Pelini era is upon us

We have patiently waited for the 2008 Nebraska football season to get here, but if you are a Nebraska fan,  you have to wonder if this group of players can rebound from the horrific defensive season of 2007.
We chanted for Bo Pelini back in 2003, and after several years of putting up with mediocrity and having our team coached by a man who just did not understand Nebraska football, Pelini is here. Let’s face it, without even coaching one game, we have anointed this man as the savior, and the man who will bring the Huskers back to gridiron supremacy.
Bo did amazing things with the defense when he came to coach here the first time, and while he is now the head coach, my guess his love of the game still rides with the defense.
I hope that as Husker fans we are thinking in realistic terms. The transformation will not happen over night, it will not happen over one season, it may take a few years to get back in the national Championship run, so let’s be patient. Let Bo do what Bo does best ... coach football! He is going to make the players on the team earn what they get, nothing will be given to them, but that’s teaching a life lesson in the game of football.
As for the upcoming season, it’s hard to tell but I really feel an 8-4 season is a real possibility, and 9-3 could happen, but probably stretching things a little. Here’s my take:
Aug. 30- Western Michigan: can’t take this team lightly. They went into Iowa City last season defeated the Hawkeyes 28-19. They also played both Missouri and West Virginia, losing 52-24 and 62-24 respectively. I think it’s fairly close until the second half.
Sept 6 - San Jose State: Huskers should not have any problems here. If they do it could be a very long season.
Sept. 13 - New Mexico State- could be ugly by halftime.
Sept. 27 - Virgina Tech: This begins a stretch where the Huskers play three games in a row that I doubt they will be favored in any of them. Va. Tech is using the two quarterback system, and we get a weeks rest to get ready. The Huskers get this one, some way some how.
Oct. 4 - Missouri: Chase Daniel gave the Huskers fits last year in Columbia. Tigers have too many playmakers and will win for the first time in Lincoln in a long time. Nebraska will keep it close. Could be an offensive showcase.
Oct 11 - at Texas Tech: First time on the road in 2008. Last visit to Lubbock the football team scored more than the Bobby Knight’s basketball team did on the Huskers. These guys actually scare me more than Missouri. Look for a high scoring game and the red Raiders to prevail.
Oct. 18 - Iowa State: it’s never easy in Ames anymore, and we somehow always make a bonehead play that allows the Cyclones to stay in the game. Huskers will get this one and get back on track.. Record to date 5-2.
Oct. 25 - Baylor: Back in Lincoln for the first time in three weeks, the Bears don’t have a fighting chance. Nebraska rolls to 6-2.
Nov. 1 - at Oklahoma: Nine games into the season and one of the best rivalry games in College football. Nebraska keeps this one close, but Oklahoma should be on the path to BCS Title game at this point. Record to date 6-3.
Nov. 8 - Kansas: They were the biggest surprise in College football last season, and their win over Va. Tech in the Orange Bowl solidified their season. Nebraska gets revenge in Lincoln. Record 7-3
Nov. 15 - at Kansas State: This is the tough one. Kansas State is as tough as nails in Manhatten, KS and with Josh Freeman getting better each game, I just feel the Wildcats will get this one. However this is the game that could propel them to a 9-3 season, versus an 8-4 year.
Nov. 28 - Colorado: If there is one game the Husker faithful want to win more than any other, this one has to be it. Head coach Dan Hawkins will do whatever he can to fire up his team for this game. Don’t see it… Huskers go to the Bowl season with an 8-4 mark.
That’s my take. The frenzy that is college football is about to bust loose!

ken.kush@yorknewstimes.com