Nebraska Football: News, Notes and Updates before the Season Opener

Game week has arrived in the state of Nebraska. Everyone knows what game I am talking about because there is only one game in the state of Nebraska, Cornhusker football!

With the move to a new conference brings new teams and an excitement in the air that hasn’t been felt in quite some time. Cornhusker fans have high expectations for their team this year and the polls tend to agree with them.

The Cornhuskers begin the season ranked 10th in the AP poll and 11th in the Coaches poll. Most college football analysts predict the Cornhuskers will return to a BCS bowl this season. The time has come to finally see what everyone has been talking about.

Summer practices have ended as the team starts to focus on the game Saturday against the Tennessee Chattanooga Mocs.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest news and notes from fall camp.

Alfonzo Dennard Injury Update

The Cornhuskers have many players with small injuries, but the player which most Cornhusker fans have their eyes on is senior cornerback, Alfonzo Dennard.

Dennard strained a leg muscle early in summer practice. His status for the Chattanooga game is still up in the air. Dennard has been reported to be ahead of schedule in his recovery. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Dennard sitting out the Chattanooga game.

The Blackshirts should have no problem stopping the Chattanooga offense. There is no reason to put Dennard on the field if he is less than 100 percent.

If Dennard sits out the first game, look for sophomore cornerback Andrew Green to takes his place. Other players who will see action in the defensive backfield include: redshirt freshman Josh Mitchell, sophomore Dijon Washington and junior Antonio Bell.

Taylor Martinez Injury Still a Mystery

The Cornhuskers coaching staff has closed most practices to the media during the summer practices. When asked if his ankle injury was 100 percent healed, quarterback Taylor Martinez said, “You will find out on September third.”

Everyone expects Martinez to be healthy for the game on Saturday. The question is, how healthy? Is his ankle 100 percent and can Martinez return to being the fastest player on the field, or is Martinez healthy enough to play but lost a step from where he was last season?

I guess Martinez is right, “We will find out on Saturday.”

Offensive Line Starting To Come Together

The offensive line has been a hot topic of conversation coming out of summer practices.

Many of the linemen have nagging injuries forcing younger players into the lineup. The offensive line is a position which relies on the players to work in unison. The good news is that some of the players are begging to overcome their injuries.

Marcel Jones returned to practice after suffering from a stress fracture in his leg. Jones is one of the two projected starters with any experience for the Cornhuskers.

The player that has stood out in practice has been freshman Tyler Moore. Moore enrolled at Nebraska in January, allowing him to participate in 45 practices. Moore is a physical lineman who brings an attitude to the unit. Moore projects to be one of the young linemen starting for the Cornhuskers on Saturday.

Although a depth chart has not been released, many reporters believe the starters for the Cornhuskers on the offensive line this weekend will include: freshman Tyler Moore, redshirt freshman Jake Cotton, senior Mike Caputo, sophomore Andrew Rodriguez and sophomore Jeremiah Sirles.

The group has only 28 starts for the Cornhuskers (most of them by Caputo). At least they have experience practicing each day against one of the best defensive lines in the country.

Blackshirt Position Battle Revealed

Defensive coordinator, Carl Pelini finally spoke about some of the defensive positions that players have been fighting over.

Jason Ankrah will start at defensive end. When asked why Ankrah will be starting over other defensive ends Eric Martin or Josh Williams, Carl Pelini said, “Jason Ankrah is the most physical against the run, but athletic enough to get to the passer. Players are not competing over a starting position. They are competing for playing time. Each player has strengths, and we will play the player who has the skills to match the situation.”

The linebacker position is pretty much set for this week. Lavonte David will start in at middle linebacker with Will Compton and Sean Fisher starting at outside the linebacker positions.

The injury to Alfonzo Dennard will open up playing time for many of the young players in the secondary. As mentioned before, Andrew Green will start at cornerback for the injured Dennard, while sophomore Ciante Evans starts at the other cornerback position.

The Cornhuskers will have experience in the safety position. Senior Austin Cassidy will start at one safety position, while junior Courtney Osborne with start at the other.

Carl Pelini revealed that junior Justin Blatchford will start in the nickleback position on passing down.

While much was revealed about the Blackshirts at Monday’s press conference, the bottom line is that many players will see significant playing time on Saturday.

I consider this game more of a dress rehearsal than a live show.

Coaching Staff Talk about Special Teams

Returners

The kick and punt return positions are still up in the air. The Cornhuskers have many players who are more than capable of returning both kickoffs and punts.

Freshman Jamal Turner performed well in the spring returning both a kickoff and punt over 50 yards. Last year’s returner, Tim Marlowe also has a chance to return kicks.

Senior wide receiver, Brandon Kinnie has been lobbying the coaching staff to return kicks, but I think they will not risk the senior to injury.

Other players who could be used in the kick return game include: Kenny Bell, Quincy Enunwa, or Aaron Green.

Kickers

Bo Pelini said at Monday’s press conference Brett Maher will begin the season as the starting punter and placekicker. The news was shocking to most people who follow the Cornhuskers closely. Most people thought freshman Mauro Bondi would start the season as the placekicker while Brett Maher took over the punting dustings.

Bondi was one of the most recruited kickers in the country. Pelini said, “Maher is more ready for the kicking responsibilities right now. There will be competition for the job all year.”

Whoever wins the kicking job outright has huge shoes to fill. Replacing Alex Henery, one of the best kickers in college football history is a daunting task to ask of anyone.

Injuries Force Anthony Blue Out of Football

After suffering numerous knee injuries, senior corner back Anthony Blue has decided to end his playing career with the Cornhuskers.

Blue brought senior leadership to the secondary of the Cornhuskers.

Blue plans to remain a part of the football program, but his playing days are over.

Memorial Stadium Still under Construction

Fans planning to make the trip to Lincoln this weekend for the game against Chattanooga should arrive early.

Construction will continue on the east side of Memorial Stadium for the 2011 season. Stadium officials plan to make the construction project as less of a burden to fans as possible. Before each game, the construction areas will be fenced off and cleaned up before fans arrive.

Some of the gate locations that season ticket holders are used to using have changed because of the construction.

It will take a week or two for fans to become familiar with the “off limits” areas outside the stadium. My best advice is to arrive early, be patient, as this project will be beneficial to the Cornhusker football program.

Cornhuskers are Ready for the 2011 Season

Cornhusker fans are ready for the season to begin. Just imagine how excited the players must feel for Saturday to arrive.

After a month of practicing in the heat, only hitting fellow teammates, the players must be excited to hit someone else. One indication that the team is ready for play is by listening to coach Bo Pelini.

While Pelini has stayed true to form and stated that work still needs to be done, he also has said that the team is making progress and ahead of where they have been in previous years.

While Saturday’s game may not be a true test for the Cornhuskers, it is still Nebraska football!

Let’s put on our red and get ready for the kickoff of the 2011 season!