2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 10 Conference – Nebraska Cornhuskers
In a normal year, the Nebraska Cornhuskers joining the Big Ten would easily be the biggest news in the conference. This year it has taken second fiddle to all the problems at Ohio State.
Big Ten Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Head Coach: Bo Pelini
2010 Record: 10-4
Nebraska Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +2,200
Nebraska Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Legends Division: -285
Nebraska Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Conference Championship: +150
Nebraska Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
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Despite Nebraska’s entrance getting a little less recognition than it normally would, those who know college football realize that this is a huge pickup for the Big Ten Conference.
Nebraska football has undergone a pretty nice resurgence under Pelini in the last couple years, but they still haven’t won anything big. In fact, the Cornhuskers haven’t won in a BCS bowl since 1999. The Big Ten is a step up in competition from the Big 12, and Nebraska will have to keep recruiting well to stay at the top.
The Cornhuskers have some flaws, but they have some superstars as well, and they appear ready to contend for the Big Ten crown in their first season in the league.
Team Strengths:
The Nebraska front four are absolutely dominating. It would be tough to find a better defensive line in the entire country. Jared Crick anchors the line, and he does a tremendous job clogging the middle of the defense.
If that isn’t enough, Crick has another star right next to him in the form of defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler. How will any offensive lines open up holes in the middle of this defensive front?
The linebackers are absolutely loaded with skills as well. Lavonte David is a real contender for the Butkus Award in 2011. David racked up a school record 152 tackles in 2010.
NFL scouts love David’s ability to cover the entire field. Sean Fisher is a junior linebacker who appears ready to have a big breakout season as well.
Taylor Martinez is a play maker at the quarterback spot, and as long as he is healthy he’ll be one of the best in the conference. Martinez ran for 870 yards in his first seven games last season, but he ran for just 95 yards in his last seven due to an ankle injury. Rex Burkhead is a much better running back than most people realize.
Nebraska should have one of the best running games in the country.
Team Weaknesses:
Does Nebraska have enough play makers at the wide receiver spot? Can Taylor Martinez throw the football well enough to keep the opposing defense honest? Even with a tremendous rushing attack, if the team doesn’t have any passing game they will struggle against top defenses. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Nebraska averaged just 150.6 yards per game through the air in 2010, and they must improve that number as they move forward.
The Cornhuskers hurt themselves by committing a ton of penalties and losing a lot of fumbles last year. This is a team that has the ability to do something special, but they can’t do it if they don’t execute. Nebraska committed 109 penalties for 993 yards in 2010.
The Cornhuskers fumbled the football 45 times.
2011-2012 Nebraska Football Prediction: 11-3 (Winners of Big Ten Legends Division)
Nebraska gets a rude welcome to the Big Ten with what is probably the most difficult conference schedule. Nebraska opens Big Ten play by traveling to Madison to play a very tough Wisconsin team. The following week they host Ohio State in what should be a heck of a game.
They must also travel to Penn State and Michigan in back-to-back weeks late in the season. I expect Nebraska to win the Legends Division, but it seems highly unlikely they’ll go unbeaten. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lose a couple conference games.
The Cornhuskers will be very good in 2011, but a tough schedule will hold them back to some degree.
2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule
9/3/11 3:30 PM ET CHAT
9/10/11 7:00 PM ET FRSST
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET WASH
9/24/11 7:30 PM ET @WYOM
10/1/11 8:00 PM ET @WISC
10/8/11 8:00 PM ET OHIST
10/22/11 3:30 PM ET @MINN
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET MCHST
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET NWEST
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET @PENST
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET @MICH
11/25/11 12:00 PM ET IOWA
