OWH: B1G West Team-by-Team

[Mavric]

NEBRASKA

 

Coach: Mike Riley, second year, 6-7

2015 record: 6-7 (3-5, fourth)

Returning starters: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers)

What we know: Not as much as Husker fans would like to know entering Year 2 of the Mike Riley Experiment. The offensive identity still seems in flux, leaning toward the pass despite the bowl-game rushing success. The defense, after working all spring to stop the long pass, now needs help up front to halt the run after four departures at DT. The wideouts and running backs have some star power. QB Tommy Armstrong remains the mystery man, even after 33 college starts with 53 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

What we want to know: Will things fall together more smoothly in Year 2 after an often rocky transition? How is the Huskers’ psyche after so many crazy, close losses last season? Punting and kicking are strong, but will the rest of the special teams figure out how to produce game-changing hidden yards that last year were wasted?

 

OWH