Oh, man. If only they had the College Football Playoff in 1997.
We could settle once and for all whether Michigan or Nebraska deserved to be declared national champions.
But that was a long, long time ago. Nebraska has been anything but a power since joining the Big Ten.
Nebraska has been to one bowl game since 2016. That was with a 7-6 overall record and a 3-6 mark in the Big Ten.
Nebraska hasn’t had a winning conference record since '16. Since that season, Nebraska’s Big Ten record heading into Saturday’s conference opener vs. Michigan is 22-49. The Cornhuskers have lost 27 straight games vs. ranked opponents.
While Michigan had some struggles until rounding into national championship form late in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, it was nothing remotely like the malaise in Lincoln.
So the 21st-ranked Wolverines should have no problem beating the Cornhuskers, right?
Perhaps not.
The two teams appear to be in a similar place in 2025. Nebraska is a 3-0, beat Cincinnati in a close game with the entire nation watching the opener and is as hopeful as can be after years of disappointment.
Michigan is 2-1, but the loss was at Oklahoma, a difficult test.
Both teams have celebrated young QBs, Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood and Nebraska sophomore Dylan Raiola.
Nebraska became a trendy pick because this is coach Matt Ruhle's third season. He won 10 games during his third year during rebuilds at previous stops Temple and Baylor.
If the Wolverines win Saturday, and then are victorious at USC on Oct. 11, they should be set for a showdown vs. Ohio State in the regular season finale.
After the USC game, a trip to Michigan State is likely Michigan’s most difficult test until the Buckeyes. The Wolverines don’t play Penn State, Oregon, Illinois or Indiana.
It also gives the obviously gifted Underwood time to grow before the OSU showdown in Ann Arbor.
While it lacks sizzle, this is unquestionably a crossroad game for Michigan.
A victory, and this could be an outstanding season for the Wolverines.
A loss? Well, it could play out like last season where the Big Ten title and certainly a CFP berth is unlikely.
It provides a litmus test for a program in transition.
A precursor for what is to come.