knapplc Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Some predictions for this weekend's tilt against Southern Miss. Everyone's predicting a handy Husker win. I'm not so sure... Rittenberg & Bennett from ESPN: SOUTHERN MISS at No. 17 NEBRASKA Adam Rittenberg: A more composed Taylor Martinez delivers an efficient passing performance and breaks off a 60-yard touchdown run to spark the Huskers in the second half. Ciante Evans records an interception as Nebraska starts slowly but finishes well. ... Nebraska 35, Southern Miss 17 Brian Bennett: The Huskers avoid a repeat of 2004 with encouraging outings by both the defense and an improved Martinez. The latter completes 65 percent of his passes, and Rex Burkhead runs for 150 yards to usher in the revamped Memorial Stadium in style. ... Nebraska 31, Southern Miss 14 The Athlon guys: Key season in Lincoln begins with C-USA Champs Bo Pelini has won at least nine games in each of his four seasons as the Huskers head coach and was literally seconds from a Big 12 championship in 2009. But he also lost at least four games every year for a team that expects not just conference titles but national championships. His defense has lost its edge since 2009 and a change at the coordinator position to John Papuchis will hopefully reenergize the Black Shirts. And the first weekend will feature an intriguing test against the reigning C-USA champion Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Even without head coach Larry Fedora or star quarterback Austin Davis, the Eagles should be able to score points this fall. Having said that, this USM team should be outmatched by Taylor Martinez. Any sign of struggle could be a dangerous omen for Pelini. Braden Gall - Nebraska, 34-14 Mitch Light - Nebraska, 34-20 Steven Lassan - Nebraska, 38-13 David Fox - Nebraska, 35-10 Sporting News: Southern Miss at No. 17 Nebraska, 3:30 p.m. Saturday Hayes: Nebraska 33, Southern Miss 16. If only we could have played this thing a year ago, when Southern Miss had an experienced, dangerous quarterback. Now, it could be true freshman Anthony Alford, who didn’t win the job (junior Chris Campbell did) but clearly has the most talent of the group competing for the job. Greenberg: Nebraska 27, Southern Miss 13. It’ll be tight into the fourth quarter, but a motivated defense will rise up and Rex Burkhead will close it out with a late TD. That’s a blueprint the Huskers wouldn’t mind following all season long. Ralph Russo of the AP is picking us for the upset: UPSET SPECIAL Southern Miss (plus 19 1/2) at No. 17 Nebraska Be careful Cornhuskers ... SOUTHERN MISS 28-24. Stewart Mandel from SI: Southern Miss at No. 17 Nebraska Nebraska 36 Southern Miss 13 Last year's 12-2 Southern Miss team might have posed a legitimate threat to the Huskers. The Eagles, however, lost head coach Larry Fedora and nearly every important offensive skill player. It's possible that defensive-minded coach Ellis Johnson will have a plan to frazzle Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, but more realistically, running back Rex Burkhead will lead a rout. The BTN Guys: Southern Miss at Nebraska Tom’s pick: Nebraska, 30-17 – Offensive balance along with a quick and deep defense will overwhelm the Golden Eagles. Brent’s pick: Nebraska, 41-20 – Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead run away with this one early. Quote Link to comment
IlliniHusker Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I'm surprised there is only one upset pick. The rest seem to think NU will win by a comfortable margin. Since Southern Miss lost a lot of players to graduation, I would think NU with a 2-3 TD victory margin is the most probable outcome. Quote Link to comment
Saunders Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 CBSSports.com Dennis Dodd (N) - Bruce Feldman (N) - Bryan Fischer (N) - Tom Fornelli (N) Jerry Hinnen (N) - Matt Hinton (N) - Chip Patterson (N) ---------- Phil Steele The last time these two met was in 2004 and SMiss pulled the upset 21-17. SM was outFD’d 26-11 & outgained 476-239 but converted 5 NU TO’s into 18 pts. NU is 18-0 in home openers and keep in mind SMiss has just 10 returning st’rs and a new HC. NU has 14 returning st’rs and has an exp’d QB in Martinez while SM’s young QB is making his first road start and it is in front of 80,000 plus. NU takes care of business at home. PHIL’S FORECAST: Nebraska 35 - Southern Miss 14 ---------- Collegefootballnews.com Here’s The Deal: Nebraska will begin the season with the knowledge that it hasn’t won a conference title since 1999, too long for a program of this stature. Having completed the transition to the Big Ten with mixed reviews, the Huskers are hopeful that they’re better positioned to compete in the Legends Division and beyond. This is Year 5 for head coach Bo Pelini, who has yet to win fewer than nine games in a season … or completely dispel the notion that his program is caught in neutral. It’ll also be a pivotal campaign for junior QB Taylor Martinez, the throwback to the options days in Lincoln who spent much of the offseason attempting to clean up his throwing motion. A year after winning a school-best 12 games, Southern Miss will look to climb back up the mountain without head coach Larry Fedora or QB Austin Davis. Former South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is the new man in charge, but is taking his time to name Davis’ successor. Still in the mix is rookie Anthony Alford, the most heralded recruit to choose Hattiesburg in years. Why Southern Miss Might Win: Facing uncertainty behind center, the Golden Eagles will be content to run right at a Nebraska front seven looking to replace a few of last season’s key parts. Southern Miss has the kind of depth in the backfield that’ll maintain fresh legs, especially during the hottest month of the season. Desmond Johnson, Kendrick Hardy and Jeremy Hester have all gotten meaningful carries as members of the program. Plus, they’ll be operating behind a tough, Jason Weaver-led line that returns four starters. Never a slouch on defense, bandit Jamie Collins and defensive backs Deron Wilson and Jacorius Cotton will make Martinez pay if he hasn’t taken the promised step forward as a complete player. Why Nebraska Might Win: Southern Miss will have a tougher than normal time stopping the run in 2012, a by-product of some key losses in the front seven. The Huskers should be able to capitalize with the help of Martinez and backfield mate Rex Burkhead, one of the nation’s top backs. Nebraska will lean heavily on the ground game, getting daylight from a blue-collar O-line that boasts G Spencer Long as its most skilled blocker. Sure, the Eagles should have some success running the ball, but the lack of a proven threat in the passing game will allow the Huskers to stack the box with the likes of LB Will Compton and S Daimion Stafford. A packed house at Memorial Stadium is no place for a quarterback to make his starting debut. What To Watch Out For: If Martinez is going to showcase his improved arm, he’ll do so with lots of help from top receiver Kenny Bell. And if Bell is going to build on his impressive debut in Lincoln, he’ll have to shake Southern Miss CB Deron Wilson. Wilson is one of Conference USA’s top pass defenders, the kind of ball-hawk who is already drawing interest from NFL scouts. When Bell is being blanketed, Martinez might want to consider Kyler Reed, the athletic tight end itching to rebound from an injury-plagued junior year. What Will Happen: Southern Miss will face a tough transition in Johnson’s first year, especially on the offensive side of the ball. A one-note attack isn’t going to work on the road versus a stout Nebraska defense. As the Eagles struggle on third downs, the Huskers will keep the chains moving with the constant running of Burkhead and Martinez. Nebraska will be more effective than polished in Week 1, keeping USM at a safe distance throughout. CFN Prediction: Nebraska 30 - Southern Miss 13 ---------- BTN.com Tom’s pick: Offensive balance along with a quick and deep defense will overwhelm the Golden Eagles. Nebraska 30 - Southern Miss 17 Brent’s pick: Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead run away with this one early. Nebraska 41 - Southern Miss 20 ---------- ESPN Big Ten Bloggers Adam Rittenberg: A more composed Taylor Martinez delivers an efficient passing performance and breaks off a 60-yard touchdown run to spark the Huskers in the second half. Ciante Evans records an interception as Nebraska starts slowly but finishes well. Nebraska 35 - Southern Miss 17 Brian Bennett: The Huskers avoid a repeat of 2004 with encouraging outings by both the defense and an improved Martinez. The latter completes 65 percent of his passes, and Rex Burkhead runs for 150 yards to usher in the revamped Memorial Stadium in style. Nebraska 31 - Southern Miss 14 ---------- More to come... Quote Link to comment
ADS Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I like the picks, no ones picking the upset so thats a plus. Quote Link to comment
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