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wscsuperfan
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| 07/09/2007 1:46 PM |
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NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Head Coach: Bill Callahan - 4th year (22-15)
Returning Lettermen: 48 (24 OFF, 22 DEF, 2 ST)
Lettermen Lost: 20
Ten Best Huskers
1. LB - Bo Ruud (SR)
2. QB - Sam Keller (SR)
3. NT - Ndamukong Suh (SR)
4. OG - Matt Slauson (JR)
5. LB - Corey McKeon (SR)
6. LB - Steve Octavien (SR)
7. CB - Zackary Bowman (SR)
8. WR - Terrance Nunn (SR)
9. RB - Marlon Lucky (JR)
10. CB - Andre Jones (SR)
2007 Schedule
Nevada
at Wake Forest
USC
Ball State
Iowa State
at Missouri
Oklahoma State
Texas A&M
at Texas
at Kansas
Kansas State
at Colorado
2006 Results (9-5)
Louisiana Tech (W 49-10)
Nicholls State (W 56-7)
at USC (L 10-28)
Troy (W 56-0)
Kansas (W 39-32 OT)
at Iowa State (W 28-14)
at Kansas State (W 21-3)
Texas (L 20-22)
at Oklahoma State (L 29-41)
Missouri (W 34-20)
at Texas A&M (W 28-27)
Colorado (W 37-14)
Big 12 Championship
Oklahoma (L 7-21)
Cotton Bowl
Auburn (L 14-17)
Is this the year Nebraska is back to being Nebraska again? It'll have plenty of chances to make some big splashes with the best team yet under head coach Bill Callahan. Terrence Nunn and the passing game should shine, but will it be enough to get over the hump and win the Big 12 title?
When a team loses five games in a season, it's kind of hard to say that it's "almost there", but Nebraska made considerable progress and was close to being the type of Big 12 powerhouse the school envisioned when it hired Bill Callahan. There was a near-miss against Texas on a raw October afternoon, and a 17-14 Cotton Bowl loss to Auburn that easily could have been reversed, if the Huskers hadn't turned the ball over twice in the first half. There were signs, big-time signs, that things had finally turned around.
Even the 28-10 early-season loss to USC wasn't so bad. Yep, Nebraska looks like it's getting closer. Trouble is, so are many other Big 12 teams. With Callahan entering his fourth year in Lincoln, it's time to reach the destination. The trip to the Big 12 title game and the Cotton Bowl berth were nice, but the loyal hordes that fill Memorial Stadium aren't there to reward teams with a .642 winning percentage. They expect perfection, or at least a flirtation with it. With three full recruiting classes in the fold, Callahan will be expected to deliver it.
He might come close, despite a schedule that includes a visit from the Trojans and a trip to Wake Forest, not to mention the usual Big 12 battles (including Texas and Texas A&M this year). The Cornhuskers return several key components of last year's offense, and expect Arizona State transfer Sam Keller to step in and take the passing attack some big steps forward. There may be sizeable holes to fill on defense, particularly on the front line, but the arrivals of three JUCO defensive tackles should help.
The key is whether this team is ready to assume Callahan's all-business, 21st-century personality, rather than its ground-based Osbornesque features with which so many people still identify the program. The Huskers must be able to play more mistake-free football and impose their will on opponents more effectively.
Being good around Lincoln isn't great when national title contention is the norm. It's time for that to happen, or people will start wondering whether Callahan is just someone with a gaudy resume, or a star who can truly build a dominant program.
What to watch for on offense
Callahan is a devoted West Coast offense disciple, but he isn't stupid. The Cornhuskers want to be effective throwing it, but they did run the ball 143 more times than they threw it last season. You can't play on the Plains and not have a strong ground component to your offense. That said, Keller's arrival provides hope that the Huskers could open up the throttle and become even more efficient through the air.
What to expect on defense
There's always been a fascination with the Nebraska "Black Shirt" defense, but last year's team couldn't lay claim to that tradition, not after ranking 56th in the nation in total defense (331.9) and 24th in scoring defense (18.3). That's not horrible, but it isn't what championship teams do. The 4-3 defense returns top performers along the two back lines, but the front four must be rebuilt and needs immediate contributions from the newcomers to be effective.
The Schedule
For a team expected to win the Big 12 title, it'll be lucky to keep its head above water with this schedule playing nine bowl teams from last year. After starting with four of their first five games at home, the Huskers go to Missouri, where they've lost their last two times, for a showdown that'll likely decide the North title. Trips to Kansas and Colorado aren't going to be walks in the park, while playing at Texas to kick off a stretch of three road games in the final four dates might kill Nebraska's championship dreams. Oh yeah, and there's the non-conference schedule. Nebraska will play a good Nevada team at home, along with Ball State and its dangerous offense (remember what the Cardinals almost did to Michigan last year) and will travel to Winston-Salem to face ACC champion Wake Forest. If that isn't enough, there's that little meeting with USC in mid-September.
Best Offensive Player
Senior QB Sam Keller. No pressure, just replace the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, lead the team to the Big 12 title, and carry the program over the threshold and back to being a national superpower again. While Zac Taylor was a nice passer to bring Nebraska into the modern day, he wasn't the 6' 4", 230 pound pro-prospect Keller is. The former Arizona State Sun Devil hasn't ever put together a full season, and if he's not the star the Husker fans are hoping he is, Nebraska will be very good, but not sensational.
Best Defensive Player
Senior LB Bo Ruud. A smart, tough player who grew into a role on the outside, the 6' 3", 235 pound senior will move from the weak side tot he strong side, where he'll be an All-Big 12 star again, making even more plays against the run. He has 145 tackles over the last two seasons, with 21 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, and now he should be a threat to make 100 stops. Also watch out for Ndamukong Suh in the middle of the line. He has the potential to be the anchor of the D.
Key Player to a Successful Season
Junior RB Marlon Lucky. Keller might become the key to the attack, but the team can win with Joe Ganz running the show. Considering top backup running back Cody Glenn is trying to shake a foot problem, and Brandon Jackson (NFL) and Kenny Wilson (broken leg from moving a TV) are gone, Lucky has to be healthy all year. The one-time elite recruit has had a variety of problems, and if he's not right, the offense will become all Keller, all the time.
The Season will be a Success if.....
....the Huskers win the Big 12 title. Now that Husker fans have gotten a taste of the championship game again, anything less than winning the whole thing will be a letdown, considering all the returning talent. It'll take at least a split in road games against Missouri and Texas to get the shot, and with this offense, the first championship since 1999 is possible.
Key Game
October 6 at Missouri. The schedule might be tough, but a win over the Tigers would make it a whole bunch easier. A loss might mean the Texas game in late-October could be a must-win to stay alive, and there can't be any other slip-ups. A win could go a long way toward clinching a spot in the Big 12 championship.
2006 Fun Stats
Nebraska quarter-by-quarter scoring - 1st (117 pts), 2nd (135 pts), 3rd (49 pts), 4th (120 pts)
Field Goals: Opponents 12 of 17; Nebraska 5 of 7
Fumbles: Opponents 32 (lost 13); Nebraska 25 (lost 17)
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wscsuperfan
Posts:197
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| 07/09/2007 1:47 PM |
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NEBRASKA OFFENSE
Returning Leaders
Passing: Joe Ganz - 7-of-13, 122 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Marlon Lucky - 141 car, 728 yds, 6 TD
Receiving: Terrence Nunn - 42 rec, 597 yds, 3 TD
What you need to know
From possibly losing star receiver Maurice Purify for being a knucklehead off the field, to losing leading rusher Brandon Jackson to the NFL, promising runner Kenny Wilson to a broken leg while moving a TV, and starting guard Matt Huff to a blown out Achilles (though he might be back), it's been a rough off-season for the offense. Even with all the problems, the offense will roll if, and it's a screaming if, the once-promising tackle prospects come through and the starting 11 stays healthy. Top back Marlon Lucky can't be counted on for a full season, while backup Cody Glenn is already hobbling with a foot problem. There's no one of note behind them. The line had to do some shuffling after a variety of injuries, meaning the ground game could struggle at times. Fortunately, former Arizona State mad bomber Sam Keller is at the helm with a speedy, veteran receiving corps to work with. Don't be shocked if the attack becomes one-dimensional at some point this year. That might not be a bad thing.
Star of the Offense
Senior QB Sam Keller
Player that has to step up and become a star
Junior RB Marlon Lucky
Unsung star on the rise
Senior C Brett Byford
Best Pro Prospect
Junior OG Matt Slauson
Top three All-Star Candidates
Sam Keller, Matt Slauson, Terrence Nunn
Strength of the Offense
Veteran receivers, Sam Keller
Weakness of the Offense
Healthy running backs, tackle
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter: Senior Sam Keller was on the verge of becoming a Heisman-caliber quarterback at Arizona State with tremendous talent, 6-4, 230-pound size, a big-time arm, and an even bigger-time attitude. After a bizarre sequence of events when he was named the ASU starter, after missing the second half of 2005 with an injured thumb, was relegated to second string behind Rudy Carpenter the morning after being named the number one, threw a hissy fit, and left for Lincoln. While it would be nice if he had the full command of the Husker offense, he was around enough last year to know what he's doing. Talent-wise, it could be argued that he's the most talented passer to ever be under center for the Big Red. It's not a stretch to call him the X factor in the Big 12 title race, and since he's faced USC before (and will play the Trojans on September 15th), he could play a huge role in deciding the national title.
Projected Top Reserves: Don't just hand over the offense to Keller yet. Junior Joe Ganz was terrific in spring ball showing great accuracy and a great command of the offense. While he doesn't have Keller's talent, the 6' 1", 200 pounder is more mobile and has enough of an arm to keep things moving. The team can with with him under center. 6' 4", 220 pound Patrick Witt might be the star of the future. The true freshman go to school early and had a nice spring, considering his lack of experience. He's a pure pro-style passer with a big arm and good presence. While he'll be the number three, at best, and will likely redshirt, he showed enough promise to possibly become the 2008 starter.
Watch out For: A possible mega-controversy. What happens if Ganz plays better than Keller in fall practices? Keller had a good spring, but Ganz was every bit as productive. Considering Keller's attitude, for good and bad, can the coaching staff actually name Ganz the starter? This could be interesting.
Strength: All Zac Taylor did was throw for 3,197 yards and 26 touchdowns with a mere eight interceptions while leading the Huskers to the Big 12 title game and earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. Keller is better. A lot better. While that doesn't necessarily mean much if the production doesn't follow, the offense could be explosive if the talent and system each come together.
Weakness: Keller's history. As good as he might be, he has yet to show he can play a full season with only seven starts in 2005. Talent-wise, he might be ten times better than Taylor, but he was also ten times better than Rudy Carpenter.
Outlook: Keller will explode. The running game won't be nearly as strong as last year, and it could be downright disastrous if the top backs can't stay healthy. That might be just fine with Keller, who's more equipped to throw, throw, and throw some more. Don't be fooled by the alleged open competition for the starting job, Ganz isn't getting it unless Keller falls flat on his face.
Position Rating (out of 10): 8
Running Backs
Projected Starter: 6' 0", 210 pound junior Marlon Lucky was one of the nation's top running back recruits a few years ago, and while he's been decent, finishing second on the team with 728 yards and six touchdowns with a 5.2 yard-per-carry average, and fourth with 32 catches for 383 yards, he hasn't had to be the main man thanks to a variety of bumps and bruises including a back problem, and this spring, a slight knee injury. With only one game last year with more than 20 carries, the Cotton Bowl loss to Auburn, he needs to show early on that he can be a workhorse, even though the offense doesn't always need one. He has a next level combination of size, speed, and hands, and if puts it all together, could be an all-conference back who becomes a national breakout star if he can stay healthy.
The Huskers dont' always use a fullback, but when it does, it'll be 6' 2", 230 pound senior Andy Sand. Almost purely a blocker in the offense, it'll be a pure surprise whenever one gets a carry or a catch. Sand, a former tight end, has been great in the classroom, but has yet to do anything on the field.
Projected Top Reserves: Nebraska had good luck with a 1-2 rotation of backs between Lucky and Brandon Jackson, the team's leading rusher. Jackson bolted early for the NFL, and now it'll be up to 6' 0", 230 pound junior Cody Glenn, who wasn't right in spring ball after suffering a foot injury laste last year. A powerful back who's great around the goal line, he scored eight times and was third on the team with 370 yards rushing. He's not a receiver. With a variety of issues depleting the backups, true freshman Marcus Mendoza, who came to school early, could see time early on. A pure speed back who can hit the home run from anywhere on the field, he should be dangerous when he gets the ball on the move. Eventually. Ready or not, he might be needed right away.
Watch Out For: Everyone to cross their fingers and hope Lucky can last the year. If he doesn't, there will be big, big problems.
Strength: The thunder and lightning tandem of Glenn and Lucky could be devastating. Assuming everyone stays healthy, the Huskers will have a dangerous rotation of backs than can do a little of everything. Lucky has all the skills to be special.
Weakness: Health and luck. From Brandon Jackson's early loss to the big league, to Kenny Wilson's broken leg while moving a TV (or so the story goes), to Glenn's injured foot that isn't ready yet, to Lucky's on-going health concerns, the running back situation could be a huge problem at some point.
Outlook: This could've been one of the nation's best running back attacks if Jackson, Wilson, Lucky, and Glenn were all available. now it's Lucky and Glenn and pray for several true freshmen to be ready to see time right away. A few no-name backs will emerge as the season goes on to see signifcant time.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7
Receivers
Projected Starters: The receiving corps and passing game was dealt a potentially crippling blow thanks to a rough off-season from 6' 4", 220 pound senior Maurice Purify. After finishing second on the team with 34 receptions for 630 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns, Purify appeared ready for a national-breakout season, despite getting heavier, and far less effective, after the end of the year. Arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, coming off some other legal troubles stemming from a bar fight in early May, now he's suspended indefinitely. Assuming Purify isn't back, it'll likely be up to 6' 2", 200 pound junior Nate Swift to be the main man on the outside. He saw his role reduced, catching 22 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns, after blowing up for a stretch in 2005 and finishing with 45 catches and seven touchdowns. He led the team in receiving two years ago, and is more than capable of stepping back in and being productive. However, he's not Purify.
On the inside will be the team's leading receiver, 6' 0", 190 pound senior Terrence Nunn, who caught 42 passes for 597 yards and three scores with a steady, consistent year. Extremely quick with great hands, and the speed to get deep, he has the skills to be a star, but he's made his mark being one of the Big 12's most dependable targets over the last two years.
Nebraska uses a tight-end-by-committee approach, with 6' 3", 245 pound senior J.B. Phillips the starter. While he caught 13 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns, and has nice hands, he's made his biggest mark as a blocker. That could quickly change as he becomes more of a tight end and less of an H-back/fullback.
Projected Top Reserves: With Purify's problems, several other veterans will get far more work. 6' 1", 190 pound senior Frantz Hardy led the team in yards per catch averaging 22.6 on 14 grabs with three touchdowns, highlighted by a three-catch, 159 yard, two touchdown performance against Kansas. With the blazing speed to be a star deep threat, he needs to be more of a factor on an every game basis, which he should after hitting the weights this off-season. Behind Nunn will be 6' 4", 210 pound junior Todd Peterson, who's coming off a 19 catch, 307 yard, two touchdown season. One of the team's biggest targets, he has enough deep speed to come up with some deep plays here and there, but he hasn't been more than a complimentary, big-play receiver (if that's possible). On the verge of emerging as a top target, is 6' 5", 210 pound sophomore Will Henry, a matchup nightmare with 4.5 speed to go along with his size. He didn't catch a pass last year, and he's still not polished by any stretch, but he has all the skills to become special.
Along with Phillips at tight end will be 6' 3", 230 pound junior Hunter Teafatiller and 6' 5", 265 pound senior Josh Mueller. Teafatiller was a surprisingly dangerous target averaging 15.6 yards per catch with four touchdowns on just five grabs, including a 14 yard scoring catch for the team's only touchdown in the Big 12 title game. Mueller has seen starting time throughout his career, and even turned into a short-yardage receiver with two touchdown catches.
Watch Out For: More of the same with several receivers getting work. Nunn is a good, steady number one receiver to rely on, but all the top targets will get their share of work. The passing game will spread it around.
Strength: Experience. If you include Purify in the mix, and take out the running backs, the top five wide receivers are back, and they've all spent plenty of time in the system. They all know what to do. However.....
Weakness: You can't include Purify in the mix. Purify caught seven of the team's 32 touchdown passes, and while that might not seem like a big deal, none of the other wide receivers caught more than three. No one else on the roster, with the possible exception of Henry, who's not quite ready for prime time, has the talent of Purify. He was the one guy who threw a mega-scare into opposing defenses.
Outlook The overall result will be good with all the returning experience and all the speed. It's never good to not have a talent like Purify to work with (if, needed, he's actually not a part of the team anymore), but expect several other receivers to pick up the slack. That includes the tight ends, who can all catch and can all grow into becoming a bigger part of the offense.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7.5
Offensive Line
Projected Starters: Will the tackle prospects finally produce up to expectations? Senior Carl Nicks had a decent season as a reserve on the right side, and ended up starting late in the year against Colorado and in the Big 12 title game. The 6' 5", 330 pound former JUCO transfer, by way of New Mexico State, has the size to go along with decent athleticism, and he stepped up this spring and showed he should be more consistent and more dominant with the full-time job all to himself.
6' 7", 305 pound junior Lydon Murtha wasn't able to use all his bulk and finally become the all-star blocker many expected to be from the start of his career, which was derailed by a leg injury. Able to play either tackle spot, he was good throughout spring ball and should be a plus as a starter once he starts to show some consistency.
The interior should be more settled, at least among the starters, led by 6' 5", 335 pound junior Matt Slauson at right guard. A starter for most of last year at right tackle, he'll move inside after earning All-Big 12 honors. A great run blocker, he was decent in pass protection, but nothing special and will be far more productive inside where he can use his bulk to bang away. He'll be the anchor everyone else works around unless 6' 3", 300 pound senior Brett Byford becomes the main man in the middle. The honorable mention All-Big 12 center came up with a shocker of a year, taking over early on and turning into a steady starter. He might not be dominant, but he doesn't make mistakes.
6' 3", 300 pound junior Andy Christensen is back at left guard after taking over the job full time over the last five games last season. He missed spring ball after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he should be back at 100% this fall. His emergence as a consistent blocker is a must with the concerns at tackle.
Projected Top Reserves: 6' 4", 300-pound Mike Huff was supposed to start at right guard, allowing Slauson to start at tackle, but he ruptured his Achilles tendon in winter drills. He's supposed to be back at some point this year after starting all but one game. While he was decent, he was nothing special. Slauson's an upgrade at the position.
The overall talent has been improved over the last few years, but it'll take a big year from two newcomers to the mix to make the line stronger. 6-5, 310-pound redshirt freshman Keith Williams will quickly find time at one of the guard spots, and will likely start out the year behind Christensen on the left side. A big-time recruit, he could've played defensive tackle for many other top schools.
Also adding more skill to the line will be 6-5, 310-pound redshirt freshman D.J. Jones at right tackle behind Murtha. Like Williams, Jones was a superior recruit who has shown signs of very soon becoming a major player with next-level strength and potential.
Watch Out For: The starting tackles to change at some point. Even though Nicks and Murtha were great in spring, they're hardly sure-things to hold on to their jobs. Nicks has a far better chance to grow into a regular, after showing signs of becoming dominant late last year, but D.J. Jones will end up pushing the underwhelming Murtha very, very hard, if Slauson doesn't end up movnig back outside.
Strength: The interior. Byford went from an unknown to a possible all-star with next-level potential, Christensen is serviceable, if unspectacular, and Slauson is a sure-thing All-Big 12 performer at right guard (assuming he stays there).
Weakness: Proven reserves. After last year, the line appeared to have a ton of options. Then Huff blew out his Achilles and left tackle Chris Patrick bolted early for the NFL. A knee injury to spot-starter Jake Hickman didn't help matters. Now it's sink or swim with Nicks and Murtha at tackle and hope things work out well.
Outlook: The line will probably be overrated by many going into the year, and may be underappreciated at the end. The program suffered a minor setback when one-time top prospects, like Murtha, failed to come close to playing up to their original projections, and now the hope is for young stars like Jones and Williams to live up to expectations. On the plus side, Murtha and Nicks should be better on the outside. If everyone stays healthy, this will be a good line, but not one of the team's strengths. It'll be a killer next year.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7
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wscsuperfan
Posts:197
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| 07/09/2007 1:48 PM |
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NEBRASKA DEFENSE
Returning Leaders
Tackles: Andre Jones - 74
Sacks: Ndamukong Suh - 2.5
Interceptions: Bo Ruud - 2
What you need to know
Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove is about throwing different looks at offenses over the last few years, and while he loses all four starters off a great front four, he has more talent and depth to work with. The strength is in the linebacking corps, where Bo Ruud, Corey McKeon, Steve Octavien, and Lance Brandenburgh will control the defense. There's speed to burn in the secondary, but the defensive backs haven't played up to their potential or athleticism over the last few years. This will be one of the Big 12's better defenses, but it still might not be close to the killer of some of the great Husker teams of the past.
Star of the defense
Senior LB Bo Ruud
Player that has to step up and become a star
Junior DE Zach Potter
Unsung star on the rise
Senior S Bryan Wilson
Best Pro Prospect
Senior DT Ndamukong Suh
Top Three All-Star Candidates
Bo Rudd, Ndamukong Suh, Corey McKeon
Strength of the Defense
Linebacker, speed of the secondary
Weakness of the Defense
Shutdown cornerbacks, sure-thing defensive ends
Defensive Line
Projected Starters: With all four starters needing to be replaced on the line, 6' 3", 250 pound junior Barry Turner has to become the star on the end he's expected to be. He had a hard time getting too much attention with stars Jay Moore and Adam Carriker manning the ends for the last two years, but he still made 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks with six quarterback hurries. He has all the tools, including 4.5 speed, to become a superior all-around defender taking over for Moore at the Open End, but first he has to come back healthy from a shoulder problem that kept him out of spring ball.
The other open end spot isn't so secure. 6' 7", 280 pound junior Zach Potter hasn't played up to his size making three tackles as a special teamer. While he's a physical specimen, and an Academic All-Big 12 performer, he hasn't been able to grow into a role. Now he has the unenviable task of taking over at Base End for Carriker, the 13th overall pick in last year's NFL draft.
6' 3", 305 pound sophomore Ndamukong Suh is a rock of a run defender on the nose, making 19 tackles as a reserve, and he's also fantastic at getting into the backfield with 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. Quick off the ball, he's growing into an all-star to revolve the entire defense around. He should be even quicker now that he's a year removed from a knee injury that knocked him out early in his true freshman season.
A familiar last name is at the other tackle. 6' 3", 285 pound junior Ty Steinkuhler, son of legendary Nebraska offensive lineman Dean, is an emerging defender making 22 stops and three tackles for loss in a backup role. He's not a monster on the inside, but he's quick, strong, and extremely active. He'll shine with Suh taking up at least two blockers on every play.
Projected Top Reserves: Providing help at the Open End behind Turner will be 6' 4", 245 pound junior Clayton Sievers, a former tight end and linebacker who'll move to the line full-time. Athleticism isn't a problem, and he showed the strength at times in goal line situations. A pair of big tackles will rotate in to provide some bulk. 6' 3", 315 pound senior Brandon Johnson is a bigger option behind Steinkuhler. The former JUCO transfer is big and strong, but won't get into the backfield like Steinkuhler. 6' 4", 310 pound junior Shurkee Barfield is another JUCO transfer who sat otu last year and should quickly grow into a force. Originally a Rutgers Scarlet Knight before transferring, he was a top prospect and a great get for the Huskers.
On the way is Joseph Townsend, a JUCO transfer who'll have four years to play three. He's a 6' 3", 285 pound tackle with the speed and quickness to be a big end, and the frame to add a few more pounds and grow into a star tackle.
Watch Out For: The line to not miss Carriker and Moore as much as many might think. It's a bit of a stretch to call last year's Husker line a disappointment, considering the high expectations and top-shelf talent all across the front, but yeah, it was a disappointment. There might not be a top 15 draft pick up front, but it should be rock-solid.
Strength: Aggressive tackles. Suh will be an All-Big 12 performer and Steinkuhler is a non-stop plugger who'll make a ton of plays by always going full-tilt. It's never a bad ting to have two top backups, like Johnson and Barfield, checking in around 310 pounds.
Weakness: The second defensive end opposite Barry Turner. Is Potter ready to live up to his potential? Can 6' 5", 265 pound redshirt freshman Pierre Allen be the consistent speed rusher who can change games? Turner will do his job, but the other side is still shaky.
Outlook: You don't get better by losing players like Carriker and Moore, along with solid tackles Barry Cryer and Ola Dagunduro. Despite losing all four starters, there isn't going to be a huge drop-off in overall production against the run. With a great linebacking corps behind them, the front foursome will be able to take some chances from time to time.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7.5
Linebackers
Projected Starters: After making 65 tackles and two sacks last year, with three forced fumbles, and with 145 stops in the last two years, 6' 3", 235 pound senior Bo Ruud is moving from the weakside, where he was good in pass coverage, but not special, to the strongside. He's a smart veteran who's tough as nails and always in the right position to make plays. The first-team All-Big 12 selection will be an even bigger star at his new spot.
Taking over Ruud's spot on the weakside will be 6' 0", 240 pound senior Steve Octavien, a phenomenal talent with all the NFL measureables to be a great all-around defender. A huge hitter, he came up with 32 tackles and a sack despite being dinged up with a leg problem and missing five games. If he can stay 100% healthy, which is a big if, he has the size, speed, and skills to be all over the field and grow into an all-star.
A bit unsung, compared to Ruud and Octavien, is 6' 1", 225 pound senior Corey McKeon, who finished third on the team with 69 tackles and eight tackles for loss. Over the last two years, he has 167 stops and a whopping 30 tackles for loss with eight sacks and 13 quarterback hurries, however, he made most of his plays in the backfield as a sophomore. He was asked to sit back a bit more rather than fly to the passer, and he has the ability to go back to becoming a terror behind the line if it's in the overall scheme. While he's not huge, he's as tough as they come.
Projected Top Reserves: 6' 1", 230 pound senior Lance Brandenburgh will be the main backup both in the middle and on the weakside. Versatile enough to step in on the strongside, too, he made 41 tackles and four tackles for loss in a reserve role, with one start in the middle against Missouri. He's a smart player who doesn't make mistakes. 6' 2", 225 pound redshirt freshman Kyle Moore is an undersized strongside linebacker with excellent upside. With his speed, he should be able to step in early on after a big spring, but it'll be next to impossible to get Ruud off the field.
Also in the hunt somewhere, likely in the middle, will be 6' 1", 250 pound sophomore Phillip Dillard after getting over a knee injury suffered in the season opener. As the biggest linebacker in the mix, he's a physical presence with the talent (he was a top recruit in 2005) to eventually be a strong starter.
Watch Out For: Ruud's stats to blow up. It's not like he didn't put up huge numbers over the last two years, but now he should be in the hunt for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors. He'll be free to do more to get into the backfield and be more disruptive.
Strength: Veterans. Ruud and McKeon have been rocks of the defense over the last two years, while Octavien might be the most talented of the bunch. You can do a whole bunch worse than Brandenburgh, Moore, and Dillard as backups.
Weakness: Not much. To look for a possible problem, this isn't the best all-around group against the pass, but even that's not a glaring issue.
Outlook: It's more of a star-studded corps than it might get credit for on a national level. Ruud and McKeon will get all-star honors, while Octavien has top 100 draft pick potential. As good as everyone is, there has to be more forced turnovers and more big plays against the run. Those will come.
Position Rating (out of 10): 9
Defensive Backs
Projected Starters: There's experience in the corps, but there are still plenty of concerns. The first problem is 5' 9", 170 pound senior cornerback Cortney Grixby, who was picked apart last year. He has a ton of experience, some of the best wheels on the team, and is a strong tackler with 99 stops over the last two years. He broke up 11 passes, and picked off one, and now he has to make teams pay for throwing his way. On the other side is 6' 0", 190 pound senior Andre Jones after starting every game, finishing second on the team with 74 tackles. He made an interception and broke up seven passes, and is a lock for one of the starting jobs with great speed to go along with his open-field tackling skills.
Senior Tierre Green, the cousin of former Husker great Ahman Green, started his career at running back, moved to corner, and last year made 65 tackles with an interception in his first year as a strong safety. Doing a little of everything for the team, now he'll likely move to free safety, despite being an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer at strong safety. With his speed, he projects more as a free safety at the next level. The strong safety job is up for grabs, but after a fantastic spring, 6' 1", 205 pound senior Bryan Wilson appears to have taken over the spot. A career special teamer with only four tackles, with a little time at corner in nickel situations, he could now come out of nowhere and be one of the team's top tacklers. First, he'll have to prove the spring wasn't a fluke.
Projected Top Reserves: 6' 2", 200 pound senior Zackary Bowman went into last year as a top NFL prospect, and then the Alaska native tore his ACL in fall practices. He worked hard, appeard to get his speed back, and looked ready to take over one of the starting corner jobs before tearing his patellar tendon. Now, he's likely out until mid-season at best, though some reports show his rehab is progressing far ahead of schedule. When healthy, he's the team's best shutdown corner.
If Wilson sees time at free safety, or falters this fall, 6' 1", 210 pound sophomore Larry Asante will take over at strong safety. A huge hitter, the JUCO transfer made 76 tackles with 11 tackles for loss at Coffeyville Community College. A former linebacker, he should eventually take over the starting role and be the tone-setter for the secondary.
With Bowman's status up in the air, JUCO transfer Armando Munillo will play a big role as a backup at both corner spots, if he doesn't take over a starting job. The cousin of Washington Wizard star Gilbert Arenas could've gone just about anywhere, and with his 6' 0", 195 pound size, NFL ball skills, and potential, he'll be a vital contributor from day one.
Watch Out For: Tierre Green to finally get his just due. Moving around as much as he has, he hasn't been able to get settled at any one spot. He appears to be a prototype free safety and should grow into the role. Of course, he could move back to strong safety.
Strength: Speed. If it seems like everyone in this backfield has NFL speed, it's because everyone in this secondary really does. There's not shortage of athleticism, and now it has to mean even more in production.
Weakness: A number one cornerback. Andre Jones is a shat-steet filler, but he's not a true shutdown defender. Bowman's injury was a huge blow to the defensive backfield, and he needs to get back at some point.
Outlook: For the first time in the Bill Callahan era, the Huskers have several options to play around with. Once Bowman gets back, they'll have even more. It all might come down to Grixby. If he uses his experience and speed to come up with some picks early, and teams start to stay away from him, it'll be a huge plus. USC's and (don't laugh) Ball State's high-octane passing games come up early on the slate.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7.5
Special Teams
Projected Starters: The kicking game was solid with Jordan Congdon connecting on five of seven field goal attempts and junior Dan Titchener averaging 39.3 yards per punt with a whopping 26 put inside the 20 and 28 forced fair catches. Congdon didn't have a huge leg and ended up transferring to USC, leaving the door open for junior Jake Wesch to get a shot after handling some of the kickoff duties. He has great range, but he'll have to prove he can be consistent or true freshman Adi Kunalic who has a 50-yard leg could take over.
Watch Out For: The placekicking job to be a thorn in the team's side for a while. It's going to be an ongoing battle that won't be settled until Nevada comes to Lincoln for the season opener.
Strength: Dan Titchener. Most look at the average and simply assume a punter is good or bad based on it. Titchener was one of the nation's most effective punters with his ability to pin teams deep, and only allowing 4.1 yards per return.
Weakness: The return game. Nebraska averaged a mere 17.43 yards per kickoff return and 8.17 yards per punt return. Cortney Grixby will get a shot at returning punts after averaging 7.1 yards per try, while Marlon Lucky will be the main kickoff returner after averaging 19.1 yards per attempt.
Outlook: The special teams will look to several newcomers to beef things up all the way around after an average season. The kick return game wasn't bad in the past, and could be good again in a big hurry. The big question mark, and the difference between a Big 12 title type of season and being an also-ran, could depend on whether or not a steady placekicker shows up.
Position Rating (out of 10): 7.5
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