Is Nebraska football a Tier 3 team in the Big Ten Conference?

Nebraska football’s place in the Big Ten Conference won’t be decided Saturday in Bloomington, but the result will play a major role in determining the Huskers’ season.

On “B1G Today” on the Big Ten Network on Thursday, Jake Butt revealed his rankings for the top Big Ten football teams to this point in the season. Butt discussed the reasons with Dave Revsine and Rick Pizzo.

For the Nebraska Cornhuskers, their ranking for now depends on Saturday’s game at the No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers. Revsine initially complained that the Hoosiers were not in Tier 2 or were at least guaranteed a spot in Tier 3.

“Because Nebraska is by far the best opponent they have played all year, and from a matchup standpoint, this game will be extremely telling,” Butt responded. “You’ve never seen a defensive line like the one Nebraska will bring to town this weekend: Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson.”

Revsine pointed out that Indiana has dominated the schedule so far, no matter how tough that schedule has been. All three agreed that Nebraska is “by far” the best opponent the Curt Cignetti Hoosiers have ever faced.

“Indiana’s schedule becomes demonstrably more difficult starting this weekend,” Revsine said.

Nebraska and Indiana kick off Saturday at 11 a.m. CDT in Bloomington. The game will be televised on FOX with the Big Noon Kickoff crew.

Below are the levels that were discussed. You can watch the full discussion at the top of the page.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

To be determined

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