Nebraska Cornhuskers Football: 5 Keys to 2011
Spring football is upon us in Lincoln, and the Cornhuskers are still sitting in the wake of a 2010 season that saw them drop three of their final four games.
Can Bo Pelini rally his team as they make the leap to the rugged Big Ten?
Here are five keys that would make the transition a little easier in 2011.
No. 1: The Emergence of a Backup Running Back
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In his two years in Lincoln, Rex Burkhead has developed into a fan favorite. Despite his diminutive structure, Burkhead routinely breaks tackles for hard-earned yards that reminds Husker fans of the glory days.
Following the departure of Roy Helu Jr., Burkhead will surely take over the No. 1 duties, but the ultimate question remains as to who will back him up?
Helu's 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010 will be difficult to replace, especially considering the lack of experience in the Husker backfield with Dontrayevous Robinson's exit to Montana State.
If offensive coordinator Shawn Watson can coach up newcomer Aaron Green into a reliable option, expect him to see plenty of playing time early in the season.
No. 2: An Improved Pass Rush
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After dismantling opposing offensive lines in 2009 with 44 sacks, the Huskers only managed 31 sacks in 2010. Obviously, Ndamukong Suh had a large part in that, however, Jared Crick and the rest of line didn't quite live up to their billing.
The Blackshirts will need to create a steady surge of pressure to help a rebuilding secondary that replaces veterans Eric Hagg, Prince Amukamara, Anthony West and Rickey Thenarse.
Look for defensive ends Josh Williams, Cameron Meredith or Jason Ankrah to push each other for playing time in what should be one of the most heated battles in spring camp. Newcomer Joseph Carter, from Chaffey Community College, should also add depth to the Huskers line.
No. 3: Fumbles
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In one of the most mind-blowing stats of 2010, Nebraska fumbled the ball 45 times! What's even more puzzling than the Huskers inability to hold on to the pigskin was the fact they only lost it 16 of those times.
You can bet the Huskers won't be that lucky again in 2011 if they cough it up that much.
On the other side of the football, the defense only managed to force 16 fumbles, recovering a measly four. If the Huskers want to improve on their 10-4 record in the opportunistic Big Ten, winning the turnover battle and more specifically the fumble battle will be key.
No. 4: Surviving October
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Nebraska is happy to be moving to the Big Ten, but they can't be happy with the schedule they inherited in 2011. To make matters worse, their first two conference games come at Wisconsin and home to Ohio State. A lay-up with Minnesota is followed by a date with a feisty Michigan State team, creating a four-game stretch that will be crucial to the Husker season.
Winning two of the three big matchups could help propel Nebraska to a Legends Division crown, while dropping two could make the road to Indianapolis much more difficult.
No. 5: Improved Quarterback Play
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Through five games, Taylor Martinez had Husker fans raving about the potential for this lightning bolt from California. Four losses later, accompanied with some questionable off-field issues, and the quarterback race has seemingly been re-opened for the 2011 season.
Bo Pelini has already shown he is not scared to play a quarterback lacking experience over veterans (i.e. Martinez over senior Zac Lee). With highly touted Jamal Turner on campus and the possibility of "all-world" Bubba Starling skipping out on the MLB draft to attend school, it will be interesting to see what transpires in spring ball.
One thing we can be certain of is Bo Pelini will not tip his cards prior to the Huskers Sept. 3 opener with UT-Chatanooga.
Whoever sits behind center for the Huskers next year needs to take the reigns and run with them because the last thing Nebraska fans need is the uncertainty that has become routine for the last couple of years.
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