BIG TEN SPOTLIGHT: Breaking down QB situations across the league
Nebraska is coming off back-to-back 4-8 seasons and the Scott Frost era got off to a stumbling start with six-straight losses to open his debut season. Still, there is a lot of optimism in Lincoln these days and even a little chatter about a 10-win season coming for the Huskers.
First, the good news: Nebraska returns sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez, who some have called an early Heisman contender. That might be a stretch but he had a solid freshman campaign throwing for 2,617 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight picks, and also rushing for eight scores. He was thrown into the fire and could come out even better on the other side.
Also, the Huskers were much more competitive late in the season. After six disappointing defeats, Nebraska finished 4-2 following its bye week and lost by only five to Ohio State and three to Iowa.
There is some cause for concern, though: Devine Ozigbo, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, is gone. So is top receiver Stanley Morgan – although JD Spielman returns and Nebraska adds freshman Wandale Robinson, who plays the game almost exactly like Purdue’s Rondale Moore. Robinson could be a star in Frost’s offense.
The secondary has some question marks as well, something Nebraska needs to figure out before the season.
But the schedule is definitely favorable. There are many paths to at least 10 wins if Nebraska avoids an unnecessary stumble along the way.
Non-conference games against South Alabama, Colorado and Northern Illinois are all winnable. Then it’s at Illinois before Ohio State comes to Lincoln, so a 4-0 start is not out of the question. Northwestern, Minnesota and Indiana round out October. In November, the Huskers go to Purdue and Maryland and host Wisconsin and Iowa.
It won’t be an easy November but the schedule is friendly without Michigan, Michigan State or Penn State on it this year, so the second year under Frost could be the start of something special. We ask Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell if he sees 10 wins for the Huskers this season.
FARRELL'S TAKE
“I think 10 wins is a little aggressive although I do expect a lot of improvement. Nebraska can win its first four games and win four more down the stretch for an 8-4 season. I’m a big fan of Martinez and think he takes the next step next season, and I believe Frost is a terrific coach. There are holes to fill but there are also exciting playmakers joining the offense. Ten wins would be amazing but an 8-4 season is more reasonable.”
