Brian Rosenthal: Opener will only give us hints about the Huskers' hopes
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I wanted to be different. Really, I did. I seriously considered predicting nine or 10 victories this season for the Nebraska football team. A surprise, breakout season. Something bold, something different.
It seems too cliché to predict 7-4 with a trip to Houston for a bowl game. I even considered basing this column on reasons to believe the Huskers could be a “sleeper” team.
I’d identify and discuss the characteristics of a sleeper … until I realized that, well, besides having a favorable home schedule, Nebraska doesn’t really qualify for sleeper status.
The Huskers have a newcomer at quarterback.
First-year starters at cornerback and middle linebacker.
Eleven players on the two-deep roster who weren’t with the program a year ago.
A true freshman as their starting kicker.
That’s not to say most of the newcomers aren’t an improvement. In most cases, they should be, and we’ll notice the upgrade as the season progresses. But without knowing how all the pieces will fit together immediately, it’s hard to justify outlandish, 10-win predictions.
I say 7-4 with a trip to Houston for a bowl game.
One of those victories will come Saturday night against Maine.
It’s probably the only ‘W’ you can write in ink in August. Maine is a Division I-AA team that went 5-6 last season. I’m only mildly interested in the fact the Black Bears won at Mississippi State. I’m one of the few, I guess, who believes that’s insignificant.
Nebraska will win big. Cory Ross will run for many yards. The offense will score many points. The defense will have a few sacks. And this exhibition will be over quickly.
Thanks for coming. Bike home safely.
Pay no attention to the final score. The new scoreboard in North Stadium is merely a skeleton at this point, which is appropriate for this game. The score doesn’t matter.
Instead, look at the game within the game.
Remember last season? Nebraska beat I-AA Western Illinois 56-17, and everything was swell. But go back and look what happened within that game, and you’ll see some glaring warning signs many of us didn’t heed, signs of some of the problems that led to 5-6.
Most notable are the long kickoff returns (75 and 98) yards and Joe Dailey’s four interceptions. For the season, NU allowed an average of 24.7 yards per kickoff return — a mark that ranked 113th in the nation — and Dailey threw 19 interceptions.
The point? Just because Saturday night’s game won’t be close doesn’t mean we should entirely ignore what’s happening.
Watch Zac Taylor. Is he going through his progression of receivers? Is he finding the open ones? Is he taking care of the ball? Does he have ample time to throw?
If Nebraska’s pass protection has much difficulty picking up Maine’s blitz, then how will the Huskers handle the same from Wake Forest and Pittsburgh? That could be sufficient material for Maine grad Stephen King’s next novel.
Watch the defensive line. Who’s rotating in — and how often? Is there a noticeable drop-off? Players and coaches say interior linemen Barry Cryer and Ola Dagunduro are just as good as starters Titus Adams and Le Kevin Smith. Quality depth is critical if the Huskers are going to improve their pass rush this season.
Watch the newcomers. How many are playing, and how often are they contributing? In what ways? But don’t focus entirely on guys like Frantz Hardy and Zack Bowman. Also pay attention to any fresh faces on return and coverage units. The difference between 6-5 and 8-3 this season could very well depend on how much improved the Huskers are in special teams.
Watch the Blackshirts (as if you wouldn’t). Their overall improvement will probably be hard to judge against Maine. But look for little things, like how they respond after allowing a big play, or if they’re trudging back on the field after an NU turnover. Last year, Nebraska opponents began 32 drives in Nebraska territory, and those sudden-change situations took their toll.
Most of our pressing questions may not get legitimate answers until Wake Forest or Pittsburgh. But don’t disregard entirely what happens against Maine.
After all, you’ll need something to discuss while you’re pedaling home.
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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