Nebraska @ Wyoming preview
Jonah Field War Memorial Stadium
THE STORY: For an undefeated team with an offense averaging more than 40 points per game, there seems to be a lot of concern in Nebraska these days. With a Big Ten Conference showdown at No. 7 Wisconsin looming next weekend, the Huskers’ young defense has been less than stellar through three contests, allowing 24.7 points and 364.7 yards per game - 66th and 68th in the country, respectively. In 2010, Nebraska finished eighth and tenth in those categories. The Huskers’ defense figures to get tested again by Wyoming, which is averaging 492.3 yards of total offense (16th). The Cowboys are led by Brett Smith, the first freshman quarterback to start at Wyoming since 1974. Nebraska, which hasn’t lost to an unranked non-conference opponent on the road since 2002, is 5-0 against Wyoming.
TV: Versus. LINE: Nebraska - 23
ABOUT NEBRASKA (3-0): The defense is expecting the return of preseason All-American candidate Alfonzo Dennard this weekend after the cornerback missed the team’s first three games with a pulled muscle in his leg. His return could help the Huskers focus on the run more after allowing consecutive 100-yard rushers for the first time in the Bo Pelini era.
ABOUT WYOMING (3-0): Smith’s 310.7 yards of total offense per game is 16th in the country, five spots ahead of Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez (291.3 yards per game). The Cowboys forced six turnovers in last week’s thrilling 28-27 victory over Bowling Green and have posted 10 takeaways so far this season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The late legendary Bob Devaney was the Cowboys’ coach from 1957-1961. He left for Nebraska before the 1962 season, and led the Huskers to eight Big Eight titles and was the winningest coach by percentage (.806, 136-30-7) at the time of his retirement in 1972.
2. The Cowboys are seeking their first 4-0 start since opening 9-0 in 1996.
3. Nebraska scored at least 40 points for the third consecutive game against Washington last week, the first time the Huskers have accomplished that feat in their first three games of a season since 1995.
PREDICTION: Nebraska 48, Wyoming 24 - Dennard’s return will help, but Nebraska's defense is not of the same caliber of recent Pelini-led units. Expect the Huskers to win another shootout.