While Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule is considered a specialist in rebuilding programs, another former Husker coach is quickly gaining a similar reputation. Jay Norvell, the head coach of the Colorado State Rams, has engineered a remarkable turnaround that has Husker fans hopeful Rhule can replicate a similar path.

Defying Expectations: Colorado State's Unexpected Resurgence

From Doubts to Dominance

When Norvell opened his third season with Colorado State with a resounding 52-0 loss to Texas, some questioned whether the Rams had hired yet another head coach who couldn't get the job done. After all, his first two years in Fort Collins had been underwhelming, with records of 8-16 and 6-10 in the Mountain West Conference.However, despite also losing 28-9 to Colorado and only managing a win against an FCS opponent in the first three games, Norvell has led the Rams to victories in five of their last six contests. This impressive run has secured Colorado State's first bowl game appearance since 2017, a remarkable achievement considering the team's recent struggles.

Navigating the Mountain West Landscape

Not only is Norvell's team 6-3 on the year, but they're also a perfect 4-0 in the Mountain West Conference. Their remaining opponents, Wyoming, Fresno State, and Utah State, have a combined record of just 9-19, with only Fresno State boasting a .500 or better record at 5-5. This favorable schedule, coupled with the absence of powerhouses like Boise State and UNLV, has given the Rams a clear path to the Mountain West title game.While Boise State remains the conference's best team, Norvell's squad has a legitimate chance to pull off an upset and claim the Mountain West crown. Even if they fall short in the title game, the Rams' bowl bid is already secured, a remarkable achievement for a program that has struggled in recent years.

Rebuilding with Resilience

Norvell's success at Colorado State is particularly impressive when considering the state of the program he inherited. The Rams had been mired in mediocrity for some time, and Norvell's initial struggles only added to the doubts surrounding his ability to turn the team around.However, the former Nebraska football coach has demonstrated his prowess as a rebuilder, implementing a system and culture that has allowed the Rams to overcome their early-season setbacks and emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West. Norvell's ability to rally his team and instill a winning mentality has been a key factor in Colorado State's resurgence.As Husker fans eagerly await the results of Matt Rhule's rebuilding efforts in Lincoln, the success of Norvell at Colorado State serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic leadership in transforming a struggling program. Norvell's journey has captured the attention of the college football world, and his continued success could pave the way for other former Husker coaches to follow in his footsteps.