This is the second story of my 12-team Big 10 series of team previews for the 2011 season featuring the Leaders and Legends division. I will be touching on one team from the Big 10 conference in each article, as I break down who is returning, who left, their 2011 schedule and some key reasons to the team’s chances of success this season….Today I will be previewing the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Legends division.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2011 Prediction
I predict Nebraska to win the Legends division title and advance to the Big 10 Conference Title game against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Huskers are beyond prepared to win the division in their inaugural season in the Big 10 Conference after switching over from the Big 12 this off-season. Nebraska has an elite group of athletes that will create a handful of mismatches for conference foes. This may be the best team that head coach Bo Pelini has had during his tenure. The only question is, can Nebraska handle the physicality of the Big 10 on a week-to-week basis?
Offense
The offense is revamped and will look completely different from last years scheme. Pelini fired the offensive coordinator and promoted running backs coach Tim Beck, a pass-happy guy who led a 12-1 Kansas offense during the 2007 season. Taylor Martinez returns for his sophomore season and will be surrounded by Heisman expectations. Last season, the quarterback rushed for 241 yards in one game against Kansas State. Martinez is electrifying and will excel in the new offense that will feature his abilities. His 59.2 completion percentage must improve if the Huskers want to be legitimate in the passing game in 2011. Running back Rex Burkhead returns after his solid 951 yard, seven touchdown 2010 season when he shared time with current Washington Redskin, Roy Helu. Expect wide receiver Jamal Turner to breakout for Nebraska this year. He was brought in as the seventh-ranked quarterback prospect in the country this season, but with Martinez at the helm, Turner was turned into a wide receiver in the spring.
Defense
Two-time All-Big 12 and 2010 All-American defensive tackle Jared Crick returns for Nebraska this season. The NFL will have to wait another season for the senior, as he is seventh in school history with 19 sacks in his college career. Also returning to the defense is shutdown cornerback Alfonzo Denard, who will strengthen the secondary tremendously. Last year he was an All-Big 12 second teamer, but will be seeking 1st team All-Big 10 honors this year as the main man. Lavonte David may be the most feared and impressive defender of the bunch at linebacker.
Recruits
Top recruit Aaron Green picked Nebraska over Florida State in the final moments of his recruiting process. The U.S. Army All-American rushed for over 1,700 yards during his senior season at San Antonio’s Madison High. He is a quick, elusive runner who will help out a great deal in the new passing aggressive Huskers offense.
Schedule
September: Tennessee-Chattanooga, Fresno State, Washington, @ Wyoming
October: @ Wisconsin, Ohio State, @ Minnesota, Michigan State
November: Northwestern, @ Penn State, @ Michigan, Iowa
The Washington match-up in late September is a very intriguing game in the non-conference season. However, not many teams make it out of Nebraska with a win, especially now that Jake Locker is gone. The game between the Huskers and Badgers in the early stages of October should be a preview of the Big 10 Conference Title game. I give Wisconsin the nod because it’s at Camp Randall in Madison. Ohio State, Michigan State and Northwestern will prove to be worthy opponents and should spike some national interest. Regardless, I feel Nebraska’s talent outweighs their competition late in games to overtake these three teams. A late game in Michigan will be a true test, if the Wolverines are starting to come together by that point in the season, as I am assuming they will be.
It is nice to think everything will be fine and wonderful. The truth is there are many unknowns for this team. New offense, and a new defense. Nebraska is leaving the Peso defense after leaving the Big 12. A more conventional three linebacker defense should help defend better rushing offenses in the Big 12. The biggest unknown is the offense. The talent is there and the new offensive coordinator has a good track record. The offense has been working against the Husker defense so they will be prepared no matter what defense they see. If they can stay healthy should be a good year. Also, much of the line is talented but very young. There will be learning this year but these players will still be blocking for Nebraska three and four years from now. Says a lot about the future.