Senior day will take place at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, on a critical afternoon in November this Saturday. Before the season started, I predicted that Nebraska would be 7-5 this year. However, I’ll admit I thought they would have clinched that elusive sixth win by now.
Alas, they have not.
And so, set the stage for a huge Saturday this weekend for this program. Senior day, with all its pageantry, will bid farewell to Nebraska’s seniors that no longer have eligibility, or those looking to declare for the draft early. Some have been with Nebraska through the COVID years, with extra eligibility. Those seniors, some of which have been here six years, have been through two coaches and zero bowl games. They have poured their blood, sweat, and likely tears into this thing, but haven’t even been rewarded with a bowl game for it. No other college program can say that. No other college program has endured the bowl drought that Nebraska does.
Meanwhile, in the big picture, Nebraska is chasing that sweet sixth win. Sure, it grants bowl eligibility, but it’s much more than that. It’s the extra practice, the extra game, the extra development and the springboard into next year. It’s a chance for Nebraska’s head man, Matt Rhule, to say see here – look at this – look at progress.
Into town comes Wisconsin, also with second year head coach, and also chasing bowl eligibility. Fresh off firing their offensive coordinator, going toe to toe with the number 1 team in the country, but getting blown out by Iowa the week before. There is no way to know who this Wisconsin team is.
But make no mistake, this is must win football for Nebraska.
If Nebraska beats Wisconsin, I feel confident in them also beating Iowa on black Friday. The burden of getting a bowl game gone, they would roll into Iowa city loose and playing free. Iowa, in the middle of a quarterback controversy, would have its hands full, and I think Nebraska would win.
However, should Nebraska drop Wisconsin, on this big day at home, I don’t see any scenario they win on black Friday. It’s win or bust.
This is it.
Nebraska needs this. The fans, the players, the coaches. They all need it. Should Rhule go 5-7 again, his seat starts to warm. It won’t be hot, but it’ll be warm. That sellout streak? That would be in danger. Fans can only take 5 wins or less so long before they lose interest, even the hardcore Nebraska fans. This win is a must.
Go take it.
Go big red.
