http://colleg...p?CID=1048047

Nebraska should absolutely be in the top ten next year, and maybe top five. The QB is the only issue - and that's Shawn's responsibility. If NU falls short, he does. Period. Everything else is in place.

Quote:

Originally posted by MrGoodLife  Nebraska should absolutely be in the top ten next year, and maybe top five. The QB is the only issue - and that's Shawn's responsibility. If NU falls short, he does. Period. Everything else is in place.

I basically agree, but with the addition that the WR's have to step up as well. There is plenty of depth, speed, size, and raw talent, but very little consistency or mental focus. The RB's may be more independent of the ups and downs of the QB position, but the WR's and the QB go hand-in-hand. You could have Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, any TT QB over the last 9 years, McCoy, Bradford, Tebow, etc - none of it matters in how good they pass or how good they are with decisions in the passing game - if the WR's don't catch the ball, what is the point? And vice versa - Denario Alexander would not have been very good last year if Jamaal Lord were his QB (sorry Jamaal).

Now, did Zac Lee's injury affect his passing and his confidence? Probably. Did Zac Lee and Cody Green have issues in seeing the whole field, not progressing through their checks, and being decisive with the ball? Yes - and that partially has to do with coaching. So, can the QB position turn around with health and good coaching - yes, but only partially. The WRs have to hold up their end of the bargain and catch the ball.

So, what does it take to get a receiver to catch the ball? Can coaching and technique do it alone? Do you need a new infusion of talent and personnel? Does someone like Bo Pelini need to get inside their heads and improve the attitude and focus? Something else or all of the above? And is NU capable of doing that?

Added depth, experience, development, and health on the O-line will help the QB's as well. We all saw how Zac Lee got rattled under pressure. If the O-line can keep the pressure off him for another 2 seconds or so, then that could do wonders for Zac's accuracy and decision-making. Not to mention that improved O-line play will help the running game.

But yes, I agree the pieces are in place to have a special year on offense.

Here's some more gas to throw on the fire that is the Husker Hype Machine:

http://sports...mp;id=4901998

http://espn.g...nkings-021010

Not that preseason rankings mean much... But it could help in recruiting a little. It is indicative of a program on the rise with good momentum.

GO BIG RED!!!