The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Alabama, 4-0, 1
2.     Ohio State, 3-0. 2
3.     Louisville, 4-0, 3
4.     Clemson, 4-0, 4
5.     Houston, 4-0, 5
6.     Michigan, 4-0, 7
7.     Stanford, 4-0, 8
8.     Washington, 4-0, 6
9.     Texas A&M, 4-0, 11
10.   Florida State, 3-1, 10
11.   Tennessee, 4-0, 12
12.   Ole Miss, 2-2, 13
13.   Wisconsin, 4-0, 15
14.   Baylor, 4-0, 17
15.   Miami, 3-0, 19
16.   Nebraska, 4-0, 18
17.   Arkansas, 3-1, 21
18.   Utah, 4-0, NR
19.   Michigan State, 2-1, 9
20.   North Carolina, 3-1, 16
21.   Texas Christian, 3-1, NR
22.   Oklahoma, 1-2, 25
23.   South Florida, 3-1, 22
24.   Florida, 3-1, 23
25.   Georgia, 3-1, 14

OUT:  Louisiana State (22) and North Dakota State (24),

VOTES: UCLA, San Diego State, West Virginia, Auburn, Boise State, LSU, Texas, North Dakota State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech,  Memphis, Colorado, Arizona State and USC.

Picture Protest

This is what protesting looks like.

However, after two black individuals were killed by police officers in the line of duty, violence has ensued in Charlotte. One killing in Tulsa looks quite troubling for the men in blue, while on the surface the Charlotte incident, with a black officer pulling the trigger, seems appropriate. We will let the facts unfold, and go from there.

"A lot of damage was done in Charlotte as a result. NASCAR’s $160 million Hall of Fame museum suffered heavy damage as well as the Charlotte Hornets team store, the NASCAR News Center, NASCAR Headquarters, and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant was looted and damaged as well along with many others."

These riots (and yes, they are riots and not protests) are getting out of hand and need to be dealt with harshly when it becomes a free pass to destroy property. "Everybody wants to go out and riot. It's become kind of a social occasion, which is totally insane to me" noted Kimberly Guilfoyle of The Five on FOX News Channel.

Those creating havoc in Charlotte are professional agitators who gather up a collection of useful idiots all in an orchestrated effort to divide us.

It is working. Welcome to Obama's America.

A Horrible Candidate

"Why aren't I 50 points ahead, you might ask" pontificated the arrogant Hillary Clinton, no doubt stunned by recent polling numbers.

 

Could it be America sees you accurately as a liar, an architect of organizing through bullying the political landscape and a progressive aiming to implement a socialist structure while undermining American power and exceptionalism?

Further, might they astutely envision you as an intellectual progressive operative with disdain for the blue collar working families you profess to support, an individual who dreams of squelching free markets through taxation and regulation championing crony capitalism in support of self promotion while welcoming opportunities for you and your political advocates to abuse power?

And those working families you reference? 94 million people are underemployed while nominal income has been stagnant during Obama's two terms.

Additionally, it should be noted those living in right to work states have economically outperformed those in structured environments you favor, demonstrating your economic idiocy.

I could go on, and on, and on, and on, and......................

Media Darling Warren An Elitist Hypocrite

The media is gushing with accolades for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D:MA) for going after the CEO of Wells Fargo in hearings today. "The only way Wall Street will change is if executives face jail time when they preside over massive frauds" said Warren.

It should be noted that Sen. Warren enthusiastically supports President Obama, who, as TBP reports, "has not prosecuted one banker for the largest control fraud in world history, as he assumed the role of useful puppet to the vested financial interests."

Warren is nothing more than an elitist hypocrite.

Elizabeth Warren Slams Wells' CEO Stumpf: "You Should Resign, You Should Be Criminally Investigated"

Rheumatism

More brilliance from Michael Ramirez. Trump is running around all over the countryside and Hillary is among the walking dead, appearing completely unfit for office.

Meanwhile, the media is questioning and demanding records regarding Trumps health.

What in hell's half acre is going on?

Have I got into Granny Clampett's Rheumatism or something?

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Alabama, 3-0, 2
2.     Ohio State, 3-0, 5
3.     Louisville, 3-0, 8
4.     Clemson, 3-0, 3
5.     Houston, 3-0, 4
6.     Washington, 3-0, 6
7.     Michigan, 3-0, 7
8.     Stanford, 3-0, 10
9.     Michigan State, 2-0, 17
10.   Florida State, 2-1, 1
11.   Texas A&M, 3-0, 18
12.   Tennessee, 3-0, 9
13.   Ole Miss, 1-2, 12
14.   Georgia, 3-0, 16
15.   Wisconsin, 3-0, 15
16.   North Carolina, 2-1, 19
17.   Baylor, 3-0, 20
18.   Nebraska, 3-0, NR
19.   Miami, 3-0, NR
20.   Louisiana State, 2-1, 21
21.   Arkansas, 3-0, 21
22.   South Florida, 3-0, 24
23.   Florida, 3-0, NR
24.   North Dakota State, 3-0, NR
25.   Oklahoma, 1-2, 11

OUT: Iowa (13), Texas (15), Notre Dame (21) and Oregon (25)

VOTES: Oklahoma State, UCLA, San Diego State, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Notre Dame, Texas Christian, Pittsburgh,Texas, Utah, Boise State Oregon, Central Michigan, Southern Cal, Auburn and West Virginia.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS:

On a day at Louisville they honor favorite son Muhammad Ali, Florida State took a left hoof to the chin early, got technically knocked out midway through the second quarter and sustained continue blows to the head for the remainder of the game in the worst loss in school history.  As the writers over at Tomahawk Nation accurately assessed it, "Normally in blowouts of this sort, as was the case against Oregon in 2014, turnovers pile up and let a game get out of hand. On Saturday, that was hardly the case. Florida State turned the ball over only twice and the Seminoles were merely outmatched in all aspects of the game by a Louisville team that seemed incredibly prepared for FSU and for its first College GameDay game in program history." Florida State was whipped soundly up front on the offensive line, odd considering four starters returned this fall. Roderick Johnson, considered an All America player at tackle, led the team in failing to block anybody. The secondary, thought to be a team strength given their talent and experience, was horrendous.  Sure, the loss of All America player Derwin James hurt, but from arm tackling to losing route runners, it was nothing short of pitiful. The entire defensive unit was dictated to, reactionary as a great dual threat signal caller payed sandlot ball all day, delivering a handful of Heisman moments, which appear to be well deserved. Lamar Jackson was much more than the accurate accolades advertised him to be.  We had Louisville ranked higher in the preseason than any other service, and we appear to have had them too low.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

Nebraska got a much needed win over a quality opponent, defeating Oregon at Lincoln.  The Big Red attempted on many occasion to give the game away, but the took the ball late in the fourth quarter and put together a touchdown winning drive, with Tommy Armstrong scoring on a 32 yard quarterback draw. There is so much more out there for Nebraska offensively, but they are held back by questionable play calling and poor execution. It should be noted that Armstrong did not turn the ball over, and when this occurs, good things usually happen for Nebraska. Nebraska now has a real chance, provided they clean up things and continue to improve.  Only a trip to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes looks too tall an order, and they appear in the drivers seat for a trip to Indianapolis for the B1G Championship game. It is noted that Oregon made a tremendous heartfelt gesture to Husker Nation pregame, placing flowers at the 27 yard line to honor fallen Nebraska punter Sam Foltz. This act of kindness did not go unnoticed, and it speaks volumes about Mark Helfrich and the Oregon Duck football operation he leads.

Hillary Insults Silent Majority

As noted by AgainstCronyCapitalism.org, without question, "The political class loathes a large part of this country. Now it’s official."

We cannot get enough of British freedom fighter Nigel Farage, who joined Stuart Varney on Varney & Co. this morning on the FOX Business Network.
 
Farage accurately noted, People have had enough of being sneered at by out of touch political ‘elites'.

Indeed.

Hillary Clinton, while completely unfit for public office, really committed a political error in insulting half of the country, who supports her competitor Donald Trump.  There are enough people in the middle who really don't appreciate being insulted, and certainly in this political season, that amount could sway an election.

Hillary Clinton should be quite careful insulting the silent majority in this country, made up in large measure of Reaganites who abhor political elites who are dangerously out of touch with the greater majority of the citizenry and how ordinary people live and conduct their lives.

Nigel is quite correct, and it appears the silent majority ship has left port, sailing for seas of freedom and liberty, sinking the intellectual elites in similar fashion to those who were shocked by Brexit.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

TOP 25

1.      Florida State, 2-0, 1

2.      Alabama, 2-0, 1

3.      Clemson, 2-0, 3

4.      Houston, 2-0, 4

5.      Ohio State, 2-0, 5

6.      Washington, 2-0, 6

7.      Michigan, 2-0, 7

8.      Louisville, 2-0, 8

9.      Tennessee, 2-0, 9

10.    Stanford, 1-0, 10

11.    Oklahoma, 1-1, 11

12.    Ole Miss, 1-1, 12

13.    Iowa, 2-0, 17

14.    Wisconsin, 2-0, 15

15.    Texas, 2-0, 16

16.    Georgia, 2-0, 14

17.    Michigan State, 1-0, 18

18.    Texas A&M, 2-0, 20 

19.    North Carolina, 1-1, 22

20.    Baylor, 2-0, 21

21.    Notre Dame, 1-1, 23

22.    Arkansas, 2-0, NR

23.    Louisiana State, 1-1, 24

24.    South Florida, NR, 2-0,

25.    Oregon, 2-0, NR

OUT: Oklahoma State (13), Texas Christian (19) and Nebraska (25).

VOTES: Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Auburn, Florida, Miami, Boise State, UCLA, UTAH, Texas Christian, San Diego State, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, USC and Georgia Tech.

Never Forget

The World Trade Center

Islamic terrorists remain committed to killing us. Unfortunately, they have made significant inroads across the globe this past year, with the Muslim Brotherhood gaining influence and ISIS engaged in a blood thirsty massacre across the entire middle east.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton ask the American people to have empathy for our enemies.

Christians are being killed at alarming levels, yet our president continues to call out republicans for their evil attempts to adhere to the Constitution.  We have officially become a nation of men; not laws.

And we have countless enemies within. Those enemies within included our current Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. Please engage your voting actions accordingly.





Have you forgotten?



Windows on the world



Evil spit in our face on the morning of September 11, 2001. As America sought comfort on this horrendous day, most found God watching over us. We had faith, which helped us through the incredible grief. With evil lurking all around us, we found love, courage and faith standing tall in the fire.

Although this is a day of remembrance, we must never forget!

I have not forgotten. Never Forget! Political correctness be damned, we must remain committed to taking out evil wherever it exists, foreign or domestic.




GOD BLESS AMERICA

*PORTIONS REPRINTED FROM 9-11-11 BLOGPOST.

So You Know

Just so you know, Governor, it is far from incendiary to call illegal immigrants what they are; illegal immigrants.



Actually, beyond my disgust at your condescending scolding of Guy Benson in the interview, I am offended you seek to welcome those whose initial act within our borders was to violate our laws; a slap in the face to those whose perseverance gave them legal entry following the laws, proudly assimilating into our nation.

Many illegal immigrants here are on the public dole, participating in overwhelming our already bankrupt nation. Yes, the immigration system is broken, alarmingly so, but, just so you know, we are a nation of laws, and without adherence to those laws, we are not a nation at all.

As the open borders advocate that you are, maybe that suits you just fine, but not us in red state America, who value legal immigrants who demonstrate appreciation for the history, traditions and principles of our founding.

I recognize many are unable to cast a ballot for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, but we never considered Johnson a viable candidate and his defense of illegal immigrants and open borders alone should eliminate him from consideration of anyone wanting to protect the sovereignty of America.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Florida State, 1-0, 1
2.     Alabama, 1-0, 2
3.     Clemson, 1-0, 3
4.     Houston, 1-0, 10
5.     Ohio State, 1-0, 7
6.     Washington, 1-0, 8
7.     Michigan, 1-0, 9
8.     Louisville, 1-0, 11
9.     Tennessee, 1-0, 4
10.   Stanford, 1-0, 16
11.   Oklahoma, 0-1, 5
12.   Ole Miss, 0-1, 14
13.   Oklahoma State, 1-0, 17
14.   Georgia, 1-0, 23
15.   Wisconsin, 1-0, NR
16.   Texas, 1-0, NR
17.   Iowa, 1-0, 18
18.   Michigan State, 1-0, 19
19.   Texas Christian, 1-0, 120
20.   Texas A&M, 1-0, NR
21.   Baylor, 1-0, 22
22.   North Carolina, 0-1, 12
23.   Notre Dame, 0-1, 15
24.   Louisiana State, 0-1, 6
25.   Nebraska, 1-0, 21

OUT: Oregon, Southern Cal and UCLA.

VOTES: Oregon, Pittsburgh, UCLA, Utah, Miami, Florida, San Diego State, Southern Cal, Georgia Tech, South Florida, Auburn, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Brigham Young, Arizona State and Arkansas.

Under Pressure

We noticed the following chart and subsequent commentary from Investment Research Dynamics.

What are we to make of the information presented?

Market manipulation.

And no, there has never been such a sustained absence of volatility historically.

The FED wants to insure any volatility remains in check, for if the beta became uncontrollable, things could unwind in high velocity.

Although we have no documentation, it appears certain the FED is buying and selling stocks when the deem necessary to stop any downdrafts from gaining traction.

This cannot continue, as the market will take control of itself sooner rather than later.

We have great respect for the thinkers over at Investment Research Dynamics, particularity their spot on analysis of the capital markets, although we do part company politically on occasion.

IRD nails it again, and it is warning you should heed.

The U.S. collapse will happen either now or later. For the latter outcome, at some point the Fed will need to print 10’s of trillions of dollars to prevent that horizontal line on the graph above from turning into a downward-pointing near-vertical line. Of course, please review the history of Germany circa 1923 to see how the money printing alternative worked out…

Who Knew

2016 Florida State Seminoles Preview

OFFENSE

RB Dalvin Cook
Photo/Tallahassee.com

Florida State never really found their grove offensively in 2015. Oh sure, it looked good with Dalvin Cook running loose from hash mark to the concession stand, but the quarterback position never emerged past game manager and the receiving core, until very late in the season, failed to produce efforts to open up the field. At signal caller, the experiment with Notre Dame transfer Everett Golson left him guarded, and Sean Maguire did his best to jump start the unit. Cook was brilliant, but even with his impressive stats, which had him in the Heisman hunt, he was hampered by a nagging hamstring and was rarely 100%. More is available for the offensive unit.  All five starters on the line return, although some have, for various reasons, gave way to more talented players. Roderick Johnson, an All America selection at left tackle. Kareem Are mans the next door guard spot, with Alex Eberle back at center. Wilson Bell is a right guard, with newcomer Rick Leonard, a defense tackle convert, at right tackle. Leonard and Johnson, both over 6'7", give the Seminoles long arms to hold off defenders. Brock Ruble, Ryan Hoefeld and Derrick Kelly are the top backups coming in to the season and Anthony Boselli and Baveon Johnson are freshman who have impressed coaches. TE Ryan Izzo is a star in the making, and Marvin Sanders has pleased coaches, making tight end a strong spot for the 'Noles. An uptick in performance is expected from the receiving core.  Travis Rudolph finally got going after midseason, and he could challenge for conference honors. Jesus Wilson starts opposite Rudolph with Kermit Whitfield and newcomer Nyquan Murray interchangeable at the third spot. JaVonn Harrison is set to emerge, and more is expected from Ermon Lane, who has had some moments. George Campbell is capable of earning some time and Keith Gavin has impressed. Auden Tate is a tall target reminiscent of Kelvin Benjamin and could factor in heavily. Davante Phillips is also a youngster to keep an eye on. The core is very deep, but is looking for someone, perhaps Rudolph, to become among the south's elite. Speaking of elite, look no further than RB Dalvin Cook, who will should earn All America honors while making a Heisman run. Cook possesses breakaway speed, but also makes would be tacklers look frozen around the line of scrimmage. And Cook also possesses strong pass catching skills.  If healthy, he may be the most dangerous player in the nation. Jacques Patrick, somewhat of a bruiser with good speed, backs up Cook. Freddie Stevenson and Jonathan Vickers will be your fullbacks, both of which are dangerous out of the backfield. Most assumed Sean Maguire would be the starting quarterback, but redshirt freshman Deondre Fancois had been most impressive during the spring when Maguire sat due to an ankle injury suffered in the Peach Bowl. Although it was publicly a race, it seemed Francois was leading in fall camp when Maguire again suffered a foot injury. With Maguire expected out a month, the Seminoles made Francois the starter.  Francois has never played a down, so he must continue to earn his time, but Fisher and the players rave about his skills. Maguire has heeled much faster than expected and will be available game one, but it is Francois job to lose. The Seminoles need a game breaker, not a game manager, at the position if a playoff berth is in order. Provided Francois is efficient in running the offense, and can execute all the throws while utilizing his legs, Cook can propel this unit to 40 points per game.

DEFENSE

 DE Demarcus Walker
Photo/ACC.com

Officially, only six starters return for the Seminoles on the stop side, but make no mistake, this unit can be a dominant group.SR DE Demarucs Walker returned after recording 10.5 sacks in '15, and Walker could vie for All American honors. Walker's power is flexed by his speed counter part, SO DE Josh Sweat, who looks explode on the scene. Derrick Nnadi is All ACC, and DeMarcus Christmas both return at DT, giving the Seminoles an experienced and powerful front. Keith Bryant, Brian Burns and Jacob Pugh back up the end position, but depth inside is an issue, with Freddie Jones first in. Often injured Matthew Thomas appears ready to go at weakside linebacker. Thomas has serious skills, and if he remains healthy could become nationally known. Ro'Derrick Hoskins is outstanding and a key cog for the unit. Quality depth here is a concern. The secondary is an embarrassment of riches. The unit is led by SO safety Derwin James, a headhunter with top quality ball skills. James is an All American player. Fellow safety Nate Andrews is very good, and has a nose for the football. Trey Marshall, injured last year, returns to man the STAR spot, but has ran at strong safety much of fall camp with Marcus Lewis running at STAR.  Along with Andrews, these players are interchangeable, each stellar. FR Levonta Taylor will compete at STAR also. Marquez White has developed into an All ACC corner, and he will be flanked by Tarvarus McFadden, with Marcus Lewis and Malique Jackson backing. The unit is ultra talented, but must mesh together, not overrun plays and become the dominant  attacking unit opposing offenses will fear.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Roberto Aguayo has gone to the NFL, but his brother Ricky has won the placekicking job, with Logan Tyler set to punt.  Kermit Whitfield averaged almost 27 yards per kickoff returner last year, and figures to have help from Tarvarus McFadden and Jesus Wilson. Wilson appears set to handle punt returns, which was poor last year. Freshman Lavonta Taylor and Nyquan Murray will look to spark the unit and more than double last season's horrendous 4.3 yards per return.

INTANGIBLES

Seminoles

The Seminoles are hungry again, and will welcome most ACC division challenger Clemson and arch rival Florida to DOAK, which has had a summer makeover with new seating in the east end zone and a tremendous new scoreboard. There is a strong influx of new talent, and several youngsters are ready to take the next steps within the program.  Jimbo Fisher has excelled in creating an atmosphere of excellence, and has the young men fully engaged in the process of not only becoming a champion on the field, but off it as well.
The program is really in a good spot at this time.

HONORS CANDIDATES

S Derwin James
Photo/PalmBeachPost.com

Like his predecessor Jalen Ramsey, S Derwin James is as close to a consensus All America player in the defensive backfield as you can find. Both OT Roderick Johnson and DE Demarcus Walker could both be All American selections.
Dalvin Cook is a first team All American and Heisman contender. Possible All ACC honors candidates are Derrick Nnadi, DE Josh Sweat, WR Travis Rudolph, LB Matthew Thomas, S Nate Andrews, S Trey Marshall, CB Marquez White, OG Kareem Are and LB Roderick Hoskins.

NEW ARRIVALS

S Lavonta Taylor is big time, and looks to have earned a chance to play, both on special teams and at nickel back. Taylor does not lack confidence. Brian Burns has really  impressed the coaches at DE. Of course, kicker Ricky Aguayo and punter Logan Tyler will play vital roles. DE Janarius Robinson may get time, as will WR Keith Gavin. RB Amir Rasul should get kickoff return opportunities.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Florida State is not a perfect team heading into the season. There is inexperience at quarterback, and depth on the defensive line and at linebacker are concerning. Another area which improvement is necessary is found in the receiving core. However, with 10 offensive starters returning, inclusive of consensus All Americans at running back and tackle, the offense should be very strong.  Honors candidates Derwin James and Demarcus Walker headline a very sound defense which possess perhaps the nations best secondary. However, when analyzing the main contenders for the national championship, the Seminoles look as strong as anyone, and perhaps have the hunger combining youth with veteran leadership to get better every week and take home the title. The Seminoles face a very talented Ole Miss in Orlando to kick the season off, but a trip to take on perhaps the best Louisville of all time, a team looking for that signature win, could spell trouble. Should FSU get by that one, and the subsequent trip to Tampa to face a much improved South Florida, a home date against North Carolina followed by a trip to face rival Miami appear the only legitimate stumbling blocks for FSU other than the colossal tilt in Tallahassee with Clemson. That will be the game for the ACC, no doubt. Of course, the Gators are always dangerous, but they are a few years away from thinking of beating FSU on the road. Without a proven signal caller, it seems FSU will drop on along the way somewhere. Florida State could win them all, but we think maybe they lose at Louisville, beat Clemson and win a divisional tiebreaker, win the ACC and make the playoff. From there, given we think FSU gets much stronger as the season goes on, we would make them the favorite to win the national championship. 14-1.

GAMEDAY GALLERY

The Media Push

There You Have It

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