What would your reaction be if we lost to Buffalo?
I can't assume Nebraska will beat any team. Obviously, we're not going to lose every game. In fact, I didn't choose the no chance at 7 wins.
But -- what has Nebraska done in the past 3-4 years to chalk up games as win? Yes, Buffalo is a MAC team that typically only plays one P5 team per season -- but they have been the best MAC program for about a 4-year span. It's a well-coached team. Are we a well-coached team? Sure, we have more talent -- but we have against quite a few teams that have beaten us in recent years. Illinois, for example, had 2 wins last season -- they beat Rutgers by 3 and Nebraska by 18 -- and Lovie Smith got fired.
I'm not sure who all Buffalo loses from this past season. Yes, their RB who ran for over 400 yards in a game this past season is gone -- but his backup played quite a bit late in the season -- and also put up great numbers (182, 93, 138 yards rushing in the final three games -- yes, he returns for the 2021 season). I tend to think Leipold has built a system that is pretty darn effective most of the time. I know Buffalo's starting QB also returns. But unsure about the team as a whole. Buffalo does a couple things quite well -- run the ball and win the turnover battle.
Anyhow, I can't say you're wrong. Nebraska may beat Buffalo. I'm sure we'll have more talent. And as long as we don't get out-coached, we'll have a good chance to win. But I don't buy the idea that talent alone is going to be enough. And I really don't think Lincoln is a daunting atmosphere -- we've seen a lot of lesser teams come in and play unphased by the crowd -- McNeese State, South Alabama, Troy, Northern Illinois -- all either beat us or played as quite close.