THE VIEW FROM HERE By Jim D. Berryman COUNTDOWN TO NU 2002 A very interesting season ahead for Huskers By Jim D. Berryman July 11, 2002 The way the Nebraska Cornhuskers closed out the previous season, Husker fans are feeling a little bit of everything these days. One thing they have in common is the burning desire to see the Huskers get back on the field, dust themselves off, and systematically kick Arizona State’s you-know-what. Yes, the Huskers are about ready to kick off a new season. It’s a fresh chance to wipe away two jaw-dropper games like Colorado and Miami. It’s also a chance to break away from the Eric Crouch era, not that the Crouch era was bad or anything, it’s just time to move on since he’s gone. This season is different. Many Nebraska and national sports writers’ expectations of the Huskers are down. The terms “program in descent” or “decline” can be seen in print online and on the page. In a recently released CBS Sportsline Poll, the Huskers are at #17 for the upcoming season. Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas are all ahead of NU, with UT and OU at #1 and #2. So there’s a lot to prove, yet in a way the Huskers have nothing to lose. When’s the last time you remember sports writers predicting that the Huskers would have 4 losses in a season? Long time. To say that things could get interesting in Lincoln this fall is an understatement. What games! From home opener Arizona State to McNeese State, (who??). Of course, Texas and Colorado at home. Penn State on the road and Kansas State on the road. Whew. I kind of enjoy the notion of the Huskers as spoilers. A new way to approach a season. As Husker fans, whatever gets dished out, we’re along for the wild, long ride. Big Red Ready Guide 2002 Click Here Countdown to NU 2002 Click Here Post Feedback