Gameday: Western Michigan Broncos at 'Braska,
6 pm, Saturday, August 30th (PPV)


Broncos 2007 Record: 5-7 (3-4 MAC)

Broncos Key 2007 Wins: Iowa

Things that Make You Go Hmmm (yes, that was a C&C Music Factory Reference):
1. Fared 18 points better than the 'Skers at Faurot Field last year in 52-24 loss
2. Experience at QB - Junior Tim Hiller has thrown for over 3,000 yards
3. Vegas puts the Broncos within 14 points of the Big Red (a little too cozy)

The Buckle's Take: All eyes will be watching Pelini's defense take on a middle of the road Broncos offense with few true playmakers. Shawn Watson's focus will be buried in the run - grinding away at time of possession with a conservative flow in order to allow the defense to focus on an aggressive press. Turnovers, sacks, and sound tackling will all go a long way in rebuilding the Blackshirts' confidence as they head into the unknown 2008 abyss.

Caution!: No matter how much Steve Sipple and Tom Shatel will have you believe otherwise, this game can only cause concern. Even a flawless effort should not spark optimism for the Faithful. In recent openers, the '04 Huskers bashed Western Illinois 56-17 in route to a 5-6 debut campaign for Billy C. and the '07 'Skers blew out Nevada 52-10 leading to an ill-advised Callahan contract extension and the worst season since g'damn Korea.

Lil' Something for the Degenerates: Vegas cautiously gives Western Michigan a stingy 14 points. Despite the questions "Ace" Rothstein raise, it is hard to believe the Big Red will come up limp in front of the evening red tide at Memorial Stadium. Because if a Big Red moment turns into the right moment, will the Blackshirts be ready? (Don't really know what that means, just wanted to get an old dude with ED soaking in a tub into this week's blog).

Seriously: Ten years ago, Husker fans would not accept anything less than a 40+ point thrashing...now, all we want is a decisive rushing attack, some fundamental tackling, and a defensive effort that does not make us lose our Runzas by halftime. If Western Michigan turns into Ball State, be cautious of projectile mixtures of delicious ground beef, cabbage, and secret spices. Oh well, there's always Vals.

The Pick: Nebraska 45 - Western Michigan 21