2013

[helenahusker]

No one probably wants to hear this, but as has been pointed out before, the season everyone should be waiting for isn't next year - it is 2013.  While we lose Burkhead, we should be deep at RB, TM will be a senior and should be pushed by a back up, the defensive line with Peat, Guy, Ankrah and Rome will be very mature, as will the offensive line. Bell, Turner, QE, Allen will be juniors and seniors.

Linebacker depth should be improved, and we'll see where we are at with our safeties.

The schedule is very favorable. We get Illinois, Purdue and play for the second time at PSU, Michigan and Minnesota.

I"m not giving up on next year, but I'm also not getting on board with the criticism of the wins and losses  until after the 2013 season. Barring a string of burnouts or injuries, that is the championship year run.

[wisker]

Good post.  I agree 100%.  But I'm very optomistic about 2012 as well (How can anyone not be optomistic about "husker" football?").  Some of this years recruits will help steady the ship. 

GBR!!!!!!!!!

[RedSnapper]

Yep.  That's why I've said for some time that we need to give Pelini 2 more years to "get there."  2013 should be a NC-caliber year.  If it turns into another 4+ loss fiasco, there will (and should) be some serious unrest in Huskerland.  Until then, best grit our teeth and bear the pain.

[HuskerVotary]

I'll wait and see how the injuries, returners and recruits play out before predicting any season to be a championship run.  That said, I agree that next season will be far from perfect, and there will almost certainly some ups and downs.  Just like most seasons, for most teams, that is.  

[Cdog923]

Just wait, on January 4th, 2013, it'll be "wait until 2014..."

[HuskerFan2002]

I don't want to wait till 2013....

[husker-stv]

On paper, Michigan is the game that looks challenging - they have mostly everybody back.  Ohio St will be much improved, but other than that, Wisconsin is here and loses all their skill guys (Wilson, Ball, Toon, Aberderis) - Michigan St loses it's QB and top WR, and NW loses Persa.  PSU will be in total shambles by this time next year, and Iowa is sadly in the beginning of a nosedive.  Non-con is easy, so honestly, I don't see us losing more than 1 or 2 in the regular season.  With some luck and good timing, 2012 could be our year.

[skrzfan]

9-3

[wilber24]

I will stick with 2012. Just hope certain players, improve, step up, get it etc.(not gonna mention any names)
NU has been average, just waiting to make the leap!

[joshuahuskers]

We'll be improved next year.  I think our chances of winning the B1G are better next year in 2012 than 2013.  Ohio State cannot win the B1G next year.  They will win probably 3/4 Big Ten championships with Meyer at the helm.  Sorry, just how it is.  Michigan will really be their only challenger, as they are recruiting well.  Meyer will bring SEC-like talent to tOSU.

[wilber24]

We'll be improved next year.  I think our chances of winning the B1G are better next year in 2012 than 2013.  Ohio State cannot win the B1G next year.  They will win probably 3/4 Big Ten championships with Meyer at the helm.  Sorry, just how it is.  Michigan will really be their only challenger, as they are recruiting well.  Meyer will bring SEC-like talent to tOSU.

Do Not let Meyer scare you, he has to prove that he can handle the task(health problems)

[Red Said Ted]

You're brave to start this thread but I agree.  The youth on the team is super talented and the recruits we will have joining us in 2012 are some of the most sought after players in the country.  By 2013 we should be in great shape as far as talent level goes.  The best case scenario for us would be for both Tommy Armstrong (committed) and Devin Fuller (potential commit) to sign with NU this year.  That would give us two highly ranked QB recruits to really push Taylor Martinez and be ready for action by 2013 if needed.  The skills players and O line look to be outstanding by 2013, and the defense should be back to a true Bo Pelini defense.  D line, linebackers, and secondary should be flat sick by 2013.  The next month is HUGE in determining just how good Nebraska can be by 2013.  National signing day is only a short time away.

[AndrewDavid]

Good post.  I agree 100%.  But I'm very optomistic about 2012 as well (How can anyone not be optomistic about "husker" football?").  Some of this years recruits will help steady the ship. 

GBR!!!!!!!!!

IKR If you are a true fan you are always optimistic and think the Huskers will win every game, I know I do lol

[Sexy Leather]

No one probably wants to hear this, but as has been pointed out before, the season everyone should be waiting for isn't next year - it is 2013.  While we lose Burkhead, we should be deep at RB, TM will be a senior and should be pushed by a back up, the defensive line with Peat, Guy, Ankrah and Rome will be very mature, as will the offensive line. Bell, Turner, QE, Allen will be juniors and seniors.

Linebacker depth should be improved, and we'll see where we are at with our safeties.

The schedule is very favorable. We get Illinois, Purdue and play for the second time at PSU, Michigan and Minnesota.

I"m not giving up on next year, but I'm also not getting on board with the criticism of the wins and losses  until after the 2013 season. Barring a string of burnouts or injuries, that is the championship year run.

Oh I don't know.  Looking at it from a true sunshine pumper's perspective one could make the argument that 2012 could be Nebraska's year.  The Huskers, in reality, were merely 3 halves of football from being a one loss team and potentially in a BCS bowl.  Second half meltdowns against Wisconsin, Michigan and South Carolina sunk this team.  I can't explain Northwestern except to say that the Huskers just thought they could show up and win.

Now will Nebraska win a conference title next season?  They've got just as good a shot as anyone else in the league.  And actually a conference title is closer to possible and probable because a team doesn't need to go undefeated. 

A national title and going undefeated on the other hand is far more improbable due to all the "stars" which must align.

[Red Ghost]

McKewon says this about 2012:

I'll write it straight out: NU isn't a realistic national title contender next year, and it's a decided underdog in the Legends Division to Michigan.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120104/BIGRED/701049807