Friday, August 17, 2007
Nebraska coach Bill Callahan is only 22-15 since taking over the NU program four years ago. Former coach Frank Solich recruited many of the players that were around during his first years at the program.
2007 will mark the first year that almost all of the Cornhuskers are Callahan’s players and fit into his West Coast offense.
OFFENSE
The Cornhuskers lose the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Zac Taylor and a second round NFL draft choice in running back Brandon Jackson, but the drop-off in production should be minimal. Senior Sam Keller is the most likely to succeed Taylor in Lincoln, Neb. Keller transferred from Arizona State where he threw for more than 3,000 yards. Nebraska also has one of the deepest running back corps in the nation. Junior Marlon Lucky, junior Cody Glenn and senior Kenny Wilson carried the ball a combined 287 times last season for five yards per carry. The wide receivers are just as talented as the running backs. The Cornhuskers will enjoy the services of each of their top five receivers from last year. Seniors Maurice Purify and Terrence Nunn combined to catch 10 touchdown passes last season. The offensive line is full of upperclassmen and is anchored by right guard Matt Slauson. Slauson is a 6-foot-5, 335 pound junior with NFL potential.
DEFENSE
2006 Recap
Regular Season Record: 9-3 Overall, 6-2 Big 12 (lost to Oklahoma in Big 12 Championship)
Bowl Game: Cotton Bowl vs. Auburn, lost 17-14
Points Per Game: 30.6
Opponents Points Per Game: 18.3
Nebraska will employ an entirely new defensive line in 2007. Players like sophomore defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and junior defensive end Zach Potter were highly regarded out of high school but have limited collegiate experience. Experience shouldn’t be a problem among the linebackers. Seniors Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon are two-year starters and rank amoung the Big 12’s best. Senior Steve Octavien will join the duo as the starting weak-side linebacker in NU’s 4-3 defensive scheme. Ruud is one of the favorites to win the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award because of his versatility. Ruud can use his strength to help stop the running game, his speed to get to the quarterback and his soft hands to pick off passes. The Cornhuskers were eighth in defending the pass last year in the Big 12 but could improve with the emergence of senior cornerbacks Andre Jones and Zackary Bowman.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Four of Nebraska’s first five games are at home. The third is the most anticipated as the Cornhuskers welcome preseason the University of Southern California, which is ranked No.1 in preseason polls. Nebraska draws three brutal opponents from the Big 12 South. They have to play Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas consecutively in the middle of the season. Nebraska last won the Big 12 title eight years ago and Husker fans are eager to bring the trophy back to Lincoln. There is a good chance that the Cornhuskers could be playing in the conference championship for the second straight year. The game is in San Antonio this season. The key game in order for Nebraska to get there falls on October 6 when they play at Missouri. Either way, the Huskers should have a productive year and will most likely find themselves in a New Year’s Day bowl game.
PREDICTION
8-4, Gator Bowl
—Edited by Kyle Carter
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