Link: http://collegefootballnews.com/2015/byu-vs-nebraska-week-1-fearless-prediction-preview
by Pete Fiutak, CollegeFootballNews.com
Considering the controversy surrounding Mike Riley and his days at Oregon State and how BYU is trying to figure out its standing in the world, this might turn out to be one of the bigger games on the schedule after all the dust settles. The Huskers have to get off to a hot start with Miami coming up in a few weeks, while there's no room for error for a Cougar team that can't afford a loss if it wants to have fun this year -- especially this early in the season.
BYU (0-0) at Nebraska (0-0)
Saturday, September 5 - 2:30 p.m. - ABC
Why You Need to Care
It's not like there's pressure or anything at the Nebraska job. Either win the Big Ten title, and do it in a certain style that makes the folks happy, or it's not going to work out. Bo Pelini was the type that didn't work out, and now it's up to Mike Riley to not only make the program a superpower again, but do it by not being so, so......Bo Pelini. He has talent returning, but he's also trying to work some square pegs into some round holes to make everything fit what the new staff is looking for. There's no grace period here -- a loss would be absolutely devastating considering Miami, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Minnesota are still there to deal with.
BYU has its star back in QB Taysom Hill leading a talented group that should bring the firepower, but there are several question marks on defense along with concerns in an offensive backfield without star running back Jamaal Williams for the year. With Boise State, UCLA and Michigan up next, this game is either the start of a big run that could lead to some national noise, or, effectively, the end of the season with the bowl tie-ins already set for the program. Again, no pressure.
Why BYU Will Win
Is this whole offensive change thing going to work for the Huskers? The coaches have said they'll adapt to the talent, but at the same time, they want Tommy Armstrong to be able to throw some more like a pro-style passer -- at least at times. This is where a team like Nebraska really, really needed a tune-up game or two just to see what it has to work with, but it's not going to get that. BYU has a good enough defensive line to keep the Husker ground game in check, while the secondary that allowed so many yards last season shouldn't have to worry too much about the big play -- Nebraska is figuring it out as it goes. However .....
Why Nebraska Will Win
.....if Tommy Armstrong gets hot, look out. BYU's secondary was a disaster throughout last season, allowing 300 yards or more in six of the final 11 games and getting roasted for over 700 yards and eight scores in the final two dates with California and Memphis. Making matters worse is the turnover with three new starters in the defensive backfield, and with just an okay pass rush -- at least projected -- to help the cause. No one's thinking Armstrong is going to be Aaron Rodgers overnight, but if he can find a groove, then he might have a massive day.
Player Who Matters
American has seen Taysom Hill do big things before. He made a name for himself over the years with big wins over Texas, Georgia Tech and Boise State, and he was amazing to start out last season before getting knocked out with a broken leg. This is his return to the limelight as one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, and it's all on him to make the Cougar attack shine. There are other weapons around him, but BYU can't win unless he plays at a whole other level.
What's Going to Happen?
It's going to be a bit rocky at times for the Nebraska offense, but the defensive front will be frothing at the mouth. Maliek Collins and the interior will keep the Cougar backs from doing anything consistently, and while Hill will get his big plays, he's not going to outplay Armstrong enough to come away with the win.
Prediction
Nebraska 34, BYU 27
Spread
Nebraska is currently favored by 6 at home.
by Pete Fiutak, CollegeFootballNews.com
Considering the controversy surrounding Mike Riley and his days at Oregon State and how BYU is trying to figure out its standing in the world, this might turn out to be one of the bigger games on the schedule after all the dust settles. The Huskers have to get off to a hot start with Miami coming up in a few weeks, while there's no room for error for a Cougar team that can't afford a loss if it wants to have fun this year -- especially this early in the season.
BYU (0-0) at Nebraska (0-0)
Saturday, September 5 - 2:30 p.m. - ABC
Why You Need to Care
It's not like there's pressure or anything at the Nebraska job. Either win the Big Ten title, and do it in a certain style that makes the folks happy, or it's not going to work out. Bo Pelini was the type that didn't work out, and now it's up to Mike Riley to not only make the program a superpower again, but do it by not being so, so......Bo Pelini. He has talent returning, but he's also trying to work some square pegs into some round holes to make everything fit what the new staff is looking for. There's no grace period here -- a loss would be absolutely devastating considering Miami, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Minnesota are still there to deal with.
BYU has its star back in QB Taysom Hill leading a talented group that should bring the firepower, but there are several question marks on defense along with concerns in an offensive backfield without star running back Jamaal Williams for the year. With Boise State, UCLA and Michigan up next, this game is either the start of a big run that could lead to some national noise, or, effectively, the end of the season with the bowl tie-ins already set for the program. Again, no pressure.
Why BYU Will Win
Is this whole offensive change thing going to work for the Huskers? The coaches have said they'll adapt to the talent, but at the same time, they want Tommy Armstrong to be able to throw some more like a pro-style passer -- at least at times. This is where a team like Nebraska really, really needed a tune-up game or two just to see what it has to work with, but it's not going to get that. BYU has a good enough defensive line to keep the Husker ground game in check, while the secondary that allowed so many yards last season shouldn't have to worry too much about the big play -- Nebraska is figuring it out as it goes. However .....
Why Nebraska Will Win
.....if Tommy Armstrong gets hot, look out. BYU's secondary was a disaster throughout last season, allowing 300 yards or more in six of the final 11 games and getting roasted for over 700 yards and eight scores in the final two dates with California and Memphis. Making matters worse is the turnover with three new starters in the defensive backfield, and with just an okay pass rush -- at least projected -- to help the cause. No one's thinking Armstrong is going to be Aaron Rodgers overnight, but if he can find a groove, then he might have a massive day.
Player Who Matters
American has seen Taysom Hill do big things before. He made a name for himself over the years with big wins over Texas, Georgia Tech and Boise State, and he was amazing to start out last season before getting knocked out with a broken leg. This is his return to the limelight as one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, and it's all on him to make the Cougar attack shine. There are other weapons around him, but BYU can't win unless he plays at a whole other level.
What's Going to Happen?
It's going to be a bit rocky at times for the Nebraska offense, but the defensive front will be frothing at the mouth. Maliek Collins and the interior will keep the Cougar backs from doing anything consistently, and while Hill will get his big plays, he's not going to outplay Armstrong enough to come away with the win.
Prediction
Nebraska 34, BYU 27
Spread
Nebraska is currently favored by 6 at home.
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