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Some predictions for this weekend's tilt against Southern Miss. Everyone's predicting a handy Husker win. I'm not so sure... Rittenberg & Bennett from ESPN: SOUTHERN MISS at No. 17 NEBRASKA Adam Rittenberg: A more composed Taylor Martinez delivers an efficient passing performance and breaks off a 60-yard touchdown run to spark the Huskers in the second half. Ciante Evans records an interception as Nebraska starts slowly but finishes well. ... Nebraska 35, Southern Miss 17 Brian Bennett: The Huskers avoid a repeat of 2004 with encouraging outings by both the defense and an improved Martinez. The latter completes 65 percent of his passes, and Rex Burkhead runs for 150 yards to usher in the revamped Memorial Stadium in style. ... Nebraska 31, Southern Miss 14 The Athlon guys: Key season in Lincoln begins with C-USA Champs Bo Pelini has won at least nine games in each of his four seasons as the Huskers head coach and was literally seconds from a Big 12 championship in 2009. But he also lost at least four games every year for a team that expects not just conference titles but national championships. His defense has lost its edge since 2009 and a change at the coordinator position to John Papuchis will hopefully reenergize the Black Shirts. And the first weekend will feature an intriguing test against the reigning C-USA champion Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Even without head coach Larry Fedora or star quarterback Austin Davis, the Eagles should be able to score points this fall. Having said that, this USM team should be outmatched by Taylor Martinez. Any sign of struggle could be a dangerous omen for Pelini. Braden Gall - Nebraska, 34-14 Mitch Light - Nebraska, 34-20 Steven Lassan - Nebraska, 38-13 David Fox - Nebraska, 35-10 Sporting News: Southern Miss at No. 17 Nebraska, 3:30 p.m. Saturday Hayes: Nebraska 33, Southern Miss 16. If only we could have played this thing a year ago, when Southern Miss had an experienced, dangerous quarterback. Now, it could be true freshman Anthony Alford, who didn’t win the job (junior Chris Campbell did) but clearly has the most talent of the group competing for the job. Greenberg: Nebraska 27, Southern Miss 13. It’ll be tight into the fourth quarter, but a motivated defense will rise up and Rex Burkhead will close it out with a late TD. That’s a blueprint the Huskers wouldn’t mind following all season long. Ralph Russo of the AP is picking us for the upset: UPSET SPECIAL Southern Miss (plus 19 1/2) at No. 17 Nebraska Be careful Cornhuskers ... SOUTHERN MISS 28-24. Stewart Mandel from SI: Southern Miss at No. 17 Nebraska Nebraska 36 Southern Miss 13 Last year's 12-2 Southern Miss team might have posed a legitimate threat to the Huskers. The Eagles, however, lost head coach Larry Fedora and nearly every important offensive skill player. It's possible that defensive-minded coach Ellis Johnson will have a plan to frazzle Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, but more realistically, running back Rex Burkhead will lead a rout. The BTN Guys: Southern Miss at Nebraska Tom’s pick: Nebraska, 30-17 – Offensive balance along with a quick and deep defense will overwhelm the Golden Eagles. Brent’s pick: Nebraska, 41-20 – Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead run away with this one early.