This isn’t the first time in the last 4 years that Nebraska has had a favorable schedule. Let’s hope it works out.
Maybe I'm misremembering. But when I look at the West Division opponents I don't remember it setting up this favorably before. I guess the whole West has 2 of the cross-overs as road games. The cross-overs:
Wisconsin: @ OSU, @ Mich State, Maryland (2 tough games)
Purdue: Penn State, @ Maryland, @ Indiana (1 tough game)
Northwestern: @ Penn St, @ Maryland, OSU (2 tough games)
Minnesota: @ Mich State, @ Penn State, Rutgers (2 tough games)
Iowa: @ Rutgers, Michigan, @ OSU (2 tough games)
Illinois: @ Indiana, Michigan, @ Mich State (2 tough games)
Nebraska: Indiana, @ Rutgers, @ Michigan (1 tough game)
Looking at those schedules, whose would you rather have over Nebraska's? I think Purdue is the only divisional opponent that has an argument for an easier conference schedule than Nebraska. A lot depends on whether a team like Maryland or Penn State end up being surprisingly good or surprisingly bad. But if you go by their predicted performance, the Huskers' schedule sets up nicely.
They also don't play the tough opponents until later in the season, with the exception of the Oklahoma game. The team can try to build some positive momentum for the first season in a long time.
Yes, I know any team can beat any team. I'm not counting Indiana and Rutgers as automatic wins. But they are games that Nebraska should be favored, and a bowl-caliber Nebraska team should win those games. It will be demonstrated on the field. But I think all things being equal that Nebraska has a decent chance to challenge for the division if the ball gets rolling.
Purdue becomes an opponent to watch closely early in the season, as they have a favorable path in the conference schedule too, even moreso if Penn State is not strong. That game is the first game of the season for both teams, and one worth noting for West Division ramifications.
If there was another time in the past 4 years when Nebraska had a favorable conference schedule like this, someone will have to point it out. I sure don't remember.