Huskers hope to ride momentum from last season

Niles Paul's trot into the end zone tied the bow on top of Nebraska's 33-0 Holiday Bowl victory.

The 74-yard touchdown strike from Zac Lee was a joyful high to end the Cornhusker's up-and-down season. The offense finally broke through and gave the stellar defense the support it deserved. Heading into 2010, the Huskers are hoping to ride that high all year.

"I feel we have a little momentum rolling into the season," Paul said. "People think we do have a lot to prove. I don't think we have anything to prove. I feel we have a good offense, and we're going to turn some heads."

Nebraska finished the year winning six of its last seven games and was ranked No. 14 to end the season. The Huskers are now No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll and want to keep the good feeling rolling from last season.

But can Nebraska turn the success from the Holiday Bowl into a trend?

"Absolutely," offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. "Our guys have had a really good spring and a really good fall. We're excited about how we've evolved and where we're at, and we're anxious to go put it out there."

The players are ready to show they can become an offense to be feared and not an Achilles heel to the team.

"It's a big statement game to prove what coach Pelini said: ‘We are back, and we're here to stay,'" wide receiver Brandon Kinnie said about the season opener Saturday. "We just want to make plays and be that hard-core, hard-nosed football team."

The defense boasted one of the most talented units in the nation and carried momentum throughout the entire season. The shutout of Arizona to end the season put them in a good position for a strong showing in 2010.

"I think there is a quiet confidence about them, but I think the swagger comes as you face opponent after opponent," defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said. "I think it will come. It's our first game together with this specific group of guys. I think the guys right now are really focused. The mental preparation is important at this part of the week."

Momentum will be a key to the Husker success this season, especially after the midseason hiccup NU experienced last season. And no matter how good the defense was last year, Pelini doesn't want to take anything for granted.

"It's a nerve-wracking time heading into the first game," he said. "It wouldn't matter if we brought all 11 guys back. The emotions right now would be the same. You feel untested. You're not sure how you're going to react to different situations. Until you step onto the field and you can call that first play and it plays out, I think the jitters will always be there."

dougburger@dailynebraskan.com