I have ties to both schools and thus follow both programs pretty closely. Northwestern should have a decent rushing attack with two good backs (Evan Hull and Cam Porter), but the passing attack was mediocre last year and there is no real reason to think it will be much better this year. The defense was sieve-like under first year DC Jim O'Neil and may be better this year but is unlikely to be a strength. By contrast, Nebraska improved itself almost across the board. If Nebraska's offensive line is better (fingers crossed that Raiola is doing a better job than his predecessor of developing the talent there), Nebraska should be strong both offensively and defensively.
Both teams were 1-8 in the conference last year but that masks a huge difference in performance. Northwestern lost seven Big Ten games by double digits and frankly wasn't even competitive in most of their games. Nebraska, by contrast, was in every game.
In sum, on paper at least, this game should not be close. I think Nebraska wins by at least two touchdowns. In my view, the real wild card is coaching. On the Nebraska side, you never know how players will perform their first time out under new coaches, and Northwestern's HC Fitzgerald gets more out of less talent than anyone in the country.
In any event, I can't wait to see the game. Only 15 days now.
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