Nebraska Football: Ranking Cornhuskers’ 2020 opponents by toughness

There’s a lot going on off the field at Iowa this offseason, but once that’s all cleared up, the Hawkeyes will field one of the best teams in the Big Ten and arguably the West favorite.

Gone is Nate Stanley, but that might not be the worst thing for the Hawkeyes. They return Tyler Goodson and Mekhi Sargent in the run game and Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith at receiver. The offensive line should be solid once again and the defense is always good at Iowa and 2020 will be no different.

Playing in Iowa City, potentially under the lights, is a recipe for disaster for any visiting club. Nebraska could be in trouble here.

Speaking of top Big Ten West contenders, Wisconsin has owned the division since its creation and with the defense returning nine starters, there may not be many teams, including Nebraska, that will be able to score on the Badgers.

Wisconsin’s offense, though, may take a massive step back with Jonathan Taylor and Quintez Cephus gone. Who will step up at running back and is Jack Coan the answer at quarterback?

Another West road game against a top contender won’t be easy for Nebraska but this one isn’t completely un-winnable.