Nebraska Football 2022: Can the Huskers finally make a bowl game?
By Shane Lunnen
The linebackers look to be a strong unit in the Big Ten
Starting with the good news, four of the five top tacklers from a year ago return this season. The not-so-good news is the defensive line is all new. It had to be rebuilt by new defensive line coach Mike Dawson after several departures.
In the Huskers 3-4 scheme, defensive tackle Ty Robinson will anchor the group. The Huskers turned to the transfer portal to beef up their front three. They expect Ochaun Mathis to contribute right away on the outside. The TCU transfer recorded 15.5 sacks in his three years with the Horned Frogs.
At linebacker is where the Huskers have the most returning experience. Inside linebacker Luke Reimer led the team a year ago with 108 tackles and alongside him will be Nick Henrich who contributed 99 tackles last season.
Garrett Nelson and Caleb Tannor will man the outside backer positions. Nelson has played a hybrid role here, lining up as defensive end as well, and recorded five sacks a year ago. Altogether this unit will be one of the better ones in the conference.
Like the defensive line, the secondary also lacks some experience. Cornerback Quinton Newsome returns with the most starting experience, followed by safety Myles Farmer. Besides those two, only corner Braxton Clark has worthwhile playing time. Everyone else lacks experience but the only way to gain it is to get out on the field. The Husker secondary depth will be tested.
A year ago the defense ranked in the middle of the conference in yards per game (366) but they gave up less than 23 points per game, good for ranking 36th in the country. Nothing flashy but it kept the Huskers in games. This season with so much inexperience, the defense will be hard pressed to put up better numbers.