Great point. I forgot about that.
On paper, Nebraska wins this game going away. Anyone who looks at this thing position-by-position has to admit that Nebraska will put better people on the field across-the-board.
If you look at it realistically, here is the breakdown:
Offensive Line: Slight edge to Nebraska (barring injuries). This group was young and banged up all last season, but will be a very solid unit this year. Most agree that Juco transfer Jamarcus Hardrick has All America potential. Iowa State returns three (possibly four) starters, and Kelechi Osemele is definitely a good one, but across-the-board their talent doesn't appear to match up to what Nebraska can put on the field, if healthy.
Tight Ends: Nebraska. The Huskers have enough depth at tight end to fill two rosters. Pick your poison.
Wide Receivers: Nebraska. Although Niles Paul arguably cost Nebraska the game in Lincoln last year, there is no question he is a very talented receiver. Antonio Bell, Will Henry and Brandon Kinnie have also shown big-play potential. If Darius Reynolds comes back from his injury and if Darius Darks continues to show improvement, Iowa State has big-play potential, as well.
Quarterback: Draw. If Nebraska starts Lee and Iowa State starts Arnaud, you arguably will see two of the worst quarterbacks in the conference that day. If Taylor Martinez emerges as the starter in Lincoln, all bets are off. He turned heads this spring especially as a running threat, but also as a passer. If Cody Green emerges as Nebraska's starter, I would also say all bets are off.
Running Backs: Nebraska. Alexander Robinson is a very good running back, however Nebraska can match him with either Roy Helu, Jr. (assuming he can shake his injury problems) or Rex Burkhead. From a depth standpoint, Nebraska wins this battle hands down.
Defensive Line: Nebraska. DT Jared Crick is a pre-season All America. Some seem to think he was only good because of Suh, but those who make a living following the game, certainly don't agree with that assessment. DE Pierre Allen also is a returning starter who played well last season. You toss in the emergence of Baker Steinkuhler as a force and Iowa State simply has nothing to match the Nebraska defesive line.
Linebackers: Nebraska. Seen as a weakness heading into 2009, this will be a pretty good group for NU this season, headed by Will Compton and Eric Martin. For Iowa State, the loss of Jesse Smith will be a definite hit.
Defensive Backfield: Nebraska. Prince Amukamara is a pre-season All American. Dejon Gomes and Alfonzo Dennard emerged as big-time players last season and if Ricky Thenarse comes back from his injury of a year ago, this clearly will be one of the best secondaries in the country.
Kicking: Nebraska. All you have to say is Alex Henery. Clearly the best kicker in the conference, if not the country.
Now, all that having been said, emotion is a huge factor in college football. Iowa State clearly played with emotion in Lincoln a year ago, Nebraska did not. If Iowa State can match that emotion and create turnovers like it did a year ago, yes they can win against Nebraska. The biggest problem for Iowa State is that Nebraska will remember what happened last November and won't come in complacent. There is no question Bo Pelini won't allow that to happen.
Nebraska should win by a comfortable margin.