2016 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

  

OFFENSE


QB Tommy Amrstrong

While the offense had it's moments, the unit failed to live up to expectations in 2015.  The unit slept-walked through the first 30 minutes of the Miami game only to engage in a furious comeback which fell short in OT. There was the debacle at Illinois, where Nebraska tried unsuccessfully to unleash an aerial assault is a swirling wind and throughout the year the inability to establish an identity, which should but did not center itself on running the football. Late in the year, particularly in the bowl victory over UCLA, Nebraska did appear find a balance which extenuates the positives of the unit. Most of the unit returns in 2016, led by quarterback Tommie Armstrong. A electric and confident player, Armstrong has skills which can make the Husker offense lethal to opposing stop troops. Armstrong has a very strong arm, and has made excellent use of his legs when necessary, running for 400 yards and throwing for 3030 yards. While Armstrong threw 22 touchdowns, he also threw 16 interceptions, none more disheartening than one that gave away the game in overtime at Miami.  For Nebraska to reach the next level, Armstrong, and for that matter the entire team, must do a better job of protecting the football.  For Armstrong, he has the best receiving core Nebraska has ever had. It starts with Jordan Westerkamp, with 918 yards receiving and 9TD's. Stanley Morgan was exceptional as a freshman, and big things appear in store for him. Brandon Reilly and Alonzo Moore are proven quality pass catchers. De'Mornay Pierson-El, a gifted fleet of foot receiver, has been lost to injury, but is returning. If 100% healthy, Pierson-El is a game breaker and could help Nebraska in many ways. Sophomore Bryan Reimers has been turning heads in fall camp. TE Cethan Carter (24c) has had trouble remaining on the field, but Carter could be a big weapon for the 'Huskers, one they would benefit from targeting. Sam Cotton is also back. There does not appear to be an All America caliber back Husker nation is used to, but there are a handful of back which possess differing skill sets which will allow Nebraska to expand the field offensively. Terrel Newby, who ran for 562 and 5.2 a carry in '15, has skills, and will lead things off. Devine Ozigbo, a true freshman in '15, played very well in the bowl and is perhaps the most complete back. Mikhale Wilbon shows flashed, and the coaching staff just loves what they see in freshman Tre Bryant.  Sophomore tackle Nick Gates is the leader of the lime, and could capture conference honors. Dylan Utter will be at center, backed by Micheal Decker. Jerald Foster was set a one guard, but has been lost for the year due to a knee, so four star Jalin Barnett will man that spot with Corey Whitaker ready and freshman Boe Wilson fighting for a chance. Sophomore Tanner Farmer is at right guard with junior David Knevel at right tackle. This is a very young group, and potential area of concern, particularly with Foster out. However, the only negative about these youngsters is their lack of experience. As time goes by, this unit will emerge into a team strength. There is no reason this team cannot average 30 points per game, but we should expect more. DPE could be the wildcard, as if he is 100% back, he is a dynamic player ready for house call at any touch.  Nebraska would also be better served to establish the run before throwing the ball downfield left and right.

DEFENSE

S Nate Gerry

Nebraska was awful on defense last year, particularly against the pass, giving up 28ppg. The unit had talent, so it must have been scheme issues, which would appear easily solved, but it was not until very late in the season any progress was notable. Hell, Purdue, without Drew Brees, lit Nebraska up for 55 points. I don't have to tell you that is totally unacceptable. The secondary was torched, but late in the season the 'Huskers appeared to settle in on pair of corners, Joshua Kalu and Chris Jones. I like these two players, and think this pair of juniors could challenge for conference honors. Boaz Joseph and Eric Lee are backups, and freshman Lamar Jackson will get time, and so potentially will freshman Dicaprio Bootle. Nate Gerry did not play well early in '15, and then got booted from three games for targeting.  Gerry is a good player at safety, and provided he can stay on the field, he will also challenge for honors. Aaron Williams and Kieron Williams are battling at the other safety spot, and both are very solid. Antonio Reed is looking to get on the field, and he has an impressive skill set. The linebacking core was very green a year ago, with injuries taking a toll.  Josh Banderas is back for his senior campaign inside, and he is an honors candidate with Chris Weber backing. Michael Rose-Ivey has had health issues but if ready to go is a strong player and locker room leader with Marcus Newby backing. Dedrick Young had to play as a true freshman last year and performed very well. He will man the weakside backer spot, with Mohammed Barry backing. All six of these players are very capable, and give this unit strength and depth. Add to the mix Luke Gifford, who makes plays, and Tryin Ferguson, who is looking for a spot, and you add more to the mix. Up front, Nebraska performed horribly last fall. Kevin Maurice is returning to start at DT, and he is better than most think.  Mick Stoltenberg, a former DE coming off a knee, has jumped in at tackle and impressed coached. The backups will be the Davis brothers, Khalil and Carlos. Quality depth is concerning. The 'Husker had trouble rushing the passer a a year ago. Freedom Akinmoladum (4.5sacks), a former tight end, showed flashes at DE, but was hurt. He has immense talent and could evolve into a terror out there. Ross Dzuris is opposite. AJ Natter, also often injured, is a backup as is Sedrick King, both of whom have little experience. Alex Davis and Daishon Neal are youngsters looking to emerge. Even talented secondary units cannot hold up long without a pass rush, so quick development here is required.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The presence 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).  If healthy, DPE can transform games, helping the Big Red get sizable advantages in hidden yardage.The sure handed Westerkamp will remain an option along with Stanley Morgan. Drew Brown is solid as the kicker, but the 'Huskers were devastated by the tragic loss of P Sam Foltz to a car accident. Foltz was certain to challenge for conference and perhaps national honors, and his presence on the team on and off the field will be felt. F Caleb Lightbourn will take over.

INTANGIBLES

Nebraska was among the most snake bit teams last year in recent memory. There was a Hail Mary loss, three last minute losses and close late home loss. The secondary was getting torched. Riley, who has working to win over a divided team after the Pelini firing, ran out of motivational talks. But the team persevered and grew to close out the season.  From those growing pains comes experience, and this team continues to learn and work harder day by day to get better. Odd favor the ball bouncing the Big Red's way in 2016. The offense should improve in their turnovers, and the defense should improve against the past and in giving up big plays on the back end. That alone could mean two additional wins. Gaining an identity on offense, which would include being able to run the ball, not when you want to, but when you need to, will be helpful. The UCLA bowl win gives glimpse of what can be, and it is hoped the staff looked long and hard at the tape. Only a game at Ohio State might appear too much for the Big Red, but while Ohio State will get better and better as the year goes on, the Buckeyes only return six starters.

HONORS CANDIDATES

OT Nick Gates

Foltz was the top honors candidate on the team, which says something. Jordan Westerkamp, Nate Gerry and Nick Gates figure to be All B1G. Drew Brown has a chance as well. Pierson-El does as well if he can pick up where he left off, which remains to be seen. Tommie Armstrong has a chance for All B1G if he elevates his game and takes Nebraska Indianapolis.

NEW ARRIVALS

Recruiting has picked up under Mike Riley and the 2016 class has some real gems. CB Lamar Jackson is among those who will play this fall. On offense, the coaches love running back Tre Byant. Caleb Lightbourn has been pressed into action at punter. S JoJo Dorman and G Boe Wilson also figure to play. T John Rairdon and CB Dicaprio Bootle may as well. WR JD Spielman and DB Tony Butler are close, but look to be redshirt candidates, not due to ability, but due to depth currently at their respective positions.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Nebraska could perform very well in 2016, but there are areas of the field where they cannot suffer an injuries. Injuries hit the Huskers hard in 2015. The offense should score plenty, and the defense, particularly the back seven, should be very much improved. The areas of concern are a young offensive line and a young and thin defensive front.  Akinmoladum needs to have a big year at DE, as does Stoltenberg at DT opposite Maurice.  Somebody else needs to step up as a pass rusher. The schedule is not overbearing. Oregon comes to Lincoln week 3, and although it appears the Ducks are not quite what they used to be, this is a name team and an opportunity to get a big win. I think the Big Red will get it, but either way, the outcome could set the tone for the season. But a trip the following week to Northwestern could be trouble. Nebraska goes on the road back to back to Wisconsin and Ohio State. Both games could be won, but you have to figure the 'Huskers drop one of these two. Nebraska closes at Iowa, but that is a toss up as well. We say Nebraska wins the B1G West at 10-2, but loses the B1G Championship Game in Indianapolis. Nebraska should be better in 2017, so we think they win the bowl as a stepping stone for 2017. So 11-3.

GAMEDAY GALLERY