PREDICTION TIME

Mike Babcock

Texas has athletes, two losses or not, and the Longhorns' speed on defense will present a significant challenge for Taylor Martinez. Offensively, Texas will have problems of its own. It could be a long afternoon for sophomore quarterback Garrett Gilbert, with a less-than-impressive running game to alleviate some of the pressure. Nebraska's kickoff coverage wasn't good against Kansas State, but if the Huskers are kicking off a lot, Texas will need more than kickoff returns to keep up. Nevertheless, the wounded Longhorns will be tough, and the game could defy logic. Nebraska 28 Texas 24 Season: 5-0 vs. the spread: 3-2

Robin Washut

Nebraska's players and coaches have been saying all the right things all week long, and it's pretty clear the Huskers are doing their best to treat this game as any other on their schedule. The thing is, I'm starting to think they truly believe it is just the next game and nothing more. If that's true, it's a huge edge for a team that always seems to play its best when its focus is at its peak. I see the Huskers coming out and handling their business as usual, even if everyone else sees it a so much more. Nebraska 31 Texas 21 Season: 5-0 vs. the spread: 3-2

Aaron Babcock

It's pretty obvious Nebraska has to take care of the ball on Saturday if they want a chance to win. I don't buy the "experts" who have the Huskers as a 9.5 or 10-point favorite. While Texas is spending the week preparing for Taylor Martinez's speed, I don't believe its something that can be replicated in practice. If the Longhorns go back to the spread this week, it plays into the Huskers strengths. This will be another close one in the storied series. Nebraska 24 Texas 20 Season: 5-0 vs. the spread: 3-2

John Talman

Despite Texas' offensive struggles being the primary sign everybody points to as a Husker edge in this game, the fact is that Taylor Martinez will be priority No. 1 for a Longhorn defense looking to gain national respect back. I think running backs Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead now become the big keys to this offense with all eyes and focus being on Martinez. What will be interesting is how the Huskers choose to play Texas' defense which will be much faster sideline-to-sideline than what they've seen. Nebraska 27 Texas 17 Season: 5-0 vs. the spread: 3-2

The Nebraska football team will finally get their opportunity to take on Texas today in Lincoln after last year's controversial 13-12 loss to the Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship game.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are the five keys to a Husker victory over the Longhorns. NU enters the game as a 10 point favorite over Texas.

Hold onto the football

If there's been a concern about Nebraska's offense through five games, it's been their ball security at times.

I fully expect Texas's aggressive defense to take swipes at the football, because they know they're going to have to force some turnovers in order to help their young struggling offense.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez has had problems at times holding onto the football. It will be important for Martinez not to have any costly fumbles that will hurt the offense.

Martinez's decision making

Running backs coach Tim Beck compared Nebraska's offensive style to "Novocain," meaning it may take a while to kick in, but eventually it's going to work.

Against South Dakota State Martinez didn't give it enough time to kick in because he made the wrong decisions in the zone read game.

If Texas defends Nebraska differently in the zone read game it will be crucial for Martinez to make the right decisions. There's a thinking UT will widen their linebackers out like SDSU did and make their defensive ends play containment, which could really open up things up in the middle for Martinez and the running backs.

Make Gilbert feel the pressure

Never before has sophomore Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert faced a road environment like he's going to see today at Memorial Stadium.

The 12th man is going to have to show up today. It will also be important for head coach Bo Pelini to keep Gilbert off balanced with different blitzes and pressure packages from the front seven. If this plays out right, NU's secondary should have a big day in coverage.

Control the special teams game

In last week's Kansas State game the Wildcats averaged 31 yards per kickoff return and really caused some problems for the Huskers.

NU has worked hard in practice to make the necessary adjustments this week, because in all reality special teams will be one of the most important phases of the game.

The Husker cannot allow Texas to get good field position in the return game. If you remember back in 2006, the Longhorns killed Nebraska in the return game which played a big factor in them winning that day.

Handle the environment

It's going to be emotional today. That's obvious. The key is containing that emotion for Nebraska. Act like you've been there before. NU needs to keep that "business as usual" attitude they've had all season.

If they do that, I don't see how they lose this game. However, I think Texas will play their best game of the year, but it still won't be enough.

I'll take the Huskers to 23-16, but I'll take the Longhorns to cover the 10 point spread.


Callahan's Prediction:Nebraska 23 Texas 16
Season Record: 5-0 overall; 3-2 vs. points