The Huskers are two days away from opening their season. They’re aiming to extend their home opener winning streak to 27 years as they host Southern Miss. Nebraska’s defensive coaches have repeatedly cited the speed of the Golden Eagles as a chief concern entering Saturday. The visitors have dynamic playmakers at running back in Kendrick Hardy and at wide receiver in Tracy Lampley. The Huskers expect to play in a nickel defensive package almost exclusively, with Ciante Evans manning the nickel back position.

Husker kicker Brett Maher received preseason first-team All-American honors from ESPN yesterday. The senior from Kearney is the reigning Big Ten Kicker of the Year and Punter of the Year, the first time a kicker had taken home both honors in the conference since 2001. He had previously been named a second-team All-American by Athlon.