Nebraska Football Tickets

Nebraska Ready to Use "Impressive" Freshman

Quentin Castille could very well be an important part of Nebraska's first football game of the year against the Nevada Wolfpack.  Castille impressed coaches and fans alike at preseson practices this summer and has earned the #2 spot behind Marlon Lucky.

Castille is filling in the #2 spot for an injured Cody Glenn that is still recovering from a knee injury.  Castille rose to fame early on in late summer practices when Glenn and Lucky were injured.  With the two starting I-backs out of practice the coaches got a chance to see the back ups and freshman show their stuff.  Castille showed that he can plow through the best lineman in the game and is a force to be reckoned with.

Don't expect to see Castille stay for later in the year.  The freshman will take the backseat to Lucky and Glenn most likely after the Wake Forest game.

Colorado vs Nebraska

The only shining spot last year for Colorado was its rushing defense, which was among the top 30 in the country last year.

The problems for the Buffaloes were in the passing department. Teams completed almost two-thirds of their pass attempts against CU last year, even though the Buffs had an All-Big 12 cornerback in Terrence Wheatley.

Wheatley is back to lead what should be an improved defense. If Colorado can take care of things at the line of scrimmage, their linebacking and backfield groups should be pretty solid this fall.

Colorado is at that rebuilding stage that Nebraska was at 3 years ago. As Husker fans can attest, there can be some pretty ugly rebuilding year losses. Here is one of them. Nebraska 42, Colorado 14

Nebraska vs Kansas State Prediction

When Kansas State's defense was firing on all cylinders last year, it looked very good. When it wasn't -- well, it misfired frequently.

The Wildcats gave up over 200 yards rushing per game in its six losses last year, and they may have trouble again if a switch to a 3-4 defense doesn't work out.

The Wildcats do have six starters back on defense, including linebackers Ian Campbell and Reggie Walker. Defensive backs Josh Moore, Justin McKinney and Marcus Watts are also back, and Rob Jackson anchors the defensive front.

Nebraska pounds the rock against against a weak front line. Nebraska 35, Kansas State 21.

Kansas vs Nebraska Prediction

Everything on offense starts with the quarterback, and that might be the biggest question in the Kansas Jayhawks camp heading into 2007.

Sophomores Kerry Meier and Todd Reesing both saw time last year, and both showed signs of improvement. The question is whether or not one -- or both -- will be able to buy into a new offensive scheme with new coordinator Ed Warinner coming on board.

Another big question is at running back, as the Jayhawks lost Jon Cornish after a 1,400-yard season. Jake Sharp and Angus Quigley could be called on to fill the role.

Hold onto your hats Jayhawks. Nebraska's defense will be downright rude. Nebraska 35, Kansas 10

Texas vs Nebraska Prediction

Texas was very solid against the run last year, giving up just over 61 yards per game. They have five returning starters back from last year and should be solid up front with the leadership of senior tackles Frank Okam and Derek Lokey.

Texas will be tough at linebacker as well with the return of Robert Killebrew and Rashad Bobino, but may be questionable in the secondary with only one starter back.

The Longhorns' biggest adjustment will come in the form of new coordinator Duane Akina, who takes over after the departure of Gene Chizek, now the head coach at Iowa State. They'll need to adjust to a new defensive coordinator for the third time in five years.

Prediction: Nebraska has become a recruiting juggernaut, but Texas doesn't have to leave their backyard to get a team full of talent. Texas 35, Nebraska 21.

Nebraska vs Texas A&M

Junior quarterback Stephen McGee helped engineer a fourth-quarter comeback over rival Texas last year, and he will be called upon to direct a talented Aggie offense in 2007.

The Aggies will be solid up front, led by returning All-Big 12 honorees Cody Wallace at center and Kirk Elder at guard.

A&M will have a very solid trio of running backs with sophomore Mike Goodson and the very tough Jorvorskie "J-Train" Lane. Freshman Cornell Tarrant made a big splash during spring ball and could also be a key element in the backfield.

Texas A&M will also be solid in the skilled positions, led by senior receiver Earvin Taylor and junior tight end Martellus Bennett.

Prediction: Nebraska has a tough time at home with the Aggies. Nebraska 21, Texas A&M 14.

Nebraska vs Oklahoma State Prediction

Oklahoma State will have some good talent returning at linebacker and the defensive backfield, but have some serious question marks up front.

Although there will be some changes at linebacker, last year's core unit of Jeremy Nethon, Donovan Woods and Patrick Lavine are back this year and will give OSU some good stability in the middle.

The Cowboys return three defensive backfielders as well, including cornerbacks Jacob Lacey and Martel Van Zant and sophomore free safety Andre Sexton.

The big question will be up front, where three starters graduated from last year's 7-6 team. If the Cowboys can shore things up on the line, they should have a very tough defense.

Prediction: Oklahoma State won't have enough defensive horses to corral the Husker offense at home. Nebraska returns the favor from 2006. Nebraska 42, Oklahoma State 21.

Missouri vs Nebraska

Coach Gary Pinkel is going to have to do something about Missouri's run defense in 2007. Last year, the Tigers had a hard time stopping anybody against the run, as seven different running backs had 100-yard games against them.

Defensive tackles Ziggy Hood and Lorenzo Williams are back to anchor the Tigers' front four. They also have two solid returning cornerbacks in senior Darnell Terrell and sophomore Hardy Ricks.

The big surprise for Missouri may be at linebacker, where sophomore Sean Weatherspoon had an outstanding spring after a solid freshman campaign and is emerging as one of the team's leaders. Brock Christopherson moves over to middle linebacker as the team's returning starter at that position.

Prediction: It is hard to pick against the Huskers but an exciting offense and home advantage may tip the scale for the Tigers. Missouri 24, Nebraska 21.

Nebraska vs Iowa State

The good news for Iowa State is that quarterback Bret Meyer is one of the top signal-callers in the Big 12 and a solid returning receiver in senior Todd Blythe.

The bad news for the Cyclones is their inexperienced front line, which includes four newcomers this season, none with significant playing experience at the D-1 level.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding junior back J.J. Bass, who comes to Iowa State from El Camino Community College in California. He could overtake Jason Scales and Jason Harris at the running back spot.

Prediction: Iowa State made a big leap in getting their new head coach, but his Texas recruiting connection won't pay off soon. Nebraska 24, Iowa State 14.

Nebraska vs Ball State Prediction

Much of the returning experience for Ball State is on the defensive side, and the Cardinals will be a solid unit on defense in 2007.

Senior middle linebacker Wendell Brown leads the Cardinals defensive unit. He is the top returning tackler for Ball State and is a returning three-year letterwinner who recorded double-digit tackles in two games last year.

Brown will get some help in the linebacker department with junior Bryant Haines, who will play at weakside linebacker. He finished sixth on the team in tackles last year despite missing four games with a knee injury.

Cornerbacks Trey Lewis and Lavell Mosley and free safety Eddie Burke highlight the secondary for BSU, while seniors Cortlan Booker, Jacob Jordan and Amara Koroma anchor the front line.

Not enough defensive horses here and Joe Ganz comes in for mop up action. Ball State doesn't leave their side of the field until the 2nd half. Prediction: Nebraska 56, Ball State 0