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The defense will be different -- though new coordinator Bo Pelini has been guarded in discussing how -- as will the offense, though it will still be run-based, under the direction of QB Jammal Lord. "We're adapting," said Solich. His future depends on how well the Cornhuskers adapt and whether they can work their way back into contention in the Big 12 North. That's no easy task. OFFENSIVE KEYS: The offense will continue to be built around power running, but Barney Cotton, the new coordinator and line coach, has been charged with being more imaginative and unpredictable with the passing game.Lord is a strong runner who broke the school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in his first season as the starter. He also set a school record for total offense, but he needs to become a more efficient passer. The Cornhuskers also need a big-play threat at I-back to take pressure off Lord. David Horne could become that player. Matt Herian and Ross Pilkington are the best in a thin receiving corps. Richie Incognito is the best of the linemen. He plays the all-important left tackle spot, where his strength, mobility and aggressiveness make him a candidate for postseason honors. Developing chemistry in the line is crucial. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The changes on defense have been significant, and out of necessity, after the Huskers allowed more yards, on average, than any season since 1983 and more points per game than any season since 1957.Pelini has done some shuffling to bolster a line with three returning starters. Nose tackle Jason Lohr, a former starter, was granted a sixth season of eligibility after recovering from a twice-injured knee. His return, if he's healthy, would go a long way toward stabilizing the defensive front. Pelini's emphasis on pursuit to the ball will depend on linebackers who can run. Demorrio Williams, Barrett Ruud and T.J. Hollowell have shown they can. But depth is a concern. Philip Bland, who was involved in 84 tackles, is a stabilizing force at safety, and Fabian Washington is the fastest and the best of the cornerbacks. He set a school record for pass break-ups by a freshman with 13 and tied the freshman record for interceptions with four. SPECIAL TEAMS: Kyle Larson was the coaches' second-team all-conference punter, after averaging 43.2 yards and downing 23 of 73 punts inside the opposition's 20-yard line. His consistency was a bright spot during some gloomy times. Placekicker Sandro DeAngelis is coming off an injury and will have to hold off a challenge from former transfer Dale Endorf. Josh Davis has rewritten the kickoff return section of the school record book.FINAL ANALYSIS: Staff stability has long been a factor in Nebraska's success, so the Cornhuskers have moved into uncharted waters by taking six new full-time assistants on board. One thing that hasn't changed is the importance of the line to offensive success, a fact which was made painfully apparent last season. Lord can do the job at a high level if he has help and can become a more efficient passer. Pelini seems the right personality type to restore a hard edge to the Blackshirt defense, which showed dramatic signs of decline. The Cornhuskers can finish in the upper half of the Big 12's North Division and extend a 34-game bowl streak. More than that might be unrealistic, as Solich tries to get a perennially dominant program turned around quickly.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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