If I had to do a write-up for a Cornhusker newspaper it would read something like this:
Zips fans under no false illusions that they have a good chance to win in Lincoln, but they do believe that there elements in play that still leave them with an opportunity ruin Scott Frost's big premiere in front of the Cornhusker kingdom. A near recent upset in the Big House and a road win against Pitt, are both recent enough experiences to make the Zips believe they can go steal this one. They are hungry after humiliating losses against Lane Kiffen and their MAC opponent, Toledo.
What the Zips have going for them:
On Offense
Athletic QB who shown the ability for explosive play and good decision-making. This QB played primetime HS football and will be eager to show the football upper echelon what they missed out on by overlooking him.
The receiving corps has more threats than have been acknowledged, including a big bodied graduate, a return to his original position for Michael Traylor- Bennett, and talented hiungry receivers like Dre Williams, Nate Stewart, and Maverick Wolfley, nephew of famed Steelers alum, Craig Wolfley.
A mature Kyle Ritz will lead a bigger bodied and more athletic offensive line. Injuries gave younger players opportunities to see live action in 2017, so they are nto as green as they appear. This may be one of the better sized OLs the Zips have faced up against a P5 team in recent memory.
On Defense
Ulysees Gilbert III is perhaps a faster and stronger version of former Zips Jatavis Brown, who terrorized both MAC and P5 programs as a Zip and who has made a name for himself as a Charger. Gilbert has been moved to outside LB this year, giving him an increased ability to terrorize the QB.
Former FSU recruit, Brian Bell is hard hitting, nasty linebacker. He plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Jamal Davis at DE showed a lot of promise last year and all accounts point to him raising the bar this year.
More depth at DL than 2017. If you are looking at 2017 film, you are likely to see quite a difference.
Among the best in D1A when it came to interceptions last year. Brown, Alvin Davis, Shawn Featherstone, Denzel Butler, and Jordan George are all talented. Their depth has been augmented by R-Fr, and highly recruited Jordyn Riley.
The legacy of Chuck Amato lives on in Todd Stroud. Expect some new twists to the solid LB U style play that we are accustomed to from Amato-style defenses as a new assistant coach joins Amato's long time sidekick, Stroud.
Special Teams
Expect zero improvement from the Zips specialists. Their coverage and return teams were average and similar is expected in 2018.
What the Husker have against them
Inexperienced QB - we won't beat a dead horse here. He is obviously talented but the degree that he needs some D1 live actions reps to mature has yet to be seen. In the end, it will not matter, the Huskers will live and die by this kid, so they might as well rally around him.
Frost mania - this type of hype can backfire. MAC teams usually do better against P5 programs than people expect until mid-way through Q2. If the Zips get ahead early and go into the locker room with a lead at the half, doubt could creep in.
Offensive line and defensive secondary both are vulnerabilities.
