Osborne was constantly compared to his predecessor, Bob Devaney, and wasn't validated until he beat Oklahoma for the first time in 1978 and perhaps not fully embraced until he came within a point of winning the national title after the '83 season. Solich came up through the Nebraska system as a player and coach, and he's winning more than enough to be safe. He already has won a Big 12 championship. But until he brings home the ultimate prize, he'll loom in Osborne's shadow. Nebraska has the nation's top option quarterback in Eric Crouch and great pass catcher in TE Tracey Wistrom.
Defense is tough up front.
The Huskers are unproven at receiver and on the right side of the offensive line. Not a lot of depth on either side of the ball. Playing eight games at home could make a huge difference. If Crouch stays healthy and the defense shores up some of its problems from a year ago, the Huskers are good enough to win the Big 12 North. Last season's Alamo Bowl was Nebraska's 32nd consecutive bowl game, an NCAA record.