2013-14 Football Previews – (Big 10) – Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers went 10-4 last season, but it’s hard to consider their season much of a success thanks to the way it ended. Nebraska was absolutely embarrassed 70-31 by Wisconsin in the Big 10 Conference Championship Game.
Then they were beaten 45-31 by Georgia in the Capital One Bowl. Bo Pelini is still in Lincoln for now, but expectations are high here, and this team better step it up soon or he may be out the door.
Big 10 Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Nebraska Cornhuskers (link)
Head Coach: Bo Pelini
2012 Record: 10-4
Nebraska Gambling Odds to win BCS Championship: +6,000
Nebraska Gambling Odds to win Big 10 Legends Division: +300
Nebraska Gambling Odds to win Big 10 Conference: +700
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The single biggest thing Nebraska has going for them as they head into this season is a ridiculously easy schedule. The Cornhuskers won’t have to play Ohio State or Wisconsin. They also get Northwestern and Michigan State at home. Can their easy schedule help them compete in the Big Ten?
Team Strengths:
Taylor Martinez picked up his game in a big way last year. Martinez has always been a very good running quarterback, but he has developed his throwing game quite a bit. He completed 62 percent of his passes last year, which was easily a career high. If he stays healthy all year, the Cornhuskers will have a play maker at quarterback this year.
Nebraska has play makers on the outside more than they have had in a very long time. Kenny Bell and Jamal Turner should lead the way, but look for Quincy Enuwa to get in on the action as well. If Martinez has time to get these guys the ball, Nebraska will make plenty of big plays in the passing game.
Nebraska should be very good on special teams this year. They have an elite kick returner and high quality kickers and punters. The Cornhuskers should be able to win the field position battle more often than not. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
The entire defense could easily be considered a major weakness. Last year’s team allowed 63 points at Ohio State and then 115 points in their last two games, and they lost several of their top players from that unit. Eight of their top ten tacklers are gone, and that will definitely leave a major void.
Where will the pass rush come from? Nebraska lost all of its best pass rushers. The team had 78 tackles for loss last year, and 48 of those 78 came from guys who are no longer on the team. Pelini’s defenses are usually aggressive and get after the passer, but that could be a problem this year.
The offensive line could hold back the offense. Martinez was sacked 34 times last year, and there is no dominant force on this offensive front. This unit will have to be better this season.
2013-2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Prediction: 9-4
The schedule is set up for the Cornhuskers to make a run to the Big Ten title, but I don’t think this team has enough talent. I’ll say this team gets to nine wins, but only because of their amazingly easy schedule. The glaring weakness on the defensive side of the ball will be a problem for the Cornhuskers this year. Don’t expect Cornhuskers fans to be all that thrilled with this season.
2013 Nebraska Schedule
8/31/13 8:00 PM ET WYOM
9/7/13 6:00 PM ET SOMIS
9/14/13 12:00 PM ET UCLA
9/21/13 TBD SDST
10/5/13 12:00 PM ET ILL
10/12/13 TBD @PURD
10/26/13 TBD @MINN
11/2/13 TBD NWEST
11/9/13 TBD @MICH
11/16/13 TBD MCHST
11/23/13 TBD @PENST
11/29/13 12:00 PM ET IOWA
