2007 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview
by Jerald of Predictem.com
Head Coach Bill Callahan, 4th year
2006 Record 9-5 straight up, 7-4-1 ATS
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Conference 2006 Big 12 North champions with 6-2 record
Offense
In 2006 the offense averaged 175 yards rushing (4.42 yards per rush) and 253 yards passing while scoring an average of 31.8 points per game. The Cornhusker offense will be looking to break in a new quarterback after a terrific year by Zac Taylor in 2006. The leading candidate appears to be Arizona State transfer Sam Keller. This offense is starting to hit their stride after several years of struggling under the new Callahan regime. The running back core will be led by Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn who both saw extensive time last season. The receivers will be led by Maurice Purify who will need to sit out the first game due to off-field problems.
Defense
In 2006 the defense gave up an average of 120 yards rushing (3.9 yards per rush) and 223 yards passing while giving up 18.4 points per game. The defensive line was the strength of the defense in 2006 as the defense only allowed but lost their top 2 players. This unit will be rebuilding as there will be 6 new starters but does appear to have capable replacements in all areas.
Grading the Units
Offense B
Defense B+
Special Teams C+
Prediction
The books have the over/under on the season wins at 9 wins. The Cornhuskers have a very difficult schedule with USC at home on Sept. 16 and Texas on the road on Oct. 27. Throw in a tough conference road game at Missouri and it is easy to envision at least 3 losses. It would appear that an 8-4 record is much more likely than a 10-2 season so we will recommend taking under on the season win total for the Cornhuskers.