Former LSU Defensive coordinator Bo Pellini has quickly brought the Cornhusker program back to the brink of superiority. The post-Osborne Era had a tough effect on the program that once won 3 National titles in 4 years (1994, 1995, 1997). Replacing a legend is never easy as people like Frank Solich and Bill Callahan found out. But now after a somewhat surprising 2009 campaign which saw the Huskers come within 1 second of a Big 12 Championship and BCS Bowl berth, the program is primed to once again cement itself on the short-list of National Powers.
Some publications (Phil Steele, ESPN.com) have Nebraska ranked in the Top 5 or 10 of their pre-season polls. I’m not as convinced as these pundits and there is 1 simple reason. How often does a school lose a Heisman finalist to the NFL, then get better??? Regardless of Ndamakong Suh being a defensive player, the fact is that his signature is ALL over the Cornhuskers 2009 success. The same dominance on defense will be tough to come by.
The QB position is probably the one that is most in flux on the Huskers roster. Returning Senior Zac Lee had a decent 2009 season and though he lacked flashiness, he showed growth throughout. Unfortunately for him and the team, Lee missed the entire spring with an injury. During that time, backup Sophomore Cody Green was excellent, which has some people in Lincoln questioning if Lee should be handed the job back when he returns from injury this summer.
Easing the burden placed on whoever the Cornhuskers QB is, will be RBs Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead. The 2 combined for 1,500 yards and 12 TDs last season, but most expect those numbers to rise significantly as they emerge as one of the best 2-man backfields in America. WR Niles Paul provides a viable option down the field as the top returning ballcatcher. The offense should improve on last years numbers… and if they can figure out a way to solidify the QB position, then the Huskers should become one of the best offenses in the Big 12.
Everyone wants to know… who will replace Ndamokong Suh? Well that tall (and wide) order goes to DT Jared Crick, but to think that anyone can replicate what Suh did would be irresponsible. Crick was overshadowed last season and is very strong and athletic, but he wont have Suh demanding a double team block constantly, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to being “the man”.
The defensive secondary has some solid experience. Pellini was known for his strong secondary players while at LSU and CB Prince Amukamara is much in the mold of an SEC-caliber defensive back. With some strong passing games in the Big 12, consistency at that position will be key to the Cornhuskers success.
Nebraska is a team that almost everyone is looking at to be in a BCS Bowl game. With the shakiness of the QB and loss of Suh, I am one of the few skeptics. Regardless of what anybody thinks though… for a tradition rich program, stock piled with talent… anything less than a January Bowl will be a failure. Their Week 3 tilt with Jake Locker and company will give us a taste of their talent, while their Week 7 battle against the Texas Longhorns will let us know if they are a title contender. I predict a 9-3 season for the Children of the Corn.
Key Returning Players:
QB Cody Green
RB Roy Helu Jr
WR Niles Paul
DT Jared Crick
DE Pierre Allen
CB Prince Amukamara
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Washington
Oct 17 - Texas
Oct 23 - @ Oklahoma State
Oct 30 - Missouri
Nov 26 - Colorado
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