FanPost

2014 Regular Season Awards

[Jon: Edited To Add Some Paragraphs, Formatting For Easier Read.]

Nebraska has seen a thorough amount of change in 2014. Soon enough this year, that seemed to go excruciatingly slow will come to a close. Meanwhile, Nebraska is coming to the final turn of that terror inducing roller coaster you finally braved as a child. The Cornhuskers started off incredibly, with a swift and strong 5-0 record before a small dip after a painstakingly close loss to the Michigan State Spartans.

Three more victories in alignment had Husker fans' minds up in the College Football Playoff picture cloud. Nevertheless, the steep descent arrived against the Wisconsin Badgers in a game fans' would like to diminish from their memories. Nebraska was blown out 59-24 on National television. Finally, when no one could even fathom the plummet to get any more severe, the Cornhuskers dropped their second straight senior day game in a heart breaker ultimately losing 24-28 to Minnesota. Just as all hope was lost, and the screams began as the roller coaster free fell further, Nebraska won a OT thriller against the Hawkeyes leveling the coaster immediately, and restoring the fan base from the chaos it was thrust into. Then as the ride began to rise once again into the sky likewise, optimism seeped back into the fan base. Next Sean Eichorst announced Bo Pelini's tenure was over after seven whole years of consistency. To the awe of the nation Eichorst in a completely unpredictable move hired Mike Riley the long time Oregon State head coach. The coaster almost indecisively trended down at first, however after the initial shock effect the ascent took back over. Now only one small, but vital straight remains USC in the Holiday Bowl. So where will this exhilarating season finally leave us? With our heads high, and chest pointed out? Or, with a sour taste reminiscing in our mouths longing for months until the season begins anew. Leave a comment below.

Most Valuable Player:

The majority of people see this as a no brainer, Ameer Abdullah. Yes, he did have another great season full of 200 yard showing and game winning catches. On the other hand, we expected more from him and his late season numbers declined drastically. Granted, an injury against Purdue was a major setback and can be used as a great reason for the lack of productivity.

If not Ameer, who else can even compare? Nate Gerry. The formidable outside linebacker turned safety who ultimately finished the season five interceptions and an astounding 90 tackles only in his sophomore year. Not to mention, his first year at the safety position. So, who gets your vote?

Walk On of The Year:

Walk on's have long been a strong tradition in Nebraska nearly unrivaled by other schools, young men paying their way for school and working just as hard as their scholarship teammates. Walk on's are something Nebraska takes pride in like no other school. However, who is the best walk on the Cornhuskers saw this year. Personally, it is without question Jack Gangwish. Stepping up in the season finale against Iowa recording a sack along with five tackles cemented his place in this title. Furthermore, this guy is an absolute class act. Just before the first game of the year against FAU Gangwish and the Huskers were ready to take the field and in an act of pure humbleness Jack, fist bumped a young fan standing outside a window. The picture went viral after Gangwish, tweeted it, saying "best fans in college football" . Too add to all of this, Gangwish recently tweeted photos of cuts on himself and a picture of a raccoon "wrestled" showing his humorous personal side.

Special Teams Player of The Year:

Last year Nebraska's special teams were blatantly, atrocious. One of the worst in the nation statistically in punt returns, the Cornhuskers completely revitalized their punt return game. Thanks too, De'Mornay Pierson-el the star studded All American phenomenal punt returner. Did I fail to mention Pierson-el is a freshman? This kid with slashing cuts, and menacing speed, tore up opposition constantly all year, averaging an astounding 17.8 yards per return. In addition, De'Mornay light up the gridiron with three returning touchdowns the longest being 86 six entire yards. Pierson-el burst onto the scene Nebraska's first game with a twelve yard return one that surprised the crowd, as they were used to a luck luster return game. Furthermore, this radically undersized freshman wide out, kept Nebraska single hand idly in the game in Iowa City. Once again, against the Hawkeyes Pierson-el had an especially remarkable game with a 41 yard return where he was stopped by the kicker himself. Then again, Iowa was forced to punt and De'Mornay would not be stopped and broke two tackles gashing his way for an 80 yard touchdown return. Person-el, last week earned American Status and deserving so take my award for special teams player of the year.s

Offensive Player of the Year:

Nebraska's offense started explosively this year, though the unit cooled down but still remains a power offense. The running game slashed its way through early season foes. Such as, FAU, Fresno State, and Miami, winning all three games a large margin. Then the once seemingly unstoppable ground game finally, slowed down. Ameer Abdullah was ousted from the Purdue game with only a yard. Nevertheless, Ameer still compiled 1523 yards and had four games with over 200 yards. For once, I'll go with the obvious choice: Abdullah, third in the conference in rushing yards also, was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker award given to the best running back in the nation.

Defensive Player of The Year:

Nebraska had a solid year on defense, only allowing a modest 24.8 points a game. Nate Gerry takes yet another award dramatically stepping up, making plays out of no where especially in the Wisconsin game. Several times after Melvin Gordon slipped outside Gerry, was tasked with desperately trying to shove him out of bounds. Randy Gregory however, the preseason favorite to dominate offensive lines and absolutely slaughter opposing quarter backs, saw double teams most of his time when not injured and under performed from the high expectations he was given. So, Gerry takes two 2014 awards after a stunning out of nowhere season long performance.

Coach of The Year:

None other than Mark Pelini deserves this award. Bo, took his most talented team with his best running back and went 9-3 losing to the only top twenty five teams on the schedule. On a serious note Pelini perhaps, lost one too many games this season. Walking away victorious from any of the three losses most likely would have cemented his head coaching duties for another year. Anyhow, Pelini lost in a demoralizing way twice in a row forcing Eichorst to pull the trigger on a new coaching staff. So, what coach did the best job in 2014? I firmly believe Rich Fisher, Nebraska's wide receiver coach. The wide receiver play has been superb this season, even with talented starters like Jamal Turner suffering season long injuries. The Cornhuskers best wide out Kenny Bell, missed almost all of both the Purdue game along with, the Minnesota game where he streamed down field and caught a 76 yard reception before suffering a concussion. Rich Fisher did an outstanding job as well, in developing young players. De'Mornay Pierson-el towards the end of the season became a nuisance over the middle as, Jordan Westerkamp did a solid job racking up over 650 yards. The hat is definitely of for Rich, as he gets my coach of the year award.

In conclusion, the Cornhusker saw it all this year. Throughout the highs and lows, specific players have elevated themselves to another level of play. On the other hand, players have let down optimistic preseason hype due to injuries, diminishing chances to prove themselves once again. One more game remains for Huskerplayers in which fans, loved dearly. Magnificent players like fan favorite, Kenny Bell along with the little back that could, Ameer Abdullah will suit up one last time in scarlet and cream. Make sure to show off your brilliant opinion in the comment section below, follow me on twitter, and vote on the MVP poll also below.

This FanPost created by a registered user of Corn Nation.

In This FanPost

Teams