No inside info here. But I'd like to know what other people on the board think about these areas because I really feel that they are the only spots that could keep us from potentially being a 10 or 11 win team this fall thanks to a favorable home schedule and overall talent advantage vs the other teams in our division. Also...this is not meant to be "gloom and doom" I really like the direction the program is heading and I expect the players to make great strides over the rest of spring and fall camp. But here it goes...
Offense:
1. Oline run blocking..... This was tough with QB play a close second but I really feel that in order to win games against the better teams you have to be physical and be able to run the ball and gain at least a few yards even when the defense knows it's coming, this is what separates the good teams from the great ones. At times our line looked overmatched and soft against the better teams last year and wasn't able to create a push on short yardage situations. OSU proved last year that when it comes down to it college football is still a very physical game and the team that controls the line of scrimmage typically wins. Not having Ameer to make up for poor blocking just adds to this concern. Our offensive line is struggling mightily so far through this spring. I realize our defensive line is very good, but it is not a good sign that they are blowing by our line without resistance most of the time, and that is without an RG type pass rusher on the end. I do think whoever we have emerge at RB will be talented bc we have recruited well at that position but will the oline be able to block for them against the better teams and take some of the pressure off our QB during the big games?
2. QB play... pretty obvious reasons here. Solid "consistent" QB play has been really lacking at Nebraska for awhile. I do think that whoever they go with here will be an improvement over last year hence why I've listed this second. TA was good enough to win games against inferior competition but was unable to lead the team in the big games and step up and make plays when we needed him to. From all accounts it sounds like TA has really struggled so far this spring and hasn't shown much if any improvement in his decision making or accuracy. And while it's encouraging to hear good things about AJ it still sounds like his strengths are more his athleticism and arm strength, not necessarily his accuracy or overall throwing ability/decision making, the most critical aspects for a QB in a MR offense. Again hopefully this will improve under Riley/Langsdorf tutelage but it doesn't sound like it's off to a good start.
Defense:
1. LB play....both depth and ability is a concern. LB play was just plain poor at times last year in particular the tackling and coverage left much to be desired and this will undoubtedly need to improve if we are to beat the better teams on our schedule. The positives are a new system that caters towards less thinking and more read and react, and getting Rose-Ivey back from injury, but the lack of proven depth at LB has to be número uno when it comes to concerns for the side of the ball that most people feel will be the strength of the team heading into the season.
2. Pass Rush....even with perhaps two of the more dominate DT's in CFB this year, they will not be able to be on the field at all times. Also, what happens on 3rd downs late in the game when the line has gotten tired. Who will generate a pass rush? McMullen flashed at times last year but is still probably better against the run than producing a pass rush. The better teams on our schedule, particularly MSU and Miami, have QBs that are smart and can make all the throws given enough time, will the huskers be able to apply enough pressure with their front four on obvious passing downs without RG? Or will banker have to consistently dial up blitzes and expose us to big plays?
Offense:
1. Oline run blocking..... This was tough with QB play a close second but I really feel that in order to win games against the better teams you have to be physical and be able to run the ball and gain at least a few yards even when the defense knows it's coming, this is what separates the good teams from the great ones. At times our line looked overmatched and soft against the better teams last year and wasn't able to create a push on short yardage situations. OSU proved last year that when it comes down to it college football is still a very physical game and the team that controls the line of scrimmage typically wins. Not having Ameer to make up for poor blocking just adds to this concern. Our offensive line is struggling mightily so far through this spring. I realize our defensive line is very good, but it is not a good sign that they are blowing by our line without resistance most of the time, and that is without an RG type pass rusher on the end. I do think whoever we have emerge at RB will be talented bc we have recruited well at that position but will the oline be able to block for them against the better teams and take some of the pressure off our QB during the big games?
2. QB play... pretty obvious reasons here. Solid "consistent" QB play has been really lacking at Nebraska for awhile. I do think that whoever they go with here will be an improvement over last year hence why I've listed this second. TA was good enough to win games against inferior competition but was unable to lead the team in the big games and step up and make plays when we needed him to. From all accounts it sounds like TA has really struggled so far this spring and hasn't shown much if any improvement in his decision making or accuracy. And while it's encouraging to hear good things about AJ it still sounds like his strengths are more his athleticism and arm strength, not necessarily his accuracy or overall throwing ability/decision making, the most critical aspects for a QB in a MR offense. Again hopefully this will improve under Riley/Langsdorf tutelage but it doesn't sound like it's off to a good start.
Defense:
1. LB play....both depth and ability is a concern. LB play was just plain poor at times last year in particular the tackling and coverage left much to be desired and this will undoubtedly need to improve if we are to beat the better teams on our schedule. The positives are a new system that caters towards less thinking and more read and react, and getting Rose-Ivey back from injury, but the lack of proven depth at LB has to be número uno when it comes to concerns for the side of the ball that most people feel will be the strength of the team heading into the season.
2. Pass Rush....even with perhaps two of the more dominate DT's in CFB this year, they will not be able to be on the field at all times. Also, what happens on 3rd downs late in the game when the line has gotten tired. Who will generate a pass rush? McMullen flashed at times last year but is still probably better against the run than producing a pass rush. The better teams on our schedule, particularly MSU and Miami, have QBs that are smart and can make all the throws given enough time, will the huskers be able to apply enough pressure with their front four on obvious passing downs without RG? Or will banker have to consistently dial up blitzes and expose us to big plays?
