NCAAF: Can Nebraska Team Make Space In Top 25 This Season?

Along with the world-class record of holding 46 conference championships and after noticing Nebraska’s last season’s performance, the confusion on the fans’ faces has to come up. The Husker’s fans are excited and anxious to see if Nebraska would be able to claim their space in the top 25 this season.

The odds are high for the Huskers as their quarterback, Adrian Martinez, has recently done with his knee surgery. But Coach Scott Frost has a different approach to it. He says that injuries are common and you come back better and healthier after every surgery.

Scott Frost is coaching Nebraska for the last two seasons in which the team scored 4-8 and 5-7 in 2018 and 2019.

The 2020 season will also be a test for Frost and not only for players.

Let’s go through the odds first, before noticing what can make them win.

Past Performances.

Not only in the last season, but Huskers have more losses than wins from the year 2017 to 2019 in Big Ten (West).

Some areas need improvement depending upon their past performance. The same areas can also de-track them from becoming the top 25.

Weak Defense.

Around 2015, the defense was one of the strengths of Huskers but nowadays it is easy to pinpoint.

Nebraska Defensive Coordinator, Erik Chinander spoke once - while admitting the lack in defense - that we have to get it right, and he also agreed that our team wants the improvements so quick, but it will take time.

Huskers performed slightly well in 2019’s season as compared to 2018 where the improvements in defense were easily visible.

Young Players.

Coach Frost believes, and once stated, on a Sports Nightly radio program that Nebraska has some real talent that hasn’t touched the field yet. He also shared that he is looking forward to seeing those guys develop.

Frost’s statement is one of the pieces of evidence that he is open to give young talents a chance. And that’s why Nebraska has talented but inexperienced players, which can be a weak point in this season.

Quarterback Martinez Stats.

If we see Adrian Martinez's last year stats, his underperformance is marked already. He had a 59.4 completion rate which was comparatively lesser than 2018’s completion rate i.e. 64.6.

If the performance declined again without considering the impact of Martinez’s knee surgery, which isn’t an issue in Frost’s vision, it can cost Nebraska’s efforts.

What About Strengths?

If the husker overcomes their possible weaknesses, the fans can see the glory of their team. However, the listed strong points can also lead the Huskers in the top 25.

Nebraska is holding the most conference championship wins than any big ten teams, and it is more likely that they will be impatient to perform well after being an underdog for the last few years.

Improve the Offense.

After recovering from the knee injury that took Martinez to the hospital for surgery, the huskers’ fans have some huge expectations from the QB.

It’s time that QB Martinez has to give beyond what he has performed in the last two years. He had run 4573 passing yards in his career by now.

Wide Receiver Has to Lift the Game Up.

It is obvious that quarterback has to perform harder than before but the wide receiver has to lift the game when the need arises.

With the proper contribution of the two, the team can push itself towards the positive side. But the coach’s recent Press Release has to say something that can disappoint Spielman’s fans.
Scott Frost shared that JD Spielman—the senior wide receiver—has taken a temporary leave from the team. The coach also told, in the Press Release, that JD Spielman is at his home with his family in Minnesota concerned with the matter of his personal health.

Spielman has recorded 170 catches, 2546 yards, and 15 touchdowns in his overall career. He has been a key member of Nebraska, since 2017 and if he didn’t appear the situations may get hard for the players.

Another wide receiver that may replace Spielman, if he didn’t return, is Wan’Dale Robinson. Robinson performed in the last season as a freshman and recorded 453 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Frost has many wide receivers on the list but seeing them performing better than Spielman could be unexpected for everyone.

Moreover, the training programs and practices can turn the tables in Husker’s favor if the team came down with the improvements in defense.

This wraps up the chances of Nebraska to hit the top 25 list.