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    Ιѕ Νеbrаѕkа Ꭱеаllу Βеttеr Τһап Utаһ — οr Јᥙѕt Βlіпd ᖴаіtһ ᖴrοⅿ tһе ᖴапbаѕе?

    kimquyz Posted on

    As Nebraska prepares to face Utah on December 31, a familiar feeling has once again taken hold within the Cornhuskers community: belief.

    Belief that Nebraska is “back.”

    Belief that this team is different.

    Belief that Matt Rhule is building something real.

    Belief that Nebraska is good enough to beat Utah.

    But there is a question that cannot be avoided:

    Is Nebraska truly better than Utah — or is this simply blind faith from a fanbase desperate for a defining moment?

    This is not a question meant to attack Nebraska.

    It is a question meant to measure reality.

    Nebraska Is Improving — but How Far Have They Really Come?

    There is no denying it: Nebraska under Matt Rhule is better than it has been in recent years. The team is more organized, more disciplined, and perhaps most importantly, no longer collapses at the first sign of adversity.

    The defense plays with identity. The trenches are tougher. Young players no longer look overwhelmed by pressure. Nebraska is no longer a team that beats itself quickly.

    But being better than your past self does not automatically mean being better than Utah.

    That distinction is exactly what many fans are choosing to ignore.

    Utah Is the Type of Opponent Nebraska Has Nightmares About

    Utah is not flashy. It does not rely on media stars or viral highlights. Utah plays hard, disciplined, physical football.

    And Utah has something Nebraska has lacked for more than a decade:

    • Consistency

    • Discipline

    • A clear, unchanging identity

    • The ability to win ugly games

    Utah is the type of team that forces opponents to play perfect football, or slowly grinds them down.

    Historically, those are the teams Nebraska has struggled with most — not because of a lack of talent, but because of a lack of patience and composure.

    Fan Belief: Fuel or Pressure?

    Nebraska fans have every right to believe. In fact, they need that belief. After years of disappointment, hope becomes a survival mechanism.

    The problem arises when belief turns into unchecked expectation.

    When Nebraska is talked about as the favorite against Utah, uncomfortable questions must be asked:

    • Has Nebraska consistently beaten teams like Utah?

    • Has Nebraska proven itself on this type of stage?

    The honest answer is simple: not yet.

    Matt Rhule Is Building — Not Performing Magic

    Matt Rhule is a strong head coach. But he is not a magician.

    He is laying foundations, not producing instant miracles.

    Yet parts of the fanbase are racing ahead of the program’s actual progress. They want a statement win now. They want proof that Nebraska is officially “back.”

    Rhule himself has never claimed the rebuild is complete. On the contrary, he repeatedly emphasizes patience, culture, and process.

    If Nebraska loses to Utah, that is not a failure of Rhule.

    It is the reality of a program still learning how to win consistently.

    Position-by-Position: Is Nebraska Actually Better?

    Defense:

    Nebraska has improved, but Utah remains the standard of discipline and execution.

    The Trenches:

    Nebraska plays with energy. Utah plays with experience.

    Big-game experience:

    Clear edge to Utah.

    Game control and situational football:

    Utah operates here instinctively.

    So where is Nebraska better?

    Perhaps only in hunger — the desire to prove something.

    But hunger alone does not win games.

    This Game Is About More Than Winning or Losing

    The biggest danger is not Nebraska losing to Utah.

    The biggest danger is losing and refusing to accept the truth.

    If Nebraska wins, it is a breakthrough.

    If Nebraska loses, it is a lesson.

    But if Nebraska loses and the response is excuses — “we played well,” “we were unlucky,” “we’re close” — then that is the real failure.

    The Truth Must Be Faced

    Nebraska is improving, but it is not yet a program that should be trusted against teams like Utah.

    Fan belief matters. But belief only has value when paired with honesty.

    Nebraska vs. Utah is not about proving Nebraska is back.

    It is about answering a harder question:

    Is Nebraska ready for the next step?

    Conclusion: Belief Must Be Earned

    So, is Nebraska really better than Utah — or is it just blind faith?

    The answer will not come from social media.

    It will come on the field on December 31.

    And regardless of the result, it is time for Nebraska — and its fanbase — to face reality instead of running from it.

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    kimquyz
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