2007 Nebraska Cornhuskers College Football Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
There used to be a time in Nebraska football where the receiver’s value to the offense was judged by his blocking ability rather than his pass-catching skills. Times have changed with Bill Callahan and his West Coast offense at the helm. The Huskers appears to reap the benefits this season of the upgrade Callahan has made at the receivers position. The Cornhuskers’ success will fall on how well Arizona State transfer Sam Kellar can replace All-Big 12 quarterback Zac Taylor. If Callahan doesn’t feel Keller can get it done, he won’t hesitate to give junior Joe Ganz a chance.
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Maurice Purify will be their key target at wideout after averaging 18 yards per catch last season. He also snagged seven touchdown catches, proving to be a deadly threat in the red zone. Terrence Nunn, Nate Swift, Frantz Hardy and Todd Peterson bring a variety of skills to this position also. Sam Keller is the people’s choice at quarterback after throwing for 2,100 yards in seven games in 2005 in the Pac-10, but Ganz’s experience keeps this competition very interesting. Either would love to throw at this plethora of talented receivers.
A veteran line returns seven players with starting experience, while Marlon Lucky takes the featured-back role after leading rusher Brandon Jackson left for the NFL. Lucky was one of the top recruits in the nation when he joined the program two seasons ago, and accounted for more than 1,200 all-purpose yards in ‘06. He scared Husker nation when he suffered a knee injury in the spring game, but is expected to be back to full speed by fall.
The linebacking corps is as talented on defense as the receiving corps is on offense. All-Big 12 linebacker Bo Ruud will shift from the weakside position to the strong side, leaving Steve Octavien the starter on the weak side. Corey McKeon is an emotional leader in the middle, while Lance Brandenburgh is a proven backup. Nebraska’s defensive line is undergoing an extreme makeover. Replacements must be found for all four starters. Sophomore Ndamukong Suh has all the tools to be a star for this university and should contribute right away.
Cornerback Zack Bowman debated entering the NFL Draft after suffering a torn ligament in his knee and missing the entire 2006 season. He decided to return for his senior season, but suffered a torn tendon in his other knee in the spring that clouds his status for the season. The Huskers do return starting cornerbacks Cortney Grixby and Andre Jones. Tierre Green moves from strong safety to free safety. Look for newcomer Larry Asante to have a big impact from the safety position.
The Huskers enter the favorites in the still-suspect Big 12 North, but they first will be tested by non-conference games against Bowl Championship Series participants Wake Forest and Southern California in back-to-back weeks in September. Nebraska also plays two of its toughest conference games on the road, at Missouri and at Texas. The quarterback position has to be solid for Nebraska to thrive. Those are difficult assignments, but the program can make another step forward in Callahan’s fourth season in Lincoln.
Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:
30-1
Bodog:
28-1
BetUS:
+2500
Odds to Win Big 12 North:
BetUS:
-120
Bodog:
+100