Nebraska Cornhuskers Football: Destination Indy

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

We have finally reached the point where speculation will come to an end and we will have actual football to talk about. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to kick their 2013 season off against Wyoming on Saturday night. This week we will finally learn the starting lineups, who has been handed a red shirt, and who will become the backup to Taylor Martinez.

Offensive coordinator Tim Beck will be locked in his lab developing the Huskers formula for success. There aren’t too many questions when it comes to his personnel. They are the most experienced group in The B1G Ten. For the first time in a long time, the offensive line has depth. The group should (and this term is used loosely) have no problem scoring often against Wyoming, or anyone for that matter.

Defensive coordinator John Papuchis is narrowing down his starting lineup. He’s not in his lab, but at the Blackshirt Day Care, trying to get his defense game ready. Wyoming is one dimensional, but they can sling the football. Unproven players will be tested at times on Saturday.

Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Bo Pelini, recovering from his constant applause of NSYNC’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards (hey, it’s possible), is gearing up for his sixth year leading the Huskers. His critics are waiting for any reason to pounce, looking for a something to critique. Pressure is mounting on Pelini to win a conference championship.

The schedule certainly sets up nicely for Nebraska. On paper they should get through their schedule with at most, one loss. The problem with paper is that it can be recycled, used over and over again. Paper means nothing in the world of football. Crystal trophies, on the other hand,  mean everything.

While no one expects the Huskers to win a national title, Nebraska does have a chance to take home The Big Ten Championship Trophy. They have a chance to go to The Big House and take down Michigan, then head for Indianapolis for a showdown with Urban and the Buckeyes. They have a chance to shock the world and shatter the dreams of Ohio State fans. They have a chance to be the team that changes the perception, culture, and direction of this program. If they are going to do it, the journey begins on Saturday against the Wyoming Cowboys.