Much is riding on Solich's sixth year at the helm. After losing nearly as many games (seven) in one season as he had in the previous four (nine), pressure is at an all-time high to return the program to conference and national title contention. After 2002, there were wholesale changes on Solich's staff, and a repeat could mean the dismissal of the head honcho himself. Working in Solich's favor is a wealth of young talent, but because NU doesn't have much time for development, it could turn into a negative.

The new coaches are young and turned some heads with a better-than-expected recruiting class. They will relate to players better than the previous staff, and this energy will rub off and be transparent with any positive results. A more diverse offense will aid NU's cause, something the world has waited for since the dawn of time. Nebraska became too predictable in the past few seasons and passing on first down won't be ruled out of Cotton's bag of tricks as well. The speed of the defense has come into question again - much like before the championship runs of the 1994 and 1995 squads. Nebraska's latest edition will be faster, but also must be smarter for any speed to be noticeable on the field. Youth and speed combined tends to equal over-pursuit. But, like with any successful Cornhusker crew, it all starts and revolves around stopping the run. If accomplished, everything else seems to fall in place. Struggling 2000 and 2001 NU teams prove this run-stuffing element can be ridden upon for their team's success.

From many perspectives, winning as many games as it lost is a learning tool that Nebraska is biding. Much like Tom Osborne did in the early '90s, Solich recognizes the changing times and what needs to be done. His new staff shows as much, but the Huskers will have to deal with the fact their conference foes have caught up. It will take time to climb back to any prominent forefront. Nebraska should find its way into the Top 25 and have no more than two losses entering its final four games, but road battles at Texas and Colorado, including hosting Kansas State in between, will bring the Big Red back down to earth. Their half of the conference is up for grabs, regardless, with no clearly superior team - so, it may not take as much as many may think for Solich to keep his job, either. Regardless, we believe nothing short of a Top 10 finish can save Solich. Even money here.

Passing: Jammal Lord, 204-95-12, 1362 yds., 12 TD's

Rushing: Jammal Lord, 251 att., 1412 yds., 8 TD's

Receiving: Ross Pilkington, 14 rec., 301 yds., 1 TD

Scoring: Jammal Lord, 8 TD's, 48 pts.

Punting: Kyle Larson, 73 punts, 43.2 avg.

Kicking: Dale Endorf, 2-2 FG, 1-1 PAT, 7 pts.

Tackles: Demorrio Williams, 92 tot., 38 solo

Sacks: Trevor Johnson, 3.5 sacks

Interceptions: Fabian Washington, 4 for 35 yds.

Kickoff returns: Josh Davis, 42 ret., 23.7 avg.

Punt returns: Cory Ross, 1 ret., 25.0 avg.

DC Bo Pelini says he is happy with the progress the Husker D made this spring, but claims they have a long ways to go before the opener against Oklahoma State… MIKE linebacker Stewart Bradley showed a LOT of improvement this spring, culminating it with a great spring game, in which he led all tacklers with 9 and had 1.5 TFLs. Look for him to be more involved this fall. Junior DE Tyler Toline was another pleasant surprise, creating turmoil in the opposing backfield. The top newcomer this spring has been DE Adam Carriker. Displaying that needed combination of strength and quickness called for at defensive end, Carriker gives the Huskers a great backup, helping keep the front line fresh without a (significant) drop in talent… A newcomer to note on defense is sophomore CB Donald DeFrand. He was an All-American at the JUCO ranks and has great cover skills. Look for him to make his way onto the field early in regular fashion this season as an extra DB.

The placekickers seemed a bit inconsistent this spring, and the top spot will remain open heading into fall drills (though Endorf seems to have a slight edge). Punter Kyle Larson may be the best punter the Big 12 has to offer this year. His booming kicks caught the attention of Husker followers this spring, capped by a 51-yard average in the spring game. Josh Davis will be the return man of choice, likely handling both kicks and punts.