Huskers have work to do on defense this spring
Nebraska hoped to make a big splash last season, its first in the Big Ten. Alas, the Huskers finished third in the Legends Division and lost at least four games for the eighth season in a row.
The Huskers haven't been to a BCS bowl since falling in the national title game after the 2001 season, and heading into spring drills, on paper, at least, they again look like the third-best team in the Legends Division.
For a program that long has prided itself on defense, last season was an eye-opener of sorts. The Huskers allowed 158.5 rushing yards per game, which was eighth in the league and 64th nationally. The Huskers allowed 23 rushing TDs, fourth-most in the league, and in its three league losses, Nebraska allowed 12 rushing touchdowns and an average of 225.3 rushing yards per game.
Rex Burkhead and the Nebraska offense need a little help up front.
(US Presswire)
Nebraska at-a-glance
Coach: Bo Pelini (5th season) |
Six full-time starters are back off that defense, and they will be led by a new coordinator after Carl Pelini took the coaching job at Florida Atlantic. John Papuchis was promoted from defensive line coach to replace Pelini, and he has some work to do at linebacker. Star LB Lavonte David is gone, and the rest of the 'backers were a rather nondescript group last season.
The pass rush could use some revving up, as well. The Huskers were ninth in the league in sacks with 21.
Things look a bit brighter offensively, though there are some concerns about the line, which lost three starters. QB Taylor Martinez and TB Rex Burkhead are nice building blocks, though Martinez has to improve as a passer.
Sean Callahan of HuskerOnline.com – a Rivals.com website that covers Nebraska – provides a more in-depth look at spring practice.
The biggest problem: Defensive playmakers. Nebraska is in desperate need of new playmakers on defense. This will be the first time in coach Bo Pelini's tenure at Nebraska that he hasn't had a big-time star to build his defense around. Junior college transfers Mohammed Seisay and Zaire Anderson are expected to be the main replacements at CB Alfonzo Dennard and LB Lavonte David, respectively. Seisay will go through spring practice, so coaches should get a good idea of what he brings to the table. Anderson won't arrive until June.
On the spot: LBs Sean Fisher and Alonzo Whaley. Both seniors into spring drills as starters at outside linebacker, but neither has shown that much during their careers. Four new linebackers will arrive in the summer, so this spring is important for Fisher and Whaley to show themselves; otherwise, younger players will move into their spots.
On the verge: T Tyler Moore. He started four games as a true freshman last season, becoming the first true freshman offensive lineman in school history to start a season opener, and really had some great moments. He has the potential to be a high-round NFL pick at either left or right tackle. Look for him to become a star.
[Big 12 spring preview: West Virginia, TCU bring new look to league – again]
General overview: Nebraska has won nine or 10 games in each o the past four seasons, and this offseason, the Huskers are working hard so they can take that next step as a program. The Huskers need to start playing "Blackshirt"-type defense again. With two new position coaches on defense, there will be some transition this spring. Offensively, Nebraska has a veteran unit returning. Martinez has worked on his footwork over the offseason and needs to improve his passing. With TB Rex Burkhead leading this offense, Nebraska has a great player to build around this spring.
For in-depth coverage of Nebraska athletics, go to HuskerOnline.com
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