2008 could be a Lucky season for Nebraska

By Marc Hudgens  |   Tuesday, March 18, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

All those top running backs who opted for the NFL after last season will open the door for Nebraska's Marlon Lucky.

With eligibilities running out after 2007 on Kansas' Brandon McAnderson, Colorado's Hugh Charles and Oklahoma State's Dantrell Savage, and Texas' Jamaal Charles bolting early for the NFL, the stage is set for Lucky to become the leading rusher in the Big XII this upcoming season. Throw in there Rutgers' Ray Rice, Arkansas Darren McFadden and Felix Jones and the Illini's Rashard Mendenhall among others bolting, and Lucky could very well find his name in this year's top-10 running backs in the nation.

Looking at last season's stats, Lucky was the seventh-ranked running back in the Big XII as a junior, averaging almost five yards a carry off 206 carries. He scampered for 85 yards a game and scored nine times. Above him in the rankings were either seniors or Charles, the aforementioned Texas star who won't be in Austin in 2008.

Furthermore, Lucky already has a slew of All-Big XII honors on his résumé, earning second-team All-Big XII honors last season in addition to a Big XII Player of the Week award last season with his performance against Nevada, when he ran for 233 yards off 30 carries and three rushing scores and one receiving score. Going back a bit further, Lucky also earned All-Big XII honorable mention in 2006 as a sophomore, when he ended the season with over five yards a touch off 141 attempts and six touchdowns.

Simply put, the Husker "I-back" already has All-Big XII written all over him and he has another year of eligibility to go. So expect opposing defenses to key in on Lucky, who will likely carry the offense on his shoulders given the Huskers will be starting new players to the quarterback and receiver positions. Defenses will likely stack the box and force Nebraska to go to its inexperienced passing game.

Head coach Bo Pelini recently announced that all positions are wide open this spring, so competition will be at its highest for all returning starters. However if there is one starting job that's safer than the others, it's Lucky's.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report