Who makes it into the starting lineup between Nebraska and Minnesota?

After months and months of waiting, we are finally back to Nebraska football, as kickoff is this Thursday against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. Matt Rhule has done a lot this offseason in setting up this team for success, but given the current roster, who would make a combined lineup between the two schools?

Based on Pro Football Focus’s grading system, we put together a starting lineup for offense and defense to see who would make the cut. Since it is opening weekend, we will use their final grade from the 2022 season.

Find the entire results of our deep dive below.

Offense

Using PFF grading data from a season ago, here is what a starting lineup could consist of if we combined the offenses of Nebraska and Minnesota. Spoiler, it’s almost a clean sweep for the Gophers.

Quarterback: Athan Kaliakmanis (Minnesota) – 74.9
Running Back: Anthony Grant (Nebraska) 74.0
Wide Receiver: Chris Autman-Bell (Minnesota) – 79.2
Wide Receiver: Daniel Jackson (Minnesota) – 77.2
Wide Receiver: Corey Crooms (Minnesota) – 75.1
Tight End: Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota) – 90.0
Tackle: Lewis Martes (Minnesota) – 63.2
Tackle: Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) – 61.6
Guard: Tyler Cooper (Minnesota) – 74.2
Guard: Quin Carroll (Minnesota) – 76.0
Center: Nathan Boe (Minnesota) – 85.2

Defense

After taking up 10 of the 11 spots on offense Minnesota once again gets the preseason nod on defense. Nebraska tripled their player total on defense with Isaac Gifford, Luke Reimer, and Omar Brown on this side of the football.

Defensive Tackle: Jah Joyner (Minnesota) – 73.6
Defensive Tackle: Deven Eastern (Minnesota) – 71.5
Defensive Tackle: Kyle Baugh (Minnesota) – 60.3
Edge Rusher: Isaac Gifford (Nebraska) – 76.2
Edge Rusher: Luke Reimer (Nebraska) – 64.1
Middle Linebacker: Cody Lindenberg (Minnesota) – 66.5
Middle Linebacker: Ryan Selig (Minnesota) – 61.9
Cornerback: Justin Waller (Minnesota) – 80.1
Cornerback: Tre’Von Jones (Minnesota) – 68.0
Safety: Tyler Nubin (Minnesota) – 76.4
Safety: Omar Brown (Nebraska) – 64.6

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Story originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire