The conference media days are fast approaching, and that means the unofficial kickoff to the college football season (finally). In the meantime, we're taking a look at the reasons why each league team will or won't reach a specific goal in 2016.
Next up is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers finished last season 6-7 with a victory against UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl, capping a nice turnaround in the final four games. Nebraska beat Big Ten champion Michigan State and hung tough with Big Ten West division winner Iowa in the regular-season finale. Mike Riley's first season in charge featured its share of unlucky moments -- the Cornhuskers' first five losses came by a combined 13 points. But most people believe Nebraska is back on the rise. Will the Cornhuskers win double-digit games for the first time since 2012?
Why Nebraska will win double-digit games in 2016:
The offense is loaded: Cornhuskers fans have to be salivating at the prospect of so much returning offensive talent. Even last year, moving the ball really wasn't the issue in many games. Nebraska ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring offense (32.8 points per game) and second in total offense (446.9 yards). Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. is the league's leading returning passer after throwing for 252.5 yards per game. If he can keep his interceptions down -- he threw 16 last season -- the Cornhuskers should be as feared as any offense in the league. Consider that Nebraska returns its top six receiving threats from a year ago -- wide receivers Jordan Westerkamp, Brandon Reilly, Stanley Morgan Jr. and Alonzo Moore, as well as tight end Cethan Carter and tailback Terrell Newby. Those six players combined for 202 catches for 2,859 yards and 23 touchdowns. Wow. And let's not forget wide receiver and return man De'Mornay Pierson-El. Riley recently told reporters in Lincoln that Pierson-El was "on track" to participate in fall camp after he sustained a major knee injury last October. More production on the ground would be nice, but with those weapons, Nebraska can afford to take more shots through the air.
Fortune favors the Huskers: Let's be real here -- Nebraska wasn't nearly as bad as its record indicated last season. Was there any team in the country that experienced more bad breaks than the Cornhuskers? Somehow, a season-opening loss to BYU on a 42-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from a backup quarterback no one had heard of was only the beginning. That should have been at least an eight-win team, and probably better than even that record. Of course, many of Nebraska's woes were self-inflicted, so it's not like the Cornhuskers weren't to blame. Poor clock management against Illinois cost Nebraska one win. An inability to convert one first down in the final minutes cost Nebraska a victory against Wisconsin. And that doesn't include an overtime loss to Miami and a two-point loss at Northwestern. Nebraska was minus-12 in turnover margin last season, which ranked tied for 117th nationally. If the Cornhuskers can cut down on their mistakes, they have a legitimate chance to win 10 games -- perhaps nine in the regular season and one in a bowl.
Why Nebraska won't win double-digit games in 2016:
Offensive line and ground game improvement: Nebraska loses four key players from the offensive line -- tackle Alex Lewis, center Ryne Reeves, guard Zach Sterup and guard Chongo Kondolo. The Cornhuskers still have Dylan Utter and Nick Gates, who will be the leaders on the line. But the rest of the unit lacks experience, and there could be some growing pains up front. It will also be difficult to replace what fullback Andy Janovich did for this team as a blocker. Janovich didn't get many rushing opportunities, but he did average 6.3 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. Power back Imani Cross (451 yards, six touchdowns) finished his career last season, leaving another hole. Terrell Newby needs to take a step forward, but the same can be said for the entire rushing attack. Nebraska finished without a 1,000-yard rusher last season for the first time since 2008. Devine Ozigbo and Mikale Wilbon will provide Nebraska with depth, but the Cornhuskers need some home-run hitters. A strong ground game -- and a reliable push up front -- is essential to success in the Big Ten.
Defensive line production: Nebraska loses defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine, who combined for 39 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season. Both players declared early for the NFL draft.The Dallas Cowboys selected Collins in the third round, while Valentine went in the third round to the New England Patriots. That's some serious talent that Nebraska no longer has up front. Defensive tackle Greg McMullen, who moved over from end in the spring, left the team this offseason to focus on his graduate degree after tallying 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks. The Cornhuskers also lost defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who transferred to Michigan State to use his sixth year of eligibility. That makes four players to leave the team after the 2015 season who still had remaining eligibility. Plus, defensive end Jack Gangwish used up his eligibility, meaning all four defensive line starters from Nebraska's bowl game are gone. Senior Kevin Maurice, who played in 10 games last season, and sophomore Mick Stoltenberg (nine games) certainly will help fill the void, as will Freedom Akinmoladun. But new defensive line coach John Parrella will have his hands full trying to mold a relatively youthful group.