Husker Preseason is over - Worse, Same, or Better than you thought?

[Jim14510]

I said 8-4 preseason. 11-1 now.

 

[Ext. 55]

I was thinking of if I were to switch it today, I’d switch UCLA to a win and that’s the only change.

I voted for better because I can see this team going 11-1

Actually came back to post almost that same exact thing. After I thought about it and after watching the UCLA game last night…they aren’t good.

We beat Michigan…look out.

 

[PLA]

I feel better. This team is as talented, or more talented than everyone left on the schedule. The thing that is glaringly different, and much improved is down field blocking, tackling, O-line, special teams, penalties, and most of all is ATTITUDE AND FOCUS! This a great staff, that really seems to get along! Best thing Rhule did is back off, and stick to marketing/culture building. I’m actually not freaking out about the run defense as much as most. I think the linebackers are deep and fast, and they will draw up some good for the conference games.

 

[ShortSideOption]

While I had us at 3-0 heading into Michigan so we are on pace there, I voted 'better' in the poll. There are things I worry about for us a week from today, but there are things that I think are much better that what I thought they could be such as:

-Our offense is putting people away, our WRs were upgraded for sure
-On the other side, our defense is shutting down who they should be
-Defensively, we don't appear to have a huge dropoff when our 2nd string is in. With that said, I don't think our first string is as elite as last year
-Our offense and special teams are much better this year than last year

Rubber meets the road in a week... very interested to see what the spread comes out at. Still think we end where I had us at 8-4 since overall I still have the same concerns as before the season.

 

[BIGSTICK67]

I see @DuckSker voted.

 

[BIGSTICK67]

Can’t fathom anyone saying it’s not better.

Clear as day that the team is better and the mentality has changed.

You cannot argue with changed attitude.

How about turnovers, penalties and generally stupid mistakes. The only negative in special teams are the kick offs out of bounds.

 

[Milo-of-Croton]

I am eager to see what Holgerson has in store next week. Go Huskers.

 

[ShortSideOption]

While I had us at 3-0 heading into Michigan so we are on pace there, I voted 'better' in the poll. There are things I worry about for us a week from today, but there are things that I think are much better that what I thought they could be such as:

-Our offense is putting people away, our WRs were upgraded for sure
-On the other side, our defense is shutting down who they should be
-Defensively, we don't appear to have a huge dropoff when our 2nd string is in. With that said, I don't think our first string is as elite as last year
-Our offense and special teams are much better this year than last year

Rubber meets the road in a week... very interested to see what the spread comes out at. Still think we end where I had us at 8-4 since overall I still have the same concerns as before the season.

-3 Michigan

 

[MaxHuskers34]

-3 Michigan

FanDuel has it -1.5 Michigan

 

[Mavsker]

-3 Michigan

FanDuel has it -1.5 Michigan

I think there was a preseason like that was -3.5 Michigan. Nice to see it moving our way

 

[ShortSideOption]

FanDuel has it -1.5 Michigan

I think it will fluctuate a bit but the line makes sense.

 

[Jim14510]

I see @DuckSker voted.

@HuskerDocCo explain yourself!

 

[tman87]

I voted better. I made no pre-season prognistications, as there were just too many unknowns for me to do so. The Cincy game was frustrating, but there was some definite improvement (receivers, DB's, DR improved, OLine decent) AND we got the win in a game we normally lose the last 10 years.

The last two games we kicked ass and took names. Yes, took no-names, names. But we got to see some real talented youth show out, and got to see the team show they were not a one-quarter wonder or one-half wonder kind of team.

We have some holes/weaknesses, but we also are better in several areas. I think we are improving and will continue to improve. We are young, DR is looking really good, our WR's are a much better and deeeper group, and DB's look really good. Next Saturday is a great measuring stick. Go out, kick ass and take meatchickens names.

 

[Ext. 55]

64% or almost 2/3rds say better. Bring on Michigan and let’s settle this shit for good.

 

[redzoner]

I went with same. Had us at 9-3. Still think that is where we can end up.

I was concerned about our interior DL and RB depth going into this season and I still have those concerns. I'm also now a little more worried about LB. Watson-Trent looked lost the first two games and I like Wright on passing downs but we may be a little light for first down.

Still needs improvement:

Interior DL
LB
RB Depth
Pass rush
OL still struggles at times with moving people off the ball
Breaking tackles on offense

Positives so far:

Dylan is very efficient
Corners are good
Newcomers in the secondary providing depth: Jones, Guthrie, and Conn
Nwaneri is not our typical 5* transfer bust
Key and Hunter are good
Specials teams are a net positive
We have a backup QB that could win us games if needed
New players emerging on defense (Pietrzak and Merritt)
Mozee has some wiggle that we need on offense

 

[Cornicator]

Some interesting things so far from ESPN FPI efficiency metrics:

1. Cincinnati is ranked the 11th most efficient offense in the country right now. - Nebraska held them to 68 yards passing and 270 total yards.

2. Akron's defensive efficiency is ranked better than teams like Michigan State, UCLA, and Michigan opponent from yesterday- Central Michigan.

3. Akron's offense is 2nd to last in the FBS for offensive efficiency.

4. Michigan is 42nd nationally in defensive efficiency. Cincinnati is 49th.

5. Husker are 42nd in special teams efficiency.. Michigan, which was 5th last season, is now down to 105th this season.

 

[ShortSideOption]

Some interesting things so far from ESPN FPI efficiency metrics:

1. Cincinnati is ranked the 11th most efficient offense in the country right now. - Nebraska held them to 68 yards passing and 270 total yards.

2. Akron's defensive efficiency is ranked better than teams like Michigan State, UCLA, and Michigan opponent from yesterday- Central Michigan.

3. Akron's offense is 2nd to last in the FBS for offensive efficiency.

4. Michigan is 42nd nationally in defensive efficiency. Cincinnati is 49th.

5. Husker are 42nd in special teams efficiency.. Michigan, which was 5th last season, is now down to 105th this season.

I mean this with respect, just asking the question, but does anyone really take anything from these in September with how small the sample size is? Cincy and Nebraska are the common opponent with respect to what's trying to be represented, and then both of them played 4 (2 each) absolute cupcakes to pad their stats and ratings.

Conversely, Michigan already has a top25 opponent under their belt skewing their stats more negatively, and playing probably the best opponent of the remaining with New Mexico, who is 2-1 with a win over a B1G team. New Mexico and Cincy are probably the same team, New Mexico beat a B1G team by more than what Cincy beat Bowling Green. On the other hand, New Mexico struggled with Idaho State a bit and Cincy put away Northwestern State.

Again I mean this respectfully, but where people rank nationally probably doesn't matter at all until October to get a true feel for things. That goes for these dumbass AP polls too that will keep South Carolina ranked this week.

 

[Stenge85]

Pass offense and pass defense have exceeded every expectation

Run offense has been somewhat disappointing

Rush defense has been worse than expected and has me scared pissless

 

[Blakejc]

Pass offense and pass defense have exceeded every expectation

Run offense has been somewhat disappointing

Rush defense has been worse than expected and has me scared pissless

I’m not scared pissless because I think giving up some runs to ensure they stop the pass is by design, but this is about where I’m at.

 

[ShortSideOption]

I’m not scared pissless because I think giving up some runs to ensure they stop the pass is by design, but this is about where I’m at.

We struggled with Cincy's mobile QB, and now there's one on a way better team we are getting ready to play. That's my concern.