Know Your Penn State Football Enemy- Nebraska Cornhuskers

About 6 inches; That’s how much distance separates the Nittany Lions from having far more fond memories of the 2012 Nebraska game

than they do now. But a blown call and ultimately a 32-23 loss means the 2013 will be plenty hungry when their new(old?) Big Ten rival comes to town November 23rd. With the always colorful Bo Pelini at the helm for the Cornhuskers, this a game most PSU fans surely will not want to miss.

• Coach –  Bo Pelini, 6th year
• 2012 Record – 10-4
• Key Departures – RB Rex Burkhead, TE Kyler Reed, DT Baker Steinkuhler, DE Eric Martin, LB Will Compton
• Key Returnees – QB Taylor Martinez, RB Ameer Abdullah, WR Kenny Bell, DE Jason Ankrah, CB Ciante Evans

January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) at the line against Georgia Bulldogs during the first half of the Capital One Bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW

Forget everything you’ve ever learned about what the ‘Huskers are supposed to be, because this is not your parents Nebraska team. Behind the the play-making ability of Senior QB Taylor Martinez and the lightning quick moves of Running Back Ameer Abdullah the Huskers have enough fire power to put an armory to shame.

For Penn State fans, Martinez’s closest comparison is that of a Michael Robinson lite. A four year starter who’s seemingly been around forever (Zach Mills anyone?), Martinez’s most viable asset is his mobility. Last year he torched opponents for over 1,000 yards on the ground, while adding a still impressive 2,800 through the air.

Lining up next to Martinez in the backfield will be 5’9″, 190 pound spark plug Ameer Abdullah. For as quick as Martinez is, Abdullah is that much quicker. After starting the season as a change of pace from the behemoth Rex Burkhead last season, Abdullah yielded over 1,000 yards on the ground in a season where Burkhead was plagued with injuries. Though slight, the rising Junior tailback showed he can carry the load full-time in this run heavy Nebraska offense.

Though the losses of Burkhead and Martinez’s security blanked Kyler Reed will hurt, don’t expect this Husker offense to slow down too much. Pelini still has his best receiver in Junior Kenny Bell as well as a myriad of other weapon. Don’t be surprised if we see this Husker offense put up 50 on more than one occasion this season on their way to becoming one of the most feared offenses in the country.

Oct 27, 2012; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers players Eric Martin (46) and Ciante Evans (17) celebrate after a pass interception during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 23-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW

I told you these weren’t your parents Nebraska Cornhuskers, and that could become evident early in the season. The vaunted “Blackshirt defense” is a thing of the past. Though the Huskers will be wearing black shirts in Week 3 at the ALWAYS sold out Memorial Stadium (300 plus games), don’t be surprised to see that defense shredded early and often. Pelini’s men will face their first real test in that Week 3 game when UCLA comes to town led by Dual-Threat Quarterback and Heisman trophy  sleeper Brett Hundley.

The Huskers will greatly miss the physical presence of graduated Defensive Tackle Baker Steinkuhler as well as his line mate Eric Martin, who led the team in sacks. They will also be without the services of their leading tackler in 2012, Linebacker Will Compton. However, if the Huskers have one place on defense to rest their laurels, it’s the secondary.

Nebraska returns its entire defensive backfield from 2012. They will also be aided by the addition of Auburn University transfer Jonathan Rose, who had offers from Alabama and Florida State as well coming out of High School in 2011. The depth and seniority in the secondary should allow Defensive Coordinator John Papuchis to get more aggressive with his blitz packages in an attempt to make up for the losses of Steinkuhler and  Martin.

2013 PREDICTION

This is a Nebraska team that’s very hard to get a handle on at the moment. Their offensive firepower says they should contend for a spot in a BCS bowl game, but their lack of depth and sheer size defensively should certainly be worrying for fans. The early game against UCLA will be huge in building confidence going forward, a loss at home could be crushing for a very young defense. The Big Ten is light again this year however, and will aide their chances of success. I foresee the Huskers getting 9 wins this season, with one of their loses coming on the road in a very vengeful  Happy Valley.

Follow VBR Staff Writer Clay Sauertieg on Twitter