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Nebraska Football Misses a Bowl Game in Latest Projections
Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs out of bounds ahead of Southern California Trojans cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson (17) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After Nebraska's loss to USC, the Huskers are on the brink of missing out on a bowl game.

ESPN writers Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach updated their bowl projections after Week 12. For the first time this season, Nebraska was not included in either of their bowl projections. This development comes after the Huskers lost a 28-20 heartbreaker to USC on Saturday. They now sit at 5-5 and need to win one of their final two games against Wisconsin or Iowa to qualify for a bowl appearance. 

A week ago, the Huskers were projected to play in the Rate Bowl in Phoenix agaisnt either Texas Tech or Baylor. However, after losing a fourth consecutive game, confidence in the Huskers is at an all-time low. This week, Nebraska will take on Wisconsin at home. This is their best chance to pick up a bowl-clenching victory. If they are unable to lock up a postseason appearance with a win against the Badgers, they will have to defeat Iowa on the road in the regular season finale.

Missing out on a bowl game would be heartbreaking for Nebraska's players and the fan base. After starting 5-1, a bowl game looked like a sure thing. But in college football, nothing is certain. After starting 5-3 last season and missing out on a bowl game, the fans are still waiting for the postseason drought that has lasted since 2016 to end.

Failing to reach a bowl game this season, after starting 5-1, would hurt even more. As of right now, that is what is projected to happen. The Huskers are going to have to change the narrative themselves, and fast.

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This article first appeared on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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