Huskers will pull out road victory

The Nebraska Cornhuskers hit the road for the first time this season Saturday as the Big Red takes on Wake Forest. The Huskers meet the Demon Deacons in Winston Salem, N.C. for a game that is scheduled for an 11 a.m. kickoff. The contest will be televised by ESPN (Columbus cable channel 34).

The Huskers are 2-0 all-time against Wake Forest with wins in 1970 and 2005. The Demon Deacons are 0-1 this season with a 38-28 loss last week at Boston College. Wake Forest has some big injuries to overcome if they are going to upset the Big Red.

Quarterback Riley Skinner (6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Sophomore) separated his shoulder last week against BC and is doubtful for Saturday's game. Brett Hodges (6-2, 175, Fr.) likely will start in place of Skinner. Hodges was 17 of 23 (73.9 percent) for 130 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Last week, Wake Forest threw for 366 yards against Boston College.

The relatively inexperienced offensive unit gave up four interceptions against Boston College.

The receivers had a big game in the opener for the Demon Deacons. Kenneth Moore (6-0, 186, Jr.) had a career in one game, getting 15 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown. Five receivers had at least five catches last week for Wake Forest.

The mix of receivers led a passing game that had Wake Forest 45 of 60 (75 percent) in the loss to the Eagles.

The wide open passing game means that Wake Forest showed very little running attack last week.

The Demon Deacons had 24 carries for only two yards against Boston College. No back had more than 10 yards rushing for Wake Forest.

Coach Jim Grobe wants to run the football, but this year's team appears very weak in the ground game. Kevin Harris (6-1, 225, Fr.) had 14 yards on four carries, while Micah Andrews (5-10, 190, Jr.) had 12 yards on seven carries. Andrews can be a threat on the ground but is recovering from a knee injury. Both backs are effective catching short passes.

The Blackshirts will look to keep Wake Forest as a one dimensional football team. If that occurs, it could be a long day for the Demon Deacons.

The offensive line did a good job in only giving up two sacks on 60 pass attempts last week. The line shows a great deal of skill in pass protection rather than in run blocking. From tackle to tackle, Wake Forest averages 6-4 and 305 pounds.

The big man up front is tackle Chris DeGeare (6-4, 345, So.). He will be challenged by Ndamukong Suh from the Husker defensive line. No seniors play up front for Wake Forest.

Wake Forest will utilize a 4-3 defensive look. Defensive end Matt Robinson (6-2, 230, Jr.) is doubtful with a sprained ankle suffered on the first series of last week's loss at BC.

The defense is a young group, just like the offense. The depth chart shows no seniors scheduled to start on either side of the ball for the Demon Deacons.

A pair of freshmen, Boo Robinson (6-2, 295) and John Russell (6-2, 250), are set to start for Wake Forest at the defensive tackle spots. With a Husker offensive line that averages 313 pounds per man, Nebraska may really be able to dominate up front.

Wake Forest is traditionally known for strong linebacker play. Sophomore Eric Berry (6-2, 260) will need to come up big in the middle of the Demon Deacon defense. The linebackers are small but quick on the outside for Wake Forest.

The secondary received a big play from cornerback Alphonso Smith (5-10, 180, So.) as he returned an interception for a score against Boston College. Safety Aaron Mason (5-10, 185, Jr.) is a leader in the defensive backfield and also is talented as a punt returner for the Demon Deacons.

Sam Swank (6-1, 180, So.) sparks the special teams. He handles both the punting and kicking duties. Swank was 23 of 31 (74.2 percent) on field goals last season. That included five made field goals between 50 and 53 yards. He also averaged 41.2 yards on 70 punts in 2006.

A very young football team will line up Saturday against Nebraska. Wake Forest will enjoy playing at home. A very boisterous crowd of Demon Deacon fans will make things tough for the Huskers.

A road game in unfriendly territory will keep this game close. A few mistakes may even give Wake Forest the chance for a victory. The key will be Nebraska's physical play up front.

Look for NU to wear down Wake Forest as the Huskers will post a 34-24 come-from-behind win Saturday.