For fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looking ahead to the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (September fourth, 2010, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE, 6:00 p.m. CDT, PPV)

YOU'LL BE HAPPY IF...

NUMBER FIVE IS NUMBER ONE: Perhaps throwing a bone to the media he locked out of practice in August, Bo Pelini has refused to name a starting quarterback going into the first game of the season.

This has certainly made for good copy, but it seems pretty clear that Pelini knows who he's handing the keys to at the start.

For 'Husker fans, they should be rooting for Zac Lee, the senior and returning starter.

If the starting nod goes to either sophomore Cody Green or redshirt freshman Taylor Martinez, it's hard to see that decision as anything other than an indictment of Lee's inability to win the job. It also makes it very hard to go back to Lee and have any confidence in his ability to lead the team.

IT'S A HALFTIME COVER: The sooner Nebraska gets the game under control, the sooner the contest can be treated less like an actual game and more like a preseason NFL contest.

It's incumbent, then, on the first-teamers to get the job done early and remove any doubt from the outcome. If they're able to get that done by the end of the first half, NU will not only get a confidence boost but be able to get some preparation work in for the rest of the season.

THE BENCH CLEARS: No, this isn't a reference to a baseball fight (or, more accurately, the slapfest that passes for a fight in baseball).

If NU is able to get ahead early in the contest, Pelini should be able to get a number of second- and third-team players into the game in the second half, giving those players valuable experience and protecting the starters from injury.

YOU'LL BE SAD IF...

THE BLACKSHIRTS STRUGGLE WITH THE SLIPPERY: The Hilltoppers' quarterback, Kawaun Jakes, is an effective runner as well as having a serviceable arm.

Nebraska fans are all aware of the struggles Pelini's teams have had in the past with mobile quarterbacks.

Factor in WKU's diminutive Bobby Rainey (5'8") at running back, and the Hilltoppers will present at least a little elusiveness. If the Blackshirts struggle with WKU's slipperiness, it could be a bad omen for things to come.

THE ROCK IS NOT POUNDED: More than likely, Nebraska is planning to shuttle all three quarterbacks into the mix, and wants to keep the offense vanilla to minimize the preparation time needed and to keep the meatier opponents on the schedule guessing.

That means we should see a heavy dose of running backs Roy Helu, Jr., Rex Burkhead, Dontrayveous Robinson, and the rest of the crew. Anything less than a 60/40 run-pass ratio will unnecessarily lengthen the game and expose the squad to more injury risk.

NU FANS GET TOO EXCITED: Remember, 'Husker fans, this is Western Kentucky that is coming to town. WKU was 0-12 last year, and is in only their third season as an FBS school.

It is likely that Nebraska will roll, and that just about everyone wearing scarlet and cream will look good.

Don't read too much into that. Remember how dominant NU's offense looked against Florida Atlantic and Louisiana last year?

Ultimately, we are not going to learn very much that's positive about the 2010 Cornhuskers in this game. It's possible we could learn some negatives if NU struggles, but the concrete positives will be tough to come by.

FEARLESS FORECAST

NU, as Barry Switzer would say, just has better players than WKU, and should be able to name their score.

Given that NU will want to give all three quarterbacks a chance to shine, there's less likelihood that the 'Huskers will call the dogs off if the score gets out of hand, meaning a real lopsided number is entirely possible.

Nebraska 66,  Western Kentucky 10.

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So the Big Ten just threw the gauntlet down.

You want to play with the big boys, Nebraska?

Then prove you're ready.

Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State. Nebraska's non-divisional conference games. 

Any hope for 'easy' games against Indiana, Illinois, or Purdue were just crushed.

But maybe that's a good thing...

*For argument's sake let's assume these teams maintain a consistent talent level as their current teams.

Begin Slideshow

Ever since Nebraska's move to the Big Ten was finalized, NU fans have been anxiously awaiting news as to how the 12-team Big Ten will divide into divisions. On Wednesday, the waiting was ended as the conference formally announced "Division X" and "Division O" to the fans.

Nebraska was placed in a division with Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Northwestern, and Minnesota. So what are the pros and cons of these new divisions for Nebraska?

Pros

Birth of a Rivalry: This was probably the biggest no-brainer, but having Nebraska and Iowa being in the same division means the 'Huskers and the Hawkeyes will be meeting every year. Ever since Nebraska's conference move, the two fanbases have been sharpening their swords waiting to go at each other on the field. Particularly with both teams on the rise, this series has the potential to be a significant and heated rivalry.

Out with the Buffs, In with the Hawks: Starting in 2011, Iowa will replace Colorado as Nebraska's traditional day-after-Thanksgiving rivalry game. If this budding rivalry needed any gasoline poured on it, having this game played in late November over a leftover turkey-and-stuffing sandwich should push it over the edge.

Early Success: It's important for Nebraska to start well in their new conference affiliation. It was clear that there were four "major" powers in the conference—Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.

Right now, it's pretty clear that Michigan is the weakest of the Big Four, so pairing NU with the Wolverines means the schedule on paper looks at least a little softer than it would if Nebraska had to face Ohio State and Penn State as divisional rivals.

Traveling Bands: One of the things NU will lose in leaving the Big XII is the ability to have easy road trips to away games like Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State. Thankfully, the Big Ten brass have given NU divisional foes that are easier trips for the 'Husker faithful, such as Chicago, Minneapolis, and Iowa City. It might be a little more arduous, but the road trip still lives for NU fans.

Cons

Alvarez-less: Nebraska fans have a special place in their hearts for Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin's athletic director. Right from the announcement, Wisconsin made it clear that they wanted to play Nebraska regularly. Given that Penn State was announced as Nebraska's "protected" cross-division rival, that isn't going to happen, and both 'Husker and Badger fans should be disappointed about that development.

Basketball Disparity: Sure, men's hoops isn't a consideration in these conference realignment discussions, but these divisions are incredibly disparate in basketball. Of the 12 conference members, there's an argument to be made that four of the top five basketball schools are in one division (hint—it's not the one that contains Nebraska). That's probably bad for the conference as a whole.

But if the schedule is unbalanced and teams get more games against division rivals, Doc Sadler may end up finding this a pro.

Recycling: Networks and the public as a whole have pretty well decided that rematches are not good television. But with the decision to leave the Ohio State-Michigan game at the end of the season means that the conference has the potential to have a marquee rematch a week later in the conference championship game.

Nebraska fans will remember very well getting Oklahoma in an Orange Bowl rematch, and will likely want little to do with such a game in the Big Ten championship game.

NU Isn't in Kansas Anymore, Toto: At Wisconsin. Home to Ohio State. At Penn State. At Michigan. Home to Iowa. That's what the meat of Nebraska's 2011 conference schedule looks like. There's a little more weight to that schedule than visits from Baylor, Iowa State, and Kansas State. While the new conference schedule is exciting, Nebraska's run to a divisional or conference title in 2011 just got a lot more arduous.

The Big Picture

Before today, Nebraska's move to the Big Ten was a little abstract. Now that we have divisions announced, and schedules for 2011 and 2012 set, the full reality of the change settles in. Teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Iowa will be coming to Memorial Stadium in October and November to play conference games, ones that really count.

Having these concrete future plans in place, and the excitement those plans will generate, should help to ameliorate the melancholy of Nebraska's final trip through the Big XII.

Read more Nebraska Huskers Football news on BleacherReport.com

We’ll win. By 35. At least. That’s honestly about as in depth as I really have to get for our first game of 2010, but for those loyal readers who follow this hack-job we like to call a blog around here, I figure I’ll go a bit more in depth for our match-up against the mighty Hilltoppers, who are entering their 2nd year in NCAA Div 1-A competition (Yes, 1-A.) That last statement begs a question: can Hilltoppers in fact, be mighty?

If anyone would like to Google (or Bing, whatever) an answer for that, let me know. If you actually succeed, you’ll receive a Seeing Red autographed Zima coozy. Save that one for your collection kiddies.

I’m done filling up space here. Let’s get down to it.

Defense

The Hilltoppers play a base 4-3, Cover 2 scheme. Nothing earth shattering there. Neither is the fact they they gave up an average of 478 yards per game, 7 yards per play, and 39.5 points per game in 2009. This includes 68 points to the offensive juggernaut that is North Texas and 62 to Middle Tennessee. In the Topper’s defense, MTSU did receive a few votes in the Coach’s Poll to be included in the Top 25. Like four votes, I think. But seriously, North Texas is the only thing you need to know.

 The defense is anchored by their DE’s (they call one of the ends the LEO position, for Left End…seriously??) The right DE is spot is played by Junior Jared Clendenin at 6’5″, 265 and the LEO spot *ahem* is occupied by Sophomore Quanterus Smith. At 6’3″, 239 he is definitely undersized for a DE and it appears they use him as the de-facto edge/speed rusher. I wouldn’t know, since I’ve never watched WKU play football. I assume taking a nap or eating a turkey sub would be more gratifying and more healthy for me at the same time. I would expect them to bring pressure from this side early and often. But seriously it’s not going to matter. I assure you. We are 33 lbs heavier per man across our OL, we’re more powerful, we’re faster, and we are simply just going to do whatever the hell we want to do to them.

Their linebackers all average 6’0″ and 232 lbs per man. In other words…they’re thick. Big and thick. Raise your hand if you think that adds up to “speed and lateral pursuit sideline to sideline.” Their names are not important. Suffice it to say that our OL is going to get to the second level often and oftener enough that these guys will find themselves unable to make plays. Our backs are going to be able to run right by and around them. Everything about their LB corps screams “mismatch” in our favor.

I can’t say much about their secondary, except that they’re a little on the light side and they seem to possess some quickness. Expect them all to be abused at will by Paul, Kinnie, and McNeil and it won’t make a difference who starts for us at QB on Saturday. The Good Guys will find the holes, seams, and frequently be running around so wide open that it should look like a 7 on 7 drill. If we don’t roll up somewhere in the neighborhood of 500+ yards on these clowns, our offensive staff needs to be beaten severely around the head, neck, and shoulders.

Offense
The offense for the Toppers isn’t much better than their defense. Seriously. They averaged 20.4 points per game, to go along with 147.9 passing and 172.8 rushing. Now you know why they lost all their games last year. 20 points per game flat isn’t going to cut it when your defense is giving up nearly 40 per game. Simple math there boys and girls.

They apparently switched schemes this year to a Pro Style/West Coast based offense from their Spread Zone/Read Option running game of last year. Okay, I confess. I did watch them play that Tennessee game last year where they just got shellacked. That’s how I know. They return starters at the RB, QB, and TE spots respectively and their #1 WR from last year is gone. That honor now falls upon Quinterrance Cooper, who had a whopping 20 receptions for 151 yards and no TD’s in 2009. But hey, he’s experienced. Their leading receiver entering this year is actually their tight end Jack Doyle, who hauled in 37 receptions for 365 yards and 1 TD. Marcus Vasquez will start at the other WR spot for them and had 19 catches for 176 yards and 2 TD’s last year. Really this is much to do about nothing, as they are simply no match for our secondary. Prince and Alfonso will blanket the receivers, their TE will find no space which will allow our DL even more time to twist their OL into various forms of orgami. If there’s actually a chance a team could have negative yards passing, this might be the game you see it in.

The biggest threats on offense for the Toppers is their RB Bobby Rainey and their QB Kawaun Jakes. Those two were their number #1 and #2 rushers last year with 939 yards and 355 yards respectively. Of course that was out of their spread scheme. With the switch to the West Coast offense, I expect lots of problems. Lots. Like oodles. Our line and backers should eat these guys whole. I fully expect our second string defense to be in at the start of the 3rd quarter and wouldn’t be surprised if they’re subbing in at the middle of the 2nd.

In short: this game is going to look a lot like their game against Tennessee last year. It’s going to be ugly.

Make sure you enjoy every minute of it.

Huskers 60. Hilltoppers 3.

__________________________________

From the FanTake Blog: Better Off Red

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With the recent and ongoing quarterback controversy that has been a headline for the Cornhuskers, well, since Joe Ganz graduated, I thought it would be a fun time to take a look back at some of the great Huskers who stood under center.  Top 10 lists are always a fun debate, everyone has their own opinion, and their own criteria for inclusion on such a list. 

First of all, what should be looked at in a quarterback to be included on the list. 

1.  Stats are important.  The guy has to put up numbers.  However, this can get a bit skewed.  In Callahan's first year, Joe Dailey put up more passing yards than any Nebraska quarterback up to that time—but no one's putting him in their top 10, so we also need to include...

2.  Winning.  The quarterback gets the ball on most every play on offense, so even in some of the I-back driven offenses of the Devaney/Osborne eras, the quarterback was still very important—and had a lot to do with wins and losses.  Postseason success also helps here. 

3.  Multiple years as a starter.  Obviously, this helps with stats as well, but if a guy has more than one year under center, he has more time to develop his skills, and more time to get wins.  It must also mean that they were pretty darn good to beat out other guys at the position.

4.  Postseason honors.  They don't give MVPs, All-Conference and All-American honors, and Heismans to slouches who can't play.

5.  Intangibles.  What was their leadership ability?  Could they come through in crunch time?  Did they have the proverbial "it" factor? 

On the negative side, there's always the debate of "did he make the team great," or "was he the beneficiary of a great team?"

With those in mind, I believe there are six Nebraska quarterbacks who should be on everyone's list—and will be on most.  They are (oldest to youngest)—Jerry Tagge, Turner Gill, Steve Taylor, Tommie Frazier, Scott Frost, and Eric Crouch.  The order can certainly be debated, but in my mind, those six guys have to be there.  After that, it becomes more dicey with a lot of good quarterbacks to fit into those last four spots. 

-- READ: 50 Greatest Nebraska Players of All-Time --

So, without further adieu:

Honorable Mentions

Gerry Gdowski

Oh, the redshirt who should have been. 

Only a one-year starter, we always wondered what another year might have brought.  Over 1,300 yards passing and over 900 yards rushing.  Nearly beat a pretty darn good Colorado team that ended up with one loss and ranked fourth in both polls. 

10-2 overall record.  He was the Big Eight's Co-Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Big Eight honors.  He was the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week twice, and the Husker Player of the Week six times.

Brooke Berringer

Character, perseverance, toughness.  He played a pivotal role in the 1994 championship run, coming in off a collapsed lung to save the day in Manhattan, and playing probably the finest game of his career against a highly-ranked CU team—which vaulted the Huskers into title contention over Penn State.  Doesn't have the honors or stats, but man, he was great when we needed him. 

10.  Joe Ganz

I'm sure I'm going to get some debate on this one, but I think he belongs on this list. 

2008 was one of the best statistical seasons by a Nebraska QB ever—throwing for over 3,500 yards with 25 TDs and only 11 picks.  He brought Nebraska back to winning after the doldrums of the Callahan years.  The only postseason hardware he got was Gator Bowl MVP, but remember, the other QBs in the Big 12 that year were the likes of Chase Daniel, Todd Reesing, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Graham Harrell—pretty heady company, and he more than held his own.

9.  Dave Humm

Forever compared to his predecessor, Humm was a talented QB in his own right.  Some of his passing records stood for over 30 years. 

He led the Big Eight in total offense his sophomore year (Devaney's last).  He passed for over 5,000 yards and over 40 TDs during his career (as a three-year starter).  He was All-Big Eight and All-American for two of those years.  The big knock on him was that he threw as many interceptions as touchdowns in his career. 

8.  Vince Ferragamo

I debated putting Humm over Ferragamo, but statistically, Ferragamo was just better. 

He threw for only seven less touchdowns in one fewer season at the helm, and had far fewer picks.  If he had gotten the benefit of playing just one season with Rodgers, as Humm did, his numbers would have undoubtedly been better.  Wins/losses were pretty comparable—and neither one beat Oklahoma.  Ferragamo was also All-Big Eight and an All-American.

7.  Zac Taylor

I'll even admit that this is probably too high for the lead-footed kid from Norman, but I just like him.  He was tough, resilient, took a beating behind a pretty mediocre offensive line, but came through in the clutch, and in comparison with other Callahan years, he won. 

In fact, he was the ONLY quarterback that Callahan could win with. 

Just think how dreary those years would have been without Taylor.  He threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 45 touchdowns in his two years at the helm.  He led dramatic comeback wins against Texas A & M (with an assist from Maurice Purify) and Michigan in the bowl game.  He garnered postseason honors as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. 

6.  Eric Crouch

WHAT????  A Heisman Trophy winner can't even crack the top five? 

In my opinion, no.  Crouch was great, however.  His running skills were fantastic, it was like tackling water. The records he held or holds read like a laundry list—one of three NCAA QBs to rush for 3,000 and pass for 4,000 yards, Nebraska record holder for offensive touchdowns, total offense, career rushing TDs for a quarterback (also an NCAA record), most rush yards by a quarterback, and the list goes on. 

All-American, All-Big 12, Offensive Player of the Year, and of course, a Heisman Trophy.  Oh, and he played for a national title—and looking back on that game, he might have been the only player on the roster to really show up.  The Colorado debacle certainly wasn't his fault, either.  

Probably the best all-around athlete to play the position (and that's saying a LOT). 

5.  Scott Frost

After the 1996 Arizona State game, I would have headed the "tar and feather Scott Frost" committee.  I'll admit it.  That game still sticks in my craw. 

However, after that game, he was dominant.  Winning every other game that year save the Big 12 title game to Texas, and winning out the next year and lobbying hard for the national title—which he got. 

He was a brutal runner.   If tackling Crouch was like tackling water, then tackling Frost was like tackling an oak tree—that was running full speed at you. 

But he was clutch (see Miracle in Missouri).  Not the greatest stats (although he did both rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in 1997), and he didn't garner the postseason hardware some others on the list have, but he personified a bruising, physical team—one of the best of Osborne's career. 

4.  Steve Taylor

The quarterback for several of Osborne's "oh so close" seasons of the mid- and late-80s.  We never quite got there, and probably put too much blame on the quarterback, and thus don't appreciate him and what he accomplished enough. 

Taking over the starting helm his sophomore year, he compiled a 31-6 record from 1986-88.  He was a two-time All-Big Eight selection and put up some pretty impressive career statistical numbers.

3.  Jerry Tagge

Two national titles, what more needs to be said?  Plenty. 

Tagge was the tough leader of Devaney's finest teams.  He split time with Van Brownson at the helm in 1970, and then in 1971, it was all his, and he came through.  Although it has since been supplanted many times over, the stats for his 1971 campaign were about as good as it got for Nebraska QBs up to that point.  He received All-Big Eight and All-American honors that year, as well.

2.  Turner Gill

Smooth as a baby's butt would be the way to describe the option series during Gill's tenure at the helm.  He took the race car that was Osborne's offense from 1981-1983 and put the pedal to the metal.  The 1983 offense was out-of-this-world good, but the entire run during that period has had few rivals for a three-year span in college football history. 

They had other talented players on offense (including a Heisman winner, the first pick of the NFL Draft, and All-Americans up and down the line), but Gill was the engine that made it go. Other QBs have had better individual stats, but his 33-5 record is pretty impressive.  He was a three-time All-Big Eight selection. 

1.  Tommie Frazier

There was little doubt here. 

As a starter, Frazier was 33-3 over his career (including bowl games) and oh yeah, two national titles.  Both the 1994 and 1995 teams were bruising running teams, but the 1995 team with Frazier at the helm was truly record setting.  He could also throw, as the Colorado game in '95 showed.  He was clutch, bringing the team back in the fourth quarter of the '94 title game against Miami. 

The individual honors—All-Big Eight, All-American, bowl game MVPs, and others came in buckets his senior year—and somewhere on Eddie George's mantle is a Heisman Trophy in search of its rightful owner. 

Statistically, he was good, but not record setting.  An unselfish player, he had only just over 600 yards rushing in the record-setting 1995 year—but got to unleash his talents in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl against a hapless Florida defense. 

That's the list as I see it.  Sure, there is room for some debate (maybe Zac Taylor is overrated, or some might not have him in there at all, and many would have Eric Crouch in the top three)—but that's what lists are all about, debate.  Fire away!

Read more Nebraska Huskers Football news on BleacherReport.com

Bo Pelini hates questions about the quarterback position. So does every other person living in the state of Nebraska.

For the past eight months, Husker Coach Bo Pelini has been bombarded with starting quarterback questions, and he always gives a diplomatic, though sometimes testy response. 

What he should say when asked who the starting quarterback will be on September 4 vs. Western Kentucky is this:"IT DOESN'T FRICKIN' MATTER."

Let's be blunt: Western Kentucky is not a good football team. 

The Hilltoppers are a tough and resilient team, as shown by their streak of 95 consecutive games without being held scoreless, and thus deserve not to be overlooked, despite their 0-20 record coming into the game. 

The team has heart. But saying that Western Kentucky is on the same level as Nebraska is like saying Megan Fox is a good actress.

For all intents and purposes, Western Kentucky is a practice game. And that is why it doesn't matter who the starting quarterback is. 

Zac Lee, Cody Green, and Taylor Martinez will all get their chance to showcase their talent and make their case for the starting quarterback position.

All three quarterbacks are going to look good against a Western Kentucky defense that ranked 119th in scoring defense in 2009. 

At the end of the day, I expect that there will be a case to be made for each quarterback earning the starting spot. And that is where it gets tricky. It's not about who looks the best against Western Kentucky or even Idaho.

The key to the first two games for the Nebraska coaching staff is figuring out which quarterback gives you the best chance of winning games when the bullets are real and the opponent has the same size guns.

Here is my prediction for how the quarterback race plays out.

Zac Lee deserves to, and will be under center on the opening series September 4.  Lee was a workable quarterback in 2009. 

Although it was rarely pretty, Lee won nine games last year and deserves a chance to show that he can take the Husker football team to the heights that the coaches and fans expect. 

I believe that although all three quarterbacks play well in the first two games, Zac Lee will be the starter at Washington.

Here is where it gets interesting and whether you agree with me or not, here is what I know.

Taylor Martinez is an athletic specimen. 

Is he the most skilled passer? No. 

Is he the most comfortable quarterback with the system? Probably not. 

But does he provide one of the most challenging offensive packages to defend when he is on the field?  I'm betting the answer is going to be yes.

And that is why even though Taylor Martinez won't be the starter, the coaching staff will design packages that will get him on the field, and that is where he will make his move. 

At some point, either at Washington or at a Bill Snyder coached Kansas State, I am guessing Nebraska's offense stalls, Taylor Martinez comes in for a "change of pace" series, creates some magic, gives Nebraska the best chance to win and is the starter from that point forth.

Zac Lee will not lose the starting job because he performs poorly. Taylor Martinez will win the starting job because he performs outstanding when the bullets are real. If you look back in history, Nebraska has had some pretty good luck with athletic freshman quarterbacks. 

Could I be wrong about Martinez?

Absolutely, but if Nebraska is to live up to the high expectations of the 2010 season, a little "T-Magic" couldn't hurt.

Read more Nebraska Huskers Football news on BleacherReport.com

It's been a crazy off-season for Nebraska: basking in a 33-0 Holiday Bowl pasting of Arizona, watching Ndamukong Suh go No. 2 overall to the Lions, and preseason magazines proclaiming the Huskers as BCS National Championship dark horses.

The Cornhuskers know that 2010 isn’t about all of that, though. It’s not about the hype or where the Huskers want to be. This is Nebraska’s Big 12 Farewell Tour, and they want to make sure every team remembers that they played Nebraska the next morning.

This Saturday marks the beginning of one of the holiest of days on a Nebraska fan’s calendar:

The season opener.

No one envies the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, but 85,000+ screaming Cornhuskers will welcome them into Lincoln. While Nebraska’s sideline is packed full of players with their own storylines, here are 10 in particular to keep an eye on as the Cornhuskers open the season as a member of the Big 12 one last time.

Begin Slideshow

So as of today (Monday), we have only five days, until Bo Pelini begins his third year as the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He claims a better defense then last year, if that’s even possible.

I'm one who would agree with him.

Look for the Blackshirts to be in the top 10 in all major statistical rankings at the end of the season.  For another time though, lets look at what we can look for from the Big Red in Week 1.

The Western Kentucky Hill Toppers in their third year of FBS football are severely outmanned when they roll into Lincoln NE for the 305th straight sellout of Memorial stadium.

The Hill Toppers will bring some speed and size to the game but the problem will begin with the depth they will lack versus Nebraska.  The Huskers are at least two deep at every position it looks, but look to see more rotation at a number of spots for the the Big Red.

-- READ: 10 Teams Likely to Shut Out their Opponents Week 1 --

We might as well get used to a lack of a depth chart from coach Pelini.  At the same time it feels pretty good as a fan to know that there is enough talent that the coaching staff doesn't have to settle on a group of No. 1's and No. 2's.  Rather a group of 20 some players on offense and another 20 some players on defense that can contribute, either as a starter or in a reserve roll.

Look for Pelini and the staff to use a nearly everyone on the roster this week and next though.  We fans can expect to see a large number of young players.  Bo and his staff have done a fine job of recruiting the since arriving in Nebraska, so look for them to display a large part of that talent.

The one thing that I've been hearing the most is how much people want to see shut outs, and I don't think you will be disappointed this week either.  I see Nebraska putting up around 63 on the Hill Toppers. 

The depth of the defense will show it’s for real.  With a Pelini coached team though you have to look at the defense as a focal point.

The knock on the Huskers has been the lack of offense though.  It wasn't like Coach Watson just forgot what he was doing from 2008-09.  If you do remember correctly Nebraska was a top 20 team statistically in all major offensive categories in '08. 

So look for a more productive and deeper offensive line to lead to more big plays and Watson to see more head coaching opportunities at the end of the year.

So there you are a couple things to mull over as we begin Game Week, will there be a shutout, and will the offensive line depth look more like Pipe Lines of old.

Thanks for reading, GBR.

Read more Nebraska Huskers Football news on BleacherReport.com

The Big 12 has really lost a lot this of-fseason. Texas loses the BCS Championship game to Alabama, five of the first six players taken in the NFL Draft were from the Big 12, and they lost two schools in Nebraska and Colorado to other conferences (they will leave in 2011 and 2012). However, all schools are in tact for this season and are ready to go.

North Division

Champion—Nebraska

They were one second away from shaking up the BCS against Texas in the Big 12 title game, and are ready for some payback this season.

Ndamukong Suh did leave a big hole on the defensive line, but there are some great players ready to fill it. Bo Pelini has returned the black shirts to Lincoln. Jared Crick is an All-America candidate on the line as is cornerback Prince Amukamara.

This defense could be better overall compared to last season. Meanwhile the offense will have to improve, the Huskers were 99th in total offense last season. Eight starters return to the offense so hopefully they are more seasoned and improved.

Runner-Up—Missouri

The only school who can really challenge Nebraska in the North. The Tigers return 17 starters from an 8-5 team, including quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who can pitch the ball all over the field. The offense will have to score points because the defense will need time to gel. DE Aldon Smith has a chance to be a superstar but the pass defense has been torched the past two years. If Gabbert can find some solid receivers the Tigers can keep the scoreboard running.

Everyone Else

Iowa State

The offense returns nine starters from a 7-6 debut season under coach Paul Rhoads. Three year starters, QB Austen Arnaud and RB Alexander Robinson will lead the attack. The defense however must replace seven starters, which is never good, especially when you can't reload like the bigger schools. Another bowl game would be a nice result.

Kansas State

Running back Daniel Thomas could be the best back in the conference. Thomas led the Big 12 in rushing, and averaged more than five yards a carry. The rest of the offense leaves much to be desired. The defense is very thin so they have to stay healthy or else the season could be a disaster. If things fall right, a bowl game is a possibility.

Kansas

Legendary Nebraska quarterback Turner Gill is back in the Midwest. He was hired to help rebuild a Kansas team that started 5-0, and then lost its last seven, which got coach Mark Mangino the boot amidst allegations of player abuse.

Gill brings a good calming influence, and anyone who can win at Buffalo is a smart choice. It is going to be an uphill battle to start. Kansas is shy on talent and there isn't a proven playmaker on either side of the ball.

Colorado

Head coach Dan Hawkins was brought in from Boise State, and there were high hopes in Boulder. Four years later, Hawkins is 16-33 and not making friends. The Buffaloes were 104th in total offense last season, but with nine returning starters hopefully things will improve. There are no excuses left for Hawkins. If the Buffs don't at least make a bowl, count on a change.

South Division

Champion—Oklahoma

Boomer Sooner is back. After lofty expectations last season, the Sooners were bit by the injury bug and finished the season 8-5. Sam Bradford missed much of the year and plenty of young guys had to step in and play. That experience will pay off this season. QB Landry Jones surged late last season throwing for 418 yards in the Sun Bowl. RB DeMarco Murray is set to have a great year as in WR Ryan Broyles. DE Jeremy Beal and LB Travis Lewis are All-America candidates on defense. If the offensive line can gel, look for the Sooners' offense to soar. They just need to beat Texas.

Runner-Up—Texas

The Longhorns are not going to drop off anytime soon. Mack Brown can just pick the top talent out of Texas every year, and they are reloaded. So people may not know the faces on the field yet, but you will. QB Garrett Gilbert had to come in early in the BCS Championship game for the injured Colt McCoy, and showed signs of brilliance (around all the turnovers). Texas is going to have to find a running game to take some of the pressure off Gilbert. The defense will be up to its usual dominance, led this season by DE Sam Acho who led the team with 10 sacks last season. Texas will be in the conversation all season long.

Everyone Else

Texas A&M

Aggie QB Jerrod Johnson is fun to watch. He can throw a beautiful deep ball and he has the playmakers around him to keep the A&M offense as one of the best in the country. The defense on the other hand was 105th in the country last year, but looks to have improved coming out of the spring. LB Von Miller led the nation last season with 17 sacks, but he can't do it all by himself. If the Aggies stay healthy, it could be a fun season in College Station.

Texas Tech

The pirate is gone from Lubbock but former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is now at the helm of the Red Raiders. Tuberville will not abandon the air raid offense, but there will be some more runs in the playbook, which is just fine with RB Baron Batch. New defense coordinator James Willis coached linebackers at Alabama, and is a disciple of Nick Saban and Will Mushamp so the defensive pressure will be turned up.

Oklahoma State

When you lose Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant, and Russell Okung from the offense you may have a little bit of drop off. However, since Bryant missed much of last year due to suspension the other receivers were able to grow. RB Kendall Hunter is still around and can bust the big play. The Cowboys only have three starters back on defense so coordinator Bill Young will have to work some magic.

Baylor

It all really rides on the success of Baylor QB Robert Griffin. For the Bears to get to their first bowl game in 15 years Griffin is going to have to prove his torn ACL is healed and can take the punishment this season. Griffin was hurt in the third game last season after a brilliant freshman year in which he passed for 2,091 yards and 15 touchdowns, and rushed for 843 yards and 13 scores. The time is going to have to be now for the Bears to go bowling.

Big 12 Champion—Oklahoma

Despite the fact that the Sooners could not contend for championship by mid-season last year, they showed heart and did not quit. After the 8-5 season last year, the Sooners are motivated and ready to prove that last season was just a bump in the road.

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After the most exciting, and drama filled off season in Nebraska football history, the 2010 season is finally upon us. With questions still yet to be answered regarding starting positions, primarily quarterback, Husker Nation will get its first look at the Huskers of the new decade by 6:00 on Saturday evening. Here are my thoughts, concerns, predictions, and everything in between regarding the 2010 season, the final hooray for the Huskers in the Texas-hungry Big 12 Conference.

*Am I the only one that would like to see a marquee matchup for the Huskers to kickoff the season? Great. 0-12 Western Kentucky, doesn't get the competitive juices flowing for me quite yet.

*With the Huskers moving to the Big 10 following this season, I'm calling for another major change for the University's athletic department. Starting in 2011, the Huskers need to say goodbye to Adidas, and hello to Nike. I've just always been a Nike guy, call me crazy.

*Being a student at UNL, I hear a lot of different scenarios regarding rumors about the team. The one that keeps coming back to me is, obviously, about the starting quarterback position. My sources inside the program are telling me that Pelini and crew are "SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING" starting Taylor Martinez in the season opener against Western Kentucky, to reward him for his overall improvement this summer.

*Reward or not, Martinez should be Nebraska's starting quarterback in 2010.

*Taylor Martinez will not be the starting quarterback week three at Seattle against the Huskies. Zac Lee gets the nod, but will have a very short leash. If he struggles, look for Watson to call on Martinez.

*Cody Green will transfer out of Nebraska following the 2010 season.

*The Huskers beat Washington by 14 points, as Prince Amukamara picks off Jake Locker twice, en route to solidifying his position as the best player available for the 2011 NFL Draft.

*For the second consecutive season, the Huskers will struggle on their Thursday night road trip for an ESPN nationally televised audience. Manhattan will be rowdy, and Daniel Thomas will continue to run through the Huskers defense. A second half surge, similar to what happened last year in Columbia, will keep the Huskers from losing to the Wildcats.

*When you look up "trap game" in the college football dictionary, by definition it states: "Nebraska 2010 Schedule: Thursday, October 7th @ Kansas State. Saturday, October 16 vs Texas"

*I am not a fan of the Red Out Around the World campaign being put on by the Athletic Department. Husker Nation does not need any sort of extra incentive to be fired up for the Texas game.

*When I envision the showdown versus Texas, I absolutely can not picture that game with a 2:30 kickoff time. Thank you NASCAR, ABC really dropped the ball on this one.

*The Huskers punch Texas in the mouth, and get after Garrett Gilbert early and often. Mack Brown can not get his first year starting quarterback to settle in to the hostile environment, a la Landry Jones in 2009. Huskers roll to a 17 point victory against the 'Horns. 

*The third time is the charm for Roy Helu and his health. He will remain healthy throughout the season, as Watson will distribute carries between the senior and his two Sophomore phenoms, Rex Burkhead and Tray Robinson.

*The Huskers beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater before handing it to Blaine Gabbert. Word to the wise for any quarterback who commits to the Huskers for an extended period of time, when decommiting from the Big Red, don't sign with a regular Husker foe, as you will never defeat the Huskers in your time as a starting quarterback. Ask Josh Freeman, and you can ask Gabbert once he opts for the 2011 NFL Draft following his Junior season.

*The Huskers cruise to a 10-0 record following a road trip Lames Ames, Iowa and visit from former Husker hero Turner Gill and his Kansas Jayhawks. Nebraska wins convincingly in both matchups, and the national title talk starts to heat up, despite Pelini's best efforts.

*The Huskers get their first loss of the season to the Aggies after traveling to College Station. Jerrod Johnson is the real deal, and it's always tough to get a win at Kyle Field, I don't care who you are.

*The Huskers head to Dallas with an 11-1 record, and a number four ranking. The last Big 12 championship game pits the classic rivalry of Oklahoma and Nebraska. Jerry Jones World will never see more red than it will that first Saturday night of December.

To every and all Husker fans who are considering making the trip to Dallas for the Big 12 championship. Do it. I made it last year, and it was truly an amazing experience. Cowboys Stadium 2.0 is remarkable, as it is easily the best sports stadium I have ever been to.

*The Huskers lose to undefeated Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship, as Brent Venable's defense proves too much for the improved 2010 Huskers offense. Demarco Murray wins the Heisman after scoring two touchdowns for the Sooners, and goes down as one of the best backs in OU history, joining Billy Simms and Adrian Peterson.

*The Huskers receive an at-large bid to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, where they will take on the Tigers of LSU. This is a very intriguing matchup for Bo Pelini, as he still holds a very special place in his heart for the Bayou Bengals. The Huskers prevail, as two of the most physical defenses in college football beat the hell out of each other's offenses.

*12-2, goodbye Big 12, hello Ohio State and the Big 10. We look forward to being apart of the prestige that comes with your conference.

*Big 12 will be no more following the 2012 season, as Texas bolts for the SEC, bringing Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech with them.

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Conventional wisdom has Nebraska fans giddy about the thought of leaving the "Texas Ten" conference and heading to the Big Ten in 2011. But as Nebraska gears up for its Big XII swan song, fans should take time to savor some of the things they will miss from the conference, and some of the history that won't be seen again.

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Nebraska football has been hyped since a 13-12 one second loss to Texas in the Big 12 Title game. Then, Nebraska handled Arizona like a child playing with a doll in a 33-0 Holiday Bowl beat down.  

Then Bo Pelini made this statement, "Nebraska's back and we're here to stay!" Thus began a flurry of anticipation and anxious waiting for the 2010 season.

Immediately following Pelini's statement thousands of Husker fans envisioned a BCS title game berth in 2010. A game that would most likely pit the Huskers either against Nick Saban and the Tide of Alabama, or against future Big Ten Conference foe Ohio State. Either way, Nebraska fans were ready for it in January.

Then came March and April and Husker fans let the emotions wane and they came to the realization that questions abounded for the Huskers of 2010 and some enthusiasm was tempered. At least until the preview magazines and preseason polls were released.

Nebraska was ranked in the Top 10 in nearly all preseason polls and picked to win the Big 12 North in every credible magazine that was released. Then came the college football preview show on College Football Live on ESPN today.

At the end of the show each analyst (Desmond Howard, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit) picked their favorite to win each major conference.

The first semi-surprise of the afternoon show was Desmond Howard and Lee Corso picking Nebraska not only to win the North, but to win the Big 12 title game completely. Normally ESPN is late to jump on the Nebraska bandwagon, and for good reason, Nebraska hasn't validated any expectations since the 2001 season.

Something is different about 2010 though, and even ESPN analysts can feel it. The final act of the show was a prediction of the BCS championship winner.

Desmond Howard picked Miami and Herbstreit not surprisingly picked Ohio State, but Corso broke form the traditional mode and picked Nebraska over Florida in the BCS Championship game.

To quote Corso, "Just like 1995."

Now Corso is older and hasn't shown his same pop or expertise in previous years, but he's still a coach and can analyze talent and coaching at a high level. It was the first time Nebraska was mentioned as a national title contender since 2001 and could mean that the beginning of Pelini's statement a few months ago is coming true, "Nebraska is back," in the discussion at least.

The final question is, can Nebraska live up to the hype?

We'll find out soon enough.

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Now it is one thing to have Nebraska ranked No. 8 preseason. Nebraska did win 10 games last year with some rather strong performances to close the season, and there also aren't very many teams out there that look great or even very good.

So if Alabama, Florida and Texas can be No. 1, No. 4 and No. 5 despite losing all those players, and if Boise and TCU can be No. 3 and No. 6, I say why not. Virginia Tech and Iowa should be ranked higher, but there isn't that much difference between No. 8 and No. 10.

But it is another thing for Nebraska to be this popular choice to win the Big 12, contend for the national title, and be the talk of the town. What is the basis for it? Why all the hype and predictions of greatness? (The main college football writer in the south claims that Nebraska will beat the Texas Longhorns not once but TWICE this year.)

Yes, Nebraska has won 19 games the past two years—so has Georgia Tech, Pitt, and Oregon, and they are all ranked lower than Nebraska.

Penn State won 22 games the past two years and is ranked way lower. And incidentally, as impressive as winning 19 games over two years is, please note that NONE OF THOSE VICTORIES CAME AGAINST MAJOR COLLEGE TEAMS THAT FINISHED BETTER THAN 8-5.

Their conquests in 2008 were 7-6 Clemson, 5-7 Colorado, 5-7 Kansas State, 8-5 Kansas, 4-8 Baylor, 2-10 Iowa State, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Western Michigan.

In 2009 it was the same story:  Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, 8-5 Missouri, 4-8 Baylor, 8-5 Oklahoma, 5-7 Kansas, 6-6 Kansas State, 3-9 Colorado and 8-5 Arizona were their conquests.

Nebraska hasn't beaten a ranked team in two years, yet they're supposed to win the Big 12 and contend for a national title this year? Based on what?

Ah, their close game against Texas last year. That moral victory said more about their ability to exploit the limitations of an offense centered totally around Colt McCoy than it was a statement of Nebraska's greatness. In other words, it means a lot less than does getting blown out by Texas Tech, losing to Iowa State at home, and finding a way to lose to Virginia Tech for the second year in a row. Not only hasn't Nebraska beaten anyone worthy to write home about, but they aren't even "beating the teams that they are supposed to beat."

Ah, but Bo Pelini is an up-and-comer, the next great college coach you say. While Pelini's track record as a defensive coordinator is certainly impressive and the early results at Nebraska have been promising, would Nebraska fans and the media have us believe that

Pelini is a better coach than is, say, Urban Meyer? Nick Saban? Jim Tressel? Bob Stoops? Frank Beamer? Kirk Ferentz? Paul Johnson? If so, on what do we base this? For that matter, how has Pelini proven himself to be superior to Big 12 competitors like Bill Snyder? Gary Pinkel? Or even Tommy Tuberville and Mike Gundy?

I say this not to disparage Pelini, but the fact is that there are a lot of great and very good coaches in college football, and what is more a lot of those very good and great coaches have more talent than does Pelini in Lincoln.

And yes, talent is an issue. Nebraska is AT BEST the third most talented team in a Big 12 that strikes no one as being anywhere as near as deep or intimidating as it was about seven or eight years ago when Kansas State, Kansas, Colorado and Texas A&M were better.

Nebraska's talent level is nowhere near what it was during the Tom Osborne peak when they not only were putting as many players in the NFL as Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio State are now, but they ran a system that allowed them to benefit from a lot of great college players that weren't NFL prospects. Nebraska hammered Florida, Miami, and Tennessee (twice) in the 1990s (not to mention being robbed of a national title against FSU by the referees) because their athletes were as good as or better than those other teams' athletes and everybody else too. Maybe in a couple of years Pelini will have Nebraska back to the Osborne heyday talent levels, but he isn't there yet, especially on offense.

So, before we start crowning Nebraska as a contender and Pelini as the next Bob Devaney, how's about letting them do something like beat a ranked team first? In the meantime, the spotlight needs to go towards teams and coaches that have already gotten it done and have a better crop of athletes coming back to boot.

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The 2010 college football season is almost upon us and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are ready to return to the nation's elite.

Entering the season at Nos. 8 and 9 in the AP and USA Today Coaches' Poll respectively, the Cornhuskers have a lot to prove.

Head coach Bo Pelini ended 2009 stating that his 2010 unit would be even better overall than the mauling squad he had produced. Last year's offense sputtered and stalled due to injuries and lack of depth.

A favorable schedule and the memory of the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game versus Texas fuel expectations for a thrilling year.

Examining all obstacles that the Huskers face, here are 10 very bold predictions for Nebraska Cornhuskers football in 2010.

Begin Slideshow

I am an admittedly myopic Husker fan, so take my argument with a boulder-sized grain of salt.

I don't believe the Huskers are the best team in the nation, but I'm not convinced that overall talent is the most important key to winning a national championship.

A very easy schedule, dominant defense, and explosive running game have Big Red fans giddy over the idea of a return to national prominence, and I'm drinking the Kool-Aid.

Let's start with the non-conference schedule. I'll lump Western Kentucky, South Dakota State, and Idaho into one giant category called thanks for participating. None of these teams will come within four touchdowns of the Huskers, and all will likely serve to pad stats and build confidence for an offense in need of a morale boost.

I'll give Washington credit for being the class of the non-conference foes, but I'm not buying them as a threat to Big Red in any way. Their signature win from last season was a victory over a depleted USC team and was due in large part to Steve Sarkisian's knowledge of the Trojans' ins and outs.

That brings me to the final Big 12 tour of duty. Kansas State was admittedly a nice story last year, but a 6-6 season is probably a best-case scenario for Bill Snyder's boys, and none of those six wins will include an upset of Nebraska.

Okie State has been on a good run and will consistently be a solid team during the rest of coach Mike Gundy's tenure. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they have lost way too much on offense and never had anything worth speaking of on defense.

While Texas (I'll get to them in a bit) may draw most of the national attention, I think Iowa State is the team Husker offensive players should be looking at if they're seeking redemption. Who didn't turn the ball over for Huskers in that game? Come Nov. 6, expect a creative and fierce offensive game plan that includes almost enough points to offset 2009's miserable effort.

Kansas will feature a nice reunion of coach Tom Osborne and Turner Gill, but pleasantries will end before kickoff, and when the final gun is fired, I'd be surprised if a single first-string player hasn't been sitting on the Husker sideline for at least a quarter. You may even see Adi Kunalic get to kick a field goal before all is said and done.

Colorado...they have some talent, and it is the last chapter in a forced rivalry, but I can't see Bo Pelini allowing anything but positive momentum to come out of Thanksgiving weekend.

Next up is an out of sequence review of the only three legitimate opponents on the Husker schedule.

The Oct. 30 showdown with Mizzou in Lincoln may be the trickiest of these games to pick. The Tigers believe they're better than Nebraska, and if it wasn't for Hurricane Suh and monsoon-like conditions in Columbia, they may well have won last year's matchup. Blaine Gabbert is the real deal, and I wouldn't bet on Derrick Washington being out of action for too long. In the end, the Sea of Red will play a deciding role in a close-fought victory.

Texas A&M barely makes the cut as a legitimate opponent. I think Mike Sherman will meet the same fate that Bill Callahan met in Nebraska. You can't coach college kids like professionals. They need to tackle, they need to learn, and they need to have stability in the coaching staff.

Asking his defensive players to learn a new system every year will force his team to win shootouts each and every week. Their offense gives them a fighting chance, but it won't be enough to win in the end.

So, that about covers it, right?

Oh yeah, there's that little matter of a Red Out the World showdown on Oct. 16 in Lincoln. I don't think the Huskers can match up athlete for athlete with the Longhorns. What I do think is that every player in that locker room and every fan in that stadium will give every ounce of energy they have and lead the state to its biggest celebration in more than a decade.

Garrett Gilbert is going to be a stud, and Texas' D has just as much talent as Nebraska's, probably more. But football is still a game of emotion as much as it is a strategy session of Xs and Os. I wouldn't want to see Texas a second time in the Big 12 title game, but for one night, I'd put all my money on the Huskers.

A final date with Oklahoma for all of the Big 12 marbles would mark a fitting close to an almost forgotten rivalry. Much like Texas, the Sooners have as much talent as any school in the nation and would mark a strong test for any team.

What I'm banking on here is that the same secondary that victimized Landry Jones for five interceptions in 2009 will be even better in 2010. This may be the one game that I am least confident about, and I'm convinced that the winner will be playing in Tempe for a national title.

If your eyes aren't bleeding yet, check back in later for a breakdown of the running game and defense that will lead the Huskers to an undefeated season.

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I have a lot of love and admiration for Bo Pelini for what he has done with Nebraska football over the past two years.

He took a team that had lost every bit of character and heart during their 2007 season, and instilled toughness in a group of players that, quite frankly, didn't have any a short three seasons ago.

Now our beloved Huskers are embarking on new ground in a new decade, their highest preseason ranking since the 2001 season that resulted in a disastrous finish at the hands of Colorado and Miami on national television for everyone to see.

A couple of poor coaches later and Bo is looking to bring Nebraska back to respectability...

But supposedly, we've already reached that earmark?

To quote Bo directly after the 2009 Holiday Bowl victory over Arizona, he distinctly said: "Nebraska's back and we're here to stay."

No offense, coach, but did you really have to say that in front of the entire college football world?

Sorry coach, but I simply disagree.

Nebraska football isn't about winning Holiday Bowls or beating a bunch of non-ranked teams to glorify a salty 19-8 start to your career at Nebraska.  While Nebraska finished strongly the last two seasons, they still haven't beaten anybody of note.  In fact, you might want to check out a little statistic that details Nebraska as the last BCS conference team to have defeated a top-19 ranked team at the time of kickoff.

Yes, that includes Vanderbilt, Baylor, Washington State, Iowa State, Indiana, Duke, Connecticut, Kansas State, Kansas, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Syracuse, and Rutgers (seriously, no offense to any of these teams, because they have done something of note more recently than my beloved Huskers).

This comment from Bo is simply one of four that will be questioned and highlighted.

Incident No. 2

In a tightly contested 2008 game at home against Virginia Tech, the Hokies were on a reasonable drive in the fourth quarter to try and put the Huskers away in Lincoln, NE.  Favorite son Ndamukong Suh, had a questionable tackle on the sideline against Tyrod Taylor that received an instant flag from an official.

Bo went directly into a tirade that cost Nebraska another 15 yards on top of the 15-yard penalty that Suh received for the questionable (but likely) late hit on Taylor. 

The result?

Virginia Tech scored a game-sealing touchdown on a two-yard Taylor run with 2:28 left on the clock.  Not even a late score and late rush from the Huskers could overcome that particular blunder. 

Incident No. 3

Fast forward to the 2009 Big 12 Championship game.

With eight seconds on the clock, in yet another tightly contested game, the Husker defense had supposedly confused four-year starting QB Colt McCoy into a meaningless toss out of bounds that ran out the clock and secured a Husker victory.

Not so fast.

After a rightful review of the game clock and play that had occurred, the proper call was made to give Texas another second on the clock for kicker Hunter Lawrence to send through a game-winning, 46-yard field goal.

After the game, some remarks were audibly made from Pelini that detailed that particular call would not have been made if not for the BCS.  In the article tagged, you'll also see some unfriendly comments made by his brother, Carl, as well. 

Granted it was in the heat of the moment, but aren't coaches paid millions of dollars to keep their cool under these types of situations and represent their school to the highest of standards?  Aren't these "men" supposed to be teaching life lessons to their much younger players?  Call me crazy, but isn't complaining about the referees somewhat juvenile? 

Incident No. 4

This is one that happened recently.  No, I'm not talking about the recent "blackout" of media coverage due to information being leaked about a player who was injured well before his parents even knew, but this is about a "question" Bo received from a reporter after said media ban.

Asked for the umpteenth time as to who would be the starting QB come September 4 against Western Kentucky, Pelini responded with a solid answer of "10 guys might play."

Thanks, coach.  If you hit the link, be sure the scroll down to the "View From Tuesday's Practice" column and click on the Pelini press interview.  Heartwarming.

Now to be honest, I don't mind a coach being quick and witty with the media, but do you see any questions from the media as being hostile or negative in nature?  No.  Not a single one.  But Bo was trite, conceited, and arrogant in his approach to a bunch of guys who have basically treated him with the utmost respect since day one. 

In fact, you could call the calm and simple-minded Husker writers as being polite and servile to the Husker coach.  And what did he give them in reward?

Simply put, could you imagine Bo in front of tough media like Columbus or Los Angeles or even New York?  Simple questions?  No, not that easy, coach.  

Summary

When it all comes down to it, Coach Pelini has a few tricks to learn in dealing with the press.  And if he thinks the "media" in Nebraska is "tough," then he might want to think about what "tough" really is. 

For a guy who preaches toughness and attitude amongst his team and players, he must have the ability to shed a good light on his program amongst a bevy of reporters who want nothing more to do than massage his ego and write uplifting articles about Husker football.

Why?

Because there will come a time when you need the media to cover your arse when things aren't going so well.  And yes, those times will come, and you'll need those guys to cover your back. 

Speaking of "back."  Is Nebraska really back?

Or do we have another Iowa State in 2009, or a Missouri in 2008 waiting on our shelf?  If so, coach, you'll need those media guys on your side.    

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