OFFENSE
Nebraska ran through a stretch last year where offense was played with the brakes on. It cost the 'Huskers at lest two games. Injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position led the 'Huskers to operate behind a scaled back playbook and rely on the stout defense. Zac Lee, brother of FOX Business babe Jenna Lee, struggled frequently in 2009 but with a revised playbook, showcased his skills in the Holiday Bowl. Lee will be pressured for the job by Cody Green and Taylor Martinez, who although with no experience other than turning heads in spring game, provides excellent athleticism. This contest could lead into the fall, but it would be better if someone took charge. Nebraska has a stable of talented runners, with senior Roy Helu, Jr. and speedy Rex Burkhead both playing significant roles. Helu has been often injured, but when healthy he is superb. The line lost swing man Mike Smith to injury in fall practice, but should be strong anyhow. Junior college transfer Jamarcus Hardrick could be an immediate force. Niles Paul is an all conference player and kick returner, and along with Brandon Kinnie, who is looking like something special, targets for whoever wins the quarterback battle will be easy to find. Former tight end Mike McNeill win be used in a capacity that could create many a mismatch and a complementary short range target for the signal caller. At the end of the day, the offensive success will come down to the level of play at quarterback for the Big Red.
DEFENSE
Nebraska, just two years removed from defensive embarrassment under Bill Callahan and Kevin Cosgrove, had a defense last fall among the nations best and in Ndamukong Suh, one of the most decorated college players of all time. Only in the Texas Tech game did the defense not play stellar. The Blackshirts held OU without a touchdown, the only time this has happened in the Stoops era, shut down Texas in the Big XII Championship game and then pitched a shutout against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. While Big Suh was a tremendous player, the defense should not drop off much this fall. Jared Crick will be a force up front and Prince Amakumura is among the nations best corners. The linebacking core is sound, although a fall camp injury has cost Sean Fisher as he is lost for the year. Eric Hagg and Dejon Gomes are fantastic hybrids in the back unit, allowing Pelini to mix up schemes. Ask Arizona how effective it was. There is some great competition at tackle and safety, but look for depth to be favorable issue for this menacing unit.
INTANGIBLES
The schedule is favorable. An early season trip to Washington , who is an emerging team with a top notch quarterback in Jake Locker, is no given out of conference. Nebraska is licking their chops for Texas to visit Lincoln, but even if victorious there, directly following are test at Oklahoma State and a late trip to another up and coming squad in Texas A&M, who also has a great field general in Jerrod Johnson. Should win the rest, so if they can navigate those three, it could be a special year.
HONORS CANDIDATES
Following in the footsteps of Ndamukong Suh, Jared Crick will be considered for the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik trophies and win All American honors. Prince Amakumura is one of the top defensive backs in the nation and a top draft pick who should win All America honors also. K/P Alex Henery could be among the top specialists in the country. Niles Paul is also an honors candidate.
NEW ARRIVALS
Two junior college transfers should figure prominently. Jamarcus Hardrick should start on the offensive line and with the injury to Sean Fisher at linebacker, Lavonte David will figure prominently. Coaches say true freshmen Quincy Enunwa will play at wide receiver and offensive tackle Andrew Rodriguez is running second team.
FINAL ANALYSIS
Last season, the forecast called for Nebraska to roll at 10-2 and play in the Big XII title game, noting that 2010 could be special. It could be. On the defensive side of the ball, the 'Huskers will be among the nations best. Offensively, each position is in good hands with the exception of the quarterback, which the coaching staff is well aware of. Therefore, I expect significant improvement at the position, and with that a chance for Nebraska to play for the national title. The Big Red could stumble and still win the North division, does gets Texas at home, and should meet either Texas or OU in the Big XII Title game. This time, the time statistician will be wearing red.
GAMEDAY GALLERY
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