On paper, the '23 Husker football schedule doesn't look too daunting, even for first year head coach Matt Rhule and his new staff.
On paper, the '23 Husker football schedule doesn't look too daunting, even for first year head coach Matt Rhule and his new staff. Last year, Nebraska lost three games to teams that ended the season with losing records: Northwestern (1-11), Georgia Southern (6-7) and Oklahoma (6-7). This year's schedule includes a total of five teams that had losing records in 2022: Colorado, Northern Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern and Michigan State. The '23 schedule appears to be one that should give Matt Rhule a reasonably good chance to get the Huskers at least to a bowl game. (NU hasn't gone bowling since 2016.)
True, there will be some bumps along the way, the biggest being the late September home game with probable Top Ten ranked Michigan. Luke Ficklell will have his team ready for Nebraska when the Huskers visit Camp Randall in late November. Maryland is also going to be a tough game. The season opener at Minnesota will be a big challenge for Nebraska. Let's not forget about the Iowa Hawkeyes who come to Lincoln on Black Friday to end the regular season. So the question is, will Coach Rhule and his staff have enough time to get the Huskers ready to win this fall?
2023 Husker Football Schedule
You can download the widget to place the schedule on your website at this link.
8/31 @Minnesota (last year's record 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)
!0/14 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 know it might be a bit too early to make predictions about Rhule, his staff or the '23 season, but based on what you know at this point in January, I'm asking you to think about what might happen come this fall.
When you respond, be sure to include at least your first name and the town you live in and if you can and why you think the way you do. I'll post the responses in one of my future columns.
Here are the questions:
1.) Based on what you know about Matt Rhule and his staff, how would you grade his performance thus far? poor, acceptable, good or great.
2.) How would you rate his coaching staff?
3.) How would you rate Rhule's ability to recruit?
4.) How many games will the Huskers win this fall?
5.) Will Nebraska make it to a bowl game?
6.) The Huskers currently have 6 QBs on scholarship. It's unlikely they will keep that many on its roster come this fall. If a Husker QB does opt to leave, who do you think it will be? Logan Smothers, Chubba Purdy, Casey Thompson, Richard Torres or Heinrich Haarberg?
7.) When NU takes on Minnesota on August 31st, who will be the Husker starting QB? Jeff Sims? Smothers? Purdy? Haarberg, Thompson?
8.) Do you think the Huskers will have a 1,000 yard rusher this fall?
9.) If so, who do you think it will be? Ajay Allen, Anthony Grant, Rahmir Johnson, Gabe Ervin, Jr., Kwinten Ives? Other?
10.) Lastly, do you think 5-star QB, Dylan Raiola (son of former Husker great Dominic and nephew of current Husker O-line coach, Donovan Raiola) will accept Matt Rhule's offer to play for Nebraska? Yes or No.
You may email your responses to me at HuskerDan@cox.net. Remember to include at least your first name and the town you live in.
Bengal Bailout
Bengals' rookie cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt helped Cincinnati preserve its AFC semi-final win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday. Taylor-Britt made a late INT that helped seal the victory for the Bengals. Cam, who last played for the Huskers in 2021, is one win away from playing in the Super Bowl in his first year in the NFL. Congratulations, Cam!
How Bout Them Huskers
This week's podcast episode, grandson Will and I talk about Husker volleyball, men's and women's basketball and some of the new Husker football recruits. We also take a look at Matt Rhule's assistant coaches.
Get your Huskers tickets from SI Tickets here.
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