Three things about Nebraska

• The Cornhuskers ran the spread offense under former coach Bo Pelini. New coach Mike Riley runs a pro-style attack. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong is running less (7.5 attempts per game, compared with 11.2 last year), and he's been no better as a passer (completing 52.4 percent, compared with 53.3 last year).

•  Nebraska's defense ranks eighth in the nation against the run (95.3 yards allowed per game) and last in the nation against the pass (348.5). The Cornhuskers rank among the nation's worst in pass plays allowed of 10 yards or more (80), 20 or more (34) and 30 or more (17).

• Running back Ameer Abdullah and wide receiver Kenny Bell are gone, but Nebraska still ranks sixth in the Big Ten with 29.8 points per game. Terrell Newby leads the team in rushing with 78.8 yards per game, and Jordan Westerkamp leads in receiving with 61.2 yards per game.

JOE CHRISTENSEN