• After months of anticipation, it's a new dawn as the 2008 season finally arrives. Read all about it in the papers in Lincoln (1, 2), Omaha, Grand Island (1, 2, 3, 4) and Kalamazoo (1, 2). More: PDF rosters (1, 2) | Program

• There's more to the new defensive philosophy than simply playing hard.

• Rewind 35 years to another highly anticipated debut.

• The LJS launches its Game Day feature, which includes talks with future Husker Cody Green and past Husker Adrian Fiala.

• Bo Pelini addresses an optimistic Big Red Breakfast crowd.

• Jerry Murtaugh and Gary Java will launch their Legends Radio Show at 8 a.m. Saturday on AM 590.

• Sam McKewon and Jim Dolezal preview the opener.

• The Kalamazoo paper lists five pressing issues for the Broncos.

• WMU coach Bill Cubit has Memorial Stadium experience, but his offense isn't certain what to expect from the Nebraska defense.

• Cornerback Anthony West isn't about to relax now that he's a starter.

• OT Mike Smith still yearns for baseball. Thursday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Friends say Bo Pelini isn't likely to change his style.

• Don't be expecting magic from Bo Pelini, Tom Shatel writes.

• The "directional schools" aren't intimidated anymore.

• From the LJS, a scouting report on Western Michigan.

• The New York Post looks at the launch of the Pelini era.

• Construction could slow down the game-day drive from Omaha.

• Saturday brings the controversial change in student seating. | Chart

• Captains are named for Saturday's game. Wednesday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Carl Pelini's big career gamble of 2003 has paid off.

• Johnny Rodgers and Eric Crouch will be at the Embassy Suites "Do the Dock" on Saturday.

• Husker Dan and Jeff check in with their Western Michigan pregame columns.

• Londen Fryar says he's gotten over being snubbed by Nebraska.

• The identity of Husker football is ready to be remade, Tad Stryker writes. Tim Griffin has five burning questions about the Huskers.

• New starter Mike Smith brings agility to the left-tackle position. More player features: Blake Lawrence, Joe Ganz, Sean Fisher, Adi Kunalic. Also, notes from Tuesday's practice.

• Stories from Kalamazoo: Mike Grant prepares his players for the Sea of Red, and Drew Burdi stays prepared as the No. 2 QB.

• It'll be a statement game, Joe Ganz says. The issuing of Blackshirts will wait. More from Tuesday's press conference: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• The new game-week depth chart contains a few changes: 1, 2. Also check out the Huskers' official pregame notes.

• Monday's practice wasn't up to snuff. Notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Western Michigan has the Huskers' total respect, says Bo Pelini.

• In a nod to Husker tradition, Western Michigan rolls out defensive Goldshirts.

• Londen Fryar and Western Michigan aim to atone for a disappointing 2007 season.

• Former Husker QB Mike Grant again finds himself coaching against his alma mater.