As a former University of Nebraska employee, I still pay attention to the news surrounding the Huskers. The big story line in Nebraska this week is how much of a "must win" game this is for Scott Frost. I still have friends in Nebraska who saw it as a major humiliation to lose to Illinois at home last year. Frost was supposed to be the guy who returned the program to Tom Osborne-like dominance, having played for The Coach as quarterback. He hasn't. Until you've lived in Nebraska, you have no conception of the religion that is Husker Football. I managed to not become a fan while I was there, but the pull of the dark side is strong. Frost's 12-20 record in two seasons is absolutely unacceptable in the eyes of The Faithful. Nebraska isn't a destination for top players anymore, and the rest of the B1G aren't afraid of them. Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is still an intimidating place to play (when full to capacity, it's the third-largest population center in Nebraska), but that's due more to the rabid fan base than the product on the field.
Make no mistake, this game is a very big deal in Nebraska. Scott Frost is on the hottest of seats because of his record, and because of the pending NCAA investigation. Trev Alberts was just named AD, and he hasn't been subtle about his expectations for the football program. Fans are calling for Frost's head because their patience has left the building, and they want nothing more than a return to national relevance. So, while this game is being seen as a somewhat ho-hum affair here and nationally, for Nebraska fans, it's a barometer for the type of season they can expect. If the Huskers win, they will be over-the-top enthusiastic about the rest of the season. If they lose, you'll see the cloud that descends over Nebraska from here.
Even though I lived in Nebraska for eight years, I never went to a football game in Lincoln. It's a little ironic that my first Husker game will be in Champaign, with me in orange and blue!
