The league did Purdue no favors with its Big Ten schedule in year one of the reorganized league. The Boilers get a road to Ohio State and Wisconsin that are quite daunting. They get Penn State and Oregon at home as difficult games. The opener is also tricky, as Nebraska comes to West Lafayette looking to have a year two breakthrough under Matt Rhule.

The Purdue-Nebraska series has been very competitive since the Cornhuskers joined the league. It is now tied 6-6, and most of the recent games have been competitive late. The programs have been mostly even, but the Cornhuskers have not been to the postseason for seven straight years.

There is much excitement for year 2 under Matt Rhule, but at some point the Cornhskers have to go out and prove it.