Nebraska Football: Couple Things to Watch For in Week 1

So as of today (Monday), we have only five days, until Bo Pelini begins his third year as the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He claims a better defense then last year, if that’s even possible.

I'm one who would agree with him.

Look for the Blackshirts to be in the top 10 in all major statistical rankings at the end of the season.  For another time though, lets look at what we can look for from the Big Red in Week 1.

The Western Kentucky Hill Toppers in their third year of FBS football are severely outmanned when they roll into Lincoln NE for the 305th straight sellout of Memorial stadium.

The Hill Toppers will bring some speed and size to the game but the problem will begin with the depth they will lack versus Nebraska.  The Huskers are at least two deep at every position it looks, but look to see more rotation at a number of spots for the the Big Red.

-- READ: 10 Teams Likely to Shut Out their Opponents Week 1 --

We might as well get used to a lack of a depth chart from coach Pelini.  At the same time it feels pretty good as a fan to know that there is enough talent that the coaching staff doesn't have to settle on a group of No. 1's and No. 2's.  Rather a group of 20 some players on offense and another 20 some players on defense that can contribute, either as a starter or in a reserve roll.

Look for Pelini and the staff to use a nearly everyone on the roster this week and next though.  We fans can expect to see a large number of young players.  Bo and his staff have done a fine job of recruiting the since arriving in Nebraska, so look for them to display a large part of that talent.

The one thing that I've been hearing the most is how much people want to see shut outs, and I don't think you will be disappointed this week either.  I see Nebraska putting up around 63 on the Hill Toppers. 

The depth of the defense will show it’s for real.  With a Pelini coached team though you have to look at the defense as a focal point.

The knock on the Huskers has been the lack of offense though.  It wasn't like Coach Watson just forgot what he was doing from 2008-09.  If you do remember correctly Nebraska was a top 20 team statistically in all major offensive categories in '08. 

So look for a more productive and deeper offensive line to lead to more big plays and Watson to see more head coaching opportunities at the end of the year.

So there you are a couple things to mull over as we begin Game Week, will there be a shutout, and will the offensive line depth look more like Pipe Lines of old.

Thanks for reading, GBR.