2012 Nebraska Football Predictions: Are the Cornhuskers Overlooked?

Last year the Nebraska Cornhuskers were the talk of the town as they moved to the Big Ten for their first year. How things have changed. In less than one-year, the Cornhuskers are flying under the radar and are overlooked and perhaps even disrespected as the 2012 season is about to begin.

The Michigan Wolverines are being labeled a “lock” to win the Big Ten, Urban Meyer is looking to bring Ohio State back to the top of the college football world, and the ugly scene in Penn State continues to dominate headlines. What about the Cornhuskers?

One of the reasons that the Cornhuskers are being disrespected is due to the dismal performance a year ago. Nebraska was predicted to win the Big ten, but they failed miserably and suffered some ugly conference losses, most notably to Northwestern in Lincoln.

However, the oddsmakers are not disrespecting mathematical calculated football predictions Nebraska, as online sportsbook Just Bet has labeled the Cornhuskers at 3-to-1 to win the Big Ten title, only behind Michigan (2-to-1) and the favorite Wisconsin (1-to-1). When it comes to Legends Divisional Odds, Nebraska is listed at (1.6-to-1) to claim the division, while Michigan (1.2-to-1) is the favorite. Finally the Cornhuskers are a jaw-dropping (33-to-1) to take home the 2013 BCS National Championship.

Offense: Junior Taylor Martinez will get his fair share of criticism, but he is a leader on and off the field and his numbers is not that bad. A year ago he hit 56 percent of his passes for 2,089 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for another 874 yards and nine more scores. His turnovers need to improve but he can lead this team and will get help from a talented back field.

Senior Rex Burkhead can carry the rock as running back and will have an impressive year. Burkhead is also a talented receiver who in 2011 made 21 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Burkhead will need some help from some of the younger backs to carry the load if Nebraska will succeed.

The Nebraska schedule has some hurdles, like games on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State, but they will host Michigan and that could be for the division title. Although a tough start against Southern Miss and UCLA, could lead to a sluggish start.

Defense: The Cornhuskers need to improve on defense and it helps that they return three seniors on the front line, Eric Martin and Cameron Meredith at the ends and Baker Steinkuhler at tackle. This team always finds a way to compete on the defensive side of the ball and if they can improve at rushing the passer, they could have a tremendous season.

Betting Trend to Watch: The Cornhuskers are 6-1 against the spread (ATS) on the road with rest. When Nebraska travels to play Northwestern they will be well rested and looking for revenge. This could be a good spot to play on Big Red.

Nebraska Prediction: The Cornhuskers are flying under the radar and getting no respect headed into this season. That could exactly be what this team needs. The lower expectations and a talented team could be the perfect combination that will allow the Cornhuskers to play in the Big Ten Championship. It’s enough for me to bet on the Cornhuskers at 3-to-1 to win the Big Ten title.