B1G Nonconference Schedule Rankings: Nebraska (7 of 12 complete)

[SelectionSunday]

Nebraska's first nonconference schedule as a B1G member is complete. Doc Sadler certainly didn't overdo it by any stretch (currently last in our overall schedule rankings), but there are two decent home games (Rhode Island & Oregon) and two decent road games (USC & Creighton).

Opponents' 2010-11 RPI are noted in parentheses.

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Nov. 11: SOUTH DAKOTA (317)
Nov. 14: @ USC (67)
Nov. 20: RHODE ISLAND (101)
Nov. 23: OREGON (135)
Nov. 26: SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (183)
Nov. 30: WAKE FOREST (260)
Dec. 4: @ Creighton (123)
Dec. 7: FLORIDA GULF COAST (282)
Dec. 10: @ TCU (208)
Dec. 17: ALCORN STATE (337)
Dec. 20: CENTRAL MICHIGAN (307)

Home/Road/Neutral Split: 8/3/0
Average RPI of All Nonconference Opponents: 210.909
Average RPI of Home Nonconference Opponents: 240.25
Top-100 Opponents (1): USC
NCAA Qualifiers (1): USC (NCAA First 4)
Other Postseason Qualifiers (3): Creighton (CBI runner-up), Oregon (CBI champion), Rhode Island (CBI 2nd round)
Game to Watch: @ USC
Chalk Up the W: Alcorn State
Projected Nonconference Record: 8-3

Schedule Note: The 'Huskers are the only B1G member not participating in an exempt event during the 2011-12 season. That means 29 regular-season games & no tournament.

B1G Nonconference (Overall) Schedule Rankings
1. Illinois (152.583)
2. GOPHERS (162.181)
3. Purdue (169.7)
4. Penn State (171.666)
5. Michigan (197.7)
6. Iowa (206.923)
7. Nebraska (210.909)

B1G Nonconference (Home) Schedule Rankings
1. GOPHERS (155)
2. Illinois (203.75)
3. Penn State (215.375)
4. Purdue (224.587)
5. Iowa (231.7)
6. Nebraska (240.25)
7. Michigan (271.333)

 

[Lincoln gopher]

SS,
Here in Nebraska, the media and most of the fans consider this schedule to be very satisfactory. Their point being, less 300+ RPI opponents and 3 true road games. Still pretty weak, but a fairly good improvement over their past nonconference record.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Lincoln, yes, it is a definite improvement from what the Huskers have had the past few seasons. There are a few opportunities for decent wins. But an average (opponent) RPI in the 200's usually is a recipe for disaster if a team ends up on the bubble.

This nonconference schedule reminds me of how Carmody has scheduled the last couple years, when NW has been considered a NCAA possibility prior to the season. Putting (for the most part) all your eggs in one basket (relying on the B1G season for all your quality wins) is a dangerous way to do business.

 

[Lincoln gopher]

I agree with what you said. It just shows how pathetic their schedule has been the past 2 years for this to be an upgrade.