Though some fans make a point of ignoring statistics, the numbers showing Nebraska's football dominance tend to smack people in the face.
Thirty-four consecutive bowl games, 41 consecutive winning seasons, five appearances in the national title game since 1993 and an astonishing 773 wins -- third most in NCAA history.
In 2002, however, the most telling numbers were a pair of sevens and 500 -- as in seven wins, seven losses and a .500 winning percentage. The fallout from last season was harsh for a program that has had more national championships than head coaches -- five and three, respectively -- since 1962.
Head coach Frank Solich cleaned out his coaching staff, replacing six assistant coaches before the first kickoff of the 2003 season. Of the half-dozen fresh faces on the Cornhuskers' staff, perhaps none has made a bigger impact than defensive coordinator Bo Pelini.
Cornerback Pat Ricketts, a senior who saw several plays in the 2002 Rose Bowl loss against Miami and watched the wheels come off last season, said it was hard at first to get used to a whole new system. After a few weeks, however, he said Pelini had infused the defense with a new excitement, something that was sorely lacking at times last season.
"It was tough being a senior because the years previously have been constant," Ricketts said. "It was good because [the coaches'] attitudes are fresh and they want to work."
Pelini's biggest change, however, was to withhold the coveted "blackshirts" until several days before beginning the season.
It is a Nebraska tradition that the eleven starting members of the Nebraska defense don black practice jerseys, which has earned the often-stifling 'Huskers' defense the "blackshirts" moniker.
Two weeks into the season and two Nebraska victories later, the motivational tool seems to have worked. In wins over Oklahoma State and Utah State, the 'Huskers have allowed an average of 210.5 yards per game and held both opponents to a single touchdown.
"With coach Pelini coming in he just wanted to make sure the blackshirts got back to what they represent," Ricketts said. "They aren't just going to hand it out. It's the way it should be."
Whether the changes will unfold over the entire season has yet to be seen, but the numbers look promising thus far. The 'Huskers are tied for first in the nation with eight take-aways and have held opponents to an average of 73.5 yards rushing per game.
It's all part of a spark Pelini says he's tried to instill, one that has been evident in the Nebraska's opening two victories.
"I think our guys are coming out ready to play," Pelini said. "You're not going to shut them down all the time. They have been coming out ready."
And the 2003 Nebraska defense looks ready to add to the already impressive numbers.
