Big Ten Football - 2021 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

Our Nebraska Cornhuskers preview 2021 notes that this team sees just three starters return on offense while nine come back on defense. The Huskers, who were 3-5 last season, finished fifth in the West. At 23.1 PPG, they were 12th in Big Ten and 101st in the nation. The Nebraska ground game averaged 201.4 YPG, ranking second in the conference and 28th in the nation.  However, their passing game came in 12th and 103rd. On defense, they allowed opponents on average 29.4 PPG (7th Big Ten, 64th Nationally). 

Nebraska Offense

The Husker offense is predicated on the run. QB Adrian Martinez, who rushed for 521 yards and seven scores, topped the team in ground yards. Martinez completed 71.5% of his 151 attempts. He threw four TD passes and three interceptions. The frontline is big and athletic. Center Cameron Jurgens, a sophomore who started last season, is the anchor of this group.

Four of the team’s top receivers return, including tight end Austin Allen who grabbed 18 passes for 236 yards and one score. Tight ends are a major part of this team’s offense, as they serve as both blockers and receivers. Nebraska uses two at a time. The team has gone for size when recruiting receivers. As an example, Montana transfer Samori Toure stands 6’3” and weighs 190 pounds, giving him a true advantage against many defenders.   

Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview 2021 - Defense

There’s a lot of experience on this side of the ball. Two-of-three D-line starters from last year are back. Defensive end Ben Stille, who had 35 tackles, three QBH, and 1.5 sacks, leads the unit. OLB JoJo Domann, who rarely misses a snap, led the Cornhuskers last season in tackles with 58. He also recorded 6.5 TFL and five PBU. ILB Will Honas, who recorded 57 tackles, made three of the team’s 13 sacks. The Huskers proved to be poor at bringing down QBs and stopping runners. 

In the secondary, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt recorded two INTs, four PBU, and three TFL. Two senior safeties return, Deontai Williams and Marquel Dismuke. Williams had 51 tackles, four PBU, and three TFL. Dismuke, who recorded 47 take downs, posted four PBU and four TFL.  

Specialists

Our Nebraska Cornhuskers preview 2021 notes that Connor Culp was the best part of the special teams. Culp, who was Big Ten Kicker of the Year in 2020, was 20-of-20 on extra points and 13-of-15 on field goals. The rest of the special team units need to show improvement. Freshman punter Daniel Cerni will be given the chance to start. Taylor-Britt will bring back punts, while freshman Alante Brown returns kicks. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview 2021 - Projection

Our Nebraska Cornhuskers preview 2021 finds that if this team is going to be able to improve over last season’s performance, their defense must step up. They do not have the easiest schedule. As the season winds down, the Huskers must play Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Plus, Northwestern, Michigan, and Minnesota are on the schedule. Along with putting a more consistent defense on the field, this team must also score more. 

Big Ten Football - Nebraska Cornhuskers 2021 - Predictions:

• Fifth Place - Big Ten West

• Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Kansas State