2009 College Football Preview: When Will Nebraska Return To National Prominence?

With college football just around the corner, KSJ will look at the teams, players, coaches, conferences, and issues surrounding college football. Here's the previous installments.

Remember when Nebraska was actually a college football powerhouse? Hell they played in the National Championship in 2001. Nebraska was of course blown out in that game by one of the best college football teams of all-time in Miami. And that's when everything started to go downhill for the Nebraska program.

After mediocre years in 2002 and 2003, new athletic director Steve Pederson fired Solich and hired former Raiders coach Bill Callahan. Solich went 9-3 in 2003, but that wasn't good enough for Pederson who said he would not, "let Nebraska gravitate into mediocrity." The only problem is, that is exactly what happened to Nebraska after Pederson fired Solich and hired Bill Callahan. Nebraska gravitated into mediocrity.

Callahan was the first Nebraska coach in over 40 years who didn't have direct ties to the school. Mistake number one. Callahan had no idea what he was getting himself into. He was going to a school that has to recruit the nation. Nebraska isn't a big enough state with talented high school football players. When Callahan was hired he installed the West Coast Offense. Mistake number three. Nebraska used the option offense for years. It's what lead the Cornhuskers to three national championships during the Tom Osbourne era. Plus the West Coast Offense is a highly sophisticated offense that majority of pro teams use. It was way over the heads of the players at Nebraska. Also when Callahan was hired he did away with the famed defensive black shirts and walk-on program. Mistake number three. He alienated the fans of the school. And in the end, that is what did the program in. That the losing record Callahan had during his tenure at the school.

Pederson was eventually fired as the athletic director in favor of legendary coach Tom Osborne. And eventually Osborne fired Callahan. Enter Bo Pelini, who was hired to be the next coach at Nebraska.

Pelini actually had ties to the school, although it was only for one season. Pelini was Solich's defensive coordinator in 2003, and was the interim coach for Nebraska after Solich was fired. He originally interviewed for the job, but Callahan was chosen instead of him. Pelini eventually made his was through Oklahoma and LSU. His defense at LSU carried the team to a national championship. And after three seasons away, Nebraska called on Pelini once again.

In Pelini's first year at the school last season, Nebraska finished 9-4 and would go on to win the Gator Bowl. The main thing about Pelini's first year at Nebraska is that the fans feel good again. Pelini brought back the blackshirts and re-opened the opportunity for walk-ons. Pelini fits in with their culture and that is exactly what the Nebraska fans wanted.

But the team is once again in rebuilding mode. Nebraska lost the majority of their offense, including starting quarterback Joe Ganz. Nebraska also lost the majority of their defense, including all of their starting linebackers. But Pelini seems to have this team going in the right direction in recruiting.

In his first full year to recruit, Pelini brought in the fourth best class in the Big XII. Pelini's time in the SEC showed him that he has to recruit athletes and that is exactly what he did. He brought in Rex Burkhead for the running back position. Burkhead could help this team in a lot of different departments. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can also return kicks. Pelini also brought in linebacker Chris Williams and defensive end Jason Ankrah to fill in needs on the defense.

While Pelini continues to rebuild the team through recruiting, the question has to be asked. When will Nebraska return to national prominence? I still think Nebraska is a year away. They replace Ganz at quarterback with Zac Lee. Nebraska thought they would have Patrick Witt to replace Ganz, but he transferred so they must now start Lee. The Junior Lee will face some growing pains getting used to being the starter. Lee has only thrown two passes in games, but he has the pedigree to be a starting quarterback. His father was once an NFL quarterback.

Nebraska also faces the questions of who to surround Lee with. Mike McNeill is the returning receiver, but Nebraska must replace their top receivers. Nebraska does return three starters to the offensive line, so the team should have good production for Lee and the young receivers.

Nebraska will continue to improve their offense and defense but they are still a year away from competing for the Big XII North title and the Big XII title. They play in a weak division surrounded by teams that are also rebuilding. Only Kansas should be better than Nebraska this season. But I expect Nebraska to return to national prominence in two years. Get ready to hear about the blackshirts once again.