(Neon Tommy will be previewing the 2011 College Football Season throughout the summer. You can find links to each of our Top 25 previews here. Today, we preview the team ranked 12th, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.)

Head Coach: Bo Pelini (30-12, 3 years)

Nebraska's 2010 Season: 10-4, 6-2 in the Big 12

Offensive analysis:

--Six returners

--QB Taylor Martinez, LT Jeremiah Sirles, C Mike Caputo

--Key Stat: 247.6 rushing yards per game (ninth nationally)

As Taylor Martinez goes, so goes Nebraska. Last season, with a healthy Martinez, the Cornhuskers opened the season with six wins in their first seven games, averaging 38.9 points per contest. But during an Oct. 30 matchup with Missouri, Martinez bruised his leg, causing him to miss two games over the final stretch of the season, as the Huskers averaged just 22.9 points per game. In those first seven games, Martinez was a key factor on the ground, rushing for 870 yards and 12 touchdowns. But over the second half, he had just 95 and failed to score a touchdown after initially being labeled a Heisman Trophy candidate following a 241-yard rushing outburst against Kansas State on Oct. 7 on national television.

Add a healthy Martinez with the return of junior running back Rex Burkhead, who finished with 990 rushing yards seven touchdowns in 2010, and it appears, at least on paper, Nebraska will be able to showcase its typical physical running game.

But it could have some trouble through the air, as it finished 113th nationally in passing a season ago with Martinez throwing for just 1,631 yards. Since Pelini does not feature a pass-oriented offense, Martinez actually finished with 8.3 yards per pass attempt. By comparison, Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton averaged 10.2. If Martinez is on track, Nebraska shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the Big Ten.

Defensive analysis:

--Six returners

--DE Jared Crick, LB Lavonte David, CB Alfonzo Dennard

--306.8 yards allowed per game (11th nationally)

Bottom line: With Bo Pelini at the helm, this is a good defense. A year ago, Nebraska was ninth nationally in scoring defense, fifth in passing yards allowed per game and eleventh in total defense. And this season, they return first-team All-American candidates at all three levels in senior defensive end Jared Crick, senior linebacker Lavonte David and senior cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. David actually set the school single-season record for tackles with 152 (84 solo).

So there remains little doubt that this year's unit should be among the best in the Big Ten. But it will be interesting to see whether the Huskers use a nickelback in their primary defensive set, or switch to a three-linebacker system to combat the Big Ten's run-oriented offenses. It could prove to be an adjustment for Pelini's defense.

Strength:

Lack of familiarity. Nebraska is set to begin its first season in Big Ten play, which could prove to be advantageous – or not, depending on your perspective. Big Ten defenses aren't accustomed to Nebraska's new no-huddle/run-oriented offense. It could provide the Huskers with an advantage in the early goings.

Areas of Concern:

Martinez's health is a bit of an issue, especially when you consider the significant dip in production the team experienced during his absence. But reports seemed to indicate that he was at full strength this spring. The schedule, however, could prove to be a more serious concern, as the Huskers are welcomed to the Big Ten with a trip to Wisconsin followed by a home matchup with Ohio State. They must also travel to Penn State and Michigan in mid-November in back-to-back weeks. A quick glance at the roster would seem to suggest that Nebraska is a lock for a BCS bowl, but its schedule, in its first year in the Big Ten, doesn't will be a huge test.

Final Thoughts:

It's unfortunate Nebraska draws the top three teams from the Leaders division on their schedule. Otherwise, it'd be far easier to pencil in the Huskers as Big Ten champs. And heck, if they were still in the Big 12, the Huskers might be considered to be more serious national title contenders. Instead, however, they must contend with a talented and extremely well-coached Michigan State team in the Legends division, in addition to facing Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin all on the road. That said, combine a healthy Taylor Martinez with a top-ten defense and there might not be a team that Nebraska isn't favored against. The Big Ten hasn't exactly rolled out the welcome mat, but it would appear at least if Pelini's bunch are up to the challenge.

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Joey is the Sports Editor for the Daily Trojan. Reach him by email or follow him on Twitter.