Nebraska hasn’t started a season 3-0 since 2016. Eight, long years ago under the leadership of Mike Riley.

After dispatching a pesky Northern Iowa team Saturday, the Huskers improved to 3-0. Coach Matt Rhule called the 3 wins “the preseason” portion of the schedule, emphasizing how he wants NU to have success.

“We want to score, get a lead, play defense and run the football.”

It may not be sexy, but it’s been effective. It certainly beats the alternative.

The schedule ramps up in difficulty beginning with a Friday visit from fell0w unbeaten conference foe Illinois. The No. 24 Illini have a ranked win (Kansas) and will enter with confidence and swagger. The winner will add to its early-season momentum.

Nebraska, ranked No. 22, hasn’t won a conference title since 1999. Since joining the B1G in 2011, the Huskers have appeared just once in the league title game. However, there’s room for optimism in 2024. Can the Huskers crack the upper echelon of the league? Or is it too soon to talk about such a leap? Let’s break down the reasons for optimism, while also showcasing reasons why fans should pump the brakes.

Let’s start with the reasons why NU is ready now to compete for a conference title.

1. Dylan Raiola

Ranked No. 6 in Tradition’s current B1G QB rankings, Raiola has proven he has elite talent. The true freshman threw his first pick of the season against the Panthers, but it was a ball that could have been snagged by his receiver.

Raiola can make all the throws and has great pocket awareness. Quarterback play has hindered Nebraska’s success for far too long. But it’s now an obvious upgrade. Raiola can continue to climb the charts of the league’s signal callers with another impressive performance Friday.

Raiola is 24th nationally with a 79.2 QBR. He’s the only true freshman in the top 25. He threw for 247 yards and a pair of scores against the Panthers. He has thrown 5 TD passes in 3 games. That might sound modest, but he’s on pace to become the first NU QB to toss 20 in a season since Tanner Lee threw 23 in 2017. Nebraska only threw 10 TD passes last season.

Raiola has the tools, savvy and confidence to take the Huskers far.

2. Deep, talented RB room

Nebraska is a solid, 4-deep at running back. They’ve proven they can move the ball on the ground, and Rhule has stated they intend to continue to do so.

Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell is emerging as the main bell cow. He’s a punishing runner, the type opposing DBs want no part of. He averaged 9.2 yards per rush last Saturday, including a 38-yard run in the 3rd quarter.

Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson and Gabe Ervin Jr round out the room. It’s a combination of speed, shiftiness and power. The Huskers — if they can stay healthy — have as deep a rotation as anyone in the league. Look for all 4 to have their moments as attrition sets in during the grind of league play.

3. Tony White’s defense

White’s group is playing as well as anyone in the country.

The unit has surrendered just 2 TDs through 3 games. And even though the Panthers kept the ball for 16 plays and over 10 minutes on their opening possession, the Blackshirts stiffened to give up just a FG. They are keeping opponents off the board and haven’t yet played a snap while trailing. They’ve played just 8 snaps with the game tied.

Veterans are everywhere. Seniors Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher are dominating the front. John Bullock and Mikai Gbayor have solidified the linebacker unit. Tommi Hill, Malcolm Hartzog and Issac Gifford are leading the back end.

Nebraska ranks No. 8 in scoring defense and No. 17 in rushing defense. The unit has staying power and will keep Nebraska in every game.

Reasons to pump the brakes

1. Top tier of B1G is elite

Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and USC. All teams with a legit shot of not only making, but advancing in the 12-team Playoff. They have elite athletes on both sides of the ball.

Is Nebraska in that tier? Right now, no. Nebraska has plenty to prove, but will get opportunities to do it. Road games at OSU (Oct. 26) and USC (Nov. 16) will go a long way in determining where the Huskers fit in the narrative.

Nebraska hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent since a 2016 win over Oregon in Lincoln. The Huskers need to start with a win at home against an Illinois team they’re favored to beat by 9 points, via Caesars.

2. Mental hurdle of past close losses

Rhule learned the fragile nature of the team he took over during an initial season where his team lost 5 1-score games. They lost 6 the year prior. Getting over that hump and finding ways to close out wins have become a top priority.

The Huskers are learning how to win again. Getting a lead, running the ball and playing stout defense is the recipe. The coaches constantly emphasize it. So far, so good.

Nebraska hasn’t been tested yet. How it handles the pressure of its first 1-score game remains to be seen.

3. Offensive line questions

Nebraska may go as far as its o-line takes it. Keeping Raiola upright and healthy is a must. Depth concerns are already creeping in.

Teddy Prochazka, slated to start at left tackle is out for the year with another knee injury. Turner Corcoran has filled in admirably, but must stay healthy.

Florida transfer Micah Mazzccua is a beast at guard and started the first 2 games. But he was a late scratch against UNI and Rhule ruled him out again Friday against the Illini saying he’s “working through some things.”

He remains on the team practicing, but getting him back in the lineup is a must. Henry Lutovsky started in Mazzccua’s absence but has battled injuries.

Keeping this unit intact is imperative to success. Without a healthy Raiola, Nebraska’s chances of competing for a conference crown — or spot in the B1G title game — diminish immensely.

College football needs Nebraska back. All is better in the world when the Huskers are in the mix.

Rhule’s team is off on the right foot. They’ll need to keep grinding and hope for good fortune to keep it going.