PREDICTION TIME

Robin Washut HuskerOnline.com

The only real threat I see here for Nebraska is if Dan Persa puts on a incredible individual performance, and while he's a great quarterback, I just don't see it happening against the Blackshirts. Nebraska's offense will be far too physical for the Wildcats to hold off for four quarters, and the running game should be in for another huge second half performance. Nebraska 41 Northwestern 21 Michigan 30 Iowa 24 Alabama 20 LSU 16 Season: 16-8 vs. the spread: 12-12

John Talman HuskerOnline.com

Last week gave good reason for optimism about the Huskers offensively and defensively. If the defense can once again disrupt the timing of the Northwestern passing game and keep Dan Persa's mobility from hurting them, the Huskers can pull away in this one. Offensively, I expect more of the same - a healthy dose of Rex Burkhead and the ground game and plenty of different formations for the Wildcats' defense to have to diagnose. Nebraska 49 Northwestern 20 Michigan 31 Iowa 17 LSU 34 Alabama 31 Season: 14-10 vs. the spread: 11-13

Andy Kendeigh KETV Channel 7 Omaha

Each week you can see the Husker defense get more and more confident. They will be challenged against Northwestern but the Nebraska offense will not. The Huskers will win and there won't be much doubt but the 'Cats will cover because of they get a couple of cheap touchdowns late. Nebraska 38 Northwestern 21 Michigan 24 Iowa 17 LSU 31 Alabama 28 Season: 12-12 vs. the spread: 13-11

Mike'l Severe 1620 the Zone Radio Omaha

Northwestern has been an offensive monster with and without a healthy Dan Persa, and according to all reports the Wildcats QB is now healthy. I think the huskers will feed off what should be a lively 2:30 crowd and get out to a quick start, taking advantage of one of the most porous defensives they will face all year. Northwestern has also struggled in the 2nd half of games this season, outscored 101-52 in their five losses. Nebraska is outscoring opponents 132 - 61 in the 2nd half in it's wins. Nebraska 41 Northwestern 23 Iowa 31 Michigan 24 LSU 27 Alabama 24 Season: 18-6 vs. the spread: 13-11

Nebraska will try to keep things rolling today in Lincoln as they go for their eighth win of the season against Northwestern.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are today's keys to victory over the Wildcats.

The Huskers enter today's match-up as a 17.5 point favorite over Northwestern and need to keep winning each week to keep their Big Ten title hopes alive.

Establish the run early

Northwestern is ranked 95th nationally in rushing defense and 98th overall in total defense.

With that said Nebraska should run all over the Wildcat defense. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck shouldn't even have to get cute with his running plays. Beck needs to just run the ball straight at Northwestern and make them stop it.

Even in a win last week against Indiana, the Hoosiers ran for 318 yards on the ground. I don't think much more needs to even be said.

Tackle in space

Wildcat quarterback Dan Persa is completing 75.5 percent of his passes. What that should tell you is Persa doesn't throw down field a ton, but makes more high percentage passes to his receivers in space.

This will test Nebraska's secondary and force them to use sound fundamentals and tackle in space.

Use the wind to your advantage

The weatherman is calling the potential of 30 to 40 mile per hour wind gusts in Lincoln today. If this forecast prediction holds up, it's really going to play a factor in both the passing and kicking games.

Luckily for Nebraska they won't have to worry about throwing a ton and Brett Maher should be more experienced in kicking in these types of conditions since he'll know how to play the wind better in the stadium.

You may see Maher do more low line drive kicks and punts if the win is indeed a factor.

Disrupt and confuse Persa

You have to think Northwestern is going to be a little confused as to what to expect from Nebraska's defense.

Will the Huskers come at Persa with a fierce pass rush like they did last week, or will they play conservatively up front and try to keep him in the pocket.

I expect to see Pelini really try and confuse Persa with as many different looks as possible to force him into some bad decisions.

Keep it rolling

Nebraska is the hottest team arguably in the Big Ten. They are starting to understand Tim Beck's new offense and they are playing Bo Pelini defense for the first time this season.

It will be important they keep it rolling again today and send a message to the rest of the Big Ten that the Nebraska team you saw early on this season was much different than the one on the field right now.


Callahan's weekly predictions

Northwestern has one of the worst defense's in the Big Ten. They gave up over 300 yards rushing in a win last week over Indiana. I just don't see how they stop Nebraska, but they will put a few scores on the board. I like the Huskers to roll by 25 points and to cover the 17.5 point spread.

Nebraska 45 Northwestern 20
Iowa 34 Michigan 31
Alabama 27 LSU 24

Season Record: 14-10 overall; 13-11 vs. points