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Nebraska listed as one of ‘most miserable’ programs after Week 3 by USA Today
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Miserable probably is the best word to sum up how Nebraska fans are feeling after Saturday’s loss to Northern Illinois. Though there are probably a few choice words that would be thrown in to the mix, as well.
Saturday’s 21-17 defeat was one of the lowest points on the field for the Huskers since the Bill Callahan era. Even athletic director Shawn Eichorst said he was feeling “angry, frustrated and disappointed” after the game. Twitter went crazy and message boards were filled with negativity.
All of that culminated into Nebraska being ranked No. 1…in USA Today’s ‘Misery Index’ for Week 3. Yes, after a loss to NIU to fall to 1-2 on the year, the Huskers are considered the most miserable right now.
Here’s why Nebraska earned the top spot according to USA Today:
Nobody in Nebraska believes they’re going to return to the 1980s or early 1990s. But is being as good as Wisconsin really too much to ask? The idea that Nebraska can’t win a national title is ridiculous. Obviously, it would take the right coach with the right philosophy and some luck in recruiting. But can it happen? Of course it can. If Wisconsin can put itself on the periphery of the playoff discussion every year, there’s no reason why Nebraska can’t be as good or better. But Pelini couldn’t do it, and now it appears increasingly unlikely Riley will be able to either. At 16-13 overall and 9-8 in the Big Ten under Riley, Nebraska is just another program. Regardless of where you think Nebraska fits in 2017, it certainly should be better than that.
Mike Riley’s seat seems to be getting warmer by the minute, despite receiving a one-year contract extension just last week. If things continue to spiral downward, a coaching change is a real possibility in Lincoln.
Joining the Huskers as the most miserable teams in the country are LSU, Tennessee, Missouri and Kansas, all of which suffered deflating losses in some fashion in Week 3.
The Huskers open conference play next Saturday against Rutgers. Maybe a victory will pull Nebraska out of this dumpster, at least temporarily,
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB