No. 4 DeAndre Jackson, 6-foot, 192, cornerback

Although Iowa State has struggled mightily defending the pass this season, Nebraska coaches are mindful of Jackson, who is ranked among the nation’s top 10 defensive backs by The Sporting News.

“He’s very physical,” said Husker wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore, who compares Jackson’s talent level to that of former Iowa State cornerback Ellis Hobbs, a third-round NFL draft pick by New England in 2005. “They approach the game in the same physical manner. We have to accept that challenge. Because watching Iowa State, they have moved Jackson around. If you have a receiver who’s hot, you’ll find Jackson on that matchup.”

Jackson, of Garland, Texas, recorded eight tackles and forced a fumble in last year’s game at Nebraska. He finished last season with five interceptions.

Jackson apparently can only do so much. Opposing quarterbacks this season have completed 74.4 percent of their passes against Iowa State — the worst pass-completion defense in the nation. What’s more, the Cyclones rank 108th out of 119 Division I-A teams in passing yards allowed at 252.6 per game. Gilmore said he pays no attention to those numbers.

“We’re going to get their best effort,” he said.