The Iowa Hawkeyes 2024 campaign will close with the now-annual rivalry meeting against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
It's entirely possible, though, that these Cornhuskers are not the same type Big Ten fans have become accustomed to seeing. Head coach Matt Rhule is no stranger to successful rebuilds in college football, and his efforts at Nebraska are off to a better start than his stops at Temple and Baylor.
Last year, the Huskers finished 5-7, just missing bowl eligibility after losing their fourth straight in the season finale to the Hawkeyes. After enduring seven seasons of losing seasons, all indications are that Nebraska is going to be a problem for weathered Big Ten teams.
That's not to say they're back to the 90s 'Sea of Red' dominance, but they've taken some preliminary steps. That starts with 5-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who is expected to be revealed as the starter once the season rolls around.
While the legacy Husker Railoa brings a ton of excitement back to the program, he can't be expected to do it all alone. But just as he is unproven, so too is his supporting cast, even with 10 returning starters.
Only two receiving targets, tight end Thomas Fidone III and receiver Alex Bullock, return with more than 10 receptions, though none had more than 35 last year anyway. Fidone will be the main guy to watch, but Jahmal Banks and Malachi Coleman are two others who are expected to step up as options for Raiola in the passing game.
The rushing attack is just as suspect as last season's starting quarterback Heinrich Haarberg was the leading rusher with 477 yards. Gabe Ervin Jr. returns healthy for the 2024 campaign, so he should help revive the run game in Lincoln. An experienced offensive line will lead the way for him and keep Raiola on his feet.
Defensively, the Huskers return 7 starters and defensive mastermind Tony White for a unit that allowed just 18 points per game in 2023. With three of the four leading tacklers returning, expect more of the same from them.
Nebraska was picked to finish 8th in the conference at Big Ten Media Days, but that may have been a conservative choice from media members because of the unproven commodities on offense. In reality, Nebraska is the kind of team most teams in the Big Ten would rather avoid as they look to make a statement for their return to prominence.
Iowa hasn't had to worry about Nebraska too much since they joined the Big Ten, holding a 9-4 record since 2011. Of course, that does include the 2022 loss after Scott Frost had long been fired.
It's a rivalry game that holds a ton of sway. Nebraska could very well be bowl-eligible with a schedule that features Colorado, Ohio State and Wisconsin as their toughest matchups outside of Iowa. If Iowa handles business and walks in with 10 wins, it'd be their last argument for a playoff spot.
Nebraska would love to stoke the rivalry flames with an upset there. The biggest hurdle for them may be playing that game at Kinnick Stadium in front of a national audience. Because, on paper, the two programs stack up evenly once again with talent and circumstance favoring the Hawkeyes.
The game is set Friday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC.
You can check out last week's early preview against Maryland here.
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