KC Star: Nebraska Cornhuskers - better than you thought they were

[Saunders]

The Cornhuskers carried a 7-0 record and a No. 7 national ranking into Saturday’s game at 11th-ranked Wisconsin, but the resume wasn’t enough to alter the national perception of Nebraska last week.

 

The Badgers were a healthy favorite, and the Cornhuskers spent the week hearing how their schedule didn’t justify their status, as if it were somehow Nebraska’s fault that marquee nonconference opponent Oregon, ranked No. 22 at the time, is turning in its worst season in years.

 

The effort Nebraska brought to Camp Randall was worthy of a top-10 program, and the team returned to Lincoln believing the 23-17 overtime loss was theirs to win but that it got away from them.

 

Not in an obvious sense. The Cornhuskers didn’t make the late mistakes that nearly doomed Wisconsin — two fourth quarter interceptions, a missed field goal and a shanked extra point — but that they couldn’t take full advantage indicates there’s room for growth in coach Mike Riley’s program.

 

“We gave ourselves a chance to win against a good program, but we didn’t get it done,” Riley said.

 

But the Cornhuskers succeed in moving the perception. When the polls were released on Sunday, Nebraska remained in the top 10.

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