2008 Woodie Awards
Five burning questions on NU football
The Daily Nebraskan gives you the answers you've been wanting
Evan Bland
Issue date: 8/21/08 Section: Sports
1. How many turnovers will the Nebraska defense force?
Last year the Huskers ranked 117 out of 119 major college football teams in turnover margin (-1.42). With Bo Pelini in the fold, expect a greater emphasis on attacking the football and producing results, a la 2003, when his Blackshirts were the strength of a 10-3 squad.
2. Who will be NU's breakout players in 2008?
Returns from spring and fall practices say speedy wideout Curenski Gilleylen should have a chance to contribute significantly on offense. Defensively, linemen like Barry Turner and Ndamukong Suh seem poised for big years. Newly converted linebacker Cody Glenn will also be one to watch.
3. What is the quarterback pecking order behind Joe Ganz?
It's important, considering an injury to Sam Keller in 2007 opened the door for Ganz to post huge offensive numbers. So far, redshirt freshman Patrick Witt has the edge on sophomore Zac Lee, with Kody Spano and Beau Davis following behind.
4. Will Nebraska run a play for the fullback this year?
Yes, it would seem. Pelini chastised the media for reporting on specific formations and plays the Huskers have run during fall camp, but players generally have said the offense - among the nation's best last season - will change little other than putting a slightly bigger emphasis on the run.
5. How will the Huskers fare after a 5-7 campaign in 2007?
On paper it looks like NU has 10 very winnable games on its 12-game slate (road contests at Texas Tech and Oklahoma are tall tasks for any team). Taking into account at least a one-week hiccup, a 9-3 season doesn't seem unreasonable.
Last year the Huskers ranked 117 out of 119 major college football teams in turnover margin (-1.42). With Bo Pelini in the fold, expect a greater emphasis on attacking the football and producing results, a la 2003, when his Blackshirts were the strength of a 10-3 squad.
2. Who will be NU's breakout players in 2008?
Returns from spring and fall practices say speedy wideout Curenski Gilleylen should have a chance to contribute significantly on offense. Defensively, linemen like Barry Turner and Ndamukong Suh seem poised for big years. Newly converted linebacker Cody Glenn will also be one to watch.
3. What is the quarterback pecking order behind Joe Ganz?
It's important, considering an injury to Sam Keller in 2007 opened the door for Ganz to post huge offensive numbers. So far, redshirt freshman Patrick Witt has the edge on sophomore Zac Lee, with Kody Spano and Beau Davis following behind.
4. Will Nebraska run a play for the fullback this year?
Yes, it would seem. Pelini chastised the media for reporting on specific formations and plays the Huskers have run during fall camp, but players generally have said the offense - among the nation's best last season - will change little other than putting a slightly bigger emphasis on the run.
5. How will the Huskers fare after a 5-7 campaign in 2007?
On paper it looks like NU has 10 very winnable games on its 12-game slate (road contests at Texas Tech and Oklahoma are tall tasks for any team). Taking into account at least a one-week hiccup, a 9-3 season doesn't seem unreasonable.
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