I have really read a lot about this group of Huskers, who by the way, have the huge burden of reversing the 2007 season sitting on their shoulders.  The more I read, the more I am sure this group of guys will NOT allow what happened last year to repeat itself.  Guys have some confidence back along with the NU swagger that made those great teams from the 90’s so damn good.  We have an O-line that is 10 deep, a good stable of QB’s, and three RB’s that can start for any team in the country.  Our receivers are young but fast, athletic, and physical.  Offensively, we should be able duplicate last years numbers, when NU averaged 33 points a game.

When looking at last year, NU went 5-7, but I think we could have been easily 8-4 with a little more defensive effort and game planning.  Those 3 victories should have come at the expense of Texas A&M, Texas, and Colorado.  Who knows what would have happened with the others.  I think with a coach like Pelini and the rest of the staff, that defense would not have been what it was, PERIOD! 

Taking a look at the 2003 season, NU finished 10-3.  The criticism I really can’t stand is when people point out how Bo Pelini’s defense played in the Texas, Missouri, and K-State game.  Let’s not forget that our offense had more 3 and outs in those games then they did the rest of the other 10.  That defense had to play pretty much the entire games and just simply wore out.  I don’t blame the defense for those losses, but pin it on an offense that really wasn’t that prolific.  If we were able to put together things offensively in those 3 games, I believe the outcome would’ve been different.

That brings us to 2008 and where I think the Huskers will finish.  I am just so AMPED about this season.  I don’t care if every game was on PPV, I would gladly spend the money and wouldn’t care how much they charged!  I will compare this team to the 2003 team because it’s the last NON-LOSERHAN team and the only Bo Pelini defensive team.

Offensively we are in way better shape.  The defense from the 2003 team had a few break-out players….Demorrio Williams,  Barret Ruud, the Bullocks brothers, and a young Adam Carriker, but that was it.  Athletically this defense is quick and hungry to knock the taste out of every opponents mouth.  We might be young and unproven in the back seven, but I’ll put my money on them being much better than the 2003 team.  Our corners will see what it’s like to play for a coach who knows how to coach his players and Bo Pelini will know how to use his linebackers, just like he did in 2003.  We are thinnest at the LB position, but there is plenty of speed and guys who KNOW how to tackle.  Honesty I cannot see Coach Ekler not getting these guys to play their butts off every play.  Bottom line……  This will be a top 25 defense when it’s all said and done.  I really believe that.  So, how does this translate into the number of wins for NU?  I see it like this.  In the first five games, I see NU only loosing one of those.  Either VT or Mizzou, I am not sure which one.  In the next five games I see 2 losses from either Texas Tech, Oklahoma, or Kansas.  That leaves the last two games of the schedule, K-State and CU.  I think NU will easily win both those games.  That has NU sitting at 9-3 and heading to a January 1st bowl game. 

Let me know what you guys think about NU’s chances this upcoming year and where they will finish.