College GameDay crew talks Nebraska's struggles, importance of beating Illinois

Game day has arrived for Nebraska. Week 0 vs. Illinois gives the Cornhuskers a much needed fresh start.

Nebraska is coming off a 3-5 season in 2020 and has had losing seasons in all three years under Scott Frost. Nebraska hasn’t had a winning season since 2016 and hasn’t won a bowl game since 2015.

The College GameDay crew sounded off on Nebraska as kickoff approaches.

David Pollack believes it’s critical for Nebraska to defeat Illinois and set a different tone.

“One thing that’s disturbing if you’re a Nebraska fan — 12-20 is one thing — but then when you start losing really good players, you’re most dynamic players to the transfer portal with Wan’Dale (Robinson) going to Kentucky, Luke McCaffrey leaving,” Pollack said. That was a guy who, a year ago, Coach Frost said was the future. This season has to start off positive.”

Desmond Howard wants to see quarterback Adrian Martinez take the next step in his development.

“I think they need to get more balanced on offense. Balance on the offense is key,” Howard said. “Throwing the ball, they’ve struggled with that. Adrian Martinez looked really good as a freshman, he hasn’t shown that type of brilliance since then.”

In order for Martinez to do so, Kirk Herbstreit says Nebraska’s skill position players will need to be capable.

“I think you’re only as good as the playmakers you have,” Herbstreit said. “When you look at Nebraska in the B1G, I think they’re lacking dynamic playmakers at the skill spots. So we’ll see how much they’ve improved in that area.”

Nebraska’s matchup vs. Illinois is set for 1 p.m. (EST) and is on FOX.