2014 Huskers - biggest question marks?

[AngryHusker88]

On Offense...

WR (Z) spot...Quincy was a potent red zone threat. Although the dropsies were frustrating, he was definitely an important asset to last years offense. The Huskers need someone to be that reliable pass catching red zone threat that Quincy was last year. A lot of good things have been said about Taariq Allen this offseason.

OL - Should be as good or better than last year...but can they stay healthy all season?

The #1 question mark (IMO) would be QB. Some great things have been said about Tommy Armstrong's leadership...we'll just have to wait & see on this one

The other #1 question mark is the fumbles...of course I don't expect the team to go the entire season without any fumbles but it would be nice if we could at least cut the turnovers in half...

On Defense...

Depth at DE

Secondary - Will someone step up at SJB's position & be the shutdown corner that the defense needs? That would be huge... If the DL lives up to the hype, that will make things easier on the secondary. I am pumped about Charles Jackson...

EDIT - For offense, another question mark is will anyone step up & be a reliable #2 behind Abdullah? It would be tremendous for the team to have that reliable 1-2 punch at RB. Cross definitely helped the team last year (probably lose the Wyoming game if it wasn't for him & had a big TD run against Michigan State) but IMO he hasn't really proved that he can bring it game after game after game like Abdullah did last year. I am really excited to see Adam Taylor pound the rock

 

[HuskerNationNick]

The #1 question mark (IMO) would be QB. Some great things have been said about Tommy Armstrong's leadership...we'll just have to wait & see on this one

This I don't feel is a concern at all. Tommy has proven to be a quality QB, and we only have one loss under him. Freshman growing pains, with an offense that wasn't built around him, it was built around Taylor and his fundamentals. I expect to see a different style offense and a much more sound Armstrong under center as well. With a (supposedly) better line, it should benefit him as well, especially if we aren't relying on 3rd string OL to start.

 

[AngryHusker88]

The #1 question mark (IMO) would be QB. Some great things have been said about Tommy Armstrong's leadership...we'll just have to wait & see on this one

This I don't feel is a concern at all. Tommy has proven to be a quality QB, and we only have one loss under him. Freshman growing pains, with an offense that wasn't built around him, it was built around Taylor and his fundamentals. I expect to see a different style offense and a much more sound Armstrong under center as well. With a (supposedly) better line, it should benefit him as well, especially if we aren't relying on 3rd string OL to start.

I think Armstrong proved last year to be a reliable QB. I see this as a question mark because it will be his first full season as 'the man'. Will he clean up some of those freshmen mistakes we saw last year? If Tommy gets injured, will Stanton or Fyfe be ready to lead the team to victory?

 

[Mavric]

I think QB is definitely the biggest question mark. If we can be solid there - don't have to be spectacular - we'll be in good shape in every game.

Losing QE hurts but we have plenty of WRs to fill in - Bell, Turner, Burtch, Reilly, Allen, Westerkamp, Moore and perhaps a freshman or two. Burtch, Allen and Reilly can fill in for QE admirably.

I think we are in as good of shape on the OLine as we've been in probably 10+ years. The second string doesn't have a lot of game experience but have been getting a lot of practice time.

If Gregory and McMullen stay healthy, they'll take 90% of the snaps at DE and we'll be very good. We can find some combination of several other guys to play a series here and there.

Losing SJB hurts but it sounds like Cockrell and Rose are coming along with Davie getting healthy. CJax looks to be picking up the Nickel spot and we have three safeties that can play.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

The biggest issues on the team are quite clearly QB play, turnovers and field position issues. I would also like to see Nebraska develop a little more depth at DE.

I really don't understand how anybody can NOT be concerned about QB play. TA has to get a lot better in several area's of his game for us to be legitimate conference championship contenders.

 

[Thanks_Tom RR]

Biggest question marks

#1 TO, particularly fumbles. This is team wide, QB, RB, and return man.

#2 Field position. This is often the result of TO, but inconsistent punting and inept punt returns round out this category.

#3 LB/S play against the run. Better last year, but we will be up against some run heavy teams with strong RB talent.

Regular-sized Question Marks

#4 DE opposite RG44 and depth. It sounds like McMullen has potential to step up his game, and we may have some special packages for Collins, M. Newby, and Courtney Love. However, can Keels, Natter, or some of the incoming DE contribute significant, quality minutes?

#5 Right side of the OL. I think we have decent depth, but can we get stand-out performances by our bigs to protect our young QB and get strong pushes in the run game? Last year, Ameer helped here because he could get positive yards without perfect blocking.

Small Question Marks

#6 Who will be our #4 CB? Mitchell, J. Rose, and Cockrell are 1-3, but which young CB can get on the field?

#7 Who will be a bigger contributor to the twitterverse this season, Bo's cat or Carl?

 

[HuskerNationNick]

I honestly think everyone is missing one of the biggest question mark, something that could have given us a W in some games, or even given us a larger win margin, Punt Return.

To me, this is the biggest and most important question mark. Special Teams is so important, and we have lacked in it for some time now. And by special teams, I don't mean it as a whole. Just the punt return. I would like to see more consistency in our punt game as well, and see less botched punts. It might be me, but I am pretty spoiled on how flawless Henry was, and I would like us to return to that status. Where we had to do a 45 yard kick, and in our hearts, we felt it as pretty much a guarantee.

 

[Thanks_Tom RR]

I honestly think everyone is missing one of the biggest question mark, something that could have given us a W in some games, or even given us a larger win margin, Punt Return.

To me, this is the biggest and most important question mark. Special Teams is so important, and we have lacked in it for some time now. And by special teams, I don't mean it as a whole. Just the punt return. I would like to see more consistency in our punt game as well, and see less botched punts. It might be me, but I am pretty spoiled on how flawless Henry was, and I would like us to return to that status. Where we had to do a 45 yard kick, and in our hearts, we felt it as pretty much a guarantee.

That's my second on the list.

 

[True2tRA]

Armstrong is no concern of mine whatsoever. I think he will be the best QB we've seen in a long time at Nebraska. Probably the best since Crouch.

Offensive line should be better than last year. Not only will the level of aggressiveness and physicality increase in the run blocking game, but I think Armstrong will immediately make the offensive line look like an all around better pass blocking unit. It's a huge load off those guards and especially the tackles when they can rely on their QB to step up into the pocket. It makes it easier to create a zone of protection and not have to wonder where your QB might be panicking and running off to. Armstrong has patience and pocket presence. He also has timing and will get rid of the ball quickly. If his pre snap reads improve, he will make less mistakes on those quick throws.

RB, no question in my mind we are set. Clearly AA is the whole package. He's proven it time and time again. Especially last year. Cross is in the same category. He may not have the numbers or the carries, but if we needed him to step up into a larger role, I have no doubt he could.

WR may be a bit of a question mark. Will Turner step up? Burtch seems like a great one IMO. We need Reilly or Westerkamp to bring a bit more depth to the spot. I also expect Allen to play a lot of snaps. Maybe he even establishes himself as a go to guy in this offense. I'm hoping Armstrong finds that guy he can rely on if Bell is seeing a lot of double coverage or being taken out of the game by a physical DB.

Special Teams is a huge question mark! Who is our FG specialist? Can we find a punter that is consistent and not only that, can we find one that can directionally kick? We need to control some field position better this season. Field position is literally the sole reason for two losses this last season I believe. That can't be a question, it needs to be a strength. As far as punt returning, I think we have more than capable people to put there, I think the lack of success in this area is based more on our failed approach to the return game and lack of coaching.

Defensive line I have no concerns about. I was concerned til' I watched the spring game. I'm not concerned anymore. The guys look big, strong, physical, and the group has high energy. As long as we are smart with the rotation, keeping guys fresh and not burning them out halfway through the Big Ten schedule, I expect a strong season up front.

CB's seem like a really talented group. Rose, Mitchell, and finally C.J. out there. Mosley fighting for time. Don't know who the starters will be, but I think we have talent there. I would be concerned but honestly, Bo always brings a talented pass defense to the field. I don't expect this year to be any different.

Safety maybe concerning. Cooper is really the man. Will Alexander be the guys beside him? Either way, both could be a bit better in stepping in front of some routes and making some picks. I think we may have played it safe with the safeties a bit last year. As aggressive as we started to get up front, I think we were trying to avoid the big plays on the back end sometimes. Still, I love the safety blitzes Bo draws up when he decides to use them. The safeties could be better in recognizing run and reacting quicker in run support.

I love the talent at LB'er. Anderson and Rose should have huge seasons. I love their combination of size and speed. The physical mentality of the two should be contagious and I hope we see it. I want Gordon at Wisconsin to have heard about trying to run up the middle of this defense by the time that game rolls around. He, and the rest of the Big Ten RB's need to know we won't just let them grind the run game and the play clock. Put some fear in me, make some hits and lets create some turnovers of our own for once.

3rd down conversions and stops need to continue to be a focus. I think our defense is usually one of the more efficient in 3rd down percentage statistically? Keep it up and lets get the ball in the offenses hands as much as we can. I expect some scoring on offense and some blitzing and aggressiveness on defense. So as I said above, special teams may be my biggest concern.

Edit: Wow, re-reading that I think my Kool Aid cup is filling up. Holy Moly I better slow it down.

 

[True2tRA]

I honestly think everyone is missing one of the biggest question mark, something that could have given us a W in some games, or even given us a larger win margin, Punt Return.

To me, this is the biggest and most important question mark. Special Teams is so important, and we have lacked in it for some time now. And by special teams, I don't mean it as a whole. Just the punt return. I would like to see more consistency in our punt game as well, and see less botched punts. It might be me, but I am pretty spoiled on how flawless Henry was, and I would like us to return to that status. Where we had to do a 45 yard kick, and in our hearts, we felt it as pretty much a guarantee.

I was typing my piece as you were typing this. Special teams is my number one concern. Field position killed this team last season as much as turnovers did. Field position itself will literally decide the outcome of games sometimes and you're right, some do overlook it. I think this coaching staff my have overlooked the importance of Special Teams a bit even. I've said it a thousand times here, Alex Henery is a huge part of Bo Pelini's initial success.

 

[HuskerNationNick]

I honestly think everyone is missing one of the biggest question mark, something that could have given us a W in some games, or even given us a larger win margin, Punt Return.

To me, this is the biggest and most important question mark. Special Teams is so important, and we have lacked in it for some time now. And by special teams, I don't mean it as a whole. Just the punt return. I would like to see more consistency in our punt game as well, and see less botched punts. It might be me, but I am pretty spoiled on how flawless Henry was, and I would like us to return to that status. Where we had to do a 45 yard kick, and in our hearts, we felt it as pretty much a guarantee.

That's my second on the list.

I did not read the last part of that, but you are correct

 

[HuskerNationNick]

I was typing my piece as you were typing this. Special teams is my number one concern. Field position killed this team last season as much as turnovers did. Field position itself will literally decide the outcome of games sometimes and you're right, some do overlook it. I think this coaching staff my have overlooked the importance of Special Teams a bit even. I've said it a thousand times here, Alex Henery is a huge part of Bo Pelini's initial success.

I agree 100x's on that statement. Its usually the kicker who is the difference maker in a lot of games. Look at Iowa. They have to replace their 4 year starter and the guy who has won them a majority of their games (Meyer). A kicker is VITAL in this game. Bondi was suppose to be that lock down kicker, and I think we have just been desperate to find someone who is Henery quality. How many kickers do we have on scholarship?

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Armstrong is no concern of mine whatsoever. I think he will be the best QB we've seen in a long time at Nebraska. Probably the best since Crouch.

Is that just a hunch? Seems strange considering Armstrong ranked in the bottom 3rd in the Big 10 in nearly all QB categories that matter.

 

[Warrior10]

Armstrong is no concern of mine whatsoever. I think he will be the best QB we've seen in a long time at Nebraska. Probably the best since Crouch.

Is that just a hunch? Seems strange considering Armstrong ranked in the bottom 3rd in the Big 10 in nearly all QB categories that matter.

While Armstrong could be good (and I think he eventually will), I do think he is a question mark in 2014. I understand he was a RSFR, and I am by no means saying he is a bad player....but his passing numbers last year prove that he is a "question mark" for THIS YEAR.

 

[True2tRA]

Armstrong is no concern of mine whatsoever. I think he will be the best QB we've seen in a long time at Nebraska. Probably the best since Crouch.

Is that just a hunch? Seems strange considering Armstrong ranked in the bottom 3rd in the Big 10 in nearly all QB categories that matter.

Oh yea absolutely just a hunch. Nothing statistical backs up my belief in Armstrong right now. I just think the kid has it. I could be very wrong and if so I'll eat crow. Right now though, I don't think I'll be wrong. I don't disagree with anyone who is putting him on the list of unknowns. He is unknown. He was put in a tough spot last year. The whole team was. Anytime you lose a four year starting QB that early in the season, there will be struggles. Still, "struggles" was a 7-1 starting record for Tommy. Record aside, my belief in him being a future great one is based purely off my judgment of his skills, his leadership, and the work ethic I believe he has.