Nebraska football fans received some exciting news as kickoff times for the 2024 season were announced. The Huskers will open their season on August 31 against UTEP at 2:30 p.m. CT on Fox. The regular season will conclude with a game against Iowa on November 29 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC. These are just two of the four kickoff times that were announced, with a visit from Northern Iowa kicking off at night and a game against Purdue starting at 11 a.m.
Analyzing the schedule, it’s clear that some games hold more intrigue than others. Starting with the least intriguing matchup, Nebraska will face Northern Iowa on September 14. While Northern Iowa has had some success against bigger programs like Iowa State, this game is unlikely to be a major challenge for the Huskers.
Next up is a road trip to Purdue on September 28. The Huskers have had mixed success in West Lafayette, but Purdue’s defense is expected to be stronger this year under new head coach Ryan Walters. It will be an important test for Nebraska early in the season.
On October 5, the Huskers will face Rutgers at home. Rutgers had a breakout season last year under head coach Greg Schiano, and they will be looking to finally defeat Nebraska. With quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis leading the Scarlet Knights, this game could be a tough one for the Huskers.
Nebraska will then travel to Indiana on October 19 to face the Hoosiers. The Huskers have only played in Bloomington once since joining the Big Ten, but they came away with a win in that game. Indiana has a new head coach in Curt Cignetti, and they will be looking to make a statement in their matchup against Nebraska.
The eighth most intriguing game on the schedule is the home game against Illinois on September 20. This Friday night matchup will mark the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium and will be a prime-time, nationally televised event. Both teams will be looking to start their Big Ten campaign with a win.
Nebraska’s trip to UCLA on November 2 is the sixth most intriguing game on the schedule. While the Bruins will provide an iconic setting when the Huskers visit the Rose Bowl in 2025, this game will serve as a preview of what’s to come. Nebraska has had success against UCLA in the past, but they will need to be at their best to come away with a win.
The Huskers’ season opener against UTEP on August 31 comes in at number six on the list. While anticipation is high for Nebraska’s second year under head coach Matt Rhule, the game itself is not expected to be a major challenge. UTEP’s new head coach Scotty Walden will be making his debut, but the Huskers should come away with a victory.
Next up is a home game against Wisconsin on November 23. The Badgers have dominated this series in recent years, winning 10 consecutive games against Nebraska. However, many of these games have been close, and the Huskers will be looking to finally get over the hump and come away with a win.
Nebraska’s road trip to Ohio State on October 26 is the fourth most intriguing game on the schedule. The Buckeyes are one of the top programs in the country and will be a tough challenge for the Huskers. While it would be a major upset if Nebraska were to win this game, it will still be an important test for the team.
The second most intriguing game on the schedule is the matchup against Iowa on November 29. While there may not be a Big Ten West title or conference championship berth at stake, this border rivalry is always intense. The Huskers will be looking to avenge last year’s loss to the Hawkeyes and come away with a win on the road.
Finally, the most intriguing game on the schedule is the home game against Colorado on September 7. Nebraska has yet to defeat the Buffs since renewing their rivalry in 2018, and this game will be a major test for the Huskers. With Deion Sanders as head coach for Colorado, there will be plenty of flash and swag on display. The game will be broadcast on NBC in prime time, adding to the excitement surrounding this matchup.
Overall, Nebraska’s 2024 schedule presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for the team. While some games may be less intriguing than others, each one will be important as the Huskers look to build on their progress under Coach Rhule.