When one reads about the 2008 version of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the general feeling out there seems to be one of cautious optimism. Most people agree, the combination of a new coaching staff along with some good, if thus far underachieving, talent should result in a much better squad. Unfortunately, last year while the Big Red was taking a big step backward, several other teams in the Big 12 were taking huge leaps forward.
I too fall in the "cautiously optimistic" camp. While I'll go into greater detail with a full team preview as we get closer to Fall Camp, I see the elements of a potentially great Husker offense in 2008. Joe Ganz's performance at the end of 2007, combined with the return of a very deep stable of running backs and a very solid and experienced offensive line (and the return of Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson), has me believing that this offense should be able to put up points against anyone on the schedule.
Of course, the big question is the defense. Last year's D was horrendous -- so much so that the Huskers lost games in which they put up 31 points, 39 points and 51 points. Yikes. The good news is that Bo is back. Wherever Coach Pelini has overseen the D in the last five years, success has followed. And, while there may not be many pre-season All-Americans on the 2008 Blackshirts, the cupboard isn't completely bare either. I expect drastic improvement and look forward to seeing the Blackshirts fly to the ball carriers again. Still, there are some big holes here, most notably at linebacker and depth along the D-line.
So what does it all mean? How will the season break down? Here's my shot at a prediction:
August 30, Western Michigan -- I've already read many columns and articles suggesting the beginning of the Bo era could be an ambush. Western Michigan returns 11 starters on defense, and last year upset Iowa on the road, blah, blah, blah. I'm not buying it. The Big Red players, coaches and fans will be too pumped for this one to end in a loss. NU 56 W. Michigan 24.
September 6, San Jose State -- SJ St. coach Dick Tomey, who came out on top of NU in the 1998 Holiday Bowl while leading the Arizona Wildcats, will lead his relatively talented Spartan team into Lincoln. Tomey is a very good coach, but the talent won't be there to pull off an upset. NU 38 San Jose St. 21.
September 13, New Mexico St. -- I've always told people that one of the key ingredients for an upset is the underdog having a very good quarterback. That is the case here as the Aggies bring in senior Chase Holbrook and a crazy passing attack to try to upset the Huskers. This will be closer than we'd like in the first half, but the Aggie D won't be good enough to stop Joe Ganz and the Huskers. NU 48 NM St. 28.
September 27, Virginia Tech -- This is the first of what I will call "swing games." These are the games that could really go either way. Virginia Tech is a quality opponent, but has some significant holes to fill, especially at running back. I say the Big Red pulls this out in the fourth quarter. NU 28 Va Tech 24.
An undefeated non-conference. Pretty nice start. But things get much tougher from here. I'll tackle the conference schedule in my next blog entry.
G0 Big Red!
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3 comments:
While I'm not saying we can't beat Virgina Tech, there is no objective reason to predict that we will. We will probably lose to the 5 Top 25 teams and probably beat the rest, with an upset either way here and there. Therefore, 7-5 will be a good, if slightly optimistic, expectation. Anything better would be eating cake.
7-5 optimistic? I think 7-5 is the bottom-end of what Husker fans will see. Not saying we will be much over 7-5, I'm just saying that to call 7-5 optimistic is hiliarious. I know alot of fans are jaded because of last season and don't want to get too excited only to be let down, but come on. 7-5, optimistic? I'm not buying it.
In response to your post, VT only has one side of the ball that was proven last season. And while defenses win championships, offenses score points. Good news for Huskers: VT offense seems to stall alot. This may give our questionable (and unproven) defense a chance. Bad news: VT's defense.
Should be a good game!
I think we go 3-1 or 2-2 in the non-conference schedule.
Remember that even though the Huskers played better 'D' when Bo became the defensive coordinator we still got blown out a few times. The same thing will happen this year and I do believe one of those opening gimmies may turn into a loss in the same way that Ball St. should have beaten us last year. As for VA Tech you completely left out any commentary on special teams which is where VT will win the game.
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