Nov 3, 2012; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Brett Smith (16) warms up before the game between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Colorado State Rams at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
It is here. Kick off is less than 12 hours away, and Husker Nation is more than ready for it. So here is what you can expect from Nebraska’s first game of the 2013-2014 season.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect Wyoming To Throw the Ball….A Lot
Junior Quarterback Brett Smith averaged 32.2 attempts per game last season. He may throw it 40 times today if Wyoming gets the behind early. Smith completed 17 of 33 passes for 2 scores and interception 2 years ago against Nebraska in Laramie.
Expect To See Heavy Rotation
Both Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini, and defensive coordinator John Papuchis have stated that they expect to play several defensive linemen in this game. The starting four should be Seniors, Jason Ankrah (DE), Thad Randle (DT), redshirt freshmen Vincent Valentine (DT), and Avery Moss (DE). Redshirt freshmen Greg McMullen will see significant playing time today. He is the heir apparent to Ankrah’s blackshirt.
Expect To See A Lot of New Faces
We know all about the young guys in the front 7 on defense, don’t be surprised if you see new faces on offense. Before fall camp, all signs pointed to the 4th option at wide receiver being redshirt freshman Jordan Westerkamp. Players and coaches have said the 4th option will be redshirt sophomore, and Nebraska native Sam Birtch, who has not recorded a catch at Nebraska yet.
Nebraska does return thousand yard rusher junior, Ameer Abdullah, and sophomore Imani Cross. Dont be surprised if Cross is not the 2nd option. True freshman, and highly touted back Terell Newby is as good as advertised. He mat get 10-15 carries today. It would shock me to see true freshman back Adam Taylor see any playing time in this game, or any other game this season.
Expect To See Tommy Armstrong
It is finally here. Redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong is in his 2nd year, and is without a redshirt on him. Obviously Taylor Martinez will start every game this year if healthy. The future of the Husker offense is here. If things go as expected Nebraska should have a comfortable lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. If that happens it is time for offensive coordinator TIm Beck, and Bo Pelini to get a 2nd string quarterback significant snaps. Somehow Taylor Martinez has run out of eligibility after 30 years in Lincoln, or at least that’s what it feels like. Right now Armstrong is the best No. 2 option.
Expect Social Media To Be A Buzz
Your Twitter and Facebook Timeline are going to be light up with #GBR all day. Lets be honest, you love that.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT SEE COMING
Kicker?
There has been a lot of talk about who will be kicking for Nebraska this season. All signs are pointing to redshirt sophomore, Mauro Bondi kicking field goals and extra points, and he may today. If things start getting shaky, don’t be surprised if you see redshirt senior, Pat Smith.
There May Be A Lot More Yellow In the See of Red Than Expected
Looking around Lincoln early this morning there was a lot of yellow and brown mixed in on the streets. Don’t be surprised if the northwest end zone of Memorial Stadium is filled to the top with visitors from Wyoming.
3 Down Linemen
There may be several points where Nebraska has 5 defensive backs, 3 linebackers, and 3 defensive linemen on the field. Wyoming likes to put 5 wide receivers on the field. Coaches have talked a lot about the speed and athleticism of the defensive line. When you have the athleticism at linebacker that Nebraska has, with redshirt freshmen Michael Rose, and Jared Afalava, and senior Ziare Anderson, and they can all cover wide receivers Nebraska can afford to keep 3 athletic pass rushers against a weak Wyoming offensive linemen.
By Jimmie Allen
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