When Nebraska hired Scott Frost, many felt if anyone could restore the Cornhuskers back to prominence, it would be the former Nebraska quarterback. Now as we enter the fourth year of the Frost era, and following a 3-5 pandemic shortened season, the Husker fan base wants results.
Nebraska: Spring Game, May 1st
As mentioned above, the program is entering its fourth year under head coach Scott Frost, and though the team has gone just 12-20 under his reign, it’s a team that could finally begin turning this program around. While that may not be the popular opinion of some that cover the sport, it’s the opinion of this writer that Nebraska could very well finish above the .500 mark and begin to establish itself as a program back on the rise.
The Unusual Strength
As the Husker faithful know, Frost was brought to Nebraska after having a large amount of success at UCF, where the Golden Knights were lighting up the scoreboard with an innovative spread attack that was hard to stop. Nebraska fans expected over time to see that same offense carry the team and program into the new age of college football.
After three years though, the offense has been a disappointment. What hasn’t been a disappointment has been the progression the defense has made during Frost’s tenure.
Starting in 2018, the Cornhuskers finished 100th in total defense and 115th in scoring defense. In 2019, Nebraska would finish 94th and 88th in those respective categories showing a slight improvement.
In 2020, even with it being a shorter season, Nebraska’s defense showed a significant improvement. Last year the Cornhuskers finished 50th in total defense giving up 386.5 yards per game, while also finishing 64th in scoring defense giving up an average of 29.38 points per game.
Nebraska fans should be entering the 2021 season expecting the progression on defense to continue, as the Huskers are returning nine starters to the defensive side of the ball. This veteran group should be able to build upon its accomplishments over the past three seasons and assist the Nebraska offense if they need time to find their footing this coming season.
A Wall For The Offense
Much has been written and discussed about the shortcomings of the Nebraska offense under Frost. At times it has shown flashes of what it was at UCF, but more commonly it has been an underwhelming unit.
Fans have expressed frustration with the development of quarterback Adrian Martinez, who is entering his senior year with the team. Frustration has also been expressed with what seems like a revolving door at the skill positions, ruining any chance of chemistry or continuity.
While at least one of those frustrations won’t be relieved this year, as the skill positions saw another overhaul of personnel, Martinez and the offense may start producing some better results thanks to an offensive line that is being talked about as the best unit Frost has had since he took over.
Greg Austin, the offensive line coach, has spoken publicly about the line depth and how he feels the Huskers have at least nine players who can step in and play at a high level. It’s a testament to the coaching staff who has worked hard to reload an offensive line through recruiting players who can press for time as soon as they arrive on campus.
The line will be led by center Cameron Jurgens, along with tackles Bryce Benhart and Turner Corcoran. These three players were highly sought after recruits when they came out of high school, and helped pave the way for Nebraska finishing second in the Big Ten in rushing offense.
If the offensive line performs as well as many believe it can, Nebraska might be able to sustain some rhythm allowing Martinez to build chemistry with his skill players, while still attacking defenses on the ground with good line play.
Either way, it looks like 2021 for the Nebraska offense is going to be relying on many young but talented players on the line to compete at a high level if the offense is to make some noise this season, and the spring game will be the fans’ first taste of how that is shaping up.
A Return To Some Normalcy
In spring ball, many new players get their first exposure to their new team. That used to just be fresh new recruits, but now with the transfer portal becoming more important in roster building, we see a mixture of experience and youth being introduced. These players are getting ready to see a small sampling size of what the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium can feel like on game day.
Sophomore running back Markese Stepp is one of those players who fans will see for the first time at the spring game, after transferring from USC in the off-season. Stepp brings with him career totals of 100 carries, 505 yards, and six touchdowns to his name at the collegiate level. His presence should only help maintain Nebraska’s effective rushing attack we saw in 2020.
In the passing attack, 4-star freshman tight end Thomas Fidone will be a draw to most of the Husker faithful. The true freshman has done well in spring camp according to most reports, and could end up playing a key role in the offense this year. You can be certain many eyes will be on him Saturday to see how he performs in front of the fans.
The two players above, plus the remaining incoming freshman and transfers, will have a chance this Saturday to witness 30,000+ fans in the stands along with television crews from the Big Ten Network in the stadium. One can assume after playing in mostly empty stadiums in 2020, both players and fans will be ready to rock even for a spring game.
While I’m sure Nebraska fans will just be happy to see their team on the field after last season, they’ll be even more excited if the solid reports from spring practice carry on into results in 2021.