From 1969 to 2001, the Nebraska football program had 33 consecutive seasons of nine or more wins, including five national championships. Since then, they have won nine or more games only 10 times and have made just six bowl games.

They haven’t won a national title since their last appearance in the 2001 Rose Bowl against Miami. The Cornhuskers are also on their sixth coach and are trying to end a seven-year losing streak.

Nebraska is obviously one of the most storied teams in college football history, but the story that has been told lately is more of a horror than a fairy tale. Yet, out of Lincoln comes a glimmer of hope once again, one that is familiar but seems stronger this time.

Matt Rhule, entering his second season with the Cornhuskers in 2024, is that hope. So far, he’s done pretty much everything right — even if he finished his first year with a losing effort. But even with that, Rhule’s first year was as good as former coach Scott Frost’s best, and definitely better than Frost’s last three years. With that in mind, and with much hesitation, we give our last-minute predictions for Nebraska football in 2024.

It won’t all be about Dylan Raiola

Make no mistake, Nebraska football fans are betting everything on Dylan Raiola. He is the most promising prospect in Cornhuskers history. He has the talent and traits to be great, but it can’t be all up to him. He’s going to need help.

While Nebraska fans hope Raiola steps up, it would be beneficial for the team if the running game gets going. Last year, the team ranked 38th nationally, averaging 176.8 yards per game on 4.44 yards per carry. As solid as that was, it was without star running back Gabe Ervin Jr.

Ervin suffered a torn ACL just three games into the season. He appears to be back to full fitness this season. Behind him will be Rahmir Johnson, Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson. Rhule will rely on those guys while Raiola adjusts to the college game. But if Raiola plays like he promises, it will make the offense much more dynamic and the running game could be even better than last year.

Offensive ball losses are declining rapidly

The Nebraska football team was the worst in the country last year with 31 turnovers, 15 turnovers and 16 interceptions. Reducing that number by five to 10 could have made the difference in getting another win or two.

Imagine if that number was cut in half this year? That might be asking a lot, but if that were to happen, the Cornhuskers’ offense would change dramatically. Since Raiola is a rookie, turnovers are inevitable. But being the worst players in the country two years in a row isn’t going to happen.

Nebraska football beats USC at the Coliseum

Who knows what Nebraska or USC will look like on November 16 when the two meet at the Los Angeles Coliseum. But as of now, the Cornhuskers would be facing the No. 23 team in the country.

This is the Trojans’ first year in the Big Ten after coming up from the Pac-12. This is the first meeting between the two since 2014, when they played on neutral ground in San Diego. Nebraska hasn’t been to Los Angeles since 2006, when they lost 28-10.

And who knows if that would be a big surprise at this point in the season. Both teams could go in opposite directions or even spiral downward. Regardless, don’t discount if Rhule and Nebraska go to the Coliseum and beat Lincoln Riley and USC. That would be a significant win for the team.

Nebraska Football will be a top 10 defensive back in 2024

As bad as the offense was for Nebraska last year, it’s easy to overlook how good the defense was. They fit in perfectly with the rest of the Big Ten, four teams – five if you count newest member Oregon – were in the top 10 in scoring defense and four were in the top five. Nebraska ranked 13th, allowing an average of 18.25 points per game. They also had the No. 8 rushing defense.

Aside from games against Colorado and Michigan, the Cornhuskers didn’t allow more than 24 points against any opponent last year. It’s a good sign that at least seven of last year’s defensive linemen are back. This year’s team will take a leap forward not only offensively, but defensively as well.

Nebraska is a team to keep an eye on in 2024.