Nebraska Cornhuskers: 3 Keys To Victory Against Texas Longhorns

October 16th has been circled on the Nebraska Cornhuskers calendar for a while.

Wear Red. Be loud. Beat Texas.

Oops, not allowed to say that last part anymore. But when the Huskers started their "Red Out Around The World" campaign, did they expect a two loss Texas team to be coming to Lincoln?

Doubtful, but regardless the 'Skers can't take their eye off the prize now.

Win the turnover battle

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #7 of the Texas Longhorns drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

So far this year the Huskers defense has shown an ability to bend, but not break. 

Garrett Gilbert, the Longhorns quarterback, has already thrown five interceptions this year.

When the year began many analysts said that the Huskers secondary was among the best in the nation, and so far they have played that way. 

Through five games the Huskers have 11 interceptions, averaging a little more than two a game.

On Saturday the Huskers will need to force Gilbert to make poor decisions, and hope that the 'Skers backfield can hold onto the ball, particularly Taylor Martinez.

Establish the run game

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Roy Helu Jr. #10 tries to break free from South Dakota State Jackrabbits cornerback Anthony Wise #22 during first half action of their game against at Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2

The Longhorns have one of the most talented defenses in the nation, however they have yet to face a player like Taylor Martinez.

When the Huskers went to Manhattan they showed off their offensive plan for the Big XII; run it down their throats.

The Huskers boast the second best run offense in the nation, but also have yet to face a legitimate defense.

Texas will be expecting the run, but will they be able to stop it?

The Huskers better have a new wrinkle to keep the Longhorns on their toes.

Avoid underestimating the 'Horns

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Mack Brown of the Texas Longhorns yells on the sidelines during play against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

If there is such a thing as being too pumped up for a game, the Huskers may have it with this matchup.

The entire state of Nebraska wants this game, but the scary thing is that some people are assuming that we already have this game.

Yes Texas has lost two in a row. Yes they aren't ranked. 

But they're still Texas, and they're still coached by Mack Brown.

It may sound odd in such an important game, but the Huskers have to be sure they don't take Texas for granted.

Texas will by far be the best team the Huskers have faced this year, and the 'Skers can't afford to make any stupid mistakes.

Bo Pelini has done a great job of keeping this team grounded, and hopefully they will be just as prepared for Texas as they were for their first two road games.

Prediction

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nebraska co-defensive coordinator Carl Pelini (kneeling) and head coach Bo Pelini (L) watch their defense against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September

Huskers 24 Longhorns 10

The Huskers secondary will shut down Gilbert and score a defensive touchdown. The Huskers run game will find the end zone at least twice on big runs.

For more Huskers news, videos, and pictures visit http://huskersred.com/