Big Ten Football: 3 dark-horse candidates to win the conference in 2017
By Shane Lunnen
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Like the Hawkeyes, Nebraska must improve this year on offense. The hope is that quarterback Tanner Lee has had enough work after transferring from Tulane to get the offense going on the right foot. Wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El has had his issues with injuries, but hopes to be as big of a weapon for the offense as he has been on special teams as a return man.
The offensive line is experienced, but it will have to play better than last year if the offense is to increase production. The big boys up front only allowed 15 sacks last year so a similar performance will help Lee get comfortable in the pocket. Also an improved line will be a key to an improved running game, led by junior Devine Ozigbo.
New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco is a good pick up for the Huskers. He’s been a great coordinator, not so much a good head coach with his poor three year stint at Connecticut. He won the Broyles award, given to the best assistant in college football, in 2013 when his Notre Dame defense appeared in that year’s national championship game. With the arrival of Diaco, comes a change to the 3-4 defensive scheme. It will take an adjustment period, but the Cornhuskers have the athletes to have a successful defense.
The strength on defense comes from their secondary, led by senior safety Joshua Kalu. He’s making the transition from cornerback to safety this year but has done well for the Cornhuskers.
Over the last two years, he has 141 total tackles and 4 interceptions. Another name to keep an eye on in sophomore corner Lamar Jackson. A very physical player, Jackson was one of the few true freshman to see the field last year for Nebraska. He’s ready to step into a bigger role this year.
Nebraska opens the Big Ten schedule with two tune up games against Rutgers and at Illinois. Then the season’s first real test against Wisconsin at home on Oct. 7. The Huskers also get Northwestern, Iowa and Ohio State all at home. Their toughest road game is their last when they take on Penn State. If the offense improves, they could be in the thick of the division race in November.