Western Michigan vs. Nebraska Pick

[BangTheBook]

Courtesy of Tony George Sports
The Bo Pellini era kicks off in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln Nebraska on Saturday to the delight of Husker Nation, who filled the same stadium this past spring game close to 75,000 people. Expectations are high in Huskerland, but also managed somewhat by a level headed new head coach with Husker ties. Actually Bo Pellini is 1-0 as Husker head coach, as he led the Huskers to victory in 2003 in the Alamo Bowl after the firing of Frank Solich, thus an era of disappointment and downslide under Bill Callahan began. The order in Lincoln Nebraska is about to be restored under AD Tom Osborne and his new hire.

Nebraska will be sky high and return in tact a great deal of the 9th ranked offense in the country last year with QB Joe Ganz at the helm, a very capable QB who threw for 16 TD's and 1400 yards in 4 starts at Nebraska last year. RB Marlon Lucky is a top 3 back in the Big 12, and the offensive line returns all 4. The problem is defense, and they were deplorable in 2007. With Bo Pellini running the show, and proving his prowess at calling defenses as head man at LSU, when his defense's dominated the SEC and won titles, expect a re-newed vigor for the once proud Blackshirts at Nebraska. Expect a monster effort this Saturday in all phases as winning needs to be established early and in convincing fashion.

Western Michigan is no patsy, but is in a real tough spot here. Tim Hiller at QB threw for 267 yards per game in 2007 and returns as well as their RB who pounded out 858 yards last year, as the Bronco's ended up 5-7 overall, and to note, 2-8-1 ATS in lined games last year, which is a concern. The defense of WM allowed over 400 yards per game last year and that is the KEY to this game. Nebraska's offense is a Top 5 offense in the Big 12 this year, mark my words. They will move the chains all day long. The defense will be improved vastly and the home opener will be one big coming out party, as Bo Pellini will drop the hammer and make the natives very happy in Husker Nation this Saturday.

Nebraska 41 Western Michigan 17