Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/558473
VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6 101 Riley's West Coast offense with the leftovers from the read-option scheme. That'll be tough on senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong, who rushed for 705 yards last sea- son and passed for nearly 2,700 more. Armstrong, Abdullah (1,611 yards) and receiver Kenny Bell (47 catches, 788 yards) helped Nebraska average 37.8 points per game, the third-best in the Big Ten. But Abdullah and Bell are on to the NFL, leaving openings at skill positions. Big back Imani Cross might be the popular pick as a replacement, but former four-star prospects Ter- rell Newby and Adam Taylor could be just as likely, if not more so. "I would think you'll see (running back) by committee," Callahan said. But there are questions up front, where projected center Ryne Reeves missed the spring with injury. Right tackle isn't fully settled, either. Nebraska should be fine at re- ceiver, with Jordan Westerkamp (44 catches, 747 yards) in combination with emerging sophomore De'Mor- nay Pierson-El, who starred as a punt returner as a rookie and had 17 catches in his final four games. "They're going to try to get him over 100 touches this year on of- fense, on jet sweeps and receptions, with punt returns," Callahan said. "If you're talking about a guy who is their offensive star, Pierson-El is that guy right now." The Nebraska defense can be good in the front and back, but the middle could be an issue. Senior linebacker David Santos was dismissed in June, leaving Josh Banderas as the Huskers' only experienced linebacker. But the line is strong, with junior All-Big Ten performer Maliek Collins (14 TFL, 4.5 sacks) at tackle. Junior Greg McMullen (4.0 sacks) needs to step up his pass-rushing on the pe- rimeter, with Randy Gregory now in the NFL. A talented and deep secondary is anchored by all-conference junior Nate Gerry, a safety who had five in- terceptions last season. "They've got a lot of young talent," Callahan said. "The secondary is defi- nitely deep and so is that front four, but linebackers is where the ques- tions stem still." Even though the Cornhuskers are transitioning to a new staff, expecta- tion remains high. And with a favorable schedule — Wisconsin and Michigan State are at home — Nebraska could find itself fighting for a West title. "I think there's always pressure here," Callahan said, "but it starts with the division and it's favorable." — Kyle Charters Secondary Success Tom Campbell Quarterback Tommy Armstrong has been strong in the zone-read shotgun offense, but now he'll have to adjust to playing more in a traditional set under new coach Mike Riley. G O L D A N D B L AC K 'S E A R LY L I N E : N E B R A S K A - 8 Nebraska finished fourth in the country in pass defense efficiency last season. Clemson (98.32) Penn State (101.14) LSU (101.62) Nebraska (104.83) 1 2 3 4