The long-awaited arrival of Mike Riley’s debut game with the Nebraska Cornhuskers is finally here. The Huskers come into Riley’s first contest with plenty of questions entering the 2015 season. By all accounts, the new coaching staff has implemented the offensive and defensive schemes, but it’s impossible to know how the players will react until they face the BYU Cougars.
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For the Huskers to be competitive, they need to display poise, leadership, and the ability to make big plays on a consistent basis. Let’s take a look at five players, ready to make an impact in the season opener vs the Cougars.
1. Tommy Armstrong Jr.- QB: The Nebraska junior quarterback has been labeled the starter under Mike Riley from Day 1. Coach Riley and offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf have never had a signal caller with Armstrong’s attributes, so expect to see the offense feature a few quarterback runs to make Armstrong comfortable. However, Nebraska’s success will depend on Armstrong’s ability to get the ball out on time in the passing game.
As a team captain, Armstrong must be the leader for the entire team, while controlling the offensive pace. He will be making his 22nd career start in the season opener against BYU, so there’s no question about Armstrong’s experience on the big stage. However, that experience can’t turn into overconfidence. Here’s what Husker Corner’s Aaron McGlohn said about Tommy Armstrong’s success in 2015.
At first glance, it’s apparent Armstrong has a rocket arm, but sometimes those missiles go awry. He’s thrown 20 interceptions in his first two years at QB, and the Huskers can’t afford him to be turnover prone against the Huskies. If Riley has been able to reign in Armstrong’s passing game, look for him to build on his 31 career touchdown passes.
2. Maliek Collins– DT: Defensive tackle Maliek Collins has the chance to be the best interior lineman in the country. Affectionately known as “Baby Suh” Collins burst onto the season as a sophomore, but he’s ready to take his game up several notches in 2015.
Against BYU, Collins has to be a home wrecker along the defensive front. Like Armstrong, the Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill is a dynamic dual-threat player, and he has punished certain defenses (Texas) in the running game. This means Collins has to dominate in the middle.
The Huskers are starting two new linebackers due to the Michael Rose-Ivey suspension. The freshmen Luke Gifford and Dedrick Young will have their fill of the BYU ground game, so it’s a must for Collins to be active all four quarters. In addition, nothing less should be expected from a player great enough to become a top five NFL draft pick. Still, Collins might command double-teams from the offensive line.
For his career, Collins has 5.5 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. He will be making his 15th start for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
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3. Terrell Newby – I-Back: Terrell Newby is considered the top I-Back for the Huskers to start the season. After two years of playing behind Ameer Abdullah, it’s his first chance to be the main ball carrier. However, the Huskers have four other running backs ready to contribute to the offense this week.
Newby will perform double-duty as a Kick returner, so there will be multiple ways for the junior running back to make an impact on the Huskers’ offense. Will he be able to handle a full load as the top I-Back?
For his career, Newby averages 4.9 yards per carry on 121 attempts. Nebraska could still use him in the same role as last season. Newby earned a bulk of his carries on jet sweeps trying to get him to the edge. He may finally be able to show his breakaway speed on a consistent basis. Still, expect Nebraska to show a committee of running backs, giving BYU plenty of different looks.
4. Jordan Westerkamp– WR: The Huskers wide receiver corps struggled through injuries during fall camp, but they are relatively healthy entering the season opener. Leading receiver Jordan Westerkamp has been a big play maker for the Huskers. Whether it’s catching game winning “Hail Mary’s” or behind the back passes, Westerkamp has been consistently good for the Huskers. Under coach Riley’s system, he has an opportunity to be great from the start.
Last season, Westerkamp caught 44 passes for 747 yards and five touchdowns. In his career, he has six total touchdowns, while averaging 16.1 yards per catch. The rest of the receivers will follow Westerkamp’s lead, and he has plenty of talent around to become a lethal group of targets.
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) reaches for a tipped pass during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
5. Josh Banderas– LB: In two seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Josh Banderas has tallied 78 tackles. He’s started 10 of the 25 games played, but now becomes the unquestioned leader of the young linebacker until.
Banderas had a career high 14 tackles against USC in the Holiday Bowl last season. He may have to break his personal record in the very next game. In addition to playing well, Banderas has to get his young defensive unit lined up in the right spots. Otherwise, the Huskers may find themselves out of position, and in a world of hurt.
Overall, the Cornhuskers have to play consistent football to defeat BYU. There’s a chance the offense reaches an unexpected level of greatness on Saturday. However, it’s more likely to see the Huskers struggle at some point. As long as the defense maintains balance, Nebraska can pull out this victory. Besides, a coach hasn’t lost his debut game at Nebraska since Bob Devaney in 1962.