That doesn't mean that the Big Red can't continue to control the North Division of the Big 12. Look for that tradition to continue. The only thing different is likely to be the new artificial turf at Memorial Stadium. Second-year head coach Frank Solich should benefit from less scrutiny, as time has shortened the shadow of the legendary Tom Osborne. That, and the presence of nearly the entire team this summer in Lincoln for the team's conditioning program, suggests that the four-loss speed bump that slowed last season's progress will no longer be an obstacle.

Both Newcombe and Crouch are capable of carrying the offensive load at quarterback, but if Newcombe is healthy, he will get the call. Correll Buckhalter was the only I-back to remain healthy all season in the aftermath of injuries to Evans and Dan Alexander. Buckhalter remained finished the year as Nebraska's leading rusher with 799 yards (5.6 per carry, 66.6 per game) and eight touchdowns in eight starts. A replacement must be found for fullback Joel Makovicka. Willie Miller and Ben Kingston were the understudies, but neither is at 100 percent physically.

The line was not immune to injuries a year ago, which forced several veterans to play out of position. Despite starting two games at right guard last year, Dominic Raiola will concentrate on center. Massive Adam Julch (6-5, 320) will man left tackle, and James Sherman will start at left guard. Junior Russ Hochstein will step in at right guard . Jason Schwab was slated to be the right tackle, but he tore knee ligaments in fall camp and is likely lost for the season. Dave Volk, a 6-5, 295-pound sophomore, is the likely choice to replace him. Matt Davison is the team's leading receiver from a year ago. His 32 catches were the most for a Husker wideout since Irving Fryar pulled down 40 balls in 1983. That total included a school-record 167 yards on 10 receptions vs. Texas A&M in his first career start. Tight end Tight end Tracey Wistrom played in every game and proved he can be a threat, catching the longest pass of the season for Nebraska, a 63-yard touchdown vs. UAB. He will be asked to upgrade his blocking.

Nine lettermen return at linebacker, headed by Tony Ortiz and Eric Johnson. Ortiz had 46 tackles Shaw had 39 while sharing time at one outside position. Carlos Polk saw action in all 13 games and is ready to take over in the middle for the departed Jay Foreman. The line must be rebuilt as three of four starters are gone. Loran Kaiser and Steve Warren are experienced at tackle and will assume permanent starting roles this year. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Aaron Wills will be the rush ends. Each brings a package of speed and strength that will enable them to replace Chad Kelsay and Mike Rucker. Three true freshmen saw action last season, and two played on the interior line, including Jeremy Slechta and Jason Lohr. Expect them to work their way into the rotation this year as Nebraska seasons up a young group for future seasons.