ISU a good start for Nebraska’s conference schedule

By Josh Lashley  |   Tuesday, May 29, 2007  |  Comments( 1 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Sept. 29 could very well be the day when Nebraska jumps right to the top of the Big 12 North standings and begins to solidify a spot in the conference championship game on Dec. 1. On that autumn day the Cornhuskers will welcome division foe Iowa State and its new head coach, Gene Chizik, for both squads' Big 12 opener.

Chizik takes over for Dan McCarney after serving as a defensive coordinator at Central Florida, Auburn and most recently, Texas. McCarney, Iowa State's all-time leader in coaching victories with 56, was 4-8 in 2006. In fact, a 28-14 home defeat to Nebraska was the start of six straight losses for the Cyclones last season.

A lot can change in a year, and a 4-8 record could turn into a mark of .500 or better if the pieces fall into place for Iowa State. If the Cyclones are to keep up with Nebraska, it's likely that their passing game will need to play a large role.

Veteran senior quarterback Bret Meyer is back to lead the offense, and he should have a solid corps of aerial targets that includes receivers Todd Blythe, R.J. Sumrall and Milan Moses and tight end Ben Barkema.

If the Cyclones can get their running game cooking in the early season to complement the passing attack, they can be a handful for Big 12 defenses. If they can't, then it's difficult to see them reaching .500 in conference play.

Being a defensive-minded coach, Chizik may enjoy the Cyclones' linebacking crew, led by seniors Alvin Bowen and Jon Banks. Both players were outstanding in 2006, and there's every reason to believe they will be a major force once again this year.

The Cyclones' defensive backfield, which should get a considerable test against the Huskers, should be paced by strong safety Caleb Berg and cornerback Chris Singleton.

Iowa State will likely be greatly aided in field-goal attempts by the reliable leg of senior Bret Culbertson, who made all 24 of his point-after tries and hit 8 of 11 FGs (including a long of 52 yards) last season.

The Cyclones open with three home games versus Kent State, Northern Iowa and Iowa, respectively. Their first road contest, a matchup with Toledo, isn't overly daunting. It's possible that Iowa State could enter Memorial Stadium having regained much of the confidence that it lost last fall. Even if that's the case, it still likely won't be enough to overcome the Huskers.

Get original Nebraska Cornhuskers coverage at RealFootball365.com
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