Quick Takes On Nebraska's 47-24 Victory Over Western Michigan

1. The Faithful has to be pleased with Shawn Watson's new look option set and Joe Ganz's ability to hit the edge.

Unfortunately, for Husker fans who still idolize Turner Gill and Tommie Frazier, watching the new Nebraska quarterback stumble through defensive pitch reads and trip up in the backfield is like reminiscing over Jack Nicholson's performances in "Easy Rider" and the "Shining," only to then turn on "The Bucket List."

2. Joe Ganz's playmaking ability, timing, and capacity to extend the play with his feet make his 345 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday night even more impressive. Two late interceptions may add caution for Big Red fans who are ready to annoint Ganz the next Brett Favre.

Remember, what separates a gunslinging quarterback who from a quarterback who balances interceptions with his potential to make the big play is his wins-loss record.

Win—you're Tony Romo. Lose—you're Rex Grossman and nobody wants to be Rex Grossman.

3. One of the keys to Bo Pelini's 2003 defensive success in Lincoln was his use of LB Demorrio Williams. Cody Glenn's 12 tackles and sheer ability to cover sideline-to-sideline may offer an inexperienced linebacking corps Williams-like speed and anticipation.

Pelini's ability to use Glenn's running back skills on his defense may be the best hybridization since Dairy Queen added Kit-Kats to their Blizzard arsenal.

4. After holding the Broncos to a stingy 102 first-half yards, over-pursuit and an inexperienced secondary were to blame for a late-game defensive let-down.

The front four was aggressive and dominated at the point of impact, producing four sacks and a persistent pass rush. Unfortunately, safeties Matt O'Hanlon and Larry Asante's aggression was nullified by being consistenly out of position.

First-timers at cornerback, Prince Amakumara, Eric Hagg, and Anthony West made rookie reads. San Jose State, New Mexico State, and a bye-week should go a long way in correcting these mistakes before Virginia Tech and Missouri roll into Lincoln.

Fundamental wrapping up and defensive pursuit was dramatically improved over last season's Dancing with the Stars approach to tackling.

In 2007, Husker fans watched a slow regression for the Blackshirts. Bo and Carl's defense is sure to show dramatic improvement week to week.

What player wants to face the wrath of Brothers Pelini??? (SEE PICTURE - Bo pictured trying to pass a corncob dipped in liquid magma. Is it just me or does Carl Pelini look like he should be facing off against Pete Weber in ESPN's coverage of this week's Denny's PBA Tour in Duluth?)

Prediction: NU 45 - WMU 21
Actual Score: NU 47 - WMU 24

What can I say—the ghost of Beano Cook visited me with some insider information. What? Beano's not dead? Then how can you explain his corpse on ESPN?