Nebraska Football Preview 2008

This team is all about potential this year. You've got to love the hiring of Bo Pelini. He comes from a team that was 3rd in the nation in total defense to a team that was last in the Big 12 in total yards allowed, points allowed, sacks and rushing yards allowed. The schedule is tough--they play Virginia Tech in week 5--but defensive mind Pelini had no problem with the Hokies last year when LSU held them to just 150 yards of offense and one meager touchdown. It may not be LSU, but this is still Nebraska with about 1200 pounds of man returning on the front four. Their main losses come at linebacker and defensive back. But with Pelini's reputation with developing the secondary, I'm not concerned.

Offensively, they now they have a quarterback they can trust in Joe Ganz. He set three of the schools top five passing records in just five starts. Marlon Lucky says he's excited to play for Pelini and he should be. They were in the bottom half of the Big 12 in rushing last year and that stat should drastically improve this year. The line slimmed down over the winter and their conditioning changed to focus on speed and stamina. They have four players back with substantial starting experience.