FootballNews.com 2006 Husker Preview: Part 1

Everyone knew it would take a few years for Nebraska to go from being one of the purest running teams in all of football to a West Coast attack that, despite cries to the contrary, would become too heavily reliant on the passing game. But the Big Red Nation was still getting a bit gruff and grumbly as the Huskers became the worst running team in the Big 12 while going through some big growing pains in blowout losses to Missouri and Kansas. And them came the Alamo Bowl.

With the 32-28 win over Michigan, the defense confirmed that it could get into the backfield any time it wanted to against anyone, while the offense found a little bit of confidence with several big plays and three touchdown passes. Quarterback Zac Taylor didn't have his best game passing, but he threw for three touchdowns while the ground game had its third best game of the season rushing for 151 yards. That game was the spark for what Husker fans hope is a return to the glory days, albeit in a vastly different way.
However, the question still has to be asked; was the 180-degree change in offensive philosophy really necessary?

Head coach: Bill Callahan
3rd year: 13-10
Letterman Returning
Off. 28., Def. 23, ST 2
Lettermen Lost: 24

Ten Best Husker Players

DE Adam Carriker, Sr.

DE Jay Moore, Sr.

QB Zac Taylor, Sr.

TE Matt Herian, Sr.

LB Corey McKeon, Jr.

LB Steve Octavien, Jr.

LB Bo Ruud, Jr.

DT Ola Dagunduro, Sr.

CB Courtney Grixby, Jr.

RB Marlon Lucky, Soph.

2006 FN Record Prediction: 9-3

While everyone likes to talk about the Husker offense, the real noise has been made by a defense that led the nation with a whopping 50 sacks to go along with a ridiculous 140 tackles for loss. With a defense like this one, and a power, grinding running game like the Nebraska of old, this could've been a national title caliber season. Of course, this isn't the Nebraska of old.

That's not to say this year's offense doesn't have the potential to be explosive in a way far different than from what Nebraska has ever done. Taylor knows what he's doing now and should set all sorts of school passing records with an improved line in front of him, speedy backs, and a receiving corps full of veterans and superstar newcomers. Getting tight end Matt Herian back from a brutal broken leg adds yet another dimension to the attack.

The defensive front seven will be as good as any in America with talented backups at each spot, too many good linebackers to get on the field at any one time, and, perhaps, the nation's best defensive ends in Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. If the secondary is merely competent, there's no reason the Huskers can't have a top ten D.

High expectations never left Lincoln over the last few seasons, but they were held in check a little bit. No more. It's Big 12 title or bust as the program makes it return to national prominence. At least, it had better return to the spotlight.