5 predictions for the Nebraska football defense in 2024

The first Nebraska football game of the 2024 season is now one day away. We have started our breakdown of UTEP and here are some things to watch for that game, as well as an early prediction.

However, before we devote more time to the Miners, I wanted to finish up with some predictions for Nebraska football, particularly on defense.

Earlier this week, we posted five predictions for the Huskers offense in 2024. Well, here are five predictions for the Blackshirts during the 2024 Nebraska football season.

More takeaways

Nebraska’s defense was nasty in 2024. The Huskers ranked 13th in college football in scoring defense after allowing just 18 points per game. Nebraska allowed just three rushing yards per attempt, but they didn’t force many takeaways for such a dominant unit.

The Nebraska offense gave the ball away like it was going out of style (2.6 times per game) but the defense managed just 1.2 takeaways per game (14 in 12 games). There were nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

That’s not enough. This season, I expect more. The pass rush will be better and that will help generate more turnovers, but Tommi Hill will be starting for a full season and the secondary is deep.

I’m expecting at least 1.5 turnovers per game and projecting for a 13-game season, that’s around 20.

Two sophomores lead Nebraska in sacks

Jimari Butler led Nebraska football in sacks last season with 5.5. He’ll be in the mix to be the Huskers’ sack leader again, however, I’m betting on James Williams and Cameron Lenhardt to pass him or at least catch up.

It feels like Butler will be used more in base lineups this season. He’ll get pass-rush opportunities too but I wonder about fatigue.

Ty Robinson didn’t have huge sack numbers last season but was dominant against the run and with Williams and Lenhardt a little more fresh — especially Williams who will mostly be a sub-package pass rusher, there should be some great opportunities.

Williams got two sacks in four games before redshirting. The 6-foot-6 sophomore has been a force on the edge and is playing on the interior and I have a hunch he leads the team in sacks with Lenhardt and probably Butler not far behind.

Tommi Hill picks off five passes, is First-Team All-Big Ten

This is the boldest prediction here. But I’m really high on Tommi Hill. Even last season, Nebraska football was messing around with him on offense. He even started a game at wide reciever.

Yet, Hill also started seven at cornerback and intercepted four passes. He also notched 13 passes defended with 12 of those coming in Big Ten play (leading the conference).

It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Hill leads the Big Ten in pass breakups and interceptions this season. He’ll get plenty of chances in man-to-man coverage starting next week with Travis Hunter.

And after an offseason focusing just on cornerback, Hill is going to be really good — even better than last season if you can believe it.

The run defense is even better

You might be wondering how Nebraska football can improve a run defense that allowed just 91 yards per game and three yards per attempt.

It won’t be easy but if you have seen Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, and Butler lately, you’ll see why I’m confident that the run defense will be even better or at least just as good.

Allowing three yards per rush attempt is elite. That’s downright nasty and I don’t see teams having success pounding the rock against the Huskers.

I’m still worried about the pass defense, especially against teams like Colorado, Ohio State, and USC. But the safety group can tackle and so can the corners. I wish the linebackers had Javin Wright, but I think Nebraska and Michigan battle it out for the Big Ten’s best run defense.

The Huskers will also hold teams to fewer than three yards per rushing attempt (another bold prediction).

Another top-20 scoring defense

This Nebraska defense has top-10 potential. Some people want to talk about yards allowed and while that certainly matters, points allowed are the only true measure of a defense.

Nebraska football allowed 18 per game last season. That’s elite and I don’t see that number shifting much. The Huskers have most of their starters back and return every key player on the defensive line.

Show me a dominant defensive line and I’ll show you a dominant defense. The Huskers will allow fewer than 20 points per game and will rank close to the top 10 in scoring defense once again.

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