2015 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

  

OFFENSE



QB Tommy Amrstrong

In 2014, even with top skill players such Kenny Bell and All America standout Ameer Abdullah, for whatever reason, the Big Red never really fired on all cylinders in 2014.  The offensive line struggled at times, limiting the effectiveness of the rushing attack.  In addition, the passing game, while having its moments, was never in sync.  And QB Tommie Armstrong, a fiercely competitive and athletically gifted player, could never get consistency on the field to match his top leadership levels off the field.  Armstrong will have a new opportunity to shine under the new staff, particularly under the leadership of OC Danny Langsdorf, who has NFL experience grooming quarterbacks.  By all accounts, Armstrong appears to have met the challenge, and that is critical to the success of the Big Red offensively given heavy losses. New head coach Mike Riley and Langsdorf appear set to employ a system constructed somewhat to match the talents Armstrong brings to the field.  Good.  Perhaps this new system will allow Armstrong to maximize his strengths, which are plentiful.  Armstrong is a gifted and timely runner, but he must improve his completion percentage and increase his touch on the ball. Ryker Fyfe and AJ Bush, who we watch with interest, battle for the backup spot. Zach Darlington of Orlando Apopka, who had a good spring, is fourth on the depth chart. With Abdullah departed, and the aforementioned new system, it appears the Huskers will  have several running backs play meaningful minutes. Terrell Newby is the heir apparent, but he has not shown as of yet the ability to be a 20 carry per game back. Newby does have skills, and can catch out of the backfield.  Imani Cross has dropped some weight and remains a powerful option between the tackles.  But throwing to the backs is expected to be a big part of the Husker offense under Mike Riley. Mikale Wilbon looks powerful inside with stop and cut skill and decent pass catching ability, so I expect to see the redshirt freshman often. Somewhat surprisingly, freshman Devine Ozigbo looks to perhaps be the most complete back when evaluating the total skill set the new system seeks.  Look for Ozigbo to get plenty of playing time, with special packages for designed for him and the others given skill set and down and distance. Adam Taylor, who turned heads before breaking a foot before 2014 got underway, is charging and wants a piece of the action. Touted frosh Jordan Stevenson looks like he will redshirt. It appeared last year there were offensive lineman on the bench who we better than those playing. Not surprisingly, new line coach Mike Cavanaugh has shaken up the apparent lineup. Alex Lewis will remain at left tackle.  Dylan Utter appears to have won the left guard spot, with Chongo Kondolo at right guard. Freshman Jearld Foster is really fighting to earn a spot, and has a very bright future. Ryne Reeves will get the chance at center, and he is athletic, but often injured.  Paul Thurston will back him up. Redshirt freshman Nick Gates appears to have unseat Zach Sterup at right tackle, but this is more about the ascension of Gates than a demotion of Sterup, who will see action.  David Knevel is the other backup tackle. Jordan Westerkamp returns to lead the receiving core, and is a favorite target of Armstrong. Westerkamp will be critical, as De'mornay Pierson-El, a superstar in the making at receiver and already an All America punt returner, has been lost for half the year with a broken foot. True freshman Stanley Morgan, who has coaches gushing, has flat earned a starting spot and figures to be an emerging star. Alonzo Moore has shown flashes, and we are ready for him to break out. Jamal Turner, who after looking stellar early in his career has fallen of the depth chart, appears ready to seize the moment, which would be great as he can play Pierson-El's spot.  The Big Red needs Turner to put together a year to remember.  Brandon Reilly starts 2015 injured, but he can make plays and will be utilized when healthy, and Lane Hovey has also won over the staff and we wonder what a healthy Tariq Allen could do. Cethan Carter could be a real wildcard, as he has a big play skill set this coaching staff may just well employ. Carter could have a big year. The offense, if they can adapt to the new system and are utilized to their strengths has a chance to be pretty good. Armstrong, when given freedom, can orchestrate plays, as he did against USC in the Holiday Bowl.  The line should be better, and although Kenny Bell will be missed, the passes may fly to everybody. Abduallah cannot be replaced, but the committee of backs together give Nebraska strengths in every skill set. In conclusion, we think the offense will be very good provided they protect the football. There is no reason this team cannot average 30 points per game.

DEFENSE

S Nate Gerry

Ultimately, I think the lack of a strong defense is what cost Pelini his job, which is notable because this was his area of expertise. The Blackshirts were often in a state of confusion, were not stout against the run even with top level talent up front and put on weekly clinics on poor tackling. Mark Banker takes over this unit, and while the system we think is to be employed will not be multi faceted and technically expansive, it appears to be centered on a spill philosophy that allows the players to in pursuit of the ball. It would be fun to play, and the unit seems to embrace it well.  Up front, DT Maliek Collins is a first round draft pick who will be very disruptive anchoring the line.  Vincent Valentine is also an NFL player who could be set to take his game to the next level.  Even so, these two are hardly if at all rivaled as the top duo in the collegiate game. Kevin Williams has established he is also a player here, Kevin Maurice from Orlando Freedom is solid and Givens Price, who moved from the offensive line, may find a role. At DE, Greg McMullen (10QBH) and Jack Gangwich, who both show promise, have an opportunity to kick it up a notch, which will be needed. Joe Keels has been disappointing, but it is new year and the time is now. AJ Natter and Sedrick King return, and former tight end Freedom Akinmoladun is a promising player and may help in spot situations. New linebacker coach Trent Bray beams with excitement of the group he has to work with. The starting linebackers are very solid, but depth is an issue. After fall camp, perhaps we should rephrase depth to experience, as some young players have really emerged. Josh Banderas is back and he appears ready to have a big year. Micheal Rose-Ivey returns inside after being out with injury for 2014, and he is a proven commodity and team leader. True freshman Dedrick Young and Marcus Newby are fighting for a starting spot; both will play. Tyrin Ferguson, a true freshman, had a strong camp and will get playing time.  Luke Gifford returns, and we kept seeing him make plays when watching the 2014 tape. We think the secondary will be a very strong group. It begins with Nate Gerry at safety. Gerry makes plays, and he may find freedom to make many more this fall.  It appears Byerson Cockrell will play free safety, but he has been limited in fall camp and others are in the mix. Aaron Williams is making a believer out of his teammates, and Kieron Williams has made some plays. Then, there is Charles Jackson, who has flashed brilliance on occasion.  True freshman Antonio Reed has also turned heads, will not redshirt, and therefore must be in line to hit the field. Daniel Davie will handle field corner, and he is poised for a big year. Johsua Kalu is an emerging star in our view, so we got him starting opposite Davie. Jonathan Rose is an experienced player to spell either corner spot. Trai Mosley has shown signs as well and we are excited by his future, as we are regarding Chris Jones. The defensive unit is being discounted, but it is our view the unit will be much improved. It starts up front with stopping the run, which they will do. The weak spot are the ends up front, but improvement is expected there and the linebackers will be flying to the football.  For the most part, this is a young group which will get better by the day, but this is also as group that cannot afford a significant injury to a couple of certain folks at a couple of certain positions.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The loss of DeMornay Pierson-El in the return game is major.  DPE returns played significant roles in three big games for the 'Huskers in '14 (Mich. State, Iowa and USC).  DPE was set to transform games, helping the Big Red get sizable advantages in hidden yardage. Jordan Westerkamp, due to sure hands, will take over punt return duties, while expect Terrell Newby and Alonzo Moore to return kickoffs. Drew Brown was shaky as the placekicker a year ago, but we expect to see major improvement from him.  Sam Foltz could be among the nations top punters.

INTANGIBLES

There is a breath of fresh air in Lincoln with the arrival of Mike Riley as head coach.  Many were seeking a "big name", but Riley is just what the Cornhuskers needed.  Riley brings a boatload of experience as a head coach, with a stint as head coach of the NFL's San Diego Chargers, and an offensive mastermind. Additionally, Riley possesses the perfect demeanor to mend fences among the faithful. The job is not too big for Riley. An area of potential issue was the amount of coaches he brought from Oregon State with him, but they each seem to have fit in nicely. The new staff deserves credit for allowing everyone to start on an even slate, affording some a fresh opportunity. The team leaders seem to have bought in. The young players seem to be an intoxicating mix with the veterans on the team, and that will speak well to team chemistry. While a tough early schedule could find Nebraska 2-2, and with two additional tough games potentially finding four losses on the schedule, it would appear that with the leadership of Armstrong, and a much improved defense, better things are in store for the 2015 Cornhuskers.

HONORS CANDIDATES

DT Maliek Collins

A case could be made that Pelini left the cupboard bare when he was fired, but that would be an overstatement.  And although recruiting was not near the level it could and should be, there are some very talented players in Lincoln.  However, few are getting All America consideration. DT Maliek Collins, a junior, is one player who should be. He displays quickness and explosion at the line, a very disruptive player who gets at the quarterback. He will be All B1G and challenge for All America.  DeMornay Pierson-El did make preseason All America as a punt returner, but still had much to prove as a wideout. However, his injury removes him for now. Nate Gerry is an All B1G safety. Josh Banderas may generate some all B1G buzz at linebacker, and so might Daniel Davie at cornerback, Tommy Armstrong at quarterback, Jordan Westerkamp at wideout and Vincent Valentine at defensive tackle. P Sam Foltz could garner honorable mention All America recognition.

NEW ARRIVALS

With a new staff and a slew of open positions, it is time for some newcomers to get involved; what an opportunity! Offensively, two true freshman players are really turning heads.  First, wide receiver Stanley Morgan has really opened some eyes, displaying maturity in demeanor and route running. Morgan has a very bright future and will play extensively. Secondly, running back Devine Ozigbo has been quite impressive. Ozigbo may be the most complete back at Nebraska in terms of total skill set. He seems to fit nicely into the system we presume Riley aims to employ. Redshirt freshman who have never played a down yet who will figure prominently are tackle Nick Gates, running back Mikale Wilbon and guard Jerald Foster. Linebacker Dedrick Young will likely start on defense, while Tyrin Ferguson, Aaron Williams and Antonio Reed look to get playing time as well. With this group of youngsters, the future is very bright.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The only place it appears the 'Huskers will regress in only one area, at running back, given the loss of the fantastic Ameer Abdullah.  Or will they, as with the new system and new responsibilities, the committee of backs may equal up to the singular Abdullah, who often carried the Huskers on his back. This group will not be asked to that.  Improvement is needed up front, as Nebraska needs to improve the yards per rush against quality opponents, which having a controlled passing game directed by a mobile quarterback will do as it opens up the field for the backs.  Of course, protection of the football is paramount, and Armstrong will need to reduce his interceptions and increase his completion percentage. Some of that falls on his receiving core, which may include many more options for Armstrong to seek out. Cethan Carter at tight end, for example, is expected to play a larger role in the passing game.  Up front on defense, the entire tone can be set, and Collins and Valentine are set to make that happen. The schedule is tough early, with a home opener against a tough BYU team. Two weeks later, the Big Red finds itself in the high heat of South Florida to take on the Hurricanes. Nebraska could be 2-2.  But, the toughest two remaining games, against Michigan State and Wisconsin, are both in Lincoln. Our original thought was a 10-2 season for the Big Red.  But with the loss of DPE, we think the game in Miami becomes much more difficult and now looks as though a Husker win would be an upset. Nebraska can beat Michigan State, although they are very good, and the Huskers should beat Wisconsin.  But, they are likely to slip up somewhere as well. We have high hopes, and Nebraska could run the table to meet Ohio State in the B1G title game.  But, 9-3 or 10-2, with a B1G West title is our prognosis.  If Nebraska is 4-0, things could get interesting the rest of the way.

GAMEDAY GALLERY