Fox Sports' Joel Klatt is optimistic the Big Ten will overtake much of the College Football Playoff landscape and potentially have a first-time team make the field. Klatt says Nebraska, which won a bowl game this past season, could be one of those teams.
“They were right there in a bunch of games last year," Klatt said on "The Joel Klatt Show" recently. "They went 2-5 in one-score games. Can they turn it around? They probably can.”
Klatt said he is impressed by Dylan Raiola so far. With a few adjustments, Raiola can take that leap forward.
“Dylan Raiola who was just a true freshman.” Klatt added. “He made a lot of mistakes last year, but remember, you get some experience going and you get the continuity of having your coach back now with Matt Ruhle, I think that they can probably take a little bit of a jump.
Klatt said Matt Rhule isn’t new to team turnarounds, pointing to success marks at Baylor and Temple in years past.
“He’s got an experienced quarterback. They upgraded at the wide receiver position from last year,” Klatt said.
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A manageable slate could have Nebraska in the playoff discussion, Klatt says.
“To me, it all comes down to schedule,”Klatt said. “They’ve got a real shot to be 7-1 in their first eight games going into November. Now, will they be? I’m not sure they’re going to have to win some of those close games, which historically has been a real issue for Nebraska.”
Next month, it will all come full circle for the Cornhuskers