I want to thank Phil Steele for letting me write about the Huskers and providing college football fans from across the nation a chance to read what I write. I don't know what to expect from this blog, maybe I will be writing to myself or maybe a decent number of people will read this blog.
I also want to thank all of the people who have viewed this blog and those of you who have written me positive emails. I have very few technological skills and as this blog progresses I hope to improve that facet of this blog.
For anyone who wants to read other blogs on FBS teams, here is the link to them on the Phil Steele website:
http://www.philsteele.com/fbsinfo/TeamPages/teampgsmain.html
Friday, July 31, 2009
What Nebraska Football Feels Like
Copy and paste the link below for a great Nebraska Football video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDED6eUlbMk
Thanks to Mr. Blaylock for this video.
Warning: Viewers tend to experience goosebumps and increased excitement for football to begin.
36 Days Until NU's Opener
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDED6eUlbMk
Thanks to Mr. Blaylock for this video.
Warning: Viewers tend to experience goosebumps and increased excitement for football to begin.
36 Days Until NU's Opener
Thursday, July 30, 2009
NU vs. The Sun Belt
Nebraska plays three teams from the Sun Belt this season, Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, and Louisiana-Lafayette. I think the Sun Belt is usually the weakest conference in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and should be the weakest conference in '09. After that uplifting news for Sun Belt fans, the conference does have five road wins over BCS teams the last couple years. This will be the ninth year of football in the Sun Belt, Troy won the conference last year and is expected to repeat. Let's get to Nebraska's three Sun Belt opponents.
Florida Atlantic Owls
Phil Steele predicts FAU to finish tied for second with fellow NU opponent Arkansas State. Last year Florida Atlantic lost at Texas (52-10), at Michigan State (17-0), and Minnesota (37-3). In 2007, the Owls beat Minnesota 42-39. FAU has gone to two straight bowls (won both) and finished last season going 6-1 over the final 7 games including the bowl. PS (Phil Steele) rates QB Rusty Smith as the 11th best draft eligible QB who will be throwing to PS's number one Sun Belt receiving unit (top 7 receivers return). Rusty Smith is already the career passing leader with the Owls heading into his senior year. FAU only returns 3 starters on defense (lose their top 6 tacklers from '08). Inexperienced Zac Lee and the unproven Nebraska receivers should be able to get off to a confidence building start.
Way too early prediction: NU 44-20
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Phil Steele predicts Arkansas State to finish tied for second with Florida Atlantic in the 9 team Sun Belt conference. Last year Arkansas State won at Texas A&M 18-14 and lost at Alabama 35-0. In 2007, Arkansas State lost at Texas 21-13 in the first week of the season. I'm not calling this an upset special, but the placement of this non-conference game makes it the second most difficult non-conference game for the Huskers. The following week Nebraska plays at Virginia Tech. I will call for this game to be similar to last years San Jose State game in which NU only led 14-12 early in the fourth before winning 35-12 (SJSU outgained NU 353-315). ASU returns their QB, the top 4 rushers, and the top two receivers. However, the offensive line only has 19 career starts returning in '09 (tied with Army for the lowest). The Red Wolves return 6 of their top 7 leading tacklers from '08. Arkansas State opens their season up against FCS member Mississippi Valley State who went 3-8 last year and should be fired up for NU.
Way too early prediction: NU 31-9
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
Phil Steele predicts the Ragin' Cajuns to finish seventh in the Sun Belt. By the time ULL will face the Huskers they will have played Kansas State in Lafayette and on the road against LSU. Last year, Louisiana-Lafayette lost close games at Illinois (20-17) and at Kansas State (45-37). The Ragin' Cajuns return 8 out of their top 9 tacklers from a defense that allowed 430 yards per game and nearly 34 points per game. Last year the offense was the strength of the team averaging 449 yards per game and 33 points per game. This year, ULL loses their QB (1,876 yards, 62.8%, 13 TDs, 11 Ints), their top 2 rushers (combined for 2,410 yards, 24 TDs, 6.5 yards per carry), and their top receiver (46 catches, 656 yards, 7 TDs) but returns 113 career offensive line starts (fourth most). Depending on how Louisiana-Lafayette plays against their first two BCS opponents and Nebraska's attitude after Virginia Tech, this could be the ugliest game of the season for the Huskers.
Way too early prediction: NU 45-12
Florida Atlantic Owls
Phil Steele predicts FAU to finish tied for second with fellow NU opponent Arkansas State. Last year Florida Atlantic lost at Texas (52-10), at Michigan State (17-0), and Minnesota (37-3). In 2007, the Owls beat Minnesota 42-39. FAU has gone to two straight bowls (won both) and finished last season going 6-1 over the final 7 games including the bowl. PS (Phil Steele) rates QB Rusty Smith as the 11th best draft eligible QB who will be throwing to PS's number one Sun Belt receiving unit (top 7 receivers return). Rusty Smith is already the career passing leader with the Owls heading into his senior year. FAU only returns 3 starters on defense (lose their top 6 tacklers from '08). Inexperienced Zac Lee and the unproven Nebraska receivers should be able to get off to a confidence building start.
Way too early prediction: NU 44-20
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Phil Steele predicts Arkansas State to finish tied for second with Florida Atlantic in the 9 team Sun Belt conference. Last year Arkansas State won at Texas A&M 18-14 and lost at Alabama 35-0. In 2007, Arkansas State lost at Texas 21-13 in the first week of the season. I'm not calling this an upset special, but the placement of this non-conference game makes it the second most difficult non-conference game for the Huskers. The following week Nebraska plays at Virginia Tech. I will call for this game to be similar to last years San Jose State game in which NU only led 14-12 early in the fourth before winning 35-12 (SJSU outgained NU 353-315). ASU returns their QB, the top 4 rushers, and the top two receivers. However, the offensive line only has 19 career starts returning in '09 (tied with Army for the lowest). The Red Wolves return 6 of their top 7 leading tacklers from '08. Arkansas State opens their season up against FCS member Mississippi Valley State who went 3-8 last year and should be fired up for NU.
Way too early prediction: NU 31-9
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
Phil Steele predicts the Ragin' Cajuns to finish seventh in the Sun Belt. By the time ULL will face the Huskers they will have played Kansas State in Lafayette and on the road against LSU. Last year, Louisiana-Lafayette lost close games at Illinois (20-17) and at Kansas State (45-37). The Ragin' Cajuns return 8 out of their top 9 tacklers from a defense that allowed 430 yards per game and nearly 34 points per game. Last year the offense was the strength of the team averaging 449 yards per game and 33 points per game. This year, ULL loses their QB (1,876 yards, 62.8%, 13 TDs, 11 Ints), their top 2 rushers (combined for 2,410 yards, 24 TDs, 6.5 yards per carry), and their top receiver (46 catches, 656 yards, 7 TDs) but returns 113 career offensive line starts (fourth most). Depending on how Louisiana-Lafayette plays against their first two BCS opponents and Nebraska's attitude after Virginia Tech, this could be the ugliest game of the season for the Huskers.
Way too early prediction: NU 45-12
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Nebraska Preview Part 3: The Schedule
Why would I talk about the schedule in Nebraska's preview? Well, a lot can be learned from a team's schedule, such as how a team will be prepared going into conference play, what teams will be played from another division (in Nebraska's case, the South Division), and one of the biggest determinants of two equal teams, where the games are played. On to the schedule...
Florida Atlantic, Sept. 5, 6:00 PM
Arkansas State, Sept 12, 1:00 PM
@ Virginia Tech, Sept 19, 2:30 PM
Louisiana-Lafayette, Sept. 26, 6:00 PM
@ Missouri, Oct. 8, Thursday 8:00 PM
Texas Tech, Oct. 17
Iowa State, Oct. 24
@ Baylor, Oct. 31
Oklahoma, Nov. 7
@ Kansas, Nov. 14
Kansas State, Nov. 21
@ Colorado, Nov. 27, Friday 2:30 PM
Later today or tomorrow I will do a piece on the three Sun Belt teams Nebraska will be playing (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette). However, all you need to know for now is none of these teams are named Troy (popular #1 pick for the final Sun Belt Standings) and the Huskers will be favored by double-digits in each of those contests. The third game of the season at Virginia Tech is a great game to prepare Nebraska for conference play. This will be the first ever road game for Zac Lee and the teams first of 2009. This won't be an ordinary road game either, the Hokies of Blacksburg, Virginia, averaged 66,233 people in attendance during the '08 season (which is also the maximum capacity at Lane Stadium). Add to the fact that since 2000, Virginia Tech has won 85.2% of their home games (conversely, Nebraska during the same time span has won only 45.2% of their road games). I haven't even mentioned that the Hokies will be ranked anywhere from #5-#15 in the AP standings before they play Alabama in their first game of the season or that VT beat Nebraska in Memorial Stadium last year 35-30. The most important part of this game will be for Nebraska to gain experience playing a top notch team to prepare them for Missouri (first conference opponent) and the rest of the Big XII.
Fast forward past Louisiana-Lafayette and the bye week to Nebraska's first conference game at Missouri on a Thursday night. Can you imagine the atmosphere in Columbia, Missouri which should be attended by more than 68,000 fans? Nebraska has not won in Columbia since 2001 when Eric Crouch won the Heisman.
I see Nebraska's schedule in three parts, the non-conference games of September, the first four conference games of October, and the final four conference games of November.
The middle part, at Missouri, home against Texas Tech and Iowa State, and then at Baylor, will be crucial for a run to be North division champs. Missouri and Texas Tech will look much different from last years 10 and 11 win teams, however neither team will be a pushover. One would think Nebraska should and has to win against Iowa State to have a chance at winning the North. Then comes the game in Waco, Texas against Baylor. The Bears, the keepers of the Big XII basement, have lost at least 8 games every year since 1997 except in '05 (went 5-6). However, this year the Bears will be quite the handful. QB Robert Griffin is one of the most exciting players in the nation, the Baylor defense has at least one quality player at each unit on defense with DL Phil Taylor Jr. (Media's '09 pick for newcomer of the Big XII, transfer from Penn State), LB Joe Pawelek (Media '09 Preseason Big XII First Team member, 128 tkls and 6 ints in '08), and DB Jordan Lake (also a Media '09 Preseason Big XII First Team member, 97 tkls and 3 ints in '08). If the Huskers limp through this part of the schedule, they will need to regroup quickly for the third and final part.
Part three of the schedule includes Oklahoma, at Kansas, Kansas State, and at Colorado. This will be the section of the schedule where Bo Pelini and the rest of the staff will really work for their salary. Oklahoma is predicted by most and assumed to be #3 when the AP poll is released. The game in Lawrence against Kansas is where most forecasters think the North will be decided. NU hasn't won at Kansas since 2003, the first and only year with Bo Pelini as the Huskers defensive coordinator. Never count out Bill Snyder with Kansas State (easily the most successful KSU coach), even though his team struggled his final two years before retiring in '05 (9-13 combined in '04 and '05). Then the final game in Boulder against Colorado. Dan Hawkins is a quote machine, such as when he said his team will have "10 wins and no excuses" (Hawkins did say on his turn at Big XII Media Days that "I didn't guarantee anything. I didn't promise anything").
After an in depth view of Nebraska's schedule, this will hardly be an easy season for Nebraska. Yes, NU avoids Texas and Oklahoma State from the South, but as of previewing the conference on this date in July, the only team from the South that would appear as a likely win, isn't on the schedule either (Texas A&M). Possibly the most important factor when looking through Nebraska's conference schedule is looking at the away games. The Huskers play Missouri, Baylor, Kansas, and Colorado all on the road. Nebraska would most likely be favored in all those games if they were played in Lincoln. Can NU trade the home games of Iowa State and Kansas State for home games against any of the four scheduled on the road? Probably not. For Nebraska to win the North, it will have to be won on the road.
Florida Atlantic, Sept. 5, 6:00 PM
Arkansas State, Sept 12, 1:00 PM
@ Virginia Tech, Sept 19, 2:30 PM
Louisiana-Lafayette, Sept. 26, 6:00 PM
@ Missouri, Oct. 8, Thursday 8:00 PM
Texas Tech, Oct. 17
Iowa State, Oct. 24
@ Baylor, Oct. 31
Oklahoma, Nov. 7
@ Kansas, Nov. 14
Kansas State, Nov. 21
@ Colorado, Nov. 27, Friday 2:30 PM
Later today or tomorrow I will do a piece on the three Sun Belt teams Nebraska will be playing (Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette). However, all you need to know for now is none of these teams are named Troy (popular #1 pick for the final Sun Belt Standings) and the Huskers will be favored by double-digits in each of those contests. The third game of the season at Virginia Tech is a great game to prepare Nebraska for conference play. This will be the first ever road game for Zac Lee and the teams first of 2009. This won't be an ordinary road game either, the Hokies of Blacksburg, Virginia, averaged 66,233 people in attendance during the '08 season (which is also the maximum capacity at Lane Stadium). Add to the fact that since 2000, Virginia Tech has won 85.2% of their home games (conversely, Nebraska during the same time span has won only 45.2% of their road games). I haven't even mentioned that the Hokies will be ranked anywhere from #5-#15 in the AP standings before they play Alabama in their first game of the season or that VT beat Nebraska in Memorial Stadium last year 35-30. The most important part of this game will be for Nebraska to gain experience playing a top notch team to prepare them for Missouri (first conference opponent) and the rest of the Big XII.
Fast forward past Louisiana-Lafayette and the bye week to Nebraska's first conference game at Missouri on a Thursday night. Can you imagine the atmosphere in Columbia, Missouri which should be attended by more than 68,000 fans? Nebraska has not won in Columbia since 2001 when Eric Crouch won the Heisman.
I see Nebraska's schedule in three parts, the non-conference games of September, the first four conference games of October, and the final four conference games of November.
The middle part, at Missouri, home against Texas Tech and Iowa State, and then at Baylor, will be crucial for a run to be North division champs. Missouri and Texas Tech will look much different from last years 10 and 11 win teams, however neither team will be a pushover. One would think Nebraska should and has to win against Iowa State to have a chance at winning the North. Then comes the game in Waco, Texas against Baylor. The Bears, the keepers of the Big XII basement, have lost at least 8 games every year since 1997 except in '05 (went 5-6). However, this year the Bears will be quite the handful. QB Robert Griffin is one of the most exciting players in the nation, the Baylor defense has at least one quality player at each unit on defense with DL Phil Taylor Jr. (Media's '09 pick for newcomer of the Big XII, transfer from Penn State), LB Joe Pawelek (Media '09 Preseason Big XII First Team member, 128 tkls and 6 ints in '08), and DB Jordan Lake (also a Media '09 Preseason Big XII First Team member, 97 tkls and 3 ints in '08). If the Huskers limp through this part of the schedule, they will need to regroup quickly for the third and final part.
Part three of the schedule includes Oklahoma, at Kansas, Kansas State, and at Colorado. This will be the section of the schedule where Bo Pelini and the rest of the staff will really work for their salary. Oklahoma is predicted by most and assumed to be #3 when the AP poll is released. The game in Lawrence against Kansas is where most forecasters think the North will be decided. NU hasn't won at Kansas since 2003, the first and only year with Bo Pelini as the Huskers defensive coordinator. Never count out Bill Snyder with Kansas State (easily the most successful KSU coach), even though his team struggled his final two years before retiring in '05 (9-13 combined in '04 and '05). Then the final game in Boulder against Colorado. Dan Hawkins is a quote machine, such as when he said his team will have "10 wins and no excuses" (Hawkins did say on his turn at Big XII Media Days that "I didn't guarantee anything. I didn't promise anything").
After an in depth view of Nebraska's schedule, this will hardly be an easy season for Nebraska. Yes, NU avoids Texas and Oklahoma State from the South, but as of previewing the conference on this date in July, the only team from the South that would appear as a likely win, isn't on the schedule either (Texas A&M). Possibly the most important factor when looking through Nebraska's conference schedule is looking at the away games. The Huskers play Missouri, Baylor, Kansas, and Colorado all on the road. Nebraska would most likely be favored in all those games if they were played in Lincoln. Can NU trade the home games of Iowa State and Kansas State for home games against any of the four scheduled on the road? Probably not. For Nebraska to win the North, it will have to be won on the road.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Coaches Clinic/Football 202
I can truthfully say I am a rare Nebraska fan who likes the basketball team as much as I like the football team. I attended Doc Sadler's two sessions during the Coaches Clinic at Lincoln Northstar this afternoon. When Sadler was demonstrating some drills he uses for conditioning as the Nebraska Men's Basketball Head Coach his intensity for hard work was very evident. If there is one trait Doc Sadler and Bo Pelini share, it is the value of getting players to perform to a higher level. Thursday Bo Pelini will be speaking at the Coaches Clinic. If anyone is attending his session, you are more than welcome to post a comment about what was discussed and your impressions. If you would rather email me (ekohl82@yahoo.com) I will post your experience. I won't be able to attend Bo's session as the only mandatory session I have at the Coaches Clinic is at the same time as Pelini's session on Thursday.
If anyone is attending Football 202 on Friday, July 31 at Memorial Stadium and the Hawks Complex, please feel free to share you experience as well. For anyone interested in attending or wanting more information on Football 202, here is the link:
http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=3720229
If anyone is attending Football 202 on Friday, July 31 at Memorial Stadium and the Hawks Complex, please feel free to share you experience as well. For anyone interested in attending or wanting more information on Football 202, here is the link:
http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=3720229
More Media Day Notes
The Lincoln Journal Star has interviews with Bo Pelini, Roy Helu, Jacob Hickman, and Ndamukong Suh, among other Big XII coaches and players from the Big XII Media Days on their website:
http://huskerextra.com/media_days/
Injury News: Offensive lineman Jaivorio Burkes will not play this season, the reason is assumed to be related to an undisclosed medical issue he had in the spring. His future at Nebraska is unknown. Linebacker Matt Holt is most likely out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Tim Griffin did a great blog on how the Husker players' attitudes have changed from the beginning of Bo Pelini's tenure to now:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-11-95/Pelini-says-his-team-has-different-attitude.html
http://huskerextra.com/media_days/
Injury News: Offensive lineman Jaivorio Burkes will not play this season, the reason is assumed to be related to an undisclosed medical issue he had in the spring. His future at Nebraska is unknown. Linebacker Matt Holt is most likely out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Tim Griffin did a great blog on how the Husker players' attitudes have changed from the beginning of Bo Pelini's tenure to now:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-11-95/Pelini-says-his-team-has-different-attitude.html
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pelini and Suh at Media Day
I watched Bo Pelini's press conference through a live stream via the internet. Unfortunately the site did not show/talk with Roy Helu Jr. or Jacob Hickman but they did have a short interview with Ndamukong Suh.
One thing I really admire about Bo Pelini is his straightforward approach. He seems to be honest and present positive traits/abilities of players only when they are deserved. Here are some comments from Pelini at the conference:
"Zac is the clear cut favorite and goes into camp as the starter. He is a natural leader, athletic, and can complete all the throws."
"Kody Spano is 100% after his ACL tear in the spring."
On Cody Green: "We will see how fast he can develop and if he can get on the field."
As a team: "There is a lot of work to be done before we are where we want to be."
If he is satisfied with his defense in the offensively heavy Big XII: "We are not in the same galaxy to where we want to be defensively. We won't be satisfied until we are dominant."
When talking about what needed to be worked on most during last year on defense: "Level of execution wasn't at the level it needed to be consistently. Most of the time we were our own worst enemy. We did get better with the level of execution as time went on."
If Nebraska is back: "We are not as deep as we would like to be across the board and are young in some areas."
Pelini also mentioned he thinks Helu and Quentin Castille will be even better this year than in '08.
Ndamukong Suh was interviewed by the host of the Big XII Network video stream. Suh said, "I am looking forward to getting to the quarterback and stopping the running backs." Suh said the Blackshirts are "still not there but getting closer." He talked about how he was close to going to the NFL but decided he "wanted a degree and wanted one whole year to grow from Carl and Bo. When they were hired I only had six months of working with them. I want to see how much more I can grow." Even though Suh doesn't think Nebraska is at a national championship level, he did say "the team is moving into the role of a hunter, instead of a huntee."
Based on the comments of Bo and Ndamukong, Nebraska still has plenty of work to do but everyone is focused and ready to go. I was intrigued with Bo's comment about Zac Lee being able to complete all the throws. He seems to think the QB spot is a positive on the team. If that is true, Nebraska has a great chance of being successful this season. One final comment from Pelini, he did say, "The team will be better this year, whether or not it shows up in the win column."
Live Big XII Media Day Stream
I didn't give a lot of time for this, but the Big XII Media Day will be streamed live at this link: http://www.big12sports.com/LiveEvents.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=10410.
Nebraska's time slot is 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM central time today.
Nebraska's time slot is 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM central time today.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Clincher
Click on the image to see the full version. This is my favorite image from last season. I can't wait for football Saturdays!
Thanks Trent for showing me this picture.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Big XII Media Days
Monday marks the start of the Big XII media days and what a great start it will be. Nebraska is the team that will be kicking off the event at 1:00 PM. Bo Pelini is bringing RB Roy Helu Jr., C Jacob Hickman, and DT Ndamukong Suh. I can't complain with the three Huskers that are attending because they are all stand out players, however I would have been really interested to hear what QB Zac Lee thinks of the team and his abilities for the upcoming season. I guess we will have to wait for fall camp to start before hearing his thoughts. Is there any other Nebraska player you wish was attending?
On Monday I will update this blog again with as much quality info as I can pack on here about the Huskers media day appearance. Have a great Sunday and get ready for Monday! I haven't decided upon what else I want to write about this week. I might start discussing Big XII North teams or Nebraska's non-conference opponents. If there is ever a topic or question you would like to know about, I would appreciate the input.
On Monday I will update this blog again with as much quality info as I can pack on here about the Huskers media day appearance. Have a great Sunday and get ready for Monday! I haven't decided upon what else I want to write about this week. I might start discussing Big XII North teams or Nebraska's non-conference opponents. If there is ever a topic or question you would like to know about, I would appreciate the input.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Nebraska Preview Part 2: The Defense
Carl Pelini will be entering his second year as Nebraska's Defensive Coordinator. Of course second year Head Coach Bo Pelini will be heavily involved.
Defensive Line - The D-line will be centered around the play of Ndamukong Suh. Big Suh was named Preseason Big XII Defensive Player of the Year by the media earlier today. Last year he incredibly led the Husker defense with 76 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Most likely Suh will be double-teamed every game. This year is when Pierre Allen becomes well-known. Allen has been in the shadow of Suh even though Pierre's numbers stand out compared to other defensive lineman. Last year Allen was tied for third on the team with 52 tackles, was third with 10 tackles for loss, and third in sacks with 5. Barry Turner will be back and hopefully can match his pre-broken leg year of 2007 when he had 32 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. It won't be easy replacing Zack Potter (47 tkls, 16 tfl, 5.5 sks) and Ty Steinkuhler (48 tkls, 8 tfl, 2.5 sks). However, I assume Nebraska's D-line will be just as good as last year, if not better. Phil Steele tends to agree, he rates NU's defensive line as the second best in the conference (1. Oklahoma).
Linebackers - This is the unit that worries me on defense and is easily the biggest question mark to how well the defense performs this season. Phillip Dillard had the most tackles (38) and starts (5) out of the returning linebackers last season, however four defensive lineman had more tackles than him (Suh, Allen, Steinkuhler, and Potter). Blake Lawrence has the second most tackles (21) and starts (2) out of the '08 LB's who return. Expect many young players to play significantly. Sean Fisher, Will Compton, Matt Holt, Chris Williams, Mathew May, and Alonzo Whaley will all have opportunities. Expect the linebackers to be one of Nebraska's strengths in a couple of years, unfortunately not this year.
Defensive Backs - Remember when the opposing quarterback would throw the ball and we would want to cover our eyes in fear of what was going to happen? Well those days appear to be moving farther and farther behind us. Phil Steele ranks the Husker's DB's as tied for third best in the Big XII (1. Texas, 2. Oklahoma, T3. Kansas). Seven players return who combined for 55 starts last year. Strong safety Larry Asante was the second leading tackler last season with 67 and has been Honorable Mention Big XII the last two seasons. Other productive defensive backs return such as Matt O'Hanlon (52 tkls), Eric Hagg (39 tkls, 7 pass deflections), Prince Amukamara (34 tkls), Anthony West (29 tkls, 9 pass deflections), and Rickey Thenarse (24 tkls, 6 tfl, 2 sks). I anticipate this unit will have more interceptions than the 12 in '08.
Kickoffs - Adi Kunalic was #1 in all of the NCAA with 29 touchbacks out of 81 kickoffs.
Punter - Alex Henery Jr. will be replacing Dan Titchener who averaged 39.3 yards per punt last year. This position will be important to pay attention to as very few players punt and kick field goals.
What can be expected this year? An even better defense than the much improved '08 squad. In '08, NU drastically outperformed the '07 defense in points allowed per game (37.9 in '07 to 28.5 in '08), total yards per game (477 in '07 to 350 in '08), rushing yards per game (232 in '07 to 116 in '08), yards per rush (5.2 in '07 to 3.6 in '08), and sacks (13 in '07 to 35 in '08). I don't want to say this year will return to the dominance of the mid-nineties Blackshirts, but the defense is getting closer to that level in this age of explosive spread offenses.
Defensive Line - The D-line will be centered around the play of Ndamukong Suh. Big Suh was named Preseason Big XII Defensive Player of the Year by the media earlier today. Last year he incredibly led the Husker defense with 76 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Most likely Suh will be double-teamed every game. This year is when Pierre Allen becomes well-known. Allen has been in the shadow of Suh even though Pierre's numbers stand out compared to other defensive lineman. Last year Allen was tied for third on the team with 52 tackles, was third with 10 tackles for loss, and third in sacks with 5. Barry Turner will be back and hopefully can match his pre-broken leg year of 2007 when he had 32 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. It won't be easy replacing Zack Potter (47 tkls, 16 tfl, 5.5 sks) and Ty Steinkuhler (48 tkls, 8 tfl, 2.5 sks). However, I assume Nebraska's D-line will be just as good as last year, if not better. Phil Steele tends to agree, he rates NU's defensive line as the second best in the conference (1. Oklahoma).
Linebackers - This is the unit that worries me on defense and is easily the biggest question mark to how well the defense performs this season. Phillip Dillard had the most tackles (38) and starts (5) out of the returning linebackers last season, however four defensive lineman had more tackles than him (Suh, Allen, Steinkuhler, and Potter). Blake Lawrence has the second most tackles (21) and starts (2) out of the '08 LB's who return. Expect many young players to play significantly. Sean Fisher, Will Compton, Matt Holt, Chris Williams, Mathew May, and Alonzo Whaley will all have opportunities. Expect the linebackers to be one of Nebraska's strengths in a couple of years, unfortunately not this year.
Defensive Backs - Remember when the opposing quarterback would throw the ball and we would want to cover our eyes in fear of what was going to happen? Well those days appear to be moving farther and farther behind us. Phil Steele ranks the Husker's DB's as tied for third best in the Big XII (1. Texas, 2. Oklahoma, T3. Kansas). Seven players return who combined for 55 starts last year. Strong safety Larry Asante was the second leading tackler last season with 67 and has been Honorable Mention Big XII the last two seasons. Other productive defensive backs return such as Matt O'Hanlon (52 tkls), Eric Hagg (39 tkls, 7 pass deflections), Prince Amukamara (34 tkls), Anthony West (29 tkls, 9 pass deflections), and Rickey Thenarse (24 tkls, 6 tfl, 2 sks). I anticipate this unit will have more interceptions than the 12 in '08.
Kickoffs - Adi Kunalic was #1 in all of the NCAA with 29 touchbacks out of 81 kickoffs.
Punter - Alex Henery Jr. will be replacing Dan Titchener who averaged 39.3 yards per punt last year. This position will be important to pay attention to as very few players punt and kick field goals.
What can be expected this year? An even better defense than the much improved '08 squad. In '08, NU drastically outperformed the '07 defense in points allowed per game (37.9 in '07 to 28.5 in '08), total yards per game (477 in '07 to 350 in '08), rushing yards per game (232 in '07 to 116 in '08), yards per rush (5.2 in '07 to 3.6 in '08), and sacks (13 in '07 to 35 in '08). I don't want to say this year will return to the dominance of the mid-nineties Blackshirts, but the defense is getting closer to that level in this age of explosive spread offenses.
2009 Media Preseason All-Big XII Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Newcomer of the Year: Phil Taylor, Baylor (DT, Transfer from Penn State)
Offense
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
OL Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
OL Trent Williams, Oklahoma
C Chris Hall, Texas
OL Adam Ulatoski, Texas
OL Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
PK Alex Henery, Nebraska
KR Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
Defense
DL Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
DL Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DL Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma
DL Sergio Kindle, Texas
LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
LB Joe Pawelek, Baylor
LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
DB Darrell Stuckey, Kansas
DB Jordan Lake, Baylor
DB Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
DB Earl Thomas, Texas
P Derek Epperson, Baylor
PR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Interesting to see only three teams represented from the North, Nebraska and Kansas with two players, and Missouri with one. I would have liked to see how many more points Big Suh had over Oklahoma's DT Gerald McCoy for Defensive Player of the Year in the Big XII. That had to have been close.
By tonight or tomorrow I will have the second installment of Nebraska's 2009 team preview. Until then, drink some sweet tea (or other hydrating beverage of choice) and stay indoors!
Defensive Player of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Newcomer of the Year: Phil Taylor, Baylor (DT, Transfer from Penn State)
Offense
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
OL Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
OL Trent Williams, Oklahoma
C Chris Hall, Texas
OL Adam Ulatoski, Texas
OL Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
PK Alex Henery, Nebraska
KR Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
Defense
DL Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
DL Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DL Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma
DL Sergio Kindle, Texas
LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
LB Joe Pawelek, Baylor
LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
DB Darrell Stuckey, Kansas
DB Jordan Lake, Baylor
DB Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
DB Earl Thomas, Texas
P Derek Epperson, Baylor
PR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Interesting to see only three teams represented from the North, Nebraska and Kansas with two players, and Missouri with one. I would have liked to see how many more points Big Suh had over Oklahoma's DT Gerald McCoy for Defensive Player of the Year in the Big XII. That had to have been close.
By tonight or tomorrow I will have the second installment of Nebraska's 2009 team preview. Until then, drink some sweet tea (or other hydrating beverage of choice) and stay indoors!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Big XII Media Poll Released
The Big XII media released the north and south polls today.
North
1. Nebraska (17 first place votes) 172 points
2. Kansas (12) 164
3. Missouri (3) 124
4. Colorado 100
5. Kansas State 81
6. Iowa State 33
South
T1. Texas (17) 174
T1. Oklahoma (15) 174
3. Oklahoma State 130
4. Texas Tech 89
5. Baylor 75
6. Texas A&M 33
The last time Nebraska was picked to win the North was in 2006 and the Huskers made it to the Big XII title game.
Tomorrow the preseason All Big XII team will be released. I will post it here.
North
1. Nebraska (17 first place votes) 172 points
2. Kansas (12) 164
3. Missouri (3) 124
4. Colorado 100
5. Kansas State 81
6. Iowa State 33
South
T1. Texas (17) 174
T1. Oklahoma (15) 174
3. Oklahoma State 130
4. Texas Tech 89
5. Baylor 75
6. Texas A&M 33
The last time Nebraska was picked to win the North was in 2006 and the Huskers made it to the Big XII title game.
Tomorrow the preseason All Big XII team will be released. I will post it here.
Nebraska Preview Part 1: The Offense
This post will discuss Nebraska's offense. Shawn Watson is the offensive coordinator, this will be his fourth year with Nebraska and third year as offensive coordinator.
QB - The uncertainty at the Quarterback position is one of the biggest question marks on the team. Zac Lee is anticipated to take over for Joe Ganz. It is hard to imagine Zac Lee (0 starts at Nebraska) being as effective as Ganz, however Ganz only had three starts before starting all of last year. It will be interesting to see if Cody Green is redshirted this season or getting playing time as the year goes on. Latravis Washington is also in the QB mix.
RB - This is one of the strongest positions for the Huskers. Last year Roy Helu Jr. led the team in rushing (803 yards, 6.4 ypr) and had over 100 yards rushing in three of the last four regular season games. Quentin Castille finished the season with 467 yards (4.4 ypr) including 125 against Clemson in the Gator bowl.
WR/TE - The other question mark offensively is who will catch the ball besides TE Mike McNeill? Nate Swift and Todd Peterson combined for 125 receptions for 1,727 yards last year as seniors. On top of that Nebraska only returns 43.3% of last years receiving yards (1,584/3,650). Wide receivers Menelik Holt (30 rec, 355 yards last year), Niles Paul (23 rec, 214 yards LY), Chris Brooks (2 rec, 27 yards LY), and Curenski Gilleylen (2 rec, 11 yards LY) will have great chances for major playing time if all/any take advantage of their opportunity. Tight ends Mike McNeill (32 rec, 442 yards LY) and Dreu Young (9 rec, 140 yards LY) will also play a vital role offensively.
Offensive Line - The Huskers return 61 career starts on the offensive line which ranks 6th in the Big XII (1. Oklahoma State/Texas 91 career starts, 12. Kansas 26). Nebraska's offensive line is arguably the strongest offensive unit although the running backs are a very close second. Five players on the o-line have at least 7 career starts, Jacob Hickman, Keith Williams, Andy Christensen, Jaivorio Burkes, and Mike Smith. Expect DJ Jones Jr. and Marcel Jones to get plenty of playing time and possibly start as well. The offensive line helped the rushing game improve to 4.5 ypr, the highest total since 4.7 ypr in 2004. Last year Nebraska got sacked 21 times, three more times than the previous year.
Kicker - Alex Henery Jr. What else needs to be said besides he kicked a team record 57 yarder to push Nebraska past Colorado last year? Well he also made 18/21 field goals (two of the three misses were 50+ yards).
What can be expected this year? I have a hard time believing Nebraska will be as potent with the ball this year as last year. Nebraska's lack of experience at quarterback and at the receiver position will most likely result in fewer passing yards. However, Nebraska's running game should be just as productive if not more so than 2008. If Nebraska can win the time of possession like last year(NU: 34:01 a game, Opp: 25:59), this year's offense will still be successful even if the total yards and points are down this year.
My next post will be on Nebraska's defense for the upcoming season.
QB - The uncertainty at the Quarterback position is one of the biggest question marks on the team. Zac Lee is anticipated to take over for Joe Ganz. It is hard to imagine Zac Lee (0 starts at Nebraska) being as effective as Ganz, however Ganz only had three starts before starting all of last year. It will be interesting to see if Cody Green is redshirted this season or getting playing time as the year goes on. Latravis Washington is also in the QB mix.
RB - This is one of the strongest positions for the Huskers. Last year Roy Helu Jr. led the team in rushing (803 yards, 6.4 ypr) and had over 100 yards rushing in three of the last four regular season games. Quentin Castille finished the season with 467 yards (4.4 ypr) including 125 against Clemson in the Gator bowl.
WR/TE - The other question mark offensively is who will catch the ball besides TE Mike McNeill? Nate Swift and Todd Peterson combined for 125 receptions for 1,727 yards last year as seniors. On top of that Nebraska only returns 43.3% of last years receiving yards (1,584/3,650). Wide receivers Menelik Holt (30 rec, 355 yards last year), Niles Paul (23 rec, 214 yards LY), Chris Brooks (2 rec, 27 yards LY), and Curenski Gilleylen (2 rec, 11 yards LY) will have great chances for major playing time if all/any take advantage of their opportunity. Tight ends Mike McNeill (32 rec, 442 yards LY) and Dreu Young (9 rec, 140 yards LY) will also play a vital role offensively.
Offensive Line - The Huskers return 61 career starts on the offensive line which ranks 6th in the Big XII (1. Oklahoma State/Texas 91 career starts, 12. Kansas 26). Nebraska's offensive line is arguably the strongest offensive unit although the running backs are a very close second. Five players on the o-line have at least 7 career starts, Jacob Hickman, Keith Williams, Andy Christensen, Jaivorio Burkes, and Mike Smith. Expect DJ Jones Jr. and Marcel Jones to get plenty of playing time and possibly start as well. The offensive line helped the rushing game improve to 4.5 ypr, the highest total since 4.7 ypr in 2004. Last year Nebraska got sacked 21 times, three more times than the previous year.
Kicker - Alex Henery Jr. What else needs to be said besides he kicked a team record 57 yarder to push Nebraska past Colorado last year? Well he also made 18/21 field goals (two of the three misses were 50+ yards).
What can be expected this year? I have a hard time believing Nebraska will be as potent with the ball this year as last year. Nebraska's lack of experience at quarterback and at the receiver position will most likely result in fewer passing yards. However, Nebraska's running game should be just as productive if not more so than 2008. If Nebraska can win the time of possession like last year(NU: 34:01 a game, Opp: 25:59), this year's offense will still be successful even if the total yards and points are down this year.
My next post will be on Nebraska's defense for the upcoming season.
Nebraska College Football
I want to welcome everyone to my blog on the Nebraska football team. I will be updating this a couple times a week until the season starts and then I will be updating at least three times a week. This blog will provide stats, analysis, predictions, links, previews of games, game recaps, and anything else I think of. I welcome and encourage feedback, questions, and suggestions. Big XII media days start on Monday, July 27. Nebraska is actually the team to kick off the Big XII media day this year. Fall camp will then be around the corner. Soon I will post a preview of the Nebraska season.
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