OFFENSE
Nebraska was fortunate in 2008 as quarterback Joe Ganz returned to lead a very efficient offensive unit while new Coach Bo Pelini could focus on what he does best, and that is defense. Shawn Watson was retained to coordinate the unit, and Nebraska is fortunate to still have him.
Ganz is gone so The 'Huskers will be breaking in a new signal caller. Zac Lee, brother of FOX Business babe Jenna Lee, seems ready and poised for a guy who has so few snaps under his belt. Lee will operate behind a veteran line, which is very deep. A powerful big back little back punch of Quentin Castille and Roy Helu has been dealt a blow as Castille has been sent packing. What a shame! Meanwhile, Helu is very good but is he durable enough to play 60 minutes? The receiving core lacks a big play guy, but there is talent on hand to emerge in Chris Brooks, Niles Paul and Menelik Holt. Nebraska has a handful of weapons in some great pass catching tight ends in Dreu Young and Mike McNeil.DEFENSE
Pelini did wonders with this unit a year ago, and now, with everyone buying in the opportunity for the top defense in the conference is possible. The Blackshirts are
back, and a central reason for this optimism is the return of All America defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, fresh off his dismantling of Clemson and who is certain to be a top ten draft pick. Suh is extremely disruptive up front, and this allows a green but talented group of linebackers to patrol the field. Sean Fisher and Will Compton will start with Blake Lawrence and Matthew May cleaning up. The secondary lacks a clear all conference candidate, but there are solid performers in Eric Hagg, Anthony Blue, Anthony West, Ricky Thenarse and Larry Asante. Barry Turner returns from injury to join Pierre Allen as the rush ends. This group of defenders gives Pelini quite a bit of options he did not have a year ago, and I think the linebackers will be a strength while Suh dominates the line of scrimmage.INTANGIBLES
The schedule has some difficult challenges, with a September trip to Blacksburg to meet Virginia Tech. In the conference, a home game with Oklahoma seems too tall an order. There is a Thursday night game at Missouri and a trip to Baylor, who scares me. A pair of late season road trips to Kansas and Colorado will be the deciding factor in whether Nebraska wins the north. Both games are winnable. Nebraska has been on the wrong side of the turnover margin for a few years now, and I look for that to turn around under an emphasis on the running game offensively and the attacking defense Pelini likes to employ.
HONORS CANDIDATES
Ndamukong Suh, barring inury, will be considered for the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik trophies and win All American honors. RB Roy Helu and C Jacob Hickman could also emerge as all conference candidates and K/P Alex Henery could be among the top placekickers in the country.
NEW ARRIVALS
The one to watch here is quarterback Cody Green, who has shown a high level of maturity since arriving on campus. Should Zac Lee have problems, I doubt Pelini would have trouble turning it over to Green. With Castille gone, Rex Burkhead will get repetitions at IB, and he already has a substantial cult following. LB Chris Williams and DB Dijon Washington cold also emerge. Antonio Bell is a speedy guy at wide receiver who I think will become a real force on the offense.
FINAL ANALYSIS
Nebraska will be a better football team in 2009 than they were in 2008, but the record may not be indicative of that. Opportunities exist! Could the Big Red upset Va. Tech early on the road? Will OU be coming to town complacent? Kansas has a tough schedule so NU could lose to them and still win the north. But, don't worry, Nebraska rolls at 10-2 and plays in the Big XII title game. Next year, could be special.
GAMEDAY GALLERY
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