Nebraska Cornhuskers: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2011 College Football Season
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most successful college football programs in history. This season, they are switching from one major conference to another.
The Big 10 has its own set of powerhouses, cellar-dwellers and stars, and Nebraska is going to try and put themselves at the top.
Some think it could take a year or two for the Huskers to transition; however, I think they will be successful right away, and I have compiled 10 bold predictions for their upcoming season.
Feel free to let me know what you think!
An Aggressive Offensive Mentality Will Lead to Success
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Tim Beck is the new offensive coordinator for the Huskers.
After a few years of struggling, the offense had a good showing last year, and it is ready to break out this year.
Beck is known for coaching to his players' strengths and for calling an aggressive game (see: Missouri State, 1998).
With a more aggressive style, Nebraska will be able to use their speed and athleticism to put up big numbers offensively.
New Rivalries Will Be Formed Instantly
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As one of the top programs in college football history, Nebraska has taken part in its fair share of rivalries over the years.
With their departure from the Big 12, Nebraska will no longer be able to add to their storied histories with Oklahoma, Texas or even Colorado.
Now, new rivalries will be formed.
Iowa seems to be the primary new rivalry, but Nebraska will also have great clashes with the other powerhouses.
By virtue of being their first Big 10 opponent, Wisconsin could become a fierce rival. Both teams are elite and will have something to prove, which could lead to some fireworks this year, leading to the birth of another rival for the Cornhuskers.
New Playmakers Will Emerge
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With the departures of Roy Helu Jr. and Niles Paul, the Huskers will be looking for new playmakers. Rex Burkhead is returning, but I'll get to him in a second.
As for the new playmakers, the Huskers won't have to look for long.
Kyler Reed set the single-season touchdown record for a Nebraska tight end last year, and I think he'll continue to be a good target for Taylor Martinez.
Aaron Green and Jamal Turner are incoming freshmen that will look to provide an instant spark on offense.
There will obviously be other players making big plays, but these are three guys that I expect to have big-time seasons.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Defense Will Continue to Dominate
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Playing styles differ from conference to conference, but the Cornhuskers smash-mouth defense would work anywhere.
Jared Crick anchors one of the best defensive lines in college football, and will wreak havoc against even the best offensive lines.
Lavonte David is a monster, but some doubters say he's just the product of a system. While I don't buy that argument in the first place, who cares if he's the product of a system? He remains in the same system again this year, which will lead to yet another great season.
The Huskers lost some key players on defense, but the Pelini brothers will have the Blackshirts ready for Big 10 play.
Rex Burkhead Will Be One of the Best Running Backs in the Big 10
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Rex Burkhead is one of the most dynamic players in college football.
He can do just about anything an offensive player could be asked to do. He can run, catch, block and even throw.
With Roy Helu gone, Burkhead will be looking to pick up some of the slack. No problem.
He is an incredibly hard worker, which was proven when he was honored with the annual "Lifter of the Year Award" last season. Previous winners have included Jared Crick, Ndamukong Suh, and Adam Carriker, among others.
That kind of work ethic produces great players. Rex Burkhead is ready to become a great player.
Bo Pelini Will Become the Best Coach in the Big 10
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Bo Pelini has completely turned around the Nebraska football program. It was in shambles when he arrived, but within three seasons, Pelini has put the Huskers back in the national spotlight.
With Jim Tressel gone, only Joe Paterno remains as a big-name coach in the Big 10. There are a handful of good ones, but without Tressel, someone needs to become the new, young face of Big 10 coaching.
Bo Pelini could be that man.
With a successful first year, Pelini could show that he is one of the best coaches in both the Big 10 and in all of college football.
The Huskers Will Win the Big Ten
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What better way to make noise in a new conference? There are a lot of questions surrounding the perennial contenders in the Big 10 this year, and Nebraska is looking to take advantage.
They are one of the most talented teams on both sides of the ball, they are well-coached and they have a chip on their shoulder.
Sounds like a champion to me.
Taylor Martinez Will Compete for the Heisman Trophy
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Remember how good Taylor Martinez was at the beginning of last season?
Before the Texas game, his completion percentage was 60.1%, he had run for 737 yards and racked up 12 touchdowns. All of that happened in five games.
Then, things took a turn for the worse.
Martinez got injured, played poorly and essentially got inside his own head.
After struggling, he will have gained mental toughness to use this season.
Along with a new offensive system, I think this could help him put up the monster numbers a Heisman candidate needs. If the team is just as successful, look for Martinez to be in serious conversations about the Heisman.
Compete for the National Title
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For the first time in a decade, Nebraska will be in serious contention for a National Title. While that could come off the rails with one bad week, it shouldn't be overlooked.
They have a long road to the title, but I think they have all the necessary tools to win it all.
Their schedule is relatively tough, but if they maneuver around the big games, trap games and cupcakes, the Nebraska Cornhuskers could be heading to the Superdome.
Become the New Big Ten Powerhouse
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After a big-time welcome party at Wisconsin, Nebraska will have to fulfill a lot of lofty expectations.
They are talented and well-coached, which is a good combination for entering a new conference.
Once they live up to expectations, the Huskers will solidify themselves as the team to beat in the Big 10.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
