2013 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

 

  

OFFENSE


Taylor Martinez

In assessing Taylor Martinez in last seasons preview, we stated the following:  Many feel Martinez is a liability, but I see him making big strides in 2012, improving each aspect of his game. Martinez strongly elevated his game, wining All Big Ten honors at the quarterback position.  For 2013, Martinez has a chance to be very special and among the nations leaders in total offense.  T-Magic has vastly improved his passing skills and has quickness and foot speed rivaled by few; a threat to go the distance from anywhere on the field.  Two areas he could improve in is ball protection and gaining a signature win, which requires assistance by the entire team.  On offense, Martinez will have it.  The offensive line figures to be the best in the tenure of Coach Pelini, led by All Big Ten guard Spencer Long.  OT Andrew Rodriguez is hoping to reach his potential in his senior season. Four starters return, so expect improvement in each function of the line, including the mental aspect.  Ameer Abdullah is quite good at tailback, with Imari Cross ready to bulldoze opponents when called upon. Two freshman are impressing, Aaron Taylor and Terrell Newby, and will likely see playing time.  Kenny Bell is an elite All America candidate wideout and heads a talented group or receivers, joined by Quincy Enuwa and Jamal Turner, who are very talented in their own right. Jordan Westerkamp, Alonzo Moore, sophomore Taariq Allen, who is recovering from a freak leg injury, are ready to emerge. Jake Long is taking over at tight end, where there is little depth.  But true freshman Cethan Carter is impressing, even drawing raves from Martinez.  Nebraska was one of the worst teams a year ago in turnover margin, and significant improvement in this area could be worth another win or two.  This should be among the very best offensive units in the land, able outscore just about anybody presenting problems for opposing defenses forcing defense of the entire field. If Martinez elevates his game again this season, the sky is the limit for this group.  40PPG.

DEFENSE

 

Although the Blackshirts had their moments, and the secondary was fairly solid, the body of work of the unit in 2012 was simply atrocious.  Maulings at the hands of Ohio State and Wisconsin in the BIG Ten title game were nothing short of embarrassing, and although Georgia is an outstanding team on offense, the Capital One Bowl was not a performance to be proud of either.  Bo Pelini, once considered a defensive guru, was hired at Nebraska to restore honor to the Blackshirts that had become an afterthought under the prior regime. Given the results from 2012, the evaluation of the unit was most concerning. It is worth noting injuries were a factor, forcing players to play out of position, but that fails as an excuse as injuries hit many teams.  The performance of the this unit this fall will be crucial, both in accurately assessing the team under Pelini's leadership and the 2013 season itself, as the offense will be stellar. The bulk of the concern is with the front seven, where all but one starter must be replaced.  Jason Ankrah will anchor a defensive end postion, and he is a quality player who could challenge for conference honors.  Thad Randle, who is very solid in spurts, will provide some leadership inside, but he has battled injuries his entire career and few know how much gas is left in the tank.  This provides an opportunity for some young and talented players to step up.  JUCO transfer Randy Gregory, who looks the part, is set to flank Ankrah with Avery Moss in the mix. Inside, senior Broderick Nickens, a big hoss, has been moved over from the O-line to plug some holes.  A handful of young players, redshirt freshman Aaron Curry, Vincent Valentine, Greg McMullen and true freshman Maliek Collins, who have Pelini beaming, will be thrown into the fire. Short on experience, this talented group could emerge into a strong unit.  The 'Huskers will essentially start from scratch at linebacker. JC transfer Zaire Anderson, who looked real good early last fall before a knee injury, returns and has great promise.  David Santos got some reps last fall and he will be a very good player inside. Outside of those guys, it will be newcomers who will have to step up.  Coaches love the athleticism of Jared Afalava and the command of the game of versatile Michael Rose.  Courtney Love is in the mix, and true freshman Josh Banderas and Nathan Geery have really impressed in camp and will see the field.  This group can flat run, an element perhaps missed a season ago.  The secondary is experienced and deep, the strength of the unit. Ciante Evans, an honors candidate, will command the nickel position. Josh Mitchell will handle one cornet spot, while Stanley Jean-Baptiste, who has the talent to emerge on the national stage, on the opposite with Jonathan Rose providing depth. Both safeties must be replaced, but the talent on had fighting for the top spots in impressive.  Corey Cooper recognized his potential and looks like he has one spot. Charles Jackson and Harvey Jackson can both be counted on.  Andrew Green, and Mohammed Saisay, versatile players, will be part of the rotation.  Wtih such limited experience, expect some down times for the defense.  However, the strong secondary gives the front seven time to develop, and an alteration in scheme allows the speed being employed to be taken advantage of, giving the unit the opportunity to be strong. The competition all over the field is a plus, and by seasons end expect these Blackshirts to be a fast and formidable group flying under the radar.

INTANGIBLES
 

In the past, the return game has been an added weapon for the Big Red, helping Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers win a Heisman Trophy.  In recent years it has really regressed, and it has become an area of increased focus.  Speedsters are everywhere on the roster, but holding on to the ball is crucial.  The return game is an area where hidden yardage can be gained, so hopefully a speed merchant, perhaps Terrel Newby, a speedy and talented tailback coming in, can win the job and break things open. Otherwise, Kenny Bell or Jamal Turner will handle it. With a recently stellar kicking game, Nebraska has profited in field position gains.  Newcomers are battling to win the kicking and punting jobs. Maurio Bondi and Pat Smith are the kickers, with Sam Foltz perhaps the punter. 

 

The schedule is most favorable, with a home game early versus UCLA and a late trip to Michigan the toughest games. Nebraska may be favored in every game. Ohio State is highly ranked, and the likely opponent for the Big Red should they make the Big Ten title game.  By that time, if there, the team should be firing on all cylinders giving the Buckeyes all they want. 

HONORS CANDIDATES



Kenny Bell

Taylor Martinez, All Big Ten a year ago according to the coaches, is being disrespected with all the focus on Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller.  I like that a lot, and so does T-Magic.  Spencer Long could well nab All America honors, with Ciante Evans having a shot as well.  Kenny Bell is very special, underrated and All Big Ten player for sure, and so should be Ameer Abduallah.  Jason Ankrah could see Big Ten honors, and perhaps Andrew Rodriguez.  Don't count out Zaire Anderson, who may be all over the field and among the leading tacklers in the conference.
 

NEW ARRIVALS

 

Cethan Carter has been very impressive in fall camp at a position of great need; the tight end position. Both new running backs, Terrell Newby and Adam Taylor, look like they both are in the mix at to see action.  Josh Banderas and Nate Geery both seem destined to see the field at linebacker, another position of need. Zaire Anderson, who got hurt before getting going, will help there also, as will Michael Rose and potentially Courtney Love.  A real battle is going on at kicker between Mauro Bondi and Pat Smith. Over on the defensive line, several new faces figure to see major playing time.  Broderick Nickens has been moved from the O-line to DT, and is impressing coaches. Aaron Curry, Vincent Valentine, Greg McMullen and JUCO DE Randy Gregory will hit the field. True freshmen Maliek Collins may hit the field at DT due to depth.

FINAL ANALYSIS

 

Just like last year, this is a Nebraska team flying under the radar.  The 'Huskers are thought to be in the mix with Michigan State and Northwestern to finish second to Michigan in the division.  Given the lack of experience on defense, one can understand the thought process.  But, Nebraska will field an exceptional offensive unit capable of averaging 40 points per game. While the defense played well on occasion a year ago, they were outclassed in a trifecta of embarrassing losses.  While the D will lack experience, the speed quotient has improved and schemes have been adjusted to allow the Blackshirts to attack and run rather than read. This is the area of expertise for Pelini, therefore, expect the defense to be better than it was a year ago. The offense is so good, it may not matter. The schedule is quite favorable.  If Nebraska can get by UCLA early, get division contenders Michigan State and Northwestern beat in Lincoln, the Big Red will only need to win at Michigan to get a crack at Ohio State in the BIG title game.  Nebraska could run the table; stranger things have happened, and come out of nowhere to play for it all, but realistically, odds favor the turnover bug bites the Big Red along the way.  13-1 with a bowl win behind Taylor Martinez rewriting the record book.

 

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