Toughest Nebraska schedule ever? That’s certainly the initial perception upon seeing the Huskers’ 2011 Big Ten slate. NU will face all five Big Ten heavyweights: Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Iowa. That’s in addition to nonconference games against Fresno State, Washington and Wyoming.

It’s too early to know how those opponents will perform in 2011 — let alone 2010. How many might be ranked in the top 25? How many might be top 10? As we speculate, take a look back at Nebraska’s five toughest regular-season schedules of the past 50 years.

• No. 5: 1987: When Oklahoma came to Lincoln for the Game of the Century II, Nebraska was favored partly because of its quality wins. The Huskers had dismantled No. 3 UCLA in Lincoln, then edged No. 12 Arizona State — a top-five team the year before — on the road. Oklahoma State was also No. 12 when Nebraska pounded it 35-0. But OU was one obstacle too much, finally knocking NU off its top-ranked perch.

• No. 4: 1988: Nebraska began the year with a win over No. 10 Texas A&M in the Kickoff Classic. Two weeks later, NU hit the road for Los Angeles, where No. 5 UCLA whipped the Big Red. A clash with Barry Sanders and 10th-ranked Oklahoma State came later, followed by slugfests with No. 19 Colorado (7-0) and No. 9 Oklahoma (7-3). The Huskers finished the regular season 11-1, but it wasn’t easy.

• No. 3: 1981: Perhaps the finest nonconference slate in school history. Nebraska opened at Iowa, which went on to the Rose Bowl. Then a home date with Florida State, coming off back-to-back Orange Bowls. Then home against No. 3 Penn State. Then Auburn at home. The Big Eight was a breeze — especially because Oklahoma went 7-4-1. NU rallied from losses to Iowa and Penn State and almost won a national title, losing in the Orange Bowl to top-ranked Clemson.

• No. 2: 1973: In Tom Osborne’s first year, the Big Eight was loaded with talent. Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado all were ranked in the top 20 when they played Nebraska (OU and Mizzou beat Nebraska). That doesn’t count ranked foes UCLA and North Carolina State in September. Six top-20 teams in 11 games? No wonder Osborne needed a bowl win over Texas to reach nine wins.

• No. 1: 2007: Yes, Bill Callahan failed miserably in his final year, but it wasn’t like he had a platter of cupcakes. A trip to Wake Forest, which eventually won nine games. Top-ranked Southern Cal at home. Road trips to Missouri and Kansas, which each finished the regular season 11-1. Another trip to Texas. All four finished the year in the top 10. Had Callahan produced a top-10 caliber squad, Nebraska still might have managed only 8-4.

Contact the writer:

649-1461, dirk.chatelain@owh.com

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