Team MVP: With the change in offensive schemes at Nebraska it will probably be up to the defense to carry this football team. There is no person that will be more important to the success of the Cornhuskers in 2004 than middle linebacker Barrett Ruud. Ruud was one of the leading tacklers in the nation last year and his tenacity and leadership will be what drives this team.

Quarterback: This is the first time I can remember talking about a Nebraska quarterback that is going to have to throw the football. Sophomore Joe Dailey is the man that is touted as the starter but I expect to see junior Mike Stuntz behind center as well.

Running Back: Cory Ross is a one tough runner at 5-6. Ross weighed in at 203 pounds this spring so he is not of the normal scatback build. David Horne is going to see plenty of time and it has become customary to seeing three or four good backs carrying the football for the cornhuskers. Freshman Tierre Green needs time to develop but he is the back that fits the new offensive scheme of Bill Callahan and will be a receiving threat out of the backfield. No matter who runs the football I feel they will still be productive because Steve Kriewald will be fantastic at fullback.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Despite the fact that they are not a school accustomed to throwing there are good options here for Nebraska. Matt Herian is an interesting prospect at tight end. He has shown he is one of the best big men in the country when it comes to racking up yards after the catch. Now with Herian as the focal point in the passing game his development is one that will be watched closely. Ross Pilkington has started since he was a freshman and fellow starting wide receiver Isaiah Fluellen has sub 4.4 speed.

Offensive Line: The offensive line is always solid at Nebraska and depth is always something that is stressed, this is one of the few things that has not changed on offense since the arrival of coach Callahan. Richie Incognito may be the most talented underclass blocker in the NCAA right now but he has been in some off the field trouble and he will be moving to the center position for 2004. Seeing how Incognito plays will be important. This is one of the most athletic lines Nebraska has had in some time and right guard Jake Anderson is another player that will have the attention of NFL scouts.

Defensive Line: Nebraska will use the 4-3 front most of the time but look for them to fall into a 3-4 look at times to keep their opponents guessing. Wali Muhammed will platoon at defensive end and you may see him drop back as a linebacker forcing Stewart Bradley to the inside. LeKevin Smith is the big run stuffer who has shown tons of promise but needs to ensure he plays consistent football and not disappear for long stretches of a game.

Linebackers: We talked about Bradley and Barrett Ruud already. Ruud had 149 tackles in 2003 and will be the man who calls the plays for the defense. Chad Sievers will be the other starter but the player behind him Mark Brungardt will see plenty of time in run stopping packages.

Secondary: Even though Ruud is the defensive leader at linebacker it will be the secondary that makes this defense special. There is no better starting secondary in the Big 12 or for that matter maybe the country. Free safety Josh Bullocks and cornerback Fabian Washington are both in the top five on my prospect boards at their respective positions despite the fact that they are both juniors. Just when you have seen enough of #20 Josh Bullocks you realize the man wearing #14 and playing strong safety is also named Bullocks. Daniel Bullocks is the twin brother of Josh and is also dependable. The fact that there are three returning starters in the secondary all with pro potential makes it hard for opposing teams to pick on the one new starter Lornell McPherson.

Special Teams: Sam Koch has to try to fill the shoes of Kyle Larson at punter, a task which seems to be next to impossible. David Dyches was steady at kicker and I think the return game will be just fine and we may see new freshman Tierre Green handle some of the kick return duties.

Final Thoughts: This will be a team everybody has to watch at least one time this year. Even if you aren’t a Nebraska fan seeing them try to throw the football will be interesting. I think Nebraska has such a strong recruiting base that the transition will be smoother than many expect. Getting a coach with pro experience to take over you program will help as well. The biggest obstacle for Nebraska may be their schedule. The two toughest teams on the schedule are Oklahoma and Kansas State, these are teams that Nebraska has to play on the road this season.

-- DJ Boyer