Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Kansas State Wildcats: Five Things To Watch For

Tonight, the Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on the Kansas State Wildcats. 

The game, which will be televised on ESPN at 7:30 EST, is one worth watching.

These two undefeated teams are both looking for something to prove, and the victor could throw themselves into the national championship debate with a strong showing.

5. The Huskers Secondary V. Carson Coffman

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Alfonzo Dennard #15 celebrates with teammate cornerback Prince Amukamara #21during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

This year, the Nebraska defense has absolutely dominated opposing quarterbacks.

Just ask former Heisman candidate Jake Locker how good they are.

Locker managed just 71 yards passing against the Huskers, and also threw for two interceptions.

Through four games, Carson Coffman has thrown for more than 200 yards just once, and in his last two outings, he has thrown two interceptions to just one touchdown.

For Kansas State to win, Coffman needs to be able to complete some passes, otherwise the Huskers will be able to stack the box against Kansas State's run game.

4. Kansas State's Fans V. Nebraska's Fans

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Runningback Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty I

Kansas State is pumped for this game.

Bill Snyder announced a "No Red" policy for those at Kansas State's football complex.

Shortly following that announcement was a Facebook group called "No Red Allowed," which encouraged Kansas State fans to not wear red all week and be sure to wear Kansas State purple.

Nebraska fans responded with a group called "Red Out in Manhattan," which had over 2,500 members in just a few days.

So, which side will make their presence felt? 

If Nebraska's game against Washington was any indication, Husker red can not be drowned out.

Even last year against Virginia Tech, chants of "Go Big Red" could be heard on television despite Lane Stadium's reputation for being one of the toughest road stadiums in the country.

Kansas State is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Nebraska. Kansas State needs a home field advantage, but tune in early to see the ratio of the red to purple Thursday night. 

3. Daniel Thomas V. The Huskers Run Defense

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LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 11: Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Jared Crick #94 takes downIdaho Vandals quarterback Nathan Enderle #10 during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeat

Daniel Thomas has been downright incredible so far in 2010.

He has compiled 628 rushing yards and six touchdowns in just four games.

While Huskers coaches have been quick to say their defense isn't far off from 2009, it hasn't looked true simply from watching the 'Skers. 

The Huskers pass defense ranks third in the nation, but when it comes to rushing, that rank falls all the way to 51st.

If the Huskers relax for even a second against Thomas, they'll be watching him dance in the end zone.

The 140 yards a game rushing the 'Skers have allowed hasn't exactly come against great backs, so it will be interesting to see how they handle Thomas.

Can Jared Crick and company step up to shut down the run? 

2. Taylor Martinez Throwing Against The Wildcats Secondary

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 tries to slip South Dakota State Jackrabbits cornerback Cole Brodie #21during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebr

Last week against South Dakota State, the freshman quarterback had undoubtedly his worst game in his young college football career.

The Huskers decided to find out if he could throw the ball. What they saw wasn't pleasant. 

Martinez only completed six of his 14 passes and threw two interceptions to one touchdown. He also fumbled his first snap of the game.

Kansas State's 13th ranked pass defense is worlds better than South Dakota State's. So, how will Martinez fare?

If Kansas State is to win this game, they need to win the turnover battle, and the man to get those turnovers out of is Martinez.

But, if slide one holds to predictability, then this slide may be rendered useless.

1. The Huskers Three Headed Monster V. The Wildcats Rush Defense

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LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Rex Burkhead #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepares to stiff arm cornerback Anthony Wise #22 and defensive back Cedric Provost #12 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during first half action of their game at

Pick your poison. 

Rex Burkhead. Roy Helu. Or Taylor Martinez.

These guys will dominate Kansas State on the ground. 

The Huskers average over 300 yards rushing per game, and Kansas State's run defense ranks 95th in the nation.

This game could absolutely be a blowout. The Huskers should have no need to throw the ball against Kansas State if they continue to run the ball like they have for the first four games.

Martinez has 496 yards and eight touchdowns. Roy Helu has 305 yards and four touchdowns. Rex Burkhead has 304 yards and three touchdowns.

Will Kansas State have an answer for this trio? It is unlikely. But, these three give the nation a reason to watch this game and also to fear the Cornhuskers of Nebraska.

Prediction: Nebraska will greatly exceed the -10.5 line on this game. Kansas State will have no answer for the run and, after falling to a quick deficit, will be forced to the air to try and mount a comeback. At that point, the Huskers stifling pass defense will take over. Enjoy the game!