2015
Nebraska Cornhuskers
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Mike Riley has the Nebraska fans looking up with a revived feeling and that showed in their huge crowd for the spring Game. The Cornhuskers will have to deal with growing pains playing in a different system as well as some key players moving on to the NFL. But one thing is for certain, their quarterback position is set.
Riley brings in a pro-style offense that may take a few Games before they will really show their potential, but Tommy Armstrong Jr. will be the one leading the way. He had a solid spring and is coming off a mediocre first season as the starter in a spread offense. Nebraska may be losing their top RB and WR, but they have plenty of talent to deal with those losses.
5 dimes sportsbook currently lists Nebraska at odds of 155 to 1 to win the National Title and 14 to 1 to win the Big 10. Those odds are current as of late May so be sure to check in with 5 dimes for the latest changes.
The Huskers are deep at running back with Terrell Newby likely stepping in as the starter, while senior Imani Cross will be used in more short-yardage roles. Wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El is getting rave reviews and he could end up being the top playmaker on the team. He got a couple jet sweeps in the scrimmage and is also still being used as the punt returner. Jordan Westerkamp returns as well, so Armstrong Jr. has a few pieces to work with. The offensive line may be the biggest question after losing three starters, but with time, the group should become a solid unit.
The defense loses stud Randy Gregory, but returns plenty more. Tackles Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine form a dominant middle of the line, while they also have a couple guys to replace Gregory right away in Greg McMullen and Jack Gangwish. The back side of the defense will need the biggest improvement, but the secondary has plenty of options to work with. Linebacker may be a bigger issue as they lack depth, but Josh Banderas looks ready to run the squad.
Things are looking up for the Huskers after some weird years with Bo Pelini. Oregon State never really had a great defense with Riley’s staff, but Nebraska has better players to work with.
Their Schedule doesn’t do them any favors, getting BYU in the opener and then travelling to Miami (FL) in the third Game of the season. Minnesota is their toughest Conference road Game, so that’s at least one positive, but the Huskers also host Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa. And for a team learning a new system, having a bye week in the second-to-last week of the year isn’t great.
The Cornhuskers are still a team that could easily fight for the Big Ten West title considering they get Wisconsin at home in the battle of new coaches. If Armstrong Jr. picks up the pro-style with ease, this team should be a threat for at least eight wins.
2015 Nebraska Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. BYU
Sept 12 vs. South Alabama
Sept. 19 at Miami (FL)
Sept. 26 vs. Southern Miss
Oct. 3 at Illinois
Oct. 10 vs. Wisconsin
Oct. 17 at Minnesota
Oct. 24 vs. Northwestern
Oct. 31 at Purdue
Nov. 7 vs. Michigan State
Nov. 14 at Rutgers
Nov. 27 vs. Iowa