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Updated: August 18, 6:02 PM ET Huskers positive last year was a fluke By Mark Wangrin Special to ESPN.com |
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Coach: Frank Solich (49-16, 6th season) 2002 overall record: 7-7 Conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Jammal Lord* (1,412 yds) Passing: Jammal Lord* (1,362 yds) Receiving: Wilson Thomas (353 yds) Tackles: Demorrio Williams* (92) Sacks: Chris Kelsay (7) Interceptions: Fabian Washington* (4) Outlook: This summer Jammal Lord wore a rubber band he found on the street around his right wrist for good luck. Asked how he discerned that the rubber band carried positive vibes, Lord said, "I'm superstitious. Everything's good." That is the kind of thinking that has permeated the Cornhuskers, who've convinced themselves that last season swoon was an aberration, a belief stepped more in faith than evidence. Solich rearranged his staff, hiring six new coaches, including a new defensive coordinator (Bo Pelini) and, for the first time in his tenure, an offensive coordinator. Solich's take on Barney Cotton? "His philosophy is to run the ball more. He'll throw the ball more. He'll take more chances than I would." Solich also said the Huskers will be as quick as they've ever been on defense, a by product of being healthy, but their talent level is several notches below what it was earlier in his tenure. "We'll be a different team, not playing on our heels,'' he said. "We'll play hard, finish out plays." Keep an eye on: David Horne. With Dahrran Diedrick gone, the Huskers are hoping Horne can become the productive I-back they've always coveted. The 6-0, 190-pound sophomore shed his redshirt six games into last season and shared the job with Diedrick, rushing for more than 120 yards in three of his first six games but struggling late in the season. Key game: It's rare for an opener to have the significance it does this year for the Cornhuskers, but the Aug. 30 game against Oklahoma State in Lincoln should go a long way in determining if last year's 7-7 mark was a blip or a trend. A loss, at home, would be devastating and will end another streak -- 17 straight season-opening wins. It's a good year if. . .: The Huskers can get back to the 9-win level. The schedule helps. The Huskers go to Texas and Colorado, but they have Kansas State, OSU and Texas A&M at home. Mark Wangrin covers the Big 12 for the San Antonio Express-News.
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