Bleacher Report - Articles by Maclane Scott

Huskers Hoping for Big Turnaround

Maclane Scott — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:15:58 -0400

The Huskers open the season with an early test from the Western Michigan Broncos. I am going to look at all of Nebraska's opponents in the 2008 season.

The Broncos began last year's season with high expectations and didn't live up to them. This year they hope to change that. They return an experienced secondary. They return Londen Fryar (Irving Fryar's son) and Louis Delmas, the returning free safety. The whole defense is experienced and that is what they will hang their hat on this season.

The Broncos return starting quarterback Tim Hiller from last season's team. His inconsistent play last year hurt the team. He made bad decisions and threw 15 interceptions. That is a downgrade from the MAC freshman of the year award he received in 2005. He is their main concern for 2008.

Jamarko Simmons hopes to add a boost to offense for the Broncos. The 6'2" 235 pound receiver showed up against many talented opponents in 2007. He had 14 catches against West Virginia and 10 against Missouri.

He is the offensive star on Western Michigan's roster. He does have some character issues. Last year in the Central Michigan game, he lost his temper and kicked a player.

Western Michigan will be contending for the MAC title this year and they will have to rely heavily on the defense. I expect 7-8 wins this year for the Broncos and a bowl bid. I do, however, expect a Husker win in this one—30-10.

Nebraska Football: Marlon Lucky a Heisman Hopeful?

Maclane Scott — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:21:55 -0400

Electrifying. That is the word most used to describe Marlon Lucky.

But is he exciting or talented enough to win the Heisman Trophy this year? In fact, there are many reasons why he should and why he shouldn't win the Heisman.

When Marlon Lucky arrived in Lincoln, he was a highly-regarded running back. He chose Nebraska over the likes of USC, Washington, LSU, and Oregon. He was considered the best running back to come to Nebraska since Lawrence Phillips (without the off-field issues).

You could say his career at Nebraska has been disappointing, but the 2008-09 season could really change that opinion. He is primed and ready with a veteran offensive line and an exciting quarterback in Joe Ganz.

Can that success translate into a Heisman Trophy?

Some of the reasons people think Lucky has had a disappointing career thus far include his inconsistency and tendency to disappear in big games.

In opening game of the 2007 season, he had 233 rushing yards. Unfortunately, in the USC vs. Nebraska game he had a mere 33 yards. He would go on to break the 100-yard mark only twice in the next five games.

There are many reasons to believe that Lucky will break out next year and win the Heisman. One reason is that he returns with veteran linemen to clear a path for him.

Another of the reasons he is so hard to stop when he gets rolling is that he can catch the ball out of the backfield and rocket down the sidelines. He showed that in the Kansas game in 2007 when he caught a swing pass and flew down the sideline.

He is the prototypical NFL running back. NFL scouts have said that he is the best prospect in the Big 12 this year.

I think if Marlon can put a lot of effort into it, he can win the Heisman. It is all up to him though. He needs to be more consistent to be a Heisman hopeful.

Nebraska Football: Husker Big Play Threat?

Maclane Scott — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:43:07 -0400

You see it in every team. A go-to wide receiver or as some would say... a home run threat. Its crucial in every successful National Championship winning team. Calvin Johnson for Georgia Tech in 2006. Dwayne Jarrett for USC. Do the Huskers have this same threat in 2008?

The huskers have a unproven receiving corp in 2008 after the loss of Maurice Purify, the huskers big play reciever. The Nebraska receving corp is led by Nate Swift, a 6'2 senior and Todd Petersen. They are the only receivers on the roster with major playing time. They are followed by juniors Chris Brooks and Menelik Holt. Both have had less than spectacular careers so far at NU. Hopefully this can change for the huskers.

Leading the sophmore receivers are Will Henry, a 6'5 receiver originally from El Paso, Texas. He was slowed this year by a hamstring injury. Niles Paul is the other sophomore receiver. He was a heavily recruited 4 star recruit coming out of high school. He is also the cousin of Ahman Green, the former great husker running back. Niles has shown great speed but needs to use it to his advantage on the field.

The Freshman receiver that has a chance to get major playing time is Curenski Gilleylen. He showed he had great speed in the spring game where he caught a 77-yard bomb. He could possibly be the huskers home run threat.

Nebraska has great leadership on the team and could possibly have any of these receivers develop into big play receiver this season. Hopefully this is the case.