Nebraska had a pretty good defense last year that only gave up the number of points they did because of a really bad kicking game and turnovers. The Seniors are Stille (who is pretty good but not an amazing DL), Williams (who is a very good Safety), Dismuke (again a good safety), and Domann (who is a top NFL pick). Our DB coach has a history of success along with our run game. Domann has been so good that we have not been placing a lot of guys on the right side. However, Clements (yes I know he is currently a MLB), and other players can come in and perform well. Our LB core went form being the weakness on our D to possibly a strength in 7 games. No matter what happens, we are not going to go from a great D to a poor D.
Yes we have some great players. But what we also have is a great system. At corner CTB, with the exception of the Michigan game, has been disappointing. Whatever happens to us on D we will be fine.
The super senior point is moot. Other offenses have super seniors as well. In fact, on D we only have 3 super seniors. Remember Dismuke played in limited action the last two years. Williams didn't even play 2 years ago because of injury. We have strong coaching on D.
I'm not disagreeing with you, which is why I said that I have faith in Chinander and that I wouldn't expect our defense to fall off the map even with a bunch of personnel losses. But -- there is no doubt, the defense will be less experienced next season. The odds are very good it won't be quite as dominating as this year. I didn't say it would be poor. It might go from a great defense to a good defense, which is fine and understandable. But, if the defense is a bit less, the offense will have to make up for it -- which may be difficult to do with a first year starting QB (if AM were to leave). Remember, the name and game of this thread is "hypothetical."