After the disappointing run by the men’s basketball team it’ll be nice to see the football team take the field with some kind of measured level of anticipated success. The doldrums of underperforming Nebraska sports is about to be over as the Huskers football team takes another run at their Big 12 rivals.

Despite what could have been a game-changing fumble that was overturned by replay, Nebraska managed to sneak out of the Gator Bowl with a win over Clemson.

Congrats to Bo Pelini and his staff, as well as the players on this year’s team, for going 9-4 and winning a bowl game. Joe Ganz deserves special attention for putting up sensational numbers all year and not getting the recognition he should have thanks to other Big 12 quarterbacks who drew more of the national spotlight.

Alex Henery kicked the field goal of his life to help put Colorado away at the finish. The win was fun and fantastic to watch but keep in mind, as Nebraska heads into bowl season during Bo’s first year as head coach, that Colorado came into the game 18 point underdogs.

Nebraska put up huge points in this game. Their total of 56 was spiked by 21 point second and fourth quarters. They were firing on all cylinders offensively with a solid running and passing attack. This was a very nice win as the team comes closer to the end of the year.

Next week’s matchup is at home against under .500 Colorado.

Ganz threw for over 300 yards against Kansas and Helu Jr. had over 100 yards on the ground as Nebraska continues to put forward a balanced offensive attack this year. Unfortunately, the defense gave up a ton of yards as well. That’s a weakness this team will need to address. Hopefully they come up with a solution sooner rather than later.

Next week it’s the Cornhuskers against the Kansas State Wildcats.

Nate Swift became the Huskers’ career leader in receptions after his first touchdown reception of the day at Memorial Stadium. Swift finished with 11 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Ganz threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns on 32 completions out of 46 attempts. So it was a good day for Nebraska passing.

It wasn’t too shabby on rushing either. Lucky had 83 yards and a TD on 16 carries and Ganz ran for 42 yards himself on 11 carries.

Next week it’s Oklahoma. Uh-oh.

The Cornhuskers were looking at their first 0 – 3 start in the Big 12 in over 60 years if they hadn’t crushed Iowa State as bad as they did. So now Nebraska is 1 – 2 in the Big 12 and struggling to get back into the race for the conference championship.

Some, actually most I think, would argue that goal is already out of reach but you never know for sure in this volatile college football season. Loyal fans are keeping their fingers optimistically crossed for now.

With Joe Ganz’s interception in OT, the Huskers fell just short of beating Texas Tech. Give Ganz lots of credit though, he threw for 349 yards and two TDs. Nebraska had over 100 yards on the ground, split between Lucky and Helu.

So close but no cigar against the #7 team in the nation. Up next? At Iowa State to face the Cyclones and their 2-4 record.

It was Missouri’s first win in Nebraska since 1978 and their 52 points were the most they’ve put up against the Huskers since 1943. Things just get tougher for Nebraska as next week Texas Tech comes into town with their #7 national ranking.