Nebraska Cornhuskers 2010 Preview

There should be plenty of reasons to cheer in Nebraska this season.

2010 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

Conference: Big 12 North

2009 Record 10-4, Won Holiday Bowl Vs. Arizona

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Overview:

It was a big offseason for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and not because of anything that will affect their play on the field this season but rather for the school's decision the leave the Big 12 conference and join the Big Ten effective July 2011. The Huskers made huge strides last season on the football field and the expectations are high and their is a possibility they can leave the conference as champions. Make no mistake about it, Nebraska suffered a big loss in the departure of Ndamakong Suh but Bo Pelini returns a ton and this team should make a serious run at going out on a high note. Nebraska came within a breath of beating Texas in the Big 12 Title Game and that was their only loss in their final seven games so they have plenty to build on for this year.

Offense:

Nebraska returns a ton on offense but there still is a huge question mark at QB. Zac Lee is the Senior incumbent but his performance on the field has been anything but inspiring and Pelini has said that all positions are open and by that we can only go by what he says and say the QB position is one of those as well. Cody Green started a few games under center last season and he's going to get another look. Roy Helu Jr. is back at I-Back but he had injury problems a year ago and Rex Burkhead saw significant action and impressed as well but he also suffered an injury. Wide Receiver Niles Paul might be playing in the NFL next year as he looks to build on his 40 catch season and Mike McNeil makes the switch from Tight End to WR and is an outstanding pass catcher. Depth and competition mark the Nebraska Offensive Line which is a Husker tradition. Keith Williams, Ricky Henry, and Marcel Jones all return and there should be competition at Left Tackle between Juco transfer Jamarcus Hardick and Freshman Jeremiah Sirles. 

Defense:

The loss of Suh is huge but you won't hear Nebraska crying a river as they return plenty and look to be a tough unit once again. Jared Crick played alongside of Suh last year and he was All Big 12 and he's a force in his own right. Pierre Allen returns as a starter at Defensive End and Cameron Meridith saw extensive action last year. Nebraska has gone to a two Linebacker set and Will Compton is the best of the LB's and saw a lot of action last year as a Freshman as did Sean Fisher but Eric Martin should see significant playing time if not start as well. Prince Amukamara is one of the best corners in the country and will be near the top of all NFL draft boards next year and Alfonzo Dennard became a starter in the middle of last year. The Huskers lost Larry Asante who was one of the keys to their pass defense but going with five DB's should help fill the void.

Special Teams:

Alex Henery handles the kicking and the punting and he may go down as the best Kicker in the long and storied Nebraska football history. Henery is adept at setting up the defense by pinning the opposition deep and he already has 50 field goals in his Husker career and has only missed to kicks inside of 50 yards. Niles Paul and Tim Marlowe handle the return duties.

Prognosis:

This could be the year the Huskers finally make their way back to the top 10 and with a strong defense, the possibilities are endless. Of course the QB play will be a huge factor but with a kicking game like theirs, they should have a big advantage in the close games. The Cornhuskers host Texas on October 16th which could be a Game of the Year candidate.

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