Husker Football 2014 Opponent Preview: Fresno State

Measuring stick No. 1 for 2014 Husker football lies in the men wearing a green “V” on the backs of their helmets. The Fresno State Bulldogs welcome Nebraska out for what’ll be a 9:30 p.m. kickoff for those back in the Cornhusker State.

Plenty of fans have already dismissed this team since Derek Carr and Davante Adams aren’t around to make the offense as pesky as it was…in theory. The excitement will already be building for a matchup against Miami the following week which could feature alternate uniforms and the College GameDay set…if things go according to plan.

More from Nebraska Football

• Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
• Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
• Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
• Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
• Nebraska Football: Trio of big contributors banged up after NIU

This is how a trap game is set up. If even a fraction of the team peeks over to the next opponent, their lack of focus spreads and the rest of the dominoes fall.

Since Carr and Adams aren’t around, who should Bo Pelini concern himself with at the helm of the Bulldogs’ offense? Well…that’s the thing. Much like Nebraska’s signal-caller status, it’s kinda shaky.

Most expect Carr’s backup, Brian Burrell, to get the gig just like Tommy Armstrong is the likely heir to Taylor Martinez‘s throne. However, and see if this doesn’t sound familiar, sophomore Myles Carr (no relation) and redshirt freshman Zack Greenlee took snaps with the No. 1 offense this past spring.

Former Duke quarterback Brandon Connette is transferring in and may very well pick up the starting job.

Look for Pelini will to bring plenty of pressure. He’ll need to be careful though.

Running backs Marteze Waller and Malique Micenheimer should give the Bulldogs enough power on the ground to prevent him from crying “Havoc!” and letting slip the dogs of war too often.

What? No Shakespeare fans in the house?

We’ll also see how the first Husker secondary under Charlton Warren fares against legitimate talent.

Josh Harper accounted for 1,011 and 13 touchdown catches last year despite Adams hauling in 1,719 yards and 24 scores.

The Huskers should have the advantage in the trenches, but Fresno State’s offensive line isn’t a bunch of scrubs.

Count on the Bulldog’s 3-4 defense to be as stingy as always. Nose guard Tyeler Davison, linebacker Ejiro Ederaine and free safety Derron Smith are three All-Conference caliber players and Smith has a future in the NFL.

The Big Red offensive line is going to have fun with Davison up front as the Bulldog ‘backers can work to stop the run or the pass.

Bottom Line: The Golden Nugget calls Nebraska a four-point favorite as of June 13 and that line should get some action. While the game isn’t on ABC with Brent Musberger ogling beauty pageant contestants, it will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.

Pelini’s record in night games on the road isn’t sterling, but Fresno State head coach Tim DeRutyer’s home record is.

The Bulldogs hold a 13-0 record in friendly confines under his watch. This is a team that should contend for the conference crown despite losing two of its best players to The League. Watch out.

Be sure to like Husker Corner on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, snag the FanSided app (iOS) (Android) and subscribe to our newsletter below to keep plugged into Husker Nation from all over the globe.