Big 12 Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers
July 22nd, 2008 by James Lawrence
Former DC Bo Pelini is the new head coach after forging some pretty impressive LSU Tiger and Husker defenses over the last few years and he brings in brother Carl Pelini as his own defensive coordinator. Carl spent the last few seasons with Frank Solich, the former Nebraska coach, at Ohio University, going with the Huskers’ apparent aim of keeping things (relatively) in-house. Shawn Watson returns at offensive coordinator for his fourth season with Nebraska, but he and receivers coach Ted Gilmore are the only staff Pelini did not replace.
Nebraska lost highly touted starter Sam Keller to injury in 2008, forcing them to start backup junior Joe Ganz. For the team, it may have been a blessing in disguise as Ganz ignited the offense and gives them a clear direction heading into 2008. Nebraska scored 39 (Kansas), 73 (Kansas State), and 51 (Colorado) points in their three games with Ganz at the helm, and the Kansas game’s offensive production was marred by four interceptions in his first game as a starter.
In just three starts, Ganz threw for over 1,400 yards and a 16-7 ratio, in addition to rushing for 93 yards and 3 TDs. Of course such things do not often hold up, but that is a pace to throw for 5,600 yards and 48 TD and run for 12 more over an entire season – yikes! The problem facing Ganz is that Nebraska will be starting two new WRs and a new TE, with losses including Maurice Purify and Terrance Nunn. Additionally, Pelini has stated a desire to re-establish Nebraska’s ground game. This is a very high risk-high reward fantasy prospect.
Of course, that latter sentiment only serves to increase the fantasy value of returning senior runningback Marlon Lucky. A year ago, Lucky topped 1,000 yards on the ground with 9 scores, but he was also the team’s second-leading receiver with 700 and 3. With more dedication to the ground game and an inexperienced receiving corps (meaning Ganz will still be tossing those dumpoff passes), this makes Lucky an outstanding fantasy prospect – possibly a top 10 runningback.
Wide receiver is the position where Nebraska has a lot of green behind the ears on offense. Nate Swift returns after a modest 2007 season and should be the Huskers’ go-to guy in the passing game. Likely starters Menelik Holt and Niles Paul caught a combined five passes last season in one of the pass-happiest offenses in the country! Backup Todd Peterson had a little more productivity, and frankly I expect him to work his way into the lineup. However, Swift is the only WR worth considering – even then, only in a large, deep league.
Now to the other side of the field. Last season, only five defenses surrendered more points per game than the Nebraska defense. Do you really need to hear anything more? With Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Kansas all on the schedule, Nebraska will have the opportunity to vie for the statistical #119 defense in the country. Yes, even with the Pelini’s.
Nebraska does have a kicker worth mentioning – Alex Henery hit 100% of his PATs and FGs in 2007. Unfortunately, the team attempted just 9 FGs all season and Adi Kunalic was used for the longest attempt of 46. Again, Nebraska’s offensive production could pick up with Ganz at QB, but it’s taking a risk. Worth noting is that Kunalic had the NCAA’s #1 touchback percentage – not a draftable stat, but if you’re starting a KO returner against Nebraska, he might not get a lot of returns that week.
Nebraska faces a very difficult schedule in 2008, as Va Tech, Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Kansas all played in January bowls a year ago and all should be ranked very highly this year as well. However, the seven other opponents are extremely vulnerable, so the Huskers will have a good chance of finishing 6-6 and squeaking into a bowl.
On the fantasy front, basically you’d want to start somebody like Ganz or Lucky when they face Baylor or Iowa State; not so much when Va Tech comes to town.
Related posts:
