Nebraska Preview: Cornhuskers Host Wyoming

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are off and running - literally - in 2016.

The Huskers opened the season amassing 292 rushing yards against Fresno State and look to build on that momentum when they welcome Wyoming to Memorial Stadium, Saturday, September 10.

The Cowboys (1-0), out of the Mountain West Conference, are coming in off a thrilling 40-34 triple overtime win against Northern Illinois to start the season.

Sophomore quarterback Josh Allen, playing in his first game in a Cowboy uniform, was 19-of-29 thru the air for 245 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball ten times for 70 yards. His ability to scramble has grabbed the attention of the Nebraska defensive coaches.

Wyoming also has a top notch running back. Brian Hill was sixth in the nation in rushing last year, and began 2016 with 125 yards and two scores in the opener last week.

Two Cowboy receivers, Jake Maulhardt and Tanner Gentry, went over 100 yards in the Northern Illinois win.

Defensively, Wyoming is very young, with 13 freshmen and sophomores on their two-deep roster. One of those youngsters, sophomore safety Andrew Wingard, led the team with 122 tackles last year.

The Cowboys are coached by former Nebraska player and assistant coach Craig Bohl. Prior to coming to Laramie, Bohl led North Dakota State to three straight FCS titles (2011, 2012, 2013) and was the Cornhuskers linebackers coach on their National Championship teams in 1995 and 1997.

The Cornhuskers (1-0) provided a powerful moment in last week's 43-10 win over Fresno State, when they honored punter Sam Foltz, who was killed in an off-season car accident. Nebraska took the field with only ten men on their first punt of the game, incurring a delay of game penalty, which the Bulldogs declined.

The bulk of the memorable moments were provided by a very balanced running attack, with five players racking up 30 yards or more, led by Divine Ozigbo's 103 yards and two touchdowns.

The blackshirt defense forced two turnovers and were led by Kieron Williams' 11 tackles and an interception. True freshman Lamar Jackson pitched in with six tackles and a quarterback sack.

The defensive line will be without tackle Mick Stoltenberg for the Wyoming game, he's sidelined with an injury. Redshirt freshman Carlos Davis will start in his place.

Two areas Nebraska needs improvement in week two - punt formation and penalties. The Huskers had one kick blocked and barely got off another against the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Nebraska was flagged seven times in the game, including three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Two Cornhusker defenders, Luke Gifford and Aaron Williams, were called for targeting. Gifford's penalty was upheld and he was ejected. Williams' flag was overturned.

Kickoff against Wyoming is 11:00 AM, Saturday, in Lincoln.

You can follow the Huskers live, all season long on ESPN 99.1.

I talked with the 'Voice of the Huskers', Greg Sharpe, about the match-up with the Cowboys: