Nebraska appeared set to make a move in 2019, but after a lethargic victory over South Alabama where nobody looked good, Nebraska fell at Boulder after leading 17-0, indicative of yet another disappointing season that is hard for the faithful to tolerate. Injuries and the ineffectiveness of Adrian Martinez at quarterback played a role, but after getting blown out at home by Ohio State tanked the season. The offensive woes were glaring, a puzzling product of this coaching staff with a returning quarterback. Failing to make bowl games should not and will not be tolerated, so the pressure is now on this coaching staff to get the Big Red rolling, even in this coronavirus stricken upcoming season. Talent has been being assembled, and the sense of urgency now engulfs the program.
OFFENSE
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| QB Adrian Martinez Photo: Cornnation.com |
Georgia Tech transfer Dedrick Mills had a decent season last year, especially with him seemingly having to shoulder a more extensive role than originally thought after phenom Maurice Washington, who often showed flashes of brilliance, was removed from the team. Rahmir Johnson could be an exciting player, but stamina and health are a concern. If Johnson is 100%, he could be a very dangerous player for the Huskers. If healthy, Ronald Tompkins could be a weapon. Freshman Sevion Morrison and Marvin Scott look ready for primetime.
Nebraska record setting WR JD Spielman, a potential honors candidate, inexplicably left Nebraska to transfer to TCU to be a kick returner, so the Huskers are pretty inexperienced at wide receiver.
Sophomore Wandale Robinson, certainly considered the Big Red's top offensive player in 2019, returns at slot receiver ready for a breakout season on the national stage. Kade Warner was injured much of 2019, but he has been very reliable for the Big Red. JUCO transfer Omar Manning, at 6'4" 225, appears the big play stretching the field wideout the Huskers have longed for, but the Huskers seem treading slowly here heading into the season. If ready, Manning has unlimited potential and could be a very dangerous weapon. Jamie Nance and Chris Hickman are ready to go. Freshman Alante Brown seems poised to play, while Marcus Fleming and Zavier Betts are very talented, but Betts seems poised for a redshirt. A wildcard is Demaryion Houston, who had great speed as is Levi Falck, who has impressed in fall camp. This is a potentially strong group with Robinson leading the way, but as a whole it is unproven. The impact of new OC Matt Lubick will be vital.
The tight end position was a weapon for Frost at UCF, and we expect it to increase as a central piece of the offense in Lincoln moving forward. Jack Stoll is the starter, but 6'8" Austin Allen was a favorite target for Martinez in 2018 and should be a factor. Travis Vokolek, a transfer from Rutgers, seems a playmaker and will factor in without doubt. Kurt Rafdal will also play.
When evaluating the potential ascension of a team, we often look at returning starts on the offensive line. So in looking at the 2020 Cornhuskers, the offensive line looks like a veteran group as there is a high number of starts returning within the offensive line. Former Husker player Greg Austin came to Nebraska from UCF and is considered an outstanding offensive line coach. Austin seems to have settled in on a group as we get going in 2020. At left tackle is Brendan Jaimis, who has 20 starts under his belt. Jaimes has played some good ball and is an All B1G candidate, but there is still room for improvement. The most unknown spot up front is left guard. Boe Wilson will start with Broc Bando backing up. Cameron Jurgens is anchored at center and has massive potential. Will Farniok will back up. Matt Farniok moves inside on the right side at right guard from right tackle, which suits him better. Ethan Piper and Trent Hixon are reserves. Bryce Benhart, at 6'9" 300, steps in at right tackle. Christian Gaylord backs up along with Brant Banks. We expect the starting line to be good. It will be important for this group to at a minimum meet expectations, as if Nebraska is to emerge as conference champion contender, the Big Red will need to be able to run the ball when they have to, just not when the want to. It would also be great if one of these veterans steps up as leader within the unit as a coach on the field.
Nebraska also must improve significantly in the red zone, as without a reliable placekicker in 2019, Nebraska has difficulty in finishing drives. Tough to win games having that issue. Much of this will fall on the quarterback position having an experienced line to operate behind. With an experienced line, a veteran quarterback and a standout player in Wandale Robinson, the unit should average a minimum of 30 points per game. Should things go off smoothly, there is potential for so much more.
DEFENSE
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| Cam Taylor-Britt Photo-Hudl |
Nebraska improved statistically on defense in 2019, but it was hard to recognize it. There were too many breakdowns and few turnovers and the Blackshirts were unable to consistently get opposing offenses off the field. Failures offensively contributed to the problem as well. The Huskers have some very intriguing young talent rising up on stop side, and there is potential for some real upside in 2020.
An area of the defense that needs significant improvement is the defensive end position. The Big Red had serious issues setting the edge and have had for several seasons. Nebraska has been average in quarterback sacks and pressures and gave up an alarming amount of yards per rush in conference a year ago. For the Huskers to rise to the next level, this must improve. Ben Stille needs to improve on his stat line, which accounted for only 3 sacks. Casey Rogers is on the come, so look for him to get on the field.
Everybody is raving about Ty Robinson at nose tackle. Robinson has the potential to be a superstar and will be a real issue for opposing lines. Damion Daniels is also stout. These are big guys, the guys Frost spoke about wanting to see a few years back when Iowa was pushing around the Husker DL.
On the front, Nebraska can go big or small, and they have players to fit the situation. North Carolina transfer Jordan Riley, who has quick feet and tall at 6'6", can play inside or on the edge. Keem Green is going to be involved, likely on the strong side. Pheldarius Payne is making a move and could help rush the passer. Chris Walker, freshman Nate Hutmaker and walk-on Colton Heist along with Mosai Newsome figure inside while Tate Wilderman looms large in potential at DE.
Mike Dawson comes back to help the defensive front. JoJo Domann will man one outside linebacker spot. Domann is quick and has good football IQ capable of making big plays. Nico Cooper is emerging backing up and could well see significant time. Garrett Nelson will back up Domann. Freshman Javian Wright showed promise, but a shoulder has sidelined him for the year. Caleb Tannor has serious potential at the other OLB spot, but he has not been a complete player at the spot as of yet. Nick Henrich and Niko Cooper are players that can get on the field. Perhaps Jackson Hannah can figure in
Much improvement is needed at inside linebacker. Returning starters Colin Miller and Will Honas return, Miller has speed but gets lost on occasion, but he seems settled. Will Honas has been injured, but he has not maximized his potential since arriving. Luke Reimer seems to make plays when given the opportunity. Nick Henrich is a player to watch. Garret Snoodgrass, Zach Schlager and Eteva Mauga-Clements are all potential pieces at play.
We were very excited at the promise of Braxton Clark at corner, but he has been lost for the season, Thankfully, the secondary is perhaps the strongest position on the team. Cam Taylor-Britt can play every position, and has, but it seems he is best suited at cornerback. Dicaprio Bootle is very solid at the opposite corner. JUCO transfer Nadab Joseph has size at 6'2" and is pushing to get on the field while Quentin Newsome is one of the best Husker players nobody knows about. Ronald Delancy and freshman Tamon Lynum are fast improving. Deontai Williams was ready for primetime in 2019, but he was lost for the season early. Williams is potentially special and his injury really set the defense back.
Freshman Noa Pola-Gates is a star in the making and will start out backing Williams, but expect him to find the field somewhere. At strong safety, starter Marquel Dismuke returns. Dismuke is quite capable, but there is a contingent of folks who think Myles Farmer has great potential at the spot. Cam Taylor Britt would be the fifth safety if necessary. There is a lot of talent and experience on the back end for the Big Red, and this should be a position of strength.
An issue for the Blackshirts since Frost arrived is winning the turnover battle, an item his defenses are predicated on. The defense is designed to give up some yards while feasting on turnovers. So far under Frost and Chinander, we have not seen much of that. The Husker defense has had issues getting opponent offenses off the field on third down. There appears talent to make gains in the area of quarterback pressures, stopping the run and creating an environment that produces turnovers. It is paramount if Nebraska wants to get back to winning.
SPECIAL TEAMS
INTANGIBLES
The weight program implemented by Zach Duval has changed the physical condition of the team, allowing more avenues for success to travel.
HONORS CANDIDATES
WanDale Robinson seems the leading honors candidate, and with the production we anticipate him having, he should garner All B1G honors. Offensively, Brendan Jaimis could reach All B1G, and don't count out Dedrick Mills if he elevates his game. Cam Taylor-Britt, Dicaprio Bootle, Marquel Dismuke and Deontai Williams are potentially in contention for All B1G status.
NEW ARRIVALS
There are many newcomers who are expected to play pivotal and notable roles for the Big Red in 2020, but perhaps the most significant is WR Omar Manning, the #1 JUCO player coming out last year. Manning is big and fast, the type of player at the receiver position has lacked in recent years. However, it appears his status is somewhat in question in fall camp, so we are not yet sure what if any role he will play. Running backs Marvin Scott and Sevios Morrison look primed to play, Receivers Marcus Fleming, Alnate Brown and TE Travis Vokolek will figure. DL Jordan Riley will get a ton of snaps. LB Nico Cooper along with defensive backs Noa Pola-Gates, Nadab Joseph and Ronald Delancey (wearing #0) will see time. One or both of the placekickers, Connor Culp and Chase Contreraz, will play.
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| WanDale Robinson Photo:Star-Herald |
FINAL ANALYSIS
A revised schedule dealt Nebraska no favors, as the Huskers open up on the road at veteran and powerful Ohio State. Coming back to Lincoln, Wisconsin visits. The plug and play Badgers are a top fifteen team, but starting quarterback Jack Coan is out indefinitely. The Huskers then travel to Northwestern before returning to Lincoln to play top ten team Penn State. The Lions best player, LB Micah Parsons, opted out. Odd favor a 1-3 record here, but 2-2 seems more reasonable. Illinois visits, sp the Big Red should be 3-2 before traveling to Iowa City on Black Friday. Boy, Nebraska is due in this game. Nebraska then visits Purdue before hosting Minnesota to close out. Most will say Nebraska goes 5-5 but I will project that some good things happen and the Huskers finish 6-4. GBR!
GAMEDAY GALLERY
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