2 ?s for the 2017 season

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

1. Who will emerge, if anyone at all, as the OLB pass edge rusher? I am hoping for someone to emerge, mayber Collin Miller or Alex Davis. I am also hoping for Stoltenberg and both Davis twins to start for the 3 down d linemen.

2. Can Wilbon replace T. Newby? J. Bradley may be too young.


I assume we get an upgrade at QB.

 

[CC_Lemming]

I am expecting Newby to have as big a role as anyone as a pass rusher.

I think we're looking at Ozigbo and Bryant primarily as the replacements for Newby. Wilbon behind them. T. Newby will be tough to replace.

 

[otismotis08]

I'm not worried at the RB position. If the OL will just do its job, the RB's (combined with an accurate QB who keeps the defense honest) will find daylight.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

I think Newby will be the Dog linebacker. He will rush on occasion but he is the best cover guy of the OLBs on the roster.

I expect Freedom, Alex Davis and Ferguson to compete for the Cat linebacker, that is the OLB that will rush the passer most often.

Also I expect Bryant to win the starting RB job.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

Rolls eyes at the 'dog' and 'cat' names given to the outside linebackers in the 3-4.. it just sounds so dumb.. Heck, I would even prefer using Bo & Carl as code names. lolz

 

[Redscarlet]

Rolls eyes at the 'dog' and 'cat' names given to the outside linebackers in the 3-4.. it just sounds so dumb.. Heck, I would even prefer using Bo & Carl as code names. lolz

How about leaders and legends?

 

[Red Steve]

Heck why not weed and ski??????Laughing

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

How about leaders and legends?

sure, yeah.. equally inspiring!

 

[nebcountry]

Wilbon had the least carries out of the RB's coming back. I'd expect Bryant to be the main back this coming year.

If we're talking "sack machines", I'm thinking we're still at least a year away. Maybe the new scheme will help out in that regard.

My question mark is the OLine.

Since cat and dog LB's are part of the discussion, here's a dog LB stripping the ball and running for a td:

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

Wilbon had the least carries out of the RB's coming back. I'd expect Bryant to be the main back this coming year.

If we're talking "sack machines", I'm thinking we're still at least a year away. Maybe the new scheme will help out in that regard.

My question mark is the OLine.

Since cat and dog LB's are part of the discussion, here's a dog LB stripping the ball and running for a td:

IMHO, Wilbon and Bradley have the potential not so much Bryant. Ozigbo is a big role back.

 

[Cornicator]

I actually think Wilbon's role will expand as a pass catcher out of the backfield. When Fyfe had to play, Wilbon's appearances went up because Fyfe was better equipped to execute swing passes or the screen game. He won't be an every down guy, but I think there will be a few packages for him that weren't really tapped the last couple of seasons.

Also don't be surprised to see Wyatt Mazour or even Spielman get some looks out of the backfield.

 

[jeans15]

We need to upgrade the RB position like we did the QB and WR position.

 

[Redscarlet]

We need to upgrade the RB position like we did the QB and WR position.

But don't sleep on Bradley, think he could be the next great back out of Nebraska, but I agree that the staff needs to get a stud in the next recruiting class

 

[Headcard]

IMHO, Wilbon and Bradley have the potential not so much Bryant. Ozigbo is a big role back.

Disagree on Bryant. I think he is very talented. Has speed, can run with power, can catch.

 

[inWV]

Bryant is the best all around back on the team. Ziggy isn't a slouch either. Was playing well until the ankle injury. Wilbon can be used as well. It seems to me that he needs to have a bit more confidence in himself. A better Oline will help all of them.
Always a possibility that Bradley red shirts.

 

[nebcountry]

2016 stats:

Ozigbo rush att=97, rec=5
Bryant rush att=43, rec=8
Wilbon rush att=15, rec=4

I guess I don't see what there is to vault Wilbon over the other RB's.

 

[Juan Malo]

Wilbon had the least carries out of the RB's coming back. I'd expect Bryant to be the main back this coming year.

If we're talking "sack machines", I'm thinking we're still at least a year away. Maybe the new scheme will help out in that regard.

My question mark is the OLine.

Since cat and dog LB's are part of the discussion, here's a dog LB stripping the ball and running for a td:

The runner was clearly down

 

[Morgan747]

1. Who will emerge, if anyone at all, as the OLB pass edge rusher? I am hoping for someone to emerge, mayber Collin Miller or Alex Davis. I am also hoping for Stoltenberg and both Davis twins to start for the 3 down d linemen.

2. Can Wilbon replace T. Newby? J. Bradley may be too young.


I assume we get an upgrade at QB.

The RB that pass blocks the best will start. I pick Bryant. No one mentions blocking. If the QB gets killed, you won't play.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

The RB that pass blocks the best will start. I pick Bryant. No one mentions blocking. If the QB gets killed, you won't play.

Good point on the blocking with the new offensive style, otherwise IMHO Bradley is now our most talented back, at 195lbs i could see him getting significant playing time next year.

 

[inWV]

The RB that pass blocks the best will start. I pick Bryant. No one mentions blocking. If the QB gets killed, you won't play.

Indeed, there will be a premium on pass pro this fall.

 

[Hard4Corn]

A lot of people in this thread are selling Bryant short. That guy is going to be really good. I see him a little like Roy Helu. I haven't seen anything out of Wilbon that makes me think he will be anything more than a change of pace guy. All of them can run, the question is who can protect the QB the best.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

I think Newby will be the Dog linebacker. He will rush on occasion but he is the best cover guy of the OLBs on the roster.

I expect Freedom, Alex Davis and Ferguson to compete for the Cat linebacker, that is the OLB that will rush the passer most often.

Also I expect Bryant to win the starting RB job.

If so, then there isn't much expectation for a legitimate pass rusher from those you list, possibly Alex Davis, but his speed may not be good for a Cat LB. I'm really hoping for Collin Miller, a redshirt freshman.

 

[zamzman]

Wow. Football questions. Hard to answer before spring practice. Sounds like Miller may be the OLB pass rusher. Not sure where Freedom fits. He may add a few pounds and stay at DE, or maybe he'll fit in at LB. Davis is the wildcard but until he proves it I'm not counting on him. I thought Ferguson would be an ILB, but he was a good HS pass rusher.

RB by committee this year (again).

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

1. Who will emerge, if anyone at all, as the OLB pass edge rusher? I am hoping for someone to emerge, mayber Collin Miller or Alex Davis. I am also hoping for Stoltenberg and both Davis twins to start for the 3 down d linemen.

2. Can Wilbon replace T. Newby? J. Bradley may be too young.


I assume we get an upgrade at QB.

Looks we may be getting answers 1. Alex Davis (Collin Miller potential bonus when healthy) 2. Wilbon

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Looks we may be getting answers 1. Alex Davis (Collin Miller potential bonus when healthy) 2. Wilbon

Couple of quick things. Miller moved inside. 2) don't put too much weight on the RB chatter in the media. I'm told that Bryant is leading the race to start and there's a gap.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

But don't sleep on Bradley, think he could be the next great back out of Nebraska, but I agree that the staff needs to get a stud in the next recruiting class

My thoughts exactly. I think our current backs are mediocre, given our history, none of them move the needle much for me, at least not yet. Looking at who the staff has offered over the last 3 years at that position leaves a lot to be desired. Jaylin Bradley though, I think we lucked out on him, and think he has a shot to be someone special.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

My thoughts exactly. I think our current backs are mediocre, given our history, none of them move the needle much for me, at least not yet. Looking at who the staff has offered over the last 3 years at that position leaves a lot to be desired. Jaylin Bradley though, I think we lucked out on him, and think he has a shot to be someone special.

Not saying you're wrong, but based on what? Bradley may well be special but if you compare high school tape of Wilbon and Bryant, they looked special too.

If Bradley was recruited from New Mexico instead of Bellevue, I'm not sure there is as much chatter about him being special. Local matters.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I am of course a layman and don't see practice, but I always thought Wilbon was getting shafted. He would get a couple carries, then get yanked for several quarters, then when he came back in he was all spazed out that he had to be superman or he would get yanked for several more quarters. He said as much in his interview last week and Davis said he was going to get a better chance this year. I think he makes a move this year and will surprise us. He has the tools.

 

[c3ntral08]

Agreed about Bradley. I'm hoping tyrin or pernell step up at LB.

 

[WestCoastCornhusker2]

Just MHO evaluating vision and the skill to make a defender miss, Wilbon is the only one, outside of the incoming freshman Bradley, who has it in spades. Ozigbo is a solid north south power runner. Just my 2 cents.

 

[inWV]

If Tre is bringing it, great. We need a guy that can be a feature back. If Wilbon is finally bringing his A game, that's a bonus. He has skills that this offense can use.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

Not saying you're wrong, but based on what? Bradley may well be special but if you compare high school tape of Wilbon and Bryant, they looked special too.

If Bradley was recruited from New Mexico instead of Bellevue, I'm not sure there is as much chatter about him being special. Local matters.

Oh, it's just opinion based on the film I watch. Much high school film is just guys taking things outside, so you have to really look for other things. I also think the staff has different metrics they use when looking for guys to offer than what I would look for.

In Jaylin's case, I'm not sure he would normally fit the mold of what the staff looks for, and if he was from somewhere else, he might not get the offer. This is why I think it was an actual blessing that we got him in spite of the staff recruiting on the RB position.

 

[Morgan747]

As I said before, I think it'll be Bryant because he's the best blocker. In this pass happy offense, keeping people off the QB is a premium.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

As I said before, I think it'll be Bryant because he's the best blocker. In this pass happy offense, keeping people off the QB is a premium.

I saw this posted elsewhere and agree with it, so I will ask you Morgan747.....

What is your definition of pass happy?Are you talking about 45 passes every game? 45 passes per game on average? What sort of run/ pass ratio do you think the offense has in 2017?

Oregon St's offenses under Riley and Langsdorf fall into two categories. The 2011-2013, Oregon St offense where they threw it 43 times per game and ran 29 times per game and were 19-19. And the 2006-2010 Oregon St when they threw it 33 per game and ran in 36 per game and were 41-24?

Considering Nebraska averaged 33 pass attempts per game and 39 rush attempts per game over the past two years, I see the offense looking more like the 2006-2010 ratios of 33 pass and 36 runs. I don't consider a 50/50 ratio pass happy.

 

[Morgan747]

I saw this posted elsewhere and agree with it, so I will ask you Morgan747.....

What is your definition of pass happy?Are you talking about 45 passes every game? 45 passes per game on average? What sort of run/ pass ratio do you think the offense has in 2017?

Oregon St's offenses under Riley and Langsdorf fall into two categories. The 2011-2013, Oregon St offense where they threw it 43 times per game and ran 29 times per game and were 19-19. And the 2006-2010 Oregon St when they threw it 33 per game and ran in 36 per game and were 41-24?

Considering Nebraska averaged 33 pass attempts per game and 39 rush attempts per game over the past two years, I see the offense looking more like the 2006-2010 ratios of 33 pass and 36 runs. I don't consider a 50/50 ratio pass happy.

I'd be willing to bet they throw it more than 40 times a game. If they throw it 33 times a game with a QB that had no accuracy, just how much do you think they'll put it up with a QB that CAN throw it? Also, how much was Langsdorf involved in those Oregon St numbers? I think he wants to throw it a lot. He wasn't the OC for all that time was he? He was for the years they threw it more right?

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Langsdorf was the OC from 2005 to 2013.

As far as the rest goes, if a team has trouble throwing the ball, as a DC, I am going to take away the run and make them throw. If a team has a QB that can throw, I can't sell out to stop the run, that opens up the run.

The years they threw the ball more, they were behind in games, weren't effective in running the ball. The years they ran more than passed, they were ahead in games, controlled the ball and had NFL running backs.

Edit- if they end up throwing the ball 40 times a game, it will because the OLine is unable to run the ball effectively, not because they want to throw it that much.

 

[huskerssalts]

Agree with most above. Riley and Langs do not want a pass happy team, they want a balanced team. It always makes me laugh when i see that one guy/s state we have a passy happy team. No we do not, we have a balanced offense, plain and simple. We are not pass happy because we are not running it 80% of the time. Remember guys, times have changed and we will see a lot more passes then we did in the 90's. Like one poster said, if we are throwing the ball 65% or more its because our oline cant block and we have no other choice but to throw the ball (which could happen) and trust me it wont be because thats what Langs or Riley wants to do. They want 50/50 type balance which is NOT pass happy, not even close.

 

[ExxHusker]

Remember guys, times have changed and we will see a lot more passes then we did in the '90's. =QUOTE] I see nothing that says our '90's offense wouldn't dominate these days.

 

[chicolby]

I understand T Newby was a decent running back who put forth a lot of work and effort but frankly he will go down as an unmemorable running back at Nebraska. I see a definite upgrade in running back this season. I think it will be Bryant but also expect to see the others get carries and may get a hot hand and stay in for a game.

The trenches are where the game is won and lost and I'm much more interested in how the lines will perform this coming season.

 

[timnsun]

I don't disagree that our 90s offense with 90s talent would dominate.

Our 90s offense with the talent we've had the last 10 years, however, would not be pretty.