HuskerfaninOkieland Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 CFN Western Michigan at Nebraska, 7:00 EST Why to watch: When last we saw Western Michigan it was ruining Iowa's bowl dream with a 28-19 win in Iowa City. Now the Broncos return loaded on defense with everyone back, while the offense has the talent and experience to handle a high-profile, pressure packed game like this will be. Of course, all eyes will be on Nebraska and the debut, at least as the full-time head coach, of Bo Pelini. It’s the second opener in the Pelini era in Nebraska, he has a win to his credit taking over the head coaching duties from the fired Frank Solich in a 2003 Alamo Bowl win over Michigan State, and while it’s generally acknowledged that it’ll take a little while to rebuild the Huskers, and the expectations aren’t through the roof quite yet, a loss to Western Michigan would hardly sit well. After the disappointment of the Bill Callahan era, Big Red fans are hoping to wipe the slate clean and be on the way to the glory days again, but this isn't going to be a layup. Last year, Ball State and QB Nate Davis 422 yards and three touchdowns in the thrilling 41-40 Husker win. This year’s MAC representative sent to Lincoln might be even better. WMU might be the best team in the MAC, at least it's in the top three, while the Huskers still have several major question marks on both sides of the ball. Why Western Michigan might win: Can Nebraska handle the pressure? Western Michigan had one of the most aggressive attacking defenses in America two years ago, and lightened up a little bit last year. Don't expect the Broncos to be timid in Lincoln with more blitzing, more attacking, and more hits on the quarterback. Nebraska's offensive line has to be ready, and with the pressure on the Huskers, WMU might be able to take control of the tempo early on. Why Nebraska might win: Pelini is a master at taking away an offense's strength, the LSU loss to Arkansas last season notwithstanding, and his defense should be able to take away the Western Michigan short to midrange passing game. If Tim Hiller and the Broncos aren't throwing effectively, then the offense will be in trouble. Nebraska doesn't have an elite secondary and should struggle at times, but the defensive front should overwhelm a rebuilt Bronco front five. Who to watch: Is Marlon Lucky really going to share time? After a breakthrough season, the Husker star back will end up splitting time with Roy Helo Jr., among others, mainly because there are several good backs to work with. Lucky is a tremendous receiver and could be the focal point of the offense, and when push comes to shove, he'll be the main man. However, getting him some help won't be a bad thing. The fresher Lucky is in a few weeks against Virginia Tech, Missouri and Texas Tech, the better. What will happen: Nebraska will get its money's worth. The defense will be overaggressive at times, and Western Michigan will take advantage with a few big plays, but in the end, Nebraska will escape with a good late drive or three. The Husker defense will settle down and will control the fourth quarter. CFN Prediction: Nebraska 26 ... Western Michigan 17 ... Line: Nebraska -14 Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 3 Quote Link to comment
mattbri17 Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Interesting. I don't know if the score will match up that way but overall a good predication. We'll see in 2 days! GBR!!! Quote Link to comment
HuskerFan505 Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 48-17 Cornhuskers! GO BIG RED! Quote Link to comment
Husker Runner Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 34-17 Huskers Quote Link to comment
Foppa Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I think that was a realistic take...it could be close going into the 4th quarter. To paraphrase Nicholas Cage in The Rock... "The second you don't respect this...it kills you." Quote Link to comment
real'97champs Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 45-17 you stole my ing prediction lol look in the "now that its august" thread Quote Link to comment
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