Colorado
Last Year
Last season was something of a shambles for the Buffs with an offense that struggled to move the ball on the ground and couldn't stop others from running on them. The pass attack was slightly better and the pass defense was decent. But they only went 3-9 (2-6 Big 12) and lost to 3-9 Colorado State from the WAC and 5-7 Toledo from the MAC. The did finish reasonably well (well, 1-3) by beating Texas A&M by a point and losing by 8 or less to bowl teams Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Nebraska. The fans are getting restless and memories of their last bowl game (2007) seem far away. Dan Hawkins seat is very hot indeed.
Offense
It was a tale of two quarterbacks last season with Tyler Hansen (55.8%, 1440 yards, 8 TDs and 7 INTs) finally unseating incumbent Cody Hawkins (50.6%, 1277 yards, 10 TDs and 11 INTs) as much for his ability to scramble away from incessant pressure as his passing acumen. It's Hansen's job to lose this season and he has a good supporting cast this season with most of last year's starters back. Rodney Stewart (198-804-9) returns at RB and he had a good season behind a weak line. His primary backup is walk-on Quentin Hildreth, which says a lot about the depth. There's also no tailback over 195 lbs which could impact short yardage situations. There are some incoming freshmen who might contribute. Colorado doesn't use a Fullback much, but backup LB Tyler Ahles will take on the role when required. The whole offensive line returns, but after averaging 2.8 a run and allowing 44 sacks, this may not be a good thing. LT Nate Solder was the exception after being voted 1st Team Big 12, but LG Ethan Adkins, C Keenan Stevens, RG Ryan Miller and RT Bryce Givens all need to a better job. A year together and the added experience should bode well though. If they can keep Hansen upright, he has a super bunch of receiver to throw to. Scotty McKnight (76-893-6) is on the verge of being the Buffs all-time leading receiver and will be joined by Michigan transfer Toney Clemons who could be the best of the bunch. Last year's starter Markques Simas (43-585-3) was suspended but is back for the fall. He is not on the depth chart yet and freshman Will Jefferson has been assigned his slot. Ryan Deehan returns at TE after 5 starts last season. He's a solid blocker and could be a valuable part of the aerial attack. The backs are little used in the passing game, but that could change this year. This offense could be pretty good this year if the line clicks. The lack of a big back to help close out games is a concern though.
Defense
Seven starters return from last season's unit that ranked 57th overall, but a solid 34th against the pass. Their ranking of 80th against the run is a concern. Ex-NFL player Ashley Ambrose was brought into to shore things up. Three starters return on a line that's must improve. NT Curtis Cunningham (41 tkls, 2 sacks) needs to get a better push in the middle after recording just 1 TFL in '09. Will Pericak (36 tkls, 3 for loss, 3 sacks) will be back to join him in the middle after a learning experience in his freshman season. Marquez Herrod (38 tkls, 4 for loss) returns at End after leading the team with 6 sacks. With a little help he could increase that number this season. Sophomore Forrest West (10 tkls, 1 for loss) had 1 start last season but is pencilled in to take a full-time role this season. This group should be better this season. Only SLB BJ Beatty (30 tkls, 4 for loss, 2.5 sacks) returns. He needs to get more involved though. Senior Mike Sipili (39 tkls, 2 for loss) has starting experience and will man the middle. Jon Major (13 tkls) will cover the weakside. He should be 100% after coming back from a serious knee injury in '08. There is potential here although their speed is questionable. The secondary was generally great last season and should be even better this season. Both their cornerbacks, Jimmy Smith (70 tkls, 3 for loss, 10 PBUs, 2 Ints) and Jalil Brown (66 tkls, 15 PBUs, 2 Ints) are 5th year seniors and possess good size (6'2 and 6'1 respectively). Anthony Perkins (78 tkls, 3PBUs, 2 Ints) returns at SS. He'll be joined by new FS Ray Polk (40 tkls) who is one of the best athlete's on the team. The big concern is depth, where the nickel back and reserves are inexperienced. If they can fix up their woes against the rush, the defense could cause problems for opponents.
Special Teams
Kicker Aric Goodman's (10/18 FGs 54 long) inconsistency continues and will be pushed in fall camp by redshirt freshman Zach Grossnickle, though neither impressed in spring camp. Grossnickle is pencilled in for the punter job though he was inconsistent there too. Clemons and Jason Espinoza will return punts and kicks this season. Kick coverage was solid but punt coverage needs work - better punting should help. This is the unit with the most question marks heading into the season.
Next Season
Colorado started 1-3 last season despite and easy OOC schedule (West Virginia aside). This year they have their annual matchup with Colorado State away then go to California before home games with Hawaii and Georgia. The conference schedule isn't too bad as the North isn't a particularly strong division, though they get Texas Tech (who they could potentially beat) and Oklahoma from the South. The rest of their schedule is winnable. If the offense and defense can improve they could make it back to a bowl game. Six or seven wins isn't out of the question, but it's more likely they will fall short and have a new coach in 2011.
Iowa State
Last Year
Not much was expected of the Cyclones in Paul Rhoads' first year after the failed Gene Chizik experiment the previous two years. Yet they managed to go 7-6 (3-5 Big 12), beat North champs Nebraska, and win a bowl game despite changing to a spread offense. While the season wasn't perfect by any stretch, QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson spearheaded a rushing attack that averaged 180 ypg, their best average in years. The passing game struggled, partly because of the intricacies of the new attack and partly because of injuries to a solid group of receivers. The defense adopted a bend-but-don't-break approach, finishing 34th in scoring but 99th in total yardage. A +4 turnover margin helped too. It was a pretty successful first season for Rhoads, but expectations are increasing.
Offense
Arnaud played pretty well last season despite learning his second offensive system in two years. He completed 58.7% of his passes for 2015 yards, 14 TDs and 13 Interceptions in 10 ½ games last season. He also ran for 561 yards and 8 TDs. He should be even better in 2010. His backup Jerome Tiller (56.2%, 376 yds, 1 TD & 4 INTs) has a bright future. Alexander Robinson (232-1195-6) had a fine season at running back and should build on that this year, but depth could be an issue freshman Jeff Woody next in line should he go down. He can give Robinson a blow but can he carry the load? RG Steve Haughton was dismissed from the team leaving only three returning starters from last season. C Ben Lamaak, LG Alex Alvarez and LT Kelechi Osemele (2nd Team Big 12) are solid. The right side will be manned by 346 lb junior Hayworth Hicks at Guard and sophomore Brayden Burris at Tackle. Both have game experience and if they pan out, this could be one of the best lines in the Big 12. The receiver corps struggled with injuries last season but is an explosive group if they're ready to go this season. Jake Williams (36-403-5) and Darius Darks (28-303-2) started last year but the missed 6 starts between them. Joining them in 2010 is Sedrick Johnson (7-36-0). There is good depth here and some experience among the reserves. New TE Collin Franklin (18-192-0) has starting experience and is a good receiver who can make plays. Robinson (17-261-3) is a very good receiver out of the backfield.
Defense
Last season's problem area should continue to be in '10. Only four starters return from last season although Rashawn Parker (13 tkls, 2 sacks) returns at End after missing most of last season with injury. If he's 100% he could provide a spark to a pass rush that only managed 16 sacks last year. Patrick Neal (27 tkls, 2 for loss, 1 sack), who filled in for Parker in '09, will start opposite him. NG Bailey Johnson (22 tkls, 3 for loss) started last season but is being pushed by junior Stephen Ruempolhamer (20 tkls, 1 for loss, 1 sack). Sophomore Jake McDonough is highly regarded by the coaching staff and takes the other Tackle spot. Three new starters come in linebacker – junior Matt Tau'fo'ou mans the middle and will be joined on the outside by two sophomores AJ Klein (17 tkls, 1 for loss) and Jake Knott (23 tkls, 2 for loss). There is a lack of experience here that could cost the Cyclones, particularly in close games. The secondary could be decent if it's not left high and dry by a lack of pass rush. CB Leonard Johnson (64 tkls, 2.5 for loss, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs) was solid last season and has a chance to be special. Ter'ran Benton (41 tkls, 1.5 for loss and 2 sacks) started 4 games and played in 9 others and will start at the other corner. David Sims (88 tkls, 3.5 for loss and 5 INTs) was voted Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the year and returns at SS. New FS Michael O'Connell (43 tkls, 1 INT) started 5 games there last season and is ready for a full-time role. There is some good depth and there may some formations with 5 DBs where one is a hybrid LB.
Special Teams
More questions. Kicker Grant Mahoney needs to improve on 13 of 20 FGs in '10. He kicked a 52 yarder, so leg strength is not the issue. Senior Daniel Kuehl will be the new Punter, but he has yet to punt in a game at this level. Sims and Johnson returned kicks last season but only averaged 23.4 and 20.4 respectively, but the potential to improve is their. Johnson in particular is a big play waiting to happen. Lenz only managed 4.8 per PR, but he also could do some damage this season.
Next Season
A mixed bag OOC schedule with an away trip to Iowa and a home visit from Utah mixed with MAC squad Northern Illinois and FCS Northern Iowa will probably see Iowa State taking a 2-2 record into conference play. There are tough home games with Texas Tech and Nebraska and away trips to Texas and Oklahoma. Although fans are expecting improvement on last season, it might be a bit much expecting them to better last season's record. The offense could win some games and the secondary should be strong, but 5 wins is the most likely result and could still be considered an okay season.
Kansas
Last Year
With expectations of a potential conference title game shot behind a loaded offense led by KU all-time passing leader QB Todd Reesing, things looked good after a 5-0 start in which they scored 203 points and ranked #16 in the country. As they entered conference play though, it all went horribly wrong. The offensive line failed to get much of a push in the running game and allowed 25 sacks in the last 7 games, all of which they lost. The defense was susceptible to the pass all season and the fell apart against the run down the stretch too. Fine seasons by Reesing (63.1%, 3616 yds, 22 TDs against 10 INTs) and his top two receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier (a combined 186-2322-17) couldn't outscore the leaky defense (28.4 ppg). Mark Mangino was dismissed in the offseason and Turner Gill, who turned around a moribund Buffalo franchise, was brought in to turn things around.
Offense
The good news is the offense returns 6 starters; the bad news is none of them are called Reesing. The battle to replace him wasn't decided in the spring (rarely a good thing) and neither impressed coach Gill. Last year's reserve, sophomore Kale Pick, only threw 5 passes last and was used more as a runner gaining 167 yds on just 14 carries. The other contender is redshirt freshman Jordan Webb. This is a major area of concern. The Jayhawks will have to rely more on the run this season, and there are question marks there too. Last year's leading rusher Toben Opurum (133-554-90) isn't even on the two deep, although at 240 lbs it would be a surprise if he wasn't used in short yardage situations at the very least. The nominal starter is Angus Quigley who was converted to LB last season but now returns at RB. Backing him up is redshirt freshman Deshaun Sands. It mightn't matter who plays running back (or QB) if the offensive line, which returns 5 starters) doesn't improve on last years performance. They were okay beating up non-conference patsies, but only averaged 2.4 per rush against conference foes and nearly got Reesing killed in pass protection. LT Tanner Hawkinson, LG Sal Capra, C Jeremiah Hatch and RT Brad Thorson will be joined by new RG Trevor Marrongelli. This is a big experienced unit and must perform better. Hopefully Gill can light a fire under them. If KU can get the time to throw the football, they have a fine group of receivers waiting for the ball. With Briscoe and Meier off to the NFL, Jonathon Wilson (35-449-0) is the sole returning starter. He'll be joined this season by Daymond Patterson, who played corner the last couple of seasons, and Bradley McDougald (33-318-0). These guys can all make plays and there is solid depth too. The Jayhawks will use a tight end more often this season and junior Tim Biere (14-183-0) won't make them regret it. He's improved as a blocker too. Last year the backs were an integral part of the offense, and Gill's Buffalo teams used their RBs a lot too, so expect that to continue this season. This offense could be good, but will more likely be a year away.
Defense
The defense, despite its woes the last two seasons, looks to be in reasonably good shape this year thanks to some good recruiting. Only 5 starters return from last year, but there are a number of experience seniors ready to step in and start this year. DE Jake Laptad (49 tkls, 5.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks) was one of the defense's better performers in 2009 and return this year. He'll be joined on the other side by redshirt freshman Kevin Young. The tackles are will be two juniors, Patrick Dorsey (8 tkls, 1 sack) and Richard Johnson (17 tkls, 3 for loss). Johnson has plenty of starting experience. There is experience in reserve, but the line isn't particularly big and may get pushed around in Big 12 play again. The only returning starter in the LB corps will be a reserve this season. The three new starters will be junior SLB Steven Johnson (9 tkls, 1 sack), senior MLB Justin Springer (25 tkls, 3.5 for loss) and sophomore WLB Huldon Tharp (59 tkls, 2 PBUs), who started 7 games as a freshman. This is a hard-hitting group, but not particularly experienced. Chris Harris (84 tkls, 5.5 for loss, 9 PBUs) the sole returning starter at corner, is a good one, but only has 3 career interceptions and needs to improve there. The other spot will be taken by fellow senior Calvin Rubles (6 tkls). Lubbock Smith (42tkls) started 6 games at FS last year and will return there this season. He's proven to be a big hitter. He'll be joined by senior SS Phillip Strozier (23 tkls) who started 3 games at Free last in '09.
Special Teams
Kicker Jacob Branstetter (13/19 FGs, 57 long) has a strong leg but missed 4 FGS in the 30-39 range which is unacceptable, but he should improve this season. Punter Alonzo Rojas (41.4 gross, 34.7 net) was solid and bailed out the defense on occasion. McDougald needs to improve on his 18.8 average on kick returns, and will be joined by Daymond Patterson who will return punts again (8 ypr) in '09. Both coverage teams were poor last year and need to be improved to help out the defense this season.
Next Season
KU's OOC schedule has two easy (assumedly) games with visits from FCS North Dakota State and WAC New Mexico State sandwiched around Georgia Tech and always tough Southern Mississippi. Their conference schedule is relatively easy, getting Baylor, Texas A&M and reloading Oklahoma State from the South. In the weak North division, Kansas could win as many as 6 or 7 games this season, but it relies on the offensive line and QB making some progress. 4-5 wins would be a safer prediction.
Kansas State
Last Year
In Bill Snyder's return the Wildcats went from a 1-3 start and a loss to Sun Belt squad Louisiana-Lafayette to competing for the Big 12 North crown with Nebraska in the final week of the season. Unfortunately they lost and missed out on a bowl game at 6-6 (4-4 Big 12) due to two wins against FCS teams, but a lot of good can be taken from the season. The rushing attack, led by JUCO signee Daniel Thomas was effective most of the year and the run defense was ranked 16th nationally. Snyder played musical QBs before finally settling on Grant Gregory, but the passing game was generally a decent compliment to the run game. The pass defense seemed to take some days off but had played well on others. KR Brandon Banks returned an excellent 4 kicks for TDs too. It was a good start to Snyder's second stint with the team.
Offense
Unfortunately Gregory has moved on, so it's back to competition at Quarterback. Last year's "other" QB, Carson Coffman is the most experienced contending for the position, but he has never taken advantage of his opportunities. As a senior, this is his last chance. The competition is sophomore Collin Klein and junior Sammuel Lamur. The position hasn't been decided going into camp, but Coffman's experience gives him an edge. Whoever wins the job just needs to throw the occasional pass to keep defenses from loading up on star RB Thomas (247-1265-11). Despite and injured shoulder he still managed to break tackles and run hard, and he should be even better this year at 100%. However, the depth behind him consists of a group of freshmen. Whoever runs the ball will have the excellent FB Braden Wilson, as well as four returning offensive line starters leading the way. LG Zach Kendall, C Wade Weibert, RG Kenneth Mayfield and RT Clyde Aufner will be joined by JUCO LT Zach Hanson. This was a good group last year and should be even better this year. They could cut down on sacks allowed (26) though. Two transfers, Chris Harper from Oregon and Brodrick Smith from Minnesota are favored to start at receiver this season. Harper in particular is multi-talented and brings versatility to the role having also played QB and RB with the Ducks. Senior Aubrey Quarles should be the third receiver after redshirting last season. He caught 34 pass for 407 yards in 2008. The new TE will be sophomore Travis Tannahill who only caught 2 passes last season but is a good athlete and should contribute this season.
Defense
There's only five starters returning from last season, and there's no guarantee they will start this year. Antonio Felder (30 tkls, 4 for loss and 3 sacks) should improve this season, assuming he regains his starting position at DE. Brandon Harold is a shoe-in at the other end after missing all bar one game last season. He was a Freshman All-American in '08. There is some talent but not much experience in reserve. The tackles should be manned by Ralph Guidry (19 tkls, 1.5 for loss), who started 6 games last season, and Prizell Brown (10 tkls). JUCO Javonta Boyd will push them for playing time. Whoever the 3 new Linebackers are, they'll be inexperienced. Senior MLB Kevin Rohleder (29 tkls) played in all 12 games last season as a reserve, as did junior SLB Alex Hrebec (32 tkls, 4 tfl) who also started 3. The WLB will be former JUCO Kadero Terrell, who missed last season due to injury, or converted RB Jarell Childs. This group has good potential but may need a few games to gel. 4 starters return from last year's secondary, but safety Troy Butler will most likely be used a 5th DB in certain situations. He will see plenty of action though. Corner Stephen Harrison (25 tkls, 11 PBUs) did a good job last year, but had no interceptions. Joining him on the other side will be David Garrett (29 tkls) who started 4 games but is only 5'7. There isn't much experience beyond these. SS Emmanuel Lamur (68 tkls, 2 PBUs, 3 INTs) and FS Tysyn Hartman (54 tkls, 6 PBUs & 5 INTs) were excellent last year and should be even better in2010. The defense may be better against the pass than the run this season.
Special Teams
Kicker Josh Cherry missed 3 PATs and only made 12/20 FGs last season, but an 11/14 finish gives hope for better in 2010. Punter Ryan Doerr had a solid freshman season averaging 41.2 gross and 35.5 net. He should do even better this season. Brandon Banks was a dynamic KR who will be sorely missed, but Smith, Hartman or RB John Hubert could be effective here. Hartman may also return punts, having stepped in there on occasion last season (8-105-0). Both coverage units were excellent, despite allowing a 67 yd KR and a 26 yd PR for a TD. This unit should be stronger in next season.
Next Season
Not many expected KSU to win even 6 games last season and they were unfortunate to mss out on a bowl game. The only play 1 FCS team this year (Missouri State) and the rest of their OOC is tough but not unbeatable. The return visit from UCLA kicks off the season, and they're last2 non-conference games are always tough Central Florida and they wrap up their season at Sun Belt squad North Texas. A 3-1 start will see them nicely into a conference schedule that features Texas, but all the other teams are beatable. The Wildcats don't have the depth to win 10+ games, but 7 or 8 wins is very possible. The key is to keep Thomas healthy at RB and get steady play from the QB and the defense.
Missouri
Last Year
There were questions about whether Mizzou would be able to achieve their lofty heights of the previous two years with QB Chase Daniel and WR Jeremy Maclin to replace on offense. They did slip to 8-5 but Blaine Gabbert stepped in nicely at QB and had a fine season, and Danario Alexander had a fantastic season catching 113 passes for 1781 yds and 14 TDs. The defense didn't improve as expected, and was still weak against the pass, finishing up ranked 104th. The run defense was a solid 26th though. Gabbert struggled in 4 of their losses, including the bowl game against Navy, and RB Derrick Washington had a tough season with defenses keying on him. On a brighter note, new Kicker Grant Ressel set an NCAA record for FG percentage making 26/27. Coach Gary Pinkel is doing a good job here and this team's best is yet to come.
Offense
Gabbert (58.9% comp, 3593 yds, 24 TDs, 9 INTs) struggled against Nebraska and Texas last season (who didn't) and also had a meltdown against Navy in the bowl game. With a year's experience he should be more efficient against tougher teams. His backup will be freshman James Franklin who is highly regarded, but whoever steps in should Gabbert go down will see a drop in production. Washington (190-865-10) will start at tailback for the third consecutive season. With teams no longer focusing on stopping him he should have a big season –he is extremely versatile. De'Vion Moore (63-258-1) and Kendial Lawrence (52-219-0) will back him up again after filling in nicely last season. Four of the five offensive line starters from last year return to maintain stability up front. LT Elvis Fisher, C Tim Barnes, RG Austin Wuebbels, and RT Dan Hoch will be joined this year by redshirt freshman LG Justin Britt, who won the job in spring camp. This is an experienced group that will spearhead an explosive offense in 2010. Depth could be an issue though. Wes Kemp (23-418-3) is the only returning starting receiver, but Jerrell Jackson (37-458-2) started 6 games last season and was actually more productive. Sophomore Rolandis Woodland (5-26-0) showed enough in spring camp to be listed as a starter going into fall. As with the line though, there is talent but little experience behind them. This is potentially the weak spot on offense. The TE will be Michael Egnew (3-25-0) who beat out last year's starter Andrew Jones (8-43-0). Egnew has the talent to follow in the footsteps of recent great Tiger TEs, and Jones' blocking skill gives them a solid 1-2 punch. If the receivers can make enough plays in 2010, this could be one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Defense
The defense returns 7 starters from last year's unit, but there some concerns going into the season. DE Aldon Smith (64 tkls, 7.5 tfls, 11.5 sacks, 5 PBUs) had an excellent season as a freshman, and figures to be even better in 2010. Opposite him will be another Smith, junior Jacquies (39 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks), who has played well in rotation the first two years. It remains to be seen how he performs as a full-time starter. Dominique Hamilton (46 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 1 sack) will plug the middle at one tackle spot, and the other will be manned by junior Terrell Resonno (13 tkls, 1.5 tfls). There is questionable depth here, and this line may wear down late in games. Star LB Sean Weatherspoon has gone to the NFL and will be tough to replace. The man charged with replacing him in the middle is senior Luke Lambert (20 tkls), who missed most of last season due to injury but won the job in spring camp. Outside him will be Andrew Gachkar (80 tkls, 3sacks), who started last season, and sophomore Zaviar Gooden (30 tkls, 3 tfls) is a former safety who runs like a Cornerback. Both Corners, Kevin Rutland (47 tkls, 2 PBUs, 2 INTs) and Carl Gettis (61 tkls, 5 PBUs) return. Both were okay but a more aggressive coverage scheme is being implemented that should increase their INT totals. The team had just 8 last year. Jasper Simmons (73 tkls, 3 tfl, 2 PBUs, 1INT) is the returning Free Safety and he'll be joined by junior SS Kenji Jackson (41 tkls) who has started nine games in the last two years. The defense as a whole could improve on last season but it may struggle with depth if a rash of injuries hit.
Special Teams
Kicker Grant Ressel was almost perfect in his debut season, making all his PATs and 26/27 FGs and setting an NCAA record for accuracy. He can't really be expected to improve on that, but he should still be a reliable weapon and make a number of awards lists. Punter Jake Harry was excellent new season, and will be tough to replace. Matt Grabner only punted once last season (38.0 avg), but he's expected to do the job – he does have a strong leg though. Simmons averaged 22.6 per KR last season but needs to make more big plays, as does Gettis on punts (7.1 avg). Courtesy of Harry's punting, the coverage was excellent last season, but the kick coverage could improve although it wasn't too bad. If Grabner comes through, this unit should be solid in '10.
Next Season
The Tigers have a relatively easy OOC schedule, kicking off with Illinois in St Louis (where they're 5-0 in the series), and then home games against FCS McNeese State, San Diego State and Miami (Oh). But they get Texas A&M and Texas Tech away and Oklahoma in Columbia from the South. With 15 starters back they should do better than last season's 8-5, but their lack of depth and a tough conference schedule which includes an away trip to division rival Nebraska means 9 or 10 wins will probably be their max. This team will be loaded in 2011, keep an eye on them then.
Nebraska
Last Year
In 2008, the Cornhuskers won 9 games in coach Bo Pelini's first season behind an explosive offense and implosive defense. Last season there was a role reversal with a superb defense carrying an inconsistent offense to a 10-4 (6-2 Big 12 North) record, a loss in the conference championship and a bowl win over Arizona. The championship game was particularly galling, not because of the much debated "one second left" call (it was the right call), but because the defense stifled a potent Texas offense and the offense was completely ineffective. They only managed five first downs, and only scored (4 FGs) because of Texas turnovers in their own half. The defense, spearheaded by an all-timer of a season from #2draft pick Ndamukong Suh, was first in scoring defense and seventh in total yardage nationally. The offense was 75th in scoring, 99th in total yardage and 101st against the pass. The season has to be counted a success though, but Pelini didn't come here to play second fiddle to Texas and Oklahoma. Nebraska is back.
Offense
The offense has 8 starters returning, but need a lot of improvement, and there is no guarantee they will all start again this season. One player in danger of losing is spot is QB Zac Lee (58.6% comp, 2143 yds, 14 TDs and 10 INTs). His backup from last year, Cody Green (53.2% comp, 317 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) pushed him hard in spring camp and the battle will continue in the fall. Green's added mobility could play into the equation. Tailback Roy Helu (220-1147-10) had a good season despite injury problems in '09 and will be back. He'll be capably backed up by Rex Burkhead (81-360-3) who missed 5 games. FB Tyler Legate does a good job clearing lanes. Four return starters return from last year's much maligned offensive line. Mike Smith and Keith Williams should return on the left side at Tackle and Guard respectively, while Ricky Henry and Marcel Jones should man the right side. The Center should be Mike Caputo who did a solid job in reserve the last two seasons. There may some reshuffling in the fall, but improvement is required regardless and they are more than capable. Niles Paul (40-796-4) is a big play merchant at receiver and deserves better service. Brandon Kinnie (15-141-0) has improved greatly and should join him this season. Mike McNeill (28-259-4) is an extremely versatile H-Back and should see an increase in production in 2010. Dreu Young (5-78-0) is a fine blocker and capable receiver and will see plenty of time at Tight End this season. The backs are used regularly as receivers and that should continue this season. This offense wants to pound people and throw in the occasional big play. It has the people in place, it just needs to execute.
Defense
The defense returns seven starters, and although the four they lose were valuable contributors, the cupboard is far from bare. Suh was awesome last season, but some of his success has to be attributed to his running mate, tackle Jared Crick (73 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 5.5 sacks, 4 PBUs), who required plenty on attention too. Crick is back and should get plenty of notice from awards voters. Joining him in the middle will be sophomore Baker Steinkuhler (17 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 PBUs), who was the top rated D-Lineman coming out of high school. Pierre Allen (51 tkls, 7 tfls, 5 sacks, 5 PBUs) was solid at one end and will be joined be sophomore Cameron Meredith (21 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks). Will Compton (40 tkls, .5 tfl, .5 sack) returns as one of the Linebackers in their 4-2-5 formation after a solid freshman season. He'll be joined by one of two sophomores, either Sean Fisher (35 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack), who started 6 games, or Eric Martin (15 tkls). The 5th Defensive Back, the Peso, is a hybrid LB/DB who lines up according to the offense's formation. Eric Hagg (40 tkls, 5 tfls, 2 sacks, 4 PBUs, 1 INT) returns there and is one to watch in 2010. Prince Amukamara (64 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 sacks, 11 PBUs & 5 INTs) is a potential All-American. Alfonzo Dennard (31 tkls, 4 tfls, 8 PBUs) joins him on the other side. Both safeties need to be replaced, and the job falls to sophomore FS PJ Smith (15 tkls, 1 PBU) and senior SS DeJon Gomes (46 tkls, 4 tfls, 5 PBUs & 4 INTs). Gomes started 6 games last season and is very experienced. This defense might see a slight dropoff from last season but should still be top notch. Every position is loaded with talent in reserve too.
Special Teams
Alex Henery is both Kicker (100% PATs, 24/28 FGs – 52 long) and Punter (41.4 gross, 34.7 net) and is reliable at both. Niles Paul (16-446-0 & 38-407-1) returns both kicks and punts and does so with equal aplomb. Tim Marlowe (23.7 avg) helps out with kicks. Kick coverage is generally excellent, but the punt coverage team needs work.
Next Season
The Cornhuskers have three easy games on their OOC schedule and a potentially tricky one at Washington. The conference schedule is winnable with Missouri and Texas from the South at home. If Nebraska can get some sort of offense going, a return trip to the championship game is assured. Wins over Texas and Missouri could turn some heads in the BCS and bigger things could be in the offing. They have to sort out the QB position though.
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