LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska seeks its 28th straight win in a season opener on Saturday night against Wyoming.
The Huskers have not lost to their western neighbors in six meetings, and the Cowboys enter Memorial Stadium as a four-touchdown underdog after a 4-8 finish in 2012. Still, there’s suspense on tap. The largest crowd in school history is expected after the addition of 6,000 seats in the east balcony, and there are plenty of questions to answer for Nebraska.
Enjoy this kickoff edition of Talking Points, featuring the most interesting comments of the week -- and why they’re important – as coach Bo Pelini and the Huskers met with the media:
“We know that if we win the turnover battle, we’ve got a better chance to win these games. That’s something we definitely put an emphasis on, and we’re trying to do better this season. We drill it. It’s always in the back of our head.” – junior safety Corey Cooper
Perhaps the No. 1 objective this offseason was to find a way to reduce turnovers. Nebraska ranked dead last nationally last season with 22 lost fumbles. Only 1-11 Idaho topped the Huskers’ 35 total turnovers.
Since Pelini took over at Nebraska in 2008 the Huskers are minus-20 in turnover margin. That’s 100th out of 120 FBS programs. Still, just 10 teams over that time have won more than Nebraska’s 48 games. And each one ranks among the top 18 in turnover margin since 2008.
With a favorable schedule that starts with five home games, Nebraska must clean up its act -- or risk fumbling away the chance at a memorable season.
“It’s like playing defense in basketball. The really good teams are out there communicating and talking and anticipating things. That’s the level you want to get to… The way our defense works, as long as we communicate and are on the same page, that’s all I’m concerned with.” – Pelini
Pelini says he’s not a stat guy, so he doesn’t care about the numbers that say Nebraska is rated as a slightly above-average defense in 2012 – 35th in yardage allowed and 46th in third-down conversation rate. Yes, it led the nation in opponent pass-completion percentage but still managed to allow 115 points in season-ending losses to Wisconsin and Georgia that sent the Blackshirts reeling into the winter.
How to fix it? Pretty clear that Pelini believes it starts with communication. He’s got a point about the best teams, too. Have you noticed the Alabama and LSU defenses, always communicating, pointing? Actually, they’re reminiscent of a few old Pelini units at Nebraska.
“I think this is going to be one of Nebraska’s best offensive lines. They are going to be the strong point of our offense. There are so many good players up there and strong guys who have played in big games, and I’m excited to see how they do.” – senior quarterback Taylor Martinez
A bold statement from the four-year starting QB, who knows a good offensive line when he sees it. No one at Nebraska has started more games at the position than Martinez. No one has totaled more yards.
And he’s done it behind a line that's often rated as the most maligned group on the field. Nebraska has experienced a run of bad luck on the line over, oh, the past decade, undermining its offensive consistency. This could be the line to reverse all of that, with Spencer Long as an anchor from the guard spot, experienced bookends in Jeremiah Sirles and Brent Qvale and guard Andrew Rodriguez perhaps ready to show the talent that made him a top recruit in 2010.
“A lot of times last year I was over-thinking things because I was young. I have a season under my belt now, and I’m much more confident in what I can do. And I’m just excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on." – junior I-back Ameer Abdullah
A scary thought for Nebraska foes: Abdullah’s confidence has skyrocketed after a sophomore season in which his 1,884 all-purpose yards ranked as the most by a Husker since 1997. Abdullah looks set to again handle kickoff and punt returns in addition to the top spot in the backfield. And he’s a leader now, too, learning from Rex Burkhead over the past two seasons.
Abdullah has helped the progress of sophomore Imani Cross and true freshmen Terrell Newby and Adam Taylor. They all figure to handle the football this fall, which is wise if Nebraska wants to keep Abdullah fresh for a tough November stretch.
“I never get excited. Come on. You ever seen me get excited? That’s an ongoing problem in my life. I have to check my emotion at the door.” -- Pelini
Pelini made the comment in a candid, comical and part-sarcastic moment near the end of his half-hour in front of reporters on Monday. He was relaxed and, considering the time of year, relatively open in discussing all matters.
The mood of the head coach is a non-issue at most places. With Pelini at the helm, it’s become a pastime here. But this month in preseason camp, he pulled a great prank on the Huskers, poking fun at his own emotions when he smashed an iPhone before faking a fight with defensive tackle Thad Randle.
If that’s not a sign of a loosened-up Pelini, then Bo won’t wear khakis and chomp hard on his gum on Saturday night. Just keep an eye on the sideline. It’s what we do in Nebraska.
