Which teams will step forward with Nebraska in 2022?
After a 3-9 record in 2021, it feels as if Nebraska has nowhere to go but up in 2022. Optimism is running high in Lincoln after a series of coaching changes and a roster overhaul via the transfer portal this offseason. Cornhusker fans have felt this optimism before, though, in fact, Nebraska has had a similar confident feeling heading into the last several seasons. So far though, the team has been unable to produce the desired results on the field and fans are becoming impatient. It’s make or break time for Scott Frost. A 15-29 record over the last four years is flat-out unacceptable and the head coach is well aware that winning the offseason doesn’t matter without wins on the field.
A new list by 247Sports looks at the “teams poised to take a step forward in 2022.” It’s evident that Nebraska is on the list, given that a Nebraska site is talking about it, but who else joins the Cornhuskers in taking that next step in 2022. We’ll also tell you a bit about what that next step forward will look like for each one of the programs listed.
Scroll below for the list
Clemson Tigers
Syndication: The Greenville News
247Sports says
“Taking a step forward for Clemson would mean winning the division and reasserting itself as the best program in the ACC. If quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei can shake off a rough 2021 season and get the Tigers’ offense out of the mud, then they will be just fine because the defense still has loads of talent.”
USC Trojans
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
247Sports says
“Despite all the buzz and the infusion of talent, expecting USC to compete for a national title is setting the bar a little high. But they don’t need to do that in order to take a step forward. The Trojans finished 4-8 last fall with a 3-6 record in conference play. USC should clear that mark easily.”
Miami Hurricans
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
247Sports says
“Mario Cristobal is now the team’s head coach, and he has been busy filling holes, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. It wouldn’t exactly be shocking to see Miami finish atop the Coastal Division in 2022.”
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
247Sports says
“The Huskers experienced some turnover, via the NCAA Transfer Portal, and there is currently a quarterback battle going on after Adrian Martinez left for Kansas State. Despite all that, it’s not hard to see Nebraska’s record improving this fall, even if the level of play does not.”
Penn State Nittany Lions
Syndication: York Daily Record
247Sports says
“The Nittany Lions have posted a combined record of 11-11 over the last two seasons, and James Franklin gets paid to get better results than that. There are reasons to believe that will happen in 2022.”
Florida Gators
[Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]
247Sports says
“The Billy Napier era at Florida hasn’t gotten off to an ideal start, but, all that aside, it’s hard to see the Gators finishing sixth in the SEC East for the second straight year. Florida went 2-6 in conference play last season, and the team finished with a 6-7 record overall… the Gators should get back to beating the likes of South Carolina and Missouri, at the very least.”
LSU Tigers
Syndication: The Daily Advertiser
247Sports says
“LSU went 3-5 in the SEC last season and finished dead last in its own division. At the end of the year, Ed Orgeron was out as head coach, and the program took a big swing by poaching Brian Kelly from Notre Dame… there is still work to be done in Baton Rouge, but a step forward in Year 1 under Kelly is not out of the question.”
Texas Longhorns
Syndication: The Oklahoman
247Sports says
“If the Longhorns don’t take a step forward this year, the pressure on Steve Sarkisian will intensify exponentially. However, the pieces are in place for Texas to improve on its 5-7 record from 2021… the defense must get better, but, if Texas can make that happen, and it avoids another loss to Kansas, the program will be in much better shape this fall.”
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