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25 biggest college football storylines for the 2022 season

By Michael Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on before a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on before a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

5. Will Nebraska turn it around?

What a difference a few years make. In 2017, Scott Frost had just completed an undefeated season with the UCF Golden Knights, capped off by an impressive Peach Bowl victory over Auburn. The next day, Frost is introduced as the new head coach and prodigal son at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers, who had fallen on hard times since leaving the Big 12, were hopeful for a quick turnaround back to prominence.

Five seasons later and Frost has one last chance to turn this program around. A record of 15-30, going 10-26 in the Big Ten, and losing an NCAA record nine games by single digits last year, Frost barely survived and has to come through this year.

Luckily for Frost and Nebraska, there’s a legitimate path to a successful season this year.

As part of Frost staying, many coaching changes were required. One of the most underrated hires of the year was Frost snagging Pitt offensive coordinator Mark Whipple away to Lincoln. Whipple had a fantastic year last year as the Panthers won the ACC, had the Biletnikoff winner and saw Kenny Pickett become a first-round pick.

Nebraska also hit the portal very well, signing former Texas quarterback Casey Thompson and TCU defensive line standout Ochaun Mathis. These two additions could play a major role in their season being a success or failure.

The schedule for the Cornhuskers is set up to give Frost every chance to break through.
Despite a Week 0 loss to Northwestern, the Cornhuskers still have a favorable slate outside of facing Oklahoma early on. After almost pulling off the upset last year, this will be Frost’s big chance to get the program-defining win he needs.

Win or lose, Nebraska’s schedule sets them up to be anywhere from 7-2 to 9-0 before a tough three-game stretch to end the season with games at Michigan and Iowa, and a home tilt against Wisconsin.

If it all goes wrong, Frost will finally fall on the sword. If he can put it all together and Nebraska can finish games, Nebraska can win the Big Ten West, and play for a chance at the Rose Bowl and relevancy again.

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