One Big 10 program. Seven topics. Five stars.
The hour of Nebraska joining the Big Ten is upon us, and Gale Berg is ready to tell you everything you need to know about the Cornhuskers. Following a reasonably successful 2010 campaign, the expectations are high for Bo Pelini’s boys as they make their Big Ten arrival. And that was even before David Mason sent them a welcome note …
What happened in 2010 worth getting excited about?
A 9-1 start. The pure speed of Taylor Martinez. An appearance in the Big 12 title game. All good things, though three regular season losses by a combined 13 points prevented a season that even Tom Osborne would be proud of. And then it all blew up in flames in the Holiday Bowl …
Outlook: 3.5 stars/5
I'm new here.
What female actress does this school remind me of?
Marion Cotillard. This was a tough one to figure out, and I have no idea if the logic is reasonable at all. Essentially, the Huskers have been a Big 12 powerhouse for years, but now they’re trying to conquer a new league. Cotillard, meanwhile, was a French movie star way before anyone even heard of her in the States, even winning an Oscar for her performance in a French-language film. And if the Huskers conversion to the Big Ten is anywhere near as good as hers was to America (starring roles in Public Enemies and Inception, among others), this will be a smooth switch.
And if that comparison made no sense … well, you’re probably not alone.
Outlook: 4.5 stars/5
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What does Nebraska’s situation look like within the new Big Ten divisions?
The Cornhuskers are the favorites in the Legends Division. The schedule is reasonable (see below), the talent is deep (though the offensive line and the secondary lost some key pieces), and the coaching staff has been bringing in stud recruiting classes for a few years now. With Martinez only a sophomore, Nebraska could be looking at an early burst of dominance in its first few Big Ten seasons. That is, unless those rumors of him quitting the team pick up again …
Outlook: 4.5 stars/5
What bar(s) should I be drinking at when I’m on Nebraska’s campus this fall?
Unknown. Gale Berg has never been to Lincoln, and if the good bar descriptions really look like this, we’re not sure what to advise. Readers, feel free to throw out suggestions.
Outlook: 2.5 stars/5
What happened with the schedule?
The schedule isn’t too bad. Road trips to Madison and Happy Valley could prove difficult, but Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan State will all have to win in Lincoln. Washington also comes into town to break the 2010 season tie (not exactly Ali-Frazier III) in an otherwise underwhelming non-conference slate. I don’t see the Huskers making it through unscathed, especially with their difficult Leaders Division draw (Ohio State and Penn State), but there shouldn’t be more than three losses on this schedule under the worst of circumstances.
Outlook: 4.5 stars/5
What happened with the coaching personnel?
Bo Pelini enters his fourth season as the man in charge. A graduate of Ohio State, Pelini has rung up a 30-12 record during his tenure (includes one random win in 2003), including back-to-back 10-4 performances. However, his squads have tended to struggle in high-profile matchups, especially late in the season. Will a change of conference scenery brighten up that blemish?
Outlook: 4 stars/5
What, you expected a pic of Tom O'Leary? Try to find one.
What (based on the assessments of the past two questions) Anchorman quote applies to the supremely early gambling vibe of the 2011 Cornhuskers?
Ron Burgundy: “If you want to throw down fisticuffs, fine. I’ve got Jack Johnson and Tom O’Leary waiting for ya, right here.
As the new kids on the block, Nebraska will be dealing with a lot of new, hostile crowds and with teams ready to make them earn their place in the Big 10 hierarchy. Personally, the team looks like it could be primed for early success, especially if conference defenses aren’t ready for Martinez’s speed (he’s definitely faster in his initial burst out of the backfield then Shoelaces, who gave teams fits last year). I think they’ll be able to handle the onslaught of early punches.
Outlook: 3.5 stars/5
