College Football Preview: 25. Nebraska Cornhuskers

25.Nebraska Cornhuskers Returning Starters: 16 Returning Star: RB Rex Burkhead Key Loss: CB Alfonzo Dennard Player to Watch: LB Will Compton The Huskers first year in the Big Ten was good, but not great. A 9-4 mark that included losses to Northwestern, and beatings from Michigan and Wisconsin could have been better. Though with the talent that this team has back a ten win season and possibly a Big Ten championship isn't out of the picture. Back is quarterback Taylor Martinez, the scrambler. Martinez can keep plays alive with his feet but sometimes the reason they break down is because he doesn't have the arm strength. Though he did throw for 2,000 plus yards in 2011. Bo Pelini caught a huge break when senior back Rex Burkhead returned. Burkhead is a bruiser who can also use some of his speed to become and elusive ballcarrier. The reason this Huskers offense should be improved isn't because of Martinez nor Burkhead. It's because of these receivers that are back. Sophomore Kenny Bell and Quincy Enunwa are both back in a Nebraska uniform hoping to help Martinez continue his developement. Both have some speed and have pretty good size. Martinez should rely heavily on tight end Ben Cotton. Cotton is a huge target that can also provide blocking help. This offensive line is greatly improved thanks to the return of guard Spencer Long and tackle Tyler Moore. Neither are very dominant but will get the job done. Defense has always been amazing, it seems, here in Nebraska. But gone is linemen Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David and defensive back Alfonzo Dennard, last year's top three defenders. Cameron Meredith should be the next great pass rusher, following Ndamukong Suh and Crick. Meredith is very ahtletic with a nose for the football. Also back is tackle Baker Steinhukler who is a monster. Jason Ankrah is yet another pass rusher that Pelini can unleash. Without David the linebackers are probably the weakest unit on the team. Senior Will Compton must have a big year in order for this defense to be good. Senior Alonzo Whaley has shown flashes in his career. Cornerback Andrew Green could become a shutdown corner in his third year with the Huskers. But other than that this secondary is young and unproven. Heisman Hopeful: Taylor Martinez Big Ten Rank: 5th