Joe Dailey can only hope the month of September is as fruitful as the month of August. If that's the case, Nebraska should head into October with a 3-0 record. Most people anticipated Dailey spending the month of August fighting for the Huskers' starting job at quarterback. Then it was discovered junior college transfer Jordan Adams needed to have his spleen removed. With Adams out of the picture, Dailey won the job easily. Dailey has demonstrated confidence as a QB and thrived as a leader in preseason camp. It'll be interesting to see how he responds when the curtain goes up tonight.

Blackshirts play second fiddle

Lost in all the discussion about Nebraska's offense is a salty Husker defense, one that returns seven starters from a unit that in 2003 led the nation in interceptions and pass- efficiency defense. Head coach Bill Callahan has made it clear the defense will have to "really guide and lead us through the early portion of the schedule" as the players adjust to a radical change in offensive philosophy. The shift in the Huskers' defensive strategy isn't nearly as severe, though look for the Blackshirts to play more man-to-man coverage.

Fans deserve good fortune

Nebraska fans have endured two straight offseasons in which massive changes occurred in the program. Massive changes. A slew of familiar faces suddenly became part of Big Red history. Darlington, Tenopir, Solich, to name a few — vanished. As expected, with change came much consternation. Now, at last, Husker fans can enjoy a game. A grand Saturday at the old stadium. And today, they can enjoy a game against an opponent that probably won't offer much resistance. Red balloons will fly. Coaches will exchange high-fives (it's an emotional crew of coaches). NU's reserves should see some action. Next week, though, the preliminaries end. The Huskers will learn much more about themselves against Southern Mississippi.