A couple things seem to be working against the Cornhuskers as they embark on the next portion of their schedule.
First and foremost, three of Nebraska's next four games are on the road - a place that hasn't been kind to the Huskers in recent memory.
Also, it is October - a month that has been brutal to Nebraska's high hopes the past two years.
Even as far back as spring practices six months ago, NU Coach Bill Callahan said the coaching staff had stressed the importance of October as a vital month for the team.
"We pointed out that this will be a very crucial stretch in terms of consistency and winning on the road," Callahan said.
Last season, the Huskers posted a 2-3 record in October before winning three of their final four games to finish 8-4 on the season.
In 2004, Nebraska went 3-2 in the 10th month of the year, with both losses coming on the road.
The last time the Huskers escaped October without a loss was in 2001 when the Huskers posted wins over Iowa State, Baylor, Texas Tech and Oklahoma under then-Coach Frank Solich.
Part of the reason the Huskers have struggled in October is because of the competition.
Because the non-conference portion of the schedule is usually over by the end of September, all of Nebraska's October games are usually against Big 12 Conference opponents.
Adding to the stress of this month is the fact that the Huskers must travel to Iowa State, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Nebraska's only home game of the month is an Oct. 21 tilt against No. 7 Texas.
"It's a big month," NU senior defensive end Adam Carriker said. "If we can get going, get on a roll and win a few games, that would be huge to give us momentum for the rest of the season."
According to Carriker, with the exception of Nebraska's final two games of 2005 - a 30-3 win at Colorado and a 32-28 victory over Michigan at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio - the Huskers usually do not play as well away from Lincoln.
"We haven't played well on the road in four or five years," Carriker said. "It's an opportunity we're definitely looking forward to."
Since 2002, the Huskers have been 9-14 in games away from Memorial Stadium. In road games during October in that same span, Nebraska has won only two of seven games.
The Huskers' tough stretch begins Saturday with a 7 p.m. contest against Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.
Exactly 22 days from now, it will be clear whether the October jinx is a problem of the past.
Starting this weekend, the Huskers should also find out if they've found a remedy for their road troubles.
"This is just that first step," NU senior quarterback Zac Taylor said. "We really need to get this win against Iowa State because if we lose, it will set us back.
"We know we've got some big games ahead of us, but this is the biggest game in front of us right now."
