A weekly look at games involving Nebraska's 2015 opponents.
South Alabama (vs. Gardner-Webb - 5:00 p.m. - ESPN3
South Alabama will kick off its season with a home game against FCS opponent Gardner-Webb. A year ago the Jaguars finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt Conference and qualified for a bowl game, falling to Bowling Green 33-28 in the Camellia Bowl. This will be South Alabama's first-ever meeting with Gardner-Webb. The Runnin' Bulldogs were 4-8 a year ago and have lost most of their offensive production from a year ago but do return a majority of their defense. No line has been set yet for this contest. There is no line currently set on this game
Miami (FL) (vs. Bethune-Cookman - 5:00 p.m. - ESPN3)
The Hurricanes open their 2015 season against an FCS opponent of their own in Bethune-Cookman. Miami leads the all-time series 2-0, with the last meeting coming in 2012, a 38-10 Hurricane win. The Wildcats were 9-3 a year ago and went 6-2 in the MEAC while the Hurricanes went 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the ACC and lost to South Carolina in the Independence Bowl. It was just recently announced that Miami's projected starting running back, Gus Edwards, will now miss the entire season due to a foot injury. Bethune did beat FBS school Florida International last year and runs a pretty effective spread offense. The Wildcats return a fair number of players from a year ago, including their quarterback. No line has been set yet for this game. There is no line currently set on this game
Southern Miss (vs. Mississippi State - 9:00 p.m. - FOX Sports 1)
This one could get ugly. Mississippi State is coming off a 10-3 (6-2 SEC) season while the Golden Eagles were just 3-9 a year ago and managed to go 1-7 in Conference USA. Southern Miss actually leads the all-time series 14-13-1 but Mississippi State has won the last three meetings, including a 49-0 victory a year ago in Starkville. This is a fairly tense rivalry as the two schools used to play annually. The Bulldogs return just seven total starters but do return star quarterback Dak Prescott. The Golden Eagles return their starting quarterback, leading rusher and top two receivers, but is still going to be outmatched in this contest. Mississippi State is currently favored by 21 points on the road
Illinois (vs. Kent State - Friday - 8:00 p.m. - BTN)
Illinois kicks off the season with a new coach on Friday night against Kent State. Bill Cubit takes over for the recently fired Tim Beckman. This is the first ever meeting between the two schools in football. The Golden Flashes were just 2-9 last year and 1-6 in the MAC. Kent State returns a combined 19 starters in 2015. The offense likely isn't going to do anything special, but Kent State could feature a fairly solid defense in 2015. Kent had one of the MAC's better defenses last year and returns their quarterback among their starters. Illinois is currently favored by 14 points at home.
Wisconsin (vs. Alabama (at Arlington) - 7:00 p.m. - ABC)
One of the most anticipated games of the opening weekend. Wisconsin comes in with a new head coach and must replace all star Melvin Gordon. The Badgers will look to Joel Stave at quarterback, who has been up and down in his entire career. Tanner McEvoy has been moved to receiver this year for Wisconsin, but don't expect the Wisconsin passing game to suddenly evolve, this is still a run first, run often offense. The Badgers should be solid defensively, but they will face a real challenge against a very big, very physical Alabama team. Nick Saban, to my knowledge, has yet to name a starting quarterback for the team that played in the inaugural College Football Playoff last year. The Tide's plan on defense is simple, stop the run, rush the quarterback. Wisconsin is 1-0 all-time against Alabama, but that single meeting took place back in 1928. Alabama is currently a 10 point favorite in the neutral site game.
Minnesota (vs. TCU - Thursday - 8:00 p.m. - ESPN)
Last year these two teams met and TCU absolutely destroyed the Gophers in a 30-7 win in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs forced five turnovers and held Minnesota to just 99 yards rushing in the win. This year, TCU is loaded and is one of the heavy favorites to contend for the national championship. The Frogs will try to score often, and score quick. Minnesota's strength is in their defense. They play sound, fundamental football under Jerry Kill but TCU is going to be one tough hombre to slow down. Minnesota looks to struggle offensively again, with the loss of their leading rusher and receiver from a year ago. Much like Wisconsin, the Gophers really struggle in the passing game and I'm not sure they'll fare any better this year. The all-time series is tied at 1-1, with TCU winning last year and Minnesota getting a win in 1974. TCU is currently a 16 point favorite on the road.
Northwestern (vs. Stanford - 11:00 a.m. - ESPN)
The battle of the brains kicks off the season for these two academic heavyweights as Stanford visits Evanston. After winning 46 games from 2010 to 2013, Stanford took a bit of a step back last year, going just 8-5 with a 5-4 Pac-12 record (though three of those losses came by three points). Running back Christian McCaffrey will lead the Cardinal who find themselves ranked in the preseason polls to start the year. Kevin Hogan returns as a senior quarterback for Stanford and will feature a talented and experienced offensive line. Defense, however, may be an issue for the folks from the Pac-12. Northwestern will start redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson at quarterback, who has never attempted a pass in a college game yet, but was a highly regarded dual-threat recruit coming out of high school. Northwestern will likely lean heavily on talented running back Justin Jackson, who ran for over 1,100 yards a year ago. Stanford leads the all-time series 3-1-2. The last meeting ended in a 41-41 tie in 1994. Stanford is favored on the road by 10 points.
Purdue (at Marshall - Sunday - 2:00 p.m. - FOX Sports 1)
Purdue has not fared well under third-year head coach Darrell Hazell, having won only four games overall and one conference game since his arrival. Austin Appleby will get the start at quarterback for the Boilermakers, but he has shown in the past to have turnover issues. Purdue has a solid wideout in Danny Anthrop, but he will need others to step up in support. The Purdue offensive line should be solid and experienced, and the defense should be okay, not great, but not bottom-feeders. Marshall comes into this season coming off a 13-1 campaign, however the Thundering Herd must replace all-star quarterback Rakeem Cato, who had over 3,900 passing yards last year. The rest of the Marshall offense is pretty solid, but it make take a bit for a new quarterback to get the wheels moving again. Defensively, Marshall's front seven has holes, but the secondary is a strong point. Purdue leads the all-time series 1-0, having won in 2012. Marshall is currently favored at home by 7.5 points.
Michigan State (at Western Michigan - Friday - 6:00 p.m. - ESPNU)
This really shouldn't be much more than a scrimmage for a very talented Michigan State team who has some pretty lofty expectations this year. Michigan State will have a very decisive edge along both lines and the game will be over right there. With most of the offense returning for MSU, the eyes will be on the Spartan secondary, which at this point, appears to be their biggest weakness. How will they handle playing on the road to start the season against an in-state foe. WMU does have a threat at wide receiver in Corey Davis, who has 2,350 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons at WMU. Michigan State leads the all-time series with Western Michigan 11-2 and the two last met in 2013, in a Spartan victory. Michigan State is an 18 point favorite on the road.
Rutgers (vs. Norfolk State - 11:00 a.m. - ESPNEWS)
Rutgers has a bit of a mini Tim Beckman issue going on with head coach Kyle Flood right now, and it'll be interesting to see if that has any effect on the team. Norfolk State was 4-8 a year ago and 4-4 in the MEAC. The Spartans return FCS All-American Deon King, who is the team's best player. Norfolk State features several FBS transfers on their roster, including former FAU quarterback Terrance Ervin who will run a West Coast attack under first-year head coach Latrell Scott. Ervin is fairly accurate and experienced with the short, quick routes the offense lives on. With all that said, Rutgers still has a huge advantage in athletic talent and ability, and you'd expet that in a FBS vs. FCS matchup. Darius Hamilton will not play in the first game, but the Scarlet Knights shouldn't need him. Rutgers leads the all-time series 3-0 and the two teams last met in 2013, a 38-0 Rutgers win. There is no line set for this game
Iowa (vs. Illinois State - 11:00 a.m. - BTN)
Iowa. This is a team that has traditionally struggled not only with season openers, but with FCS opponents as of late. The Hawkeyes have a dangerous matchup in their midst as Illinios State comes into this game preseason ranked No. 2 in the FCS polls and played in last year's FCS national championship game. Iowa is breaking in a new starting quarterback in C.J. Beathard, though not totally inexperienced. Looking at the Hawkeyes, they seem to lack any real playmakers on offense. They will look, again, to just try to control the clock and move the ball down the field as methodically as they can. The Iowa defense should be solid, but could be in for a test. Illinois State features former Indiana Hoosier dual-threat quarterback Tre Roberson and former Iowa Hawkeye linebacker Reggie Spearman. Illinois State also features running back Marshaun Coprich, who led all of FCS last year with 2,274 yards rushing. The Redbirds feature a read-option game, a type of offense that has dealt Iowa fits in the past. Illinios State does have to replace two players on each line, so that is a point of weakness. This is the first-ever meeting between these two schools. Many pundits are expecting a very close game, and several are picking the upset. There is no line set on this game.
South Alabama (vs. Gardner-Webb - 5:00 p.m. - ESPN3
South Alabama will kick off its season with a home game against FCS opponent Gardner-Webb. A year ago the Jaguars finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt Conference and qualified for a bowl game, falling to Bowling Green 33-28 in the Camellia Bowl. This will be South Alabama's first-ever meeting with Gardner-Webb. The Runnin' Bulldogs were 4-8 a year ago and have lost most of their offensive production from a year ago but do return a majority of their defense. No line has been set yet for this contest. There is no line currently set on this game
Miami (FL) (vs. Bethune-Cookman - 5:00 p.m. - ESPN3)
The Hurricanes open their 2015 season against an FCS opponent of their own in Bethune-Cookman. Miami leads the all-time series 2-0, with the last meeting coming in 2012, a 38-10 Hurricane win. The Wildcats were 9-3 a year ago and went 6-2 in the MEAC while the Hurricanes went 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the ACC and lost to South Carolina in the Independence Bowl. It was just recently announced that Miami's projected starting running back, Gus Edwards, will now miss the entire season due to a foot injury. Bethune did beat FBS school Florida International last year and runs a pretty effective spread offense. The Wildcats return a fair number of players from a year ago, including their quarterback. No line has been set yet for this game. There is no line currently set on this game
Southern Miss (vs. Mississippi State - 9:00 p.m. - FOX Sports 1)
This one could get ugly. Mississippi State is coming off a 10-3 (6-2 SEC) season while the Golden Eagles were just 3-9 a year ago and managed to go 1-7 in Conference USA. Southern Miss actually leads the all-time series 14-13-1 but Mississippi State has won the last three meetings, including a 49-0 victory a year ago in Starkville. This is a fairly tense rivalry as the two schools used to play annually. The Bulldogs return just seven total starters but do return star quarterback Dak Prescott. The Golden Eagles return their starting quarterback, leading rusher and top two receivers, but is still going to be outmatched in this contest. Mississippi State is currently favored by 21 points on the road
Illinois (vs. Kent State - Friday - 8:00 p.m. - BTN)
Illinois kicks off the season with a new coach on Friday night against Kent State. Bill Cubit takes over for the recently fired Tim Beckman. This is the first ever meeting between the two schools in football. The Golden Flashes were just 2-9 last year and 1-6 in the MAC. Kent State returns a combined 19 starters in 2015. The offense likely isn't going to do anything special, but Kent State could feature a fairly solid defense in 2015. Kent had one of the MAC's better defenses last year and returns their quarterback among their starters. Illinois is currently favored by 14 points at home.
Wisconsin (vs. Alabama (at Arlington) - 7:00 p.m. - ABC)
One of the most anticipated games of the opening weekend. Wisconsin comes in with a new head coach and must replace all star Melvin Gordon. The Badgers will look to Joel Stave at quarterback, who has been up and down in his entire career. Tanner McEvoy has been moved to receiver this year for Wisconsin, but don't expect the Wisconsin passing game to suddenly evolve, this is still a run first, run often offense. The Badgers should be solid defensively, but they will face a real challenge against a very big, very physical Alabama team. Nick Saban, to my knowledge, has yet to name a starting quarterback for the team that played in the inaugural College Football Playoff last year. The Tide's plan on defense is simple, stop the run, rush the quarterback. Wisconsin is 1-0 all-time against Alabama, but that single meeting took place back in 1928. Alabama is currently a 10 point favorite in the neutral site game.
Minnesota (vs. TCU - Thursday - 8:00 p.m. - ESPN)
Last year these two teams met and TCU absolutely destroyed the Gophers in a 30-7 win in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs forced five turnovers and held Minnesota to just 99 yards rushing in the win. This year, TCU is loaded and is one of the heavy favorites to contend for the national championship. The Frogs will try to score often, and score quick. Minnesota's strength is in their defense. They play sound, fundamental football under Jerry Kill but TCU is going to be one tough hombre to slow down. Minnesota looks to struggle offensively again, with the loss of their leading rusher and receiver from a year ago. Much like Wisconsin, the Gophers really struggle in the passing game and I'm not sure they'll fare any better this year. The all-time series is tied at 1-1, with TCU winning last year and Minnesota getting a win in 1974. TCU is currently a 16 point favorite on the road.
Northwestern (vs. Stanford - 11:00 a.m. - ESPN)
The battle of the brains kicks off the season for these two academic heavyweights as Stanford visits Evanston. After winning 46 games from 2010 to 2013, Stanford took a bit of a step back last year, going just 8-5 with a 5-4 Pac-12 record (though three of those losses came by three points). Running back Christian McCaffrey will lead the Cardinal who find themselves ranked in the preseason polls to start the year. Kevin Hogan returns as a senior quarterback for Stanford and will feature a talented and experienced offensive line. Defense, however, may be an issue for the folks from the Pac-12. Northwestern will start redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson at quarterback, who has never attempted a pass in a college game yet, but was a highly regarded dual-threat recruit coming out of high school. Northwestern will likely lean heavily on talented running back Justin Jackson, who ran for over 1,100 yards a year ago. Stanford leads the all-time series 3-1-2. The last meeting ended in a 41-41 tie in 1994. Stanford is favored on the road by 10 points.
Purdue (at Marshall - Sunday - 2:00 p.m. - FOX Sports 1)
Purdue has not fared well under third-year head coach Darrell Hazell, having won only four games overall and one conference game since his arrival. Austin Appleby will get the start at quarterback for the Boilermakers, but he has shown in the past to have turnover issues. Purdue has a solid wideout in Danny Anthrop, but he will need others to step up in support. The Purdue offensive line should be solid and experienced, and the defense should be okay, not great, but not bottom-feeders. Marshall comes into this season coming off a 13-1 campaign, however the Thundering Herd must replace all-star quarterback Rakeem Cato, who had over 3,900 passing yards last year. The rest of the Marshall offense is pretty solid, but it make take a bit for a new quarterback to get the wheels moving again. Defensively, Marshall's front seven has holes, but the secondary is a strong point. Purdue leads the all-time series 1-0, having won in 2012. Marshall is currently favored at home by 7.5 points.
Michigan State (at Western Michigan - Friday - 6:00 p.m. - ESPNU)
This really shouldn't be much more than a scrimmage for a very talented Michigan State team who has some pretty lofty expectations this year. Michigan State will have a very decisive edge along both lines and the game will be over right there. With most of the offense returning for MSU, the eyes will be on the Spartan secondary, which at this point, appears to be their biggest weakness. How will they handle playing on the road to start the season against an in-state foe. WMU does have a threat at wide receiver in Corey Davis, who has 2,350 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons at WMU. Michigan State leads the all-time series with Western Michigan 11-2 and the two last met in 2013, in a Spartan victory. Michigan State is an 18 point favorite on the road.
Rutgers (vs. Norfolk State - 11:00 a.m. - ESPNEWS)
Rutgers has a bit of a mini Tim Beckman issue going on with head coach Kyle Flood right now, and it'll be interesting to see if that has any effect on the team. Norfolk State was 4-8 a year ago and 4-4 in the MEAC. The Spartans return FCS All-American Deon King, who is the team's best player. Norfolk State features several FBS transfers on their roster, including former FAU quarterback Terrance Ervin who will run a West Coast attack under first-year head coach Latrell Scott. Ervin is fairly accurate and experienced with the short, quick routes the offense lives on. With all that said, Rutgers still has a huge advantage in athletic talent and ability, and you'd expet that in a FBS vs. FCS matchup. Darius Hamilton will not play in the first game, but the Scarlet Knights shouldn't need him. Rutgers leads the all-time series 3-0 and the two teams last met in 2013, a 38-0 Rutgers win. There is no line set for this game
Iowa (vs. Illinois State - 11:00 a.m. - BTN)
Iowa. This is a team that has traditionally struggled not only with season openers, but with FCS opponents as of late. The Hawkeyes have a dangerous matchup in their midst as Illinios State comes into this game preseason ranked No. 2 in the FCS polls and played in last year's FCS national championship game. Iowa is breaking in a new starting quarterback in C.J. Beathard, though not totally inexperienced. Looking at the Hawkeyes, they seem to lack any real playmakers on offense. They will look, again, to just try to control the clock and move the ball down the field as methodically as they can. The Iowa defense should be solid, but could be in for a test. Illinois State features former Indiana Hoosier dual-threat quarterback Tre Roberson and former Iowa Hawkeye linebacker Reggie Spearman. Illinois State also features running back Marshaun Coprich, who led all of FCS last year with 2,274 yards rushing. The Redbirds feature a read-option game, a type of offense that has dealt Iowa fits in the past. Illinios State does have to replace two players on each line, so that is a point of weakness. This is the first-ever meeting between these two schools. Many pundits are expecting a very close game, and several are picking the upset. There is no line set on this game.
