At the beginning of the season, if you had said Indiana would be the toughest opponent Nebraska would play through the first seven weeks of the season, people would have called you crazy. But that's the world we live in now.
Nebraska's first five opponents have a combined record of 10-18. An Oregon win at home seemed like the Huskers finally got over the hump against a top 25 team at home. Everyone knew it wasn't Marcus Mariota's Oregon Ducks, but the Ducks are now 2-4 on the season.
The Ducks dropped a close one to Colorado the week following the matchup with Nebraska. Then lost 51-33 to Washington State, and were blown out at home by Washington 70-21.
Illinois' only this season came against Murray State, while Northwestern has dropped games to Western Michigan and Illinois State.
This weekend's matchup against Indiana will be by far Nebraska's biggest test. The Hoosiers' only losses this year came against Wake Forest and Ohio State. Although Indiana lost, the Hoosiers still put up over 600 yards of offense against the Demon Deacons.
Indiana has the top pass offense in the Big Ten this season behind junior quarterback Richard Lagow. Lagow has thrown for 1,460 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Indiana's starting running back Devine Redding is averaging almost 5 yards a carry with three 100+ rushing games. Redding could pose some problems for a Nebraska defense which is allowing 4.8 yards a carry this season.
The Huskers had a bye week to work through some injury problems but could still be without wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp, tight end Cethan Carter and running back Devine Ozigbo who are all doubtful for Saturday's game.
Nebraska will go into Bloomington ranked No. 10, it's highest ranking since 2011. The Huskers can start to prove they deserve that ranking on Saturday.
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Contact the writer:
Twitter: @TylerMartinOSI
Email: Tyler.Martin@KMTV.com
