2021-2022 CFB Big Ten West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Big Ten West

Big Ten head coach Scott Frost

The Nebraska Cornhuskers had high hopes when they signed Scott Frost as their head coach, but those hopes turned out to be a touch too high.

Scott Frost returned to his alma mater after spending two seasons with UCF. His best season as head coach was in 2017 when UCF went undefeated. Since becoming head coach at Nebraska, Scott Frost has led the Cornhuskers to three straight losing seasons.

The 2021-2022 season could be the final one for Frost if Nebraska registers a fourth straight season with a losing record. Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Nebraska Cornhuskers this season.

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2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Big Ten QB Adrian Martinez

Nebraska's strengths: Nebraska's secondary has the opportunity to have a breakout season in 2021. Their second strength is the quarterback position. Adrian Martinez is entering his final season as the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers and Nebraska's offense will only go as far as Martinez takes them.

It’s not for everyone 🎈#thegoodlife pic.twitter.com/RXBx829kIY

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) December 19, 2020

Nebraska's weaknesses: Adrian Martinez is a strength and weakness for Nebraska. They need Martinez to have a massive season to win games in 2021. The Cornhuskers rank towards the bottom of the Big Ten at the offensive line and running back positions, which doesn't make life any easier for Martinez.

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Nebraska Cornhuskers key players: Offense

QB: Adrian Martinez - Martinez has thrown for double-digit touchdowns in two out of his three seasons with Nebraska. He's yet to surpass the 3,000-passing-yard mark in a single season. If the Cornhuskers want to see wins and success on offense, they'll need Martinez to take his play to the next level.

WR: Zavier Betts - Betts showed potential during his freshman season even without posting massive numbers. Zavier Betts caught 12 passes for 131 receiving yards and one touchdown. His stats are uninspiring, but the eye test indicates he's as a potential breakout player in 2021.

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Nebraska Cornhuskers key players: Defense

S: Deontai Williams - Nebraska's defense will be led by its safety, Deontai Williams. Williams had a successful 2020, posting 37 solo tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.

PFF PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM@TheDomannator /// @b_stille_ pic.twitter.com/ositI5bxJK

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) June 28, 2021

DL: Ben Stille - Nebraska may rank bottom of the Big Ten at the defensive line position, but Ben Stille is a diamond in the rough. Stille has put together four incredible seasons at Nebraska. Entering his last season with the Cornhuskers, Ben Stille has recorded 49 solo tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

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2021-2022 Nebraska Cornhuskers schedule

Week 0: Saturday, August 28 at Illinois Fighting Illini

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Fordham Rams

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Buffalo Bulls

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 at Oklahoma Sooners

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 at Michigan State Spartans

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Michigan Wolverines

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Purdue Boilermakers

Week 9: Saturday, November 6 vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Week 10: Saturday, November 20 at Wisconsin Badgers

Week 11: Friday, November 26 vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

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2021-2022 Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction (7-5 overall, 5-4 Big Ten)

Scott Frost will give the Nebraska Cornhuskers fan base a little hope when he leads the team to a winning record. Nebraska may not make it to the Big Ten Championship game, but it will play in a bowl game. Martinez will have a mediocre year and will do just enough to help the Cornhuskers offense win football games in the Big Ten.