** 2017 Previews: Athlon Sports Big Ten Predictions **

[DrunkOffPunch]

The whole 'returning starters' thing is overblown. Besides Gerry I think everybody we lost will be pretty easily replaceable. Not to mention we fired a dead weight ST coach and a DC who couldn't adjust and added (if the hype is to be believed) one of the nations best defensive minds in Diaco who also has ST experience and a DB coach that looks like the real deal. If Langs can figure out the run game and the switch to the 3-4 is somewhat smooth, we could be a really dangerous team.

 

[Hoosker]

From the magazine:

TEAMS ON THE DECLINE

NEBRASKA

The Cornhuskers were on last year's "likely to improve" list, but really, only the win total improved. Nebraska actually fell from 36th in S&P+ in 2015 to 46th last fall. What changed? Luck and close-game performance. Based on national averages for fumble recoveries and the ratio of interceptions to passes broken up, Nebraska's turnover margin should have been about plus-0.5 in 2015 and minus-4.8 in 2016; instead, it was minus-12 in 2015 and plus-5 last year. This drastic shift in turnover luck put its finger on the scales. The Huskers were 3-6 in one-possession games in 2015 and 3-1 in 2016. Otherwise, the were, at best, basically the same team. That's not necessarily encouraging considering Nebraska now returns only 12 starters, third fewest in the Big Ten.

Since the end of 2016, we have upgraded to a top-flight defensive coordinator (and are paying him handsomely), switched to a defense that better fits our bevy of linebackers, and also picked up Donte Williams, who has been recruiting like a madman since he arrived. Not to mention we now have a QB that not only fits Riley's system, but also had a year to redshirt and develop chemistry with teammates like JD Spielman.

That doesn't sound like a team on the decline to me.

That sounds like a team making moves to get better.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

From the magazine:

TEAMS ON THE DECLINE

NEBRASKA

The Cornhuskers were on last year's "likely to improve" list, but really, only the win total improved. Nebraska actually fell from 36th in S&P+ in 2015 to 46th last fall. What changed? Luck and close-game performance. Based on national averages for fumble recoveries and the ratio of interceptions to passes broken up, Nebraska's turnover margin should have been about plus-0.5 in 2015 and minus-4.8 in 2016; instead, it was minus-12 in 2015 and plus-5 last year. This drastic shift in turnover luck put its finger on the scales. The Huskers were 3-6 in one-possession games in 2015 and 3-1 in 2016. Otherwise, the were, at best, basically the same team. That's not necessarily encouraging considering Nebraska now returns only 12 starters, third fewest in the Big Ten.

Since the end of 2016, we have upgraded to a top-flight defensive coordinator (and are paying him handsomely), switched to a defense that better fits our bevy of linebackers, and also picked up Donte Williams, who has been recruiting like a madman since he arrived. Not to mention we now have a QB that not only fits Riley's system, but also had a year to redshirt and develop chemistry with teammates like JD Spielman.

That doesn't sound like a team on the decline to me.

That sounds like a team making moves to get better.

Exactly! A better and more experienced coaching staff with the players they want. 10 wins or canning.

 

[Saunders]

If anyone is interested, listen to the latest episode of The Audible. I asked a question about NU this year to Stewart Manuel and Bruce Feldman. Both expect NU to do really well this year.

http://www.foxsports.com/podcasts/story/the-audible-080814

 

[Nebfanatic]

If anyone is interested, listen to the latest episode of The Audible. I asked a question about NU this year to Stewart Manuel and Bruce Feldman. Both expect NU to do really well this year.

http://www.foxsports.com/podcasts/story/the-audible-080814

Do you know around what time that is discussed?

 

[Saunders]

If anyone is interested, listen to the latest episode of The Audible. I asked a question about NU this year to Stewart Manuel and Bruce Feldman. Both expect NU to do really well this year.

http://www.foxsports.com/podcasts/story/the-audible-080814

Do you know around what time that is discussed?

Yeah, sorry. Use this link to listen to the episode, and start at the 35:35 mark.

https://art19.com/shows/the-audible/episodes/e460ce14-a6f1-4fdc-80f4-b2390f9cd693

 

[Big Red 40]

Excited to see the defense under Diaco. In my opinion big plays given up by the defense, and bad offensive line play, cost us games as much or more as Tommy did last year. I'm hoping Tanner will be an upgrade but there are other factors just as important that could go either way.

 

[Hunter94]

i don't know about 10 wins, but the improvements are there.

 

[mnhusker]

From the magazine:

TEAMS ON THE DECLINE

NEBRASKA

The Cornhuskers were on last year's "likely to improve" list, but really, only the win total improved. Nebraska actually fell from 36th in S&P+ in 2015 to 46th last fall. What changed? Luck and close-game performance. Based on national averages for fumble recoveries and the ratio of interceptions to passes broken up, Nebraska's turnover margin should have been about plus-0.5 in 2015 and minus-4.8 in 2016; instead, it was minus-12 in 2015 and plus-5 last year. This drastic shift in turnover luck put its finger on the scales. The Huskers were 3-6 in one-possession games in 2015 and 3-1 in 2016. Otherwise, the were, at best, basically the same team. That's not necessarily encouraging considering Nebraska now returns only 12 starters, third fewest in the Big Ten.

So what they are saying is that even though the team won more games they really are not a better team. Hmmmm OK

 

[Saunders]

From the magazine:

TEAMS ON THE DECLINE

NEBRASKA

The Cornhuskers were on last year's "likely to improve" list, but really, only the win total improved. Nebraska actually fell from 36th in S&P+ in 2015 to 46th last fall. What changed? Luck and close-game performance. Based on national averages for fumble recoveries and the ratio of interceptions to passes broken up, Nebraska's turnover margin should have been about plus-0.5 in 2015 and minus-4.8 in 2016; instead, it was minus-12 in 2015 and plus-5 last year. This drastic shift in turnover luck put its finger on the scales. The Huskers were 3-6 in one-possession games in 2015 and 3-1 in 2016. Otherwise, the were, at best, basically the same team. That's not necessarily encouraging considering Nebraska now returns only 12 starters, third fewest in the Big Ten.

So what they are saying is that even though the team won more games they really are not a better team. Hmmmm OK

They really weren't. The difference between both teams was basically 1 play a game.