Nebraska Cornhuskers 2022 Preview

  

The current state of the program notes Nebraska has now missed a bowl game for five consecutive seasons, something unthought of for half a century, and make no mistake, this is absolutely unacceptable. When the powers that be brought in as head coach Scott Frost, the golden haired former Husker National Championship quarterback, a greater majority thought, including me, that he would turn around the Big Red woes in short order. That has failed to happen, and although few if any in Husker Nation are not cheering Frost to have success for the Big Red, there is little doubt he is on thin ice.  Although the Huskers played close in 2021, the season was a failure, with Nebraska going 3-9. Another former Husker All America player, Trev Alberts, was brought in at Athletic Director, and after evaluation, Alberts retained Frost but with conditions to include an overhaul of many parts of the coaching staff with an emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. The changes were significant and were overwhelmingly received as positive. First, highly thought of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who most recently had notable success at Pittsburgh, was hired. Whipple has extensive experience and success as a play caller, and most notably the development of quarterbacks. Now, longtime Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez transferred out of the program, which allows Whipple to mold candidates at the position. The receiver position has failed to meet expectations for years, so another former Husker player, Mickey Joseph, has come home to join the staff. Joseph comes from LSU, where he has coached many superstar players, several of whom are now household NFL names.  Additionally, Joseph is a top level recruiter, another area Nebraska has not performed at an acceptable level.  The offensive line is another area that has underachieved, and this no doubt hits a nerve in Husker Nation. Donovan Raiola is now on board, and early indications show a higher level of performance among the talented group, which is mandatory for Nebraska to get back to winning ball games. Remember, successful teams can't just run the ball when they want to, they can run it effectively when they need to. Last, but certainly not least, Nebraska has brought back former assistant coach Bill Busch, and he will primarily be responsible for shoring up the special teams. Special teams play has been nothing short of horrendous for years, but last year, it appeared to single handedly cost Nebraska two key football games; Michigan State and Iowa. Busch has a great reputation, and improvement seems guaranteed, but even a small level of investment here would pay big dividends. Frost and the coaches have really done a great job of working the transfer portal, and there are several key additions that appear ready to be all conference candidate players this fall. So, with talent on hand, and an easier slate, the Cornhuskers seem poised to be one of the most improved teams in the nation this season. The ability for all the new pieces to mesh together without transitional issues will dictate the level of the anticipated success. There is plenty of goodwill behind Alberts, Frost and the new staff, so everyone is hoping for a successful season. Failure to reach a bowl game would place everyone in Husker Nation in a position nobody wants to be in, and a change would necessarily be strongly considered. So how do we see the Big Red performing in 2022? Let's have a look! 

OFFENSE


Casey Thompson 
Quarterback

As previously mentioned, longtime quarterback Adrian Martinez has transferred out of the program, and while Martinez, who often flashed spectacular abilities, was a great player and a tremendous young man, deficiencies in game management and turnovers hampered his progress. It appears that new scenery is the best option here, and all of Husker Nation wishes Martinez well. Logan Smothers returns for the Big Red, and he is a capable quarterback, a smart player with superb running ability. He does lack the arm strength that Whipple will be seeking, so we expect the starting job to be won by one of two transfers; Casey Thompson from Texas and Chubba Purdy from Florida State. Both of these players demonstrate sound running ability, but Whipple wants to throw.  Thompson has a much higher level of experience and success in his background, including three games where he threw five touchdowns in the game, last year in throwing for over 2100 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Longhorns. Now while we like Purdy, and are confident with him for 2022 along with being very excited at his future, we think Thompson will win the job.  We expect if Thompson can remain healthy, he will have a big season with approximately 2500 and 25 touchdowns. Henrich Haarberg will continue to work on his game no doubt benefitting from the tutelage from Whipple. 

Mickey Joseph
Asst. Coach/WR
PHOTO/OWH

Working with Thompson will be a receiving room we expect a much improved level of performance for 2022 under Mickey Joseph. Top on the list is LSU transfer Trey Palmer, an emerging star who started five games with 30 catches and 3 touchdowns for the Tigers in 2021. Palmer is expected to be the lead dog in the room.  Additionally, Marcus Washington, who played with Thompson at Texas last year with 18 catches and 2 touchdowns, transfers in and is expected to significantly contribute. There are several returning Nebraska players who will get a new lease on life. Omar Manning (26c), who has the look of an NFL All Pro, has yet to play at a consistent level, but he is a guy with a skill set that could catapult him to an honors candidate performer. Throw him the ball!  Oliver Martin has flashed some skills but has battled the injury bug. Alante Brown is a guy with a world of talent who could become a valuable consistent contributor. Brody Belt makes plays when given the opportunity, and Kamonte Grimes and Wyatt Liewer look poised to be heard from. Another player who figures in is transfer Isaiah Garcia-Castenada, who transferred in from New Mexico State. He could resemble Samarie Toure in his level of contribution, so keep an eye on him. DeColdest Crawford and Janiran Bonner are a pair of freshman who could see some time. Returning from injury is Travis Vokolek at tight end, who when healthy has been outstanding. Watch out for him as he is primed for a big year! Chris Hickman, Chancellor Brewington (he has made some plays) and AJ Rollins are all ready to step into the fray. Former four star recruit Thomas Fidone has vast potential at the position, but he has been sidelined with injury since arriving at Nebraska. The coaches remain unsure of his availability for 2022. 

Gabe Ervin, Jr.
Running Back
PHOTO/Saturday Tradition

At Nebraska, under new assistant Bryan Applewhite, the running back room is stacked, an embarrassment of riches. Gabe Ervin Jr. was the first freshman to ever begin the season as the starter and was performing well until a knee injury versus Oklahoma ended his season. Early impressions in fall camp indicated Ervin is back better than ever.  Rahmir Johnson is a real talent, a versatile mature player with endless skills. In the system Whipple will seek to employ, Johnson could excel from somewhat of an old wingback position, which I find very exciting.  Jacquez Yant is a physical freak, a bigger back, fast and powerful, who also through fall camp indications appears to have raised the level of his game. Transferring into the program from JUCO is former Florida State running back Anthony Grant.  A complete back with power, speed and top notch pass catching ability, Grant is a guy who seems set for extensive playing time. Keep your eye on Grant! True freshman Ajay Allen has been turning heads since his arrival, but he has significant competition to overcome.  

Donovan Raiola has the offensive line hungry, ready to operate from a position of attack, which matches the historical mindset of the program. The best player on the line is left tackle Teddy Prochazka, who is coming off a season ending injury. Prochazka is an NFL player, and he is expected to be at 100% when the season kicks. Turner Corcoran, also coming off injury, is expected to the opposite tackle, but he may move to left guard with incoming transfer Keith Williams, seemingly a guard, perhaps operating at right tackle. Bryce Benhart has started at tackle in the past and has great potential, so if he wins right tackle William seems a lock for a guard spot.  Ethan Piper has experience at guard, but redshirt freshman Henry Lutovsky looks ready to significantly contribute. Brock Bando has experience at tackle but can play guard while versatile player Trent Hixon appears set at center. Oklahoma State transfer Hunter Anthony may find a spot. Under Raiola, we expect this unit to be improved, and improvement up front will really benefit the Big Red. Whipple has had tremendous success with his offenses, so we expect Nebraska to average well over 30 points per game. For this to happen, Nebraska will have to move on from the items of discipline they have failed to exhibit in recent seasons. First, and most important, is protecting the football. It is essential to success. Additionally, eliminating idiotic penalties, especially those which negate big plays, is critical. Attention to detail in this regard will hopefully be a byproduct of the installation of the new offensive staff. We think it will.

DEFENSE

Garrett Nelson
Outside Linebacker
Photo/Scottsbluff Star Herald

Nebraska was quite impressive on defense last season, and while there are significant personnel losses, this group under Erik Chinander has a chance to be improved. Much of the optimism centers around a strong pair of rush ends in Garrett Nelson and TCU Ochaun Mathis. Both are expected be among the best in the conference. Caleb Tannor really stepped up his game last fall, this season he will figure prominently once again and I am excited to see how his talents are best utilized. DT Ty Robinson is a mountain of a man, a guy with pass rushing skills that will anchor the interior.  Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn and Texas Tech transfer Devin Drew are new faces brought in to plug up the middle. Nash Hutmacher returns, and he is a stout, strong guy who refuses to get pushed around, reminding some of us old timers of ole nose guard Danny Noonan, so consider Hutmacher my kind of guy! but he needs to step up. Colton Fiest has shined in fall camp, while Blaise Gunnerson, Javin Wright and Jimari Butler are solid reserve players. 

The linebacking core has transformed from somewhat of a liability to a team strength. Nebraska will be in a 4-3 on most occasion to keep three top players on the field. Returning linebackers Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer, who topped the team in tackles last season, are set for stellar seasons. Isaac Gifford, who has excellent speed, is ready to assume the nickel spot, although expect Chris Kolarevic to get some situational snaps. Garrett Snodgrass, a Nebraska native, is emerging and will back this group up. Senior Eteva Mauga-Clements can play a couple spots and is a solid inside player. But freshman linebacker Ernest Hausmann from Columbus is going to be a great one; too stout to keep off the field. 

The secondary is loaded with safeties. At strong safety, Myles Farmer brings a big stick and he is poised to challenge for conference honors. Deshon Singleton is ready to rock, so look for him to find a spot on the field. Marques Buford will get his time to shine at free safety, but the time is now Noa Pola-Gates to reach his potential. Transfer Omar Brown is also on hand. Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill and Braxton Clark will both play at boundary corner, with Quentin Newsome all set at field corner. With another year with Chinander's system and what is expected to be a much improved pass rush, we expect Nebraska to field one of the top defenses within the conference. The linebacking core is strong, and the secondary could emerge as top notch. As was the case last fall, employing a strong defense has the opportunity to keep Nebraska close in every game on their schedule.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Abysmal. That is the adjective that comes to mind when describing the Nebraska special teams in recent seasons. In fact, last year, at least two games were seemingly lost by mind boggling special team breakdowns.  Additionally, the kicking game, both placekicking and punting, were significant liabilities. And that is being kind.  Blow it up, with no job safe. Former well respected assistant Bill Busch, who has extensive experience coaching special teams has arrived to fix them. We are quite confident he will. At kicker, Timothy Bleekrode has transferred in from Furman where he was 15/18. Montana transfer Brian Buschini, awarded the top punter in the country for the FCS division, should dramatically improve that portion of the game.  Nowhere to go but up.  Shockingly, Nebraska was among the nation's worst in the return game. Incoming wideout Trey Palmer returned a kickoff for a touchdown for LSU last year and appears set to return kickoffs, perhaps with Anthony Grant, who did that at Florida State, and Brody Belt. Punt returns could also include Palmer, but in fall practice corner Tommi Hill, an Arizona State transfer, appears a front runner here. Maybe Janiran Bonner will get a look here. Under Busch, who we have high confidence in, this portion of the team we feel will be significantly improved, and that will be huge in field position, hidden yardage and confidence.

INTANGIBLES

Mark Whipple
Offensive Coordinator
PHOTO/CBS Sports

As we noted in last season's preview, "the Frost era has been a debacle; across the board." Sadly, this is not exaggerating! Many national pundits noted Nebraska was the best 3-9 team of all time last season, and we don't find that analysis far off from reality. Frost, seemingly under the direction of new AD Trev Alberts, overhauled much of the offensive staff and added pieces elsewhere, most notably Mike Dawson and Bill Busch.  We think these are very impressive hires; all. Given these changes, with the talent level on hand and a slew of very impressive transfers via the portal, we think the opportunity to be seized is large. Tops on our list would be the overhaul of the special teams, which has nowhere to go but up. Installation of a level of discipline, which includes the all important aspect of protecting the football, is next. Last, we think a winning mentality has been missing, with the 'Huskers seemingly expecting to lose without knowing how to win.  We think this changes. For once, we anticipate the intangibles going in Nebraska's favor.

HONORS CANDIDATES

As far as a player receiving All America honors, it would seem a stretch at this point to forecast anyone from Nebraska, although if punter Brian Buschini can replicate his FCS success, it could happen. As far as all conference honors in the B1G, there are several candidates. Offensively, we expect Casey Tompson to have a big season, but Ohio State QB CJ Stroud is a Heisman favorite. Consider Trey Palmer a wild card as he could be in position to have a breakout season. We love the running back room, but there does not seem to be enough carries for one back to be recognized. TE Travis Vokolek has a chance, as does OL Teddy Prochazka. Defensively, there are several candidates. Both rush ends, Garrett Nelson and Ochaun Mathis could be in the mix, as will linebackers Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich. Quentin Newsome may get some consideration from his corner spot. It should be noted that the lack of national honors candidates does not indicate the Big Red will be a poor team; quite contrary. There is a slew of rising quality players on the precipice of making their mark.

NEW ARRIVALS

Trey Palmer
WR/KR
PHOTO/Twitter

Good heavens! Where do we start?  At quarterback, transfers Casey Thompson from Texas and Chubb Purdy from Florida State, both quite capable, are set to compete for the starting job, expected to be won by Thompson primarily due to experience.  WR/KR Trey Plamer is expected to play a huge role for Nebraska, a potential game breaker at two positions. WR Marcus Williams, a former teammate of Thompson at Texas, should get serious snaps along with New Mexico State transfer Isaiah Garcia-Castenada. Running back Anthny Grant, who comes from JUCO via Florida State, is a special talent who we expect to make some real noise.  Don't discount him on kickoff returns! On the OL, Keith Williams will no doubt find a spot. Defensively, it likely starts with DE Ochaun Mathis, who was a two time second team All Big XII performer. Up front, Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn and Texas Tech transfer Devin Drew both are set to be strong contributors. Among the true freshman, three players come to mind. LB Ernest Hausmann is really turning heads; no redshirt for him. WR Janiran Bonner is making the fall camp highlight reel, so keep your eyes out for him. RB Ajay Allen is catching eyes, but he faces an avalanche of competition. A pair of safeties should also see action; transfer Omar Brown from Northern Iowa and JUCO transfer Deshon Singleton. Additionally, Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill is a potential starter at cornerback. Add Alabama transfer Kaine Williams to the mix at safety. And last, but certainly not least, placekicker Timothy Bleekrode, who transferred in from Furman, may be the most important of them all.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Yes, I am drunk on Kool-Aid!  Odds appear to favor a Big Red turnaround this fall. There is just too much talent available, and with the additions of the transfers and the changes made to the coaching staff, if the team can come together, Nebraska should easily return to bowl game eligibility. Although the schedule Nebraska will face in 2022 is considerably easier than the one faced last year, it will still be a grind for the Huskers to reach their goals. Provided Nebraska wins game one, which we consider as it stands to be the most important game in the tenure of Scott Frost as head coach, a new era may commence. Lose it, and odds favor a coaching search appropriately begins. So, Nebraska simply must defeat Northwestern in Ireland. If that fails to occur, all bets are off and jobs are necessarily in great jeopardy. We think Nebraska wins this by a couple of touchdowns, but before they have chance to celebrate, practice gets underway as FCS foes North Dakota comes the Lincoln the following Saturday. Now, although North Dakota will not be a pushover, even with the short week, the 'Huskers should win comfortably.  Georgia Southern then comes to Lincoln, and this should also be a win.  Now Georgia Southern is dangerous, and they have previously slayed some power five teams in the past, they are in the midst of transition as Clay Helton from USC comes in expected to move the offense from the run oriented operation we are accustomed to with the Eagles to a pass happy outfit.  Once again, Nebraska wins by a couple of touchdowns. So, although at this point Nebraska has not turned any heads, they should be 3-0 before welcoming in old arch rival Oklahoma.  The Sooners are also in transition with a new coaching staff on board, but OU has plenty to top talent on hand. This game presents a huge opportunity for Nebraska, who played well at Norman last year. The 'Huskers can win this, but we will go with Oklahoma in a close one.  An of week awaits, and then Nebraska rolls off a dangerous stretch. It starts with two teams Nebraska should defeat, starting with a home game against Indiana, followed by a Friday night road game at Rutgers. We got Nebraska winning both, but they will be closer than experts think. Then, Nebraska goes to Purdue, who won at Lincoln last year. Purdue lost their two best players, but they have some nice pieces and are well coached. With this on the road, expect this game to be a toss up.  What is the state of mind of the Big Red heading into the contest? A confident Big Red would probably get this done, but with past history being a strong indicator, we may have to give this Purdue. So, at this point, we got Nebraska at 5-2. After another bye week, Nebraska host Illinois in a revenge game.  But we can see the 'Huskers flat here, and Bielema can coach, so this game could be close, but we think at home Nebraska wins it.  By now, we should know who the Huskers are and if they are not in position to win the west here, consider that a problem and a poor indicator of improvement within the program. Minnesota, who is talented and has an easy schedule, could come into Lincoln ranked, but Nebraska must win this game and we think they will. Nebraska then travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan. The Big Red, even potentially at 8-1, would be underdogs of at least a touchdown. Getting a win here would be big time, but even though Nebraska could have easily beat Michigan last year, do not expect a victory in this one.  Here comes the measuring stick. Against Wisconsin (1-9) and Iowa (3-8), Nebraska has been horrendous, often times simply giving games away.  For Nebraska to re-establish themselves as relevant on the national stage, this has got to change. Wisconsin is down, and with the game being in Lincoln and jobs perhaps on the line, Nebraska must find a way to win this and we think they do. If Nebraska is 10-1 here, Iowa should look out, but winning at Iowa for a team not accustomed to doing so is a very tall order, so we think Nebraska once again fall just short. Now, Nebraska could win them all; however, they could also lose to the same old rivals. As we noted last year, the Huskers are so overdue for success it is almost sound money to think a turnaround is looming! Assuming strong quarterback play and cohesion with the new coaching staff and offensive philosophy, we could say Nebraska goes 9-3, but likely they are banged up and drop one we count as a win, so we will say 8-4 or perhaps 7-5, which would seem a more realistic record for Nebraska. Needless to say, this is perhaps the most important year of gridiron action for the Big Red in a few decades.  Trev Alberts rolled the dice on Scott Frost, and I taking that bet! GBR! 

GAMEDAY GALLERY