The Nebraska Cornhuskers were an offensive machine last season with one of the nation’s best running games, but their passing wasn’t up to par. Their all-conference running back Ameer Abdullah is now in the NFL, thus forcing the Cornhuskers to adapt heading into this season.
Can Nebraska remain one of the most lethal offenses in the nation behind senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. and a new head coach in Mike Riley? Read on for a complete look at the Nebraska Cornhuskers season to come.
Other than Nebraska, The Big Ten also boasts another perennial national championship contender. Check out our complete preview for the Ohio State Buckeyes right after this.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]2015-2016 Nebraska College Football Preview
Overview
For Nebraska, Ameer Abdullah powering the backfield is a thing of the past. Abdullah had a stellar 2014 campaign, rushing for 1,611 yards and 19 touchdowns en route to a 9-4 record (5-3 in the Big Ten). The Cornhuskers had one of the best rushing offenses last season, ranking 19th in the nation with 3,123 yards.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Terrell Newby and Imani Cross are now expected to lead the rushing offense this season. They weren’t too shabby in backing up Abdullah last season. Newby rushed for 4.4 yards per carry, while Cross did so for 5.1 yards per carry. They each scored five touchdowns for the season.
With Abdullah now gone, Nebraska will have a new-look attack behind head coach Mike Riley’s pro-style offense. Senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. will have to become more of a passer rather than a runner this time around. Armstrong rushed for 705 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Armstrong will have some help in Jordan Westerkamp, De’Mornay Peirson-El, Alonzo Moore and Jamal Turner. The four make up what should be a very deep receiving corps to help round out Nebraska’s offense heading into the new season.
Key Player – Tommy Armstrong Jr.
It’s the Tommy Armstrong Jr. show for this year with Abdullah now in the NFL. Armstrong has been working with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Danny Langsdorf this season to help him iron out his passing game. The senior quarterback completed 53 percent of his passes for 2,695 yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season. With the Cornhuskers’ new pro-style offense, expect some more efficiency from Armstrong’s passing.
Armstrong isn’t just a passer; his ability to run should be very concerning against opposing defenses. The Nebraska quarterback’s 705 rushing yards last season was second only to Abdullah’s 1,611 yards for the team. Expect Armstrong to be a dual-threat quarterback ready to rise up the ranks in Big Ten – West.
Key Game – vs Michigan State (November 7)
The Cornhuskers host a big-time showdown against Big Ten powerhouse Michigan State near the end of the season. Assuming Nebraska remains unbeaten to this point by beating Wisconsin and Minnesota along the way, they’ll need a big win over Michigan State to give them a shot at clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff.
What better way to face a powerhouse like the Spartans than in a home game on national television? The Cornhuskers are 3-1 SU/ATS in their four home games against Michigan State since 1996.
Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case
The new pro-style offense does wonders for Armstrong’s passing game. Nebraska thrives with a balanced offense as they finish as runners-up in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers take out their frustrations on missing out on the conference championship by winning a lopsided bowl game in the postseason.
Worst Case
Armstrong and the Cornhuskers struggle to implement the new system. They miss having a stellar running back in Abdullah as Nebraska falls off the race for the Big Ten Conference title.
Complete Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Sep 5 | vs BYU | 3:30 PM |
| Sat, Sep 12 | vs South Alabama | 8:00 PM |
| Sat, Sep 19 | @ Miami (FL) | 3:30 PM |
| Sat, Sep 26 | vs Southern Mississippi | 12:00 PM |
| Sat, Oct 3 | @ Illinoi | TBD |
| Sat, Oct 10 | vs Wisconsin | TBD |
| Sat, Oct 17 | @ Minnesota | TBD |
| Sat, Oct 24 | vs Northwestern | TBD |
| Sat, Oct 31 | @ Purdue | TBD |
| Sat, Nov 7 | vs Michigan State | TBD |
| Sat, Nov 14 | @ Rutgers | TBD |
| Fri, Nov 27 | vs Iowa | TBD |
Writer’s Prediction
Nebraska wins Big Ten – West but eventually bows down to Michigan State in the conference championship game. Create a betting account now and get yourself into all the exciting college football action.
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