We're Talkin' Schedules - Nebraska

Previously: 
Woody Division: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Bo Division: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota

Now: Nebraska

2010 Overall Record: 10-4
2010 Big 12 Record: 6-2

Non-Conference Opponents
9/3: Tennessee-Chattanooga (6-5)
9/10: Fresno State (8-5)
9/17: Washington (7-6)
9/24: Wyoming (3-9)

Divisional Opponents
10/22: @ Minnesota
10/29: Michigan State
11/5: Northwestern
11/19: @ Michigan
11/25: Iowa

Crossover Opponents
10/1: @ Wisconsin
10/8: Ohio State
11/12: @ Penn State

Do Not Play
Illinois
Indiana
Purdue

If You Only Watch One Nebraska Game in 2011 (Other than against us): It would have to be at Wisconsin. No. Contest.

If you want to see the two schools that are early favorites to contend for the league crown, then this is your game. Madison, at night, two top ranked teams, Nebraska's first B1G game. What's not to love? If you like big-time college football, then you'll love this one.

Anyone looking for a gauge for how well Nebraska is going to do in their new league, look no further. You can't get any more "Big Ten" this year, than Wisconsin.

Non-Conference Loss: I honestly don't think Nebraska loses an non-conf game this year, but if I had to pick one, it would be Washington. Fresno State could also be a challenge, but not as big as the Huskies. Plus Nebraska is going to pull out all the stops to make up for the Holiday Bowl.

MBN Factoid (!): Nebraska played Washington twice last year. 9/18 at Washington winning 56-21, and 12/30 in the Holiday Bowl losing 19-7.

It's a Trap!: Again, Minnesota. I swear the Gophers are the trap game for almost every B1G team. Nebraska comes off a huge opening to the league against Wisconsin and OSU, and heads into a brutal stretch to end the season. Minnesota is one of the only gimmie's on this league schedule. Coming off a bye-week makes the Gopher game a true "trap" game.

The Game Destined for ESPN3.com: At Wyoming on 9/24.

Final Analysis: Nebraska is welcomed into the league with one of the most brutal schedules of any team. There is no tougher initiation to the B1G than to head to Madison to play Wisconsin at night. Follow that up with a visit by a newly strengthened Ohio State squad, and then a very tough 5-games to end the season...MSU, Northwestern, @Penn State, @ Michigan and then Iowa back home.

We're going to know a lot more about Nebraska, and QB Taylor Martinez by the middle of October than we do now. Personally, I think the combination of playing in a new league, and a tough schedule will expose Nebraska a bit. They're a very good team, no question. But a B1G title contender? Don't drink that Kool-Aid just yet.

Fearless Predictions
Non-conference record: 4-0
Division Record: 3-2
Crossover Record: 2-1
Overall: 9-3