Great topic. Since joining the B1G in 2011, the Huskers have finished conference play with records of 5W-3L, 5W-3L, *7W-1L, 5W-3L. *Won the division once and lost badly in CCG (or as badly as you can lose a football game IMO) to finish 7-2.
So to me I think it's a safe bet to go with the trend and say 5W-3L this year.
I look at our schedule and see three tiers.
Tier 1 - Wisconsin, Michigan State
Tier 2 - Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa
Tier 3 - Illinois, Rutgers, Purdue
I look at our record against these teams since joining the B1G
Wisconsin 1-3, MSU 2-2
Minnesota 2-2, NW 3-1 (Hail Mary saves us!), Iowa 3-1 (OT last year)
Illinois 2-0, Rutgers 1-0, Purdue 2-0
Record: 16-9
I see the Huskers in the Tier 2 group unfortunately. It is somewhat reasonable to see Nebraska upsetting a Tier 1 opponent this season (Wisconsin, maybe, MSU, no). So other than excitement for those games, will not expect it.
The competition among the second group has improved. Those opponents have gotten tougher to play over the years. So these games should be closely played.
I would not be surprised if the Huskers go 6-2. I would be surprised if they did worse than 5-3.