By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season
Did you know Nebraska had a 1,000-yard rusher last year? All the commotion about Ndamukong Suh and a stout defense drowned out Roy Helu's 2009 season in which he picked up 1,147 yards.
Now a senior, Helu returns to lead a veteran running back corps for a Huskers team that's expecting more from its offense than it got last year.
Much more.
And since Nebraska returns experienced linemen and wideouts, the biggest concern, as it is for many teams, is at quarterback. That's where Zac Lee, inconsistent in 2009, looks to improve on a season in which he threw for 2,143 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Lee is recovered from an elbow injury that slowed him last year, and is also being challenged this fall by backups Cody Green and Taylor Martinez. If Lee delivers, Nebraska will contend for a national championship.
But if he doesn't? Then Nebraska will just have to be content to battle for the Big 12 North Division, which it should win by virtue of its defense alone.
Gone is Ndamukong Suh, arguably the best defensive player in the history of college football, but the Huskers bring back another loaded defensive line led by All-Big 12 tackle Jared Crick. End Pierre Allen also will compete for individual honors as a third-year starter.
Linebacker Will Compton earned freshmen All-America honors last year, and Eric Hagg is a talented and experienced senior. This unit should be solid as well.
And perhaps the best NFL prospect on Nebraska's defense is senior cornerback Prince Amukamara, who had five interceptions last year and will see a fine test against Washington's Jake Locker in Week 3.
The pieces are in place, but perhaps no team's fortunes rest as heavily on their quarterback in 2010 as Nebraska's do. If Lee can manage the offense with consistency, then a friendly schedule should keep Nebraska among the Top 10 throughout the season.
Who's back? QB Zac Lee, RB Roy Helu Jr., DT Jared Crick, CB Prince Amukamara
Who's gone? DT Ndamukong Suh, LB Phillip Dillard, S Larry Asante
Why they'll win: A still-stout defense, a quarterback who takes a key step forward and a league schedule that brings Nebraska's two toughest opponents to Lincoln.
Why they'll lose: A few holes to fill on defense and a quarterback who doesn't take a key step forward.
Get your tickets: at Washington (Sept. 18), vs. Texas (Oct. 16), vs. Missouri (Oct. 30), at Texas A&M (Nov. 20)
Prediction: 11-1 (7-1, Big 12 North champs)