• A season of optimism kicks off today with the Huskers relying on new starters in several key roles. Read about today's story lines in the Nebraska-Nevada game, and get the columnists' takes: Sipple, McKeever, Colonel. Also, the perspective from the Silver State: 1, 2, 3.

• Zack Bowman, Sam Keller and Bill Callahan show up in the latest Big 12 Insider from Tim Griffin. And from Terry Douglass, a collection of Big 12 quotes.

• There's been a last-minute location change for the HuskerPedia/Husker Nation tailgate.

• See what the coaches had to say at Friday's breakfast gatherings. The OWH has audio and video from the Omaha event.

• From KETV, seven things the Huskers must do to win.

• The official word is that only the lead-up to the Tunnel Walk will change.

• There are new rules but the same goals for the kickoff coverage team.

• Marlon Lucky hopes improved leg action will make him harder to bring down.

• Brett Byford reflects on his rapid emergence from obscurity to team leader. Larry Asante treasures his Blackshirt.

• Nevada's coach aims to keep his players focused in intimidating surroundings. And he says there'll be no downsizing of the offense due to inexperience at quarterback.

• Glenn & Slauson will play Saturday, Bill Callahan says.

• Is "Sirius" out? It appears they're tinkering with the Tunnel Walk.

• Nevada's Jonathon Amaya is forced to quickly learn the ropes at cornerback.

• Will Shields' visit highlights Thursday's practice.

• How will the I-back position pan out after several tumultuous months?

• Freshmen in the spotlight: Thomas Grove, Anthony Blue, Quentin Castille.

• Nevada will come to Lincoln missing some key components. More on the Wolf Pack: “Pistol” offense, Players to watch

• The Reno paper gives Nevada fans a Lincoln primer.

• Notes from Wednesday's practice: 1, 2, 3

• Husker Dan goes to a couple of picnics and previews Nevada.

• Hunter Teafatiller is suspended for the Nevada game.

• JUCO players are having a greater impact at NU these days.

• "This offense has forced me to mature," Sam Keller tells his hometown paper.

• A former Husker strength coach now with Nevada says the gap between the two schools has narrowed.

• Fifteen players earn coveted Blackshirts. More from Tuesday's practice: 1,* 2

• Alex Henery talks about the kickers' competition. Sam Keller discusses his unorthodox throwing motion.

• Speedy Nevada receiver Brian Fludd hopes to stretch the field.

• Sam Keller is eager to be put to the test. More from Tuesday's press conference: Video (Highlights, Callahan, Keller), Audio

• Nevada names sophomore Nick Graziano as its starter at quarterback.

• The first depth chart of the season is out and includes seven true freshmen. Not on the chart is the hobbled Cody Glenn.

• Andy Sand and Thomas Lawson find a home at fullback.

• Bill Callahan answers questions about the I-backs' health.

• NU's biggest opponent Saturday is its own expectations, Sam McKewon writes.

• Nevada's coach says his team has "a ways to go" in preparing for the most storied program the Wolf Pack has ever faced.

• Nevada suspends star linebacker Ezra Butler for the opener.

• Nevada finds itself thin at center as it prepares to face the Huskers.

• See how things went in Nevada's spring game.