Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
6 p.m. Sept. 4, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
Nebraska has been a decent-sized favorite for every season-opening game since 2004 — and this one is no different. The Hilltoppers are the last program to become an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision member, finished last season at 0-12 and will start a redshirt freshman at quarterback against the Huskers. Nebraska will go into its third season under Bo Pelini with its highest preseason ranking since 2001, and the last thing it wants to do is fiddle around too much with an overmatched opponent.

PLOT TWIST
OK, so Western Kentucky is a five-touchdown underdog, but there's always a chance first-year coach Willie Taggart shows Nebraska something it hasn't seen before or doesn't expect. The most likely thing to happen will be a steady dose of tailback Bobby Rainey, nearly a 1,000-yard rusher a year ago who will be running behind four returning starters on the Hilltopper offensive line. You never know about Nebraska's quarterback play coming out of camp, but it would have to take a bunch of mistakes to give WKU a chance.

THE CLIMAX
Any possibility of a mystery or thriller developing goes away when you consider that Nebraska led the nation in scoring defense a year ago and Western Kentucky ranked No. 101 in total offense. This should be anything but a page-turner as NU picks up where it left off eight months ago with its shredding of Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. The Huskers have averaged 46.3 points in their last six openers and haven't lost their first game since 1985.

Nebraska 51, Western Kentucky 6

Idaho Vandals
11:30 a.m. Sept. 11, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
So you go for the feel-good reads? How about Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle (North Platte) returning to his home state and starring against the team he grew up following? Some of the more soft-hearted Husker fans might be OK with that as long as Nebraska finishes ahead by a comfortable margin. The Vandals are coming off an 8-5 season and Humanitarian Bowl victory, but it's a tall task for a WAC team to visit Memorial Stadium and expect to play its best in an 11:30 a.m. kickoff. NU also needs to have some things solved with a trip to Washington on deck.

PLOT TWIST
Forget about Enderle for a second and consider this Idaho defense. It was a little shoddy a year ago, allowing 433.2 yards per game, but returns 10 starters and 20 of its top 22 players. Coach Robb Akey said he even saw some swagger to that unit coming out of spring practice. A big game from Enderle and a good defensive showing would be musts. The Vandals just might not be built to go toe-to-toe with the physicality Nebraska intends to put on display.

THE CLIMAX
Teams in the WAC don't run the football like Nebraska expects to run it this season, so look for a steady dose of Roy Helu, Rex Burkhead and the gang as the Huskers minimize any chance of it becoming a WAC-like game. NU should self-edit its first-game mistakes and take care of Idaho, even though the Vandals might be better than most Husker fans understand. And same goes for Enderle, a fourth-year starter who threw for 2,906 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago.

Nebraska 34, Idaho 13

Washington Huskies
2:30 p.m. Sept. 18, Husky Stadium, Seattle

THE THEME
So this might not be like going to Virginia Tech a year ago or to Southern California in 2006, considering the Huskies were just 5-7 a year ago and haven't had a winning season since 2002. But Husky Stadium is a challenge based solely on the atmosphere that can be generated on Lake Washington, which some former Huskers know from going to UW in 1992 (29-14 loss) and 1997 (27-14 win). Assuming Nebraska is a Top 10 team at this point, expect the media to throw a little “prove it” challenge at the Huskers.

PLOT TWIST
The story surrounding this game changed dramatically last winter when Washington quarterback Jake Locker said he would return for his senior season. It will force Nebraska to defend a player that some are projecting as the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, and he just happens to have one of the best receiving corps in the nation for targets. Nebraska might be the better team on paper, but what about the element of unknown taking five new defensive starters on the road to face such a weapon?

THE CLIMAX
Don't believe for a moment that this is a gimme, considering NU is 1-4 against non-Big 12 teams from BCS conferences in regular-season games since 2006. Any winning ending would have to be considered a happy ending. No free pass for the offense, which better be ready to show it can move the football in case the defense is having trouble with Locker. You wonder if kicker Alex Henery might just be needed in a game like this.

Nebraska 23, Washington 21

South Dakota State Jackrabbits
TBA Sept. 25, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
Underdog stories are fun, but c'mon. South Dakota State is just a few years removed from Division II and the old North Central Conference, when beating UNO was usually a 50-50 proposition at best. The Jackrabbits are picked second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and made the I-AA playoffs a year ago, but pulling an upset at Memorial Stadium would be considered beyond stunning. The game falls between NU's trip to Washington and the start of Big 12 play, but head coach Bo Pelini is pretty good about keeping his team on task.

PLOT TWIST
SDSU has gone to Minnesota and Iowa State the past two seasons for a taste of big-time football, but this will be a different atmosphere. And unless the Jackrabbits put together a flawless effort, this isn't going to turn out well for them. The biggest thing for Nebraska will be coming out of the matchup without any major injuries — and maybe having the last of any position battles figured out.

THE CLIMAX
The best scenario would be for NU to be focused, take care of business and get some work for its backups. The toughest thing for South Dakota State will be moving the football on the Huskers, and that should take care of any uncertainty as September winds down. Then it becomes time to put away the light reading and get serious.

Nebraska 48, South Dakota State 0

Kansas State Wildcats
6:30 p.m. Oct. 7, Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan.

THE THEME
For the second straight year, Nebraska kicks off its Big 12 schedule with a Thursday night road game. And unless the Huskers face another monsoon and power outage, this game should be far less dramatic than that stunning comeback win at Missouri. NU has won five straight against K-State and is 5-0 in Thursday night games, all on the road. And thanks to a wisely scheduled bye week, Nebraska gets 11 days to prep for the Wildcats.

PLOT TWIST
Stellar return specialist and receiver Brandon Banks is gone, but a potent receiver corps led by Minnesota transfer Brodrick Smith (12 catches for 167 yards in the KSU spring game) and Oregon transfer Chris Harper can give K-State the balance it sorely lacked last season. The Wildcats put up 200-plus passing yards only three times last season. Pairing star back Daniel Thomas with an improved air attack could keep this game close.

THE CLIMAX
Kansas State quarterback Carson Coffman lost his starting job after four less-than-great games last season. Don't expect an inspiring tale of redemption when he takes the field in his first career Big 12 start against one of the nation's best secondaries. KSU won six games last year thanks in large part to a North Division-best plus-7 turnover margin. If Nebraska avoids offensive issues and its defense gets to Coffman early and often, the Huskers roll.

Nebraska 31, Kansas State 10

Texas Longhorns
TBA Oct. 16, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
The big one. If NU is unbeaten, look out. You thought the hype for USC's 2006 visit got out of hand? Notre Dame in 2001? Forget it. This is bigger — and it's not even close. ESPN might move its headquarters to Lincoln for a week. The Big 12 breakup in June only served to pour fuel on a blazing inferno. Texas has beaten the Huskers eight of nine times in Big 12 play, including six by four points or fewer and a one-point Big 12 title game decision last year that elevated this rivalry to a new level. If any part of this game extends into the evening, NU won't need power for the lights at Memorial Stadium; its fans will generate all the necessary electricity.

PLOT TWIST
No team would more enjoy ruining Nebraska's big date with Texas than Kansas State. Nebraska has long considered itself more elite and sophisticated as a football program than KSU. And now the Huskers are about to bolt for the high-class Big Ten, never to visit Manhattan again. What better going-away gift than for K-State to beat Nebraska before the Texas game?

THE CLIMAX
The Longhorns don't leave the state of Texas before their trip to Nebraska. It's not a good sign for sophomore quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who plays his first real road game in September at Texas Tech. Hostile as it can get in Lubbock, the atmosphere likely won't compare to what Gilbert will encounter in Lincoln. But he's got an experienced offense and retooled defense to provide support. You can bet this battle will last until the final minutes, if not seconds. NU should win — if for no other reason than it has waited long enough to beat Texas.

Nebraska 24, Texas 21

Oklahoma State Cowboys
TBA Oct. 23, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla.

THE THEME
NU hasn't won in Stillwater since 1995. And while these Huskers are good, they're not 1995 good. It means the Cowboys, despite their deficiencies and surprising switch to the Texas Tech-style spread, require Nebraska's full attention. Win or lose against Texas, NU faces a tough task, mentally and physically, to come down from that high and head to Oklahoma State. Renovated Boone Pickens Stadium is a sight to behold, but it might feel a bit substandard after the bright lights of Texas week — not to mention the UT game itself, which could leave the Huskers feeling too good about themselves or deflated.

PLOT TWIST
Let's say NU beat Texas. And Zac Lee — or whomever quarterbacks NU to the landmark win — cements himself as the leader of a championship-caliber team. And Nebraska declares it's here to stay after its first win over an elite team since 2001. And after the clock reaches zero (and stays there), Bo Pelini pumps his fist to the masses. Maybe there won't be a letdown. Maybe Oklahoma State should be wary of a red wave of momentum.

THE CLIMAX
Remember the 1978 Missouri game? OK, it's been a while, but the concept still applies. Nebraska beat Oklahoma on the second Saturday of November — the first win for coach Tom Osborne over OU and the first for NU over its nemesis in seven years. A week later, big underdog Mizzou upset the Huskers 35-31. Hard to say NU came out flat, considering Rick Berns' 82-yard run on the first play scrimmage, but something was missing. Nebraska may be ripe for the picking, and the Cowboys, with seasoned running back Kendall Hunter, 27-year-old quarterback Brandon Weeden and athletes abound, are plenty capable.

Oklahoma State 30, Nebraska 24

Missouri Tigers
TBA Oct. 30, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
Think re-watching those final seconds of the Big 12 title game in the film room will be tough? Imagine how the Husker offense will feel when it's forced to review tape of those abysmal first three quarters at MU in 2009. Including penalties, NU turned its first 51 offensive snaps into 90 total yards. The fourth-quarter comeback helped Bo Pelini and Shawn Watson forgive, but they surely haven't forgotten. Expect a finely tuned game plan for a Husker offense that's ready to pound the rock against the Tigers, who finished 64th nationally in total defense last year and lose stud linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.

PLOT TWIST
Blaine Gabbert was a star last season, despite operating on an ankle that experienced the wrath of Ndamukong Suh. Gabbert finished second in the Big 12 in passing efficiency, 11th nationally in total offense and, most impressively, turned Danario Alexander into the nation's leading receiver. But Alexander and Jared Perry — a duo that combined for over two-thirds of MU's receiving yards in 2009 — are gone, and Gabbert will need reliable targets if he thinks he's going to pick apart an NU secondary that intercepted him twice last season.

THE CLIMAX
In a heavyweight battle that could end up deciding the North, NU's stout defense gives the Huskers a big edge. Just as happened last year, NU may rely on its relentless pass rush to throw the knockout punch in a close game. MU has won one of its past 16 games in Lincoln, and this year's contest comes at a bad time for the Tigers — right after a trip to Texas A&M and a home game against Oklahoma. NU gets physical on both sides of the ball, takes care of business and takes a firm lead in the North race.

Nebraska 24, Missouri 20

Iowa State Cyclones
TBA Nov. 6, Jack Trice Stadium, Ames

THE THEME
On that murky October afternoon last year, the Huskers were probably too stunned to bothered by the fact that the Iowa State team had a lengthy celebratory moment at midfield on the Memorial Stadium turf. And one near the tunnel. And another in the locker room. That 9-7 upset still is meaningful to the Cyclones, who battled through illness and injury to win in Lincoln for the first time since 1977. This is the rematch. And don't think for one second that Nebraska's players aren't itching to prove that the 2009 loss was a fluke.

PLOT TWIST
It's highly unlikely that NU will finish its game against Iowa State with eight turnovers again. Hard to replicate that much futility, even if you tried. But most likely, Nebraska will have to figure out a way to stop two Cyclones, Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson, who missed out on their team's thrilling win last year. Arnaud has lots of experience at quarterback. Robinson, despite injuries, was the Big 12's third-best rusher as a junior.

THE CLIMAX
In October, Iowa State hosts Texas Tech and Utah before road games at Oklahoma and Texas. If the Cyclones aren't mentally (or physically) broken from that rigorous four-week stretch, they could be able to keep pace with Nebraska. Easier said than done. The Huskers were one bizarre open-field fumble away from a win in Lincoln. They'll be productive enough offensively this year to make up the difference.

Nebraska 27, Iowa State 10

Kansas Jayhawks
TBA Nov. 13, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
Turner Gill, the legendary NU quarterback and longtime assistant coach at Nebraska, has taken over as the KU coach, creating a paradoxical scenario for nearly every die-hard Husker fan. Can you really root against Gill? Maybe it's a good thing that the annual Nebraska-Kansas series will come to an end after this season. Gill will appear on the opposing sideline for the first time — and most Husker fans hope it's the last time they'll have to cheer against him.

PLOT TWIST
Listen to Gill speak for one second, and you'll be inspired for 10. He's a motivator, and you better believe that his week-long message to the Jayhawks will have the team emotionally charged up to upset NU. Kansas ended its 2009 campaign losing its last seven games, an underachieving stretch that began a tumultuous offseason in Lawrence. Gill has the right temperament to turn it around, though.

THE CLIMAX
With a new quarterback (Kale Pick), the Jayhawks will need their defense to make some plays to have a chance against Nebraska. Odds aren't great there. During its eight Big 12 games last year, Kansas allowed 35.9 points and 419.4 yards per game. The Huskers turned it on late in its game against KU last year, scoring 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Expect them to put it away early this time.

Nebraska 26, Kansas 9

Texas A&M Aggies
TBA Nov. 20, Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

THE THEME
This pre-game story line should sound familiar. Remember 2006? Nebraska traveled down to College Station, where it clinched a North Division title by pulling out a thrilling 28-27 victory. Texas A&M couldn't come through as a spoiler four years ago. Well, the Aggies will likely have another chance this fall. The stakes could be quite similar for the Huskers, who are eying back-to-back appearances in the Big 12 title game.

PLOT TWIST
Jerrod Johnson. The talented dual-threat quarterback, at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, is a nightmare to scheme against. He set eight single-season school records as a junior, while leading the conference in total offense (314.2 yards per game). And on the other side of the ball, the Huskers will have to worry about a new 3-4 defense captained by star playmaker Von Miller, who's a potential All-American.

THE CLIMAX
It could be a big year for Texas A&M, and a mostly favorable schedule could give the Aggies some confidence early on. Some are even predicting that A&M will challenge for the South Division crown. To do that, they'll likely have to beat Nebraska. And they may still need help after that. The Huskers have played their best football late in the year of late (9-2 record after October under Pelini). But even the most talented teams don't always navigate through a schedule full of probable on-paper victories. This is where Nebraska slips up.

Texas A&M 23, Nebraska 21

Colorado Buffaloes
2:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

THE THEME
It's probably safe to say Dan Beebe won't taking part in this Thanksgiving tradition. The Big 12 commissioner spent the summer trying to keep both schools from darting to other leagues. He failed. Long-term stability ultimately drove Nebraska to the Big Ten. Colorado's on its way to the soon-to-be Pac-12 because it didn't want to be left behind. So, the two football teams will play one last time as conference rivals — but the bitter Big 12 will likely try to ignore it.

PLOT TWIST
Colorado returns all five of its starters on the offensive line, the only Big 12 team without any holes to fill up front. That unit, which underachieved a bit last season, could make a difference if it's consistently opening up running lanes and giving its newly named starting quarterback, Tyler Hansen, time to throw the football. At 314.3 total yards per game, the Buffaloes were the league's worst offense in 2009.

THE CLIMAX
Now in his fifth year, Dan Hawkins has somehow managed to stay employed despite the Colorado's increasingly distraught fan base. Maybe Hawkins has things figured out. If CU can make through the non-conference still afloat, the Big 12 schedule sets up nicely. The Buffs could be in the mix until the end. But ultimately, it won't matter. Nebraska will end its regular season Big 12 tenure on a high note.

Nebraska 30, Colorado 17

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