All during the Devaney-Osborne era, you new Nebraska would punish you with a powerful running game. Regrettably, pass happy Bill Callahan took over and while there was some offensive success, this was not Nebraska. Tim Beck is in his second year as coordinator, and his offensive philosophy, while not the power I of the past, does sort of resemble what Frank Solich was running as he was let go. Consider this a welcomed development. For this offense to go, it needs to be in capable hands, and it is. Taylor Martinez, who is often criticized and did not show improvement in his sophomore season, has all the tools to lead an experienced offense, balanced by Nebraska standards, to a level not seen at Nebraska in some years. Many feel Martinez is a liability, but I see him making big strides in 2012, improving each aspect of his game. T-Magic is blessed to have a wonderful player at his side in the legend of Rex Burkhead, a dependable weapon running the ball and catching out of the backfield. Burkhead if healthy could challenge for All America honors, with versatility a key component to his game; he can do it all. Ameer Abdullah is a top notch backup. The big uglies have not been up to old standards of late, although individually there have been some strong players. Spencer Long was second team Big Ten last year and gives the 'Huskers a nucleus to build around. Justin Jackson, a converted defensive tackle, seems to have won the job at center. Coaches are excited at the potential of tackle Andrew Rodriguez while Brent Qvale and Jeremiah Sirles man the other side. Seung Hoon Choi is the other guard, giving the Big Red a solid starting unit. Depth is a concern, espcially with the Tyler Moore seemingly quiting the program. Kenny Bell is a very special player at the receiver position who could emerge as a real star. Jamal Turner has looked brilliant at times and so has Quincy Enuunwa. Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton at tight end are real weapons for Martinez. While America has no idea, this group is a real strength. I am expecting a real noticeable improvement for the Nebraska offense, one in which the widening of the playbook with the incorporation of more option opportunities, will leave opposing defenses scrambling.
DEFENSE
Bo Pelini was brought in as a defensive head coach to rescue the proud Blackshirts from total collapse under Bill Callahan. From the moment Bo Pelini arrived, the defense has been much better, even stout on occasion. But in 2011, the unit seemed to step back although they had star talent on each level, inclusive of LB Lavonte David, who we consider among the top Blackshirts of all time. Nobody was too broken up that coordinator Carl Pelini took the head job at FAU, as it seemed a shakeup of some sort was necessary. While there are few stars, the 2012 unit possesses quality players and has the potential to be very good. Baker Steinkuhler seems poised to have a breakout year at defensive tackle, as does end Cameron Meredith. Chase Rome, Jason Ankrah, Eric Martin and Thad Randle are quality players who will counted upon to step up their game, while Joseph Carter and Josh Williams seek playing time. Martin has tremendous upside if he can mentally make the jump. The aforementioned David will be impossible to adequately replace, but Will Compton and Sean Fisher are experienced players who can challenge for conference honors at linebacker. Alonzo Whaley is ready to emerge at the other linebacker spot, but depth is concerning and Compton and Fisher have been injury prone. Freshman Michael Rose, David Santos and JC transfer Zaire Anderson need to be ready. The secondary is experienced and a strength. Andrew Green, Ciante Evans and rising star Stanley Jean-Baptiste anchor the corners, while Daimion Stafford is a Big Ten honors candidate at safety. JC transfer Mohammed Seisay is slated for significant playing time, while Antonio Bell, Harvey Jackson, Josh Williams and Charles Jackson are battling to be part of the rotation. Courtney Osborne and P. J. Smith, who seem to have slid down the depth chart, have experience and have played well at times. The 2012 Blackshirts have more of a lunch bucket feel to them, but speed and ability are not issues.
INTANGIBLES
The kicking game, behind Brett Maher, is strong, and that helps immensely throughout the season. Nebraska will have to get going quick. An opener with Southern Miss has resulted in a loss for many high flying outfits, including Florida State, and a trip to an emerging UCLA will be a tough road trip. Heck, Arkansas State has talent. Then comes the second run through the Big Ten. Michigan and Wisconsin come to Lincoln, but the Big Red must visit Ohio State and Michigan State, both of whom the 'Huskers beat in 2011. Nebraska has dropped games in recent as heavy favorites, Northwestern at home a year ago, and for the Cornhuskers to travel from good to great, that has got to stop. The problem is associated with mental breakdowns, as are the excessive penalties, which are drive killers or extenders and can cost you heavily. Improvement in this regard is necessary, and if you doubt me, just watch the tape of the Capital One Bowl.
HONORS CANDIDATES
Rex Burkhead is a wonderful player, a throwback, who, although not blessed with breakaway speed, is extremely versatile and will be relied upon heavily and should be All Big Ten at a minimum. Kenny Bell is worthy of conference honors and then some. Baker Steinkuhler, Spencer Long, Daimion Stafford, Cameron Meredith and Will Compton could be All Big Ten.
Brett Maher could be All America at punter and place kicker, truly a weapon for the 'Huskers.
NEW ARRIVALS
The coaching staff is hoping on junior college transfer Mohammed Seisay. Seisay, a former starter with Memphis, should be a starting corner. Charles Jackson is turning heads at fall camp and looks to grab playing time in the secondary as well. Zaire Anderson at linebacker will get time. Tariq Allen will join the receiving group while Justin Jackson starts at center.
FINAL ANALYSIS
This is a Nebraska team flying under the radar, perhaps thought of as about the fourth or fifth best team, in the conference. Not a national title contender, the 'Huskers are better than thought. There will be significant offensive improvement and while the the defense lacks star power, there are a bunch of talented, hungry Blackshirts ready to bust loose. 11-3.
GAMEDAY GALLERY
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