Big 12: Brandon Kinnie
Signing day is exactly a week from today, and it's time to take a look at who needs what in its 2011 class.
Some schools have addressed these with their current class. Some haven't. Others are still trying.
We'll kick things off with the artists formerly known as the Big 12 North and examine the South later today.
COLORADO
Cornerback: Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith were pretty reliable for the Buffaloes, but both are headed to the NFL, and the Buffaloes could definitely use some depth behind their first-year starters. It's not quite as pressing of an issue considering their move to the less pass-happy Pac-12, but they still like to sling it out west.
Receiver: Colorado isn't exactly starving anywhere on offense, but receiver sticks out a bit. Toney Clemons was good, but maybe not quite what the Buffaloes hoped he'd be in 2010, but they caught a break in getting Paul Richardson back after a great freshman season. The Buffaloes need some complementary pieces around Clemons and Richardson to replace departed pass-catchers Scotty McKnight and Travon Patterson. Next year, that should be tight end Ryan Deehan and receiver Will Jefferson.
IOWA STATE
Receiver: It's been a struggle for Iowa State in recent years, but they have to get better outside to help out their quarterback. Sedrick Johnson's transfer only worsens the Cyclones depth at the position, but Jake Williams and tight end Collin Franklin, the team's leading receiver, are gone. Shontrelle Johnson looks ready to become a big factor in the offense, but the Cyclones filling the space at receiver will make it easier for Johnson to replace running back Alexander Robinson.
Safety: Both starters, David Sims and Zac Sandvig, are gone. So is the Cyclones top reserve at the position, Michael O'Connell. Sims was a top-notch talent that will be tough to replace, but Iowa State needs more depth here. They should be solid at corner with Leonard Johnson, Ter'ran Benton, Jeremy Reeves and Anthony Young, which could make the new safeties' jobs easier.
KANSAS
Defensive line: KU is losing three of four starters on the line, including the team's only All-Big 12 talent, defensive end Jake Laptad. Turner Gill wants more speed, and this is a place to install it. Tackles that tip the scales at 320 pounds aren't too necessary in this league, but speed on the edge can go a long way in stopping the pass.
Quarterback: Neither Jordan Webb or Quinn Mecham look like long-term answers at quarterback for the Jayhawks. Mecham will be a senior, and Webb might develop into a better player as a sophomore next year, but Kansas needs other options. The Jayhawks hope Brock Berglund, the top-rated recruit in Colorado, is the solution to the problem.
KANSAS STATE
Running back: I hear your cries for Bryce Brown, Wildcats fans, but K-State can't expect to hitch their wagon to the former blue-chip recruit turned Tennessee transfer in the same way it did for Daniel Thomas. Thomas and his backup, William Powell, are gone, and the Wildcats need some depth at running back to show up.
Interior offensive linemen: K-State loses both guards and its center from an offense that produced the Big 12's leading rusher in 2010. Don't expect them to do it again in 2011 without Wade Weibert, Kenneth Mayfield and Zach Kendall, as well as Thomas and Powell, but finding some new talent behind them will help them come close.
Cornerback: David Garrett emerged as a budding star in 2010 ready for a breakout senior year in 2011, but the Wildcats lose Terrance Sweeney and Stephen Harrison, as well as safety Troy Butler. Like we've mentioned earlier, good secondaries are a must for success in the Big 12, and K-State had one of the league's worst in 2010.
MISSOURI
Receiver: Missouri has some good ones ready to suit up in 2011, namely Wes Kemp, Jerrell Jackson and T.J. Moe, but the Tigers don't have a true gamebreaker. They have some younger players in Marcus Lucas and Jimmie Hunt who they hope will develop into big-time, All-American caliber receivers, a la Jeremy Maclin and Danario Alexander. In Missouri's system, though, adding a few receivers is always a good idea. They certainly don't need any more running backs.
Defensive backs: Mizzou doesn't have any huge holes that need to be filled with recruiting, but the Tigers lose both corners, Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland from their 2010 team. Kip Edwards and E.J. Gaines look likely to fill those roles, but the Tigers could use some depth and keep recruiting in the secondary to help add some talent around Tavon Bolden and Matt White, safeties who will replace departed Jarrell Harrison, who actually had to play some linebacker in 2010 because of injuries.
NEBRASKA
Every kind of kicker: Alex Henery, the team's punter and kicker is gone. So is kickoff specialist and lover/producer of touchbacks, Adi Kunalic. Fan favorite Henery was hardly underappreciated by the Nebraska faithful, but they'll miss him even more if the Huskers can't find a suitable placekicker and punter. Bo Pelini was reportedly after Wake Forest commit Mauro Bondi this week.
Receiver: Niles Paul and Mike McNeill are gone. The Huskers need Brandon Kinnie to come through with another good year and it'd be nice if Quincy Enunwa broke through in 2011, but Taylor Martinez needs some more help at wide out, and a couple new recruits could provide it as Martinez's passing prowess matures.
Some schools have addressed these with their current class. Some haven't. Others are still trying.
We'll kick things off with the artists formerly known as the Big 12 North and examine the South later today.
COLORADO
Cornerback: Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith were pretty reliable for the Buffaloes, but both are headed to the NFL, and the Buffaloes could definitely use some depth behind their first-year starters. It's not quite as pressing of an issue considering their move to the less pass-happy Pac-12, but they still like to sling it out west.
Receiver: Colorado isn't exactly starving anywhere on offense, but receiver sticks out a bit. Toney Clemons was good, but maybe not quite what the Buffaloes hoped he'd be in 2010, but they caught a break in getting Paul Richardson back after a great freshman season. The Buffaloes need some complementary pieces around Clemons and Richardson to replace departed pass-catchers Scotty McKnight and Travon Patterson. Next year, that should be tight end Ryan Deehan and receiver Will Jefferson.
IOWA STATE
Receiver: It's been a struggle for Iowa State in recent years, but they have to get better outside to help out their quarterback. Sedrick Johnson's transfer only worsens the Cyclones depth at the position, but Jake Williams and tight end Collin Franklin, the team's leading receiver, are gone. Shontrelle Johnson looks ready to become a big factor in the offense, but the Cyclones filling the space at receiver will make it easier for Johnson to replace running back Alexander Robinson.
Safety: Both starters, David Sims and Zac Sandvig, are gone. So is the Cyclones top reserve at the position, Michael O'Connell. Sims was a top-notch talent that will be tough to replace, but Iowa State needs more depth here. They should be solid at corner with Leonard Johnson, Ter'ran Benton, Jeremy Reeves and Anthony Young, which could make the new safeties' jobs easier.
KANSAS
Defensive line: KU is losing three of four starters on the line, including the team's only All-Big 12 talent, defensive end Jake Laptad. Turner Gill wants more speed, and this is a place to install it. Tackles that tip the scales at 320 pounds aren't too necessary in this league, but speed on the edge can go a long way in stopping the pass.
Quarterback: Neither Jordan Webb or Quinn Mecham look like long-term answers at quarterback for the Jayhawks. Mecham will be a senior, and Webb might develop into a better player as a sophomore next year, but Kansas needs other options. The Jayhawks hope Brock Berglund, the top-rated recruit in Colorado, is the solution to the problem.
KANSAS STATE
Running back: I hear your cries for Bryce Brown, Wildcats fans, but K-State can't expect to hitch their wagon to the former blue-chip recruit turned Tennessee transfer in the same way it did for Daniel Thomas. Thomas and his backup, William Powell, are gone, and the Wildcats need some depth at running back to show up.
Interior offensive linemen: K-State loses both guards and its center from an offense that produced the Big 12's leading rusher in 2010. Don't expect them to do it again in 2011 without Wade Weibert, Kenneth Mayfield and Zach Kendall, as well as Thomas and Powell, but finding some new talent behind them will help them come close.
Cornerback: David Garrett emerged as a budding star in 2010 ready for a breakout senior year in 2011, but the Wildcats lose Terrance Sweeney and Stephen Harrison, as well as safety Troy Butler. Like we've mentioned earlier, good secondaries are a must for success in the Big 12, and K-State had one of the league's worst in 2010.
MISSOURI
Receiver: Missouri has some good ones ready to suit up in 2011, namely Wes Kemp, Jerrell Jackson and T.J. Moe, but the Tigers don't have a true gamebreaker. They have some younger players in Marcus Lucas and Jimmie Hunt who they hope will develop into big-time, All-American caliber receivers, a la Jeremy Maclin and Danario Alexander. In Missouri's system, though, adding a few receivers is always a good idea. They certainly don't need any more running backs.
Defensive backs: Mizzou doesn't have any huge holes that need to be filled with recruiting, but the Tigers lose both corners, Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland from their 2010 team. Kip Edwards and E.J. Gaines look likely to fill those roles, but the Tigers could use some depth and keep recruiting in the secondary to help add some talent around Tavon Bolden and Matt White, safeties who will replace departed Jarrell Harrison, who actually had to play some linebacker in 2010 because of injuries.
NEBRASKA
Every kind of kicker: Alex Henery, the team's punter and kicker is gone. So is kickoff specialist and lover/producer of touchbacks, Adi Kunalic. Fan favorite Henery was hardly underappreciated by the Nebraska faithful, but they'll miss him even more if the Huskers can't find a suitable placekicker and punter. Bo Pelini was reportedly after Wake Forest commit Mauro Bondi this week.
Receiver: Niles Paul and Mike McNeill are gone. The Huskers need Brandon Kinnie to come through with another good year and it'd be nice if Quincy Enunwa broke through in 2011, but Taylor Martinez needs some more help at wide out, and a couple new recruits could provide it as Martinez's passing prowess matures.
Holiday Bowl: Three keys for Nebraska
December, 29, 2010
12/29/10
11:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
1. Make life easy for Taylor Martinez. Martinez has completed just 58 percent of his passes in 2010 and struggled to complete passes and get comfortable in the pocket, especially against Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. If the Huskers can get him some easy completions early on three-step-drop slants to a sure-handed guy such as the underutilized Mike McNeill or on screens to running backs Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr., they can help get Martinez comfortable. The loss to Oklahoma made it clear that Nebraska will struggle if the passing game consists of Martinez dropping back deep and relying on receivers such as Brandon Kinnie to get open and make big plays down the field. If the Huskers can manage an early lead and be afforded the luxury of passing only when they want to -- see the early season Huskers -- this gets a lot simpler.
2. Inflict déjà vu on Jake Locker. Hit him early with a variety of blitzes. Force him into mistakes. I'd be shocked if Locker has another unthinkable 4-for-20 day like he did in September, but the only quarterback who had what could be considered legitimate success against Nebraska's secondary was Oklahoma's Landry Jones. Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill all had below-average outings at best, and all three should be among the Big 12's best passers in 2011.
3. Stuff the run, especially early. Washington actually ran the ball pretty effectively against Nebraska, especially early in that game, and if Nebraska's front seven can slow that down and make the Huskies a one-dimensional offense, forcing Locker into a bad day will be quite a bit easier. The game got lopsided quickly in the second half and prevented Washington from sticking to the running game. Washington still managed 175 yards on 39 carries for an average of 4.5 yards per carry, and the Huskies will try to recreate what worked against a tough defense that has, at times, been susceptible to the run. If Washington does that, the Huskies could make a game of it. If not, expect another Nebraska blowout.
2. Inflict déjà vu on Jake Locker. Hit him early with a variety of blitzes. Force him into mistakes. I'd be shocked if Locker has another unthinkable 4-for-20 day like he did in September, but the only quarterback who had what could be considered legitimate success against Nebraska's secondary was Oklahoma's Landry Jones. Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill all had below-average outings at best, and all three should be among the Big 12's best passers in 2011.
3. Stuff the run, especially early. Washington actually ran the ball pretty effectively against Nebraska, especially early in that game, and if Nebraska's front seven can slow that down and make the Huskies a one-dimensional offense, forcing Locker into a bad day will be quite a bit easier. The game got lopsided quickly in the second half and prevented Washington from sticking to the running game. Washington still managed 175 yards on 39 carries for an average of 4.5 yards per carry, and the Huskies will try to recreate what worked against a tough defense that has, at times, been susceptible to the run. If Washington does that, the Huskies could make a game of it. If not, expect another Nebraska blowout.
Rex Burkhead doing it all for Huskers
November, 26, 2010
11/26/10
5:00
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Rex Burkhead was already nearing 100 yards rushing in the final minute of the first half. On a first down, the Huskers figured they'd have the former high school quarterback try his hand and throw a pass.
The faith paid off, and after catching a pitch from quarterback Cody Green, Burkhead hit receiver Brandon Kinnie on a pretty pass down the right sideline for a 26-yard touchdown to put Nebraska up 17-3 late in the first half. That has Nebraska looking like it's on its way to a second consecutive Big 12 title game appearance.
"We're making plays, they're making plays, but this game is not over," Colorado coach Brian Cabral told ESPN's Jeannine Edwards on his way to the locker room for halftime.
Colorado managed just 82 total yards against the Blackshirts, compared to Nebraska's 219.
Nebraska also controls the time of possession by more than 10 minutes, with 14 first downs to Colorado's four.
Former Husker Ndamukong Suh, now an NFL rookie after the Detroit Lions selected him with the No. 2 pick in April's NFL Draft, is in Lincoln to see his No. 93 jersey retired at halftime of today's game.
The faith paid off, and after catching a pitch from quarterback Cody Green, Burkhead hit receiver Brandon Kinnie on a pretty pass down the right sideline for a 26-yard touchdown to put Nebraska up 17-3 late in the first half. That has Nebraska looking like it's on its way to a second consecutive Big 12 title game appearance.
"We're making plays, they're making plays, but this game is not over," Colorado coach Brian Cabral told ESPN's Jeannine Edwards on his way to the locker room for halftime.
Colorado managed just 82 total yards against the Blackshirts, compared to Nebraska's 219.
Nebraska also controls the time of possession by more than 10 minutes, with 14 first downs to Colorado's four.
Former Husker Ndamukong Suh, now an NFL rookie after the Detroit Lions selected him with the No. 2 pick in April's NFL Draft, is in Lincoln to see his No. 93 jersey retired at halftime of today's game.
Redemption is everywhere for Huskers
October, 23, 2010
10/23/10
4:11
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Brandon Kinnie opened the game's scoring with a receiving touchdown.
Niles Paul just added another score on a kick return to put Nebraska up 14-6.
This week, Paul shut down his Facebook account and faced harassment from Nebraska fans after several drops last week, including one that would have been a touchdown.
"It hurts that people were yelling stuff at me. It's disrespectful," Paul said Tuesday. "As an athlete I have to keep my cool and stay focused, because I don't want to do something to put my situation in jeopardy."
Kinnie dropped a late pass last week that would have gone for a touchdown to bring Nebraska within seven points late in the game if he'd been able to haul it in.
After Paul's touchdown, Nebraska fans are likely changing their tune.
Taylor Martinez threw a pretty pass to Kinnie to set up the first score, but protected the ball poorly on a run that resulted in a fumble to set up Oklahoma State's second field goal.
Niles Paul just added another score on a kick return to put Nebraska up 14-6.
This week, Paul shut down his Facebook account and faced harassment from Nebraska fans after several drops last week, including one that would have been a touchdown.
"It hurts that people were yelling stuff at me. It's disrespectful," Paul said Tuesday. "As an athlete I have to keep my cool and stay focused, because I don't want to do something to put my situation in jeopardy."
Kinnie dropped a late pass last week that would have gone for a touchdown to bring Nebraska within seven points late in the game if he'd been able to haul it in.
After Paul's touchdown, Nebraska fans are likely changing their tune.
Taylor Martinez threw a pretty pass to Kinnie to set up the first score, but protected the ball poorly on a run that resulted in a fumble to set up Oklahoma State's second field goal.
Nebraska's big-play offense is back, but from unfamiliar sources this time around.
Taylor Martinez hit Brandon Kinnie over the middle, Kinnie broke a tackle and scored a 45-yard touchdown that's helped put Nebraska up 7-3 early. It also helped Nebraska fans forget Kinnie's drop late against Texas on a similar play that would have resulted in a touchdown. After Saturday's catch, he's finally got his first career score.
It wouldn't have been possible without punter Alex Henery's 27-yard scamper to keep the drive alive on a 4th-and-8 fake punt that might have been a run/kick option. Henery rolled to his right to set up a rugby punt, but no Oklahoma State defenders filled the space in front of him. It cost them possession and, later, seven points.
Martinez has yet to run, but nearly threw an interception after tossing an underhanded pass while stumbling near the line of scrimmage.
These are two of the best offenses in the Big 12, with the Cowboys' balance giving them a slight advantage. The Huskers' have the advantage between the two defenses, and it's going to have to play a great game to give Nebraska a rebound victory after last week's loss to Texas.
Oklahoma State reached the red zone on the drive after Nebraska's quick score, but had to settle for a field goal from Dan Bailey, who remained a perfect 14-of-14 this season.
Not perfect? Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, who is 0-of-4 through the air so far against the best pass defense in the nation. Kendall Hunter nearly broke a run for a score, and he's already got 51 yards on four carries. If Oklahoma State wins this game, it's going to be on the back of his performance.
Taylor Martinez hit Brandon Kinnie over the middle, Kinnie broke a tackle and scored a 45-yard touchdown that's helped put Nebraska up 7-3 early. It also helped Nebraska fans forget Kinnie's drop late against Texas on a similar play that would have resulted in a touchdown. After Saturday's catch, he's finally got his first career score.
It wouldn't have been possible without punter Alex Henery's 27-yard scamper to keep the drive alive on a 4th-and-8 fake punt that might have been a run/kick option. Henery rolled to his right to set up a rugby punt, but no Oklahoma State defenders filled the space in front of him. It cost them possession and, later, seven points.
Martinez has yet to run, but nearly threw an interception after tossing an underhanded pass while stumbling near the line of scrimmage.
These are two of the best offenses in the Big 12, with the Cowboys' balance giving them a slight advantage. The Huskers' have the advantage between the two defenses, and it's going to have to play a great game to give Nebraska a rebound victory after last week's loss to Texas.
Oklahoma State reached the red zone on the drive after Nebraska's quick score, but had to settle for a field goal from Dan Bailey, who remained a perfect 14-of-14 this season.
Not perfect? Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, who is 0-of-4 through the air so far against the best pass defense in the nation. Kendall Hunter nearly broke a run for a score, and he's already got 51 yards on four carries. If Oklahoma State wins this game, it's going to be on the back of his performance.
Here's a look back at the best and worst of the week that was in the Big 12.
Best offensive player: Tie, Justin Blackmon (OSU), Landry Jones (OU), Ryan Broyles (OU), Robert Griffin (BU). Call it a cop out if you must, but there's really no way to differentiate between these guys. Blackmon had a career-high 207 yards receiving and a huge 62-yard score. Jones completed 30 of 34 passes in a 52-point conference win. Broyles had 10 catches for 131 yards and a score two minutes into the second quarter. Griffin engineered a conference road win, throwing for 234 yards and running for 137 more. I honestly just can't pick between these guys. You could make a solid case for any one of them.
Best defensive player: Brad Madison, DE, Missouri. Splitting time with Michael Sam in place of injured end Aldon Smith, Madison sacked Jerrod Johnson three times to help Missouri beat the Aggies 30-9. Honorable mention: Orie Lemon, LB, Oklahoma State.
Best team performance: Texas. Shock the world is probably too strong, but the Longhorns mildly disturbed the majority of the population by knocking off the then-No. 4 Huskers in Lincoln, ruining one of the most anticipated games in Nebraska history.
Best offensive freshman: Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State. Randle carried the ball 17 times for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys 34-17 win over Texas Tech, providing a great second option to Kendall Hunter. Honorable mention: Baylor WR Tevin Reese and Oklahoma RB Roy Finch.
Best defensive freshman: Tre' Porter, CB, Texas Tech. Porter takes home the award for a second consecutive week, with eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Best play: Eric Hagg, S, Nebraska. Yeah, it was in a losing effort, but Hagg's school-record, 95-yard touchdown return of Justin Tucker's pooch punt injected some unexpected late drama into a Nebraska-Texas game that needed it. He made plenty of guys miss, shook off a few tackles, and put Nebraska within a recovered onside kick of having a chance to send its game against Texas into overtime.
Worst play: Tie, Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead, WRs Niles Paul and Brandon Kinnie. All three dropped touchdown passes that weren't necessarily easy grabs, but trailing to Texas in a game of that magnitude, those are plays that have to be made. None of them did, and the team added a handful of other drops that added up to a frustrating day for the Huskers.
Worst call: Dan Hawkins, Colorado. If someone can explain to me the rationale behind going for two after first touchdown of the game late in the first quarter, I'm all ears. Going for it again (and failing again) only makes it worse.
"That is just the same thing that we did against Georgia. You get it and you`re feeling good," Dan Hawkins told reporters after the game. "And as it ended up it was kind of negligible anyway, so then we had to go for two in a sense the second time."
Maybe that's over my head, but the only teams in America that do that are dominant high school teams. Colorado would be a dominant high school team, no doubt. But this is the Big 12. Take the points. That's not hindsight. That's common sense.
Worst quarter: Kansas' second quarter. Kansas let Carson Coffman run in a pair of touchdowns, throw for another and gave up a rushing touchdown to get outscored 28-0 in the quarter. The Jayhawks were in it after 15 minutes, down just 3-0. After the second quarter, it was officially ugly.
Worst team performance: Kansas. I said enough on Thursday night, but still. Almost two weeks to prepare. Rivalry game at home. 52-point loss. Can't do that.
Best game: Texas 20, Nebraska 13. Baylor's win over Colorado had the drama and late heroics, but Texas' masterful job covering Taylor Martinez provided a shock of its own: Martinez getting benched in favor of Zac Lee. Lee played well and led a lengthy drive that nearly ended in seven points. The shock of the Nebraska crowd, as well as that of everyone watching, provided somewhat of a surreal scene.
Best offensive player: Tie, Justin Blackmon (OSU), Landry Jones (OU), Ryan Broyles (OU), Robert Griffin (BU). Call it a cop out if you must, but there's really no way to differentiate between these guys. Blackmon had a career-high 207 yards receiving and a huge 62-yard score. Jones completed 30 of 34 passes in a 52-point conference win. Broyles had 10 catches for 131 yards and a score two minutes into the second quarter. Griffin engineered a conference road win, throwing for 234 yards and running for 137 more. I honestly just can't pick between these guys. You could make a solid case for any one of them.
Best defensive player: Brad Madison, DE, Missouri. Splitting time with Michael Sam in place of injured end Aldon Smith, Madison sacked Jerrod Johnson three times to help Missouri beat the Aggies 30-9. Honorable mention: Orie Lemon, LB, Oklahoma State.
[+] Enlarge
Bruce Thorson/US PresswireTexas surprised Nebraska in the Longhorns' upset victory over the Cornhuskers.
Bruce Thorson/US PresswireTexas surprised Nebraska in the Longhorns' upset victory over the Cornhuskers.Best offensive freshman: Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State. Randle carried the ball 17 times for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys 34-17 win over Texas Tech, providing a great second option to Kendall Hunter. Honorable mention: Baylor WR Tevin Reese and Oklahoma RB Roy Finch.
Best defensive freshman: Tre' Porter, CB, Texas Tech. Porter takes home the award for a second consecutive week, with eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Best play: Eric Hagg, S, Nebraska. Yeah, it was in a losing effort, but Hagg's school-record, 95-yard touchdown return of Justin Tucker's pooch punt injected some unexpected late drama into a Nebraska-Texas game that needed it. He made plenty of guys miss, shook off a few tackles, and put Nebraska within a recovered onside kick of having a chance to send its game against Texas into overtime.
Worst play: Tie, Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead, WRs Niles Paul and Brandon Kinnie. All three dropped touchdown passes that weren't necessarily easy grabs, but trailing to Texas in a game of that magnitude, those are plays that have to be made. None of them did, and the team added a handful of other drops that added up to a frustrating day for the Huskers.
Worst call: Dan Hawkins, Colorado. If someone can explain to me the rationale behind going for two after first touchdown of the game late in the first quarter, I'm all ears. Going for it again (and failing again) only makes it worse.
"That is just the same thing that we did against Georgia. You get it and you`re feeling good," Dan Hawkins told reporters after the game. "And as it ended up it was kind of negligible anyway, so then we had to go for two in a sense the second time."
Maybe that's over my head, but the only teams in America that do that are dominant high school teams. Colorado would be a dominant high school team, no doubt. But this is the Big 12. Take the points. That's not hindsight. That's common sense.
Worst quarter: Kansas' second quarter. Kansas let Carson Coffman run in a pair of touchdowns, throw for another and gave up a rushing touchdown to get outscored 28-0 in the quarter. The Jayhawks were in it after 15 minutes, down just 3-0. After the second quarter, it was officially ugly.
Worst team performance: Kansas. I said enough on Thursday night, but still. Almost two weeks to prepare. Rivalry game at home. 52-point loss. Can't do that.
Best game: Texas 20, Nebraska 13. Baylor's win over Colorado had the drama and late heroics, but Texas' masterful job covering Taylor Martinez provided a shock of its own: Martinez getting benched in favor of Zac Lee. Lee played well and led a lengthy drive that nearly ended in seven points. The shock of the Nebraska crowd, as well as that of everyone watching, provided somewhat of a surreal scene.
You know what's not good for a conference? Having two national title contenders, with one planning to leave the league at the end of the year.
Thanks to Texas, the number of undefeated Big 12 teams in the top 10 -- for now, anyway -- is trimmed to one: Oklahoma, who kicks off against Iowa State in a few minutes.
Undefeated Missouri and Oklahoma State are looming near the top 20, but Nebraska's national championship run is officially derailed.
Just like this summer, Texas has miraculously saved the Big 12. I kid.
But seriously, the worst-case scenario for the Big 12 was having Nebraska win the league or national title and split for the Big Ten.
Instead, whatever mystique Texas has in games like this has been extended, in one of its most unlikely scenarios.
Now, Texas moves to 13-0 in games after the Red River Rivalry under Mack Brown and Nebraska falls to 1-9 against the Longhorns in Big 12 play, perhaps no loss as painful as this one. Today's 20-13 win is also the third consecutive time and unranked Texas team has beaten a Nebraska team ranked in the top 5.
The Longhorns dodged a pooch punt gone horribly wrong, shut down Taylor Martinez, weathered an impressive drive by his replacement, Zac Lee, to give up just a field goal and beat Nebraska.
The Huskers looked like a team tailor-made to beat Texas, focused on the ground game without a need to throw into the most talented part of the Texas team, the secondary. Today, the Huskers had to throw to come back, but Niles Paul and Brandon Kinnie dropped potential touchdown passes, squandering the opportunities Nebraska did get down the field.
The Longhorns debuted a game plan with a running quarterback in Garrett Gilbert (10 carries, 68 yards, 2 TDs in the first half) and beat Nebraska while Gilbert completed just 4-of-16 passes for 62 yards, including a 41-yard catch-and-run to Fozzy Whittaker and just one completion to a receiver, a five-yarder to Malcolm Williams. The defense that looked so vulnerable against UCLA's zone-read scheme stymied Nebraska's. Credit Will Muschamp's scheme and the pursuit and tackling of Texas' defenders on that one.
This wasn't the Texas we saw in the first five games, both in strategy and execution. When people talk about Brown as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 and college football, games like this provide more big reasons why.
Thanks to Texas, the number of undefeated Big 12 teams in the top 10 -- for now, anyway -- is trimmed to one: Oklahoma, who kicks off against Iowa State in a few minutes.
Undefeated Missouri and Oklahoma State are looming near the top 20, but Nebraska's national championship run is officially derailed.
Just like this summer, Texas has miraculously saved the Big 12. I kid.
But seriously, the worst-case scenario for the Big 12 was having Nebraska win the league or national title and split for the Big Ten.
Instead, whatever mystique Texas has in games like this has been extended, in one of its most unlikely scenarios.
Now, Texas moves to 13-0 in games after the Red River Rivalry under Mack Brown and Nebraska falls to 1-9 against the Longhorns in Big 12 play, perhaps no loss as painful as this one. Today's 20-13 win is also the third consecutive time and unranked Texas team has beaten a Nebraska team ranked in the top 5.
The Longhorns dodged a pooch punt gone horribly wrong, shut down Taylor Martinez, weathered an impressive drive by his replacement, Zac Lee, to give up just a field goal and beat Nebraska.
The Huskers looked like a team tailor-made to beat Texas, focused on the ground game without a need to throw into the most talented part of the Texas team, the secondary. Today, the Huskers had to throw to come back, but Niles Paul and Brandon Kinnie dropped potential touchdown passes, squandering the opportunities Nebraska did get down the field.
The Longhorns debuted a game plan with a running quarterback in Garrett Gilbert (10 carries, 68 yards, 2 TDs in the first half) and beat Nebraska while Gilbert completed just 4-of-16 passes for 62 yards, including a 41-yard catch-and-run to Fozzy Whittaker and just one completion to a receiver, a five-yarder to Malcolm Williams. The defense that looked so vulnerable against UCLA's zone-read scheme stymied Nebraska's. Credit Will Muschamp's scheme and the pursuit and tackling of Texas' defenders on that one.
This wasn't the Texas we saw in the first five games, both in strategy and execution. When people talk about Brown as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 and college football, games like this provide more big reasons why.
» Predictions: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ
I'm making my way to Manhattan, Kan. today for tonight's game between the Wildcats and Huskers, but I'll be back in Dallas in time to see the Aggies and Hogs go at it in The House That Jerry (or some guys he paid) Built.
Last week was a rough one for the Big 12 Blog, with my missed picks equaling my total from the previous four weeks. You knew the breakdown had to come sometime.
I missed my upset pick of Texas A&M over Oklahoma State and whiffed on a couple of swing games in Ames and Boulder.
Here's how I stand:
Last week: 2-3 (.400)
Overall: 41-6 (.872)
Let's get to this week's picks:
THURSDAY
No. 7 Nebraska 31, Kansas State 21: This thing smells like another possible upset, and Kansas State should be able to move the ball pretty well with Daniel Thomas, but the Wildcats don't have the talent or speed in the front seven to slow Taylor Martinez's legs. Look for defensive backs Emmanuel Lamur, Troy Butler and Tysyn Hartman to make a lot of tackles, on Martinez and receivers Brandon Kinnie and Mike McNeill. That's not a good thing. Martinez wasn't rattled in the passing game in his first road start, and him throwing a couple of costly interceptions is the only thing that turns this in Kansas State's favor.
FRIDAY
No. 22 Oklahoma State 51, Louisiana-Lafayette 20: The Sun Belt has some good teams. The Ragin' Cajuns are not one of them. Georgia lost at Colorado on Saturday night, but beat these guys 55-7 in Athens for its only win of the season. Puntos, puntos, golly.
SATURDAY
Baylor 27, Texas Tech 24: This is definitely the toughest pick of the week. Comparing the depth charts, Texas Tech looks like the better team, but Baylor is getting it done and has all the momentum and confidence. Texas Tech looks lost on defense and inconsistent on offense. In 2008, the Bears almost took down the best Tech team in recent history, losing 35-28 after taking a lead into the fourth quarter. They almost did it again in 2009 in Cowboys Stadium. With Robert Griffin back, they get it done this time. Enjoy the corny dogs, Bears.
No. 11 Arkansas 38, Texas A&M 28: Come back later today for a video of me explaining my pick of the week.
No. 24 Missouri 41, Colorado 17: Colorado says it's sick of getting blown out by the Tigers. They'll still be sick on Saturday night after hitting the road for the first time since a 52-7 loss at Cal. All of the Buffaloes' wins have come over mediocre teams. Missouri's running backs have carried the load so far this year, but Blaine Gabbert has his first big game, staying away from big-time corners Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown in favor of more bubble screens to the flats and underneath routes to T.J. Moe and Michael Egnew. The Buffaloes can stop Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson. Good luck with the rest of the Tigers' offense.
No. 10 Utah 24, Iowa State 21: I really do think Iowa State has a great chance to upset the Utes. I just don't have the guts to pick it. Iowa State's offense is better, but it's not "hang 52 points every week" better. Two of the Cyclones' touchdown drives were less than 40 yards, and another score came on an onside kick return. One other scoring drive was a one-play, 61-yard run by Shontrelle Johnson. Can't count on those every week.
Idle: Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas.
I'm making my way to Manhattan, Kan. today for tonight's game between the Wildcats and Huskers, but I'll be back in Dallas in time to see the Aggies and Hogs go at it in The House That Jerry (or some guys he paid) Built.
Last week was a rough one for the Big 12 Blog, with my missed picks equaling my total from the previous four weeks. You knew the breakdown had to come sometime.
I missed my upset pick of Texas A&M over Oklahoma State and whiffed on a couple of swing games in Ames and Boulder.
Here's how I stand:
Last week: 2-3 (.400)
Overall: 41-6 (.872)
Let's get to this week's picks:
THURSDAY
No. 7 Nebraska 31, Kansas State 21: This thing smells like another possible upset, and Kansas State should be able to move the ball pretty well with Daniel Thomas, but the Wildcats don't have the talent or speed in the front seven to slow Taylor Martinez's legs. Look for defensive backs Emmanuel Lamur, Troy Butler and Tysyn Hartman to make a lot of tackles, on Martinez and receivers Brandon Kinnie and Mike McNeill. That's not a good thing. Martinez wasn't rattled in the passing game in his first road start, and him throwing a couple of costly interceptions is the only thing that turns this in Kansas State's favor.
FRIDAY
No. 22 Oklahoma State 51, Louisiana-Lafayette 20: The Sun Belt has some good teams. The Ragin' Cajuns are not one of them. Georgia lost at Colorado on Saturday night, but beat these guys 55-7 in Athens for its only win of the season. Puntos, puntos, golly.
SATURDAY
Baylor 27, Texas Tech 24: This is definitely the toughest pick of the week. Comparing the depth charts, Texas Tech looks like the better team, but Baylor is getting it done and has all the momentum and confidence. Texas Tech looks lost on defense and inconsistent on offense. In 2008, the Bears almost took down the best Tech team in recent history, losing 35-28 after taking a lead into the fourth quarter. They almost did it again in 2009 in Cowboys Stadium. With Robert Griffin back, they get it done this time. Enjoy the corny dogs, Bears.
No. 11 Arkansas 38, Texas A&M 28: Come back later today for a video of me explaining my pick of the week.
No. 24 Missouri 41, Colorado 17: Colorado says it's sick of getting blown out by the Tigers. They'll still be sick on Saturday night after hitting the road for the first time since a 52-7 loss at Cal. All of the Buffaloes' wins have come over mediocre teams. Missouri's running backs have carried the load so far this year, but Blaine Gabbert has his first big game, staying away from big-time corners Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown in favor of more bubble screens to the flats and underneath routes to T.J. Moe and Michael Egnew. The Buffaloes can stop Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson. Good luck with the rest of the Tigers' offense.
No. 10 Utah 24, Iowa State 21: I really do think Iowa State has a great chance to upset the Utes. I just don't have the guts to pick it. Iowa State's offense is better, but it's not "hang 52 points every week" better. Two of the Cyclones' touchdown drives were less than 40 yards, and another score came on an onside kick return. One other scoring drive was a one-play, 61-yard run by Shontrelle Johnson. Can't count on those every week.
Idle: Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas.
Huskers must make life easier for Martinez
September, 18, 2010
9/18/10
4:27
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
On Nebraska's first two scoring drives, redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez never faced a third down.
He's faced three since and all three have been longer than 14 yards.
Martinez converted one from 14 yards out, but didn't even try on the other two. He was flushed out of the pocket for a short run on a 3rd-and-24 and completed a short pass to Brandon Kinnie on a 3rd-and-16.
Nebraska leads, 14-7, and can get away with that for now. But the penalties and sacks that put the Huskers in those situations will have to be limited once the game gets closer.
Late in the game, he might be forced to convert those plays. For a redshirt freshman playing against the best defense he's seen in an actual game, that could lead to problems.
He's faced three since and all three have been longer than 14 yards.
Martinez converted one from 14 yards out, but didn't even try on the other two. He was flushed out of the pocket for a short run on a 3rd-and-24 and completed a short pass to Brandon Kinnie on a 3rd-and-16.
Nebraska leads, 14-7, and can get away with that for now. But the penalties and sacks that put the Huskers in those situations will have to be limited once the game gets closer.
Late in the game, he might be forced to convert those plays. For a redshirt freshman playing against the best defense he's seen in an actual game, that could lead to problems.
Lots of video today, so we'll hop off-screen for this post and take a look at the biggest hope and concern for Nebraska.
Hope: Offensive line
Nebraska's offensive struggles from 2009 have been beaten into the ground, but the five guys on the front line weren't a huge reason for the problem. The Huskers ran for over 2,000 yards last year, and allowed just 19 sacks, fourth fewest in the league -- though Nebraska only threw the ball 364 times, more than just two teams in the Big 12.
Room for improvement, no doubt, but if the offensive line fills that void and opens holes, the running game could be one of the league's best with two great runners in Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead. If the offensive line plays well, both have chances to flirt with 1,000 yards, or surpass it like Helu did in 2009 with 1,147 yards, when he averaged more than 5.2 yards per carry.
The Huskers return four starters from the line last year, and the only reports coming out of camp have been ones excited about the group's development, despite losing utility backup Mike Smith for the season with a broken leg.
"You're seeing some big holes out there," Burkhead told the Lincoln Journal Star last week. "You see guys not getting touched until further on downfield. I mean, we haven't stepped on the game field yet, but hopefully it transfers over."
If it does, it might make the team's biggest concern be less ... concerning before too long.
Concern: Quarterback
Obvious, yes, but the biggest question mark on a squad pegged as a preseason top-10 team in about every poll, and all the major ones.
Zac Lee would be the heavy favorite to reprise his role as starter, but offseason surgery on his throwing arm allowed Taylor Martinez and Cody Green to close the gap. Reports out of Nebraska earlier this week had Martinez making a strong push for the job, but unseating the senior Lee would be a remarkable achievment. Martinez and the bigger Green -- at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds -- are the more exciting, mobile candidates and Martinez showed off his game-breaking speed in the spring game.
But Lee's experience and ability to work within the offense should still give him the sizeable edge. He's got at least two reliable targets in Niles Paul and Mike McNeill, but Brandon Kinnie and Curenski Gilleylen have showed potential to be major contributors, too. Like any quarterback, Lee would be well-served with plenty of time in the pocket. He struggled for much of 2009, completing just 177 of 302 passes (58.6 percent), a completion percentage that bested just two starting quarterbacks (Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Kansas State's Grant Gregory) in the Big 12 last year.
That number will have to rise for Nebraska's offense to be efficient enough to remain a top-10 team through December into bowl season. The offensive line can help make that happen.
More Hope & Concern:
Hope: Offensive line
Nebraska's offensive struggles from 2009 have been beaten into the ground, but the five guys on the front line weren't a huge reason for the problem. The Huskers ran for over 2,000 yards last year, and allowed just 19 sacks, fourth fewest in the league -- though Nebraska only threw the ball 364 times, more than just two teams in the Big 12.
Room for improvement, no doubt, but if the offensive line fills that void and opens holes, the running game could be one of the league's best with two great runners in Roy Helu Jr. and Rex Burkhead. If the offensive line plays well, both have chances to flirt with 1,000 yards, or surpass it like Helu did in 2009 with 1,147 yards, when he averaged more than 5.2 yards per carry.
The Huskers return four starters from the line last year, and the only reports coming out of camp have been ones excited about the group's development, despite losing utility backup Mike Smith for the season with a broken leg.
"You're seeing some big holes out there," Burkhead told the Lincoln Journal Star last week. "You see guys not getting touched until further on downfield. I mean, we haven't stepped on the game field yet, but hopefully it transfers over."
If it does, it might make the team's biggest concern be less ... concerning before too long.
Concern: Quarterback
Obvious, yes, but the biggest question mark on a squad pegged as a preseason top-10 team in about every poll, and all the major ones.
Zac Lee would be the heavy favorite to reprise his role as starter, but offseason surgery on his throwing arm allowed Taylor Martinez and Cody Green to close the gap. Reports out of Nebraska earlier this week had Martinez making a strong push for the job, but unseating the senior Lee would be a remarkable achievment. Martinez and the bigger Green -- at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds -- are the more exciting, mobile candidates and Martinez showed off his game-breaking speed in the spring game.
But Lee's experience and ability to work within the offense should still give him the sizeable edge. He's got at least two reliable targets in Niles Paul and Mike McNeill, but Brandon Kinnie and Curenski Gilleylen have showed potential to be major contributors, too. Like any quarterback, Lee would be well-served with plenty of time in the pocket. He struggled for much of 2009, completing just 177 of 302 passes (58.6 percent), a completion percentage that bested just two starting quarterbacks (Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Kansas State's Grant Gregory) in the Big 12 last year.
That number will have to rise for Nebraska's offense to be efficient enough to remain a top-10 team through December into bowl season. The offensive line can help make that happen.
More Hope & Concern:
More team-themed Mailbags:
And feel free to check out an earlier Mailbag heavy on the Huskers.
Dave in Kansas City, MO writes: Is it just me, or is Nebraska going to end up being WAYYYY overrated? I don't care what anyone says, it defies logic to say the defense will be better after losing the most dominant player in the NCAA last season. How much better do you think Ndamukong Suh made everyone else look, taking up double teams, still getting to the QB, and leading the team in tackles despite being a DT? That never happens. Also, this is pretty much the same offense that scored 17 points or less 6 times last year, including that 9-7 barn burner against ISU... I say there's a strong possibility they will have already lost 1-2 games by the time they play Texas, and they finish the season unranked. Your thoughts?
David Ubben: Well, the potential is there if Nebraska’s offense isn’t a lot better and the defense isn’t as good as Bo Pelini says it is. Nebraska had a great team last year that lost a lot of close games, but they’re still relying a bit on potential this year, replacing starters in the secondary and of course, Ndamukong Suh. They also obviously need the quarterback play to be a lot better.
But the offensive line brings back four starters from last year’s unit that was already pretty good. You’d be surprised how much better that can make guys like Zac Lee and Roy Helu look when they have time and holes to work with. I think the offense will be better, and it doesn’t make much sense for Bo Pelini to be talking up his defense like he has been if he didn’t feel strongly that those players could validate him. And the man knows defense. We know this.
So overall, I don’t think I agree with you. The potential for letdown is there, but if Nebraska gets past Washington—and I think it will—the Huskers should be undefeated when Texas comes to town.
Diggs1911 in Atlanta, Ga. writes: I live here in Atl, but was born in Nebraska and am a fan for life. I was wondering if Nebraska will turn one of its quarterbacks from the 2011 class into a receiver or a running back. One more question: Is this 2010-2011 class good enough to compete in the Big 10 in the comming years?
DU: I could see that instead of a transfer, like I predicted earlier. The most likely scenario would be Jamal Turner, who’s classified as an athlete in recruiting, moving to receiver. But right now, they’re both coming in as quarterbacks and both sound like they want the job. Starling’s status is somewhat up in the air, but if I had to guess, I think he comes to Nebraska to usher in the Big Ten Era in Lincoln. That said, as a Kansas guy, he might not see as much romanticism in "playing for Nebraska" as a kid from Lincoln, Omaha or a small town in Nebraska.
Jon Weinhold in Omaha, Neb. writes: Okay Dave, time to lay it on the line. How successful do you think a wildcat offense would really be for the Huskers this season, and how much of the success of the Holiday Bowl was related to the fact that Arizona most likely was caught totally off guard?
DU: That might be part of it, but the Wildcat’s going to be a really small part of the Nebraska offense unless the quarterbacks really struggle. I’ve mentioned this on here before, but unique schemes like that become less effective the more you use them. But running Taylor Martinez, Cody Green or Rex Burkhead back there a few times a game against the best defenses the Huskers will face seems like a good estimate.
Don Bowers in Oklahoma City, Okla writes: Follow up question: After I start work in August, how do you recommend I read your ridiculously awesome blog at work without getting caught? I really look forward to keeping up with the [insert team: Nebraska] content. (Admittedly, another lame attempt at fitting your Nebraska prompt). Thanks.
DU: Once again, flattery will get you everywhere on the Big 12 blog. As for your situation, I don't have any practical suggestions, only a statement: Few things are nobler than martyrdom. But don't let me tell you what to do.
Nate Gleaves in Lincoln, Neb. writes: Isn't this the easiest schedule the Huskers have had in a while?
DU: It’s lining up that way. I don’t know that I’d describe it as “easy,” but it’s set the Huskers up for a nice run during what should be a peak year. Going to Washington isn’t going to be simple, but its toughest games (Texas and Missouri) are in Lincoln. The only other big hurdle will be an itchy Texas A&M team in the middle of a brutal run at the end of the season that should have racked up a great record by then without playing any of the top teams in the Big 12 yet. The Aggies play Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas in November. Nebraska got a nice draw in not having to play Oklahoma, but they might see the Sooners in Dallas at the title game.
Andy in Edmond, Okla. writes: Other than QB (which has been talked to death), which unit's improvement is most critical to Nebraska becoming a national contender?
DU: Nebraska is pretty solid just about everywhere but receiver. Niles Paul should be reasonably reliable, but guys like Brandon Kinnie and Curenski Gilleylen need to make life easier for Zac Lee. Moving sure-handed tight end Mike McNeill to a flex-type position was a good call. He should be a nice security blanket underneath for whoever wins the QB battle.
Bobby in Fort Campbell, Ky. writes: David, do you believe that Nebraska's offense will be as vanilla as it was last year? I think they can win every game on their schedule if the offense looks like it did in the Holiday Bowl...
DU: Nah, they’re going to open it up a lot more. I wrote about that in detail this spring, if you’d like to give it a read. They'll try to look like they did in the bowl game, and you're right, if it does, that's going to get them pretty close to my best-case scenario for the Huskers.
Adam in Omaha, Neb. asks: Why is Nebraska running away from the Big 12? are they afraid they can't compete anymore?
DU: No.
And feel free to check out an earlier Mailbag heavy on the Huskers.
Dave in Kansas City, MO writes: Is it just me, or is Nebraska going to end up being WAYYYY overrated? I don't care what anyone says, it defies logic to say the defense will be better after losing the most dominant player in the NCAA last season. How much better do you think Ndamukong Suh made everyone else look, taking up double teams, still getting to the QB, and leading the team in tackles despite being a DT? That never happens. Also, this is pretty much the same offense that scored 17 points or less 6 times last year, including that 9-7 barn burner against ISU... I say there's a strong possibility they will have already lost 1-2 games by the time they play Texas, and they finish the season unranked. Your thoughts?
David Ubben: Well, the potential is there if Nebraska’s offense isn’t a lot better and the defense isn’t as good as Bo Pelini says it is. Nebraska had a great team last year that lost a lot of close games, but they’re still relying a bit on potential this year, replacing starters in the secondary and of course, Ndamukong Suh. They also obviously need the quarterback play to be a lot better.
But the offensive line brings back four starters from last year’s unit that was already pretty good. You’d be surprised how much better that can make guys like Zac Lee and Roy Helu look when they have time and holes to work with. I think the offense will be better, and it doesn’t make much sense for Bo Pelini to be talking up his defense like he has been if he didn’t feel strongly that those players could validate him. And the man knows defense. We know this.
So overall, I don’t think I agree with you. The potential for letdown is there, but if Nebraska gets past Washington—and I think it will—the Huskers should be undefeated when Texas comes to town.
Diggs1911 in Atlanta, Ga. writes: I live here in Atl, but was born in Nebraska and am a fan for life. I was wondering if Nebraska will turn one of its quarterbacks from the 2011 class into a receiver or a running back. One more question: Is this 2010-2011 class good enough to compete in the Big 10 in the comming years?
DU: I could see that instead of a transfer, like I predicted earlier. The most likely scenario would be Jamal Turner, who’s classified as an athlete in recruiting, moving to receiver. But right now, they’re both coming in as quarterbacks and both sound like they want the job. Starling’s status is somewhat up in the air, but if I had to guess, I think he comes to Nebraska to usher in the Big Ten Era in Lincoln. That said, as a Kansas guy, he might not see as much romanticism in "playing for Nebraska" as a kid from Lincoln, Omaha or a small town in Nebraska.
Jon Weinhold in Omaha, Neb. writes: Okay Dave, time to lay it on the line. How successful do you think a wildcat offense would really be for the Huskers this season, and how much of the success of the Holiday Bowl was related to the fact that Arizona most likely was caught totally off guard?
DU: That might be part of it, but the Wildcat’s going to be a really small part of the Nebraska offense unless the quarterbacks really struggle. I’ve mentioned this on here before, but unique schemes like that become less effective the more you use them. But running Taylor Martinez, Cody Green or Rex Burkhead back there a few times a game against the best defenses the Huskers will face seems like a good estimate.
Don Bowers in Oklahoma City, Okla writes: Follow up question: After I start work in August, how do you recommend I read your ridiculously awesome blog at work without getting caught? I really look forward to keeping up with the [insert team: Nebraska] content. (Admittedly, another lame attempt at fitting your Nebraska prompt). Thanks.
DU: Once again, flattery will get you everywhere on the Big 12 blog. As for your situation, I don't have any practical suggestions, only a statement: Few things are nobler than martyrdom. But don't let me tell you what to do.
Nate Gleaves in Lincoln, Neb. writes: Isn't this the easiest schedule the Huskers have had in a while?
DU: It’s lining up that way. I don’t know that I’d describe it as “easy,” but it’s set the Huskers up for a nice run during what should be a peak year. Going to Washington isn’t going to be simple, but its toughest games (Texas and Missouri) are in Lincoln. The only other big hurdle will be an itchy Texas A&M team in the middle of a brutal run at the end of the season that should have racked up a great record by then without playing any of the top teams in the Big 12 yet. The Aggies play Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas in November. Nebraska got a nice draw in not having to play Oklahoma, but they might see the Sooners in Dallas at the title game.
Andy in Edmond, Okla. writes: Other than QB (which has been talked to death), which unit's improvement is most critical to Nebraska becoming a national contender?
DU: Nebraska is pretty solid just about everywhere but receiver. Niles Paul should be reasonably reliable, but guys like Brandon Kinnie and Curenski Gilleylen need to make life easier for Zac Lee. Moving sure-handed tight end Mike McNeill to a flex-type position was a good call. He should be a nice security blanket underneath for whoever wins the QB battle.
Bobby in Fort Campbell, Ky. writes: David, do you believe that Nebraska's offense will be as vanilla as it was last year? I think they can win every game on their schedule if the offense looks like it did in the Holiday Bowl...
DU: Nah, they’re going to open it up a lot more. I wrote about that in detail this spring, if you’d like to give it a read. They'll try to look like they did in the bowl game, and you're right, if it does, that's going to get them pretty close to my best-case scenario for the Huskers.
Adam in Omaha, Neb. asks: Why is Nebraska running away from the Big 12? are they afraid they can't compete anymore?
DU: No.
Here are three Huskers with relatively low profiles around the conference who you'll be hearing from in 2010:
Baker Steinkuhler, DT
Last season, defensive tackle Jared Crick benefited from all the attention drawn by star Ndamukong Suh, blossoming into one of the Big 12's top defensive players. This year, with Crick sure to face constant double teams, Steinkuhler, a sophomore and the son of Dean Steinkuhler, a former Nebraska center who won the Lombardi and Outland trophies, could potentially do the same. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Steinkuhler has the size to become a force in the middle of the defense as a first-year starter. He had 17 tackles and played in all but one game as the top reserve at defensive tackle in 2009.
Brandon Kinnie, WR
Only two receivers caught more than 20 passes for the Huskers in 2009. Kinnie could join that group in 2010 after catching just 15 passes for 141 yards as a junior college transfer in 2009. Fourteen of those 15 receptions came in the final eight games, when Kinnie caught at least one pass per game. The junior possesses outstanding size at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and has become star receiver Niles Paul's workout partner. If Nebraska's quarterback play improves in 2010, Kinnie will be one of the key beneficiaries. He's still looking for his first career touchdown pass, but Kinnie had one of his best games against Texas in the Big 12 Championship, with two catches for 30 yards.
Austin Cassidy, S
Nebraska lost both safeties from last year's defense, Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, but Cassidy looks ready to step into a starting role. The junior starred on special teams in 2009, notching nine tackles and playing some spot duty at safety. Cassidy appeared in all 14 games, and he'll be counted on to maintain Nebraska's defensive dominance from last year's Blackshirts. He was also one of just three players in the Big 12 with a perfect 4.0 GPA last season, earning first team Academic All-Big 12 honors.
More Fresh Faces:
Baker Steinkuhler, DT
Last season, defensive tackle Jared Crick benefited from all the attention drawn by star Ndamukong Suh, blossoming into one of the Big 12's top defensive players. This year, with Crick sure to face constant double teams, Steinkuhler, a sophomore and the son of Dean Steinkuhler, a former Nebraska center who won the Lombardi and Outland trophies, could potentially do the same. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Steinkuhler has the size to become a force in the middle of the defense as a first-year starter. He had 17 tackles and played in all but one game as the top reserve at defensive tackle in 2009.
Brandon Kinnie, WR
Only two receivers caught more than 20 passes for the Huskers in 2009. Kinnie could join that group in 2010 after catching just 15 passes for 141 yards as a junior college transfer in 2009. Fourteen of those 15 receptions came in the final eight games, when Kinnie caught at least one pass per game. The junior possesses outstanding size at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and has become star receiver Niles Paul's workout partner. If Nebraska's quarterback play improves in 2010, Kinnie will be one of the key beneficiaries. He's still looking for his first career touchdown pass, but Kinnie had one of his best games against Texas in the Big 12 Championship, with two catches for 30 yards.
Austin Cassidy, S
Nebraska lost both safeties from last year's defense, Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, but Cassidy looks ready to step into a starting role. The junior starred on special teams in 2009, notching nine tackles and playing some spot duty at safety. Cassidy appeared in all 14 games, and he'll be counted on to maintain Nebraska's defensive dominance from last year's Blackshirts. He was also one of just three players in the Big 12 with a perfect 4.0 GPA last season, earning first team Academic All-Big 12 honors.
More Fresh Faces:
Earlier today, we looked at the three offenses in the Big 12 most in need of repair. Here's how they rank in ease of improvement.
Shortest road to recovery
1. Nebraska -- All the pieces seem to be there. The Huskers have one great receiver (Niles Paul) and a few solid options behind him (Brandon Kinnie, Mike McNeill). They have two great running backs in Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. running behind an offensive line that spent the spring getting healthy and drawing praise from coach Bo Pelini. If Zac Lee can pretend every game is the Holiday Bowl, or the one of quarterbacks behind him, Cody Green, Taylor Martinez or Kody Spano, can emerge, the Huskers could become scary fast. Arizona learned, but can the Huskers have a chance to teach the rest of the Big 12?
2. Baylor -- The idea is pretty formulaic. Bad offense + Robert Griffin III = good offense. We won't find out if the formula is faulty until the fall, but Baylor ranked 10th in total offense in Griffin's freshman season. He could battle rust as he returns to full speed from a serious knee injury, but he also got a season to sit back with a clipboard and learn the game, something he says helped him understand the finer points of the position more so than when he ran wild in 2008. He loses his biggest target in David Gettis, but keeps his main target, Kendall Wright. If Griffin does emerge from the injury a smarter player and keeps his aggressiveness and accuracy, the Bears could be a lot better on offense.
3. Colorado -- The Buffaloes have talent at the skill positions. Rodney Stewart should embrace the role as the featured back this season. Scotty McKnight and Markques Simas will be joined by Toney Clemons to form perhaps the most underrated receiving corps in the conference. But none of it will matter if they can't get better on the offensive line and quarterback. The offense was just as bad in 2008, even when Hawkins started all 12 games for the Buffaloes. Hansen completed better than 60 percent of his passes in three starts last season. He completed fewer than 50 percent in two. The goal for the spring was 70 percent. If the offensive line doesn't get better, that's not going to happen. Max Tuioti-Mariner will return from injury this season, but he and tackle Nate Solder can't block everyone. If they don't get help, the Buffaloes could be at the bottom of the Big 12 again with nearly 800 fewer yards than any team in the conference like in 2009.
Shortest road to recovery
1. Nebraska -- All the pieces seem to be there. The Huskers have one great receiver (Niles Paul) and a few solid options behind him (Brandon Kinnie, Mike McNeill). They have two great running backs in Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. running behind an offensive line that spent the spring getting healthy and drawing praise from coach Bo Pelini. If Zac Lee can pretend every game is the Holiday Bowl, or the one of quarterbacks behind him, Cody Green, Taylor Martinez or Kody Spano, can emerge, the Huskers could become scary fast. Arizona learned, but can the Huskers have a chance to teach the rest of the Big 12?
2. Baylor -- The idea is pretty formulaic. Bad offense + Robert Griffin III = good offense. We won't find out if the formula is faulty until the fall, but Baylor ranked 10th in total offense in Griffin's freshman season. He could battle rust as he returns to full speed from a serious knee injury, but he also got a season to sit back with a clipboard and learn the game, something he says helped him understand the finer points of the position more so than when he ran wild in 2008. He loses his biggest target in David Gettis, but keeps his main target, Kendall Wright. If Griffin does emerge from the injury a smarter player and keeps his aggressiveness and accuracy, the Bears could be a lot better on offense.
3. Colorado -- The Buffaloes have talent at the skill positions. Rodney Stewart should embrace the role as the featured back this season. Scotty McKnight and Markques Simas will be joined by Toney Clemons to form perhaps the most underrated receiving corps in the conference. But none of it will matter if they can't get better on the offensive line and quarterback. The offense was just as bad in 2008, even when Hawkins started all 12 games for the Buffaloes. Hansen completed better than 60 percent of his passes in three starts last season. He completed fewer than 50 percent in two. The goal for the spring was 70 percent. If the offensive line doesn't get better, that's not going to happen. Max Tuioti-Mariner will return from injury this season, but he and tackle Nate Solder can't block everyone. If they don't get help, the Buffaloes could be at the bottom of the Big 12 again with nearly 800 fewer yards than any team in the conference like in 2009.
Not everyone can throw for 300 yards, run for 200 and hang 40 points on the board every time out. Here are three offenses in need of some work, and this afternoon, we'll look at which have the shortest roads to recovery.
In need of repair
1. Colorado -- The Buffaloes' problems are everywhere, and the gap between Colorado and the rest of the league is enormous. The second-best offensive team in the Big 12 last season, Texas A&M, averaged 5.8 yards per play. The second-worst averaged 5.2 yards. Colorado averaged 4.4 yards. Its 44 sacks allowed were 12 more than any other team in the league as well. The quarterback play from both Tyler Hansen and Cody Hawkins wasn't very consistent, but when dealing with that kind of pressure, that's no surprise.
2. Baylor -- Baylor's offensive struggles were due in part to misfortune. Freshman Nick Florence played well, but the Bears were without 2008 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Robert Griffin III for all of conference play. In those eight games, the Bears scored only 13 points per game, 5.8 fewer than the 11th-place team, Nebraska. Florence's success didn't loosen defenses enough for the running game to flourish. In conference play, the Bears rushed for just two yards per carry. Barring a rule change providing teams five plays to achieve a first down, that's not good enough.
3. Nebraska -- Most of Nebraska's struggles on offense were self-inflicted. After a home loss to Iowa State that featured eight turnovers, the offense was so conservative, at times it looked like offensive coordinator Shawn Watson had handed over playcalling duties to Rush Limbaugh. The defense allowed just nine points in that loss, and averaged under 10 points a game from that point on. The bar was set, and the offense knew it was low. They won with field position and special teams, but a good offense to go with the nation's best defense a season ago would be other Big 12 teams' worst nightmare.
In need of repair
1. Colorado -- The Buffaloes' problems are everywhere, and the gap between Colorado and the rest of the league is enormous. The second-best offensive team in the Big 12 last season, Texas A&M, averaged 5.8 yards per play. The second-worst averaged 5.2 yards. Colorado averaged 4.4 yards. Its 44 sacks allowed were 12 more than any other team in the league as well. The quarterback play from both Tyler Hansen and Cody Hawkins wasn't very consistent, but when dealing with that kind of pressure, that's no surprise.
2. Baylor -- Baylor's offensive struggles were due in part to misfortune. Freshman Nick Florence played well, but the Bears were without 2008 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Robert Griffin III for all of conference play. In those eight games, the Bears scored only 13 points per game, 5.8 fewer than the 11th-place team, Nebraska. Florence's success didn't loosen defenses enough for the running game to flourish. In conference play, the Bears rushed for just two yards per carry. Barring a rule change providing teams five plays to achieve a first down, that's not good enough.
3. Nebraska -- Most of Nebraska's struggles on offense were self-inflicted. After a home loss to Iowa State that featured eight turnovers, the offense was so conservative, at times it looked like offensive coordinator Shawn Watson had handed over playcalling duties to Rush Limbaugh. The defense allowed just nine points in that loss, and averaged under 10 points a game from that point on. The bar was set, and the offense knew it was low. They won with field position and special teams, but a good offense to go with the nation's best defense a season ago would be other Big 12 teams' worst nightmare.
2009 overall record: 10-4
2009 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (8) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Roy Helu Jr., DT Jared Crick, CB Prince Amukamara, QB Zac Lee, RB Rex Burkhead, WR Niles Paul, OL Keith Williams, P/K Alex Henery
Key losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, S Matt O’Hanlon, DE Barry Turner, C Jacob Hickman
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Roy Helu Jr.* (1,147 yards)
Passing: Zac Lee* (2,143 yards)
Receiving: Niles Paul* (796 yards)
Tackles: Ndamukong Suh (85)
Sacks: Ndamukong Suh (12)
Interceptions: Matt O’Hanlon (6)
Three spring answers
1. Defensive identity. The word “Peso” took on a whole new meaning in Nebraska this spring. Though not as revolutionary as some figured it to be, the five defensive back set helped the Huskers finish strong in 2009 and inspired the Mexican currency-inspired moniker in spring 2010. The lynchpin of the Peso is defensive back Eric Hagg, who plays the safety/linebacker hybrid position.
2. Taylor Martinez emerges. Tales of his speed leaked out during spring practices, and Martinez put on a show in the spring game, running for 60 yards and throwing for 79. The redshirt freshman injected himself into the quarterback race this spring, further muddying a logjam at the top for the Huskers.
3. Second target found. Mike McNeill moved from tight end to receiver this spring, but will still play some tight end in a hybrid role, and Nebraska needed to find a second option opposite Niles Paul. Brandon Kinnie looks like the answer. He’s been competitive with Paul in the spring and caught a 36-yard score in which the 230-pounder dragged the pile 10 yards into the end zone. Will Henry caught a 72-yard score in the game, and should be a factor in the passing game as well.
Three fall questions
1. Who’s the QB? Last year’s starter, Zac Lee, sat out the spring after undergoing offseason surgery on his throwing arm. Sophomore Cody Green played in spots last season, and had a good spring. But Martinez has some fan support after his spring and will likely play at least some role in the offense. Nebraska needs its quarterback play to improve if it wants to make the jump to national title contender this year, but who gets the task hasn’t been determined.
2. Is the defense going to sustain? The Pelini brothers aren’t fretting about their defense, despite losing five members of the Blackshirts to the NFL, saying the defense will be “five times better” than it was last season. An improvement is a possibility in the fall, but the defense allowed a nation-best 10.4 points a game in 2009, a tough number to duplicate for a second season without players like Ndamukong Suh, Larry Asante and Phillip Dillard.
3. Burkhead vs. Helu. Rex Burkhead returned from a stress fracture in his foot and received more carries than Roy Helu Jr., who finished the season with 1,147 yards. Burkhead, a former high school quarterback, allows Nebraska’s Wildcat formation to be more versatile, and is shiftier than Helu, but Helu is more experienced, and runs with a slashing style. They’ll enter the fall likely receiving near equal carries, but that balance could shift as the season progresses.
2009 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (8) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Roy Helu Jr., DT Jared Crick, CB Prince Amukamara, QB Zac Lee, RB Rex Burkhead, WR Niles Paul, OL Keith Williams, P/K Alex Henery
Key losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, S Matt O’Hanlon, DE Barry Turner, C Jacob Hickman
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Roy Helu Jr.* (1,147 yards)
Passing: Zac Lee* (2,143 yards)
Receiving: Niles Paul* (796 yards)
Tackles: Ndamukong Suh (85)
Sacks: Ndamukong Suh (12)
Interceptions: Matt O’Hanlon (6)
Three spring answers
1. Defensive identity. The word “Peso” took on a whole new meaning in Nebraska this spring. Though not as revolutionary as some figured it to be, the five defensive back set helped the Huskers finish strong in 2009 and inspired the Mexican currency-inspired moniker in spring 2010. The lynchpin of the Peso is defensive back Eric Hagg, who plays the safety/linebacker hybrid position.
2. Taylor Martinez emerges. Tales of his speed leaked out during spring practices, and Martinez put on a show in the spring game, running for 60 yards and throwing for 79. The redshirt freshman injected himself into the quarterback race this spring, further muddying a logjam at the top for the Huskers.
3. Second target found. Mike McNeill moved from tight end to receiver this spring, but will still play some tight end in a hybrid role, and Nebraska needed to find a second option opposite Niles Paul. Brandon Kinnie looks like the answer. He’s been competitive with Paul in the spring and caught a 36-yard score in which the 230-pounder dragged the pile 10 yards into the end zone. Will Henry caught a 72-yard score in the game, and should be a factor in the passing game as well.
Three fall questions
1. Who’s the QB? Last year’s starter, Zac Lee, sat out the spring after undergoing offseason surgery on his throwing arm. Sophomore Cody Green played in spots last season, and had a good spring. But Martinez has some fan support after his spring and will likely play at least some role in the offense. Nebraska needs its quarterback play to improve if it wants to make the jump to national title contender this year, but who gets the task hasn’t been determined.
2. Is the defense going to sustain? The Pelini brothers aren’t fretting about their defense, despite losing five members of the Blackshirts to the NFL, saying the defense will be “five times better” than it was last season. An improvement is a possibility in the fall, but the defense allowed a nation-best 10.4 points a game in 2009, a tough number to duplicate for a second season without players like Ndamukong Suh, Larry Asante and Phillip Dillard.
3. Burkhead vs. Helu. Rex Burkhead returned from a stress fracture in his foot and received more carries than Roy Helu Jr., who finished the season with 1,147 yards. Burkhead, a former high school quarterback, allows Nebraska’s Wildcat formation to be more versatile, and is shiftier than Helu, but Helu is more experienced, and runs with a slashing style. They’ll enter the fall likely receiving near equal carries, but that balance could shift as the season progresses.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
BIG 12 TEAM COVERAGE
RECRUITING NATION
Oklahoma: SoonerNation
Follow everything Oklahoma at SoonerNation: Oklahoma Sooners football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
• SoonerNation | Blog | RecruitingNation
RECRUITING NATION
Texas: HornsNation
Follow everything Texas at HornsNation: Texas Longhorns football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
• HornsNation | Blog | RecruitingNation
