2017 Bold Predictions
The 2017 season is right around the corner with the season kicking off on September 2nd against the California Golden Bears. So it’s time now to take a look at some of the bold predictions for the 2017 season.

Austin Proehl Finishes With Over 1,000 Yards Receiving
Starting out a little safe here, considering there are probably a lot of people who believe that Proehl can reach the 1,000 yard mark. With Ryan Switzer, Mack Hollins and Bug Howard all playing on Sunday’s, Proehl is slated to become the go to receiver. Add in the lack of proven depth and his targets should go up substantially.

Michael Carter Rushes For 1,000+ Yards
This one is a little more bold, considering Carter might not even be the starter Week 1. However, Carter is too talented to keep off the field. Carter takes over the starting role early and joins the prestigious group of Heels running backs to rush for over 1,000 yards.

Myles Dorn Leads the Team in Interceptions
This might not be that far fetched, but most people are going to pick M.J. Stewart to lead the team. Stewart didn’t intercept a single pass a year ago as a starter and with him being the best corner on the team by far this season, he shouldn’t see that many opportunities. Meanwhile, Dorn as the free safety should see plenty of opportunities and, with his ball skills, should be able to make it pay off.

The Rush Defense Ranks Inside the Top 80
This might seemed a bit far fetched, but look at the facts. In his three years at Nebraska, Papuchis’ defenses allowed 192.5, 156.2, and 177.8 yards rushing, respectively. Despite ranking 90th nationally in his first season, Papuchis’ defenses ranked 53rd in year two and 78th in year three, though, so his defenses are at least able to show some resistance against the run. Then there is the fact that the Heels return five starters from their front seven and the two “new” starters have experience. Jeremiah Clarke is one of those “new” starters and may actually be an upgrade in the run defense over Nazair Jones. A loaded linebacking corps should also help in pursuit of this achievement.

The Team Finishes with Over 25 Sacks for the First Time Since 2013
The Heels have struggled to put pressure on the quarterback the last few seasons, finishing with 25 or less sacks in each of the past three seasons (25 in 2016, 22 in 2015, 22 in 2014). That trend should change under Papuchis. In Papuchis’ Nebraska tenure, the team finished with over 25 sacks in each of his three season(28 in 2014, 38 in 2013, 31 in 2012). Add in the fact that this is the deepest the defensive line has been in a while and that streak should be broken this year.

Chazz Surratt Starts Every Game This Season
Per sources, Surratt has been wowing coaches, especially the last couple of weeks as the quarterback battle hits the homestretch. Surratt has a dual threat ability that none of the other quarterbacks can match. With Fedora saying that no one has pulled away, he might just go with the hottest hand of the bunch and right now that might be Surratt. If Surratt gets the job, it’s hard to see him giving it back.

