Keys to a successful season?

[Pennsyhusker]

I am interested in everyone's opinions on what they think are the big keys to us winning the West this year. And don't list "injuries" or "suspensions. It goes without saying that losing key players will kill our chances since depth at some important spots is still an issue.

For me, I think we will have a better defense this year than last. Better secondary and linebacker play coupled with some decent talent on the line should give us a good, but not great, defense. It will be a defense that is good enough to win the West.

We have very good receivers and a respectable group of runners. Thus... for me the key to our season is the development of the offensive line. Armstrong is our starter. Give him a running game to lean on, then the UCLA game showed what he can do. But if the line falters, and our running game stalls, look for Armstrong to repeat his old mistakes. I am not buying that he will improve as a pure passer absent a running game.

If we have a solid running game we win the West in my view. Maybe even go 11-1 or 10-2. If we have a weak running game I see us at 8-4.

 

[jlb321]

QB play - QB play - QB play

Like you, I worry about the offensive line being a weak link with regards to running the ball 60%+ of the time .. a lot of new faces that have to be able to deliver

 

[Cornicator]

QB play - QB play - QB play

Like you, I worry about the offensive line being a weak link with regards to running the ball 60%+ of the time .. a lot of new faces that have to be able to deliver

I disagree... Its about defense... Nebraska needs to stop being a sieve. The offensive line will be very good. Armstrong will still be Armstrong and prone to dumb decisions, but should be slightly more polished in year 2 of the system.

That casts the bullseye for improvement directly on the defense.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I agree about QB play. But I think Armstrong is actually an excellent QB given the right offense. He is not the pro style guy he was forced to become last year due to an ineffective running game. The UCLA game showed that this staff WILL run the ball a lot IF it is working.

We absolutely need a nasty, physical, aggressive and smart offensive line to have any hope of winning the West

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I disagree... Its about defense... Nebraska needs to stop being a sieve. The offensive line will be very good. Armstrong will still be Armstrong and prone to dumb decisions, but should be slightly more polished in year 2 of the system.

That casts the bullseye for improvement directly on the defense.

I actually agree 100% with this. But I have optimism for some reason that our defense will be much improved over last year. Do you have doubts about that? I admit my optimism is based more on the potential of the new faces on the defensive line than on any solid data

 

[newAD]

If Nebraska can't run effectively, it could easily be 6-6 (I hope not none of these are gimmes: Oregon, at NW, at Indiana, at Wisky, at OSU, and at Iowa. I hope people are prepared for that possibility. I loved the UCLA game, but people need to stop assuming that it will be that easy against all the teams on the schedule this season.

The most talented position on the team is still the receivers, and TA will still have to throw the ball for the team to win.

Wisky, breaking in a new QB, gets Michigan and Sparty on the road and OSU at home to start conference play, followed by a trip to Iowa. Who did they piss off in the scheduling department? We are game 5 for them. It scares me that they could be desperate for a win.

Iowa has a much more favorable conference schedule with Nebraska, Michigan, Wisky, and NW all at home. Their toughest conference road game is at Penn State. Until proven otherwise they are the West Division favorites. I hope to be wrong, but have to be objective.

 

[Cornicator]

I actually agree 100% with this. But I have optimism for some reason that our defense will be much improved over last year. Do you have doubts about that? I admit my optimism is based more on the potential of the new faces on the defensive line than on any solid data

Nebraska hasn't consistently played "Nebraska defense" since 2010. While a lot of experience returns this season, and the depth will be much improved, the Blackshirts still have a bunch to prove.

1. Can Nebraska actually pursue or cover the perimeter? Teams killed them on the edge last year. Nebraska beat UCLA, but the Bruins still picked chunks of yards outside. The only time Iowa even moved the ball was on the edge. Miami soley beat Nebraska out on the perimeter.

2. Nebraska was like 110th in the Nation for allowing plays over 20 yards. That's inexcusable. This team has been giving up big plays through the air and on land for a while now. When you're giving up massive chunks of yardage per possession it effects everything from the special teams to the offense to the scoreboard.

3. Can the Huskers actually generate a consistent pass rush? Nebraska was pedestrian at best last season. The young infusion of talent at DE must produce. The edge rushers were often moving in slow motion last season. 24 sacks for a Power 5 team is not good.

4. Can the linebackers stay healthy. Look there is more depth and more talent. However, Mike Rose Ivey and Bando have not stayed healthy for a full season. These guys need to gain some extra durability. Hopefully the added depth will provide some rest and allow these guys to spend less time onSpecial teams as well.

5. Can the team PRODUCE more turnovers? This is a big deal. In some ways, this aspect of the game is related to all of the above. Its hard to pick off passes is the QB is comfortable. Its difficult to force fumbles if you're always chasing somebody from behind. Its also hard to pick off passes if teams can just throw swing passes on the perimeter knowing they will pick up 12 yards.


The defense should be better, but they have TON to prove. That side of the football needs to get MUCH better.

 

[Cornicator]

If Nebraska can't run effectively, it could easily be 6-6 (I hope not none of these are gimmes: Oregon, at NW, at Indiana, at Wisky, at OSU, and at Iowa. I hope people are prepared for that possibility. I loved the UCLA game, but people need to stop assuming that it will be that easy against all the teams on the schedule this season.

The most talented position on the team is still the receivers, and TA will still have to throw the ball for the team to win.

Wisky, breaking in a new QB, gets Michigan and Sparty on the road and OSU at home to start conference play, followed by a trip to Iowa. Who did they piss off in the scheduling department? We are game 5 for them. It scares me that they could be desperate for a win.

Iowa has a much more favorable conference schedule with Nebraska, Michigan, Wisky, and NW all at home. Their toughest conference road game is at Penn State. Until proven otherwise they are the West Division favorites. I hope to be wrong, but have to be objective.

This is why I believe the defensive side of the football is the key to 2016. Its easier to focus on running the football, special teams play, and playing to Tommy's strengths when opponents aren't able to score virtually every possession.

And its not a coincidence that Nebraska has routinely failed to win this division the last 3 seasons because Wisconsin, Iowa, NW, and even Minnesota or Illinois have played better defense.

 

[Cloud@Heart]

I know rankings don't always matter, but being ranked in the top 50 teams in the nation on both offense and defense for the duration of the season, being well balanced on both sides of the ball, having fewer turn overs than our opponents, and having solid special teams are all key.

If they can do that, the west will take care of itself and we will be ranked in the top 25 for most of the season. 10-3 or 11-2 (hitting the kool aide hard this morning!)

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Nebraska hasn't consistently played "Nebraska defense" since 2010. While a lot of experience returns this season, and the depth will be much improved, the Blackshirts still have a bunch to prove.

1. Can Nebraska actually pursue or cover the perimeter? Teams killed them on the edge last year. Nebraska beat UCLA, but the Bruins still picked chunks of yards outside. The only time Iowa even moved the ball was on the edge. Miami soley beat Nebraska out on the perimeter.

2. Nebraska was like 110th in the Nation for allowing plays over 20 yards. That's inexcusable. This team has been giving up big plays through the air and on land for a while now. When you're giving up massive chunks of yardage per possession it effects everything from the special teams to the offense to the scoreboard.

3. Can the Huskers actually generate a consistent pass rush? Nebraska was pedestrian at best last season. The young infusion of talent at DE must produce. The edge rushers were often moving in slow motion last season. 24 sacks for a Power 5 team is not good.

4. Can the linebackers stay healthy. Look there is more depth and more talent. However, Mike Rose Ivey and Bando have not stayed healthy for a full season. These guys need to gain some extra durability. Hopefully the added depth will provide some rest and allow these guys to spend less time onSpecial teams as well.

5. Can the team PRODUCE more turnovers? This is a big deal. In some ways, this aspect of the game is related to all of the above. Its hard to pick off passes is the QB is comfortable. Its difficult to force fumbles if you're always chasing somebody from behind. Its also hard to pick off passes if teams can just throw swing passes on the perimeter knowing they will pick up 12 yards.


The defense should be better, but they have TON to prove. That side of the football needs to get MUCH better.

I was of the opinion that our woeful defense on the perimeter was due to poor linebacker and safety play. So on the assumption we are better in both areas this year I think we improve this year. And our penchant for giving up big plays through the air I chalked up to our secondary learning a new scheme. But I could be wrong on both of those assumptions.

 

[VortecHusker]

Positive turnover margin and limit big/explosive plays on defense
Avg. 4.5+yds/carry
60%+ completion percentage
Better return game on special teams

 

[jlb321]

Positive turnover margin and limit big/explosive plays on defense
Avg. 4.5+yds/carry
60%+ completion percentage
Better return game on special teams

we averaged 4.7 yards per carry last year - just need a lot more attempts while maintaining the production

 

[VortecHusker]

we averaged 4.7 yards per carry last year - just need a lot more attempts while maintaining the production

Yes, I know but the other things I mentioned we did not do last year.
I think if we improve in these other area then the yds/carry will have more of an impact in the win/loss column.

 

[Husker Sledge]

Slash turnovers in half, consistent DL pressure and avoid those damn groin injuries that just don't seem to go away.

 

[GretnaShawn]

RT, C, and QB for the offense.

DE for the defense.

If the QB limits turnovers, the RT and C (I am not sold on Utter) play well, then the offense will flourish. Pass rush from the DE spot is crucial.

 

[TheBeav815]

I'll give a simple pair:

Pass rush
Rushing offense

Those things for me are the foundation on which you build a LOT of offensive and defensive success.

 

[iROOT4nu]

I think Carter and Snyder have what it takes to make our TE's great again. A solid go to target for TA will really do wonders for him. You can mention Westy and Moore but the potential mismatch Carter brings should prove to be great.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I'll give a simple pair:

Pass rush
Rushing offense

Those things for me are the foundation on which you build a LOT of offensive and defensive success.

I think last year's pass rushing was the worst I have ever seen at NU. Hopefully, with a healthy and seasoned Freedom, and coaching from Parella, we will see improvement. And I hope new guys like King and Davis can develop into a real threat from the edge.

 

[chicolby]

Defense, defense, defense. Yes, QB play is important, as are the offensive line, running game, etc. but look at nearly any championship caliber team and it starts with a steady and stout defense. A strong defense can make up for many mistakes and while Tommy had more than his share last year, if the defense was better last year, those games wouldn't have come down to the wire and you'd be looking at wins over BYU, Miami, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois (though the D actually played OK against Illinois).

Regardless you're turning a 6-7 season into a 10-3 season very easily with a better defense.

I don't know that we have a lot to go off of that leads to a better D this year, but I'm hopeful, as the rest of you are.

 

[SilentCommit]

I'm very optimistic about the long term future of the program, but I'm less optimistic about this season. A successful season can be defined many ways, so I'll say my keys are:

- Development of the Offensive Line between now and September;
- Defensive line - all positions must produce results
- Running Game - must be solid in the opportunities it gets.

This year is going to be a huge, huge challenge. The strength of the offense (receivers) is paired with a weakness (QB decision making). The strength of last year's defense is awaiting word from the NFL draft. IMHO it's possible we'll see many positive signs the team has improved, see defensive improvement in the back seven, and still turn in a record with 6/7/8 wins.

 

[NikkiSixx]

I think our defense will be good this year. The offense, that part I'm not so sure about. We certainly got the receivers, but can you trust TA? He's gonna be like, it's my last year.. chuck it into double coverage.. I would be very surprised if we ran the ball more.. TA gonna be throwing it. 7-5 is my guess.

 

[CC_Lemming]

Improved defense and QB play would be the difference between 3-4 more wins last year. In particular, we have to cover better in the secondary and get better pressure on the QB (I think the latter is not likely to improve, but we can hope). TA has to limit mistakes, play within himself, and accept what the defense gives him.

That should be sufficient to beat everyone except Ohio State, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Iowa (maybe Northwestern), but we should be able to compete with everyone.

 

[sparky62]

IMO we need better QB play, a better pas rush & our db's need to lock it down.

 

[ExxHusker]

1) Langs resisting the urge to give up on the run game,
1) TA taking care of the ball,
3) putting pressure on the opposing QB consistently - last year we left our db's in coverage way too long.

 

[CC_Lemming]

IMO we need better QB play, a better pas rush & our db's need to lock it down.

That's what I said! I like it when we're on the same page .

 

[dog_leg_left]

I personally feel if we can somehow manage to score more points than each opponent we have a great chance of winning each football match.

 

[AdaminLincoln]

QB play - QB play - QB play

Like you, I worry about the offensive line being a weak link with regards to running the ball 60%+ of the time .. a lot of new faces that have to be able to deliver

We will not be running the ball 60%+ of the time. MR has said he wants to run the ball more efficiently, but he wants to have balance. We were near a 50/50 mix last year and that is what the offense will look like going forward,

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Key to a successful season will all hinge on Tommy. If he's the same guy he's always been, we're in trouble. If he can clean up the turnovers, we'll be playing for the B1G title. I think we'll be playing for the B1G title.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Key to a successful season will all hinge on Tommy. If he's the same guy he's always been, we're in trouble. If he can clean up the turnovers, we'll be playing for the B1G title. I think we'll be playing for the B1G title.

Is it likely Armstrong will improve as a pure passer and avoid turnovers if he is chucking the ball around 40-45 times a game? In big games against quality teams he had to throw a lot due to our inability to run the ball against good defenses. If Riley wants our running game to be more "efficient" that has to translate into effectiveness against good defenses too. And thus it all hinges on the big dudes up front. The problem is simple: Lackluster running game against good teams=more passing=turnover Tommy.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

But I also agree with Cornicator above. Another factor that causes us to pass too much is playing from behind a lot. So we must have better defense. All that said, if you have a solid running game you can chew clock and keep the opposing offense off the field. Furthermore, we were behind UCLA by 14 points but did not panic. We kept to the game plan of pounding the rock.

 

[NikkiSixx]

The more I think about it, the more I think it is very important that POB works his tail off to be ready to play this fall. In one way or another, that might be a successful key to a good season.