Nebraska conspicuously absent from preseason polls

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, June 01, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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If there was any preseason college football poll in history that clearly illustrates just how much hype or pure bull that goes into all of them, it’s the 2008 preemie. The ones so far look more like some sort of debutante ball than anything else. They're simply packed with illustrious college programs, some of which don't belong, which makes them more superficial than substantive.

Because of who’s in these star-studded rankings, it makes one wonder where traditional power Nebraska is, especially considering the Huskers are riding a tidal wave of popularity thanks to new coach Bo Pelini.

The University of Pittsburgh ended its 2007 season on a similar note as Nebraska (both finished 5-7 and with losing conference records), yet the former’s average ranking is 22nd or 23rd. Oddly, the Huskers are nowhere to be found despite of apparently upgrading their head coaching position; that's unlike the Panthers, who still have a losing head coach (Dave Wannstedt, 16-19 over three years).

In addition, Illinois -- even though it was embarrassed by USC in the Rose Bowl -- is being thrown a bone only on the grounds of beating Ohio State in Columbus last year. Moreover, Illinois' top player from last season, running back Rashard Mendenhall, is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. That equals a major talent drop-off. Conversely, Nebraska still returns a lot of key offensive players from last year’s nationally ranked offense.

If the Illini can get in, then, why not Nebraska?

Well, perhaps not ranking the Huskers is the right thing to do. Too many teams nowadays are being handed their poll position (some of them an exorbitantly high one) without having truly earned it. Not ranking Big Red makes them the hunter, which can be a good thing.

Unlike a lot of these ranked teams, Nebraska is a blue-collar, workman-type of program, and it always has been. Having to work for respect could be the best thing for the Huskers.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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