Wyoming vs. Nebraska Football: Previewing the Matchups Against Wyoming

The Nebraska Cornhuskers will take their show on the road this week.

Nebraska travels to Wyoming for what is scheduled to be an away game but when the Cornhusker players look into the stands on Saturday, they may feel like they are at home. Nebraska fans have purchased thousands of tickets for this game and according to the Omaha ESPN Radio show, "Unsportsmanlike Conduct," there will be 70 percent Nebraska fans and only 30 percent Wyoming fans.

Nebraska played much better offensively last week against Washington. The Nebraska defense finally created some turnovers but gave up too many points. The Blackshirts are allowing an average of 28 points per game so far this year. Head coach Bo Pelini said at his Monday press conference that he is not worried about the defense. He believes most of the problems are mental and he can fix that. I hope he is right.

Wyoming moved to 3-0 on the season last week with a 28-27 win over Bowling Green. This is the first time Wyoming has started a season 3-0 under head coach Dave Christensen. The other two games Wyoming won this season were against Weber State and Texas State. Wyoming is taking a big step up in competition this week by hosting the No. 9-ranked Cornhuskers.

This game will be the Cornhuskers’ first-ever trip to Wyoming. Wyoming has a history of playing the Cornhuskers tough even when they are heavy underdogs. In 1994, Wyoming traveled to Lincoln and lost 32-42. Wyoming was a 34-point underdog to Nebraska but was able to keep the game within 10 points. Nebraska went on to win the national championship in 1994 while Wyoming scored the most points of their season in that game.

Nebraska and Wyoming have played five times. Nebraska has won all five games and each was played in Lincoln.

Nebraska’s Offense vs. Wyoming’s Defense

After two weeks of inconsistency and sloppy play, Nebraska’s offense finally got rolling last week. Led by Taylor Martinez, Nebraska totaled 464 yards and 51 points against Washington.

Four freshmen contributed to Nebraska’s success last week. Freshmen Ameer Green, Braylon Heard, Kenny Bell and Jamal Turner each made big plays for the Cornhuskers. Look for Nebraska to feature their young players even more this week as they get ready for the Big Ten opener the following week.

Wyoming is No. 94 in the country in total defense. The Cowboys are allowing 415 yards per game. Wyoming is led by senior defensive end Josh Biezuns. Biezuns was selected to the second-team All-MWC before the season. He will have to have a huge day for the Cowboys to hold the Cornhuskers offensive in check on Saturday.

Edge

Wyoming may be the worst team defensively that the Cornhuskers see all season. Yes, the Cowboys may be worst than Nebraska’s first opponent, Tennessee Chattanooga. Nebraska will work out the kinks in their offense as they prepare for a date with Wisconsin the following week. Nebraska’s offense will dominate Wyoming’s defense on Saturday.

Nebraska has a huge edge in this matchup.

Nebraska’s Defense vs. Wyoming’s Offense

Wyoming is led by freshman quarterback Brett Smith. Smith has thrown for 797 yards and five touchdowns in the 2011 season. The freshman quarterback will have his work cut out for him this week against the Blackshirt defense.

Wyoming is No. 16 in the country in total offense. Their offensive numbers were inflated by playing two weak schools to begin the season. If Wyoming’s young quarterback is able to put up big numbers against Nebraska’s defense, the Cowboys will have a lot to look forward to this season.

Nebraska is No. 67 in the country in total defense. Nebraska must improve on this number or it may be a long season. So far Nebraska has not been able to put together a dominating performance defensively. The Blackshirts have made big plays but have also allowed big plays. This is the week that Blackshirts need to make a statement.

Edge

Nebraska’s defense has played poorly so far this season. Last week the Cornhuskers were able to play a consistent game offensively. I look for the Blackshirt defense to get their act together this week. With the return of All-American defensive back Alfonzo Dennard to the Cornhusker lineup, it may be a long day for freshman quarterback Brett Smith.

Nebraska has the edge in this matchup.

Special Teams

Nebraska’s special teams have been the best unit for the Cornhuskers this season. Kicker Brett Maher has been clutch in the kicking game, kick returner Ameer Abdullah has been electric returning kicks and Nebraska’s kick coverage team has made some big plays.

Wyoming’s kicker Daniel Sullivan has made half of his kicks so far this year. Wyoming has not been able to generate anything from the punt return game this year. So far Wyoming has returned five punts for negative four yards. If their defense is able to make Nebraska punt, Wyoming will need more production from their punt returners to give them much-needed field position.

Edge

Nebraska has a huge advantage in special teams. Brett Maher has shown a strong leg so far this season. His range will increase kicking at the high elevation of Wyoming’s stadium.

Nebraska has the edge in special teams.

Prediction

Nebraska is a 23.5-point favorite against Wyoming. While this game is the first test for the Cornhuskers on the road, Nebraska has played better on the road than they have at home under Coach Pelini. The stands will be packed with Cornhusker fans as the game is less than two hours from the Nebraska border.

Nebraska 56 Wyoming 10