Nebraska Football: 3 things that need to be accomplished ahead of season

August is just around the corner and thanks to an early week zero scheduling, that means game month for Nebraska football fans. Before we reach game one vs Illinois though, the Huskers are going to be preparing and battling in fall camp for the upcoming weeks. Here are three things I hope they can get done during that period.

Nebraska Football Needs to Remain Confident

During Big Ten Media days, there seemed to be a trend happening with Coach Frost and his players, which was that they didn’t try to make any headlines or grand predictions. However, they seemed almost quietly confident in a business trip-type manner.

I especially saw this in senior safety Deontai Williams.  At least, from the players’ panel on Big Ten Network he kept a very serious disposition with short yet deliberate answers that made me feel that he was simply ready to strap the pads on and hit somebody.

While not everyone was as stoic as Williams, the confidence was reiterated by Coach Frost and tight end Austin Allen. “Without a doubt, this is the most excited I’ve been about our team and the most confident,” stated Coach Frost.

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Austin Allen, who seems to have really stepped up as a major leader, mentioned multiple times how confident quarterback Adrian Martinez looked during the spring and how confident the rest of the team is in his abilities.

The Nebraska football team recognizes that they have not done much to earn respect in the Big Ten in recent years.  This team seems poised to go out and earn it this year. Let’s hope they can keep that mentality and carry it into the opening game.

Nebraska Football needs to get healthy and stay healthy

There is nothing worse than hearing about a player obtaining an injury in camp just before the season starts. Go ahead and knock on wood, cross your fingers, and do whatever else you need to do to make sure that doesn’t happen in fall camp.

There were, however, a couple of key injuries that happened during spring ball.

Transfer running back Markese Stepp, who many believe had a great chance to be the starting running back for this team, obtained an injury in the spring that kept him out until the summer.  According to Coach Frost, it looks like Stepp will be close to 100 percent starting off fall camp, but it seems his reps will be monitored fairly close to ensure there are no more tweaks before the season.

There was also talk that heralded tight end recruit Thomas Fidone may be available down the road this season after tearing his ACL during spring ball and requiring surgery.

Nebraska Football needs to focus on winning game 1

In my opinion, Illinois is the most important game on the schedule.  The Huskers have to come out and win this game convincingly to start the season off.

If they do that and can be 3-0 heading into Norman for a tough game against Oklahoma and at least be competitive, that will create a whole lot of confidence and momentum for this team heading into the main portion of conference play.

If they do not… then it could be a long season.

Fans have been hearing for years about “changing the culture”. This team seems to be the most talented and high-character team Scott Frost has had since he started coaching in Lincoln.

Due to the “super seniors”, and players like Austin Allen and Adrian Martinez among others, there are plenty of seasoned veterans who are prepared to help lead the team and leave Nebraska better than they found it.

The culture has changed.

Don’t expect this team to be taking anyone lightly but rather expect them to come focused and ready to make a statement in that first game.