• Printable: NU Fan Day guide

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As fall camp starts Saturday and runs the next three weeks, the heat of the national spotlight figures to be on Nebraska like no time in the past eight seasons. It's already been a hot summer, with the Huskers at the center of conference realignment story lines, and now NU is ranked in the top 10 to start a season for the first time since 2002. With room for adjustments as developments unfold in August, we take the temperature of some sizzling topics around Memorial Stadium.

HOT SPOTS

Quarterback

Senior Zac Lee, who had offseason surgery on his throwing arm, suddenly finds himself in the middle of a three-way race — at the least. The speedy Taylor Martinez could run away with the job, thanks to his speed and athleticism. But Cody Green is a physical talent, too, and he got his first taste of college ball last year. Newcomer Brion Carnes and the now-healthy Kody Spano have some catching up to do. Gunslinger Latravis Washington is in the same boat.

Receiver

Niles Paul and Brandon Kinnie are locks and could even develop into one of the league's most formidable 1-2 punches on the outside. They need help, though. Veteran pass-catcher Mike McNeill moved from tight end to the slot for that reason. But others, such as Curenski Gilleylen, Will Henry, Tim Marlowe and Khiry Cooper, must emerge for Nebraska to run its ideal offense. If not, maybe first-year players Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Kenny Bell or Quincy Enunwa will step in.

Offensive line

The unit was overwhelmed with injuries last year, knocking out the reserves and hobbling the starters — so much so that practices lacked the appropriate competitive atmosphere. Not any more. Veterans Ricky Henry and Keith Williams seem to have locked down first-team spots. But Brent Qvale wants to play. Newcomer Jermarcus Hardrick is making noise at tackle, but he'll battle Marcel Jones, D.J. Jones, Mike Smith and Jeremiah Sirles for a starting role.

Linebacker

The emergence of Phillip Dillard provided some much-needed stability in the middle of the defense last year, but it also kept a young group of linebackers flat-footed on the sidelines. There is talent here, but little experience. Sophomores Will Compton, Sean Fisher, Eric Martin and Alonzo Whaley all are tussling for two open spots. Junior college transfer Lavonte David will get a shot as well.

Safety

Do the coaches side with in-game experience or position familiarity? Cornerbacks DeJon Gomes and Anthony West, two key contributors last year, moved to safety during the spring. But sophomores P.J. Smith and Courtney Osborne have been steadily improving since they arrived. Austin Cassidy continues to make a case for playing time. And if Rickey Thenarse is healthy, it could be difficult to keep him off the field.

— Jon Nyatawa

BURNING QUESTIONS

Can NU handle the pressure?

The last time NU entered a season with this kind of hype and hope, it was 2002 — and most of the attention then came as a showing of respect for the run of NU success during the previous nine years. But those Huskers, in retrospect, were slipping toward mediocrity. This time, they appear headed in the opposite direction and are rolling with momentum fueled in part by a controversial, last-second loss to unbeaten Texas eight months ago. Our analysis: It fits right into Bo Pelini's coaching style to keep his team focused on the here and now. For at least the next three weeks, the Huskers ought to be too busy to even worry about expectations.

Who are the leaders?

On offense, who's going to take control of the huddle during a steamy afternoon practice, with team chemistry in the balance? Usually, it's an easy answer: the quarterback. But when the starting QB situation appears no more clear than it was six months ago, NU may have to look elsewhere. Potential leaders exist at position, from Roy Helu to Niles Paul, Mike McNeill, Keith Williams and Ricky Henry, but the offense remains as the great unknown. Our analysis: If the rare chance arises for Nebraska to follow a healthy and talented 23-year-old QB with starting experience and confidence, jump on it. Forget about his problems of 2009 and don't overlook Zac Lee.

How much will Suh be missed?

For some, like Pelini and defensive tackle Jared Crick, it's already a tired topic. But the task to replace perhaps the most dominant Blackshirt in history continues to hang above the defense. No doubt, they'll play fundamentally strong and opportunistic football. But who's ready to take over in a key moment? Chances are, no one can do it like Suh, so the question is this: Does a deeper, more well-schooled and experienced unit make up for his departure? Our analysis: Suh's value was immense. And for those who believe that the D-line won't miss a beat, think again. The front four will look more conventional in its production this fall, so it's up to a potentially dominant back seven to keep the Blackshirts on top.

Can NU win the big one?

Big-game blues. Nebraska enjoyed nice wins last year over Missouri and Oklahoma — not to mention the Holiday Bowl dismantling of Arizona — but has endured more than its share of recent near misses. As the expectations and national prominence return, expect to soon hear questions about the Huskers' 22-game losing string against teams ranked better than 20th. The next chance to end that skid will arrive soon enough, but the Huskers must get to such a game unscathed to maximize its significance. Our analysis: It's time for NU to break through and score a victory that's meaningful on a level outside the Big 12. Only that kind of win will signify the real return of Nebraska among the game's heavyweights.

What about Texas?

The wait for Red October. Pelini and his players aren't going to talk about it, but Oct. 16 looms as a watershed day for NU football on several levels. There's no escaping the anticipation — not even in August. And Nebraska can thank its own administrators for fanning the flames with their red-out campaign. Say all you want about featuring a game each season, this was different. A little part of NU wanted to poke Texas with a hot stick. Our analysis: The only disappointment from this whole saga involves Nebraska's attempt to withdraw its message about the Longhorns. Too late. Embrace it.

— Mitch Sherman

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