Nebraska Analysis 2008

Last week a friend mentioned to me, have you heard anything about Nebraska football? Living in North Carolina, it is extremely difficult to get an opinion or review any team outside of the ACC and SEC. Let me start my analysis by saying that I think Nebraska fans are one of the top three fan bases in the country, if not number one. When Kansas State snapped its winning streak at home, fans gave the Wildcats a standing ovation as they emerged victorious from Memorial Stadium. Memorial Stadium currently holds the record for having 291 consecutive tickets. Anyone who feels that Nebraska fans are not loyal is kidding themselves. That said, the passion of Nebraska fans often makes things difficult for coaches, as they are expected to produce championships, not winning seasons.

I have yet to see Nebraska play this year, but I can tell a lot from the stats and the opponents. Nebraska still has some tough competition to play, but it’s good to see them get back to their core; run the ball and play unbreakable defense. Through three games, Nebraska has averaged 189 rushing yards per game. Last year, Nebraska only rushed for 144.4 yards per game. The most important stat of all for Nebraska in 2008 is rushing defense. Last year, it was ridiculous how bad Nebraska’s run defense was. They allowed 232.2 rushing yards per game! It must have been one of the worst run defenses Nebraska has ever had. Can some Nebraska fans confirm this for me? This year, with Bo Pelini’s return to Lincoln, Nebraska has allowed 77.67 yards per game. That’s a 154-yard improvement.

I’m not sure how the season will pan out, but I’m hoping Nebraska can get back into the top 10 as quickly as Alabama has. I know Cornhusker fans will not accept mediocrity. I feel like Bo Pelini is the man for the job as he will bring back the blackshirt defense and force teams to throw the ball instead of letting it go straight down their throats.

Virginia Tech’s game this weekend should explain a lot about where Nebraska is headed in the short term. Even if the short term isn’t as bright as many fans want it to be, the future of this program will be in good hands if they continue to run the ball and play strong defense.