Last Year: 9-5, Unranked
Fans Are: Sanguine, like every other spring, but anxious to see if the Huskers can take the next step in 2007.
Expectations: Win the Big 12 North. Beat USC or Texas. Contend for a BCS Bowl.
Questions:
1. What's going on at the running back position?
No one really knows right now, and what in the world happened to all of the depth? Brandon Jackson parlayed a strong second half in 2006 into an early exit for the NFL. Marlon Lucky was hospitalized for a curious medical emergency in February and both Cody Glenn and Kenny Wilson continue to recover from injuries. Lucky and Glenn should be available for the spring, but it might be August before things really clear up.
Whoever wins the job (and stays healthy) should get a lot of work. Nebraska RBs have combined to account for an average of 403 carries over the past two seasons. If Lucky and Glenn are both available, the Huskers will have a nice 1-2 punch. Without Lucky or Glenn, the picture is less clear. Sophomore Major Culbert, a safety in 2006 will start the spring at RB and early enrollee Marcus Mendoza will also get a look.
2. What can be expected from the defensive line?
A drop off. Replacing all four starters is a difficult proposition. When two of those starters are brawny DEs Adam Carriker and Jay Moore – who combined for 64 TFL and 25.5 sacks over the past two seasons – it becomes nearly impossible. Junior Barry Turner will be facing monumental expectations as he transitions from pass rushing specialist to a starting role at one of the DE spots. Unfortunately he will miss the spring due to a shoulder injury, which could hamper his attempts at adding much needed strength for the fall. The Huskers have some mass at the interior spots in Ndamukong Suh and newcomers Shukree Barfield and Kevin Dixon, but the lack of experience again sticks out. A year ago Nebraska broke in two new starters at the safety spots. Husker fans know all to well how that panned out. A better transition along the defensive front is crucial for a run toward a Big 12 title.
3. Does Bill Callahan finally get out of his own way in 2007?
He better. Thus far Callahan has forged funky gameplans and peculiar playcalling into a 22-15 (13-12 vs. the Big 12) record at Nebraska. He'll start his fourth season with a physically gifted quarterback in Sam Keller and a receiving corps that continues to improve. Callahan should also benefit from a new set of eyes in the press box, in the form of freshly promoted offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. Watson is another west coast offense adherent who directed Colorado's offensive attack from 2000-2005. All of this means that Callahan is running out of excuses. So far, Nebraska fans have found solace in significant, but often intangible improvements during Callahan's tenure. Their collective patience might be wearing thin, however, and a Top 10 finish could be the only elixir to pacify any tensions in Lincoln.
