Why are Nebraska and Northwestern playing in Ireland?

There are reasons behind why Nebraska is playing Northwestern in Ireland during Week 0.

Crop circles can only hope to give you this kind of truth as to why Nebraska is playing Northwestern over in Dublin, Ireland during Week 0 of the 2022 college football season.

Although it is the signature game of the Week 0 slate, it will be played a full six hours ahead of most midwesterners eagerly waiting to see this Big Ten West game for a lot less than all the marbles. This was the only conference win a 3-9 Nebraska team had a year ago. But rather than play this one in Lincoln or in Evanston, it will be played over at Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital.

So why on Planet Earth are the Cornhuskers and the Wildcats playing the most American sport known to man across the pound in the final weekend of August? Make it make sense, Buhler!

Why are Nebraska and Northwestern playing in Ireland?

Alright, so here is the best explanation about that. Last season, the Nebraska game vs. Illinois was to be played in Ireland, but COVID concerns moved the game to Champaign. Bret Bielema won his Fighting Illini debut over Scott Frost in Week 0. With COVID not being as big of a concern as it was this time a year ago, the Big Ten has decided to return the favor by sending this game overseas.

Where in Ireland are Nebraska and Northwestern playing?

As stated above, the Cornhuskers are playing the Wildcats at Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital of Dublin. The stadium is magnificent, the vibes are absolutely tremendous, so may everyone who made the trek to Ireland be in for a good time. If the on-field product is not up to standard, you can feel free to close your eyes and imagine you are watching the Tom Osborne wishbone do its thing.

Has there ever been a college football game in Ireland before?

In a surprise to absolutely no one, this is not the first time a college football game has taken place in Ireland. College football games have been played there since dating back to 1988. Boston College beat Army in the Emerald Isle Classic. Plenty of teams have played games in Ireland before, but only Notre Dame has been multiple times, beating Navy in Dublin in 1996 and 2012.

Ultimately, Dublin feels like a great city to regularly have college football games. The NFL has made London its primary city of operation outside of the states. With the Golden Domers taking on the Midshipmen in Dublin for a third time next year, it seems as though the college football world, particularly Power Five programs, have seen the value in playing games across the pond.

Expect for the Big Ten to make this a regular thing with its new cool television contract of sorts.

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