No. 21 Nebraska

Coach: Bo Pelini

Record: 9-4, 1 year; 10-4 overall

Last season: 9-4, 5-3 Big 12

Bowl game: Beat Clemson 26-21 in the Gator Bowl

Overview: Most Nebraska fans likely consider coach Bo Pelini's first year at
Nebraska a success. A defensive coordinator at several major powers
previously, Pelini had the Cornhuskers playing much better defense than the
previous season and they narrowly missed winning 10 games. When Nebraska
plays host to Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 26 in what is expected to be the
school's NCAA-record 300th consecutive home sellout, the team will wear 1962
throwback uniforms.

Key returnees: RB Roy Helu, Jr.; C Jacob Hickman, Sr.; K Alex Henry, Jr.; DT
Ndamukong Suh, Sr.; LB Phillip Dillard, Sr.; S Larry Asante, Sr.

Why Nebraska is dangerous: The defense is playing closer to what Cornhuskers
fans expect. Last season Nebraska was third in the conference in scoring
defense. The Cornhuskers have one good player in every area. Tackle
Ndamukong Suh had 76 tackles and 71Ž2 sacks. Linebacker Phillip Dillard and
safety Larry Asante have a lot of experience. Jacob Hickman is on the
Rimington watch list as the best center in the country.

Why Nebraska is vulnerable: The Cornhuskers don't have much in the way of
offensive skilled players. Running back Roy Helu, who rushed for 803 yards
last season, is the only returning threat. Quarterback and the receiver
corps are a work in progress.

Prediction: The Cornhuskers' schedule is a mixed bag. Sandwiched within
three cupcakes is a road game at Virginia Tech, an almost certain loss. Road
games against Missouri, Baylor, Kansas and Colorado could be a problem. A
home game against Oklahoma probably won't have a good ending for the
Cornhuskers. They should go into a bowl game at least 8-4, although 9-3 is
possible.