Offense

Nebraska went 10-4 last season after replacing school legend Ndamukong Suh. Though coming into the last season they where selected as preseason Big 12 North Champs, which they achieved. Some having them as legit contenters for a national championship. This year much of the same expectations are there. Although moving into a new conference may provide a rockier road, as old members will give the Huskers their best shot,beings their the new guy on the block. The schedule looks manageable with a few question marks, by mid season it will be either make or break as far as any national and conference title chances go. Nebraska’s offense had it highs (56pts) and lows (6 pts) last season so coach Bo Pelini replaced four coaching positions in the offseason, one being Offensive Cordinator Shawn Watson. Giving the reigns over to former running backs coach Tim Beck. Pelini vowed to simplify the offense, giving his playmakers a better chance to make plays and less time thinking.

QB
Sophmore superstar qb Taylor Martinez is back at the helm, with junior Cody Green and redshirt freshman Brion Carnes giving him a good push for playing time. Martinez started 9 games last year, suprising everyone with his Husian Bolt like speed. But the injury bug creep up on him before the season ended, limiting his blazing speed. More of a run first qb (945 rush yds) leaving his throwing with a lot to be desired. Green played sparingly last season, mostly during martinez’s injury, never really taking control of the qb spot making it his own. Carnes had high praise coming into last year as a recruit out of Bradenton,Fl.  “Home of former Husker and cousin to Carnes, Tommie Frazier”. Carnes played the spot well in the spring game outshining both Martinez and Green. Look for Martinez to hold the spot when fall comes with Carnes nipping at his heels. The wild card being highly touted Bubba Starling, who maybe looking at a major league baseball deal. 
RB/FB
Last year Roy Helu (1,245 yds)and Rex Burkhead (951 yds) split duties at the position making it a two head moster. Helu providing the speed and Burkhead the power. Helu is no longer there, leaving Burkhead the position to himself. Though he may have company thanks to a strong recruiting class lead by Aaron Green. Fellow freshman Braylon Heard and Ameer Abdullah join the picture as well. Heard joined the class late after being recruited in 2010, but failing to make the grades. Green and Heard look to be the homerun hitters the Huskers have been missing since Ahman Green ( no relation) was there. Backups Austin Jones and Collins Okafor are also available, but look for Burkhead to man the position with Green and Heard spelling him. Tyler Legate returns at fullback though former Alabama transfer Mike Marrow may push him for playing time in the fall.
WR/TE
Wide receiver was a position that hindered Nebraska last season causing them at least one loss. Niles Paul used up all his eligibility leaving the cupboard almost bare.Last years leading receiver Brandon Kinnie (44 rec 5 tds) came on at the end of the season, scoring 2 td’s in the Colorado game. He looks to be the guy to lead the way this year. The spring game gave fans alot to talk about with true freshman Jamal Turner, a qb recruit, putting on a show with 4 reception for 93 yards and a td. Nearly taking another 2 kick returns the distance as well. Besides those two the position is lacking star quality with backups Kenny Bell, Quincy Enunwa, Khiry Cooper,TimMarlowe, Stanley Jean–Baptiste. Where the wideouts lack the tight ends have picked up the slack. Kyler Reed (22 rec 8tds) leads the way, while Ben Cotton was a blocking machine on the end of the line. Lester Ward, who switched from running back, Jake Long and J.T Kerr look to add depth at the position. 

OL

Nebraska’s line returns mostly intact, losing 2nd team All-Big 12 guard Ricky Henry. Senior center Mike Caputo is the center piece, who started all 14 games last year. Sophmore left tackle Jeremiah Sirles split time with senior Jamarcus “Yoshi” Hardrick. While senior Marcel Jones manned the right tackle position for four games. Andrew Rodriguez a true freshman guard last year, got into the rotation as did Sophmore Brent Qvale. Nebraska recruited o-line heavy, signing blue chippers Zac Sterup, Ryne Reeves, Tyler Moore, Ryan Klachko, and Givens Mordi Price. Florida recruit Tyler Moore entered school early and may push for playing time with backups Nick Ash, Jesse Coffey, Mike Moudy, Brandon Thompson, Cole Pensick, and Mark Pelini

Defense 

The defense switched from a 4-3 to a 4-2-5 scheme last year, mostly due to losing Ndamukong Suh, lack of depth at linebacker, and an abundance of db’s. The 4-2-5 scheme which Pelini ran worked fairly well against the spread offense’s the team faced in the big 12. With the move to Big 10, a more traditional power football conference, a return to the 4-3 may be in the cards. Nebraska replaced two coaches on this side of the ball at linebacker and defensive backs. Db's coach Marvin Sanders took a leave of absence for family matter and lb's coach Mike Elhers left for a job at Indiana. Though with the coaching changes there shouldn’t be much of a drop off as Pelini’s defense’s have been the strong suit of his teams during his tenure at Nebraska and this year looks to be no different. 
DL
The defensive line looks to be the heart of the entire team this year with 3 returning starters and backups that have game experience. Lead by 1st team all big 12 defensive tackle Jared Crick, who decided to return for his senior season instead of going pro, giving the Huskers a vital piece in the middle. Beside him is junior Baker Stienkuhler who split time with backup Terrence Moore. Backups Thaddeus Randle, Justin Jackson, Jay Guy and Chase Rome look to get into the rotation. Star recruit Todd Peat may give them a push come fall. On the edge 2nd team all big 12 selection Cameron Meradith returns at defensive end. Former linebacker Eric Martin shined in the spring game and looks to be in battle with Josh Williams for the starting role on the other side. Backups Kevin Thomsen, Jason Ankrah look to get into the mix as does Juco transfer Joseph Carter. 
LB
After an injury before the opening game starter, Junior Sean Fisher looks to return to his 2009 form. Senior Lavonte David who replaced Fisher went on to become Nebraska single season tackle leader (152) and earned 1st team all big 12 honors. Junior Will Compton a 2 year starter returns at the mike linebacker spot. Mathew May, Thomas Grove, Alonzo Whaley, Graham Stoddard, Trevor Roach and Jim Ebke look to add depth at the postion. With freshman David Santos and Max Pirman joining in the fall.
DB
First round draft pick Prince Amukamara leaves a hole at the left corner spots, but sophomore Ciante Evans seems more than capable of filling his shoe. Senior Alfonzo Dennard a 2nd team all big 12 selection, anchors the right side. Freshman safety Harvey Jackson and cornerback Josh Mitchell shined in the spring game. And backups Anthony Blue, Lance Thorell, Antonio Bell and Jase Dean have all seen the field and will vie for playing time. Incoming freshman Charles Jackson may see the field as well. At the safeties P.J. Smith, Austin Cassidy and Courtney Osbourne will all be fighting for a starting role, having started at least 1 game apiece. Add in Justin Blatchford and Corey Cooper as backups and hard hitting Juco transfer Daimion Stafford.
Kicker
All everything placekicker Alex Henery finished his career as Nebraska all-time scoring leader (397 pts) leaving the Husker with needs at kicker and punter. Junior Brett Maher seems to be the likely candidate with incoming freshman Mauro Bondi and redshirt freshman Jason Dann giving him competition. 

Season Forecast
With the entrance into the Big 10, there’s a lot of anticipation. This Nebraska team maybe the best Pelini has had since his time at Nebraska. If they can work out the issues on offense, with a solid defense in place, conference champions and a chance at a national championship game is not unreasonable. The tone of the the season will be set right away 

with a feisty fresno state team, followed by washington. The wisconsin and ohio state games at mid season will tell how far this team will go. If they can get by ohio state undefeated the rest of the season may be a cake walk, a loss could cause the team to crumble.They finish the season @penn state, @michigan, and Iowa at home.

2011 Record:12-0 do able, 10-2 is likely, 8-4 unlikely 
Division champs: do able/likely 2nd feasible 3rd doubtful