Nebraska Football: 5 bold predictions for Huskers in November 2017

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Mike Riley of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is seen before the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Mike Riley will save his job

A strong November finish will save Mike Riley’s job. With a Black Friday win over Iowa, Bill Moos will retain Riley for the 2018 season. This will not please the masses in Lincoln. A plethora of Nebraska fans are already clamoring for the new Athletic Director to hire former Husker and current UCF head coach Scott Frost.

The bottom line is a 7-5 season in year 3 does not merit firing Riley. If the Huskers fade down the stretch then the narrative changes. Finish 4-1 and progress can be found. A case made for keeping Riley.

Recruiting is picking up under Riley. Nebraska doesn’t want to lose the commits they have on board. Firing Riley would mean starting over. Moos will not want to risk that.

Another factor is Riley is in his first season with Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco. The defense has struggled this year, but the hope of players thriving in year two of Diaco’s 3-4 scheme should give fans some optimism.

Nebraska has a lot of young players on both sides of the ball. Moos must consider if firing Riley and starting over would lead to a wave of transfers. Does Nebraska want to cycle through its fourth head coach in the past 14 seasons?

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With the prediction of a strong November, Riley will stay on board for at least another season. You can bet the 2018 campaign will be Big Ten West division champions or bust.

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