By Wendell Barnhouse
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

A daily countdown previewing the upcoming college football season continues. Today: Nebraska Cornhuskers.

2007: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in North Division, T-5th.
Bowl game: None.
Coach: Bo Pelini, first season.
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Staff changes: Pelini, who made his reputation as a defensive coordinator, hired his brother Carl to run the Huskers' defense. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson will try to get Nebraska back to a balanced attack (in other words, re-establish a dominant running game).

Offensive outlook: Senior quarterback Joe Ganz played well when he took over for the injured Sam Keller. In the last three games, Ganz passed for 1,399 yards and 15 TDs. Ganz may be more involved with the running game (options and zone reads). Senior Marlon Lucky is a solid running back who is an excellent receiver. The offensive line has talent and depth.

Defensive outlook: The Huskers' black shirts were torn and tattered. The defense allowed 40 or more points six times and was torched for 172 points in the last three games of 2007 (allowing 76 to Kansas and 65 to Colorado). Carl Pelini has to figure a way to get more pressure on opposing passers and fix a secondary that could cover no one over the last half of last season. Nebraska allowed 232 yards rushing per game and its opponents converted 50 percent on third downs.

Player on the spot: Senior running back Marlon Lucky. A top recruit three years ago, Lucky was unlucky with injuries his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last year, he rushed for 1,057 yards and 75 receptions. Lucky might not catch it as much in 2008 but he needs to be as productive or more in the running game.

Player on the rise: Senior linebacker Cody Glenn. He moved from running back to defense in spring practice and impressed the coaches by making plays all over the field. Nebraska's linebackers need a boost and Glenn needs to overcome his inexperience to become a factor.

Number of note: 11. That's the total number of turnovers Nebraska forced last season. In 2003 when Bo Pelini was the defensive coordinator, the Cornhuskers forced 47 turnovers (with a school-record 32 interceptions).

Date book: Trouble comes in threes. The Huskers open with three consecutive home games -- Western Michigan, San Jose State and New Mexico State -- before an open date. Nebraska should win all three but can't afford to play below average. The next trio features home games with Virginia Tech and Missouri before a road game at Texas Tech. The next troublesome triple is road games at Oklahoma and Kansas State sandwiched around a home against Kansas.

2008 SCHEDULE

THE SCHEDULE - BIG 12 SKYWRITERS TOUR PRESENTED BY TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL