2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

  

OFFENSE



Ameer Abdullah

Last season we felt that behind Taylor Martinez, and the talent at the skill positions, the Cornhusker offense could average 40PPG. Martinez suffered a freak foot injury early, was limited in ability for the non-conference scheduled and was eventually sidelined for good.  That hurt the 2013 team, but it gave backup signal caller Tommy Armstrong significant playing time translating to valuable experience, 7-1 as a starter, strongly enhancing his abilities and confidence as he takes over the 2014 squad.  The coaches and players have complete confidence in Armstrong, and after all, Nebraska still averaged 30PPG and scored a bowl victory over Georgia of the SEC. But, Armstrong must improve in several areas, most notably in completion percentage and ball security, which is expected from the redshirt sophomore.  Nebraska has a stable of superior running backs, led by All America back Ameer Abdullah, who not only has great running ability but excels as a passing threat out of the backfield. Backing up Ameer is Imani Cross, a tough, powerful runner with deceptive speed. Terrell Newby and Adam Taylor are waiting for a chance to emerge. Senior wideout Kenny Bell, the team leader, is an outstanding player and will give the 'Huskers a big advantage if Armstrong can get him the ball.  It is now or never for Jamal Turner, who although showing signs, has yet to solidify himself as an every down player. Jordan Westerkamp, Tariq Allen, Sam Burch and Brandon Reilly are solid, but a player set to make things happen is Alonzo Moore. Cethan Carter has emerged as a weapon at tight end, and there is great opportunity with him the passing game. Up front, the line suffered losses, but is well positioned. Colorado transfer Alex Lewis a good player and will man the left tackle position.  Jake Cotton, perhaps the best of the O-line, is at left guard, forming a strong blocking tandem. Mark Pelini, a gamer to be sure, looks to win the center spot over Ryne Reeves, who has been hampered by injury.  Zach Sterup looks like the right tackle, with Givens Price and Mike Moudy working at right tackle.  David Knevel, Zach Hannon, Adam Kucera, Chongo Kondolo and Matt Finnin are quality backups.  For the 'Huskers to rise to challenge for the B1G, a handful of things need to happen.  Armstrong must elevate his game, the line needs to solidify, a receiver outside of Bell must emerge and the Big Red must protect the football.  Each of those items identified have a good chance of occurring, and therefore, expect the Big Red offense to be potent.

DEFENSE

Randy Gregory

In recent seasons, the once famed Blackshirt defense failed to emerge as a formidable group.  However, at times as the 2013 season closed out, there were flashes of what could be when the youthful group gained some experience and football IQ.  We are here, and it is expected that the Big Red will be among the nations best on the defensive side of the ball.  It all begins up front, and Nebraska has a pair of sophomore tackles who rival any in the B1G if not the nation.  Vincent Valentine is a huge run stuffer; however possess a quick step that can produce a fierce pass rush up the middle.  Maliek Collins is 300 pounds, but he has quickness allowing him to move from tackle to end per the defensive set, giving DC John Papuchis enormous flexibility.  These two guys are a real problem for opposing offensive lines. Kevin Williams, who has battled injury, and Kevin Maurice  provided quality depth. Junior DE Randy Gregory, a JUCO transfer who emerged last fall recording 10.5 sacks, is among the nations best and will dominate.  Gregory will challenge for All America honors and looks to be a top five draft pick.  The other side is not as settled, with Greg McMullen leading Joe Keels and AJ Natter for the starting spot,with walkon Jack Gangwish continuing to impress the coaching staff.  Zaire Anderson leads the kinebacking core, which is deep. Michael Rose, David Santos and Josh Banderas each logged significant playing time a years ago, and should be improved this fall.  Trevor Roach, with strong versatility, will play as well. In fall camp, Rose was lost to njury, so opportunity for Courtney Love and Marcus Newby, a pair of youngsters, appear to have bright futures, maybe sooner than later.  Corner Josh Mitchell leads the secondary, with Corey Cooper set for a big season as safety.  LeRoy Alexander and Nathan Gerry appear to be in a battle for the other safety spot, but Alexander will sit 2014 due to suspension, so Gerry is the man with Jonathan Rose looming to start at boundary corner.  Freshman Byerson Cockrell is mature and ready to go, likely landing in the nickel spot.  Charles Jackson, who had really emerged at nickel, was lost for the year due to a knee, so Cockrell has had his name called.  Daniel Davie backs up at corner as does DJ Singleton at safety.  A group of true freshman, Chris Jones, Joshua Kalu and Kieron Williams are catching the eye of the coaches.  The secondary is young, but boasts a tremendous amount of talent.  I like this unit very much, and expect big things from the 2014 Blackshirts with a dominant line of scrimmage setting the tone.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mauro Bondi was ready to assume kicking duties a year ago but failed to win the job.  Freshman Drew Brown has arrived on campus and is looks ready to win the kicking duties. Bondi will likely handle kickoffs.  Sam Foltz returns as punter, so the kicking appears to be on par to be strong again.  Kenny Bell took a kickoff back at Penn State in a huge play, and he will again have a role in the return game.  The return game is an area where hidden yardage can be gained, so hopefully between Jordan Westerkamp, who although having good hands failed to make noise in 2013, Terrell Newby and a few others speedsters, the 'Huksers can use the return game as a weapon. Freshman Demornay Peirson-El will get a strong look as well.

INTANGIBLES

Unlike a year ago, the schedule is formidable.  Many preseason magazines noted Nebraska was perhaps the strongest team in the B1G West, but will play too tough a slate to win the division.  The Big Red travel to Fresno State early, which will not be a cakewalk.  The Miami Hurricanes come to Lincoln a week later, and although the 'Canes have QB issues and are not the 'Canes of old, they obviously have athletes and could be very dangerous, particularly if the Big Red suffer from the pervasive penalties and turnovers which have plagued them in recent years. At rip to East Lansing in early October seems daunting, but if that could be won and the Big Red leave there undefeated; look out.  But the Spartans are tough and will be favorites in that game. Late road games at Wisconsin and Iowa, winnable games, will determine the fate of the Big Red.  Youth will be experienced at that time, the Blackshirts should be smothering and the offense should be in high gear. 

HONORS CANDIDATES



Kenny Bell

Randy Gregory is All America at defensive end, and should win B1G defensive player of the year.  Any number of players could vie for B1G honors, including Maliek Collins, Vincent Valentine, Josh Mitchell and Corey Cooper.  Ameer Abdullah will be All America at running back, and is a darkhorse candidate for The Heisman Trophy. Kenny Bell is a real talent at wideout, and if Armstrong can get him the ball, he is a bona-fide honors candidate.  Jake Cottom on the line could be All B1G, and Cethan Carter has a chance as well as I expect him to be utilized extensively.

NEW ARRIVALS

This was an outstanding recruiting class for the Big Red.  Several players will be heard from, starting perhaps with Byerson Cockrell in the secondary.  Already in fall camp, secondary players Chris Jones, Joshua Kalu and Kieron Williams are impressing the coaches.  Demornay Pierson-El is a guy coaches see getting playing time as well at wide receiver. Kicker Drew Brown will start from day one. JUCO Joe Keels will see action on the DL.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Can you feel it?  After getting run over by an inferior Iowa team to close out the regular season, the team, and coaching staff seemed aimless.  Rumors of the termination of Coach Pelini were loud, and the immediate future looked bleak.  But, Pelini was retained and the team came together to upend Georgia on a cold, rainy day in Jacksonville's Gator Bowl. You could feel a new attitude down there, and it was visible with the team.  The new lease on life has relaxed the team, and now the only tension comes from competition on the field, which is a good thing.  While the schedule presents some difficulty, it is manageable.  Even with a loss at East Lansing, a chance for redemption in the B1G Title game exists.  Only a redshirt freshman pressed into duty a year ago, Armstrong will need to improve each of the facets of his game, and he has a great supporting cast to help him along.  Protection of the football is paramount. The defense will be salty, and while the front seven is a strength, the secondary, viewed by some a a liability, could emerge as a strength. The Cornhuskers are not given much of a chance to win the B1G, and that could prove to be just the motivation they need to make it happen.  For the first time in years, the balance is there between the offense and defense, with one unit on reasonably equal par with the other. The nine win deal will be broken, and the 'Huskers will finish the year 11-2.

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