CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate gives Big Ten fringe playoff contender

It seems every year is the year that Nebraska will get over the hump and return to playing meaningful football late in the year. Cornhusker fans are craving a return to glory for their team, as they have not made a bowl game since 2016. However, many think this may be the year Nebraska can break through and even compete for a Big Ten title.

CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate even believes the Cornhuskers could be playoff contenders for years to come.

“I think they can work themselves into being a fringe playoff contender,” Pate said on his show ”Late Kick.” “Or maybe the kind of program that, on average, contends for a spot one out of every two years or one out of every three years. I mean, that’s a heck of a lot better than what you have had at Nebraska. But also, Matt Rhule strikes me as a guy who gets it.”

So, what makes this year different from the rest? Two names — head coach Matt Rhule and quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Raiola is what makes this one of the most intriguing storylines this upcoming season. As a former 5-star prospect, Raiola’s arm power and decision-making at a young age make Cornhusker fans believe they have their quarterback for the future.

On the other hand, Matt Rhule is a coach with a proven resume of turning programs around. Despite going 0-6 his first year with Temple, he took the Owls to an AAC championship victory over Navy in 2016. In his prior experience at Baylor, he took a 1-11 team his first year in Waco and led the Bears to an 11-1 season in 2019.

Nebraska finished last season 5-7 despite losing four games by three points or less. So Rhule’s recent track record says the Cornhuskers are bound for improvement in 2024.