A Six-Pack of Predictions for UT-Chattanooga
Things that may happen and what we might learn
Six things I think might happen on Saturday after watching this allergy-riddled tween breakdown a 35-7 thumping of UT-Chattanooga on NCAA 12.
#1: Taylor Martinez 2011 looks a lot like Taylor Martinez 2010, warts and all. Martinez won't have quite the debut he did last year where he scored three TDs on 7 carries, but he'll find the endzone twice on the ground and one more through the air. The quickness will be back as will his nasty splitfinger of a pass.
Jr
• QB • 6-1 • 205 lbs
Taylor 's full bio
#2: The new offense will look less exciting than you think. Part of that is just the anticipation that's built up amid all the secrecy. Another part of it is that we'll likely only see the first 8 pages or so of the playbook if everything goes according to plan. There will be at least a few wrinkles where Tim Beck with play with us a little bit. Just some razzle dazzle to slake the thirst but it won't look like the offense that will revolutionize football which, technically, is still on the table until Saturday afternoon.
What it says: It says that Nebraska's keeping things as vanilla as possible. The bigger key will be the execution of those basic plays. This might be the best takeaway of the day because its mostly opponent independent.
#3: The dinged and dented o-line will look just fine. The biggest concern out of fall camp had to be the number of nagging injuries on the o-line that could bite Nebraska later on this season, but it won't be Saturday. FCS teams always have some skill position players who can compete at a BCS level but rarely have the size, athleticism or depth on the interior.
What it says: Nothing. The most pressing question facing Nebraska right now will have to wait another week at least. The scary proposition is if the o-line struggles. UT-C does return 8 starters on defense.
#4: QB B.J. Coleman will not have a fun day. I have no doubt that Coleman is a fine QB, one of many the Huskers will face this year and he has an All-American receiver in Joel Bradford to look for if he's not running for his life. The Mocs are replacing three starters on the o-line and coach Russ Huesman said the backups are pretty green which should mean a field day for Nebraska's d-line. UT-C's best talent is in the passing game but it will be interesting to see if the Mocs insist upon opening themselves up to the Blackshirts pass rush. Six sacks seems like a good number, from five different players including one sack from Eric Martin which will provide a good late game jolt to Memorial Stadium.
What it says: Chattanooga's o-line is young and Nebraska's d-line is deep and dynamic. It's a horrible matchup for the Mocs.
#5: Two Nebraska backs outside of Martinez and Burkhead will eclipse 50 yards rushing and they'll both be freshman. Fifty yards may not sound like much but when you consider Rex Burkhead will likely top the 100 yard mark and Martinez will be close, that puts Nebraska in the neighborhood of 300 yards on the ground. The Huskers topped 300 in two of their first three games last year and rushed for 289 yards in the other one. My guess is it will be Abdullah and Green.
So
• IB • 5-9 • 180 lbs
Ameer's full bio
#6: Nebraska 35 Chattanooga 7. That's the way it ended on our NCAA 12 link from above so, while I probably would've added at least another TD or two FGs, I'll go with that line for symmetry alone. I could see a couple of turnovers stopping a few drives short and new offense growing pains might limit scoring chances a little.
What it says: Nebraska is better than Tennessee-Chattanooga which the entire world knows coming in. Nothing good comes of this game other than the excitement of kicking things off and that's okay.
8/30/2011
I think this is rather a conservative estimation of the team. I believe the offense will be much more effective scoring 50 or more. There will be several long TD Runs by Taylor and 3 others by a combination of running backs. Three more TDs via the pass. I do not think the other team will score, making this the first of several shutouts this season. Wildly hopeful? I just think all the talent is there to win convincingly. This team has something to prove every game.
Omaha, NE
8/30/2011
Stephen,
It is a conservative estimate based on 3 factors:
1) I think the offense is going to be running in about 3rd gear most of the game.
2) I need to see how this offense is a “better fit” for Martinez before I can really assess his progress.
3) I’m a football conservative when it comes to Nebraska’s expectations by nature.
You’ll probably be closer to correct than I will, but I’m trying to manage my own expectations.
8/30/2011
We"ll SEE, When the huskers play a little bit better competition, I’ll be able to judge their progress from last year, WE have to give Mr. Beck some time to evaluate his strenghts on offense. If Martinez stays healthy, Nebraska can hang with the Big boys, But our strength,. will be with the DEFENSE
8/30/2011
Several long td runs? First of many shutouts? TypicaL unrealistic husker fan.
8/30/2011
Tyler, You remind me of an Iowa fan thast sat behind me in 1999 and 2000 and ran his mouth about Nebraska and how the Hawkeyes were going to insert the ball in the arse of Nebraska, He never came back after the third qtr !!!GBR
8/30/2011
NU- 52
UT-Chat- 10
8/30/2011
All I want to see is the Husker playing with hunger and attitude on both sides of the ball every place. GBR!
8/30/2011
Lawdy! A video game as a predictor. You couldn’t find a coin to flip or a dartboard to throw at?
8/30/2011
you guys forgot the couple touchdowns the d will get their corners and safeties are ball hogs!!
8/30/2011
ball hogs? like the basketball term for someone who doesn’t give up the rock?
or do you mean ball hawks.
PS at work they are called fringe benefits…not french benefits.
8/30/2011
Considering both offenses scored over 30 points in the spring game going against a mix of defensive players, I think this bodes well for the offense. As has been discussed, the defense is ahead of the offense so the other team should be suppressed pretty well. I had not thought about defensive touchdowns, so I can see one or two at least change of processions and scoring from the turn over. I just learned I will be able to watch the game on the BTN network via Direct TV. My Saturday has improved considerably.
8/31/2011
Oh how soon we forget…remember last year’s opener? And this Chattanooga team has a real quarterback, fully capable of airing it out? He’s ranked on the draft board higher than Martinez, for crying out loud, and should have been the starter at Tennessee. This one is going to be alot closer than you think.
8/31/2011
50-7 is my prediction. I just feel that we have too many weapons on both sides of the ball. We are very young on offense but I’m encouraged by what seems to be a more athletic bunch. I cant wait to see the new offense, Taylor’s maturation, the new we-backs, exciting young talented receivers and the improved Rex Burkhead and Brandon Kinnie. Seeing how we match up against the teams of the Big X. What an exciting year to be a husker fan.
8/31/2011
I sincerely hope their quarterback is very good as the better the offense is the more experience our defense will get from the game. The interesting part is we will be fielding a new defense this year as well. How will they adapt to only having three D backs in stead of 5. The extra linebackers will help control the running game and make them one dimensional. The coach sounded humble but of course you should never underestimate any team or look past them to the next week. I think everyone needs to remember that last year Martinez was brand new where he returns this year after a lot of starts so he should be better and more effective. Also, we just have more weapons on offense than last year. We should not be held to less than 50 points with 14 coming from the defense. Its not that you want to crush a young division 2 team, but a strong performance is expected if you intend to make a run at the national championship.