1. It all starts up front: We always hear that, right? But just look at the best programs in the Big Ten: Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, even Northwestern. Each of those teams this season feels very good about its experienced offensive lines.
Meanwhile, Nebraska's group, although seasoned, has plenty to prove after struggling last season, in part because of injuries. "It's an experienced group, and I think there's talent there," Riley said in Chicago. "My expectation is that this group will play well, and frankly we need it to."
I've said it before: The offensive line is the area where the Huskers need to make the biggest jump if they hope to win the West Division. The experience is indeed there, with Nick Gates, Jerald Foster, Tanner Farmer, Cole Conrad and David Knevel each making at least four starts last season. What's more, there are some young linemen (John Raridon, Boe Wilson, Matt Farniok, Michael Decker) who will push hard for playing time in camp. Bottom line, we won't see quarterback Tanner Lee's full potential if he's constantly under duress.
2. Eyes on touted sophomore corners: Standout senior cornerback Chris Jones' knee injury, which could sideline him until November and perhaps for the entire season, forced Nebraska coaches to rethink their configuration in the secondary. What's clear is Jones' injury ramps up pressure on sophomore corners Lamar Jackson and Eric Lee.
If you're among the Husker fans who put a lot of stock in recruiting rankings, you should feel confident. After all, Lee was the top-ranked recruit in Nebraska's 2015 scholarship class, according to Rivals.com. Ditto for Jackson in the class of 2016. Many Husker fans and local media lost their minds with glee when Jackson verbally committed to NU.
Thing is, it's hard to hide deficiencies at corner. Those guys are out on an island. Let's see if those lofty recruiting rankings attached to Lee and Jackson were accurate. And don't forget redshirt freshman corner Dicaprio Bootle, who wasn't as highly touted as a recruit but nonetheless may figure prominently in the picture this season with Jones sidelined.
3. Can Diaco rev up the pass rush? One aspect that Riley most appreciates about defensive coordinator Bob Diaco's 3-4 system is it can generate a variety of blitzes. That obviously can create confusion and stress for offenses. For instance: If an offense doesn't always know where a fourth pass-rusher is coming from, it's not as easy for a running back to peel out of the backfield into a pass route.
One thing is certain: You won't find too many championship-level teams that lack a consistent pass rush. But does Nebraska have enough athleticism to wreak havoc on quarterbacks? Field side defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun is the team's returning leader in sacks with four. Short side end Carlos Davis had two sacks a year ago, as did twin brother Khalil Davis, who's projected to back up Mick Stoltenberg at nose tackle.
Are outside linebackers Alex Davis and and Marcus Newby ready to assert themselves as consistent pass rushers? Luke Gifford? DaiShon Neal? Sedrick King? Diaco needs a player or two to step up if Nebraska is going to harass QBs at a championship level. Put it this way: The Huskers had a combined 50 sacks in 2015 and 2016 — four fewer than Alabama had in 2016 alone.
4. Lindsey could be an immediate-impact rookie. But who else? During Big Ten Media Days last week, Lee did nothing to diminish the notion that speedy receiver Tyjon Lindsey will be among the team's true freshmen who will play this season. It seems the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Lindsey could have a sizable impact.
"He's really fast," Lee said. "He loves running straight. He's going to be a good weapon."
Although Jaevon McQuitty (5-11, 190 pounds) was limited in spring drills by a shoulder issue, he did enough to show he also could be a factor in a receiving corps with only seven players on scholarship. Meanwhile, linebacker Avery Roberts drew praise in the spring, but may be limited by a foot injury in camp. Also, keep a close eye on Deontre Thomas (6-3, 280), who could challenge for playing time behind projected starting defensive ends Akinmoladun and Carlos Davis, especially if Neal continues to be slowed by nagging injuries. Fullback Ben Miles and nose tackle Damion Daniels also will get long looks.
5. The best player in camp? I'll go with Stanley Morgan Jr.: With Jones sidelined, the choice seems obvious (pending Lee's performance). A junior wide receiver from New Orleans, Morgan, more than any Husker skill player, seems poised to take full advantage of the team's new-look offense. He was superb during the spring — explosive, efficient, confident.
"It's his overall understanding," NU receivers coach Keith Williams said. "He's more comfortable. This is his third year of running the same plays. He's able to play faster. And he's a little older. He has experience. All that matters."
It matters enough that I envision Morgan this season doubling his reception total from last year (33). "He's kind of a monster out there — a Dez Bryant attitude — which is really what you look for in a receiver," Lee said. What's more, Riley says Morgan has responded well to his pot arrest this summer in Florida.
6. If you're thinking preseason camp is starting sooner than usual, you're right: The NCAA banned two-a-day practices this season in the name of player safety, meaning Nebraska's camp will span five weeks instead of four. The Huskers typically have started their 29-practice push to the opener in early August.
Although Riley seems OK with the setup, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is concerned about holding players' attention at a high level over the course of five weeks. "I'm worried about some good stories to tell them by about week three, just so we aren't a bunch of zombies."
Lee understands Ferentz's concern. "It's a good point," he said. "Something you need to focus on is making sure guys aren't losing interest. You want to be working as hard in week five as week one."
Ohio State's Urban Meyer said flatly that five weeks "is way too much." This might sound odd, but I want to see how it goes before judging it.
7. You surely don't think we forgot about No. 13: Lee was Nebraska's scout team offensive MVP last season. He then won the starting job for 2017 with an impressive spring. Now, however, the pressure ratchets up considerably. The heat of August comes at players both literally and figuratively.
The good news is, Lee has been through it at Tulane. His maturity was evident last week in Chicago. "I learned a ton at Tulane just going through different types of adversity," he said. "There was a lot of good and bad that came along there, but a lot of positives I can take away that made me a better player."
How good can Lee be this season? Of all of Nebraska's unknowns, that one may be the most important, and intriguing.
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