2009 College Football Predictions: Nebraska Cornhuskers

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2009 College Football Predictions

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Bo Pelini 2nd year (10-4 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Shawn Watson (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Pelini (2nd year)
Returning Starters:11 (4 offense, 6 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: A lot will depend on the development of junior Zac Lee, who emerged from the spring as the starter. The Nebraska Cornhuskers return just four starters on offense and three of them are on the offensive line. They also lost last season’s top receivers in Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, who combined for 125 catches and 1,727 yards. Menelik Holt and Niles Pauls have great size and some experience, but the rest of the WR corps is inexperienced. The running game will have to carry the offense as junior Roy Helu (6-0, 215) returns. He rushed for 803 yards last year with seven touchdowns. At tight end, junior Mike McNeill returns and should be one of the top tight ends in the conference this year.

Defense: The Huskers return just six starters on defense. The top player is senior NT Ndamukong Suh (6-4, 300) who led the team in tackles (76) and sacks (7.5). The linebacker corps should be strong if Phillip Dillard (6-1, 240) can stay healthy. The secondary returns three of four starters. SS Lary Asante is the most experienced player, who has started 22 straight games. Corner Anthony West, who collected two interceptions last season, returns as a starter, along with Prince Amukamara, who was the top reserve in the nickel and dime packages.

Outlook: The Huskers are fortunate that they are in the Big 12 North as their losses on offense will probably mean a slow start. They open with Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State at home, which should help and also play Louisiana-Lafayette in the fourth game (with Va. Tech before that). It will take some time for the offense to get its bearings, but with a strong defense, they can make waves in the Big 12 North.

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