), Georgia Southern (6-7) and Oklahoma (6-7). This yr’s schedule consists of 5 groups that had dropping data in 2022: Colorado, Northern Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern and Michigan State. The ’23 schedule seems to be one that ought to give Matt Rhule a fairly good likelihood to get the Huskers not less than to a bowl recreation. (NU hasn’t gone bowling since 2016.)

True, there will probably be some bumps alongside the best way, the most important being the late September dwelling recreation with possible High Ten ranked Michigan. Luke Fickell could have his staff prepared for Nebraska when the Huskers go to Camp Randall in late November. Maryland can also be going to be a troublesome recreation. The season opener at Minnesota will probably be a giant problem for Nebraska. Let’s not neglect in regards to the Iowa Hawkeyes who come to Lincoln on Black Friday to finish the common season. So the query is, will Coach Rhule and his employees have sufficient time to get the Huskers able to win this fall?

2023 Husker Soccer Schedule 

You may obtain the widget to position the schedule in your web site at this hyperlink.
8/31 @Minnesota (final yr’s document 9-4)
9/09 @Colorado (1-11)
9/16 Northern Illinois (3-9)
9/24 Louisiana Tech (3-9)
9/30 Michigan (13-1)
10/01 @Illinois (8-5)
10/14 Bye Week
10/21 Northwestern (1-11)
10/28 Purdue (8-6)
11/04 @Michigan State (5-7)
11/11 Maryland (8-5)
11/18 @Wisconsin (7-6)
11/24 Iowa (8-5)

Questions for Readers

I do know it could be a bit too early to make predictions about Rhule, his employees or the ’23 season, however based mostly on what you understand at this level in January, I am asking you to consider what may occur come this fall.

While you reply, you should definitely embody not less than your first identify and the city you reside in and for those who can and why you suppose the best way you do. I will submit the responses in certainly one of my future columns.

Listed below are the questions:

1. Based mostly on what you understand about Matt Rhule and his employees, how would you grade his efficiency up to now? poor, acceptable, good or nice.
2. How would you charge his teaching employees?
3. How would you charge Rhule’s means to recruit?
4. What number of video games will the Huskers win this fall?
5. Will Nebraska make it to a bowl recreation?
6. The Huskers at the moment have six QBs on scholarship. It is unlikely they’ll hold that many on its roster come this fall. If a Husker QB does choose to depart, who do you suppose it is going to be? Logan Smothers, Chubba Purdy, Casey Thompson, Richard Torres or Heinrich Haarberg?
7. When NU takes on Minnesota on August thirty first, who would be the Husker beginning QB? Jeff Sims? Smothers? Purdy? Haarberg, Thompson?
8. Do you suppose the Huskers could have a 1,000 yard rusher this fall?
9. If that’s the case, who do you suppose it is going to be? Ajay Allen, Anthony Grant, Rahmir Johnson, Gabe Ervin, Jr., Kwinten Ives? Different?
10. Lastly, do you suppose 5-star QB Dylan Raiola (son of former Husker nice Dominic and nephew of present Husker O-line coach Donovan Raiola) will settle for Matt Rhule’s supply to play for Nebraska? Sure or No.

You could e mail your responses to me at HuskerDan@cox.internet. Keep in mind to incorporate not less than your first identify and the city you reside in.

Bengal Bailout

Rookie cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt helped Cincinnati protect its AFC semifinal win Sunday over the Buffalo Payments. Taylor-Britt made a late INT that helped seal the Bengals’ victory. Cam, who final performed for the Huskers in 2021, is one win away from taking part in within the Tremendous Bowl in his first yr within the NFL. Congratulations, Cam!

How ’Bout Them Huskers

On this week’s podcast episode, grandson Will and I discuss Husker volleyball, males’s and girls’s basketball, and a number of the new Husker soccer recruits. We additionally check out Matt Rhule’s assistant coaches.

Get your Huskers tickets from SI Tickets right here.