Idaho State Game Gives Husker Nation a Week to Relax Before Gauntlet

There are no guaranteed wins in college football, but Saturday's contest against Idaho State is the closest thing to a guarantee the Nebraska Cornhuskers will face throughout the rest of the 2012 season.

Idaho State brings a 1-1 record to Lincoln, having dropped a 49-21 contest to Air Force in Week 1 and defeating Division II Black Hills State 38-5 in Week 2.

The Bengals are led by quarterback Kevin Yost. Yost has posted 779 passing yards over the first two weeks of the season, but will likely find it more difficult to locate open receivers against Nebraska than it was against Idaho State's previous two opponents.

There won't be any buzz around the stadium on game day for this one, however, as there will be very little tension in the air. The result ought to be an enjoyable experience for anyone looking to take in a care-free atmosphere for the last time this year. It might be a good time to introduce a newbie to Memorial Stadium for what should be a positive experience all the way around. 

That's exactly what I'm doing on Saturday.

After Idaho State, the Huskers face a brutal five-week stretch by any measures. Three of Nebraska's opponents during that stretch are currently ranked in the Top 25 of both major polls, while the other two (Wisconsin and Northwestern) both logged wins over the Huskers in 2011. Currently, Northwestern is the only FBS team with three wins over BCS conference programs.

The last three contests against Penn State, Minnesota and Iowa won't be gimmes, either. Nebraska should be favored against those teams, but you won't find me placing any wagers on those contests.

My advice to Huskers fans this weekend is to sit back and enjoy what should be a smooth ride on Saturday. We've already seen just how bumpy this road can be in the first three weeks of the season. You'd be a fool not to be prepared for a few more along the way.