Nebraska's coaches and players see challenges on both sides of the football as they break down a Western Michigan squad that's no stranger to mixing it up with major conference foes.
The bulk of the returning experience for the Broncos comes on defense where 11 of the 12 top tacklers return from last year's team that finished 5-7. Senior linebacker Boston McCornell had 99 total stops, including eight tackles for loss last season, and Western Michigan has a pair of formidable defensive ends as Greg Marshall and Zach Davidson each had 6 1/2 sacks a year ago.
However, the strength of WMU's defense is an all-senior secondary that Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said has played a major role in allowing the Broncos to record upset victories at Iowa last season and at Virginia in 2006. Leading the way is two-time Mid-American Conference all-league selection Londen Fryar -- the son of former Husker wingback Irving Fryar -- who had 16 pass breakups last season from his cornerback position.
"They've all got three or four years of experience," Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz said of WMU's defensive backs. "Irving Fryar's son is one of them, so I'm sure he's going to come in here with a chip on his shoulder like he's got something to prove, so it should be a good test for us."
Despite the perceived strength of Western Michigan's secondary, Watson said he'd base the offensive game plan mostly on the Huskers' strengths.
"We're just going to do what we do," Watson said. "That's no disrespect to them at all. We're going to get ready to play our game and we've got take of us."
Senior wide receiver Todd Peterson said all of Nebraska's offensive assistants have continually stressed the talent and experience of Western Michigan's defense. Chief among them is receivers coach Ted Gilmore.
"He said that if we want to be able to win this game, we're going to have to play well against this (defensive) backfield because it's the strength of their defense, without a doubt," Peterson said.
Ganz said the Broncos do many things well defensively.
"Their two defensive ends are really good high-motor guys -- non-stop," Ganz said. "They're not as big or tall as some of the Big 12 defensive ends, but they're just as athletic, so that's going to be a challenge for us."
Offensively, Western Michigan's experience can be found at the skill positions.
Quarterback Tim Hiller leads the way, passing for 3,021 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. The 6-foot-5, 228-pound junior was 26-of-45 passing for 367 yards and three TDs last season to help the Broncos win 28-19 at Iowa.
"They have a good quarterback, they have some experience back at their skill positions, they're fairly big and physical up front and they're well-coached," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. "We'll have our hands full.
"They can move the ball through the air and on the ground."
Leading receiver Jamarko Simmons returns after catching 84 passes for 980 yards and six TDs in 2007. Junior running back Brandon West rushed for 848 yards last year.
Sophomore guard Phillip Swanson is the leader of a largely inexperienced offensive line for the Broncos. However, WMU possesses good size up front, averaging 309 pounds per man.
Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit has a very well-coached squad and a potent offense.
"They don't make mistakes, they don't give up a lot of sacks, they don't turn the ball over a lot (and) they're physical up front," Pelini said. "They're going to play it close to the vest and take their shots. They're just a very disciplined football team.
"We've got to play good, sound defense because if we make mistakes, they're going to take advantage of it."
Special teams could be an area of concern for the Broncos, who will be breaking in two new kickers on the road in their opener. WMU punter Ben Armer is a redshirt freshman, while place-kicker John Potter is a true freshman.
