Nebraska resurgence just the latest Matt Rhule college football rebuild bearing fruit

[{"selector":"#anim-9c4606ff-56b8-4781-aa35-71b7463b2c08 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-617f331a-4c2b-4321-ace9-71ca4ab03d4b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Nebraska's name number shows the highest improvement under second-year coach Matt Rhule. The undefeated Cornhuskers joined the US LBM Coaches Poll at No. 24 two weeks ago,

[{"selector":"#anim-5ab447a4-e8cf-4e0e-995d-3acbd3c364ce [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.858516691097716%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5112180f-1e43-4ada-bd38-ff28f1a57de0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] their first national ranking since Sept. 1, 2019, and rose to No. 22 after beating Northern Iowa last Saturday. Nebraska's highest Top 25 position since Nov. 20, 2016, is No. 15.

[{"selector":"#anim-a15bd3b9-b9c5-4f1f-adcf-02da60a54782 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.481132089323889%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-44df0780-719b-4778-96e6-152842fbbf63","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Nebraska's 2016 season was their last bowl appearance and longest Power Four streak. After Rhule's November debut ended with four straight defeats, one win shy of bowl eligibility, the postseason drought appeared to be over.

But more is conceivable. The coach, quarterback, schedule, and demonstrable progress made since Rhule's arrival almost two years ago suggest Nebraska could continue to climb

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[{"selector":"#anim-4d4f6914-06c5-4d20-a069-b3bc591cf09a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0.9959349636830694%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c238f921-d15b-457c-8305-405240e48e2a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Baylor and Rhule's Temple were similar. Temple won twice and Baylor, mired in late-Art Briles upheaval, won once in the inaugural season.

The Cornhuskers added quarterback, running back, and wide receiver to better last year's offense and match a top Big Ten defense. They emulate a Bowl Subdivision program that defined excellence

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[{"selector":"#anim-b7210b16-2172-43ef-ac1d-19d856ef6408 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f03bdb26-4ade-4202-af5a-4fbccb2fdec8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] This is one of the program's softest Big Ten schedules since joining the conference, albeit they miss No. 6 Oregon, No. 9 Penn State, and No. 17 Michigan

[{"selector":"#anim-cfba5f59-0c7a-4091-aae7-25f7bfa1f2cc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-81616a8e-546b-429a-b390-f6cb272f8f37","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Nebraska would receive a national ranking for 2025 and be a Power Four contender with eight wins and a second-tier Big Ten finish.

[{"selector":"#anim-9dfc6207-8439-4160-a944-9895b9612464 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dc645ef4-b02a-4887-9dc3-7b7cffb95c11","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] I'm not here to repair things quickly. Long-term staying. So it would be great if we could do it this year, but I'm trying to build something with (athletics director Troy Dannen) and our staff.”

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