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2009 Nebraska College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on July 27, 2009

pelini 72709 It’s been a while since Big Red was putting the fear of God in their opponents, but the Huskers made big strides in Bo Pelini’s first season, finishing 9-4 and capping things off with a Gator Bowl win over Clemson. More improvement is expected this fall. Find out if that means another Big 12 North Division title in this 2009 NCAA football betting preview. Nebraska is listed at +5200 to win the 2009 BCS championship.

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Offense – The biggest challenge to the offense is finding a replacement for Joe Ganz at quarterback. The Nebraska coaching staff isn’t considering this much of a challenge at all. With Patrick Witt transferring, it left the door wide open for junior Zac Lee who is the son of former NFL signal caller Bob Lee. Lee figures to be a quick fan favorite as more of a Nebraska QB of old because of his running ability. While seven total offensive starters must be replaced, the Huskers will benefit from three starters coming back on the offensive line. Center Jacob Hickman enters his third season as a starter and I expect a breakout season from left tackle Mike Smith who added 10 pounds of bulk to go with his quickness. They’ll be paving the way for running backs Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille. Helu Jr. rushed for 803 yards and seven scores last season and I’m expecting him to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier in 2009. Tight end Mike McNeil is a good one, coming off a season in which he caught 32 passes for 442 yards and six scores. Other wideouts will be asked to step up after the team lost its top wide receivers from a year ago.

Defense – Head coach Bo Pelini expects a huge jump defensively in 2009 and such a jump would make the Huskers tough to beat in the Big 12 North. The line is anchored up front by nosetackle Ndamukong Suh. He was a beast last season, leading the Huskers with 76 tackles and also recorded 7.5 sacks. And I’m not done. Suh also returned two interceptions for touchdowns and caught another touchdown pass on the offensive side of the ball to give you an idea of his athleticism. He was projected to be taken on the first day of the NFL draft before electing to return for his senior season. He leads an experienced front which ranked 21st nationally against the run in 2008, allowing just 116.5 yards per game. While the linebackers aren’t very experienced, they are talented, and they will get great support from an experienced secondary. The secondary returns four starters, including two-time all-league honorable mention safety Larry Asante who finished second on the team in tackles last season. Anthony West is the team’s strongest cover corner.

Prediction: 1st Big 12 North – After sharing the North Division title with Mizzou last season, I expect the Huskers to come away with at least a share of the title again in 2009. The defense is expected to make major strides and the offense should boast a formidable running attack. Without Texas or Oklahoma State on the schedule, I like Nebraska’s chances in the North. Nebraska is listed at +175 to win the Big 12 North Division title at BetUS.

Beat the college football odds this fall with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks!

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