Josh Pate Names Prominent Big Ten Program On the Rise
The 2024 college football season ended several streaks for teams that had not made a bowl game in years.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers ended their non-bowl game streak by making a bowl game for the first time since their 9-4 season in 2016. The question is whether the Cornhuskers can continue to make improvements in 2025. One advantage Nebraska has is history.
History shows that in Year 3 under Matt Rhule, his teams have typically made significant improvements. At Temple, the Owls improved from a 6-6 record in Year 2 to 10-4 in Year 3. Similarly, at Baylor, the Bears progressed from 7-6 to 11-3 in their third year. Now, as we enter Year 3 at Nebraska, the question is whether the team can achieve a comparable jump in performance.
On "Josh Pate's College Football Show," the college football analyst stated he believes the Cornhuskers will make significant strides this season.
"I am ready to predict," Pate said. "I am ready to back with my own money that Nebraska will be better than 6-6 this year. It's Matt Rhule. It's Year 3. You know the science behind the rule of three. Dylan Raiola with better options, that's what I'm thinking about. Now, I don't love that (defensive coordinator) Tony White is gone. I just need them to hold the rope defensively."
Pate mentioned that he doesn't believe Nebraska needs to achieve a record of 10-2 or 11-1. Instead, he thinks the focus should be on finding a way to win at least eight games in the upcoming season. The Cornhuskers haven't reached the eight-win mark since 2016..
Pate believes that Nebraska should win at least seven or eight games this season, citing the team's schedule as a key factor. According to Athlon Sports' Kyle Wood, Nebraska has the easiest schedule in the conference. After the Cornhuskers' season opener against Cincinnati in Kansas City, their next four games will all be played at home. While one of those home games features a matchup against Michigan, which is expected to be their toughest contest until late November, the overall schedule appears favorable for Nebraska.
While finishing on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions and at home against the Iowa Hawkeyes may prove challenging for the Cornhuskers, six of their nine Big Ten opponents had a losing record in league play last season.
Nebraska also avoids playing the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Additionally, the team will host the USC Trojans. The Cornhuskers open the season against Cincinnati at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 28.This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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