When Bill Callahan came to Lincoln, you knew it was a matter of time before Nebraska would be back on the national stage. I think it's safe to say that the Cornhuskers are very close to being front-and-center in Callahan's fourth year as coach.
Zac Taylor has graduated and Arizona State transfer Sam Keller takes over after what was the epitome of a bad breakup in Tempe. Taylor, the 2006 Big XII offensive player of the year, has left enormous shoes to fill. Nobody really talks about Taylor's body of work last season, which is funny considering his numbers were similar to Colt McCoy's. I guess the award speaks for itself. Anyway, if anyone can follow up Taylor's impressive season, it's Keller (and don't be surprised if he puts up even better numbers). The dude was putting up monster stats in 2005 before he injured his hand and sat out the rest of the year.
Keller, at 6'4 and 230 pounds, has a fantastic group of receivers he'll be looking for come fall. Maurice Purify will sit the first game of the season, but when he steps on the field you have to respect the man's talent; he's a touchdown machine. If he's not hauling in passes then it'll likely be either Nate Swift or Terrence Nunn. If the lightning-fast Nunn matches his 42 catches from last year, he'll tie the career receiving record at NU (Johnny Rodgers holds it with 143).
But what is Nebraska's traditional bread and butter on offense? Running. You'd be a fool not to keep an eye on Marlon Lucky. The spotlight is finally solely his and expect him to capitalize on the chance. It'd be criminal if Lucky doesn't get 250 carries this season. He should have his eyes on a 1,500 yard season and at least 12 TDs. Check his highlight reel (the song has some profanity in it). Blocking for lucky is plenty of experience: five linemen return with at least three starts last fall (senior LT Carl Nicks being the anchor).
On defense, the Huskers must improve by leaps and bounds if they want to finish the season with such a high ranking. Last year, the unit finished 56th overall mostly in part to a porous run defense. The problem is that NU lost five starters up front, including all four defensive linemen (Adam Carriker being the name you'll recognize). However, the linebacking trio of Bo Ruud, Corey McKeon and Steve Octavien should be much better and anchor that defense. In the secondary, the Huskers bring back three starters, so the pass defense should be on point. Where it all boils down to is that front four: Will guys like Barry Turner elevate themselves and be a force? We shall see…
I really cannot wait for the Sept. 15 game in Lincoln against Southern Cal. Sadly, that will be one for the TiVo as kickoff is an hour before the LSU-VT game, but we'll make do. What a night of football, though. Traveling to Wake Forest the week before will be a great tune up for the Trojans. After that, Nebraska can look forward to a home date with Texas A&M, a road date with Texas and no date with Oklahoma.
The faithful should be demanding a return to the conference title game this year, only this time around a trophy to go along with it.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Marlon Lucky
80s theme song: "Back in Business" - AC/DC … I think it's safe to say the Cornhuskers of old are here.
Save this date: Sept. 15 at Texas
25. Boston College & Intro; 24. UCLA; 23. Hawaii; 22. Florida State; 21. Georgia; 20. Oklahoma; 19. South Carolina; 18. Oregon; 17. Rutgers; 16. Arkansas; 15. Louisville; 14. Penn State; 13. Cal; 12. Ohio State
Coming Monday: The Top 10. How do you think it'll play out?