Next up on the Triple Option Attack is #9 Nebraska
Music to listen to: Sick of Myself by Matthew Sweet
The Story: The Cornhuskers were one second away from winning the Big 12 title game last season. If they had a competent offensive unit, the contest wouldn’t have been close enough to lose in that situation.
The team returns most of the defensive starters accept for one literally big loss and hopes the offense can come around to contend for a Big 12 title in the school’s last year in the conference.
Last Season: Finished the season 10-4, including a shutout win over Arizona in the Holiday Bowl.
Offense: For years, the option offense behind speedy quarterbacks, powerful running backs and a burly offensive line was the norm for Nebraska. It won the team a few national titles. However, the Cornhuskers run the more modern West Coast offense but still rely on the run the majority of the time.
Nebraska returns its two top rushers from last season in Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead along with a majority of the offensive line.
The question is at quarterback. Incumbent starter Zac Lee was inconsistent and below average throughout all of last season and was the main cause of the offense’s shortcomings. Sophomore Cody Green and red shirt freshman Taylor Martinez may even challenge Lee for the position during the season.
Defense: The defense may be better overall this season than last year but when you lose the best player in college football last season, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, such a proclamation must be tempered.
The defensive line will continue to be the strength of the entire unit, led by tackle Jared Crick along with ends Pierre Allen and Baker Steinkuhler.
Eric Hagg will float between linebacker and safety and play at an elite level in both position. The secondary will be led by preseason All-America Prince Amukamara.
The Schedule
9-4-10 Western Kentucky
9-11-10 Idaho
9-18-10 @Washington
9-25-10 South Dakota State
10-7-10 @Kansas State (Thurs.)
10-16-10 Texas
10-23-10 @Oklahoma State
10-30-10 Missouri
11-6-10 @Iowa State
11-13-10 Kansas
11-20-10 @Texas A&M
11026-10 Colorado
If Nebraska isn’t 5-0 heading to its long-awaited rematch against Texas, then the squad has major problems. After the Longhorns, there are tricky road games at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. The rest of the schedule should be manageable.
Most Famous Sports Alum: Its hard to go against the current athletic director of Nebraska, Tom Osborne, the legendary former head football coach and also served on the U.S. House of Representatives for Nebraska’s 3rd District
Celebrity Alum “Crush:” She went to UCLA but was born in Nebraska so I’m cheating once again but if it allows me to post a picture of a charter member of my Top Five, than darn it, I will do it! Congrats Gabby Union!
Prediction: 10-2
I don’t think that Nebraska gets its revenge against Texas and drops one of those tricky road contests. However, if they had a better quarterback, an undefeated season would be a long shot but possible. The QB can also cause the squad to lose one or two games it shouldn’t (I’m looking right at that Kansas State game).
Sports Inquirer Top-25 Preseason College Football Poll:
The Sports Inquirer 
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