Nebraska Football: Scott Frost ushers in season of hope

Offense

With a new coach, in most cases, comes a new offense, and a new quarterback. That’s all true here. Frost’s spread offense will look foreign when compared to Riley’s. A new quarterback will be tasked with running it.

After a decent but never good season from Tanner Lee, two new options have emerged. Redshirt freshman Tristan Gebbia and true freshman Adrian Martinez. The starter won’t be named until fall, after a closely contested spring camp.

With that being said, the choice doesn’t seem like it should be too hard. Gebbia is a slightly better passer, which is important, but Martinez is just a perfect fit for this system. With the lack of a true running game, Martinez will fill that void, and his ability to make plays will help the offense greatly.

Gebbia is a solid option, but Martinez will likely be the pick. There’s uncertainty around who lines up alongside the quarterback as well. The rushing attack was bad last season, and to improve in 2018, they’ll need a trustworthy starter.

If he’s healthy, the best answer is Tre Bryant. He was Nebraska’s most efficient and explosive back last year. Devine Ozigbo and Mikale Wilbon saw the majority of carries last year, but Bryant is the most talented of the bunch. This will be another key fall camp battle. If Bryant can’t stay healthy, JUCO back Greg Bell will get a shot as well.

There’s very few questions at receiver. Stanley Morgan, JD Spielman and Tyjon Lindsey lead what should be an excellent group. Morgan and Spielman were great last year, and Lindsey is a former five-star.

Behind them, Jaron Woodyard and Mike Williams should also be very solid. If Martinez or Gebbia can get the ball to them, this group could be nearly unstoppable this season.

The line, like the receivers, should be very good. For as young as it was last year, it was consistently solid, and that youth movement will pay off this year. Six experienced linemen are back, and will be extremely important in helping the new quarterback get comfortable.

Best in the conference?

If there’s one thing Riley did well, it was recruiting receivers. He was able to go into California for some top talent, and it paid off greatly. Troy Walters takes over the for the mastermind behind that recruiting (Keith Williams), and I think he’s an improvement.

That, paired with the sheer amount of talent at the position could be lethal. Frost’s system is extremely good at creating open passing lanes, and with the speed at the position, Nebraska could have one of the best passing attacks in the Big Ten.