Looking Around the Division (Legends)
By Jimmie Allen
Each week Husker Corner will take a look around the Legends Division to help you keep an eye on where the Huskers are in the Divisional race. We know Nebraska opens with Southern Miss. in two days, but here is a look around the rest of the Division for week one.
Iowa 0-0 (0-0) vs. Northern Illinois 0-0
Iowa opens up on the road against the Northern Illinois Huskies. The Huskies lost four starters from their offensive line from a year ago. Coming in to the season the number one question surrounding the Iowa program was, the lack of experience on the defensive line, and how those young players would respond to a new defensive line coach. Former Hawkeye defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski is now in Lincoln. This will be a good chance for first year d-line coach Reese Morgan, and that young line to get some experience against a depleted offensive line.
Prediction
Iowa 28, NIU 17
8. Michigan 0-0 (0-0) vs. 2. Alabama (0-0) At Cowboy Satdium
This is the prime-time game for College Football Saturday night, and why not? You have the Sugar Bowl winner vs. the defending National Champions. This game falls on two people, Denard Robinson, and Nick Saban. If Robinson can play his game, and avoid making the big mistake, Michigan can win this game. This may be the one game outside of the SEC where Alabama is matched almost equally on the defensive side of the ball.
Prediction
Alabama 31, Michigan 24
13. Michigan State 0-0 (0-0) vs. 24. Boise State 0-0
I don’t think this is going to be as tough of a task for the Spartans as most people do. Boise State brings in a first-year quarterback, who hasn’t been named yet. When you are not sure who your quarterback is two days before your season, and you are going up against a defensive line as good as the Spartans, it could be a long day. The one thing that could handicap Michigan State is if first year starting quarterback, Andrew Maxwell struggles.
Prediction
Michigan State 34, Boise State 14
Minnesota 0-0 (0-0) at UNLV 0-0 (THURSDAY)
From anyone that covers the Gophers, there has been talk of drastic improvement in the 2nd year under Jerry Kill. The key to their success has to be quarterback MarQueis Gray. The Rebels have struggled against mobile quarterbacks. This should be a win for the Gophers.
Prediction
Minnesota 27, UNLV 10
16. Nebraska 0-0 (0-0) vs. Southern Miss. 0-0
The player in red to keep an eye on is No. 3. The entire state of Nebraska will be watching Taylor Martinez, and his much improved footwork in the pocket. Nebraska is undefeated in games where Martinez rushes for more than 70 yards. That will be a state to watch for. Tracy Lamply will be the focus of the Golden Eagles play makers to watch.
Prediction
Nebraska 37, Southern Miss 17
Northwestern 0-0 (0-0) at Syracuse 0-0
This is the first year for Northwestern with Kain Colter as the starting quarterback. Syracuse could be a tough task on the road, but I don’t see any reason why Northwestern shouldn’t leave the state of New York with a win.
Prediction
Northwestern 45, Syracuse 21
By Jimmie Allen
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