Predicted Overall Record 11-2 (6-2 in Big Ten)

Click the link for the 2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football schedule.

The Huskers will be playing in the Big Ten this season, and a conference title is certainly within their grasp. Experience will be a key factor and Nebraska should be able to quickly acclimate to the Big Ten since they have had to take on the big boys from the Big 12 in the past. Foes such as Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas A& M will lay the groundwork for success in the Big Ten under Bo Pelini. Nebraska finished the 2010 season poorly, going 10-4 and losing in the Holiday Bowl to Washington by a score of 19-7. The loss of freshman QB Taylor Martinez in the middle of last season really affected this team. Martinez is now healthy, and his backup Cody Green also has experience.

When Penn State entered the Big Ten, most experts felt that the Nittany Lions would tear up the league. After going undefeated in their first season, Penn State struggled to stay at the top of the standings and one has to wonder if the Huskers will repeat this trend.

Strengths: The quarterback position will be solid with Martinez back behind center and Green backing him up. The ground game should be excellent; last year Nebraska had three runners that went for more than 990 yards, and two of them return. The linebacking corps is outstanding, and the defense in general should be better than in 2010.

Weakness: Nebraska has always been known for outstanding special teams, but this year this group is young and unproven. The defensive backs lack experience and will be tested early.

Favorable Win Against the Spread: Oct. 24 vs. Michigan State. This could be a big game with Big Ten Championship Game implications in the Legends Division. Michigan State will be coming off two big home games against Michigan and Wisconsin and if they have success in those games, the line will be low and Nebraska should be able to take care of business in Lincoln.

Favorable Loss Against the Spread: Nov. 12 at Penn State. In what looks to be a low scoring affair, I would side with the homer. Penn State is 10-1 in their last 11 home games and this one could very well be the last home game for Coach Joe Paterno. I look for the team to send him out with a victory.

Closing Thoughts: I cannot see this team running over Big Ten foes. However, they certainly have the talent to win it all since many people believe that the traditional Big Ten powers are down. Road affairs in the Big Ten will tell the story as they must face Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State as the visitor. The first conference game in their history is Oct. 1 at Wisconsin, and that will tell a major story.

Doc’s Sports is set to embark on their 40th year in the sports handicapping business this football season. Yes, Doc started the company back in 1971 and still spends his weekends in front of the TV watching numerous games throughout the day. We are again expecting a monster season in college football anchored by our weekly selections from the Big Ten Conference. Our main office is located right in the heart of Big Ten Country and each year we fully expect to hit 2 out of every 3 college football picks we release from this conference. Jump on board now with a full season football picks package from Doc’s Sports!