Eric the Red
Team HuskerBoard
On the opponents:
Nevada
* 2006: 8-5, 5-3 Western Athletic Conference. Lost to Miami 21-20 in MPC Computers Bowl.
* Returning: 14 starters (5 offensive, 7 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Wolfpack lost starting quarterback Jeff Rowe, a fifth-round NFL Draft pick by Cincinnati, as well as three-year starting wide receiver Caleb Spencer. Sophomore QB Nick Graziano showed promise in the spring game, completing 10 of 16 passes for 150 yards while operating the team’s “Pistol offense,” which features a lot of rollouts and play-action.
* Why they’re a threat: The Wolfpack features a strong front seven on a defense that is expected to be one of the best in the WAC. “I’m excited about our defense because they can really run,” coach Chris Ault said.
* Degree of difficulty: 5.
Wake Forest
* 2006: 11-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference. Lost to Louisville 24-13 in Orange Bowl.
* Returning: 15 starters (8 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Demon Deacons had to replace hard-hitting linebacker Jon Abbate and talented starting safeties Josh Gattis and Patrick Ghee. In addition, starting running back Micah Andrews missed the entire spring with a torn ACL suffered last September. Coaches hope he’ll be full-go come August.
* Why they’re a threat: Wake Forest surprised the nation last season using a lot of third-year sophomores and fourth-year juniors. Pundits feel the Demon Deacons could be even better in 2007, with more overall talent, depth and experience.
* Degree of difficulty: 8.
Southern California
* 2006: 11-2, 7-2 Pacific-10 Conference. Defeated Michigan 32-18 in Rose Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (7 offensive, 10 defensive, 1 specialist).
* Spring questions: The offense lost arguably the best wide receiver combination in school history in Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. The Trojans have ample talent at the wideout positions, but most of it is untested. Also, three-year starting center Ryan Kalil could be difficult to replace, especially if senior Matt Spanos doesn’t regain academic eligibility.
* Why they’re a threat: Let us count the ways. Start with a ferocious defense that returns virtually intact after finishing 2006 among the national top 25 in all the major statistical categories. The Trojans’ linebacker crew might be the nation’s best. Senior QB John David Booty is steady and often superb.
* Degree of difficulty: 10.
Ball State
* 2006: 5-7, 5-3 Mid-American Conference. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 13 starters (7 offensive, 6 defensive).
* Spring questions: The Cardinals were woeful defensively for most of the 2006 season, finishing 115th in total defense (out of 119 Division I-A teams). Coach Brady Hoke believes improved overall speed in the front seven could help matters.
* Why they’re a threat: Quarterback Nate Davis led the conference in pass efficiency in 2006 as a freshman. He is an athletic player with a strong arm who now has a much better grasp of the offense. Davis had Cardinals on the brink of an upset early last November at Michigan before the Wolverines escaped 34-26.
* Degree of difficulty: 4.
Iowa State
* 2006: 4-8, 1-7 Big 12. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 12 starters (5 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Iowa State has a new head coach (Gene Chizik), and the Cyclones are leaning hard on 10 junior college transfers. ISU lost four starters along the offensive line.
* Why they’re a threat: At one point, Chizik had a personal 29-game win streak in two-plus years as defensive coordinator at Auburn and Texas. Maybe some new energy will inspire the Cyclones. It also helps to have a steady senior at QB in Bret Meyer.
* Degree of difficulty: 3.
Missouri
* 2006: 8-5, 4-4 Big 12. Lost to Oregon State 39-38 in Sun Bowl.
* Returning: 15 starters (8 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Missouri last season ranked 11th in the Big 12 in rushing defense against conference competition. There were signs of improvement this spring.
* Why they’re a threat: The Tigers are loaded with talent on offense, highlighted by junior quarterback Chase Daniel. He finished fifth nationally in total offense last season, averaging 300.5 yards. He benefits greatly from having two of the nation’s best tight ends, 6-foot-5 Martin Rucker and 6-6 Chase Coffman.
* Degree of difficulty: 9.
Oklahoma State
* 2006: 7-6, 3-5 Big 12. Defeated Alabama 34-31 in Independence Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (8 offensive, 7 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: The Cowboys entered the spring needing to replace their top three interior defensive linemen. Maurice Cummings and Jeray Chatham emerged as starters but have a combined 12 career tackles. OSU’s new defensive coordinator, Tim Beckman, is giving out black jerseys to his top performers on defense.
* Why they’re a threat: Quarterback Bobby Reid helps lead perhaps the Big 12’s most potent offense ... and he was outyarded in the spring game by Zac Robinson, who threw for 149 yards and ran for 55. Coaches say both QBs will play. Wideout Adarius Bowman and running back Dantrell Savage are among the league’s most explosive players.
* Degree of difficulty: 7.
Texas A&M
* 2006: 9-4, 5-3 Big 12. Lost to California 45-10 in Holiday Bowl.
* Returning: 17 starters (9 offensive, 5 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: Most of the uncertainty will be on defense. The Aggies must replace three starters along the defensive front — end Jason Jack declared early for the NFL Draft but wasn’t drafted — and two of three linebackers. Coaches would also like to see quarterback Stephen McGee make more plays through the air.
* Why they’re a threat: Don’t laugh at the fact A&M had no players drafted last weekend (the first time that’s happened since 1974). It means the Aggies didn’t lose much and return a great deal of talent, especially in the offensive backfield.
* Degree of difficulty: 8.
Texas
* 2006: 10-3, 6-2 Big 12. Defeated Iowa 26-24 in Alamo Bowl.
* Returning: 16 starters (7 offensive, 6 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: Texas needs to revamp a very inconsistent running game, and losing three offensive linemen (two taken in the NFL Draft) won’t help matters. The secondary also loses three of four starters, including Thorpe Award-winning cornerback Aaron Ross. A legitimate backup to Colt McCoy (remember what happened at Kansas State?) would be appreciated by Longhorn fans.
* Why they’re a threat: McCoy, up to 208 pounds, will be more of a running threat, which is exactly what the Longhorns need. Winning in Austin obviously won’t be easy.
* Degree of difficulty: 10.
Kansas
* 2006: 6-6, 3-5 Big 12. Did not earn bowl invitation.
* Returning: 16 starters (6 offensive, 8 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Kerry Meier returns as starter, but there always seems to be questions surrounding the quarterback spot at KU. This time, sophomore Todd Reesing enters the picture. He threw for 171 yards in the Blue-White game; Meier threw for 204. Currently, there is no official No. 1 quarterback. First-year offensive coordinator Ed Warinner is restructuring KU’s passing game.
* Why they’re a threat: Remember what happened last time NU played in Lawrence? Even the last two home games with the Jayhawks have been tight.
* Degree of difficulty: 7.
Kansas State
* 2006: 7-6, 4-4 Big 12. Lost to Rutgers 37-10 in Texas Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (8 offensive, 8 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Quarterback wasn’t supposed to be a question, but after Josh Freeman’s 9-of-22 performance in the Purple-White game ... His team totaled zero yards of total offense (44 passing, minus 44 rushing). The Wildcats must improve up front if they’re going to move the football ... and Freeman must be more consistent.
* Why they’re a threat: Hmm ... good question. The defense should be good enough to keep the Wildcats in games. Special teams are always helpful in Manhattan, too.
* Degree of difficulty: 4.
Colorado
* 2006: 2-10, 2-6 Big 12. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 17 starters (9 offensive, 7 defensive, 1 specialist).
* Spring questions: When you’re 2-10, you’ve got questions everywhere. The biggest change will be at quarterback, where redshirted freshman Cody Hawkins, son of coach Dan Hawkins, and junior college transfer Nick Nelson likely will push out incumbent Bernard Jackson, who this spring was used at running back and wideout. Hawkins was 12-of-20 passing for 119 yards with a TD and an interception in CU’s spring game.
* Why they’re a threat: The Buffs will be improved in Hawkins’ second season, and playing in Boulder is never easy.
* Degree of difficulty: 5.
Nevada
* 2006: 8-5, 5-3 Western Athletic Conference. Lost to Miami 21-20 in MPC Computers Bowl.
* Returning: 14 starters (5 offensive, 7 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Wolfpack lost starting quarterback Jeff Rowe, a fifth-round NFL Draft pick by Cincinnati, as well as three-year starting wide receiver Caleb Spencer. Sophomore QB Nick Graziano showed promise in the spring game, completing 10 of 16 passes for 150 yards while operating the team’s “Pistol offense,” which features a lot of rollouts and play-action.
* Why they’re a threat: The Wolfpack features a strong front seven on a defense that is expected to be one of the best in the WAC. “I’m excited about our defense because they can really run,” coach Chris Ault said.
* Degree of difficulty: 5.
Wake Forest
* 2006: 11-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference. Lost to Louisville 24-13 in Orange Bowl.
* Returning: 15 starters (8 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Demon Deacons had to replace hard-hitting linebacker Jon Abbate and talented starting safeties Josh Gattis and Patrick Ghee. In addition, starting running back Micah Andrews missed the entire spring with a torn ACL suffered last September. Coaches hope he’ll be full-go come August.
* Why they’re a threat: Wake Forest surprised the nation last season using a lot of third-year sophomores and fourth-year juniors. Pundits feel the Demon Deacons could be even better in 2007, with more overall talent, depth and experience.
* Degree of difficulty: 8.
Southern California
* 2006: 11-2, 7-2 Pacific-10 Conference. Defeated Michigan 32-18 in Rose Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (7 offensive, 10 defensive, 1 specialist).
* Spring questions: The offense lost arguably the best wide receiver combination in school history in Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. The Trojans have ample talent at the wideout positions, but most of it is untested. Also, three-year starting center Ryan Kalil could be difficult to replace, especially if senior Matt Spanos doesn’t regain academic eligibility.
* Why they’re a threat: Let us count the ways. Start with a ferocious defense that returns virtually intact after finishing 2006 among the national top 25 in all the major statistical categories. The Trojans’ linebacker crew might be the nation’s best. Senior QB John David Booty is steady and often superb.
* Degree of difficulty: 10.
Ball State
* 2006: 5-7, 5-3 Mid-American Conference. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 13 starters (7 offensive, 6 defensive).
* Spring questions: The Cardinals were woeful defensively for most of the 2006 season, finishing 115th in total defense (out of 119 Division I-A teams). Coach Brady Hoke believes improved overall speed in the front seven could help matters.
* Why they’re a threat: Quarterback Nate Davis led the conference in pass efficiency in 2006 as a freshman. He is an athletic player with a strong arm who now has a much better grasp of the offense. Davis had Cardinals on the brink of an upset early last November at Michigan before the Wolverines escaped 34-26.
* Degree of difficulty: 4.
Iowa State
* 2006: 4-8, 1-7 Big 12. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 12 starters (5 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Iowa State has a new head coach (Gene Chizik), and the Cyclones are leaning hard on 10 junior college transfers. ISU lost four starters along the offensive line.
* Why they’re a threat: At one point, Chizik had a personal 29-game win streak in two-plus years as defensive coordinator at Auburn and Texas. Maybe some new energy will inspire the Cyclones. It also helps to have a steady senior at QB in Bret Meyer.
* Degree of difficulty: 3.
Missouri
* 2006: 8-5, 4-4 Big 12. Lost to Oregon State 39-38 in Sun Bowl.
* Returning: 15 starters (8 offensive, 5 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Missouri last season ranked 11th in the Big 12 in rushing defense against conference competition. There were signs of improvement this spring.
* Why they’re a threat: The Tigers are loaded with talent on offense, highlighted by junior quarterback Chase Daniel. He finished fifth nationally in total offense last season, averaging 300.5 yards. He benefits greatly from having two of the nation’s best tight ends, 6-foot-5 Martin Rucker and 6-6 Chase Coffman.
* Degree of difficulty: 9.
Oklahoma State
* 2006: 7-6, 3-5 Big 12. Defeated Alabama 34-31 in Independence Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (8 offensive, 7 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: The Cowboys entered the spring needing to replace their top three interior defensive linemen. Maurice Cummings and Jeray Chatham emerged as starters but have a combined 12 career tackles. OSU’s new defensive coordinator, Tim Beckman, is giving out black jerseys to his top performers on defense.
* Why they’re a threat: Quarterback Bobby Reid helps lead perhaps the Big 12’s most potent offense ... and he was outyarded in the spring game by Zac Robinson, who threw for 149 yards and ran for 55. Coaches say both QBs will play. Wideout Adarius Bowman and running back Dantrell Savage are among the league’s most explosive players.
* Degree of difficulty: 7.
Texas A&M
* 2006: 9-4, 5-3 Big 12. Lost to California 45-10 in Holiday Bowl.
* Returning: 17 starters (9 offensive, 5 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: Most of the uncertainty will be on defense. The Aggies must replace three starters along the defensive front — end Jason Jack declared early for the NFL Draft but wasn’t drafted — and two of three linebackers. Coaches would also like to see quarterback Stephen McGee make more plays through the air.
* Why they’re a threat: Don’t laugh at the fact A&M had no players drafted last weekend (the first time that’s happened since 1974). It means the Aggies didn’t lose much and return a great deal of talent, especially in the offensive backfield.
* Degree of difficulty: 8.
Texas
* 2006: 10-3, 6-2 Big 12. Defeated Iowa 26-24 in Alamo Bowl.
* Returning: 16 starters (7 offensive, 6 defensive, 3 specialists).
* Spring questions: Texas needs to revamp a very inconsistent running game, and losing three offensive linemen (two taken in the NFL Draft) won’t help matters. The secondary also loses three of four starters, including Thorpe Award-winning cornerback Aaron Ross. A legitimate backup to Colt McCoy (remember what happened at Kansas State?) would be appreciated by Longhorn fans.
* Why they’re a threat: McCoy, up to 208 pounds, will be more of a running threat, which is exactly what the Longhorns need. Winning in Austin obviously won’t be easy.
* Degree of difficulty: 10.
Kansas
* 2006: 6-6, 3-5 Big 12. Did not earn bowl invitation.
* Returning: 16 starters (6 offensive, 8 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Kerry Meier returns as starter, but there always seems to be questions surrounding the quarterback spot at KU. This time, sophomore Todd Reesing enters the picture. He threw for 171 yards in the Blue-White game; Meier threw for 204. Currently, there is no official No. 1 quarterback. First-year offensive coordinator Ed Warinner is restructuring KU’s passing game.
* Why they’re a threat: Remember what happened last time NU played in Lawrence? Even the last two home games with the Jayhawks have been tight.
* Degree of difficulty: 7.
Kansas State
* 2006: 7-6, 4-4 Big 12. Lost to Rutgers 37-10 in Texas Bowl.
* Returning: 18 starters (8 offensive, 8 defensive, 2 specialists).
* Spring questions: Quarterback wasn’t supposed to be a question, but after Josh Freeman’s 9-of-22 performance in the Purple-White game ... His team totaled zero yards of total offense (44 passing, minus 44 rushing). The Wildcats must improve up front if they’re going to move the football ... and Freeman must be more consistent.
* Why they’re a threat: Hmm ... good question. The defense should be good enough to keep the Wildcats in games. Special teams are always helpful in Manhattan, too.
* Degree of difficulty: 4.
Colorado
* 2006: 2-10, 2-6 Big 12. Did not qualify for a bowl game.
* Returning: 17 starters (9 offensive, 7 defensive, 1 specialist).
* Spring questions: When you’re 2-10, you’ve got questions everywhere. The biggest change will be at quarterback, where redshirted freshman Cody Hawkins, son of coach Dan Hawkins, and junior college transfer Nick Nelson likely will push out incumbent Bernard Jackson, who this spring was used at running back and wideout. Hawkins was 12-of-20 passing for 119 yards with a TD and an interception in CU’s spring game.
* Why they’re a threat: The Buffs will be improved in Hawkins’ second season, and playing in Boulder is never easy.
* Degree of difficulty: 5.
