Despite the fact that Nebraska got off to their best start in years, and already improved on their 6-7 record last year, they faced a lot of criticism. Chief among them was that they haven’t played anyone of note yet, and yet were still in a lot of close-game situations. They could’ve put that to rest by beating Wisconsin on the road, and effectively ending the Big Ten West race.
Nebraska and Wisconsin have had some memorable games since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten. They met in the Championship Game in 2012, Melvin Gordon ran for 408 yards in 2014, and there was Wisconsin’s nail-biting 23-21 win last year.
The Cornhuskers played a good game, and hung in there longer than they should’ve, but they ran into a wall of a defense. Tommy Armstrong Jr. looked like an older, worse version of himself when he went 12-for-31 with 153 yards and two interceptions. Until now, Armstrong could’ve made a strong case for most improved player in the Big Ten. But this performance exposed the fact that Wisconsin was the first defense he had faced that ranks in the top 30 in points allowed.
The Cornhuskers control their own destiny, but only for another week. If they lose to Ohio State, then the Badgers would jump to first in the Big Ten West by virtue of holding the tiebreaker now. If they’re able to shake off this loss relatively quickly, they proved that they can hang with the Buckeyes. If they can’t, then it’s going to be a blowout for Ohio State.